Team 99 Duc Hoa

MACV Team 99 – Duc Hoa.

This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 99 located in Duc Hoa.

567 thoughts on “Team 99 Duc Hoa”

  1. Hi and hello to all.

    Looking for any info on Captain Louis Sustersic. KIA on third tour in November 1969 with the 1st/22nd.
    I think he spent his second tour at Duc Hoa. He wore 25th ARVN patch and have seen that he flew with
    Capt Cy Johnson. I am related to his twin brother and first met Lou in 1968. Was thinking of him this Memorial Day Weekend
    and posted on the Wall of Faces, where I noticed a post from Cy Johnson. I’ve been building a scrapbook on Lou for about 20 years and this time of his service a big blank.

    Thanks

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    • Richard ā€“ Iā€™m a VN historian/vet. CPT Sustersic was KIA 03 Nov 69, 5Km WSW of the Van Cahn airfield, with A/1/22-4ID. Records show he was MIA on 03 Nov ā€“ then declared dea on 07 Nov when remains were found. Also KIA on 03 Nov was SGT John H Wilson. Email me and I can forward his casualty report. bruceswander@hotmail.com

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    • Richard….

      I’m Rob Weamer, Jr. and I served with Cpt. Lou as his and 1st Lt. Jim Warfel’s RTO from Jan. 1969 until late August/early Sept. 1969 on Adv. Team 99 in Duc Hoa. When I arrived, our team also included SFC. James and after he DEROSED, Sgt. Allen Doughty joined the team. Subsequently, after Cpt. Lou’s Adv. Tm. 99 tour, he was assigned to the “straight-leg” 1st/22nd. Infantry Division and as you know, unfortunately, was KIA. Cpt. Goto took command of Adv. Tm 99 and shortly thereafter, I left the team for another in-country assignment.

      Cpt. Lou was a great team leader but I’ve got a few stories regarding some of our firefights in which he remained standing a la Gen. George Patton and directed our counterpart-25th ARVN infantry on where to return fire as AK-47 rounds where hitting all around us. Sometimes, while under some extreme firefights, he dragged me around with my PRC-25 strapped to my back and my mic pigtail cord stretched to its maximum length as it was “attached” to his ear under his helmut all the white barking orders……For the love of God, who knows for sure, why he was never wounded during our tour since he was a tall (6’2″?), very blonde and very fit soldier who stood out as a “trophy target” for some NVA or Viet Cong to take out.

      Cpt. Lou and I also took quite a few jeep trips to Tay Ninh with me riding “backwards” in the back seat as the “rear” guard as we traversed over some very bumpy, rough terrain. Vomiting was not an option as it seems we almost always saw and heard sniper rounds zip by or hit somewhere near our jeep as we didi maued to our destination. If we got into a firefight, it would’ve been, more than likely, over in a hurry as “back-up” fire support was sketchy at best….

      I lost touch with Cpt. Lou as I was transferred to MACV HQ in Can Giuoc (Delta) which was commanded by Maj. Moss and, unfortunately, I never heard from Lou again.

      By the way, you’ll find that Lt. Jim Warfel is also on this website and he, more than anyone that I know of, spent the majority of his Adv. Tm 99 tour working on many, many team ops with Cpt. Lou. Jim also spent many off-duty hours flying with Cy Johnson in his “Bird-dog” eagle flights, too.

      Hey, Jim……I forgot to call you today, my very good friend and war buddy…..(God Bless you, Mary & the Gang)…

      I wish you well in your endeavor searching for stories and friends of Cpt. Lou, a great West Pointer and Patriot who gave his life for our country……

      Rob

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      • I was with 99 in Can Giouc and Can Duoc with 3/46. ETS, JULY 4, 69. Do you know if Bob Moss is still alive? I recently chatted with Vic Goto.

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        • John…..

          Like you, since I found this website many years ago, I’ve been searching for Bob Moss and, so far, no results. I hope he’s still with us and someday we’ll all get to catch up……

          Rob

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      • Rob,

        I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experiences. What you said falls right in line with stories I got from the guys in 1/22.
        The 1-22infantry.org website, KIA section, has a photo of Lou with what appears to be an RTO in the background on his second tour. The caption states it was while he was an advisor to the 25th ARVN. I’m wondering if that’s you in the picture. Tried to attach it here but didn’t work.

        Since you were a radio man, thought I would share that the 1/22 archivist only had a couple radio logs of A Company and one of them was for November 1, 1969 to November 5, 1969, Lou was KIA November 3. What are the chances of that? Their webmaster provided a glossary of radio terms/language otherwise much would have been indecipherable. The logs are enlightening, interesting but also eerie as they document Lou’s last patrol, right up to his dust-off. I spoke to the medic who tended to him when he landed, he was still alive. It was his first day of duty in Vietnam.

        Lest I forget, Lou was not the only 1/22 KIA that day. Sgt. John Wilson also made the ultimate sacrifice. So I salute them and all of you still living who served our country. Thank you for all your hardships and sacrifices.

        Hope to hear more about Team 99 and Captain Lou Sustersic, anything is much appreciated.

        Richard

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      • Rob,

        I posted a reply. My message posted but said it was awaiting moderation. Now it seems to have disappeared. Will wait to see if it posts, otherwise will try again. In any event, can’t thank you enough for your reply.

        Thanks,

        Richard

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      • Rob,

        Ok, i just read the website guidelines. My prior reply included a link to the website for the 1st/22nd Infantry which explains why my message didn’t post. In the KIA section of the 1st/22nd website, the A Company roster includes Lou Sustersic and several photos. One is of Lou during his time with Team 99. In the background is someone on a radio. Is that you?
        Hope you can find the photo and let us know.

        My gratitude to all veterans.

        Richard

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        • Hi Richard. My name is Jim Warfel. Rob Weamer mentioned me in his reply to you. Opening your post this morning was like a lightning strike, amazingly coming on Memorial Day. I served as Lou’s assistant with the 1/46 from August 68 to June 69. I have many photos from that time and it would be a privilege to be able to share them with his survivors. Please feel free to contact me at warfelj@ptd.net.

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          • Rob,

            Correct, my message wouldn’t post with a link to another site, against the rules of this site. Can’t attach photos either. I would have to send it to your email address. My email is richard@rvmtax.com if you want to send me yours, but I understand if you don’t want to.

            Richard

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    • Richard…

      Just spoke with my very good friend, Jim Warfel, and, for some unknown reason, he can’t post on this Adv. Tm. 99 website today. He gave me permission to forward his email address to you. I’m sure you’ll appreciate his perspective and memories of Lou.

      Contact: warfelj@ptd.net

      Rob

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    • You can usually find anyone one. Fold 3. Full Name
      Sustersic, Louis Robert
      Rank
      Captain
      Grade
      O3
      Specialty
      Infantry Unit Commander (ARMY). fold3.com/image/48064217?rec=48268527

      You can search also on the front page.

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      • Marjorie,

        Thanks for the tip. I am well acquainted with Fold 3 and have literally spent 100’s of hours there on various projects. An amazing site that keeps on growing.

        Thanks,

        Richard

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  2. Our DARRS Team (RADIO RESEARCH aka (ASA) arrived in Duc Hoa and was attached to TEAM 99 in August of ’70 and then moved to CU Chi. There was a tall Lt. on TEAM 99 who was an advisor with the 25th ARVN Infantry who became friends with me and one other guy on the DARRS TEAM. I was of the understanding that he had won the Silver Star and also had attended WOODSTOCK. If anyone recalls this person, I would appreciate any information, as I can’t remember his name or where he was from. We spent a number of evenings just shooting the bull. I remember him as quite a character.

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    • Hey John, I think you remember me. I joined the 3rd of the 46th, Feb ’70. At the time our basecamp was outside of a small village, Tan My, Hau Nghia, Provence. Shortly after we did a stint in Cambodia; the U.S. 25th pulled out of Cu Chi; we were moved to Cu Chi. From there I went up to the basecamp atop Nui Ba Den with the 25th ARVN and remained there until DROS Feb. ’71. I hope all is well with you and yours.

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      • VIC GOTO was with the 46th Regiment. I THINK 4/46th. In Can Giouc. I talked with him several years ago. He lived in Hawaii. Tried to contact him again via phone. Left messages. No response. I wonder if he is dead. He was a good man. At the time, I was the RTO at Regt.HQ. I remember I went on one operation with him around Can Giouc. I have a few pictures that he is in. Any news you can share would be appreciated. WELCOME HOME! Johngambino88@gmail.com 432-664-9997–Cell

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    • Hello Jorn, you may remember me. I was with the 3rd of the 46th from Feb. ’70 to Feb. ’71. When I joined the team our base camp way located near a small village, Tan My in Hau Nghia Provence. Shortly after a our stint in the Cambodia invasion, we were move to Cu Chi, after the U.S. 25 was pulled out of Nam. Mid October of ’70 I was moved to a base camp atop Nui Ba Den with an ARVN unit on the mountain. I hope you are doing well.

