MACV Team 96 – Can Tho.
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I was doing some research into my grandfather, Major Melvin Williams’s military history and managed to find his duty and assignments sheets. It appears he was Deputy Senior Advisor and eventually a Senior Advisor in Team 96 between March and July 1971. I’m not sure about specific locations he might have been as I’m still digging through a lot of his documents I could get my hands on.
Is anyone familiar with or remember him?
Nathan, I was in Tm 96 during the time you mentioned but I was not at Eakin Compound as I lived off the compound and worked at the ARVN Compound. I am sorry I don’t remember your grandfather.
My guess is that he worked directly for BG Cushman. If so, I wouldn’t be surprised he accompanied General Cushman to the daily intelligence briefing at the ARVN compound. My job during those Vietnamese language briefings was to sit in the interpreter booth and give the English translation to the US side who all were using earphones. So, while I may have seen and briefed your grandfather, I can’t say for sure that I actually met him. Since the information delivered at these briefings were classified, I don’t even have a photo of the room or anyone at the briefings. Once in a while a dignitary would show up. I remember John Paul Vann but that is another story.
Meanwhile, I hope you can locate someone who lived and worked at Eakin during that time. They might have better recollection than I have. I do remember LTC Hutchins and LTC Waller. I worked directly for both. Where they are now is anyone’s guess but they would likely have known your grandfather.
Nathan, I left a comment somewhere on this page. I hope you can find it. It should be dated today 3/14/2024.
Bob
Seems like your comment may have been eaten by the system as I can’t find anything else by you. I’m pretty sure this happened to me as well in a different post.
Nate
Hi Bob. Which of the buildings did you work in? As a Spec 4, I worked nights in the TOC in 71 and 72. There was a SSG that worked nights with me. A friend, Spec 4 Edgar Martin worked days in the J1 or J2. Maybe you knew him. Also did you know any of the J3 officers or the SFC? Gordon Ray Carroll. g.ray.carroll69@gmail.com
Send email to: bob.sousa@rocketmail.com.
My name is CJ Walker, I’m the grandson of Ltc Richard Walker. I’m now in my 30s and I’ve been trying to learn everything I can about him and the work this team did. Outside of old newspapers and what very little my grandmother spoke of him, I don’t know very much.
Whether you know him or not, I’d be really interested to hear everyone’s story.
My name is John Richards, I was assigned to work for your grandfather LTC Richard Walker in September of 1968. LTC Walker was asked to form a new organization called The Delta Zone coordinator. Along with me, his group consisted of Major Thomas Kirsher, another LT whose name I have forgotten, a Staff Sergeant Jadwin and a driver name Cooper. The mission of the D Z C, was to coordinate between the Army, Navy and Air Force. Early on he was given the task of writing an emergency response plan for the Can Tho area. We working long and hard to prepare this plan in a matter of days.
It has been many years since those days in Can Tho. Your grandfather gave me the freedom to travel the Mekong Delta in the performance of my duties. In the spring of 1969 LTC Walker took another assignment, on Phu Quoc Island. Even though I did not report to him any longer, he requested my assistance on numerous occasions. As a result I flew to Phu Quoc Island many times. The Island was the home of the Swift Boats, under Admiral Zumwalt. The base consisted of numerous quansit huts in the village of An Thoi. At that time Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts was assigned to the base as a young Ensign in the Navy.
I admired your Grandfather, and have many fond memories of working for LTC Walker.
Wow. I can’t express enough my gratitude for taking the time to respond. Thank you John. I had contacted the national archive to get any sort of documentation on him but what they sent me was minimal. They did however authorize an order to replace his service medals which were lost decades ago.
You’ve given me a good bit to help continue my research. I admire what you all were able to accomplish. Thank you again John.
I hope you are doing ok.
Sent from my iPhone
I was at Eakin Compound from April 67 to November 68. I wrote a book about my tour “Talk About a Mess It Happened in Vietnam” the book is available thru Amazon. We might not have known each other but we would have known the same people who are featured in my book. Enjoy the read and report.
All Best Terrance R. Dinan 1Lt QMC (Terry).
Happy to support your work. I just bought a copy through Amazon. Looking forward to the read!
cjwalker28 congratulations are in order. I await your book report.
All Best, Terry
I thoroughly enjoyed your work. Having a career in manufacturing, I found your details on the logistical challenges you faced particularly interesting. I’m grateful you took the time to recount your experiences.
JCWalker, thank you for letting me know that my book was meaningful for you. It is very meaningful to me to get this sort of feed-back. Tell your comrads.
All Best, Terry
Does anyone remember or have pictures of the burn pits at Can Tho airfield?
I can’t recall the Can Tho Airbase burn pit but I can attest to the burn pit at the RVN compound near Eakin Compound. I inspected that burn pit often to ensure complete destruction of classified information during the late Summer and Fall of 1971. I don’t doubt at all that there were burn pits at Can Tho Airbase as well as Bin Thuy Airbase. I hope this helps.
Was the pit only for classified documents or used for burning other things?
Thank you for the information.
Mike
I think they burned anything and everything at the burn pit I am referring to at the RVN compound. I was there looking for partially or incompletely burned classified documents…mostly confidential. I wish I took a photo of it now but then it was check and get! It was behind two rows of buildings. When you came out of the TOC, you crossed the central terrace area that had buildings of French origin. As I recall, the burn pit was located behind that facing set of buildings across from the TOC. If I had to guess, I would say that the area was about 50′ square but my memory is a bit cloudy after more than 50 years.
Robert, thank you so very much for the updated informati
While I was in RVN in Team 96, I had blanket travel orders that were signed by then Maj. Philip U. Bondi on 10 September 1971. Others on the list were: LTC Howard M. Martinez, Jr., Maj. Richard M. Young, Maj. Margarito Cruz (great guy and wicked good pool player), Maj. Jackson C. Gerst Jr., Maj. John H. Little, Cpt. Raymond E. Bacon (Loved photography), Cpt. Jack P. Eaves, Cpt Woods E. Graves, Cpt. Daniel R. Hodges, Cpt. Herbert R. Hopper, Cpt. Lee M. Schaeffer (West Pointer), SFC Johnny H. Walters, SP5 Kerry M. Abbott. I knew some of them well but others I probably had little contact. I have forgotten some though I may even have a photo or two of some of them (Hopper and Hodges come to mind as we were billeted together). Another fellow I remember was Cpt. Jamie Sledge but he was not on the travel order list. The list that I have includes SSN as well as their wives’ name and their address back in the states at that time. I do not want to share that info here due to privacy concerns for them. Nevertheless, I think this info may help complete some of MACV Tm 96 mosaic during that period.
Anyone know Stormy D. Garr? He was phoenix advisor in phong dinh in ’68 or around that time.
I am looking for information on the signal detachment that handled microwave communications for MACV in can tho in 1966-67. Lt. Kirby Kramer was in charge.
I was in Eakin Compound from April 67 to November 68. My first roommate was LT Kirby (Goldberg in my book Pg. 74). I had forgotten his Family Name and made a reasonable substitute. A totally good guy who I was lucky to room with for a very short time. My book I highly recommend to you particularly as you have interest in Lt. Kirby (?) is “Talk About a Mess It Happened In Vietnam” You can easily find it on Amazon. I look forward to your book review.
All Best, Terry (1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC Custodian Can Tho Mess Association)
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I’m rereading it. Chapter 10, your ride to Bing Thuy AFB, I found interesting. I did it a few times and once at night in the cracker box to the 29th Evac, with the Doc (Dr. Della Rocca) and a patient in the back. We couldn’t get a Dust Off.
By the was, the food and service was great. You helped make life easy for us. Fellow Veterans find it hard to believe some of my stories.
This Sp5, 346th Med says Thanks Lt.
Dennis, This is music to my ears. Keep reading on, I think it gets better and better. Let me know if you agree.
All Best, Terry
A funny story about travel on the road to can tho. I was with the 52ns sig bn E5 fixed crypto repair at the com center at the airfield 69-70.
I worked the night shift and had 3 weeks til the big bird home. It was about midnight and I got a call, that the new crypto man in the city couldnt find the problem on the down equipment there. They wanted me to go there to help fix, i ssaid hell no look at all the activity over the river and a week before a jeep was hit with a rocket on the road at night, plus who else would be dumb enought to drive with me or even take me. Well to my surprize, a 3 year vet said he would tak me. Damn so i put on flack jacket and had 2 m16s 5 gurnads and off we went to Can Tho city at 1am with a gun ship overhead shoot at the river. All i told him was dont stop for anything and at 20 years old and and 3 weeks to go he knew what i ment. But, to my surprize he hit the breaks and started to back up slowly. i did the unthinkable a poked him with my 16 and said you best put it in drive and get going. he looked at me and with a straight face said, my lucky hat blew off and im looking for it. i poked him again and to my surprize he found his hat and we hit the now barracked city with the QC asking use what the hthat was what i have been telling everyone. Long story shory i got the system up in 5 minutes and stayed at the city com center and to they driver to pick me up in morning and told him to take his hat off on his way back.
just came into this website. I was a Tm 96 member from March 1971-January 1972. Did not live on Eakin Compound but a mile or two away at Oten Nui or New Hotel. I went through the above messages to see if I recognized anyone…didn’t find anyone I knew. I worked on the RVN HQ compound in Can Tho as an intelligence advisor. I was sent to 16 weeks language school in El Paso (Ft Bliss) and then was assigned to duty in the RVN TOC. I liked working at night. We had an intelligence briefing every morning and I worked inside the translation booth. I didn’t get to Eakin much. I do remember that someone stole the General’s bananas that he had been tending for a year. General Cushman went ballistic. Glad I was billeted there. Like a lot of us, I drank the water…probably right out of the BA Sac River…but at least I boiled it. Have had carcinomas and malignant melanoma. I have hypothyroidism but so far VA has denied service connection even though that condition is “Vietnam Presumptive”. I continue to fight the VA and have made some progress. Why do we have to FIGHT an agency that was set up to help veterans?…a retorical question. Other vets I know are going through the same hoops. Sad! Don’t give up and keep plugging to make a difference.
Yo, Robert. In response to your problem with the V.A. Get your Congressional representative involved in your claim. I did when I was getting my disability and progress seemed to stall. It seemed to help immensely. Within 5 months of contacting him, I got a good disability rating. Also, don’t be afraid of using tour V.A. medical facility. The part you’re dealing is the administrative end and they seem to have little in common with the medical end.
Juergen, I agree about going congressional. Right now I have 5 different claims in some form of appeal status and will let them play out a few more months. I even have one claim that they seemed to have lost although I had a VES exam back in October. When I call they tell me that they will leave a note to check on it…but I never hear back. I went to the County NSO on Feb 14, 2023 and he said he would look into the “lost” claim. I do have VA paperwork noting that they received it back in September but nothing since the VES exam. Once the known claims are settled, going to the Congressional office is in my plan. Like you noted, the doctors and nurses are so great and are doing a wonderful job of providing me care. It is the admin people that need some oversight.
Jerry, I still have a picture of you sitting on a cyclo in Saigon with that crazy smile of yours. Have tried to find you in Dixon but without success. Mike Garcia retired as a railroad engineer. Dale Boatman very successful career in law enforcement. We were all puppies in Can Tho, but grew up fast. Good memories. Mike Cox McKague
Just had my skin cancers (4 melanomas and 3 facial carcinomas) denied because the law only applies to Gulf War Vets. As soon as my other claims are decided so as not to muddy the water while the other claims are still in the process, I plan to make an appointment with my congressman to discuss why these conditions are presumptive under the PACT Act for Gulf War Veterans but Vietnam Vets get short changed once again. The VFW and DAV should be taking this on as a legislative objective for the coming year. Juergen Thode made that recommendation to visit congressman and I plan to do just that.
Robert Sousa, I was there from April 1971-March 1972. I also worked on the RVN HQ compound, Tro Le Loi, in Can Tho as at the G2 desk. Initially I was there to type up the G2 report every month, but as the withdrawal of US troops progressed I picked up the duties of the Intell advisors and was worked into their rotation. I remember that all of you intel advisors were housed downtown, I was however housed on Eakin compound. I have forgotten most of the names from that time, but I remember a SFC Fuller that assumed the duties of trying to keep me out of trouble. There was also a MSG there that everyone denigrated as lazy, but I remember he told me the stories he had regarding being the Red Red 1 and going assure to join them 4 days after D day and fighting the hedgerow campaign.
Good luck with VA and your filings. Here in Texas we actually have a person at the clinics that are very helpful with the process. I would suggest you go to the nearest DAV and see what they can do to be helpful with your case.
Good luck
Hello Tom. I was there in 71 -72 and worked in the message center. Like you, I don’t remember names. However, Edgar Martin and me were good friends, even after leaving Vietnam. He worked in G2. He is from Fairfield, AL. Maybe you remember him.
Tom, Wow, you were in Adv Tm 96 about the same time I was. I am sure our paths crossed but like you noted, we were billeted off the Eakin Compound. I would go there early in the morning around 6 am to deliver the nightly intelligence reports. Every once in a while I would get to eat dinner or lunch there but mostly I remember subsisting on peanut butter and Ritz crackers or C rations. After I delivered the Intell report, I had to get back to the RVN compound to sit in the translation booth to brief (in English) Gen. Cushman and his staff at the daily RVN briefing. I even got to see John Paul Van once when he came to the briefing. After my stint in the TOC, I was assigned as Security Control Officer for Tm 96. I was also fortunate to get a 30 day drop so I could start in the Spring semester using the GI Bill. Like you, I don’t remember many names of people I served with there. I do have a copy of a blanket travel order with some names on it other than me but that is about all I have. Thank you for answering. Good luck. Meanwhile, I am waiting on the VA to finalize my claims. I am down now to 3 open claims from 5 a few months ago.
Bob
Hello All,
I am not sure if I am landing in the right group of folks who can help me understand my dads time in service in Can Tho from July 69 to July 70.
Marion J Zimmerman CW03 better known as Bob
His service jacket has him in the 51st Maintenance Company (LT) (DS) DELTA LSA (PROV) , USASUPCOM, SGN
Was assigned as a platoon leader for the service and evacuation platoon and the property book officer.
Lost him in 1977 and did not have a chance to know this part of his life.
If you knew my dad or can explain his time in Vietnam please email me sbittner1960@wi.rr.com
With much thanks and respect to all of you!
His Proud Daughter
Sue
Sue have you searched on Team 10, the 51st is listed there with member names etc. The long unit description points to the US Army Support Command, Saigon. I only saw some empty information and nothing to take me to the 51st which is what you need to key on in searching the web. So it would be the location of the Team 10 to invest time and searching. I hope you find something soon. I wasn’t in MACV but 40 miles from Can Tho in aviation of the 164th Group 13th Bn, with my Bn headquarters there next door to MACV in Can Tho and was familiar with the MACV operations. I even spent one month flying as gunner for the MACV commander Col Robertson before he retired.
I put your request on Team 10 but also found a name in the 51st which was put there in 2016 so it’s not a solid lead but with his name you could trace his family and have them maybe know of other 51st members they can spread the word. Still a lot of reunions for many units every year so there is still hope for you.
Ronald Coffman I was the first outboard motor mechanic in the 51st Maintenance Company, May 1968 – December 1969
Thank you so much Tom for the quick response and potential lead from 2016.
I deeply appreciate you and efforts to help me better understand my dad’s life and service..
Respectfully
Sue
Thank you, I was replying a few moments ago but my post disappeared due to my fat fingers and small keyboard. I’ll try and finish. I was wondering if you might have made a mistake in searching the MACV site due to seeing the Team 51 number. I saw there was a 51st maintenance at Can Tho airfield which I mentioned was my Battalion HQ. The base was primarily all Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, so it is natural to see that 51st unit there and most of their men would have been aircraft mechanics. Aviation units do not have their own mechanics and they are supplied through the Maintenance Support Command as detachments. They were all over Vietnam and not only aviation mechanics but any other sort of mechanic. Their units were very small but large enough there should be a lot of them left today.. Let me know if you searched on this site due to seeing that 51 Team number. I will pick up the search and pass along the request to one of our old pilots who takes care of Veterans matters and he has contact with many many sources in Aviation but as I said the maintenance units would be known for any airfield that a pilot or crewman served. Look at photos of your Father in Uniform in that period and let’s establish what Division or Brigade he was in while there, to me that would be the best start. There are some archives but after looking at them it would be near impossible to find any concrete information. I guarantee if we find the correct division we will find the unit and proper location of his service.
Hi Tom,
I appreciate the helpful information. Unfortunately I do not have a picture of my dad in fatigues. I have been trying to search the national archives and got stuck there also. It seems that the 51st may have been absorbed into the 91st and then into the Special Support Group HQ in Saigon. Most of those documents are still classified.
What I do have us a copy of his award for the bronze star stating it was for time served in 51st maintence. Him an another CW0 were both awarded the bronze star. I have signed up for the buddy finder for 51st.
Do you have any other sources that I may not be aware of ?
Thank you so much for helping..
Sue
Extended conversations between individuals are best oden directly between the individuals.
HI Tom,
Sorry for the novel.
I also know that my Dad was part of Operation Rock Crusher. I wish he was still here to talk with about his time in Vietnam.
Working on researching to with the National archives.
Deep gratitude for you
Sue
Now we’re getting somewhere. Here is the url for that Operation Rock Crusher. The link dies on this page but it does establish he was indeed in the 164th Group. So my advice is to contact the 1st Aviation Center Fort Rucker and give this Rock Crusher campaign information listed to their Public Information Officer and see if he can do some research, he would probably have access to a lot of our historical records of the Group and Battalion in that time period. I would find it hard to believe they could not find exactly what maintenance units were in the 164th. Now if you want to know the surroundings your Father served in simply search anything on the internet in the Can Tho area. To start here is my Battalion website owned by a man that served their and married a local Vietnamese Lady. You will find a lot of photos of the base and all our units including my 336th and 121st which I served in both those companies. I hope 1st Aviation can give you some useful information and they do have historical records, you can bet on that. Here is a good place to start and I find it amazing your Father probably ate in the same mess hall as I once did on several occasions over 3 years. The ceiling had shrapnel holes and you could see daylight coming thru the holes while you were sitting there eating heh, same goes for the Theater.
cantho-rvn.org/13th-avn-bn.html
Hope this can get you started on a proper search with the 1st Aviation, at least they can tell you all maintenance units attached at that time and locations of each.
materene
Does anyone have any information on MAT 11, which was assigned to the Advisory Team 96 during April 1968 time frame. MATS supported the RF/PF’s in the Cai Rang, Chan Thanh District Phong Dinh Province. The team lived along the the Cai Da Canal and received support from Advisory Team 96
I was an 11B assigned to the platoon that guarded the Eakin Compound from May 18, 1965 until May 10, 1966. We also ran shotgun on tankers picking up potable water at Bin Thuy air base, since we had no water treatment in Eakin Compound. Always at risk go running out of water in the middle of a shower!. We also guard a hotel in CanTho that billeted an Engineering Company. Always considered my experience a relative safe one compared to what others had to endure.
I am glad that you made it back. I was with TM 96 71-72 and was picked up in the soccer field many days. I wish that I had kept a diary of daily events.
I too was with Tm 76 from April ’71 through March ’72. I worked in the TOC about a mile or so towards downtown. It was an old French set of buildings where the ARVN HQ was. I was just a young 18 year old SP4 at the time. Where were you working?
That is where I worked too. I worked the night shift in the msg center but unless a Flash msg came in that the General needed to know about I could sleep most of the night. During the day I got to fly to other areas. The SSG took care of the routine messages. Where did you work?
I worked at the G2 desk in the TOC. One of my duties was to type of the daily 24 hours report of enemy initiated activities and the casualty report. The G3 signed off on it and then it went to the msg ctr where it was sent to MACV HQ in Saigon via teletype. I was a lousy typist and the G3 often threatened to not sign the report, but he always did while glaring at me. I may have handed you my report on occasion.
You may have. That has been a long time ago. After VN I was at Ft McClellan for a year and then to Korea for 13 months. Then I went to Ft. Devens where I was promoted to SSG. Our daughter was born while stationed there; 44 years ago. I did not reenlist again. But was in the reserves for about 3 years and then the NG until 1984 when I was severely injured in a military vehicle accident. God put me back together and I have enjoyed a wonderful life. After retirement in 2012 as a Veteran Service Officer we sold our Florida house and moved to TN. Tell me about your service and life.
Gary/Charles.