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    • John…..

      I worked as a RTO for Maj. Moss (1st/46th Regiment) at the MACV HQ (small house) in Can Giouc for 45+ days) in Sept-Oct. 1969. There were three (3) rto’s pulling 8+ hour shifts supporting our field teams requiring fire-support, i.e., arty fire, Corba & Spooky gunships, medivac dust-offs, ammo/chow/mail via chopper flights, etc., during day/night ops that could turn very quickly into deadly firefights…..never a dull moment……

      As you may already know, there’s a beaucoup number of Adv. Tm 99 members on this website that will respond to you posts.

      Nice to chat with you and good luck…….

      Rob

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  4. Assigned to Tm 99 from June ā€˜68 to Nov ā€˜68 then temp assignment to another MACV unit rest of my tour. Vaguely remember the compound and the TOC. A few names, Capt Michael Devina, Lt Joe Riley, Corbet, Tirney, that unfortunately is about it. If anyone was there during that time please refresh my memory!
    For anyone curious, I retired as a professor Emeritus University of Florida

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  6. New to blog.. Was SA for 2-50th from Jan 1970 to Sep 1970. Bn was attached to TF225 during Cambodian Invasion April thru 30 June 1970. In Sept became G3 Plans, Tng Adv and worked TOC, Plans transition with 25 ID during our move to Cu Chi. When move was complete, ARVN was in battle with other govt agencies over Pohl compound ownership. So in Nov 1970 I was placed as OIC of security of Duc Hoa. Iā€™ll post the wild story of this great command tour in a later post On 6 Jan,1971 I turned over Duc Hoa and came home.

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    • Pohl Compound follow up. Before I cover the guarding of the compound Re. Message above.. I remember the incident when the Signal detachment leaders were grenaded by a troop from outside their hooch. He threw it at the screen window thinking it would go thru. Instead it bounced off to the sidewalk and threw itā€™s shrapnel towards my hooch next door and the latrine directly across from the target. No one injured. (I fell out of a chair and hit my head). The CID came in the next morning and found his footprints in the gravel between the hooches. That morning we all stood down and did a shake down of all the hooches and workplaces. Lots of crap found, but enough found to link the thrower to an arrest and trialā€¦I hope.

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        • Jack, yes, but after Cambodian Invasion. so about Sep/Oct 1970. The Signal Company was having a going away party for a Sergeant. The dragged was one of their troops. His footprints in the sand between hooches was main evidence that lead to a confession.
          Last of Pohl Compound.
          The security of compound was non existent in late 1970. As previously mentioned, I was placed in charge of securing the compound. 14 enlisted soldiers and I moved in to the compound. Pilfering had already occurred. The generator was missing and the swimming pool was gone. Furniture and any thing moveable was gone. We got some cots from Cu Chi and radios, Crations and water. First day we caught ARVNs stealing ceiling fans, toilets and the wiring from the hooches. With no power, and the daytime thievery, we had to go full guard 24/7 . For supervision, I begged for an NCO from Cu Chi. A week later a brand new (in-country) NCO arrived. He was MOS 420c.(Bandmaster) He was rusty in Infantry tactics but was a good NCO who helped tremendously.. For perimeter lights we used garbage cans, scrap wood and diesel fuel from the missing generator. My last memory was eating Xmas Dinner from Cu Chi and listening to the Bob Hope Christmas show over AFN. We had no change of command at Duc Hoa and I went to TSN for PCS. Stayed in Infantry for 27 years and was fortunate to command 2 Bns: 4-23d and 1-509th PIR. Will never forget the month long command of Pohl Compound though..

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          • Donald,
            I was standing on the steps to our Commo Van. We had just gotten to Duc Hoa in August. 25th DARRS (RADIO RESEARCH) AKA (ASA). When the explosion occurred I jumped from the top of the steps onto the ground/gravel. Thinking maybe it was Sappers. No serious injury. Just scratches. The way you related the incident made me feel better, as your description, even including the screen. was exactly how I remembered.

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      • I was there .It was one dope addicts. I was in Signal bunker when it happened. One of my guys was coming out the latrine when it happen

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  7. Anyone remember Daniel Branson? He was killed on April 14th, 1968. He was my grandfather, any information would be appreciated.

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  8. My name is Dennis Douglas..not aware of team 99..was with 49th regiment 25th ARVN from May of 67 to May 68..HQ was at Binh Chan..Cu Chi was division HQ..would that be team 99?

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    • Dennis, Team 99 was the advisory team for the HQ and all subordinate units of ARVN 25Th Division. Div. HQ and Team 99 HQ was in Duc Hoa. .US 25Th Div. base camp was in Cu Chi ,I was with 25Th Recon Company from June 1967 to end of May 1968 after three weeks in 1-49 ARVN infantry. 49th Regiment was one of three infantry regiments in the 25th ARVN. Others were the 46th and 50th. . Carl (Carl Ernst)

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      • From Cliff Lanham, SA 4/49 25th ARVN
        Hi Carl, Good to see you are still kicking. At 85 I am amazed I have made it this far. I am still living in Madison, Al
        I think I told you I went back to VN in 2019 and spent four weeks in the whole of VN. They are still beautiful people and the country has changed for the better. Duc Hoa has really changed, now, a major city of 30K ++ or more. Could not find the 4/49 base camp. The airfield is now a street for old ARVN soldiers and others.
        BTW Where are you residing now?
        Cliff

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        • Thanks for the note Cliff. When you and I entered the Army there were still a lot of WWII veterans still serving. I thought they were really old! Amazing how ones perspective changes with ā€œold ageā€.

          I never made it back to Viet Nam. Wish I had. Like you, I really liked the Vietnamese people and the Recon Soldiers I served with. Still do. In my 33 years in uniform, and having seen and served with Koreans, Japanese, Thais and other Asian soldiers, the Vietnamese as a people are at the top of my list.

          Take care Cliff. Someday Iā€™ll see you on the high ground.

          Carl

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      • Carl…..

        Did you know Don Heisler and Gary Tewes? They were with U.S. 25th Recon which was located approx. 200 meters east of our Adv. Tm 99 which was across the dirt road to the south of Pohl Compound. Occasionally, Sgt. Doughty and I would spend a few hours in one of 25th Recon’s hootches and quaff a few brewskies and just hang out and talk stateside stories, mostly about cars and conquests of the women in our brief little lives…….lol

        Rob

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        • Rob, Upfront apologies is this is repeat reply, I do not see where the response I thought I sent this AM was posted.
          I did not know either Don or Gary. My time in 25 Recon was late June ’67 until late May ’68. Pohl Compound was for my RTO, Ray Bessey, and I a great place to get “real food” and a hot shower, a break from our tiny little Recon base whenever we were not out on an Op. Take good care brother, Carl
          . .

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  9. Any of you remember LTC Wilbur Bowles who was the 49th Regimental Advisor from late summer 1968 through the spring of 1969?
    He died recently at age 93 in the Orlando, Fl area.
    I was the Advisor to 3/49 from July 1968 to April ? 1969.
    LTC Bowles was a great boss and person.
    RIP
    Email me if you want a picture to help remember remember him.

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    • Pls disregard as Iā€™m only interested in Team 99.
      I will go to the site to check periodically.
      Thanks
      Tom Arthur

      Sent from my iPad

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    • I served as RTO under LTC Bowles in 68-69.. A truly great leader & outstanding human being. He will be missed, but will remain in my memory until I join him in the next realm..

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  11. Hello, I am a serving Army officer and an author. I am writing about my fathers experience in Vietnam. His name is Patrick Naughton Sr., and he served with Team 99 from Dec 1969 to April 1970. I am hoping to connect with anyone who knew him and served in Team 99 during that time period. Some names include Al Tahir, last names Amendsun, Morgan, and Reed. Thank you very much.

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    • I remember your father. I lost track of your father, when he went to Hawaii. I have stories I have stories I would like to share with you and your father is he still alive. He was a very good man and a good soldier.

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      • Hello Sir, thank you very much for the message. I have been meaning to conduct a search for you and was thrilled to see this. I have some photos of you that my Dad and LTG(R) Keller gave to me – I would love to share them with you. My father is still alive and will be quite excited to reconnect with you. My email is patrick.naughtonjr@hotmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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  13. When I first arrived at Duc Hoa we landed in what was later the Pole compound. We stayed in the old Budist compound until the new compound (Pole ) was finished, which was early 1966. In the old compound we had small dirt bunkers on one side of the compound and two sand bag bunkers at each back corner ,one in the at the gate and one on behind a building on the other side. When we started to land I ask the door gunner why ? He said this where you get off ,I said to myself OH CRAP !!!! This was June 1965.

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      • John
        This is Cliff LANHAM
        I guess you took the 4-49 when they moved me as SA from the 4-49 to the 1-49. I had 4-49 June 67 until ??? Maybe Feb 68. I had the 1-49 th for about three months with cross attachment with US 25 at Dal Thang (sp) and then back at Pohl Compound until rotation in June 68.
        I returned to VN Oct and Nove 2019 and could not find the 4-49th base camp outside of DucHoa. The old arifield is now a road in which former ARVN solders reside. Duc Hoa is now over 40K in population. VN has really changed for the better.

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        • Cliff, my name is Frank Casey and I was with the 1/49th for a very short time from late November ’67 to December 13, ’67 when wounded and evacuated. Did you know Cpt. Flourich (sp?), Sgt Gaither? If you do, do you know whatever happened to them? We staged out of Dau Tieng on some operation with the US 25th in Dec ’67

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          • Frank
            From: Cliff Lanham
            Frank I am so glad you pulled my chain. I guess, I am at that point in life I had better start check what I say before I say it!!!!

            I had to go back and look at my writes concerning VN and I made a big mistake. I was moved out of the 4-49 sometime in Feb or March 1968 and was reassigned to the 3rd of the 49th 25th ARVN Div. Captain Nguyen Ngo former XO of the 4-49th had assumed command of the 3-49th and asked for my transfer to his new command.

            The 3-49th was cross attached to the US 25th Brigade at Dau Tieng. My new advisor team was made up of Sp4 Bob Lange, SFC Tommie Karen and Sgt. Donald Webb. Three days after joining my new team we were dropped into Souri tre east of the big mountain for three week operation.

            So to answer your question I knew of Cpt Flourich. I do be he was too was wounded in late 1967. If I recall correctly, I ran into him in Germany in early 1971 or 72???

            Sorry for my misinfo concerning my assignment stating the 1/49th.
            Cliff lanham
            29 march 2021

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            • Cliff, my name is Willard Walton you must have been my replacement, I was the SA 3/49th before I was wounded Feb 6, ’68. Do you have any idea what happen to or the where about of Captain Ngo, SFC Tommie and Sp4 Lang. I would give anything to be able to reach out to any one of them. I hope SFC Tommie and Sp4 Lange made it back home safely.

              Wil Walton
              12/9/2021

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      • The 4th lost all their Advisors Jan 67 and VN BNCO….major assualt by VC…..BN was in Duc Hoa for wveral weeks…. John Allen 3/49 66-67

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        • Sir, Do you Know Mr Rafael Valentin, Rafael Valentin Advisory Team 99 , died in Long An – May 1967
          We’ve been looking for his information for almost 55 years. My Mom is his daughter.

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    • I do remember Col.Hislop.He has always been my idea of a real leader.He is in my memory of all the great men I served with.

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    • Sir, Do you Know Mr Rafael Valentin, Rafael Valentin Advisory Team 99 , died in Long An – May 1967
      We’ve been looking for his information for almost 55 years. My Mom is his daughter.

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    • Do you remember the communication center duce and a half located by the gate? That is where I worked. Oct 65 to March 66.

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  15. For some reason I can never read the MACV messages that are sent. I was attached to MACV Team 99 70-71. Something on the delivery changed sometime back and have never been able to read or correspond. I would appreciate any help you can give me. The emails always come blank. Thank you Ronnie J. Taylor

    >

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    • I am Louis Ray. I was Heavy Weapons Advisorfree to share visor w/DCAT 99 in 1971. After this last tour in RVN I allowed my mind to close off my memories. I’m now willing to explore, I can deal with it now. If you or anyone else you speak to wants to e-mail feel free.

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  16. Anyone know or remember a Richard “Dick” Kittrell. Try to find out more information on his award and how it transpire into the Army creating the lightning ambush academy. Please email me if you do. Thank you to all!

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  17. Wilfredo Nieves (Woody) I was there in
    Duc Hoa mid 66 to end of 67 with MACV, TM 99, 25th ARVN. Company Clerk. Sorry I forgot most of the my buddies, but I remember just one, Sgt Latham. Could never forget the constant bombing at nights, couldn’t sleep and continues mortar rounds from the VC. Nonetheless thanks God was very fortunate to return home safe. Had some quiet times at Vung Tau, R&R Center. Please say a prayer for all who serve. Thanks Again.

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    • “Woody,” it was REALLY cool to read your post about being with ADV Tm 99 in ’66! Reading your memories was like a jolt, “Yes, it really existed, yes your memories ARE real memories & not just a dream. I was an Awards Clerk in the Admin Office. I left in Nov. ’66. I remember you; I remember you only by your last name….I don’t recall any of us even using each other’s first names. Let me run a few of those by you: Lt. Berry; Capt Gallagher; Capt/Major Freeman; Crabtree; Fundock; Pesicka; Couts; Kuehner; Majka; the immortal SMaj Park; Danser….Col Hunnicutt was the SA the first part of the year; Col Ugalde replaced him. Now here’s something that would really give me a kick if you remember: I created a four-team, half-court basketball league & was the captain of “Team 4”. YOU were on my team! We won the league, going undefeated at 14-0. I kept rather detailed statistics — FGs, FT, TP, Avg. GP (Games Played — you played in all of them. We got plaques for winning the league. Yes, I still have a mimeographed copy of the final stats. Another player on our team was Ziehmer (Ronald?), who you might remember because he was also a mail clerk who arrived the last part of the year. I hope you are doing well! (BTW: you averaged 5.6 points per game!) (-:

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        • Can’t quite bring myself to address you as Bad Bob, since some guys in Adv Tm 99 called ME Bad Bob, so it would feel like I were writing to myself. Ha! Enjoyed seeing your reply. I’m hoping Woody Nieves sees my post and answers. If you were there in ’68-’69, I’m thinking you HAD to know Rick Rice. I forget how he discovered me online, but, by quite the coincidence, he took over my exact job at Duc Hoa….but there was a year between his and my tours. We emailed a lot for a few years, then cancer took him out. He was a very friendly guy and really enjoyed being on sites like this one (npt that I know of any others besides “The Nam.” . So you missed the Tet offensive by a few months, but according to Rick, things got hotter (assault-wise) after Tet but he said Duc Hoa was still a pretty good place to be, relatively speaking. What did you do there?

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          • I was advisor to the G2. Did a lot of fireflys at night … two hueys and one cobra. And yes, I knew Rick. He handled all of my administrative stuff. Yeh, I think we all miss Rick; he was one of the good guys. bad bob

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      • Sir, Do you Know Mr Rafael Valentin, Rafael Valentin Advisory Team 99 , died in Long An – May 1967
        We’ve been looking for his information for almost 55 years. My Mom is his daughter.

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  18. I was in Duc Hoa from February 69 – June 70. Assigned to 86th Signal. Would like to communicate with anyone there at the time. Sgt. Dick Shaw.

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      • I was there January to June as an advisor with the 1/46 Battalion Hqs. Company at the school outside Pohl Compound. Across the road from the pool. Visited in 2016 and didn’t recognize much.

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          • I was an Air Force Birddog FAC and left the morning after the beginning of the ’68 Tet Offensive. I have the fins on my mantel of the 82mm mortar round the VC/NVA dropped within about ten feet of one of our Birddogs parked inside a revetment. See previous posts.
            So anywayā€¦ My wife and two daughters made our way back to Duc Hoa in May of 2012. About half the original hooches were still standing and were being used for adult education etc. The other half had been replaced by a two story elementry school. They told us the remaining hooches would be torn down in Oct or so. Don’t know what the replacement buildings would be. The Mess Hall was still there. At some point, I knew the date that Pohl Compound was builtā€”I think it was around 1965, So when we visited, those hooches were at least 47 years old and still looked in pretty good condition.

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            • My wife and I returned to Duc Hoa in January 2016. The compound was entirely gone. In front where the entrance was is a large fresco celebrating the Viet Minh victory over the French. I have created a Face Book page, Duc Hoa Team 99 where I have been posting some pictures from my time in VN. I also plan to post some pictures from my 2016 visit.

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              • James…. I would LOVE to look at your pix. To see them on Facebook, do I need to become a Facebook Friend of yours or can I find them some other way? Thanks A LOT! — bob getz

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                • Hi Bob, if you or someone you know is on Facebook, search for Team 99 Duc Hoa. It is a public page that anyone can access. I hope to continue to post more pictures gradually.

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                    • I’ve only posted 3 so far. I’m doing them gradually hoping that others will find the page and add their own

                    • Steve, are you referring to the Facebook page I created? There have been some additional posts but the don’t show up in the feed I see when I open it. Trying t o lean how to manage the page

                    • Yes, your page. If you go left to the Community and click on it you will see other posters pictures. I drop two on there a little earlier and there are some others that have posted as well.

                    • Thanks. I had to do a drop down under “More” to find them. I just don’t understand why they don’t show on the page along with the ones I’ve posted.

                    • LOL … turtle … the person who filled your vacancy when you departed your assignment. Your replacement was as slow as a “turtle” in getting there to fill your vacancy. bad bob

                    • I was just trying to remember the names of those I was with. My memory is fading. Thanks for responding.

                    • I arrived in May of ’98 during TET II. COL Hislop was SA; MAJ Ellis was G2; Rick Rice was admin; LT Shannon, G2. Other names escape memory.