I do not remember Sgt Tony Jiminez. I know the name Maj. Little but can’t quite remember him…I am sure we knew each other but it has been so long. Ltc Hutchins was my boss on an special operation regarding drug interdiction. Hard driving but fair and I got along with him just fine. Another earlier boss was LTC Waller. Nice guy too. He promoted me to Cpt. I don’t remember the exact relationship I had with Maj Cruz from Puerto Rico. He was excellent and because he out ranked me, he was some kind of supervisor as well. A great pool player. I saw him in action once. I still remember his words in French “Vous avez raison, moi aussi! He would let me debate my position on something but when he made a decision, he might use that phrase indicating that he had a reason for doing it his way. That was good enough for me.
Remember, I was billeted off Eakin Compound and worked at the Vietnamese Compound first at the TOC and then as Security Control Officer. Since I was off Eakin, I Because I had Vietnamese language training before I went over, I could speak the language enough to get by. That was a big advantage. Tom Bugbee must have started in TOC around September ’71 when I was re-assigned to be the Security Control Officer. I don’t remember him but our paths surely crossed on the RVN compound.
I served with Advisory Team 96 from June ‘66 a through October ‘67. We operated out of Eakin Compound for short operations down to U Minh forest. We worked with ARVN units, 8 US and 12 – 25 ARVN. There was a soccer field next to out compound and was used as helicopter base. There was a SSgt Estes that was on his 3rd tour when I arrived. He was over security. Great guy. My duties got short with Malaria, and Yellow fever. I was trying to go home after my year but as the powers that be found out I was speaking the language it was decided I would stay a wile longer.
Hi Richard, served at Eakin Oct.65 April66. MP serving on rifle security teams mostly with ARVN. Can Tho airfield down to Soc Trang. Can’t remember if I knew Sgt. Estes. Definite memory of soccer field. Manned security towers around Eakin. Nice to hear from you, send me email if you want. deanspiriti@comcast.net
Jack De Boer
Howdy Richard, I served on Team 96 on Ekin Compound from January 66 till June 67. Rockwood and Datema, and Heckler
and I were good friends. I’ve been looking for you for years. Sgt. Castro past a long time ago. I stay in touch with Rockwood,
Datema, and Heckler. You took Hecklers place working for Sgt. Castro in the supple room. Maj. Quinlan was CO when I got
to Team 96 and Maj. Hicks was the CO when I left. Sgt. Prichard was the NCOIC on Ekin, and Sgt Estes was NCO over
Ekin security Platoon. Do you still live in Texas?
I was with 346th Med .Disp in 1967 (66-67) left VietNam Aug.31st.1967 Dr.Wilks was the C.O. My e-mail richenders@comcast.net
Rich, Dr. Goodman was C.O. when I got there first week of March 68.
8/20/2022. 346 Medical Dispensary, Can Tho. Have heard from a few members of the Unit but I am sure there are several more. I would like to make contact with more who served in or knew us. I remember the MP’s looked after us. Once escorting me and Doc Della Rocca to the 29th Evacuation Hospital because we could not get a dust off to take a patient there. Also one MP team picked me up downtown in the frenzy before curfew and drove me back to the Dispensary. I was lost and very drunk at the time.
Sorry to say Doctor Robert C. Della Rocca past away February 2021.
Dennis Williams, dennisofcoonbottom@att.net
I worked in the MR IV Corp Message Center in 1971 and 1972. A SSG and I had the night shift. Also I would be flown to different locations during daytime. I have lost my information of who all worked there. If you know any of their names, please send them to me. Any information about about them would be nice too. I am NOT searching for someone to verify a VA disability claim. I am rated 100 % P&T by the VA.
My name is Chuck Herbst and served with MACV advisory team 96 in Can Tho from ’70-’71. served in G2. OB Shop, Interrogation Center. Looking for Stan Schaub NCOIC Interrogation Center, MAJ John H Little OIC JIC and Wayne Solomon G2 who predicted that this unknown actor (Jack Nicholson) in Five Easy Pieces was going to be giant movie star. Like to hear from them.
I knew Stan Schaub in 70 I believe he was a teacher in Maryland not far from DC after serving . He and I had had quite a few laughs during our tour. That’s all I know. Dennis Owings
Searching for anyone who might have known my father, John Brosnan. He passed in 2015 and I am trying to learn more about his military service. According to his DD214, he was a “Sr. Mat Team Leader” in Can Tho from 71-72. Many thanks!
Ervin McMullen: I was the crew chief on “green delta 777” uh-1h @ Eaken Compound for the four corps senior advisor -major general Ekard. I think it was around 68-69. I spent 3 tours in Vietnam so things get little fuzzy after time.
Hi Ervin: I was the awards and decorations clerk/ Adv Tm 96, Eakin compound–70 to 71. We set up in a couple of “hotels” ( Basac is one name I remember, not really hotels, but we occupied the ground floor with the Adjutant General office, Major Lemond was the AG. The sr advisor at that time was a 3 *** General who I can’t recall his name and the XO was a Brig Gen, “flying Jack Cushman” as he was a certified chopper pilot and took the controls many times. I often hitched a ride on that particular chopper for various reasons, mostly “safe hand” delivery of documents or for an award ceremony on one of the villages in the delta. My most memorable experience was being on his chopper the night we invaded Cambodia–for some reason there was a crew shortage of sorts and he wanted the chopper filled up so OD sent down to our hooches a request for volunteers to go on the chopper.. Myself and another clerk went—don’t know what assurance we provided as we were just clerks with no real weapons training other than Basic but for us it was the ultimate ‘thrill”. We also had John Paul Van who was the CORDS commander for all of IV corps and had a chance to fly with him on a few occasions to pin a medal on someone away from our area. The CORDS -MACV had a different Compound a few miles away from Eakin as I recall where the G1,2,3 sections set up shop. Anyway, welcome home and hope your enjoying life—you deserve it. John Shields
Mr. Shields, I remember you. I was an army photographer assigned to Detachment D, 221st Signal Company (Pictorial). Our photo lab was right around the corner from IV Corps Headquarters, and I was there many times photographing promotions and awards. I was in Can Tho from July 1969 to Feb.1971.
I remember BG Cushman, and accompanied him a few times while he went in the field, I remember his driver who was an E5 who had been an infantryman in the First Infantry Division, and then ended up as the general’s driver.
I also remember the officer (1Lt.) who was the aide to BG Cushman. He was a very interesting character, he was a German who had been an infantry NCO, who then became warrant officer Huey pilot, who then got a commission, and finally as an aide to a Brigadier General.
The enlisted personnel in our photo lab (the maximum number we ever had was five) lived at the Delta Hotel, and then when that was closed, we moved to the Bassac Hotel, right near the ferry landing which crossed the Bassac river. Our OIC and NCOIC both lived at Eakin Commpound.
The senior adviser in IV Corps was a Major General named Wetherall.
In 2018, I returned to Vietnam for a visit….you would not recognize Can Tho….it looks so different now, I had difficulty finding some of the old places.
Brian Gray
Dear Brian:
I remember a group of your photographers speaking about a photo assignment you had together. By any chance did you ever judge a photo contest sponsored by the USO in Can Tho?
Hope your family is safe and well.
Chuck Herbst
Chuck Herbst did you live in the Basac Hotel? As I recall there as a nutty Sargean Bagents at the interrogation place. Is that right?
Yes Gary. I lived at the Bassac and remember you very well. Gee, yes I remember Sergeant .Bagents which means you may have also lived at the Villa.prior to moving to the Bassac. I remember being told I would be billeted at the Villa. Not quite the Italian Villa overlooking the Mediterranean I expected. My email is chs707@comcast.net. Write and let me know how you’ve been.
Yes I did. I lived at the Bassac Hotel and also lived at the Intel Villa prior to that. You may have been at Eakin when we thought we were getting mortared. My email is chs707@comcast.net. Drop me a line whenever you can. Great to hear from you.
Do you remember Sgt. Tony Jimenez who worked in the JIC? Major Little and Lt. Col. Hutchins were there too.
Dear Gary;
About 3 weeks ago I was doing an online search for then MAJ John H. Little and came up that he retired as a 2 star general in the 90s. Richard Lyons and I are trying to get in touch with him.
Take care, ChuckHerbst
When I was at Tm 96 (March 1971 – January 1972, there were several others that I could remember there at the same time. Jamie Sledge, Herbie Hopper, Victor Larkin (who I replaced at the G-2 TOC), Henry Rome and my interpreter Tran van Huong. I know that there were others but I am having difficulty recalling their names. I mentioned Maj Cruz in an earlier post and also Ltc Hutchins (who was my boss later) and Col Waller who was my boss when I first arrived at Tm 96.
Do any of you remember anyone who worked in the message center 71 – 72? I was there then, however their names have faded away. I wish that I could remember them.
Yes. Remember you well. Here is my email address. Let me know how you’re doing.
Chuck Herbst email address for Gary Wallace chs707@comcast.net
Here’s my email address. chs707@comcast.net
I was billeted around the corner from the USO club in Can Tho. 346th medical dispensary. 1969
I was with the 346 Med 68 – 69. Email:
Dennisofcoonbottom@att.net. Dr.. DellaRocca was CO when I rotated back.
I have been in contact with Hoang (Kim).
Dennis williams.
William,
I am Hoang Petersen (aka Kim). I worked at 346th Medical Detachment at time you were there.
A few members of 346th, Dennis Williams, and I have touched bases.
You are welcome to join us.
My email is Hoangpetersen@gmail.com.
I was enlisted aid to BG Cantley and BG Cushman 69 /70 Fritz as we called the german LT spoke so broken . I
went from infantry to a generals aid what ride.
I was aid to BG Cushman and BG Chantley in 69 and 70
In 1969 I was the NCOIC of the IV Corps Interrogation Center in Can Tho and resided on the 3rd floor of the Basac Hotel.
Dear Mike:
My name name is Chuck Herbst and I worked at Interrogation Center. 70-71 Maybe we just missed each other. Someone who I guess replaced you was Stan Schaub. Anyway, whether we just missed each other. hope you and your family are safe and well.
Chuck,
I was incorrect with my dates of service at the IV Corps Interrogation Center.
I am pretty sure that they were 1970 to 1971.
I had 2 people under me and I believe that you were one of them.
I was a SSG and we all wore U.S. Tabs instead of our rank.
I think you were from the Atlanta area and the other person was on our team Gary (McGehey?) from the state of Washington.
Our OIC Was a CPT Woods E. Grey.
Let me know if this was you.
I can be reached at grapples@aol.com.
Mike
Chuck,
I now remember that I was there in July 1970, as that is when my daughter was born.
Mike
I’ve got a question on record keeping. How was awards recorded on field personnel? We would receive the award but not the paperwork. Once I was out and received my DD-214 nothing was on it. I did get a photo of receiving one award. Just wondering. Richard Piwetz
Hi Richard, Tom Materene here. I wasn’t with MACV but was next door at 13th Bn 164th Group and stationed 40 miles south at Soc Trang. As far as I know any awards would have started at the company commander level and go up the chain of command. His signature would have to be present unless it was a very higher authority. Even the lowest tier medal like say a good conduct medal would still need that CO signature to even start the climb. It sounds to me as if your decorations never received that. Any foreign awards such as from the Vietnamese would still have to be presented the same way up the chain of command and approved before you could wear it on your uniform. I’m sure you could start a request to confirm your awards with the proper Army command. If there is no record at all then it is obvious they were not properly completed or started from your company level. I suppose very early on at MACV things were probably very foggy and a lot of normal actions had no one to complete. I was on flight status as a door gunner on a gunship for 3 years and accumulated a lot of air medals, I received like 25 accounted for but the large number was not recorded due to the crew chiefs not reporting our flight time or I should say the gunner’s flight time. All flight time was recorded at end of day into the log book and turned into Operations. I’m still happy to be home alive and all my parts still working ha Same goes for you. Take care.
Is there anyone out there that has a photo of the landing field and “tower” at Moc Hoa? It had a sign: “Welcome to Moc Hoa gateway to the Plain of Reeds. In the dry season, three feed above sea level. in the rainy season three feet below sea level.”
I was in and out of there a couple of times while serving with the Evangelical Church of Vietnam while stationed in Cantho from 1968-70.
Ervin… I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association from April 67 thru November 68. I suspect that our tours of duty overlapped to some extent. I wrote a memoir of my year and a half in Vietnam “Talk About a Mess – It Happened in Vietnam”, the book is available on Amazon and I am happy to report that many readers noted that the content and pictures brought back many memories. I recommend the book to you and hope to receive your thoughts.
All Best–Terry (1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC )
Hi Terry
I was at Eakin from 3/68 – 3/69. Read and enjoyed your book. Enjoyed the O Club, especially the music. 1 USO comes to mind, Uncle Willie and the Willing Spirits, great time.
Do you recall what the head count was at Eakin, EM and Officers? Thanks.
Jim… I happy to learn that you you enjoyed my book. Eakin Compound housed approximately three hundred men.
The split between officers and enlisted personal was roughly 100 to 200. To service these individuals we employed 150 Vietnamese, mostly women. All Best–Terry
My name is Juergen H. Thode and I was with Adv. Tm. 96 from May 67′ to Dec. 68′ assigned to the security platoon. I arrived as a Sgt E-5 and made SSgt E-6 a year later. In Dec. 68, I was reassigned as an advisor to the 42nd Vietnamese Rangers at my request because of being Abn/Rngr qualified. I got shot up in Oct. 69′ and was taken out of field duty and reassigned to G-3 Air because I was given a permanent P-3 profile on my left leg. The doctor in Long Binh said “No more field duty for you.” I said “Damn, ain’t that a shame.” I was assigned to Ft. Benning in May 70′ as a machine gun weapons instructor in TSB. A year later I was reassigned back to Vietnam to HHC, United States Forces, Military Region II out of Nha Trang. We had teams going out to turn over Fire Support bases to the RF/PF and show them how to lay in fields of fire and maintain their heavy weapons except for artillery, which was left to the cannon cockers. I was ETS’ed in Apr.72. Now for a little known fact, I was the person responsible for getting the swimming pool in Eakin Compound back into operation. It wasn’t easy but it happened with a little help from higher up in getting a pumper and some vinyl patching kits and supplies to keep it clean including a vacuum system. Probably my best contribution to the war effort.
Juergen, in restarting the swimming pool you contributed to the positive moral of the troops (there was enough of the negative to go around). You really put your life on he line, happily you were able to recover form the damage done to you.
I hope that you enjoyed the dining experience at Eakin Compound. All Best, Terry
Hooah! 53 years later I finally find out. Who left the 55 gallon drum can under the tarp in the Eakin Compound pool? I got there in June 67 stayed about a year with visits to the tropical resort Island of Phu Quoc. I was the MP advisor to the 4 Corps POW Camp nest to the Army Air Field. It was around Sept/Oct, that I shallow dived into the pool and hit my head on the rim of a 55 gallon drum can that had arisen with the rise of the water table during the rainy season. What a surprise! I scared the sh** out of my buddies and Mamasons when I came up and my head was a fountain of blood. I got a ride to the 29th in Binh Thuy and waited for 4 hours until they got a chance to stitch me up. What I saw there stayed with me and instilled a great respect for the nurses. When I went to DC and saw the statue dedicated to them, I could not help it, tears just welled up and I thought that it must be rain drops.
Anyone recognize the names Lawrence (Larry) Stickney or Roberta (Bobbi) Roth? They are my parents and both served over there. Mom was a nurse at Can Tho. Dad was with the MACV 96 unit.
To usvetlaw – Juergen Thode here, and I didn’t take over operation of the pool at Eakin until about Jan. 1970 When I took it over, it was about 1/4 full and was more of a frog pond. Got a pumper truck to dredge the green water and then commenced to scrub the scum off the sides and bottom of the vinyl. Ran across some small tears in the vinyl and managed to get some patch kits that solved that problem. Got the pool refilled with fresh water. and kept it clean in my off time. I do remember hearing about your accident when I was with security at the time frame you mentioned. I have no idea about where the drum came from or how the problem was resolved.
I was there when the pool was put in — Spring 1966 as best I remember. Water kept coming up under the liner. Ultimately,a hose was put under the liner to pump muddy water overboard while clean water was pumped into the liner. I was never in the pool; I think I DROSed before the pool was finished.
Terry,
I was a civilian (missionary) posted to Cantho 1968-70 and received the assistance of many Chaplains including a Chaplain (LtCol) Reed/Reid at Eakin compound. Do you know anything about him or other chaplains in Cantho at that time?
Jim Lewis
To Jim Lewis: I worked for the DSA (Col John FP Hill) after Tet and until about June 1968. A young priest had joined the army and flew with us many times to visit subsector teams throughout !V Corps. Captain Perez was engaged and never hesitant to go into the rural areas. He even spent some time in the bush before the group could get extracted. If Father Perez is still alive—-he was definitely respected and I hope he knew his efforts were appreciated. Mike Cox McKague
Glad to get this story about your happenings in Cantho and the Delta. So many great stories. How did your time there change your life?
I just attended the funeral last year of an enlisted who was with the 69th Engineers across the river who came occasionally to our mission house to get relief from the night-time parties. He was a practicing Christian and needed support to maintain his virtue.
Jim Lewis
Jim–Terry Dinan here. I may have a picture (in my book) of you and your son, taken outside the PX in Eakin Compound. Also, I don’t know a lot about the Chaplains at the compound, but, in one of the photos in my book “Talk About A Mess , It Happened in Vietnam” there is a picture of Jay Coupe, Me and the Chaplain. We are singing ???–Check it out. Terry
Terry,
Thanks for this. I would like to see the photo but couldn’t find the attachment or link. Could you send it directly to me — j-lewis@bethel.edu.
Thanks
Jim–The BOOK is available thru Amazon. In the meanwhile I will try to find and Email copies to you. All Best, Terry
My sister, Kim, worked at the US cantho Airfield ‘ s Dispensary in Vietnam. She was a Medical Lab Tech.
from 1969 to 1973. She would like to contact the
US members who worked with her during that time.
Please contact me Hoang Petersen via this site. I will give her the information.
Thank you very much
Hoang Petersen
Dr. Bush,
Yes, You gave me great guidance. As a result, Eric R and I married and had loving-lives together despite of some tough times.
We, members of 346 th, communicate with each other by email and phone.
If it is all possible , please email me your contact info.
I will send you other members’ contact informations if it is OK with you.
My email is Hoangpetersen@gmail.com.
Thank you for your response
Hoang (kim)
Richard Bush, MD, ex CPT at 29th Evac and 3rd Surg,
Here is a glue . Do you recall a young member of 346th Dispensary who came to 3rd surg asking you for information about her future husband ?
Staff used to call me by my middle name Kim. We 346th team like to get in touch with you.
Thanks
Hoang Petersen
Hi Kim, I sure do remember. I must have given you good advice. I always wondered what happened to you and others at the 346th and this is great news.
Doc, I was with the 346 3/68 thru 2/69. I worked with Hoang (Kim) under Robert C. Della Rocca. I have work with and mad contact with him and a Richard Enders who rotated back 6 months before my arrival. I guess I rotated back before you got there.
I was a helicopter crew chief at Vinh Long 1966 & 69 and have always been interested in the IV Corps. I have made a list of some AT-96 Advisors. I categorize the names by dates. Were some AT-96 Advisors stationed in the districts ? If any former AT-96 Advisor or family member would like this list email me junglecruiser335@gmail.com
Does anyone have a schematic/map of Eakin Compound? I’d be interested in how it’s laid out, the geographical orientation, etc. I recollect some of it, but not the whole layout>
Neil,
I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association from April 67 thru November 68. In my Book, Talk About a Mess – It Happened in Vietnam, there is included a detailed layout of Eakin Compound. The book is available thru Amazon. Enjoy the MAP and enjoy the book.
Terry.
!Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC
Dear Terry:
I was a member of Advisory Tm 96 70-71. One of the things I was very grateful for was the quality and ambiance of your mess hall at Eakin. So many soldiers in Vietnam would have been grateful to have had the opportunity to eat at least a few days of meals there. Read your book. Interesting look at operations going on in Saigon. Take care and hope your family is safe and well.
Take care, Chuck Herbst
The stories I have heard from my dad when he was with the macv team 96 are quite different from the ones I’m reading here. My dad, Lawrence Stickney (an officer) never had R&R time. He was in the jungle the whole time.
My mom, Roberta Roth, was an army officer nurse with the 29th evac hospital in can tho. They both served in 67-68. I have inquired a few times if anyone remembers them. Asking again.