                  • HI guys. Just a update. I know some of you have found the Facebook page I created Team 99 Duc Hoa. I have posted some old memories and several of you have added pictures. I’m moving on to share pictures from our trip to Vietnam in January 2016 which included a privately arranged trip to Duc Hoa on our last day in-country. I hope you’ll check them out. I promise that some of them will be very interesting.

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              • No, for the life me, I can’t remember his name. I do know he got shot in the leg because he contacted me a few months after I was home and stated he “did nor fly low anymore”. This was in response to my admonition after he took two AK-47 rounds through the cockpit windows while at low altitude just the afternoon before the beginning of the Test Offensive. Charlie

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        • I was transferred there in Feb,1966, from the First Infantry Division (Big Red One)! I stayed there until July when, shortly after being promoted to Sgt E5, I volunteered to be a Light Weapons’ Advisor to the Vietnamese 51s Ranger Battalion (Biet Dong Quon)! I was with them until May, 1967

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        • Hello JIM
          I went back for the first time in October 2019 and like you not much there that I remembered. I could NOT find the the old French base camp for the 4-49 just outside of Duc Hoa. Found the old runway which is now a road with a lot of old ARVN solders are residing. Even the VN museum across from old POHL was closed. Did some touring in the old pine apple fields on the west side of the River. Found one old solder from the 25th Div on the airport road, but neither of us remember each other.. Got to spend 25 days in country from North to South . What a beautiful country!!! Cliff

          Reply

          • NIce to know someone else saw it. I will be posting a picture of what was the airstrip on the Team 99 Dud Hoa Facebook page. The local priest hooked us up with at vet from the 25th ARVN Division Hq who helped us find places around town,

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        • I was also there in January 7, 1969 thru August 1969 as an RTO for my good friend, Lt. Jim Warfel (see above), Cpt. Lou Sustersic (KIA in 1969 after he left the team for a II Corp assignment), and Sgt. Allen Doughty. Cpt. Goto replaced Cpt. Sustersic later in 1969.

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          • Incredible Rob that we established contact 50 years later. I am grateful for the connection with someone who was truly there!

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            • Jim….

              The Lord works in miraculous ways. Someone was watching over us then and for the last 54+ years, my friend!

              Rob

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        • Hello Glen, I apologize for writing on your memory but I’m having no luck trying ti connect with anyone I served with from Nov 1967 – Dec 19667 when I was an advisor to the 1/49 th Inf 25th Inf. As you can tell I didn’t last long but would be happy to see how my team made out. The only names I remember are Cpt Florreich & Sgt Gaither. Any info you or anyone else from Team 99 would be appreciated. I now live in CT about an hour out of NYC. Anyone from Team 99 who’s in the NYC area I’d love to meet and reminisce even though I don’t have much to add. All the best!

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          • Frank, I was with 1-49 ARVN for two weeks in late June 1967. Was wounded and then volunteered for 25 Recon Co. Stayed with 25 Recon until my DEROS in June 1968. Captain Florreich and SFC Gaither were there during my short spell with 1-49 ARVN. As far as I knot, Cpt Florreich went home at end of tour. SFC Gaither spent a couple of months at Pohl Compound as NCOIC and then went home. Carl

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            • Carl, thanks for getting back to me. It doesn’t appear that advisors to the 1/49th lasted long. You were there two weeks and I made three. Was shipped to Japan and then sent back to Nam where they assigned me to the 2/506th Inf(Abn)

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              • Cliff,

                It has been a long time. Guess that just means that we are all getting pretty old. I know (or knew) that base camp. At one time and, gladly only for a very brief time, someone at Duc Hoa had the bright idea of basing 25 Recon there. We were so “tiny” as a Recon Co that we could barely man the perimeter, compounded by a lack of any heavy weapons. It did not take us very long to convince Division that we could not occupy a battalion base and also operate at our usual high tempo. Thanks for the note. Carl

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            • Carl, I am helping the family of Captain David Mackey, who was Team 99 in 1967 with 4/49th 25thID. Do you have any information on him?

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              • Karlen, Unfortunately I cannot. 25 Recon rarely operated with 25Th ARVN Infantry battalions. We operated mostly independently or with 51st Ranger Bn., US 11 ACR and 25 ARVN Cav Squadron. During my two weeks with 1-49 ARVN we did not operate wit anyone else,

                Carl.

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              • I had SA of 4-49th from June 1967 until about March 1968 then went to 3-49th until May 1968. Departed VN in July 1968. Nevr met Mackey. Sorry

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          • Hi Bob, Got my dates wrong. I was at AT99 from April 67 to April 68 assigned to the G2. I remember Major Howe and Col. Arndt was the Senior Advisor. I got promoted to the 25th Division Photographer and ran the photo lab for a while. I have many photos of the place. Glen

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            • Well, I messed up with my dates as well … I arrived in May of 68. When you were assigned to the 25th Div, did you run into a good friend of mine: CPT Russell Cottrell? He was in the Photo Imagery section, I believe.

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            • Hi Glen, I was the Admin NCO from May to October 68. I Had the pleasure of working with and knowing Rick Rice. He spent a long time with the team and we communicated for the last several years before his death. I was wondering if you had a web site or
              facebook page with photos of Team 99…….Regards

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                • For those on Facebook, I’ve created a page – Team 99 Duc Hoa for sharing photo memories. The cover photo is of the ARVN 1/46 loading air mobile sorties for one of the MANY operations we conducted. I served as the 1Lt, on the battalion advosory team.

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                  • Typos in post – I served as the 1Lt. on the Battalion advisory team. Team members during my tour 1968 -69 included Capt. Lou Sustersik, Sergeant James, Sergeant Doughty and Private Rob Weamer.

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                    • Jim…..

                      Yes I was PFC Beetle Bailey when I hit ‘Nam, but got promoted to Spec 4 during your tenure……I think you just got your first sign of dementia, my friend…..lol

                      Hope you and yours are well……we’re good here, too!!!

                      Rob

                    • Jim……

                      If possible, can you also forward Patrick’s pics of our sargeants to me, too?

                      Thanks……

                      Rob

                    • Rob, I forwarded Jim’s e-mail on to Vic so he can contact Jim and then to you. I was with 1/49 so no connection of my pics and you. Pat

                    • Jim..

                      My reply was in jest as I know there was no slight in your comment …..although I thought that my “Beetle Bailey” characterization was purely flippant on m part…..lol

                      As always, warmest regards, my friend………

                      Rob

                  • Jim, I forwarded some of these comments on to Vic Goto but he says he isn’t on Facebook. He says he has some pics of your sergeants. Do you have an e-mail address I can forward to Vic so he can share them with you? Vic and I were ROTC classmates and are in a coffee group of old VN soldiers.

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                    • Hi folks. I’m checking my memory. I have always remembered my tour as being with the 1/46, 25th ARVN Division. The battalion was headquartered at a school across the road from the Pohl Compound. A Ranger was located next to us. Three companies provided perimeter defense around Duc Hoa. I see a lot of reference on this site to the 1/49. Am I confused about my recollection. Can anyone clarify for me?

                    • Jim…

                      Here’s a Wikipedia article regarding the history of the 25th ARVN Division which shows brief descriptions of the 46th Battalion working in and around Hau Nghia and Long An provinces, mainly as security for roads/bridges providing access to Saigon.

                      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25th_Division_(South_Vietnam)

                      Rob

                    • Rob, that is a great link, thanks. Strange that at the macro level some of our units were considered poor but at the micro (our) levels the units were effective. Pat

                    • Pat & All…

                      Thanks…..since it is Wikipedia…accuracy is sometimes questionable…….Since I was the Sp4 RTO, at my level did not see AAR (After Action Reports). There were too many ops that we should’ve engaged the VC but I thought, which is now confirmed by the report I sent you, the 1/46th ARVN Battalion Company ADV Tm 99 worked was not aggressive in prosecuting the war…..

                      Rob

                    • Wow Rob. I’m amazed at the historical detail and tactical info in this article. I personally can attest to the comment “Joint General Staff commander General Cao Văn ViĆŖn stated that it was “not only the worst ARVN division, but possibly the worst division in any army.”[7] I have read this in other histories of the war. Their lack of aggression was very frustrating, often avoiding or withdrawing from engagements. One night while on ambush (not sure if you were with me) we clearly spotted with infrared a platoon of NVA moving through rice paddies in front of us. The company commander refused to order fire. I’m no hero but in frustration I ripped off a clip from my M16. There was hell to pay from the Division commander the next day. The report here about his relationship with Ky would explain all of it. This article is not correct about the Division HQs., not mentioning Duc Hoa. In researching things before our trip in 2016, I could not find Hau Nghia Province on any maps of VN. Apparently is was at some point after the war incorporated into Long An Province where the 46th regimental HQ was located and which is where I spent my last two months of duty. I have no clear memories of what my responsibilities were during that time but I was grateful to be off the line.

                    • Jim….

                      Yes, I was absolutely on that op with you and I clearly remember the incident. You had control of the Starlight device and when you unloaded the clip I was looking through Starlight. I wasn’t sure if it was an NVA/VC platoon but they probably would’ve done some damage to us for sure. I also recall not feeling very secure during our night ops, thinking if we made heavy contact, the Arvn company would didi in a hasty retreat, leaving you and I to slug it out with only an 8 clip bandolier (20 round mags) and, more than likely, get overrun and/or kia’d……….Someone was looking out for us šŸ‘¼, my friend…..

                      Rob

                    • From Carl Ernst: I Spent my first 1/2 month (June 1967) as the junior officer advisor to 1-49. We were in only one “big” fight during my short spell with 1-49. and that was when the HQ and one of its companies was attacked one night. I was wounded in that engagement and my ARVN RTO was killed, All there fought well, I spent the next 11 1/2 months with the 25 Recon Company. 25 Recon operated at lot conducting long range recon missions, larger platoon and company area recon missions and task organized with the 51St Rangers and the 11th ACR. This included the morning of TET ’68 up to and including the May’68 Offensive. I had the opportunity to come in from the field after my second Purple heart (month 4) but opted to remain with 25 Recon because they were good soldiers, brave to a fault and never left anyone behind, despite many very “ugly” predicaments.
                      So I guess what is in the Wikipedia article is the view from 10000 feet, For me, at ground zero with 25 Recon troopers and my tiny slice of that war, my view was and is decidedly different. My guess is that many of my brothers on this blog share my view as well. You, we can all be proud of our service in Viet Nam and also be proud of some very good and brave Vietnamese Soldiers that we served with. Carl

                    • Thanks Carl. My experience with the 1/49 as the junior officer was similar, same when I went out with the 49 recon company. I had served as a Plt Ldr and company XO with the 3/82 for the first half of my tour and I felt that the troops in 1/49 were head and shoulders better than what I had in the 3/82. The 3/82 was one of the units Pres. Nixon rotated stateside in Nov. 1969, but only troops with less then 4 months to serve went home, I was not in this group so was transferred in-country but again I think I had a better tour for 5 months with the 1/49.

                    • Jim,
                      This site is for all of Tm 99 (the 25th ARVN DIV) not just 1/46th. So 1/49 is also included, I presume there were 1/47 & 1/48 but I don’t know if they were part of 25 ARVN DIV.
                      Pat

                    • Team 99 Brothers, The three infantry regiments of the 25Th ARVN Division were: 46th, 49Th and 50Th. In addition, the 51St Vietnamese Ranger Battalion operated in the Division Tactical Area (DTA) as did 36th Rangers from time to time. Carl

                      Sent from my iPhone

                      >

                    • Thanks Ernst. There was also a Cav Sqd at Sui Cao (sp?). I was there once when I served as “escort/translator” on a C&C bird for the Regt CO who wanted to fly from Trung Lap to Sui Cao. Pat

              • Hi Jay. I have created a Facebook page named Team 99 Duc Hoa. I have posted some pictures from 68-69 and I’m now adding pictures from our return trip to Duc Hoa in January 2016. Posts are welcome. A few other Duc Hoa vets have found the page and added pictures. Jim

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            • MAJ Ellis was the G2 when I arrived. COL Hislop was the SA. I arrived in May of 69. I cannot remember the names of the LT’s who were there when I arrived, but I believe one of hem was named “Shannon.”

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        • Glen, I arrived in May of 69; I must have been your turtle. My first mission, one for which I volunteered, was to represent the G-2 at Sgt Nu’s wedding in Saigon. I had my first taste of Chinese Thousand Year Eggs, an experience which will live forever in my memory.

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        • Glenn, my memory is fading. Do you remember MAJ Ellis or Sgt. Nu? How about Shannon? At 82 I am losing my memory. Bob Holtzclaw

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          • Good Morning, I remember Sgt Nu.Ā  Believe there was a Major Howe running the G-2.Ā  I did a lot of picture taking.Ā  In charge of the photo lab for a while.Ā  I am approaching 82 myself.Ā  I lost my mind a while back.Ā  Best Regards, Glen

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            • Glen, I think I remember you. You were leaving as I arrived, if my memory serves me. I arrived in time to attend one of the RVN G-2’s LT’s wedding in Saigon. No one else appeared to want to attend and suddenly that opportunity was thrust upon me, even though I had just arrived at Duc Hoa. There was another ARVN LT there; of course I cannot remember his name, but he had been an orphan and had been reared by US soldiers.. When I arrived, COL Hislop was the Senior Advisor. That name ring a bell?

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              • Hi Bob, Colonel Arndt was the Senior Advisor when I arrived there. He was replaced by a Lt. Col who was promoted to full Colonel. He was a drinker. I bunked next to the officers hooch. That guy kept everyone up boozin’. My bunker took a direct hit with a 60. I heard someone say “they got Campman.” I got out without a scratch. I recall “Dutch” who believe had duty in the mess hall. Have quite a few photos of the compound. Some on Facebook. I can upload more. Regards, Glen

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                • Fun to hear you guys commenting on our tours at Duc Hoa. I have a few previous posts but your comment regarding the Senior Advisor brought back a memory. I was an Air Force FAC ā€” Allen 03 ā€” flying the Birddog between April ’67 and the day after the Tet Offensive. My memory is fading a bit but I was assigned to fly over to Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon (I don’t think it was at the Bien Hoa airfield but it could have been) to pick up the new Senior Advisor for Team 99. Well you guys know what kind of afternoon rain storms we used to getā€¦ After I picked up the Col and headed back to Duc Hoa, one of those storms popped up right in front of us. I was pretty highly experienced and with the side window open (impossible to see forward) I was easily able to visually navigate my way back safely to the Duc Hoa airfieldā€”despite the storm. Not sure but maybe that airplane ride is what drove the Col to drink!

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                  • Hi Leon. I’m pretty sure I remember Colonel Hislop. I believe it is him in pictures I have receiving my CIB and a Team 99 plaque when I left Duc HOA.

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        • Chapman, I think I was your “turtle.” Bob Holtzclaw here, a Captain at the time. Major Ellis was the G2 Advisor, SGT Nu was our interpreter. Major Bai was the RVN G2 and COL Hislop was the 25th ARVN Div Advisor. How are you? What happened to you after you left? bob

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      • Hi. My dad was at Duc Hoa Jan – May 15, 1969, when the helicopter he was in was shot up during a defoliating sweep. Injuries, but, thankfully, no deaths that mission. Capt David Pond, Chemical Corps, Advisory Detachment, Team 99. Might you, or anyone remember him?

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    • sp 4 Leon Kunkler here: was there at the end of tour at beginning of Summer 69 Campaign with the MACV Headquarters, ARVN 25th Infantry Division Headquarters assigned to the Security Platoon. Spent a lot of days down at the POL hiding from you guys. When you needed bodies to do work for you, security was the first place to look. We secured convoys to Saigon for supplies and a few of your people were along for ride or business.

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      • I was in the G2 Advisor shop during much of that period. I worked with MAJ Ellis and later MAJ West. COL Hislop was the Team Advisor. During my tour I was only able to make one trip to Saigon and that was by jeep … w/o security. I was a CPT at the time. bob holtzclaw

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    • I was the SA to 3/49/25th ARVN Div from 8/68-4/69, in Bao Trai and later Duc Lop.
      Anyone remember the SA and asst from 2/49 a few miles north of Bao Trai from summer of ā€˜68 til mid ā€˜69. The SA was a Cpt named Bill, I think?? The Asst Advisor was a 1Lt like me.
      Thanks and best to all,
      Tom

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      • I was assigned to 86th Sig. April/68-69. Was primarily in Duc Hoa but spent time in Tan An, Bao Tri, Nui Ba Dinh. Set up all the new Pulse Code Modulated equip (forget the nominclature) in Tan An. Was E-5 whole time there…had been “levied” to Nam from Germany. Would love to connect!

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      • Tom, this is Leon Kunkler a SP/4 with 25th tm99 June 68 to July 69. My memories are vague Could you tell what the Unit out of Ben Luc 1/49 2/49 I was thinking the 3/49 I was an RTO in the field unit.

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    • Was primarily in Duc Hoa April 68-69 with 86th Sig. Was a Sgt. E-5 “levied” from Heilbronn, Germany. Spent time in Bao Tri, Nui Ba Dinh, and set up/transitioned the then new pulse code modulated equipment (forget the nominclature) in TanAn. Would love to communicate!

      Reply

    • Hey Dick! I was in Duc Hoa assigned to 44/86th Sig as well. There Aprill 68-April 69. Was 31M40. Was off site setting up the new PCM (trc-50’s?) equipment toward end of tour (Bao Tri, Long An, etc.) Am not sure if I remember you or not. Would enjoy hearing from you though! BTW…I was awarded the Bronze Star at end of tour….memory hazy about that as I was awakened from a deep sleep to attend formation. Was never sure why I got that. Do you have any recall?? Sgt. Frank Moeller

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  19. Hoping to find anyone who served with a good friend and mentor of mine, Jack Wall. Air defense captain and advisor with the ARVN 25th Division around 1969. He passed away last year.