Samantha,
Just now reading your Mom was at the 29th Evac in Cantho, or actually up-river from the City. I and my family served with the Evangelical Protestant church in Cantho from 1968-70. We often had our youth choir sing at the 29th but that was after your Mom’s tour.
I would be interested in any stories from her life or your Dad’s.
Jim
Hi Jim.
Thank you so much for responding. I told me Mom that you wanted to her some of her and dad’s stories. I’m wondering if there is a way she can contact you directly. Thanks.
Samantha
Dr Bush,
How can team 346 th Dispensary contact you?
We just want to find as many members /friends of this office as posible.
Thanks
Dr Bush,
You are invited to joy 346 th Dispensary group . We have 6 of us now and we are working in contacting more. Feel free to email me so I can add you to our list. Hoangpetersen@gmail.com.Thank you
Dr Bush,
My name is Hoang Petersen. I responded to your message last night. I checked this morning . It was not there.(not sure why?).
I am so happy you contact us. I have been trying to locate you without success.
I remember you were the Radiologist for 3rh Surgical Hosptal.
Please write to me at
Hoangpetersen@gmail.com; 303 396 8647
My name is Richard Bush. I was Cpt MC at 3rd surg hosp Nov 69 to Nov 70 and was CO of 346th during most of that year.
Dr. Bush. I was at the 346 Med March 68 thru Feb 69. Dr. Della Rocca was my CO . I have been in contact with Hoang.
I was at the 3rd surg, which was 29th evac just before that, and was general medical officer. I was at 346th approximately Nov 68 – May 70. I remember “Kim” who was our interpreter, lab tech etc.
Ron Lucas, John Kubina , & Fig, we know each other and we worked at 346 th Dispensary in Cantho Viet Nam. Please write so we can touch base with other
members.
Thanks
Hoang
Bob,
Do you know Captain Eric Petersen?. He was also the advisor to the corps artillery in Binh Thuy in 1969 to1970.
Dear Hoang, Eric Petersen was may replacement. We were a two man cream advising 36 Field Artillery based out of Binh Thuy. I understand the headquarters moved shortly after I rotated. I spoke to him several years ago and he was working for the Army Corps of Engineers. I’ve got some pictures of him somewhere.
sincerely,
Peter J. Fifer
Captain, USA
Dear Captain Fifer,
Thank you very much for reaching out to me. Eric often mentioned your name, but he lost your contact information after we moved to CO.
Yes, the 36th Field Artillery moved its headquater to Bac Lieu..
My children and I greatly appreciate you for the pictures of Eric.
My email is Hoangpetersen@gmail.com, phone
303-396-8647
Thank you again very much.
If you have photo, slides, other images of your tour, please consider sending them to the Texas Tech Vietnam War Archive so they will be available to anyone researching the war.
I was the advisor to the corps artillery commander during 1969-1970.
I roomed right next to him also, right by the bunker and officers club. Great guy, where is he now? Thanks.
Yes, he was very kind to every one. Before he passed away at last Holidays season; He wanted to find his fellow veterans. We did not know about this site at that time.
Dear JP,
Do you have pictures of Eric and photos of where he and you used to live?
Thanks
Hoang Petersen
No, sorry I do not. It was Doc Dellarocca that I lived newst to.
Meant next to.
The Doc was my CO at the 346. Dennis Williams
Very nice guy.
Della Rocca is in the East Coach. He is healthy and is doing well.
If you want to contact him, I would like a bit info from you and your email. So I will be able to remind him about you.
Thanks
Remember me? I worked with you and the Doc back in 68/69 at the 346. My email is: dennisofcoonbottom@att.net
Cell phone 850 322 5957. I would like to make contact with the Doc and anyone else. I have been in contact with Fig and James Ballard. Thanks,
It would be easier if Della Rocca put a post on this site with his contact details.
My husband, Capt Eric R. Petersen, was with Team 51 and Team 96. (Year = 1968-1971). I would like to have contact with people who know him. He also worked at Trai Le Loi with Colonel Wallace.
Thank you very much
Hoang Petersen
Bob,
Do you know Captain Eric Petersen?. He was also the advisor to the corps artillery in Binh Thuy in 1969 to1970.
I was in can tho in 1970 than went to long binh in 1971.
I was an air traffic controler at Can Tho AAF in 1970 and 71. We gave advisory’s to aircraft landing at the Soccer Field as well as the heliport in downtown Can Tho. We sometimes used the swimming pool at Eakin Compound.
On my 2d tour in RVN, I was stationed at Eakin Compound, HQ MACV Tm 96 and worked for IV Corps Cdr, MG Cushman in 1971. Compared to my 1st tour in An Khe & Chu Lai ’66-’67, life was great at Eakin! Steak & lobster most Friday nights around the swimming pool, etc. Biggest thing that happened during that year (besides a water heater/propane tank explosion in the Snack Bar) occurred In Dec ’71 with less than 10 days left in country, when at the direction of MG Cushman, I was instructed to hand carry an executive letter and personally give it to one Colonel Anthony Herbert. Nothing was said about the content, his location, etc. I was taken in a jeep to Can Tho Army Airfield and we immediately departed on a Huey helicopter with door gunners and a Cobra escort trailed us at treetop height (except when we approached the Mekong River) from Can Tho Army Airfield to the Cambodian border. Upon landing in a LZ in a jungle, several officers were awaiting around an underground listening post. I delivered the letter as directed to Col Herbert and placed it in his hand.
I was the Awards & Decorations Clerk for Adv Team 96 from Jan 70 to 71. Attended many award ceremony’s with MG Cushman, he was referred, to as “Flying Jack Cushman” by some as he was also a Chopper pilot and on several occasions had the distinct honor of being on his chopper when he took the controls being a ‘clerk” that was about as exciting as it got for me, the General would fly pretty close to tree top as often as he could. Also was on the chopper flying him into Cambodia the night of the invasion—not sure if he was the pilot or what on that trip. He was the XO at Team 96 and there was a Lt General as CO, can’t think of his name , maybe Godsey. Also very proud to say that I served under ( in a manner of speaking, not so much physically but in my role as Awards & Decorations Clerk) JOHN PAUL VANN who was the Commander of CORDS, MACV. The Cords compound was just a short distance from Eakin compound and as part of my duty’s would prepare a list of Award applications–thru my CO who was Major Lemaund for his or the General’s approval.
As a side note: I was also the enlisted non-com member of the Board of Governors for the Club system at Eakin Compound, authorizing
expenditures from the profits of the club system which set up the Cabana Hut at the famous swiming pool where a soldier could get a drink while at the pool—and yes there were some pretty good barbq’s at that pool with reduced drink prices to boot. Also voted for bringing in the bands from the Philippines on a few occasions. It was a rewarding pleasure to see guys from out in the field get in a few days of R&R at Eakin Compound. It kind of lessened the guild trip that the clerks had, being how we had the good life, but as they say, you play the hand your dealt with and we played it the best we could, for everybody.
Please contact me
Hey there LT. I remember you very well., not sure if you came before CW) Watt or after him. The other team members were, Maj Lemond,, the 1st Sgt at the desk in front of the office (shady character as I recall, can’t think of his name at the moment, ( just remembered, 1sgt len Dawcett, SFC Charlie Brown ( nice guy, good at his job, unfortunately he had a bit of a drinking problem and ultimately died of an overdose of heroin—shocking surprise to all of us, and then you had Sp4, Jerry Jefferies, Sp4 Bob something,,,another Sp4 , Hinilo was his last name, and then there was PFC Bob Graham , Sp4, Stanley Boles.
The Secretaries were, My girl was Doan, we had a room in the back section of the office, Miss Kim, thin girl with long black hair, another girl who I believe was the wife of an RVN officer ( she was a bit full of herself) and Bac Lieu who was in charge of all the secretaries. Of all the places to end up in VietNam, CanTho was pretty good–probably the safest i would day and our little corner of the geography was peaceful enough to the point that it made me feel guilty getting such a plum assignment relatively speaking, We had smooth running operation there at the AG section—everyone got along and worked well together, away from the normal bustle of military life, a very relaxed atmosphere to say the least, perhaps boring a little bit but considering the alternative, well, you know. Life at Eaking Compound was mostly dull until they put in that huge swimming pool—cripes, who would have thought such and extravagance in the middle of a war zone. We were spoiled with it but it was welcome relief for the guys in the other Teams in the Delta to get a chance to come to Eakin for a few days and relax a bit—had some mighty fine pool side party’s there when someone was DEROS’ING..
I’m married to the girl I was engaged to while I was away, 3 children, 2 girls/1boy, have 1 granddaughter 16 mos and another on the way. Life has been good to me all these yrs, no complaints. I retired from the job I had when I got drafted, a supermarket worker, after 51 yrs and just enjoying life as best we can in these troubling times. I did read that VietNam as of the middle of July had no COVID cases at all which I find almost unbelievable considering their lifestyle. I am happy for them, Lord knows they suffered more than their share of hard times. I came across this site some time ago and started looking it over and hoping to make a connection to some of our Team—quite surprised to get a “hit” by yourself , happy to get it. I’ve been attempting to connect with some of the guys mentioned above–no luck yet but did get a lead on Jerry Jefferies as I knew his home town, Poplar Bluff, Mo—how could you forget that !!!. Anyway got a phone # but still have made the connection. I often think of what happened to the girls in our office, did they get sent to resettlement camps or who knows what, but I had a close professional relationship with my girl, Doan and would hope that she survived the ultimate outcome.
So there you have it LT, thanks for making the connection and maybe one of the other Team 96, AG guys will pick up on it.
Hope all is well with you and if you get a chance drop me a line on your status. Respectfully, John Shields
MY EMAIL IS johngshields@comcast.net
Dear Darrell
I was with IVCorp G2 around the same time. I remember the famous snack bar water heater explosion. We thought we were getting mortared. One person in particular CPT Yancey got a chuckle from this. When I saw him in near the Cambodian border he quipped “Hey, I hear you guys at Can Tho saw a little action.” A great quip. Hope you and your family are safe and well.
Take care, Chuck Herbst chs707@comcast.net
2 July 2019
I served with MACV Advisory Team 96
in 1966, an Infantry Advisor with the 807 company part of 21st ARVN
Infantry Division. During my time we had two senior advisors. LTC Homer Owsley (WWII pilot) and LTC Elmer Pendleton. The Vietnamese company commander fought the French at Dien Bien Phu(?) in 1954.
I returned to Can Tho in 2016. The wall of the soccer field is still next what was Eakin
Compound. The area is now a hotel and an area for the Communist Government.
The economy and people appear to be prospering.
My name is Dennis Starling. I was in Can Tho, MACV Team #96, from May 66 thru Dec 67. Anyone there during that time, especially if you knew me, I would love to hear from you.
My Contact Info:
Dennis Starling
dstar9@gmail.com
863-640-5500 (C)
863-422-6081 (H)
i was at eakin from june 67 to 68…don’t know why but can’t remember anybody i served with…i was with the security team in the compound….would you remember in late Aug. when we got hit
I recall mortor rounds in compound during tet.
I got to Can Tho days after tet assigned to 346 Medical Dispensary. Lived at the compound. Great mess hall.
Dennis–I am so very pleased to read your your comment “Great mess hall”. I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association from April 67 to November 68 and as such I was in charge of all Mess and Club activities along with a bunch of other stuff.
For a full accounting get and read my book–Talk About A Mess – It Happened in Vietnam.
It is available on Amazon and it is likely to spark a lot of memories.
All Best, Terry (1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC MACV Team 96)
I also was very pleased with your mess hall food, Terry. I served as a Captain with the MACV Team 96 from December 1967 to December 1968. I worked with our ARVN counterparts in the IV Core military intelligence unit at Can Tho airfield. Two other officers I served with were Captain James Laughlin and Captain Mike Sullivan, both of whom have passed away in recent years. We and members of our unit lived off the post in housing that we were responsible for defending, including during the Tet Offensive. I would appreciate hearing from those who served with Jim, Mike and myself, and would welcome your memories of the duties we performed.
Wally–I thank you for your positive note regarding your Dining Room culinary experience at Eakin Compound. Although it has been a long time it still an accomplishment I remain very proud of. I do not have any specific memories of the the duties that you and your comrades performed but my book “Talk About A Mess – It Happened in Vietnam” (Available through Amazon) is full of my memories of that time and place and you are sure to find people and happenings that will open up your memories. I wish you the best and look forward to your after reading thoughts.–Terry
Hi Wally. Not certain if my response went through. I’ll try again. I was friends with Jim Laughlin here in Florida. Jim was active, right up to the end, in veterans affairs, at the local DAV office in Flagler County and at his Alma Mater, Dartmouth University. He is missed. A great, great guy. Regards, Larry “Doc” Rekart, Team 56 Phong Dien, 1968 – 69
Hi Terry
Currently reading your book. Wonderful!
I was stationed in Can Tho 1969 -1970 with an MI unit. 4th BN 525th MI Group. We lived in a villa not far from Eakin Compound and ate all our meals there.
Too bad I missed you by a year or so…
1LT Mike Morton
Hello. My name is Samantha Stickney. Both of my parents served in Vietnam. My dad was a 2nd Lt and was involved with this team. Larry Stickney. My mom was a 2 Lt and a nurse stationed in Can Tho, Roberta Roth. Both were over there in 68-69. I’m wondering if any of you remember either one. They are both alive and doing ok. My dad has some heart and lung issues however. Thank you! And thank you for your service!!
I was assigned to the 346 Medical Dispensary in downtown Can Tho at that time and never knew we had an American nurse. It could have been that she was assigned at Can Tho airfield, but once again I did not know. The closes place that I know where American nurses were was the 29th Evac up in Binh Thuy.
Hi! Williams,
I think we work for Dr. Robert Della Rocca
at 346 th Dispensary. I think I got a small artificial Christmas tree as a gift from you.
I was transferred to 29th MedEvac after 346 th Dispensary was closed In early 1971 (property lease was expired).
I wonder if any one still remember 29th Medevac?
My mom, Roberta Roth Stickney was in the 29th from 1968 till she she came home in the fall of 1969. She was a 1st Lieutenant and head nurse of orthopedics.
Samantha, How is Roberta ?
Was the 29th across the river with the Navy in 71, the reason I ask is that in 68 about two miles down the road from Can THo across the street from the POW camp there was a MASH unit there and I believe it was the 29th but it was a long time ago I was on the heli pad in Sept of 68. There was only room for two helicopters and it was shortly after that they moved the unit across the river so there was safer access. There was a water tower on the opposite side of the highway on the River front, you had to clear that tower coming out of this MASH, pretty hairy especially at night. I actually was there at that unit two times come to think about it. I wasn’t at your location in Can Tho my battalion Hdq the 13th was there at Can Tho myself I was down south at Soc Trang about 40 miles south as the crow flys. I was in the 336th in 68 and then I moved to the 121st both companies at Soc Trang
Yes, It was 29th Med Evac.
In 70 that POW camp had a big “Cho Hoi” population I think. i was stationed at Eakin compound and went there with a Staff Sgt who I think was an interrogator, believe he was an American Indian or perhaps Inuit, nice guy, can;t remember why I went there as I had nothing to do with anything like that, it may have been an open house day for relatives or something like that and i just went along for some reason.
It probably was an awards ceremony for me. Captain Carlson, Senior Advisor IV Corp POW Ops. 69/70. In 70, there was an increasing number of NVA prisoners being taken linked to the massing of troops and supplies on the Cambodian border.
I drove out there on several occasions. One night in the crackerbox with the Doc. We neefed a dustoff and couldn’t get one.
Hope you enjoyed the Christmas tree.
Dear Hoang,
I remember you from the 346th, although I was only there for Dec of 1968 and part of Jan 1969 before being reassigned. I believe you worked in the pharmacy. I kept in touch with Ron Lucas for a while after we were home. You inquired about him in one of your posts. He became a pharmacist after his return and settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, although I lost touch with him many years ago. Please get in touch if you are interested in sharing more information and memories. I also have photographs of the dispensary and personnel I would be happy to share with you. They include one of you. Incredibly, when you mentioned the artificial Christmas tree, it stimulated a vague memory of it. So glad to hear you are well. Even though we didn’t know one another well, you were such a nice person and I have wondered over the years if you were safe after the Americans left and what your story was. I would be so pleased to hear from you. Feel free to email me direct at: jamesballardnovels@gmail.com.
Dear James,
It is wonderful to hear from you. Yes, I worked in the Pharmacy and the laboratory, too.
Please keep in touch. I love to share more information and memories.
Now , I know 4 people: you = James Ballard, Dr. Robert Della Rocca, Dennis Williams, Arthur Shilling.
I will try to search for Ron Lucas. I hope I will be able to find him on line or this site.
My Email is Hoangpetersen@gmail.com
James,
Did you get my email?
From my mom (I accidentally put they were 2nd Lieutenants): Dad and I were 1st lieutenants in Vietnam and my hospital was 29th evac. If it helps dad served in I Corp, 2nd Corp and 3rd Corp while with 1st Air Cab and in 4th Corp when with MacVee.
This is for Milt Aitken. In 1965, I worked out of IV Corps Hq and spent time flying with Lt. Col. Archie Carpenter on several operations. I have been trying to locate him for a long time. Do you remember Major Burt Weber, detachment commander? Capt, James Sender, provost?
Col. Merrick? Col. George Burton? Col. Martin Sullivan? I was in Aiken Compound the day the Otter hit the wires. Two friends of mine were on the plane. The pilot wasn’t drunk, but just making his last flight before rotating home. His rotation was delayed. Also, do you remember Staff Sgt. Benjamin Barns and Capt. Gerald Devlin, 44th BDQ?
Thanks for the info, Giles. Unfortunately, I don’t remember those names. I roomed with Gary Graves. I worked with Joe Breunig,
Paul Phillips, Dick Brown, and an Lt Col whose name escapes me. I played handball most noons, most often with one of the operators on Switchboard Weasel. I do remember that I acquired a taste for Brandy Alexanders — and big shrimp from Rach Gia.
Milt, I probably knew your roommate. I accompanied a Major Breunig in 1965 to a ARVN training center at Cai Von and fired on a range there with he and several others. I have photos of Breunig.
The TROA/MOAA magazine noted the passing of both Joe Breunig and Paul Phillips in the 1980s. I think that Gary is still living, most likely in Florida.
Milt,
You may be referring to my father, Joe Breunig. He passed away on June 27, 1992. His description of that assignment included arriving in Saigon a few days before Thanksgiving 1964. He served with the IV Corps Advisory Group in CanTho as an advisor to the Regional and Popular Forces. He wrote a short description of that assignment
I welcome any questions you have or any information you have about my father’s service.
Mike Breunig
Mike –
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your father. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Sorry that my estimate of the date of his death was so far off. I knew that I had noted it in the magazine, but my memory is not so good that far back.
Milt
Mike –
Contact Giles Myers on this bulletin board. He has pictures of your dad, Major Breunig.
Giles,
Milt Aitken sent me a message indicating that you may have some photos of my father, Major Joe Breunig. If so, let me know about the most convenient way for you to transmit them.
Per a previous message, my father arrived in Saigon a few days before Thanksgiving 1964. He served with the IV Corps Advisory Group in CanTho. These contacts with men who knew my father are exciting. His service history is important to our family.
Thanks
Mike Breunig
I was with George Stafford Eckhardt the senior IV Corps advisor crew chief on Green Delta 777 at Can Tho / Eakin compound
I rode on Delta 777 several times. It was the generals helo.
During my time in Name 67/68
Carl, it might have been Tarry the gunner crew chief on 777
http://tinypic.com/r/66vpsy/9
I was a photographer and traveled with the General D several times in D777
You may have known Tarry McGovern also
http://tinypic.com/r/66vpsy/9
I was in the 346 Medical. The Doc made a house call for the General at IV HQ. I drove there and waited in the jeep. The Doc came out with a paper coffee cup with the General’s pee, no lid. Handed it to me and said he would drive back. I think he hit every bump he could on the two block ride.
Any of you guys happen to have any photos of the MACV compound and soccer field Can Tho circa 68 – 70 I was gunner for the CO but only a short 30 day assignment TDY which is how personnel provided helicopter and crews for the Commander. The crews were from different companies. I was stationed at Soc Trang and served in the 336th and 121st gunships until 1970. The soccer field was a dropping point for KIA ARVN and before the TDY we dropped off many KIA at the far end of the field. I think the soccer field has been gone now for many years since I haven’t been able to see it in google earth. materene@yahoo.com
Materene. Did you know a Gary McQuire from Sand Springs, OK. Gary few on med evac into the soccer field at Eakin in 69-70. Went to high school with Gary. I was barrack in Eakin during this time but did not know Gary was on one of those choppers until I ran into him at Ft Sill.