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  20. Jim…….

    Well…….that didn’t take long for that “stuff” to be removed!

    Hope all’s well with you and yours and Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

    Rob

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  21. Former SP4 Lund here. I served in Team 99 from Jul (?) 66 until DEROS in Apr 67 with the 51st ARVN Ranger Bn (Biet Dong Quan) at Ben Luc and then Go Den. I was the RTO for the advisory team. Cpt A V Goodpasture was senior advisor and we had 1LT Duncan, SSG Lemkey and SGT Czerniak as well. The Bn Commander was Major Giai (sp?). I came to Tm 99 from Tm 95 where I had been a security guard in the security platoon of Train Compound. I arrived in country in Apr, 65. Ddi a year as security guard, extended my tour for a second year, flew home for 30 day leave at my own expense. The RTO slot in The 51st advisory Team became available and I put in a 1049 to transfer to it.

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    • Hey Bruce, former SGT CZERNIAK here! That was some tour of duty with the 51st Rangers, with some very scary moments! But I will always be thankful for the friendship that we developed during our 2 year tours in Vietnam!

      Reply

  22. My grandfather was with advisory team 99. My grandfather died in Vietnam on April 14th 1968. His name was SFC Daniel Alexander Branson. Unfortunately this is the extent of my knowledge of him. If anyone knows anything about him or what he did, I would be eternally grateful for anything you could share.

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  23. Looking for any information on SSGT Zlatko Fakin. He Served with A Company, Special Forces Training Group (SFTG), U.S Special Warfare Center (USASWC), Fort Bragg, North Carolina 29 October 1963. On 1 April 1965, he was one of the advisors to the 52nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, serving with the Biet Dong Quan (BDQ) Advisory Team TD 41, Advisory Team 99, HQ, MACV Advisors, MACV. PLEASE EMAIL ONLY!

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  24. My name is George Jeffrey branson. My father was with advisory team 99. My father died in Vietnam on April 14th 1968. His name was Sargent first class Daniel A. Branson. I thought I would see if anyone remembered him from his old unit. If so you can contact me. My phone number is 270-305-3332. Pleas e leave a message.and I’ll return your call. Thanks.

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  25. For all Tm-99 Alumni: A dear friend and colleague, Rick Rice…..Rick graduated on August 1, 2018, from this life to eternity with God. Rick was a dear friend to me and many of you. He had a letter sent to me after his passing…Rick wanted me to tell you that he is in heaven and he wants to see each of you again, in eternity. I am saddened by his passing but I am also anxious to join Rick, for he is where we what to be.

    Reply

      • Hi Captain Ho!tzclaw, remember me Spec 4 Mario Tattoli? We used to discuss Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki. Do.you remember taking in mortar almost every night. I am trying to.get service connected compensation from.the VA for tinnitus. P!ease reply soonest. Thank you sir.

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        • You need my e-mail address: holtzclawassociates@comcast.net. How could one ever forget Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki? When you see this, send me your email address. And it was not only mortors that hit us, there were 106 mm and 122 mm rockets that hit us every night … like clockwork. In fact one evening during Operation Duffle Bag, I called in a B-52 strike into the area of the Horseshoe and Pineapple Plantation that really rocked our TOC. bob

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        • SP 4 Tattoli, I never heard from you. Did you get your service connected compensation from the VA? If you need a letter etc from me, let me know.

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          • I receive comp for diabetes, heart, high bp, neuropathy, ptsd and I am now being treared for lung cancer.

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              • 90 But I was deemed unemployable so a get100% rating. Unemployable is the magic word, must be noted in report. If you add up my disability it’s 160% and that’s not including my recent lung cancer. I would rather be able to walk and do just regular things. Good luck.

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    • Thank you, Jim for this up date. I have been out of the net for few months. Thanks or the update.
      Cliff Lanham

      Reply

    • THANK you Jim
      Rick and I corresponded over the years. He really helped me fill in a lot of blanks.
      Clifford W. Lanham
      SA 4-49 and 1-49th
      1967- 1968

      Reply

      • Clifford, I was with the 1/49 in late Nov ’67. Lasted about three weeks. Did you know Cpt. Florreich or Sgt Gaither? If so, do you know what happened to them

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        • Frank, I was with 1-49 for two weeks until wounded, then 25 Recon. Both Cpt. Floerich and SFC Gaither were there. Think Cpt. Floerich went home at end of tour. Not sure, but think SFC Gaither went to Duc Hoa, Pohl Compound as either NCOIC of First Sergeant for several months before going home. Carl

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      • Rick was a good friend. Somehow we met via the internet and kept in touch over the years. We realized that we had met but not known it. When I went to Duc Hoa to get supplies I am sure I interacted with Rick. After he became ill my wife and I drove to Indiana to meet him. I am so glad we went to meet him face-to-face. That was in February last year and he passed in August.

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    • Rick was a great friend to all who meet him. He took time to place soldiers in a confident mood. He taught us a lot.

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      • Yes, Rick was a great guy. I never actually met him in Nam, although we did cross paths. I got to know him via the internet and even went to visit him shortly before he passed

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    • Hi Jim
      I think you and I have communicated a number of times. Rick and and I corresponded a number of years. Ricks long term assignment at Team 99 HQ allowed him to provide me with a lot of data I had forgotten..
      I just returned from VN in November 2019. My son and I travelled 20 days in country from Hanoi to Long An. We spent one day in Duc Hoa. I could not the old base camp of the 4-49 about a km outside to town. One old resident told us a local re-education camp cleared mines and a large factory is now on top of the old site. The village of DucHoa is now some 35,00. I have a few pictures of the area if interested.
      From: Clifford W Lanham, SA Adv. 1967-68; 4-49 and1-49; 25th ARVN

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      • Hi Steve,
        My name is Jay Lycans. I was the admin NCO from April til October 1968 at Duc Hoa.
        Yes Rick lived in W. Layfette, IN. Rick was a wonderful guy and an outstanding soldier.
        If you have some pictures of Rick or compound I would be greatly interested.
        Thank you,
        Jay Lycans

        Reply

    • Would like information of Ben Luc in 67. Was in Duc Hoa for a month and learned Vietnamese before being assigned to a unit that the Ben Luc battery supported our operations. Returned to Adv team 99 Headquarter to the security platoon

      Reply

  27. Hello,

    I was assigned as an advisor to the 1/49th Regiment in November 1967. Worked with Captain Florreich (sp?). Was wounded on December 13 during an operation with the 25th American Division (Operation Yellowstone?) Since I don’t seem to remember what I did five minutes ago, I can’t remember names of the others on my team. If anyone remembers me, I’d sure like to hear how they’re doing.

    Thanks,

    Frank Casey

    Reply

    • I was not exactly in your area. I was with TM99, we moved to Cu Chi when the U.S. 25th pulled out. I was with 3rd/46th. After moving to Cu Chi I went up to the base camp on Nui Ba Den…..was up there 3 months, I was in country ’70 – ’71

      Reply

      • Hello Jim,

        Thanks for your note. As you can see, I didn’t last very long as an advisor. I don’t even remember what the name of our base camp was. Does Bo Tuc ring a bell with you? My only recollection of Duc Hoa was landing there on my way to where ever the 1/49th was based. I remember staging at Dau Tieng on our way to whatever the operation with the 25th Infantry Division was. Hope all is well with you. I live in Connecticut now. Got out of the service in 1971 and had a career with IBM and a few start-ups…still doing consulting in Intellectual Property.

        Reply

        • Hi Frank, Thanks for the reply. I had a very good friend that served with the 1/49th. We shipped out for Nam at the same time and both were delivered by chopper to our respective assignments, the problem of a mix-up was wasn’t revealed until April 7th of ’70. I had been out on a 10-day mission with one of our companies. Shortly after I had arrived at our base camp and was unpacking and cleaning up. Our team leader had been in Duc Hoa and saw my name on the KIA board. He was floored when he walked into our hootch and saw me, I was shocked when I realized what happened….my friend, Sgt. Gary Brown had been the one KIA…..I was supposed to be dropped off at the 1/49th, Gary was supposed to be dropped off at 3/46th. There had been no paperwork/orders given to us and nobody ever knew until that fateful day for Gary. I feel like he died in my place.

          Reply

    • Frank, I was assigned to 1-49 for about two weeks as in June 1967 junior advisor (ILT). Like you I was wounded early-on and when I got out of the hospital (12 Evac at Cu Chi) I was asked to volunteer for the 25Th Recon Company, which I did. and stayed in that company for the final 11 plus months. Captain Froelich was there when I got to 1-49.

      Carl Ernst

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      • Carl, thank you for your note. I was a 1LT at the time with MACV and even remember Sgt. Gaither (memory is coming back to me albeit very slowly)now. What village was the 1/49th based at? I really don’t remember.