Sorry I didn’t ever personally meet or know any of the dust off crews, at one time before I came to Soc Trang Dust off was stationed there at Soc Trang. We had what was known as swing missions where they would assign one ship to other places and it was these swing missions that we would ferry in KIA into the soccer field. When I was sent TDY to fly gunner for the MACV commander I was in the gunships and this was a normal thing for each company to provide a gunner and crew chief and pilots from all the companies of the Group, sorta like a number in a hat drawing. It was fun but I was ready to come home after 30 days back to Soc Trang. Most people in my company never knew the soccer field existed nor did they ever see it on take off and landings out of Can Tho. In the mornings when we would go to the field to pick up the CO we just hovered over from the runway and never bothered to take off and circle since it was so near. People in my company still talk about the racetrack in Saigon when I mention this soccer field, they have no idea to this day it was there if they hadn’t been there 50 plus years ago. About that racetrack , I was there for almost three years and I never ever saw a Horse in all my many travels over the Delta heh
Sent you some photos attached to an email. We were the first troops to occupy compound on or about November 10, 1962.
Ron Arndt
I was with the group in 62 and we had a few situations. Order was to clean your weapon daily. On of the boys was doing that but he forgot to take the magazine out of his grease gun the walls were not bullet proof I was in bed reading and the round knocked the book from my hands. I planted some banana trees between the new units. All grew well except one that the navy folks watered with urine. Don Bales
I have several photos of Eakins compound, including the soccer field and areas around the compound. You can email me at nallymap@yahoo.com. Was there May 68-May 69. Michael
Michael: I was at Eakin late 68 to 69. Worked in MACV hqs as clerk. Would like to see your pics.
Jim Carcioppolo, SP4
Were your quarters just up from the EM club? I think I was across from you. Your name is weak in my mind. I was with the 346 Med.
Jim – I believe we shared a room at Eakin for a while with others that worked at Le Loi. I worked at Chieu Hoi from 8/68 – 10/70. I spent a few weeks in the Delta last December and found that Can Tho had really grown up and had difficulty find any of the old haunts. It was great to explore this time without getting shot at. We covered 10 – 12 provinces and most had grown together. Hope life is treating you well.
Duggins—- are you from Springfield, Mo. At lunch time at Eakin’s I kept a code book with all the current code names while a guy ate lunch in the mess hall. I remember he was from Springfield.
Sorry for delayed response. Yes I was from Springfield, Mo but have ended up in south Florida. I remember your name and believe we dined and drank some together. I forgot where you were assigned. Hope life has and is treating you well.
I was assigned MACV Team 96 June 1968 at Eakin Compound. I was E5 and designated as Gen Eckharts enlisted aid. That meant I was in charge of the swimming pool, basketball court, EM bar and delivering compound mail which I picked up every morning at the airfield. Spent many nights on guard duty looking out over the soccer field and surrounding area. Great job until I was pulled out of Eakin late one night and transfered to Long Binh after the start of a prison riot at Long Binh jail in August 68. My MOS was 95B Military Police working out of classification as the General aide, when the riot took place I went back to the MP’s. I have some photo’s of the compound but would love to see more.
Ted Keech MACV Team 96 June 68 thru Aug 68, 18th MP Battalion Long Binh Aug 68 thru June 69.
I was your opposite. I went over to the 18th MP Brigade (I was attached as a photographer to CID). Then transferred to team 96. My orders said Phu qua island. I was side tracked in can tho. My orders relived of duty in Phu qua. Never stepped foot on the island.
Michael, I served with a rifle security MP team at Can Tho airfield and Eakin compound Oct. 65, Mar. 66 would very much like to see pictures of area. Stay well.
Where have the decades gone? I served with ADV TM 96 August 65 – Aug 66. I was an infantry advisor with the 807 RFPF Company. Their company commander fought the French at Dien Bien Phu. My son and I returned to Can Tho in 2016. It has totally changed but the soccer field wall, parts of it still stand. Of course how we remember Eakin Compound no longer exists except for a few buildings. But they too have changed. The people were very nice. Best, Gabe Zinni
Gabe, you and I shared a room at Eakin Compound. i was a member of the Artillery Advisory Team to the 36th Artillery Batalion, ARVN, at Binh Thuy from May 1965 to May 1966. What a coincidence to find your post here. Hope the years since Viet Nam have been good to you. Keith Huff, Springfield Mo. khuff2332@sbcglobal.net
Greetings Michael. My name is Eric Miller. We served together in the security platoon at Eakin Compound during the summer of 1968. I was subsequently transferred to Advisory Team 50 near the Cambodian border. I have photos of you. I also recall our conversations…mostly to do with your life in Brooklyn…Flatbush. My email address is ermiller1947@gmail.com I would enjoy hearing from you. Eric
Dear Michael
I was on MACV advisory team 96 70-71 Would love to see your pictures of Eakin compound. you can send chs707@comcast.net
Hope your family is safe and well.
Take care Chuck Herbst
Hello, I have lots of photos of Can Tho from 1967 to1972 (almost 2000 altogether) that I can share with you. I’m Patrick Gillis from MACV Team 56.and was stationed in Can Tho. My e-mail address is “pgilli20@yahoo.com”
Sincerely, Patrick Gillis
Would very much like to see some of those pictures.
Hello Dean, Thanks for your e-mail about the delta pictures. I have 32 folders with a total of 2343 digital images on a flash drive.Please e-mail to me your best phone number so that I may call you to explain the procedure to send them to you. When were you on Team 96 in Can Tho?. Sincerely, Patrick Gillis “pgilli20@yahoo.com”
my name is Steve Cornish, i was at eakin compound from 12/68 to 12/69. I was a pfc on arrival and worked with SFC longsworth and LT Ed Hill in G4 Transportation. I spent most of my time on hueys and chinooks all over the Delta. went out with troops, delivered rations, delivered ammo and even Agent Orange barrels. Picked up prisoners, and even was at 9th inf in Dong Tam. Saw a lot of stuff and in some hairy conditions. Also in G4 was SGT Ed Dorosch who i believe was from Erie PA. I also was with 2 ARVN counterparts. I sometimes wonder whatever happened to them. My older brother Jack was there in the Marines up near Con Thien who also survived the TET offensive. He was wounded twice and i got to see him on Okinawa in April 69. He passed away almost 6 years ago from heart disease and i miss him so much, we shared so many stories every week over the phone. I was in the army from 7/68 to 1/71.
Warren Smith was in Can Tho from 10/95 -11/96 was on my way to an outpost in Cambodia when we stopped at the airfield in Can Tho where I found out the outpost had been over run the night before the First Sergeant name was Pritchard from America Soma also remember a Sgt Estes who kept the compound in water and the officers pool full all so. Donald Kopauh and a Richard Pulley spelling of name maybe off but they may remember the Bongo drum
I was at Eakin Compound June 65-May 66. Worked as an advisor to ARVN IV Corps RF/PF. (Dick Brown, are you out there?) Rode with them in Hueys to all 14 provinces. Warmest welcome was at ARVN Cao Lanh National Training Center, where the advisors actually had a water ski boat to use on the (very dirty) Mekong.. Played handball at lunchtime – without head cover, and now visit dermatologist regularly for skin cancer on scalp. Also went through a prostatetectomy thanks to Agent Orange.
Does anyone remember installation of first Special Services swimming pool in Vietnam – pump muddy water from under the liner and clean water on top of the liner? Or the morning the daily Otter to TSN buzzed the compound and caught a wire on the landing gear? Or drinking lots of chocolate milk because the white milk tasted like chalk?
Doc Dellaroca? Nice guy, roomednext to him.
PJ,
Yes, Della Rocca is still very nice. I have contacted him and his family
I roomed right next to him also, right by the bunker and officers club. Great guy, where is he now? Thanks.
I was assigned to the 346 Med Dispensary just a block down from the fountain/bunker March 68 to Feb 69. I was billeted at Eakin just down from the EM club. My Doc was on the other side of the compound. I remember the FOOD was great for army chow. It was better than army chow. Anyone go on sick call?
Dennis–I am always thrilled when I learn of someone with particularly fond memories of the food (mess) at Eakin Compound. From April 1967 thru November 1968 I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association, as such I was in charge of all food, beverage, billeting and other related activities during that year-and-a-half. I wrote a book about my experiences during that time. “Talk About A Mess–It Happened in Vietnam”. The book is available on Amazon. Check out the comments made by Maj. Warren Hues, Compound Commander from August 1968 and forward. I look to hear from you. Terry (1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC
Got the book. Remember .much from it although we traveled in/on different levels. I remember the mess hall renning out of coffee one cold morning. Your jeep ride to the Air Force field was interesting. The 29th Evac was next to it. One night I drove the crackerbox there with the Doc and patient in the back. We couldn’t ger a dust off. MP jeep went with us. Remembering weapons fire as we crossed the bridge returning. Never had a chance to thank the MPs. Thanks guys. This sticks out in my mind.
Dennis–It is great that you have “THE BOOK”. I’m sorry about running out of coffee. This is the first I’ve heard about this, but remember we were scheduled to serve 900 meals a day, and we were servicing over 1,200 on a regular basis. Again I thank you for telling the world that the food served at Eakin was very special. All Best–Terry
Terry I am not accepting your apology on running out of coffee. I think the statue of limitations has run out decades ago. To follow up on it, I woke that morning wrapped up in both blankets. Got up and looked for and put on any and all the warm clothing I had. Thats when I went to breakfast. I will say that I feel that you did spoil us with the food and service. So 50 years later, THANK YOU!
I wish there was a way to post a picture or two on this page.
Thanks for all you have done for us then and now. Dennis
Dennis–You can post pictures on trdinan@rcm.com — All Best, Terry
Dennis–You can post pictures on trdinan@rcn.com — All Best, Terry (it is “n” not “m”)
I must of ate your food, I was there at Eakin Compound from May 66 – Dec 67. Started out as a Security Guard, then they found out I had a TS Clearance and moved me to the Msg Ctr at Hq’s where I was Asst TS Custodian and I flew throughout S VN via Air America setting up a courier route. I still have some menu’s somewhere.
Hello, for those of you who were at Eakin Compound my father was stationed there for a time, Kenneth Russell. He never talked about his time in Vietnam and, sadly, I only discovered some Super 8 footage he shot after he passed away last year. I’ve started digitizing the film and thought this group might be interested in seeing it. It looks like Christmas of 1967. I know my Grandmother provided the Christmas Tree you’ll see in the first few minutes. Lots of footage of the surrounding town (I think), basketball, and tennis. I have another reel I’ll be loading this weekend. If anyone has more information I’d be happy to hear about it. Here’s the link for those interested. vimeo.com/284459230
Jesse–I join many others in thanking you for posting your fathers videos. The timeless images of places and people bring to mind many memories. I was in Eakin Compound from April 67 – November 68 (1Lt. Dinan, Custodian, Can Tho Mess Association). I wrote a memoir of my time there–“Talk About A Mess – It Happened in Vietnam”–available through Amazon. I do not recall interacting with your dad, but, we shared a good deal of time, space and experiences. My photoes and stories will describe a lot of what your father lived through. All Best wishes.
Terry
Hi Jessie,
Yes I was there from March 1967 till march 1968 my name is Bernard Servello , some of the people in the Video I recall it was great that you shared that with us. Yes I knew some of the people that died and think about them often, Vietnam never left any of us, never.
My email is (bservello24@hotmail.com) i do hope most of us are still around so send message to say hello.
Jesse,
I was stationed at Eakin Compound, from May 1966 to May 1967.
I knew your Dad and might have a few photos of him.
We were in the same platoon and possibly squad, bunking within feet of each other.
We spent a lot of time together as young kids in the unit.
Every once and a while, I have these thoughts of the guys, I met back then and what ever happened to them and the kind of lives we all had afterwards. Life changes so differently and quickly. We were young,..your dad was a very nice and sensible person. Helpful, enjoyed a good laugh, dependable and all around the kind of friend, i should have stayed in contact with.
Who knew ???? Who “cared”,…we just wanted to get home, see our families, girl friends and get out of Vietnam!
About two years ago, I had this same feeling as i had today,…thinking of Team 96. I went to the internet and looked for John C. White,…..I knew he died there after I left. Killed on the compound, possibly by an ARVN soldier.
Your dad might have been the one who wrote me and told me about it.
Same as today, a family member was asking about his Uncle John,…did anyone know him,….he bunked next to me.
I contacted the nephew, we spoke by phone and then his Dad, John’s brother called me and we spoke and e-mailed for a brief while.
It is difficult to carry on conversations, as they can only go so far.
John, Ken, Ernie aka “Spanky” and a few others ….we all hung together. We were always in groups of 3 or 4,…for security and trust. Your dad is so vivid in my memory….it is chilling! He was soft spoken, reserved and I think maybe from New England area,….that I can’t remember. John White was from Winthrop, Mass….an Elvis fan,…..drove me nuts with his record player. A lot of us used to like the Four tops, Temptations, etc etc. I would like to know where Ken was from for sure.
I think your dad and I arrived almost on the same day or time. i can’t remember if we were basic and / or AIT together. I did basic training in Fort Bliss Texas and AIT in Fort Ord.
I am from New Jersey,…..still live here. I had three daughters and married the girl I met before being drafted. I was married for 43 years until she passed in 2015. I’m sorry to hear about your Dad.
Ironically, I was thinking of a different guy today,…i think his name was Ron Starling and was from Florida.
When I got back from Vietnam, I flew into Mcguire AFB with 4 or 5 of the guys from Vietnam.
A few members of my family, picked us up at Mcguire AFB at about 1am in the morning and we all went back to my house.
A few stayed over and two guys went to Philly and spent the night with my aunt and uncle who lived only a few miles from the airport. Your Dad might have been one of those guys. We were all excited….Those who came to my house called their families to make arrangements to get home. I can’t even remember their names, but i know Starling went to Philly to get a flight to Florida.
I can’t find Starling,…although he had a few posts on sites and i just did not have the time.
I tried to reach Spanky,…he lived in Princess Ann Maryland and I was unsuccessful. one of my daughters went to school in Norfolk and even stopped in Princess Ann as I drove her to Virginia many times. Just gave up.
I have a business in New Jersey,…started it 48 years ago.. Just sold the property and will probably close the business as the family (girls and husbands) have no interest in having it. It was successful,….three weddings and college educations so everyone is happy.
i do not use social media,…straight old school. You want me then…. call me, write me make an appointment….if you need to speak, feel free to do so. I’ll do my best to give you all i can remember,….truthfully,….I hope Ken’s life was good. I’d take a dozen friends like him as I knew him for that short time. Again,…who knew ???
Bill Sonsini
11 Bentley court
Somerdale, NJ 08108
home 856-346-1185
cell 856-912-1185
business 856-858-6600
Leave a message!
Most of all,…Wishing you Peace and God’s blessings…..Ken your Dad,…..you were blessed!
Bill Sonsini
I served with you Dad and he looked me up years ago, sorry to hear he passed away!! I was there at Eakin Compound from May 66 – Dec 67. Started out as a Security Guard, then they found out I had a TS Clearance and moved me to the Msg Ctr at Hq’s where I was Asst TS Custodian and I flew throughout S VN via Air America setting up a courier route.
Thanks for the videos, that was great of you to bring them to life and share. I knew a lot of those guys and saw your Dad in there a couple times. If there is anything I can ever do for you please call me. Dennis Starling (853) 640-5500 in Florida. I am in touch with another guy that served with you Dad, Wayne Hancock, who lives about 30 minutes from me.
Hello, my father Kenneth Russell passed away last year and when I was looking through his things I came across two Super 8 reels of his time in Vietnam. Doing some detective work I determined much of it was captured at Eakin Compound around Christmas in 1967. I’ve made a digital transfer of the first one and I’m working on the second. Googling for more information I came across your group and thought it might be of interest? Here’s the first link. I’ll have the second one up in a couple of days. /vimeo.com/jesserussell/krussellvietnam1
Thanks for posting the link to the video. It is appreciated.
Thanks for the videos, Jesse. I don’t recall your dad, but the place and many of the scenes are familiar. I was there thru Tet and went home on Feb 13 68. The compound housed men from all service branches, but most of us were Army. What was your dad’s job? Do you have any more videos to share?
Yes, I liked the Chrismas tree very much. Do you still have contact with members who worked with you at 346 th Dispensary? I think Shilling, Lucas, Dr. Della Rocca, and etc..
A few years ago I located Dr. Della Rocca and emailed his clinic up in NY. Not sure how he is doing today. I have not had any contact with anyone in the 346th. I would like to make contact. There was a man on one of the teams out in the jungle who would come in and get medical supplies. I am in contact with him and even meet up with him on occasions. Fig was his name. I remember Art Shilling but have no idea who Lucus is. Contact me direct at dennisofcoonbottom@att.net
Brothers, as I write this, Jim Laughlin, 1LT, S2 (air) team 56, is in the final hours of his battle with Agent Orange induced Parkinson’s disease. God bless Jim Laughlin. God bless us all.
Rest in Peace mighty warrior! You have performed a job well done. Receive your honor now and forever.
He is in my prayers!
How many of you got three small pox vaccinations in 1962? One before leaving the US, number two because a Col. driver had chicken pox and he thought it was small pox, and number three because a Can Tho cop I was working with had a very young daughter who died of small pox.
We got shots every pay day. Lord forbid if you lose your shot card. When we landed in Alaska on the way home they unloaded the plane to fumigate. We had to stand outside in the cold until they checked everyone’s shot card before they let us inside.
Good book Terry. It was a bit ahead of me arrived Can Tho March 1962 spent first night in a tent at the air field, then was moved to a first floor hotel room. Stayed in the hotel until Eakin was opened. Worked at the Com Center with two CW Radio operators. Can’t remember any names. Both men were hit by grenade fragments at the bar at the end of the block (down from the hotel). A barber shop was next to the hotel, and our dining room was a restaurant in the same block. Wish I could remember names. Had to go back to Vietnam 1970-71 as 1SGT ADMS Company Phu Lam
As I recall pay was done in mpc. The pay officer use the library. When the pay was counted out and you bent over to count it the medics were there giving shots at the same time.
I was a First Lieutenant assigned to DMAC and was based out of Eakin Compound from July ’69 to August ’70. Spent a lot of time on the Mekong and in the IV Corps provinces. Came back with two high-grade Agent Orange Cancers and a Bronze Star. Served alongside some great guys over there – and yes, “We were soldiers once, and young”.
Hi Lt. Bedrosian. I remember you. I was an E-5 assigned to the G-2 section at 4 Corps HQ at Trai Le Loi. I worked with Lt. Sarnacki, Lt. Rougeau, Lt. Webb and others. I arrived in Can Tho in May 1969 and extended twice and went home to go back to school in July 1971. I lived in the Villa next to the USO on Nguyen Trai St.
Sorry to hear about your medical problems and I hope you’re doing well now. I’ve lived in the Orange County/L.A. area for about 40 years and am retired now.
Remember Beau Rougeau well. We were in OCS together and DEROS’d out of Vietnam at the same time. I called Beau back in 1986 when I travelled through Louisiana–he was practicing law at the time I talked to him. Hope you’re doing well Rich and enjoying your richly deserved retirement . Living up in Paradise, California now and enjoying my retirement as well.
Welcome to the agent orange club.
In 69 I was at ft Sam Houston.
Ets May 1969.
Everyone who had Agent Orange problems should be awarded a purple heart for combat related injury.
I’m still fighting with VA over disability from side effects of agent Orange, stroke, heart problems, diabetes and the list goes on.
Couldn’t agree more Carl. Like you, if I got a Purple Heart for every serious malady I got after coming home from Nam I wouldn’t have had room for my other medals.
I also developed prostate cancer due to agent orange exposure, God only knows how many have been affected. Luckily I have been cancer free after radiation treatment, keeping fingers crossed.
I was at Eaken from may69 to May69 Infantry MOS, but was blessed to have been placed into Eakin’s security platoon. I was a Sp4. I knew a willie Sparks, who I believe may have married a isfnameseaoman. Henry Zeirer, of St. Cloud, Minn. was in my platoon. I recall myself and others cleaning our rifles down at the far end of our hootch. A kid from Brooklyn aim and shot at an elderly”papa-San, apparently not properly clearing his weapons.,papasan died on the spot. I often think of what happened to the shooter? Don’t know as I was short and deros’d about a month later. Strangest thing- I have a photo of myself and the old man, taken shortly after getting off nigh guard duty. I occasionally look at the photo- Affer all thaws years. Have prostate cancer also.
I spent a little time at Can Tho since it was my Bn headquarters and also being TDY for a short time with my Gp the 164th. That TDY was how I was acquainted with the soccer field. I had dropped off KIAs there before but being the gunner for the MACV chief’s chopper I was in and out everyday for a month. Then I returned to Soc Trang back to flying gunship with the T-Birds and later moved to the 121st at Soc Trang and flew gunner their with the Vikings. I was reading your comments on the guy accidentally shooting the poppasan and we had a few drunks at Soc Trang that would shoot thru walls and other assorted places. It goes like that old saying we hear “keep your head on a swivel” boy how true was that. We also from time to time had accidental firings of our aircraft guns in revetment and even bird dogs coming in and accidentally firing off a rocket . I guess that’s why they gave us combat pay heh glad you made it out alive. Live long stay safe and talk at cha later
Tom Materene
Good luck to you also. Seems like a dream.
Greetings Michael…
My name is Eric Miller. We served together in the security platoon in Eakin from May 68 to early fall 68. I was transferred to Advisory Team 50 near the Cambodian boarder.
I recall our conversations. A lot to do with your home in Brooklyn and mine in Indiana. I have a picture of you outside the bullets holding a pet puppy.
Hope you are well aside from the prostrate cancer. I as well had the same problem.
My email address is ermiller1947@gmail.com . I would love to hear from you.
Welcome home.
Eric
Harrison,
My husband spent 3 tours in Vietnam.
He was in Agent Orange areas.
VA Denied his treatments and Service disability three times. They said he was not in Vietnam. He had Honorary discharge DD 214. He died 4 months ago with related Agent Orange illnesses.
Sorry for the loss of your husband.
Keep fighting for widow benefits.
His VN service has to be on DD-214. You should contact VFW. They can help you
Dear Lt Bedrosian:
I worked with Richard Lyon from 70-71 in the OB shop. Was there 70-71.I saw in a previous post you had been to Louisiana in 1986 and that you had seen LT Beau Rougeau where he was working as an attorney. Do you remember in what city he was living? Also, I know everyone referred to him as Beau but was that his real name, middle name or something else?
Richard and I have been trying to locate him for the past year. Any information you can give me would be helpful.
Sorry to hear about your exposure to Agent Orange and during these times hope that you and those you love are safe and well.
Take care, Chuck Herbst (Sp 4)
I was stationed in Can Tho 9/66….6/67. Does anyone recall a bunch of san pans getting shot up by spooky in the middle of the night…lots of civilian casualties. Medics came to the compound looking for people to give blood…I think it was a Sat night because most everybody was drunk…and or sleeping. Not sure of the date.
Terry, finished you book today. It brought back things I had forgotten. The crap game which I had to pass to get to my room. E3 I think it was. The room next to it, E4, someone shot themself before my arrival. I remember the MPC change over. One thing I don’t remember was getting paid. I know I did, but not sure if it was at the compound. I liked your description of the drive to Binh Thuy. I did it several times once the 29th Evac moved in near the AF base wss. One night we need a dustoff to land at the succor field. Couldn’t get one. I drove the crackerbox with patient, Doc and one other. Helmet, flack jacket and greece gun and into the darkness we went. Did have an MP jeep eith M60 mount with us.
Dennis–Good show. Thanks for the report. If you had not been paid–you would remember that.
Terry
Hello Terry. Finished your book in one cold, rainy day in Florida. Great read.
I spent one night at Eakin enroute to Phong Dien (team 56). The Shotguns were entertaining the troops that night. I remember them singing Westmoreland’s Cathedral. And making light of a Comtac advertisement.
Getting food from the commissary was always an ordeal. First one of our team had to hitch a ride to Cantho. The bridges were out and choppers were rare. Once at the airfield we had to hitch a ride to Eakin. Usually by the time we got there all that was left were lobster tails and ribs. Great choices but, without refrigeration, not the best choices. then we had to find a way back. Interesting.
Never ate at Eakin. Sorry I missed it. Sounds wonderful.
Again, thanks for a wonderful read. Lots of memories.
Larry Rekart
SSG Medic
3/68 – 2/69
Larry I am happy to learn that you shared the privilege of attending a “Shot-Gun” performance, I thought they were great. It is a shame that you did not get to enjoy the dinning experience at Eakin Compound.
Thank you so much for your kind words about “MESS”, it means a lot to me to hear that I achieved my two goals; give a good read and spark memories.
All Best,
Terry
terry…where can I find your book….I was at eakin for my tour…macv team 96 in 67/68
dynamo33 – We really picked the ideal time for our tours of duty, after all we even got to experience the TET. My book, TALK ABOUT A MESS, It Happened in Vietnam, is available on AMAZON.
I appreciate your interest and look forward to your comments.
All Best,
Terry
terry…I received your book today but didn’t start reading it yet…went thru the pics in it…you have a good memory….I really can’t remember eakin compound looking like a damn resort and I was ther in 67/68
dynamo33…I’m happy to learn that the BOOK is in your hands. I wish I had been taking pictures with a book in mind, but I feel lucky to have what I have been able to share. Enjoy the read and expect it to spark your memories. We must have been within touching distance on a number of occasions.
Terry
I was in the security team….just wondering if you recall the compound being harassed by small arms and mortars..i’m sorry if I annoy you with these questions
dynamo33–Other than during the TET I do not recall any small arms harassment, however, we were sporadically assaulted by mortars and rockets. The injuries afflicted during these attacks usually had nothing to do with the enemy artillery and everything to do with bad judgement on the part of our soldiers.
Terry
Remember soccer field well.. met some crazy guys. One afternoon we got mortared. Rounds went thru room of mess and thru roof of a room over towards east side of compound, across from Vietnam hospital. Round wet thru of but didnot explode. What a trip.
Terry, life went on as usual. I was amased with service at Eakin. The food was good to very good. Thanks for you service in making that aspect of life good. I did get a copy of your book. Enjoying the shit out of it.
My encounter with military “Royalty.”
Being assigned to a little medical unit in Can Tho where the headquarters for all military operations in the Mekong Delta was located. The dispensary being located in a house on a street and not on any compound, it offered easy access to Army, Air Force, Navel as well as foreign and civilian personal. This openness kept us busy at times and we were one doctor short on staff.
One day I answered the telephone, “346th medical detachment, may I help you Sir?” The unknown voice on the other end of the line stated he needed to talk to the doctor. Since the doc was in with a patient, I asked if I could call back when he was free. The man said, in a voice with an accent I was unfamiliar, “Have him call ‘George Eckeer’ at ####. I confirmed the number. When the Doc came out of the treatment room I informed him of the call. His eyes got big, really big and said that was General Eckardt! Now Major General Eckhard was the top official of all operations in the delta. He answered to General Westmoreland or the Pentagon and the Present. The Doc called immediately! When he hung up the phone he grab his bag and told me to drive to VI Corp HQ, which was a block up the street and around the corner.
When we arrived the Doc told me to stay in the jeep as he went in. After several minutes pass the Doc came out holding a paper coffee cup with no lid. It was three quarters full of a yellowish liquid. He had the General pee in the cup! The Doc handed the cup to me and said he would drive. Well when we got back to the dispensary the cup was just under half full due to the actions of the Doc’s driving. I took the cup into the lab for the lab tech to do his thing with it. I went off to wash my hands…
Dennis–Having been the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association from April 67 – November 68, I encountered the same “Royalty” as you did. You will enjoy my book “Talk About A Mess-It Happened in Vietnam” (available through amazon.com). Gen E and all the others are detailed therein. What happened after you washed your hands?
Terry Dinan
I remember Eakardr. We had to guard his ass at night.
Received today a copy of Talk About a Mess – – ‘. I am wondering if you were the person who, when the Doctor had a few of us the OC, ran us out. Thus pissing the Doc off.
Dennis–That would have been another a–hole. Enjoy the book and report!!!
Terry
I was there Feb 68 to Feb 69. I was with the 346 Medical Dispensary around the block from IV Corp HQ.
I was there 67-68 Ekin compound.
I was there from late 67 to about 9-68
Dale: I was at Eakin from may68-may69. I think you were short when I arrived. I have a photo of you and me together. You were holding an M-60mg and I had an M-14. I can send it to you via email if you like. My email is nallymap@yahoo.com. Funny, I never forgot your name. Mike Nally
Dale: you don’t remember me, but I arrived at Eaken May68-May69..mos 11b10. and stationed@Eaken with a light-weapons MOS was the luckiest day of my life. Within a few days of arriving you and me were photographed near on of the guard towers, you holding an M-60 and me with an M-14. I was a nervous new years and you were a friendly guy to me. Funny,but I never forgot your name. I can email you that photo and a few others if you like. My email is. Nallymap@yahoo.com. You should have gotten a Purple Heart. After you derided a young sp-4, who usually worked in the officewas real short. He volunteered to extend for an early put. One nikghe he was driving the water tanker truck from the airfield to eakin when a pissed off MP fired an M-79 round through the roof of the tractor. Blew off both of the kids feet. I have photos oof tractor. I think the wounded GI was Dennis, but am not certain..another afternoon a kid in our platoon, from Brooklyn shot to death our papa-San. We were cleaning our M-16’s for a while when he pulled the trigger;poor guy sitting on floor of barrack was dead before he hit the floor. Wonder what happened too him. I was real short so I gave a statement to the coppers, and was deeps soon thereafter.
Stay safe stay well
Michael
My name is Ted Keech. I live in San Jose California. I was with you at Eakin, June 68 thru early Sept when I was shipped up to Long Binh (long story). Recently found binders full of letters I wrote to a girlfriend in San Jose, on almost a daily basis while I was at Eakin. The letters brought back alot of memories along with names, yours being one of them. When I returned home to California the girlfriend became my wife. A few years latter she became my ex-wife. She burned all my photos, but kept all the letters. Reading them brought reality to recollection. Don’t know if you remember the kid from California, but I can tell you what we did at Eakin on almost a daily basis between June 13th and Sept 6th 1968. Hopefully you can remember more than what was in my letters, because all I wrote home about was drinking, playing cards, hanging around the pool and EM club and spending endless hours sitting in guard towers watching nothing. Several other names in the letters that maybe you remember and have information about, they include Mike Nally (I already sent him an email), Mike Allen, Mike Slade, Willie Sparks, Vincent “Vinny” Libontati (apparently my best friend), Dennis Martin and Jim Smith. My email address: tkeech9320@aol.com, I would like to hear from any of the boyz at Eakin. Apparently we must have drank alot because all of my memories are lost in an alcoholic haze.
Ted–On reading your response to Dale I am behooved to recommend to you that you acquire and read my recount of my time in Can Tho, April 67 – November 68. The book “Talk About A Mess – It Happened In Vietnam” is available through Amazon and it contains many pictures and personalities that are sure to spark you memories. During that period I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association, and as such was in charge of all the clubs and dinning rooms on Eakin Compound along with other responsibilities. I eagerly await your assessment!
Terry (Terrance R, Dinan 1Lt QMC)
Hi Terry – Already have your book but have only gone thru the first 3-4 chapters. As you know, there were two different sides to Eakin, officers and security EM. From what I have seen so far in your book, your point of view is from what I remember to be the south side of the compound. My entire time at Eakin was confined to the EM side (I believe it to be the north side). I did work in the mail room at the back of the compound but that was about as close as I got to any officers. I should finish reading your book within the next few days and will get back to you with my overall thoughts. Thanks for your contact.
Ted Keech
Ted:
Sorry for waiting so long to reply. I remember you and Slade, Sparks, Libinoti. and many others. Seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago.. Slade was from Connecticut, Libinoti from Little Italy in Manhattan. He moved to PA. Sparks swore he was going to marry a Vietnamese woman he met. I always wondered what happened. I recently headed from Eric Miller. I also have loads of photos that I would like to send to Eric.
Best to all VN vets. What a waste of a war. “We were (blessed) soldiers once….and young”
Michael. Nallymap@yahoo.com
Hey Mike – Good to hear from you. Hope you are well and in good health. I remember all the discussions about getting together “in the world” after the war. Unfortunately when I left Vietnam I left everything behind, memories and friends. Just picked up civilian life that I left off when drafted and went on from there. It’s been only recently that I find myself looking back often, wondering what happened to those who were friends in “the Nam”. Thank you for replying to my post and if you don’t mind I will send a followup email explaining in more details what has happened during the past 53 years. One thing I have been involved with lately and that is making sure that those of us that served in Vietnam are taking advantage of the VA Medical. There are so many benefits and compensations relating to exposure to “Agent Orange” that many Vet’s are not aware of. Our country owes us for our service and we need to be compensated for any problems related to Agent Orange. Hope to talk again!
Ted Keech – 1968-1969
Greetings Ted,
My name is Eric Miller. We served together at Eakin Compound in 1968. Both were assigned to the security unit. Ted, I recall your name. And little else if truths be known. That said, my curiosity has no bounds.
Mike Nally was a mutual friend in the same unit. As circumstances played out, I was reassigned to Advisory Team 50 near the Cambodia border in the early fall of 68. I remained there until May 1969. It was a place at the polar opposite end of the spectrum from Eakin. A kind of redoubt that stood for little but meant a great deal especially as target practice for those opposed to our best interests. I grew up there. Someplace between the dark nature of our being and the sacred calling of the lonely warrior poet. Anyway, enough for now.
Ted, I would enjoy hearing from you. Especially interested in your progression post war and maybe a few anecdotes when in country. Whatever you deem essential I would appreciate reading. My email address is ermiller1947@gmail.com.
Welcome Home my friend.
Eric
What a great time to have been in sunny South Vietnam. From April 67 to November 68 I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association. Great job running all the clubs, messes and a bunch of other things. I wrote a book about my time at Eakin Compound, “Talk About A Mess-It Happened in Vietnam”.
You can get through Amason.com. Read and enjoy!
Terry (1st LT Terrance R. Dinan QMC)
ED Merrigan here…….you should know that I loaned your book to my brother John, who was stationed at Ben Tuie (sp?)about 3 years before I arrived at Can To/Eiken. His brother in law was Quentan DeSantis, a person you devoted part of a chapter to in your book. Quintin has passed but his sons were thrilled to read about their father (an gross understatement.). I owe you a dinner in NYC at some point, just haven’t gotten a round to it.
What I remember. D-777 was generals helo. 4 Corp HQ was down the road . I worked out of a compound for PIO as a photographer. You got gas by the radio tower. Ben tuey(sp) air strip was being built up. Delta and warrior are the two of the units I recall.
There can be no question–DeSantus was a really good guy. We lunched together at Evander Childes HS often in 1959-1961. We became good talking buddies and in many ways I looked up to him. Our meet-up at Eakin in 1968 was really very special for both of us. His children have every reason to be proud of their dad.
het carl….I was there also…eakin compound 67/68 security team
If memories are correct I lived in row K 9.
I worked outside the compound at a villa on the river it was the PIO office as a photographer. You drove past 4 corp HQ past the radio tower turned right and went a quarter of the way to the airstrip the villa was on the right.
As for the compound I recall the soccer field at one end and a ARVAN hospital at another.
I remember the mess hall, the club and a chapel. We had a library and barber shop. The company office was at the front of the compound.
i’m wondering if you would remember say about late Aug. mortar rounda fell in the compound approx. 2 am…I was on the security team at the compound..i was walking the perimeter that nite when we got hit and the hospital……would you remember???
dynammo33, I was both on the security team and drove at times for one the Col. I was there from 9-67 to 8-68. I went from there to the 1st. ID.
do you remember that nite
I do recall that. A bunker was located out side the room. It doubled as a handball court wall and concrete wall for bunker.
My recollection is 27Aug67, as it’s etched on my Zippo…and it was 0200. I’d been to the latrine and was standing beside my rack and looked at my watch. My two roomies were sleeping off their beer. I don’t know about the mortar fire, but a rocket hit the hospital that was close; outside the wire from the back side screened wall of our quarters. The screen had 25 or 30 extra holes, I was looking right at the impact point and was flashblind for a bit and my ears rang. My roomies slept through the whole thing. I recall at least two more incoming detonations. One guy in our bunker had a lacerated arm. On the run to the bunker, some guy hauling ass down that covered walkway, naked except for jap flaps and a steel pot and hollering “incoming!” I was immediately concerned that he’d be next to me in the bunker, it’d take a direct hit and I’d be found next to a naked dead guy.
I was walking the perimeter that nite and a round hit behind the building between tower 1 and 4….just as I came around the connor…my ear caught shrapnel my thumb and fore head…never reported it..i sure wish I would have
Were you still there for Tet?
yes iwas there 6=67 to 6=68
Mike Cox, myself and two other went to 4th Corp Headquarters to help them repel an attack the night of TET. (Long night.) I got a small piece of shrapnel in the stomach a few days later. Never got a purple heart or even a thank you.
Don’t recall the actual reason, but they handed me a BAR (some body took a photo of me & that hunk of iron) maybe 6 full magazines and a bunch of ammo that first night of Tet. A senior NCO gathered up 6 or 7 of us and told us to take care of our corner (we were the line of quarters that ran alongside that hospital and ended next to a tower). We stayed awake all night, waiting for Chuck. Listened to a lot of battle noise and watched aircraft lighting up targets. I can’t vouch for how many nights and days I toted that BAR, but I never had to fire it. I guess we were supposed to reinforce you guys, if it hit the fan. I never did understand why the VC didn’t come at us, instead of the airfield. I was a PIO troop with some time in the mud on operations with American Advisory Teams, but I sure wasn’t a Grunt; nor was anybody else on that corner.
Three or four days into TET, I rode in the back of the Jeep that ran with the water truck to the airfield, as Eakin was out of water. A couple of blocks away from the front gate on the return, VC spring an ineffective ambush on us and we drove through it ( scared as I ever was in Vietnam; multiple, full auto fire, that lasted for maybe 10 seconds. I tried to shrink.) Back inside the gate. Took some sniper fire and lent my M1 carbine to the return fire. Shot up 6 mags. Went by the EM club, got a good old Carlin’s Black Label and drank a couple of cans. I left Eakin on 11 Feb and was Home and discharged on Valentine’s Day 1968.
That water tank truck I had to wear a gas mask. Crawl in side and clean it out. There were several of us assigned to that detail.
Dale see my message, above, to you.
Michael Nally
Michael, I am not sure what message but I read about the BAR and that could have been me giving that to you. I kind of knew most of the weapons and I spent 9 months in Korea on the DMS before Viet Nam. Mike and I were in contact the night of Tet when we went to 4th Corp.
Hello Dale. I remember a guy who volunteered for VN, via ROK and said it was so he “could return fire” or words to that effect…was assigned to drive the IV Corps CG and saved his 1 star bacon during Tet. Is that you?
That was me that picked him up at the airport and drove him back from his R&R out of the country when TET started. There were snipers in the City that took pot shots at us on the way back. I drove him a few times around then. I left in September to the 1st Division.
Your name rang a bell. I was assigned to the PIO with a 13 Feb DEROS. Tet could’ve been a whole lot worse if Charlie had decided to hit Can Tho on our side of town. That first night, we were assigned to defend our corner of the wire and whoever the NCO was set us up handed me a BAR, a bag of magazines and a case of ammo. About all I knew about it was what BAR meant. Had it for a couple of nights and days and somebody else took it over and I didn’t complain. That sucker was heavy.
Neil, The BAR might be heavy but it will punch through a light build as the locals had.
You’re right about the BAR’s heft. At 19 lbs, not including the weight of loaded mags, it was a “man’s weapon”. Even if you were used to hauling an M-14 around, it was still a load if you’re not used to it. But, it fired that hefty 30.06 ball round and it could punch through the walls of most Vietnamese structures, even if yhe were of masonry construction. Also, with a max effective range you could reach out and deal just about any sniper, if you had his position spotted.
The morning after I got home, I took the 12 Gauge Remington down from the wall rack just to heft it. My brother and I had always complained about how heavy and cumbersome it was for a couple of kids like us. After toting an M14 and M1 carbine, then those couple of days with that BAR, the Remington felt like a Daisy BB gun.
Neil, I humped an M14 and 10 mags up and down the Korean hills for 9 months prior the VN and I know what it weighs quite well. The BAR is heavy but I still think it was a good weapon. I carried an M79 and Grease Gun (45 Cal sub-machinegun) during TET. I had 3 M79 out of 18 rounds left after the first night and went through about 10 mags for the grease gun. I had an Air Force Colonel reloading for the grease gun most of the night. But, that is another story.