        I was wounded in Tay Ninh Province near the border in fire fight with NVA; was sent to Cu Chi and then evacuated to Camp Zama Japan. When I finally got back in country I was sent to the 101st.

        Reply

        • Frank, when I arrived and when I was wounded 1-49 was at Phuc Heip, not too far from Cu Chi in Haugh Nigih Provence. SFC Gaither was there at that time. In the night I was wounded the ARVN that carried my radio was killed. The team American RTO replaced him (he normally was with the senior advisor who was in the comman bunker at that time with the BN. Cdr).That US RTO got hit pretty bad whe we went outside the perimeter to direct gunships. He and I both ended up at the 12th Evac. Carl

          Reply

      • Hi Carl
        It is Clifford Lanham, 4-49th 25th, 1967/68
        See my comments above posted today, 31 Dec 2019
        Been a long time since seeing your name

        Reply

        • Cliff, Agree, it’s been a long time. Was nice reading your description of the “new” Duc Hoa. Far cry from the ’68 version when it was smack in the middle if the NVA Cambodia to Saigon expressway. This site is a great way for those us us assigned as “advisors” and mostly lost in the great panorama of the Viet Nam War. Take good care and Happy New Year and to all of our Team 99 Brothers. Carl

          Reply

  28. Looking for anyone associated with Team 99 in1965. My daddy, SSG Joe Hunt was on this team for at least part of that year. I have reason to believe he was on another team at some point, but I’m not definite on which one. My mother said it was 76, but so far, that’s led me nowhere. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him (or can offer any assistance on locating info on his other team). He was tall (my mother said 6’5″) & thin-lanky almost, black hair, and had a very dry sense of humor. He loved dogs & little kids, and wrote lots of letters home because we sent many to him. He was very well organized and often wrote notes in a pocket sized notebook.

    Reply

  29. Just found this site. I was assigned to Team 99 from July 1967 to June 1968. Was the senior advisor to 25Th Recon Co. (call sign Cobra 26). 25 Rcn was normally based out of Duc Hoa in a small, old French fort (you may remember the concrete tower which we enhanced with two machine gun decks for .50 cal and .30 cal). Fort was on the SW edge of Duc Hoa. 25 Rcn did LRRP’s, larger unit recon missions, ambushes and strike or raid missions. Was there for Tet 68 and May Offensive 68. After 25 Recon and 51St Rangers were placed OPCON to 11 ACR for operations all around Duc Hoa to locate and destroy NVA units attempting to exfiltration beck to Cambodia and Laos. When not in the field I frequently rode “back seat” in both Army and USAF Bird Dogs out of Duc Hoa trying to locate infiltration routes and possible LZ/PZ sites Used to go to Pohl Compound when possible for a good shower and “real” food. On the morning of Tet 68 the NVA and VC made a mistake in not attacking Pohl/25 ARVN Div HQ and then the airstrip first. They attacked our base instead as their main effort which consumed them for hours and caused them to withdraw without accomplishing their mission of taking Pohl and the airstrip. After the fight concluded a battalion of the 101St was lifted in to “secure” Dub Hoa and police-up the battlefield.
    Duc Hoa was important because it sat astride the intersection of 3 major infiltration routes near the “Horse Shoe” in the Vam Co Dong river and in direct line with the “Parrots Peak” on the Cambodian Border. This location was the reason for the airstrip and the Army and USAF Bird Dogs (also re-arm and refuel point for Army gunships). Carl Ernst

    Reply

      • Hello Rick.I found a military map of the Duc Hoa area. I used a large format scanner to produce a pdf.file.If you would like a copy I could send it to you.You could share it with others.Happy 2018.John.

        Reply

        • Sir, I would also love a copy of that map, if you don’t mind. Our Dad, a Signal guy, CW2 Marvin Arnold, was also at Duc Hoa, but in 70-71 as a MACV advisor. I have posted on in this forum a few years ago, as I have a couple of photos from the times. Sadly, no one seems to remember him, which is understandable for as long as it has been! He died in 2011 – I would love to add the map to his memory box, which I am making as a surprise for my nephew (his grandson). My email is sanne57@gmail.com. Thanks so much!

          Susanne

          Reply

          • I thought I had sent the pdf. file to Rick Rice.If he did not receive it, I will be happy to send you a map.John Tary.

            Reply

            • Good hot and muggy morning! If you are able to email the .pdf file, I wouldn’t mind having it printed myself. I am currently stationed at Daegu in S. Korea with the Red Cross, where I am able to have items printed at very reasonable cost. I would hate for you (or Rick Rice) to incur any expenses. If you can’t email the file, then I would be happy to give him a shout. Thanks!

              Reply

            • Rick.Could you please send me an email so that I can send you the map pdf. If you could please send it to anyone on the team site.John Tary

              Reply

        • Hey John.. I was at Duc Hoa and then Duc Lap with the 4/49th from July ’68 – Sept ’69. If you could send me a copy of your map, I would really appreciate it.

          “I continue to honor those who never came home.. and those who never really left..”
          Welcome home brother..

          Reply

          • Salutations.I am going to rescan my map to pdf.I will then make available full format maps /pdf to any Team 99 members.Gary,do you remember 1st Jim Ollinger (sp?).The day I left the field my replacement for zapped.

            Reply

            • Hi John..

              Appreciate the effort on the map. My email: gsosings@gmail.com

              The name Olinger sounds familiar.. I remember a large guy (6’2″, maybe 240). Not sure if that was him. I’ve got some 8mm movies that were transferred to DVD, with some of the guys having some fun (hoops, playful boxing) Helps with ever dwindling memories šŸ™‚
              G

              Reply

            • You’re the best, John! Our Dad’s box is almost finished – am still searching for that pocket hanger he wore … but I’ll find one, I just know it! Meanwhile, including a map of his last VN tour is an unexpected pleasure. Thank you so much.

              Reply

            • John, I would very much appreciate the PDF Map. 25 Recon worked throughout the Team 99 AO, so the map for me would be a terrific way to look again at the areas we operated in during my 11 months with 25 Recon. Thank you for what you are doing for all of us on this blog. Carl cfe.jejack@charter.net

              Reply

          • GARY,
            When were you at Duc Lap? I was the Advisor of 3/49 and near Bao Trai TIL early ā€˜69, then Duc Lap where the 49th HQ was. My tour was June 68 – June ā€˜69.
            Thanks
            Tom Arthur

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            • Hey Tom .. I have some vague (and fading) memories of my 12 months in Duc Lap (July ’68 – Sept. ’69) .. succeeded Dave Scott as the RTO under Ltc Bowles & his followups .. was there the night mortars hit the ammo dump .. I do remember you being there flying choppers I believe along with some others .. pickup basketball game & ‘boxing’ matches among my memories .. have photos & movies of my experience .. welcome home brother

              Reply

              • GARY,
                My 3d Battalion switched from Bao Trai to Duc Lap maybe around December 1968.
                I was a 1st Lt and Sr Advisor to 3/49th. I remember Dave Scott. LTC Bowles pulled me from the Battalion about the time he left and my last couple of months was at the Regiment, not nearly as exciting as with a Battalion, but safer.
                LTC Bowles is 90 and lives in a very nice assisted living facility near Orlando and I go see him a couple of times each year….a great person.
                I was there when the Ammo dump got hit…also there when a rocket hit our roof and killed three ARVN in the room next to mine.
                What was your job before taking over from Scott?
                Send me your email and Iā€™ll send you some pics.
                We live in Tampa in the winter and Wyoming in the summer.
                Do you have Dave Scottā€™s email?
                Thanks
                Tom

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                • Hey Tom.. good to hear from you. We’re practically neighbors: I’m over on the east coast of Florida (Lake Worth). From your pics, I recognize you, Dave & Leroy. Always wondered what happend to him. Nice to hear about LTC Bowles .. always admired him. If you’re planning to visit him at some point, let me know & maybe we could have a quick reunion.

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                • TOM and or Gary
                  Carl
                  By chance do you have photos of Pohl Compound in Duc Hoa???? Most of my pictures have faded or died over the years. Any pics would be kool.
                  Cliff Lanham

                  Reply

            • Dave Scott
              dwscott05454@sbcglobal.net

              Tom:
              Is there a way to write/email LTC Bowles? I would like to send a letter if possible. Iā€™m living in Rochester, Michigan and spend summers sailing Lake Huron. Iā€™m looking forward to the pictures. Thanks

              Reply

        • To John Tary, Thanks for sending the map!!!! I have been under a lot of medication recently and was unable to send my appreciation for your kindness. The map is here and already on my wall. Thanks again. Bob Holtzclaw, LTC, Retired

          Reply

            • Hello brothers…I was at Duc Hoa April 68 – April 69 44th/86th Sig. Also Tan An, Bao Tri & Nui Ba Dinh. Would love to receive a PDF copy of the map being mentioned in posts. If someone could explain how I can obtain please advise. Thanks so much! Peace Out!
              Frank Moeller (Sgt.)