We’re you at Eakin those first 3 or 4 days of Tet? Not much happened, other than some really tense nights and listening to the fighting around us and intermittent sniper fire. But day 3 or 4 and Eakin was running low on water and I rode in the convoy to the airfield and back. We ran thru some fairly intense fire a couple of blocks or so from the gate. Lots and lots of small arms rounds went around and between us, but nobody hurt. Spent a couple of hours after that exchanging fire with VC across the soccer field. All with my trusty M1 Carbine, that’d served me well in the Big Mud during my assignment as an Army journalist. It was a bunch lighter than the 14, not to mention that BAR.
Neil, I spent first 3 days on the city or at 4th Corps. I fell on my way back to go to sleep and broke my hand. I straighten my hand and went to bed because I had been up for three days. When I woke I went and got the hand cast.
Funny you mention that!!! I was the only one un accountable for that night.,….I was in a hut downtown with a girl for the night. Remember the off limits area, grass shacks with a little walkway through and to them. When I heard the mortars, I said oh shit, and was scared to go back to the compound, so I stayed until early the next morning. I lied and made up a story but the compound commander told me he knew I was lying but he couldn’t prove it, so I was LUCKY!! Spent alot more time at the different grass shacks but never stayed long…lol!!
Dennis Starling, May 66 – Dec 67, Can Tho, VN Adv Tm 96
(863) 640-5500 Would love to hear from anyone that was there that knew me)
Dennis…those were 122mm rockets that hit at 0200 on 27 August 67. My hooch was on the perimeter next to the hospital, where the first one hit. I’d gone to the latrine and was ready to hit the rack, and looked out the back screen. Biggest, brightest BANG I’d heard til then. Scared the bejesus outta me. I’m sure of the date, cause I had it engraved on my Zippo.
My dad was at Cantho and Bin Thuy in 67 and 68. I am interested if anyone knew him or has any stories. His name was Jack Cannon and he was from Mississippi.
Stacy I was in Can Tho from April 67 -Nov 68 and although I do not remember your dad, it is likely that we shared the same experiences. I wrote a book “Talk About A Mess – It Happened In Vietnam”. The book covers that time and place. I think you will find the pictures and stories both informative and fun. It is available thru Amazon.
Terry Dinan
Terry Dinan
Enjoyed your book especially the photos. I was in Can Tho 3/62 to 4/63.
Advisory Team 51 Can Tho MAAG
the Senior Army Advisor was, Col. Wilson “coal bin Wilson”
lV Corp Hq
Sometime in late summer or early fall we became or transfered to Advisory Team 96 Can Tho. MACV
January 1963 a number of us transferred to 232 Signal Company 39th Signal Bn Can Tho
The team was a small number of Army officers and enlisted men.
When I arrived I was housed at the bank building for a short time and then about six of us were moved
To a small commercial building on the road to the Can Tho Airfield.
shortly after PFC Mc Fetridge was killed on Nov 4th 1962 the new compound was ready. We were the
First troops to occupy ( about Nov 12th1962)what was to become Eakin Compound.
I have a number of photos of the compound, Can Tho and the troops who were stationed in Can Tho.
We set up the first comm center at the MAAG HQ . The MAAG Hq was. A couple of blocks from the bank and next to a Catholic Church.
Ron Arndt (PFC U S Army)
Ron,
I happy that you read and enjoyed my book. I really feel that anyone that served will get a kick out of my shared experience. We all had some of the same, both good and bad. You were there during the real pioneer days before things became spit and polish. I can only imagine the adventure you were part of.
All Best–Terry
Just bought ur book
Hello Stacy…was your dad Army, etc? Do you know his MOS (job designation)? Did he bunk at Eakin? I was there during that time & I don’t recall the name, but there’s a lotta things about that time that’ve passed from my memory.
USAF, think he lived in Can tho, maybe he was the BEMO
Neil, thanks for buying and reading my book. There can be no question but that Jay Coupe was a very special character. And, yes Tet was a real treat. All best- Terry
I was the Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association from April 1967 to November 1968. I do not recall the incident you refer to, but, unlike you I have written a book. The title is Talk About A Mess – It Happened In Vietnam. I suspect that you know most of the names and enjoy the stories and photographs. It is available on Amazon. You must get a copy. Happy reading and I look forward to your comments. (1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC – trdinan@rcn .com
I did buy and read your book, Terry…recognized a few folks, including Jay Coupe. What a character: huge grin, bigger laugh. I was Spec 5 and worked for Major Melvin Madsen, USAF…another good man. One of his pals was a veterinarian, drafted and given a commision, named Arendt (sp?)…who picked up a Chicom potato masher grenade off the PSP at the airfield the second or third day of Tet…brought it back to Eakin & showed it to Madsen, who made sure it was secured & disposed of by the Guard grunts. I remember First Sergeant Kachouba (sp?). I didn’t know the General’s driver got a Silver Star, but I was told he’d killed a couple of VC that attacked them on the street a day or so into Tet (guess the General was verrrry grateful). And you filled in some gaps in my recollections of Tet, but I still can’t account for the first couple of days of February. I did ride in the lead jeep that convoyed to the airfield to fill the tank trailer with water sometime during that week. We drove thru a couple of VC attempts to stop us on the return to Eakin, but no one was wounded as far as I know. I DEROS’d Feb 13.
I was IV Corps PIO at Eakin, June thru Feb 13 68. Does anyone recall an incident in 67 (probably last 1/4 of year), maybe early 68. Some enlisted crewman on a low level, night recon mission fell out of an aircraft and lived to tell about it. I don’t know if it was a Huey or some fixed wing aircraft…and the kid was probably an E4 (at least, that’s what my aging memory says). Anyhow, if anybody recollects and can holler back, I’d be grateful. (i’m not writing a book or anything…just something stuck in my head and I can’t remember all of it). Welcome home, everyone…God bless us all.
Rick
The attack from the MP barracks was in Fenruary of ’69. Like I reported the driver who was close to rotating back home lost his foot when the M79 round went through the canvass top of the truck. It was a tough night. You can read the account of the event on the web
I was with team 96 MACV CORDS. Worked in CORDS HQ communications. Visited many other Delta teams to set up radio network. Later assigned to National Police as Village Hamlet Radio Systems NCO. Traveled all over with that job. Also helped with drug interdiction and was counterpart to a Vietnamese that coordinated the phoenix program data with the national police. I seemed to have many bosses! Kind of a jack of a trades going to villages and hamlets all over the Delta with RFPFs, MAT teams and district teams. Flying with Air America to border villages was always exciting, .Those AA pilots in a Porter would land where there was pretty much nothing to land on! Aug 1970 – Jul 1971. Also served with 39th Sig Bn Dec 1965 Jun 1967 (also attached to 9th Infantry on USS Montrose in 1967)
John
I don’t remember the name of the Jeep. I think Copper was from Virginia?
George
I recently sold my home in Middleborough MA and bought in Florida. Still have my cottage on Cape Cod, so I’m now a so called snow bird. Do you remember the name of SP4 Cooper’s jeep?? Jenny
I remember ltc Walker downing . I’m living in a small town in Indiana called logansport. I have been here most of my life. Where are you living? Boston?
George
The best man in the office was Major Kirscher. He was on his second tour and was great at putting me at ease with the situation in country. He said once you have been there for a few months you were short. He left for an assignment in Long Binh in January of 69. I’m sure you remember that LTC Walker died while on Phu Quoc island. He was great to work with. He was replaced by Major Jackson in our office. Where are you living
John Richard: I was curious if you have any details about LTC Walker’s loss on Phu Quoc Island. I am trying to write a tribute for him to post on a veteran website. Thanks.
George
It just came to me, it was Sgt Cameron. I recall he had a bad time in Rach Gia with rocket attacks
George
There was another Sgt in the office who was reassigned from Rach Gia. Can’t remember his name but when I rotated home he met me at Oakland Army base and took me to his home for diner. Next day when my discharge paperwork was complete he picked me up and drove me to SF airport for my flight back to Boston. Nice to hear from you after all these years.
George
Yes I remember you from the Delta Zone coordinators office. Cooper was our driver. Sgt Jadwin was lots of fun. There was another Lieutenant in the office, but forgot his name. Many years ago
I was going to ask you if you remember the lt name. He reminded me of John Denver
Ed,
I am always happy to learn that a reader found my book to be worth the read. Welcome to the list of those who found it meaningful and fun to read.
I welcome the opportunity to share some time with another “Eakin Grad”. Please give me an idea of where in NYC you are likely to be found and what might be a good time and place to get together.
Looking forward,
Terry
Terry,
Just finished reading your book “Talk about a mess”. Thanks for writing it. Despite the fact that I was there many moons after you, a lot of stuff still resonated and was still the case. SNAFU. Glad you came home in one piece. Did not know you were from the Bronx. I was from the Kingsbridge area; live in Yonkers now. I travel into Manhattan for work most days. Would like to buy you a drink and find out how you are doing these days. Up to you.
John,
I am happy that you enjoyed my book and I thank you for your kind comments. As you suggested returning to VN for my final months of active duty was less than a treat, but it seems to have worked out. Congrats by the way on your Bronze Star, although my predecessor was awarded one for some reason I was not.
Terry
Terry
Just finished reading your book “Talk about a mess” Great book! It brought back many memories. You have a fantastic memory, given the great detail of your book.
I liked the chapter about the thieves from the Green Berets I traveled to one of their camps near as I recall Moc Hoa (sp), Over drinks in their O Club I recall them bragging about “reallocation of equipment or material”. They said if they needed a new jeep that would fly out to somewhere like Can Tho, cut the chain on the steering wheel, and fly the jeep back to their camp. Great glee on their part.
As I said, I arrived in Advisory Team 96 about 2 months before you rotated home. You made a great decision to extent for 6 months to avoid being assigned to “who knows where” back in the states. I, as with most everyone else, served 12 months in VN. It is interesting that General Eckhardt arrived during your tour. He awarded me a Bronze Star just prior to my rotation home, and remained in VN following my departure. I now wonder how many months General Eckhardt served in country?
It must have been difficult returning to VN and Eakin compound following your 30 day leave in New York.
Again thanks for all the memories contained in your book.
Jim
The EM’s assigned to Col Walker’s organization were SP 4 Hornbeck, SP 4 Cooper and Master Sargent Jadwin. Do recall any of them from your time at Eakin?
Don’t recall a COL Walker. Was he at MACV HQS? Sp4 Cooper rings a bell. Young kid, always with a smile, arrived a month or so before I left middle/late 69.
John Richards I remember you from Vietnam
Jim
Was Col Dunham a Lieutenant Col or a full bird. I can’t remember
Do you recall when an MP “lost it” and from the roof of the MP barracks downtown started firing an M 79 around the city. I was not in Eakin at the time but barracked at the Ba Sac hotel not far away. We all thought it was a mortar attack. The next day we learned that it was a friendly fire incident unfortunately one of the M 79 rounds passed through the canvas roof on the cab of the water truck and blew the young drivers foot off As I recall the driver was scheduled to rotate home shortly after the incident. I seem to recall that Col Dunham’s organization was responsible for such things as the water truck
John:
Dunham was a full bird. LTCOL Dye reported to him – I recall Dye standing at attention in front of Dunham’s desk. Col Dunham was MACV, concerned with ‘removing’ VC infrastructure in the Delta. I was responsible for, among other things, typing up casualty reports sent to Saigon. I don’t remember the MP incident you’re talking about
My tour was relatively quiet. Two minor mortar attacks on Eakin, a few Eakin guards kllled at night by sappers, a driver of a bigwig arrested for a robbery, a well liked papa san accidently killed at Eakin by a soldier cleaning his weapon. And then lots of watching the movies you mentioned and lots of drinking in the EM club and staggering back to my hooch.
Jim
Jim,
You typed up the casualty reports sent to Saigon? Did you work in the TOC? If so when were you there? I worked in the TOC from June 1971 ’til 19 March 1972 when I went home. I was a very young 19 year old speedy 4. Tall skinny blond kid with a mustache. I stood in front of the G3 a couple of times. Once because I was a very poor typist. We had a SFC Fuller that used to go in and defend me. There was also a Master-Sergeant in the shop that had been with the Big Red One in WWII and fought in the hedgerow campaign. I remember one of my peers was SP4 Chris Spires.
One night we had a Cobra go down in the Mekong there in Can Tho and a Captain Swift from the liaison desk from Can Tho airfield was very upset as the pilot was a buddy of his. Anyway, I was mobilized and at Fort Bliss, TX in 2006 when a Major out of the IRR was assigned to our unit. I was BSing with him and he told me he was a West Pointer and the way he got his appointment was his father was killed in Vietnam. Turned out his father was the pilot that crashed that night into the Mekong. Weird.
Tom
Tom, was the TOC located on the airfield or the MR IV buildings down town Can Tho? I worked in the msg ctr down town from 71 until we relocated to the airfield. I left VN in 72.
Gordon, Yes, the TOC in the MR IV buildings down town Can Tho.
Tom
I thought it was. Do you remember Edgar Martin who worked in S3? He was a great friend. I cannot remember the names of any of the officers and NCO’s in the msg center. I do remember that there was a SFC on the day shift. A SSG and I worked the night shift.
Tom, it does seem possible that you and I were in the TOC together. It was my first assignment when I got there in March 1971 and I left that position in about late August or early September 1971. I worked every other night and was in charge of the G-2 desk and doing morning briefings at the RVN compound where I was in the interpretation booth in the back of the room.
John , would tell the date this happened. I sometimes rode shotgun at night on the water truck that went to Ben Thuy air base to pickup a load of water and return to Eakin. There was three drivers, John from Arkansas, Owen Beck from Alabama, and 1 from Michigan (can’t remember is name). Always made the run at night.
Dynamo 33, I remember watching a dive bomber get shot down while we were standing on top of the bunker between the housing area. I recall some incoming but I don’t believe it hit inside the compound. You have to remember, I had a lot heavier contact when I went to the 1st Infantry Division.
I was at Eakin from Apr 67 thru Nov 68. During the Tet, on 2 Feb 68 I was OD. What a horrible way to spend my 24th birthday. Let me know your thoughts.
Terry Dinan (1Lt QMC)
Dynamo33, He was killed in my room and it was guys messing around with the weapon not cleaning it when they shouldn’t have been. I shared a room with him.
thanks for the respond….can you remember the night we got hit by mortars and recoils….one didn’t explode it was near tower 3 if I recall
I wish I could remember you Dale
Ed Moorigan–I was long gone from Eakin (Nov 68) when you were assigned. I know that the compound was completely demolished at some point, which I find rather sad. Although my book “Talk About A Mess, It Happened in Vietnam” (available thru amazon) covers the period Apr 67-Nov 68 you may find the pictures and content bring back many memories.
Terry Dinan (1Lt QMC)
its too bad I don’t recall the people I served with…theres only one name that comes to mind…Robert White from Boston who was accidently shot and killed cleaning his weapon…what date I don’t recall but it was in eakin compound in 1967
I believe his name was Johnny White. The AK belonged to the CSM and it should not have occurred.
Jim
I recall dealing with Col Dunham a few times. He always supported my needs. Although I can see him to be tough to work with. I seem to recall him out at the Can Tho airfield. Is that where you worked or were you at the Le Loi facility in down town
They always say you remember the good things. I recall Jimmy Stewart visiting. I also remember watching movies like Sand Pebbles with Steve McQueen, The Blue Max and Truman Capote’s movie In Cold Blood in the Eakin compound movie theater. We probably crossed paths in the theater. It was a long long time ago. Nice to rememice with you
John:
I worked with Col Dunham only at the MACV HQS downtown, he shuttled around a lot. I’m sure he was much too preoccupied to deal with a SP4 in his office. Though I did some funny experiences with him — 1) me and my buddy missed our R&R flight from Saigon to Tokyo and were put on a commercial Jet. Who did we did a few seats from us? Col Dunham, who looked more than perplexed to see us there. 2) Dunham’s driver on one occasion was sick and couldn’t drive him to the airport…so I was volunteered. The problem was I had had very little experience driving a stick shift jeep, and I jerked around him pretty good all the way there. He didn’t say a thing.
I do recall the visit of Jimmy Stewart and his wife at Eakin. Did you know their son had died the same day? I didn’t at the time. I shook his hand and really enjoyed the experience.
Jim
I was at eakin from june 67 to june 68 the tet offensive it sucked big time
Paul, do you remember me. I was there and in the fight for the headquarters on Tet. Myself and Mike (Cox) were two of the guys that went to the headquarters to stop the VC there. I worked both as security and as a driver before going the 1st Division in Sept 68.
Paul:
I didn’t arrive at Eakin until Aug of 68, and it was pretty quiet by then except for a few minor rocket attacks. Care to share any details?
Jim
My name is Ed Merrigan, from New York. I lived at Eakin Compound from about Sep 71 to about April of 72. (Much later than many of the posters to this site.)
I was a Spec 5 assigned to the MACV Advisory Team 96 for duty with G-1 Delta Regional Assistance Command, and Headquarters; in the Inspector General’s team, auditing non-appropriated funds (NCO Clubs). Some of the people I worked with were Colonel Brandon Parker, LTC Paul Coroneos, Major Strucker, Captain Pierce, 1LT Settle, and 1LT Darry Del Corro. (Weren’t too many NCOs in the IG Team.)
About Apr 1,1972 the Army Support Element was established and I had to move from Eakin, to Can Tho/Ben Thuy airbase to live. I think Eakin was closing. This was my second tour, and I have very fond memories of being at Eakin, and Can Tho. War was winding down by my time. I don’t think we were ever attacked. Traveled by jeep every morning to the office in downtown Can Tho (wish I could recall exactly where that was; old French building). Sometimes I’d get to the office later in the day by cyclo if I had been over-served at the NCO Club the night before. (I have some pictures of the place from that time if anybody is interested.) Worked at the CORDS club at night too, supervision some locals who were doing their books. Town and bars were on-limits at that point because I had a permanent pass. Had a brand-new Chevy pick-up at my disposal too. Far far cry from my first tour up north.
I’m 66 and have the means and desire to go back. Just need to stop working. Well, one of these days. If anybody’s reading and has been back, please let me know how your experience went.
It was by accident I found this site and glad of it. Happy Veterans Day. Thank you all for your service!
My name is John Richards, I was a 1LT and in country from Sept 68 to Aug 69. I lived in Eakin compound for part of my assignment. Was in the Ba Sac hotel prior to that. I worked for LTC Walker at the Delta Zone coordinator office in down town Can Tho next door to the CORDS compound called Jackson Hole. The Eakin Compound commander at that time was Major Warren Huse. I worked also with Col Dunham. Just now found this site. Looking forward to reading the book ” what a mess, it happened in Viet Nam
Late 68 to late 69, I was a SP4 working in MACV HQS for COL Dunham, a no-nonsense sourpuss, and COL Dye…who was just the opposite, friendly and outgoing no matter your rank. My immediate superior was a SGM Destremps.
Our paths must have crossed at Eakin so long ago.
Jim C
I was at the Ba Sac Hotel also in 1969. I worked in at the Joint Intelicence Center (JIC) in Eakin for G-2. Lt. Col. Hutchins was our office leader. Sgt. Tony Jiminez (from Texas) was our NCO- a great guy. I was a Sp. 5 Gary Wallace
Paul,
Everything I wrote is true, however, although we received incoming on several nights on have no remembrance of what those dates were. On one such instance a Navy officer who had stayed the night got himself mauled by some lawn furniture and went on to put himself in for a Purple Heart. It may have been John Kerry, but I don’t know for certain.
Terry
if this is true can you name the day we got hit by 4.2 motars and 3.5 recoils
Paul Chartier.
The name was EAKIN COMPOUND. I spent 18 bliss-filled months there from April 67 through November 68. I wrote a book about my time there. I think you will enjoy the stories and pictures. “Talk About A Mess – It Happened In Vietnam” The bool is available through amazon.
Terry Dinan 1Lt QMC
I was Sp/5 Mitchel R Woolard back then. Assigned from 7th Infantry Korea to Can tho MAAG Team 96 arrived in CanTho Dec 1963 at Trai Le Loi ARVN Compound. Worked on and off with Sgt Jim Lovell while there as back then there were only a handfull of us with a 3-man A-team back-up out at the air field. Eakin Compound then was only five screen wall huts. The night following Little Minh’s visit to Trai Le Loi (as pre cursor to McNamara’s visit 6 March 64) the VC cut Can Tho off from all communication with Saigon and razed a large part of Can Tho while I, a french expat, a japanese expat and an ARVN guard sat atop the provencial HQ roof and watched while surrounded by VC. Come daylight they all vanished into the shadows having made their point to McNamara and Little Minh. Couple of weeks later Saigon said the Americans were coming and we might get to be veterans!
Jim, I worked as the Custodian of the Mess Association and was responsible for all the clubs and and eating facilities among other things. Our tours of duty overlapped, but only briefly. Even so, my book “Talk About A Mess, It Happened in Vietnam” (available through Amazon) will spark many memories. Get it read it! Let me know.
Terry (1Lt. Dinan, QMC Can Tho – April 1967 – November 1968)
Terry, I’ve sent for your book and look forward to reading it and will let you know what I think. All the clubs at Eakin were great, I don’t recall any issues with the food and the EM club was fabulous to a young guy. So you did a fantastic job. Many a night did I go staggering back to my hooch only to have to arise at 4am to drive the dark streets of Can Tho to MACV HQs to prepare for the day. We seemed to have shared at least a month at Eakin and probably passed one another.
I bought a neat camera at the px at Eakin and took some photos, many of which I still have if I can find them. Doesn’t seem to be a way to post these here. Any ideas?
It was by accident I found this site and glad of it.
Jim
Terry:
Read TALK ABOUT A MESS. Very detailed and exciting to read since I was there during the last two or so months of your assignment. The only Officer I can relate to that you mentioned was Colonel Hill. I worked as a clerk in the MACV HQS and he would always be rushing about, never saying a word to anyone in the office. Do you recall a Colonel Dye? Great Officer and very approachable. I played handball with him once and was trounced. As for the mess, I don’t recall ever complaining about the meals and the EM club was great, so you did a great job as far as I was concerned, What you said about some of the Advisory Teams not having typewriters was interesting as I was originally assigned to an 8 man team in Ben Tre. So, I probably would have done more night patrols than clerking.
In the layover at Can Tho, I heard MAVC HQ was looking for a speed typist, which was my mos, 72B30, and I hitched a ride over there to land the job…I was not itching to go further into the boonies. They gave me a test and changed my orders on the spot.
I do recall a money exchange event and it may be the one you refer to in your book, or another that occurred in 69. I remember a Colonel talking about it and laughing that a certain SFC, involved in black market activities, was going to get burnt. There was also a minor mortar attack and again, not sure if it is the one you mentioned. Afterwards, in the EM club, us enlisted men laughed like hell and drank the night recalling the long line of Officers outside the medical unit having their purple heart scrapes duly noted.
Much has faded from my memory. A few things remain: a SGT, driver to a Colonel, committed a robbery in Can Tho and was duly removed I supposed to LBJ. An old Vietnamese man with a beautiful long white beard, who worked at Eakin, was accidently killed by a soldier cleaning his rifle. Another, serious attack, at the airport: sappers killed some US Guards…apparently catching them sleeping. You mentioned Martha Raye whom I don’t recall having seen. But I do remember that Jimmy Stewart and his wife came to visit us…and on the day that her brother had been killed in action.
Anyway, glad to have read your book, brought back memories.
I’M CLAUDE MONGEAU, I COOKED FOR THE GENERALS MESS, SERGEANT PARKER WAS THE ONE WHO SENT ME TO TAKE CARE OF THE GENERALS MESS, TED KENNEDY CAME TO SPEND , SMG, KCHUBA RAN THE CAMP, MY PHONE IS 802-782-8474
Claude Mongeau, The Generals’ Mess was opened under the guidance of Lt. King who went on to become Gen. Eckhardts Aid du-Camp. Anyway I remember the facility well as I supplied all the beverages to lounge.
I recommend my book to you, “Talk About A Mess – It Happened In Vietnam”. It covers my tour of duty From April 67 thru November 68. Available from Amazon, it is bound to bring back memories fond or otherwise.
Terry Dinan 1Lt QMC
Claude: I just tried calling you and your mailbox is full. I recall an E-7 named Hopson or Hopkins that followed General Eckhardt to Can Tho from a previous assignment. Were you there at the same time? Good guy. Someone was told to prepare a special birthday present for one of the staff officers. It was a plate of BBQ sparrows with beaks, no feathers and looking rather strange as it was served in the General’s Mess. Later the G-4 shot himself.
I worked as a clerk, SP4, in the MACV General’s Office in from about Oct 68 to Oct 69 and lived in Eakin Compound. I recall two Colonels I worked for, a Colonel Dye and a Colonel Dunham. Col Dye was a wonderful commander who loved playing handball at Eakin. Part of my duties was making up the daily casualties reports, KIA, MIA, in the IV Corp provinces. Off duty, my favorite haunt was the Eakin EM club slugging down beers and badmouthing the lifers. I arrived after TET and there was little action during my year. I recall a ground attack that didn’t amount to much and a mortar attack on Eakin that left everyone scrambling to their assigned shooting points. As for the mortar attack, it was only a single fired in. But me and my pals noticed afterward noticed a long line of Lifers lined up at the medical hooch. We laughed at that for days. It was obvious they were looking for purple hearts because of some scratch or other sustained scrambling into the bomb shelters. More seriously I recall a sapper attack that kill two Eakin sentries that no one wanted to talk about. Also an old Vietnamese man with white beard that regularly had business at Eakin was accidently shot and killed.
I also recall the two SGTs I worker under: SGT Topazna and SGT Destrempts (spelling?). I also recall seeing John Paul Vann there at few times as well. Once Jimmy Stewart came by with his wife shaking hands. Great guy. Long, long time ago.
SP4 Jim Carcioppolo
I RAN THE GENERAL’S MESS IN CANTHO, CALL ME AT 802-782-8474
I believe SGT Topanza shared our room at Eakin for a while and I moved downtown a few months after he arrived. We were privileged to have experienced some great military and civilian leaders in the day. Memories of John Vann inspired me to finish school and bust my butt in business for 45 years.
OK
Gary, You have a good memory – the eggs were not very fresh. However they were not powdered, rather they were cold storage eggs which gave them a sort of metallic taste.
Terry
Gary, I look forward to reading ” A War Without Windows”. How much do I send and where do I send it? You will enjoy the reference to Gen. Westmorland in my book. Leek me posted.
Terry
Terry, not a thing in the $$$. Bruce went through a divorce a number of years ago and I let him stay in an
apartment that I owned until he could get on his feet. He stored a number of these “hardcover” copies with me
and when he got his own place he told me to just keep them. So I have plenty to give to friends and fellow
Vets from that period of history. I’ll get one to you and then John when I hear from him. I wasn’t sure if I should
post my email, but I can’t see any harm: gary209h@yahoo.com
Terry…John, please write to the yahoo address. All the best, Gary
Samantha-I am happy to hear from you. Like your parents I am proud to have served, and although I do not recall meeting either of them, it is unlikely that they did not dine in my (well, the mess facilities under my leadership) at some, or many times. My time in Vietnam (Can Tho) is in the same time frame as your parents and many of the stories I relate are things that they experienced as well..
Get and read my book (available on Amazon), “Talk About A Mess, It Happened in Vietnam”. You will definitely get the flavor of that time and place.
Let me know your thoughts.
Terry
I was satationed in Cantho as a security guard…for the likes of me I can’t remember the name of the compound..there was a soccer field in front of the compound..can any one help
Eakin Compound. I was there May 66 – Dec 67 and was a Security guard.
First I want to thank all of you for your service and sacrifice! Both my parents were over in Vietnam. My Mom was an RN stationed outside of Can Tho in late ’68-mid ’69. My Dad was over in ’68. He was with the 12th cavalry company A. Also command of Company A 1st Battalion and part of Mat Team 96. I am wondering if any of you may recognize his name, Larry Stickney.
Thank you,
Samantha
Jim, i think hat you are the first person to be at Eakin Compound contemporaneously to have read “MESS”. We definitely found ourselves, unknowingly in close proximity, as Jay Coupe only made that one performance. I agree with you on the “beyond odd” observation and I feel compelled to comment that almost all of my experiences were in many ways “beyond odd” and believable to me only because I was the victim and/or the observer.
Thank you for taking the time to read my memoir and giving me your feedback. I do of course hope that more of our Team-96-Mates will share this experience.
Terry
Good to hear from you ….will definitely get the book…should be interesting.
John and Gary-I was stationed at Eakin Compound from April 67 – November 68. I was the “Custodian of the Can Tho Mess Association and I have written a book about my experiences during that time. My name is Terry Dinan and the book (available on Amazon) is “Talk About a Mess, It Happened in Vietnam”.
Get it read it, there are many names and some great pictures. It will definitely bring back memories. Let me (and All) know about your reaction to the BOOK.
All best-Terry-(1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC)
Terry, started reading your book yesterday, enjoying it very much. You amaze me with the details of your memories. I was at Eakin from 3/68 thru 3/69. Arrived as a 1st Lt, promoted to CPT soon after. ROTC from Niagara U, served about 2 years in Japan, then re-upped and volunteered for Nam, AGC Corps so sort of safe. Assigned to Team 96, and worked at CORDS Psyops in town.
Spent much time in O Club bar, and the popker roon until the wee hours of many mornings. I feel that we must have run into each other, but can’t be sure. Lived in Officers Row D, 1LT Jack Stranfeldt was my best friend thier, can’t remember many others. Thanks again for the memories.
Meant POKER room !
Jim, We must have bumped into each other from time to time. You missed the TET but not the MESS. It is good to hear from you – tell me more!
Terry
Just completed reading your wonderful book, lots of memories. Never realized all that went into running the various clubs at Eakin. Huge responsibility for a 2LT. Enjoyed reading about your run ins with the more anal lifers. Lucky that your Irish temper didn’t land you a few Article 15s or worse. Found the Silver Medal for the LTC’s driver, and the Don’t Ask don’t Tell episodes beyond odd.
Enjoyed the Shotguns mentions, remember singing along with them a few times. Also remember enjoying Danny Boy from the Navy LT.
Just wish we had modern day electronics back then to record those events.
Jim Sullivan
Terry, I’m getting the book. Hey, Cpt Bruce Jones is a very good friend of mine and lives here in Modesto, Ca., he wrote “A War Without Windows”” and testified against Gen. Westmorland in that lawsuit. It’s been out of print since the mid eighties but I have copies. It’s about
the mis-information being provided before the Tet offensive in 1968. A good read. If you have an interest I’ll get you a signed copy.
Thanks being in touch and look forward to reading your book.
Gary
I would very much like to be in contact with Bruce. I have his book and recognized myself in it. I was with CICV (the building without windows) from Jan66 to Jul68 then transferred up to one of the “tanks” at MACV. On the side, I supplied intel (reports and overlays) to friends and relatives all over RVN, especially to SOG and some Advisory Teams in the Mekong Delta.
Howard, write to my email address and I’ll send you Bruce Jones information: gary209h@yahoo.com
Gary
I WOULD LIKE A COPY, MONEY NO PROBLEM, I WAS THE MESS SERGEANT IN CANTHO, 802-872-8474
I was there for Tet as well. Lt.Terry Dinan QMC. I had the honor of being the Officer of the Day on 2 February 1968. As it was my 22nd Birthday; you can guess that this was nit my idea of an appropriate present. Altogether I was there from April 67 – November 68. I wrote a book about my Tour of Duty “TALK ABOUT A MESS – It Happened in Vietnam” it is available on AMAZON and I am certain that reading it will bring back memories, fond and otherwise.
All Best – Terry
Martin if you remember 4 of us went down the 4th Corps to bail them out. Mike (Cox) McKague and I were two of the 4. One Capt. and another enlisted. I never saw the other enlisted once we got there but Mike and I were active in the fight.
Gary Wallace: I was a Sp5 and I worked in the JIC (Joint Intelligence Center) on Eakin Compound with Sgt. Tony Jimenez (great guy), Lt. Col. Hutchins and a few others about 1970. We lived off base in the Ba Sac Hotel. We briefed Maj Gen McGowan and the Lt. Gen. every day. I was in the office when the water heater blew up.
Do any of you remember the names of the Maj, SFC, and the SSG that I worked with in the message center which was located on MR IV HQ Compound? This would be from Aug 71 to Aug 72. The SSG and I worked the night shift and it seems like his name was Charles or Chuck.
This was TM 96
Hey Gary. It’s Richard ( Dick ) Lyon from the G-2 section at Trai Le Loi and your neighbor at the Bassac Hotel. I just stumbled onto this site and recognized your name. It would be fun to catch up with you. I lost track of virtually everyone but would love to know what happened to Lt. Sarnacki, Lt. Rougeau, Stan Schaub and others. The good old JIC and night duty watching the funny phone. It sure brings back memories.
For other posters information, I was in the G-2 Section at Trai Le Loi as an intelligence analyst from 1 May 1969-2 Jul 1971, a total of 26 months. Lots of fond memories of Eakin Compound. I still remember the bottle of big orange anti-malarial pills sitting on the table as you signed in for a meal at the mess hall.
Richard: This is my first return to this site in just about 1 year. Your name is familiar. Who else was in the JIC when you were there?
Hey Gary. I worked at Trai Le Loi but would get night duty at the JIC once in awhile. I was in the G-2 section with Lt. Sarnacki, Lt. Rougeau, Lt. Webb, etc. If I recall correctly you were from California and were the plant guy. You were in the next room over from me at the Bassac Hotel and Stan Schaub was my roomie. Were you there when we lived in the Villa next to the USO or did you come later? I actually live in Orange County, CA now. Send me an email at bbenson67@yahoo.com if you’d like. Good to hear from you.
Dear Gary:
Had you been working on your PhD in Botany at Claremont Men’s College? If so you’re the right person I remember.
Take care, Chuck Herbst
Dear Gary:
I’m SPC 4 Chuck Herbst. Worked at JIC located on Eakin Compound about Jan 71 to Jul 71. CO of JIC at this time was MAJ John H. Little if that rings any bells for you.
Take care, Chuck Herbst
Hey Gary. I thought I might give a shout out in hopes of hearing from you. This is Spec 4 Chuck Herbst who worked in OB with Richard Lyons and with you in the JIC. Hope you are well.
Take care. Chuck Herbst
Dear Richard:
This is Chuck Herbst. I served with you at the “sleazy” OB shop at the Command Compound. You were an excellent analyst. I hope you are well and life has been good to you. I remember you’re enthusiasm for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Yes, Lt Rougeau. Quite a colorful character.
Best wishes, Chuck
Hi Chuck. Great to hear from you. Are you still in Northern California? I finished up my BA at Nebraska and then went to Univ. of Hawaii for 2 Masters. I’ve been in L.A./Orange County since the late ’70s. It was so great to know you back then and your sense of humor was always appreciated. I hope things are going well.
I don’t know if you remember Kim but we eventually got married and this August it will be 45 years. Do you know anything about Stan Schaub (sp?). We were your neighbors at the Bassac Hotel. I completely lost track of him.
Dear Richard:
Boy, what a treat to hear from you and so quickly to boot. No I haven’t heard anything from Stan. He was funny and was a steady adult influence at the Interrogation Center. You’re the first connection I’ve made; but, my attempts at making connections are quite recent. Is Kim the young woman you were seeing in Can Tho? If so what a remarkable story.
Remember Stan’s nemesis, Joe Lefaro? Stan would say “Joe speaks 5 languages but can’t say anything intelligible in any of them.” Be great to make contact with a bunch more of the guys. My wife and I are based in Hayward, CA. Anyway, write when you can and take care of yourself.
Chuck
Hey Chuck. My email is bbenson67@yahoo.com. If you’d like it’s probably easier to correspond that way. Would love to head north and take you and your wife to dinner as I’m always looking for an excuse to go to The City. Yes Kim is the same girl who worked at the US Embassy and went to high school in Arkansas. Hope to see you again.
Dear Gary:
This is Chuck Herbst and I worked with you at the JIC. I believe you were a Botany PhD candidate at Claremont Men’s College. Hope you are doing well.
Take care, Chuck Herbst
My name is Pat Walsh a member of VVA 1036,The Villages,Fl.We are involved with the VV Virtual Wall.A project which is nationwide to,when constructed in Wash DC an education and museum which will have a virtual wall with each service members name and to make it a unique experience a photo of the service member.To that end we are searching searching each name on the wall in order to accomplish this.I am presently searching for the following–Leroy Lemuell Bell,a member of team 96.Born in Monticello, Jefferson County Fl.DoB 4/20/18 KIA 8/27/69 Phong Din Prov RSV. He is on Panel 19W Line 124.Service#718103078 MOS 15D4H Lance Crew member. He was SSgt E-6.
If anyone has a photo of him or knows where one is located please contact me at info provided.Thank you for any help you can provide
Pat Walsh
Interesting comments all – as a Army 11B PFC I arrived at Eakin temporarily in early 65 as part of the US compound guard force for the compound until reassigned to a team as a radio operator. Pulled duty at the airport when it was near overrun and some lonely nights downtown walking around a large (at that time) electrical sub station (near VN hospital). I remember walking perimeter of Eakin watching the Sr. NCOs play cards for their entire paychecks sometimes but we could not drink (underage for crying out loud). We used to get some whisky (Bear) from Japan from one of the air crews though. No attacks on Eakin while I was there but not long after leaving some crazy Warrant Officer flew his small plane into the perimeter lights while buzzing (drunk) the club I was told.
My name on my birth certificate papers was Nyugen Thi Xuan Mai. I was injured by schrapnel and brought to an orphanage in Can Tho (1969-1970). Supposedly an uncle brought me to the orphanage. I was taken to a US military field hospital so they could operate on my left hip. I was adopted by an American family with the sir name, Bertolet. I am looking for any info about my background and history.
Monique — I am Ken Sherrets and I was with Team 96 CORDS PSD national police in 1970 and 1971. I used to go the orphanage south or south east of Can Tho as I recall, to help out. I took them some supplies a few times and was often asked to hold the babies and youngsters to comfort them. I did this with the help of some of my Vietnamese friends. I was always in civilian clothes due to my assignment. So if you remember someone in uniform it would not have been me.
I am glad you found a family. I can’t say that I ever met or saw you there in 1970 but perhaps I did. I was a young man who’s Vietnamese language skills didn’t matter to the kids – But I had a great interpreter that helped me talk to the kids that were old enough to and wanted to talk to someone..
Do you know of the following group on facebook? “Adoptees from Providence Orphanage Can Tho, Vietnam” If you don’t, you should copy the name and search for the group and join it. You will have fun.
It seems like a life time ago! I was at Eakin compound from April 1971 to March 1972.
I was just an 18 year old PFC when I arrived. I worked most of my tour at the ARVN HQ
a couple of miles away in the MR IV TOC. Unfortunately, I only remember a few names.
SPC Muncklewitz, whom I also was with in Korea prior to being reassigned to Vietnam.
Then SFC Charles Fuller. He was my supervisor and mentor. Mostly he worked full time
keeping me out of trouble. One of my peers was SPC Chris Spier.
I know that many Vets have horrible memories of their time in country, but I was very young and remember
my time there as one of the greatest adventures of my life!
Hi Tom. I was there during that time. I worked in the msg ctr at night with a SSG. A lot of week days I flew in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft to other areas. I wish that I could remember the name of those who worked during the day and the SSG. Vietnam was something else.
Well if you worked in the message center then we probably talked from time to time. I had to type up the 24 hour report for the TOC after every night shift before I got off. Then I would take it over to the message center, knock on the door and hand it off to be sent up to Saigon.
I was a tall (6’4″) skinny blond kid with a mustache. Yeah, I wish that I could remember even half the names of those I served with. I suppose a great number of them have passed away. I remember one of the Master-Sergeants that I worked with had been with the Big Red 1 at Normandy.
Tom, did you work with Edgar Martin? He was a black man, a Sp4. He and I were good friends, both from Alabama. We grew up about 60-70 miles apart. Both of us reenlisted while in Vietnam. $2000, I think is correct, was the bonus for reenlisting, and was a lot of money at the time. We elected to go to Ft. McClellan, Al.
Sp4 Martin seems a little familiar. So many Soldiers passed through that unit. It seems that we were always getting a newbie and someone was always needing a ride out to Can Tho Airfield for that ride back to the world! You can email me directly at csm.teb@gmail.com if you want.
OK. Thank you. My email address id 69etowahdevil@gmail.com
I hope that you had the opportunity to dine at Eakin Compound during your tour. My memoir “Talk About a Mess, it happened in Vietnam” is available on Amazon and is dated; April 67-November 68.–Best Wishes–Terry
Hi. My dad, Lawrence Stickney, was a 1st LT with A Company 1/12 Cavalry but also served with mat team 96. He was in Vietnam from mid 1968 to late 1969. Just looking for any info or anything with company and people he served with. Thank you.
my name is terrose and i served w/ 525 mi group team 96 can tho from april 1967 to july 1968.
lived in villa; not on the Eakin Compound.
served thru tet
worked with Sgt Sheehan
doug payne
jim maciak
bob weichelt
jim vermuel
wish i could remember more?
Frank–As you nay have noted I was the in charge of the food operations in Eakin compound during the time you were also with Team 96. My recently published memoir of my service there during that time contains quite a few names and pictures; some may prove helpful. TALK ABOUT A MESS, It happened in Vietnam is available thru Amazon.com. Good luck and let me know how you make out. Terry
Sgt Ostrom
i lost this site and haven’t seen it in 2 years.
someone wrote regarding Sgt. Ostrom. I do remember Him as a tough, Korean War Vet. Man of small stature and big oranges.
He was what we call here in Buffalo, N.Y. a “STAND UP GUY”
He and many others.
My name is John Walker. I was assigned to MACV Team 96 from Dec. 1970 to Dec. 1971. I can’t remember much of anything. I worked for the AG Office and was assigned to the Binh Thuy compound. I did pull Guard Duty in a tower at the Can Tho air base once. Only recall bits and pieces of my time there. My email address is jwalker434@aol.com. If anyone was in this unit I’d appreciate some help remembering. Thanks
John Walker
Spec IV
There’s a great book on team 96.
I believe that you can order it on line or this site.
I was stationed there 67/68 April/April
I was there for Tet.
John–In his reply, Carl Harrison notes “There is a great book on Team 96”. I suspect he is referring to the book I wrote, Talk About a Mess – It Happened In Vietnam. The Book is available through Amazon. you are certain to love it, but, I’d really appreciate hearing from you following your read. All Best, Terry
(1Lt. Terrance R. Dinan QMC – Aptil 67 – November 68)
Terrance R. Dinan
I was the custodian of the Can The Mess Association from April 1968 to November 1969. I have recently had my memoir of that experience published. The book is entitled “TALK ABOUT A MESS, It Happened in Vietnam”. Many of the comments I’ve read are from Vets that were at Eakin Compound during that time. I think you will really love to read this account. You can get the book thru Amazon. You will also love the pictures.
My name is Gordon Ray Carroll. From June/July 71 to June/July 72, I was assigned to the message center, which was down the road from Elkin Compound. I can not remember the name of the compound or names of the people that I worked with. A SSG and I worked the night shirt. A lot of days I flew by helicopters to different compounds and then work that night. Actually, I pulled 3 chairs together and slept a lot, which made the SSG unhappy. I think his name was Charles or Check. I don’t remember the Majors name or the SFC who worked the day shift, but I do remember that the SSG was told something like leave Carroll alone. There was another SP4 that he and I became goods friends. His name is Edgar Martin. Both of us reenlisted at Elkin Compound and chose Ft. McClellan as our next assignment. I would appreciate someone telling me the name of the other compound and names of other personnel in the message center. The last part of my tour we relocated to Can Tho Airfield.
The other compound was probably Le Loi. It was HQ for the Vietnamese MR IV. I was there July 72 to March 73. I remember CPT Dennis Finnegan and ILT Ken Spencer who were killed in a CH-47 shoot down flying back from Saigon in September 72. Also COL Ralph Churchill, Corps G-2 Advisor who died a few years ago.
My father Larry Brown was with team 55 most his time over there, but his medical records show he was with team 96 at some point. He was a radio opp early 68 but suffered hearing loss in a rocket attack on or about July 12th 68′ while with team 96. While with 55 he ran the airport / strip and was an Advisor to RVN with several missions. Dose aanybody from 96 remember him.
Does anyone remember when the water heater exploded in the EM club at Eakin compound? late 69 early 70.All the money was gone from poker tables when we returned from bunkers.
Yes I do. I worked for the RF/PF div of CORDS. Office was an old converted shack across from IV Corp Hq. I remembered running to a bunker sure that old Charlie had found his mark. I lived at Eakin from June 69 to june 70.
we were playing hearts
Yes My name is Spc 4 Clarence Downs. I was standing at the bar when it exploded, the barmaid fainted. I was a member of the security platoon.
I remember when a water heater exploded causing a nearby propane tank to explode in the Snack Bar in 1971. It flew in the air and landed. The sirens went off & everyone thought we were under attack! Do you remember the pool side steak & lobster BBQs? The feeding of a live chicken about every two weeks in front of the library & chapel to an 18′ long Boa Constrictor?
My dad, at the time SSG Luis Carrion was with team 96 and did two tours. Anyone has any pictures or stories about him?
Donna…went to your FB page and lo and behold was the pic of your husband [could tell by the four corpes patch. Friend me and I will accept
Donna….if he had told you of this then we must have been there at one time together. It was kind of a melting pot of personnel because everyone worked here and there but resided at Eakin. I also remember one morning when Gen Westmorland walked around talking to us all at breakfast. Needless to say I was not impressed. Of course since coming home from Nam I have not been impressed with our government and my view on things is slippin daily. My health is not good [priority #4] Agent Orange exposure from defoliating the U Minh Forest. Had my share of Cancer and have beaten it back so far.
Craig. C.J. was actually Westmoreland’s armed escort on his observatory helicopter during his first tour of Viet Nam. He took a bullet for the general after the pilot landed in the wrong place and natives came thronging through the forest. One on a bicycle shot, C.J. got in front of the bullet which ricocheted off his flight vest took a chunk out of his arm, but C.J. brought the guy down. He made sure the General was alright as he turned around but bust his guts laughing cause the General’s Aid had dumped in his drawers. The General didn’t laugh. The General said he was going to get C.J. a repetitive Purple Heart for that, but somehow the “papers got lost”. He assumed it was because of his laughter at the Aid’s “accident”. Decades later an X-ray showed the healed bone of his ribs where the ricochet hit. He said he knew it didn’t “take 8 weeks for a bruise to go away”, but all they did was field dress his arm and he went back. He talked a lot about Westmoreland and even had “an autographed picture” of him. But there were things he held back about their time together. Most of it had to do with the 14 helicopters that either “fell” or were shot out from under him.
Bunkered Inn
Not everyone assigned to Team 96 resided at Eakin. Remember, 96 supported CORDS and there were many enlisted and officers that resided on CORDS compounds (Palm Springs), and I resided next to my office in a small three room hootch on the main drag. I had a blue jeep and a Vespa motorscooter and was authorized to wear civies although I was only an E-6. I would at time eat at Eakin, but due to my job I could also eat at the CORDS Club
Sorry—Looks like I typed a big long replay and it got lost. I missed that comment about living at Eakin, and I am sorry. My husband was not living at the main compound but at a village near Rach Gia, building trust with the natives and training troops, who would much rather be planting and harvesting rice than learning military maneuvers. Can’t remember all terms used for local troops but think the Regional Forces were called Ruff-Puffs, His MACV group, 6 men (?), were also guarding a SEABEE encampment building a water tower and bridge (?). Most of his original documents (Which really told nothing about his duty.) were split between his relatives: Kansas; Virginia; Louisiana so I could avoid the family arguments later. But he talked about the forays into the forest, what they saw, what they did, about Chau Doc, conflicts with the Cong on the road to and into the Michelin Plantation–and an assignment to assassinate a Cong official “way up North where Nixon said we never were.” I know bits and pieces–now his Grand Daughter is asking me for more details–she just turned 23 and is anxious to know all she can about her Grand Father before I die, because nobody else will tell her how he spent the better part of his life. Actually there are those who refuse to believe it. What they don’t believe is their problem, but I want her to know the truth. You guys have no idea of the depth of feeling I have for you and all you did. It goes beyond: Thank-You-For-Your-Service, which is becoming rote, boring and unimpressive. Spending all these years with my “bad boy” (No he was not “squeaky clean”. The Navy DEFINITELY didn’t want him back, that’s for sure! LOL!) has spoiled me for the rest of the males on earth. I will never find anyone to measure up to that one person–or to any one of you others. You are miracles, you are marvelous. You walk in charmed boots because they brought you home no matter what condition you are in, and all I want to say is: I apologize that you had to go through and survive it alone. I wish there was some way I could have shouldered some of your burden. And damn it don’t get bashful on me–you deserve a lot more than the words I have written here and more than you have gotten from your military, government–and your country’s civilians.
I worked at CORDS Psychops in Cantho in 68-69, I was a Cpt living at Eakin, but almost all I worked with dressed as civilians and lived at Palm Springs, including LTC Belieau (Elvis’s father-in-law). Among my froiends were Navy enlisted men Frank Savage and Bob Michell.
Trying to paste a link to my picture of Charles J. Prusik on my FB photos don’t know if this will work:
I can tell you that he was constantly getting static about his long hair. Definitely was not military cut. Can you send pictures on this site? (Thanks for responding!)
Donna, if I did know him, he was a mellow guy. Compared to his replacement SFC Rodriquez. This guy wanted to go back to stateside way of dress and that was not happening. The CO at the time was Major Mc Millian. Not such a bad guy!!!! I was still at Eakin when the light bird colonel dusted himself off in his hooch!!!! Sure glad I was a good boy that week and did not end up with that duty. Never did hear what it was all about??????
Craig, I definitely remember my husband telling me about this.
Craig,
If you ask Mike Cox McKague he can tell you what happened to the Lt Colonel because he and I were both there. He broke down the door to his room.
Funny I ran across this looking for bumper stickers. I was stationed on Eakin Compound, Cantho from Jul72-Apr73. Prior to that I was closing Lg Binh for the Korean’s to take over. Cantho was different. Late in tour I worked a project for the Peace Talk with NVA’s. Pure trip at the time. I was their when building exploded downtown trying to get a car going by. Not sure who was in it. Pure crazy..Anyway I’m in Caldwell Idaho now and 61. All the ache’s and pains caught up with me. I’m still crazy and love my country..
I was stationed in can tho eakin compound jun 67-jul 68. Prior to that l was in Germany. In can tho l handled order and casualty reporting. From there letterman hospital San fransisco
Martin, I was in Sadec Jun 67 – Jun 68. Had orders for Ft Bragg and got them changed in Oakland to the Presidio. I was assigned to 6th Army Special Troops and worked in Personnel. I was also there when the new Letterman opened up. SF was my hometown. I drove thru the Presidio a few times a few years ago and almost cried. It’s still beautiful, but Letterman was torn down and housing was turned into Section 8 housing. I could see the Golden Gate Bridge from my quarters on Pershing Drive. I used to frequent the Letterman Club on the beach. I left in 71 for Germany, stayed three months and re-upped for Nam and went back to Can Tho.
HHWhitman
Just saw the name……were you an NCO originally from Texas? I had a hootchmate at Eakin named Whitman who I think was, or sort of remember was, from TX.
my name is bill phelps ssg at that time 1970, looking for LT. kershmire he took his training at the citadel. LT if you see this contact me will you. THANKS phelpswilliam99@yahoo.com
This is for Martin Fiedler–or anyone from Team 96. Martin, did you work with Eddie Rape in the orderly room. I saw him when I first arrived at Eakin Compound but don’t recall him being there after Tet Offensive. I originally met him in Panama in 67. Dale Boatman, Mike Garcia and I went thru that offensive in Can Tho and saw the University destroyed unnecessarily. We’ve been having mini-reunions for the past two years in Idaho or Sparks Nevada.
Was a SSG with Team 96 CORDS. With another SSG named Joe ?, we setup and HF Radio Network in all the provinces teams and some district teams. Also was a Village Hamlet Radio NCO working with RFPF and helped with Phoenix program data while assigned to CORDS -PSD (National Police). I was Aug 70 to Aug 71
I was there the same time you were; Was stationed in Can Tho with the 40th Eng Group; spent half my time building fire base on NuiCam ; stayed with the 96 group at their compound; Lot of fun guys; was always moving supplies on top of mtn
Lived with Vietnamese Often eating in Chi Lang; Spent time on top of mtn
Ed Walsh. 1Lt
Was in Vietnam 8/70. To 8/71. 1Lt Ed Walsh
My husband was in Team 96 also, SFC Charles Joseph Prusik, but comparing Timelines I don’t suppose you ever heard of or ran across him did you? Anybody else with Team 96 March through June 1970? I recently had a visit from his oldest Grand Daughter who is very interested in her Grandfather’s career (As am I–tying little loose ends here and there… If you can recommend anyone or knew him. Any and all information would be appreciated. Thanks, Donna M. Davis-Prusik
Ken, I was also with CORDS FOD (Field Operations Division) I was their Admin NCO. Can’t talk much about what they did, even I was kept in the dark for the most part, but they were also involved in the Phoenix program. John Paul Vann used to stop in a couple times a week in his white Ford compact. When they closed our office, I tried to get on with CORDS Security but was sent to Tra Vinh, then to My Tho.
My name is Dave Brode and I was stationed in ba chuc very near one of the seven sister mountains.iremember those b52 runs, iwas less than 1 half mile away. Iwas with the 69th infantry detachment out of can tho.if anyone wants to contact me they can call me at 571-232-1116. I live in northern Virginia.
This is Dave Brode again.i forgot to tell you I was there from june70-June 71
My name is Craig Trude, I was assigned to Adj Gen mail room and resided in Eakin Compound . I left that duty and ended up assigned to Tm 51 but did my duty in the U Minh Forest and later in Chau Duc on the Cambodia border. It was about the same time they were pounding the 7 sister mountains with nightly B 52 s. I left country in Aug 71
Craig I was stationed north of Can Tho at Vinh Long Army Airfield. I was there Xmas of 69 to Jan of 1970. I remember the bombing runs along the Cambodian border we were 50 miles away but it sounded like thunder and our wooden hooch would shake.
Dennis
Dennis, I was in Sadec 67-68. You should be glad you were not in Vinh Long during Tet 68. All hell broke loose. It was so bad we could hear the battle down in Sadec. The Airfield commander was killed as well as a lot of GIs.
Craig, was that the mail room that was down the road from Elkin? You turned right out of Elkin and the compound was on the left. The mail room was the 2nd or 3rd building on the left side of the compound. What was the name of that compound, and do you remember the staffs names in Aug 71?
Gordon……Yes I think you are right and that was HQ Compound IV Corps. It was the second building and the first being a 2 star generals building. I knew his driver well. Guy from Albany NY so we had alot in common. As far as staff I am vague; I was also mostly on nights and I was a buck so the night shift was me and a couple of other guys. They sorted mail and I had all the clearances to run the cage. I do remember playing alot of TONK; a card game I learned there and have never played since. I was out of there about a year before you arrived so things had pretty much changed by then
We stumbled over here coming from a different website and thought I may
as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to going over your web page again.
Your right John hard to believe its almost 50 years ago. Tet was a rough time in Can Tho, it started for me walking out of the mess hall and hearing machine gun fire and whistles of bullets passing my head. Its was 48 hours days guarding the perimeter fence and eating but not tasting. It was ok after that in Can Tho except we started keeping our rifles with us 24/7. 3 years ago I found some pics at mom house after she died.
hey Martin….i wrote you a reply …but pressed the wrong button and lost it. I ll try again latter
Hi John, I remember you very well and if I can find them, I’ll copy a few pictures of you inside the compound doing our favorite thing “drinking beer’. Wow, I’m now 72 years old and those years in the military are a very
distant memory. Wish I had of stayed in touch with a few guys. You went home before I did. I got to Can Tho in late Jan. 1967. More to talk about.
Sp5 Gary Hendryx
Hello Gary…..Great to hear from you! Glad you made it back. Like you I regret loosing touch with friends made in Nam. I think I know who you are…..but not sure. Were you stationed in Washington D.C. before reassigned to MACV? Like most of us….my memory for names and faces has faded a bit. Half a century will do that to you. I got to Can Tho in Sep 66…reassigned to sub sector team in Tri Ton Jun 67…. rotated home in Sep 67. I didnt take many pictures….but have a few I’ll look up. I’m 69, living in Agawam Ma….small town in western Ma. Do you recall Sgt Perry…Cpt Kolochney (im sure spelling is wrong). They were my ‘bosses’ in Can Tho. Look forward to hearing from you…..JR
Hello Gary….Looking forward to talking to you…..hope all is well. JR
Hi John, all is well. Yes, I’m the guy who came out of D.C. and then went back to D.C. and discharged out in 68. Good to know you are doing okay and you made it home as well. I remember you trying like hell to get out in the field and earn that CIB. LOL. Couple of other things my memory serves up, but needs to be shared a little more privately. LOL. I stayed on the East Coast for a while but ended up coming back to
California. How do we get in touch. I still tavel a bit. My kids are grown and grandkids are still in school.
John, remember the horse shoe games in front? When I first arrived in country I think you were a couple of rooms down Stan Hirak(sp) and
Will Owens, were around too. I’ll check back soon, like a couple of days. Long weekend coming up. Good to hear from you John and know
your okay too. Damn,, was I ever that young and stupid? Guess so.
Gary
Ps. Hi Terry…..your not the guy who served up the powdered eggs are you? I’ll order the book soon.
I was there for Tet. I was PIO & in office in town.Firecrackers started early afternoon, AKs, etc next & we hauled ass for Eakin. Likewise 48 or so hours w/ a BAR (1st time i’d physically held one…never pulled the trigger) & 6 clips of rusty rounds, on the backside of Eakin, next to the hospital. I remember riding out next day w/ some others in a short convoy w/ the water tank truck/trailer to fill w/ water. University bombed not day or so. Mr Charles nearly shot one down. Bomb frags sailed over Eakin. I DEROS’d Feb13.
Its great hearing from you. The names I don’t remember very well. I do remember a Cpt Fee only because he wrote me a letter that turned my E4 into E5.
Good to hear from you too. Nam vets are getting fewer and fewer. Hard to believe we are all “old timers” now. Unfortunately i too remember faces more than names from those days. My time in Can Tho was not that bad at that time. Did a lot of drinking…and got in a bit of trouble! I believe i read that Can Tho got hit real bad during Tet! I didnt take many pictures while in Can Tho or Tri Ton…but the pictures in my mind are vivide and enduring…like all of us. Glad you made it home Martin.
My name is Carl Norwig i was assigned team 96 from December 1967 to May 1968
was a security guard i arrived as a E2 then left as a PFC
My husband, Charles J. Prusik, served as an Infantry Tactics Advisor, MACV #47, Team 96–he has in his summary of duty that it was located in Rach Gia. This was Approx. March 1970-June 1970. It is difficult going through his written data to determine what information is important, but the following names are quoted: Lt. Moy; SFC Doc. Peterson. The following cities names are quoted:Chau Duc in Cambodia; they were search and destroy missions with an AO area stretching from Chau Duc northeast to Taeko then south through the surrounding countryside of Phum Tami, Tuk Meas, Kompong Trach, and Giang Thanh. Lt. Moy was med evaced to Can Tho; they had a new Lt. who was a forestry major who tripped a grenade trap and was dusted off. The next Lt. was savvy, but fell into a punji pit south of Phum Tami, was field treated, dusted off but lost his leg (Possibly) later. They moved a village called Nha Bank on the Cambodia/Vietnamese border and on 29th June were airlifted to Rach Gia. The original group numberred 147 (As I read it.), but the only ones who returned were a Cadet Officer, one NCO and 16 privates, not counting the interpreter or myself (Charles J. Prusik). Later a Colonel Ellison gave out ‘atta-boys’. Hopefully from this information I can contact someone who served with my husband to learn more information about what happened during this portion of his service. I appreciate any and all help,
Donna, Chau Doc was in South Vietnam but right on the Cambodian border. The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army would use the river at the border to cross over to South Vietnam. My unit lost a man in Chau Doc. He was awarded the Silver Star. This was in March of 1968.
I heard husband, Cpt. Eric R Petersen, mentioned the name Prusik. I am not sure if he was your Charles J Prusik ? My husband was in a couple areas as Prusik was.
I was assigned to Team 96 October ’71-April ’72 as S4 and PBO.
My name is Martin Fidler. I was assigned to Team 96 in June 1967. I was in charge of orders and casualty reporting. I arrived as a PFC and left SP5
My name is John Russell..was in Can Tho 9/66 to 6/67. You may have been my replacement. I basically ran a mimeo graph machine until I transfered to sub sector tm 64 in Tri Ton. Rotated home 9/67. Names i remember…Sgt Perry…Cpt Kolochne. Not sure about spelling.
I was there in 67 and 68 and i’m sorry to say I can’t remember anybody who was there with me except a couple of names…sorry I couldn’t help