              Reply

              • Greeting.If you send me an email address I will send you a pdf .If you can’t access a large format printer then send me an address and I will mail you a printed map.I arrived in the field in May 68.I was RTO with the 4/49th.John.

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                • Hey John, Thanks for your reply! I do not have access to a large format printer. If you would mail me a copy of the map it would be GREATLY appreciated! If there is any way that I can compensate you for this please let me know. I will be eternally grateful. Please mail to Frank Moeller/1128 Cheryl Ln., Wilmington, NC 28405-1253. Thanks again!!!

                  Reply

        • Hello John
          I was the SA of the 4/49th just out side of Duc Hoa from July 1967 to July 1968. If you still have a copy of the map you were discussing, I would love to have one. Clifford W. LANHAM, clanham@knology.net

          So sorry to hear Rick Rice died this August.

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        • Hey John that is definitely a find. Could you send the maps that you have worked so hard to put together? I was in Duc Hoa from Jun 68 and went to field in July after studying Vietnamese from two great kids in Headquarters. The girls taught me enough to make friends amongst ARVNS and people of our AOs We floated from south of Ben Luc along the boarder bouncing to Lue Ba Den base if
          Black Virgin Mountain) near Tan An City askandack@yahoo.com

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          • Victor….

            I was the RTO with Adv Tm 99 (Cpt. Sustersic, Lt. Jim Warfel, SSG James) in Duc Hoa (Jan. 4, 69′ thru Aug. 69). Could you also send the map to me? email rgw-jr@msn.com………Hi, Jim……

            Rob

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              • Jim…

                Thanks, my friend……….I can return the compliment as I thought of you as a top-drawer LT……only chewed me out once…..remember? I betcha ya’ don’t, do you? Well, I’ll refresh your memory. Sgt. Doughty and I went out with on an ambush and we only wore our jungle hats…..when we returned to our hooch n the am you saw our jungle hats and promptly corrected our attitude! lol (by the book, you were)……..

                Rob

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      • Rick, Yes. Ray Bessel. He carried our radio for year. He received a bad neck wound in the early hours of the Tet fight. He and his radio were a bullet magnet; but he never gave up that radio. Most of the time it was just he and I at 25 Recon. Was hard to get and keep the authorized NCO. Carl

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        • Thank you. I sat with Bessey in the little NCO club, when they took him out of the field (finally) to go home. He was not happy about
          it and complained he wanted to stay a bit more in the field
          Rick

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    • It is really great reading our comments. Keeps them coming. I arrived in Duc Hoa in May of 68; worked in the G2 shop with MAJ Ellis and later Winger West.

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    • Carl…If you provide an email addressI have some 69′-70′ vintage pictures of the Div Recon area and players if you are interested..I was S.A. with the Recon Co and spent some time with the 1/50th & 3/46th.

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      • Steve. Sorry, have been off the net for a while. Would love the pictures. E mail: cfe.jejack@charter.net
        You are correct. Bessy was reluctant to leave. As my RTO he was my shadow and battle buddy for 11 months. Tough as nails, wounded in the neck on the morning of TET, went AWOL from the hospital to return to Recon Company telling me (by note since he could not talk) that I could not do without him. He was right because it was just he and in Recon Co. and he could do it all: call for Dustoff’s, call in arty and airstrikes and adjust Army gunship fires. When it was time for him to DEROS he wanted to wait for me; but I would not let him. Was afraid that he would be wounded or killed during that extra month. Thanks, Carl .

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    • Great summary re the strategic value of Duc Hoa and the location of the 25th ARVN Div. I started riding in the back seat of those Bird Dogs in June of ’68 and then in the FireFlys at night. I was assigned as G2 adviser to the 25th ARVN. Bob Holtzclaw

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    • Carl,

      What in the hell are you up to these days?
      Run a “commo check” when you have a moment

      “Ranger” Bill Cole (51st BDQ)

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    • Hello Carl, Good to you are still kicking around. Clifford Lanham, SA, 4-49th, 25 ARVIN stationed just out side of Duc Hoa, 1967-1968.

      Reply

    • I was one of the 0-1 crew chiefs on the flight line back in “70 then after the Ameicans pulled out of Chu Chi we were moved there to support the ARVINs in early “71 ….. Duc Hoa had the best NCO club in Vietnam , best food ever !

      Reply

      • For Cliff Lanham from Carl Ernst: Cliff, unfortunately I lost what few RVN photos I had to Hurricane Katrina– Pohl Compound, field photos and also 25 Recon Duc Hoa base photos. Sorry I can not be of assistance. Carl

        Reply

  30. Sorry I don’t know him
    I was with Co.D 44th signal company 86 Sig. Battalion. My CO was Captain Davis (spelling ?) . I still would like to hear from (Sgt) Frank Moeller.

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  31. My Dad, Captain Donald R. Brown was an Advisor attached to the 46th Rangers in 1965.

    I have some pictures of his if anyone wants to see them. He is the officer exiting the chopper in the photo taken by Horst Faas.

    Reply

  32. looking for anyone from macv 99 who remembers sgt kenny pugh, from Hartford ct, he was killed in dec of ’68

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  33. I would like to find someone that served with David Owen from Virginia. He lost his life on Oct. 4th 1967 while serving with SFC Advisory Team 99. I know his family, and we have him on our Monument here at the York County/Poquoson Courthouse.

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  35. hi charlie i left duc hoa during tet. i had to catch a helicopter ride during tet because all the roads were closed i bet that was you i left with. we took rocket fire and mortars my last few days in vietnam and i was just glad to get out.

    Reply

    • I was MACV in Duc Hoa1967 briefly a couple months, sgt. Security, around summer. The Capt. In charge of the orderly room, a West Point grad, didn’t get chlorine in the drinking water and a bunch of us including me caught hepatitis. The same capt gave me an official reprimand for my gaurds “out of uniform” but I was hip to regulations my 2nd tour already. I was obeying regulations per wet bulb temperature, I had my security guards roll up their sleeves and unblouse their boots inside those hot bunkers on the perimeter and brought them iced Cool Aid during the day. Having contracted hep, I had to be evac’d to a Navy hospital in Japan my hep was so serious. When I returned to Viet 5 weeks later weighing 110 lbs, I pulled strings in Pentagon East and was reassigned to team 27 in Qui Nhon, infantry advisor and RTO, RF PF. I’d had quite enough of the capt. Capt Redman and his wimp 1st sergeant yes man who wouldn’t stick up,for me following uniform regs. Yet another captain Redman at Duc Hoa and I were friends, he was an arty advisor and took over when my former capt was relieved of command…fitting fate for him. Capt Redman had a much wanted field position, arty advisor (my true mos was 13B) for me but alas my orders were cut for Qui Nhon where I spent the rest of my tour through Tet. See my posts on Adv Team 27.

      There was a Sgt Barfoot also a security sgt as well and a guard named Giddeon. The guys as a whole in the compound in general were fantastic amigos. I hung out in off time with another capt in charge of aerial photog interpretation, he had his shop in a large trailer, we developed film together.

      Am eccondor on Instagram, & cabrown3@gmail.com
      Sgt Brown (Charley)

      Reply

    • Hi Rick,
      Perhaps the best way would be via Dropbox. I don’t think you even need a Dropbox account to view pics. Of course I would need your email address to make this work. Just new on this site (last night) so don’t know how addresses are handled.

      Charlie

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  37. Hi Guys,
    I was an Air Force Forward Air Controller ( FAC ) Bird-dog pilot operating out of Duc Hoa from April ’67 until the first day of the TET offensive in Feb of ’68. I was surprised that comments indicate that the Pohl Compound is no more. I was in Duc Hoa with my family in April of 2012 and about half the hooches were still standing and some were still in use as adult education class rooms. The north half of hooches had been replaced by a two story elementary school. The mess hall was still standing. We did hear that the hooches would be torn down to make way for new construction. We visited the laterite runway which is now lined with houses. The residents learned what my wartime job had been but showed no resentment and in fact seemed very joyous that we were visiting them. Of course everything west of the compound road was gone. I believe those buildings were old French buildings which had been used by the 25th ARVN and you US Army folks. I do have pictures of the old hooches and the runway as it looked five years ago. Loved our time visiting Viet Nam.

    Reply

    • Charlie, I arrived shortly after you left. I flew as an observer in the bird dogs during the day and guided the fire flies in at night. I was a CPT at the time working in the G2 shop. While there I was able to wrangle B-52 missions on call. I cannot remember the FAC who replaced you, but I do remember what he looked like … maybe 6’1″ or 6’2″ in height, brown hair … MAJ Ellis, G2 Advisor, and MAJ Little, G3 Advisor, may have been there while you were there. Remember any of those names?

      Reply

    • Charlie, were you the Fac that was shot in the leg on one of the operations? I was with the ARVN, 4-49, base camp just out side of DucHoa?

      Major Ellis and Maj. Little. I remember both names.

      Clifford W. Lanham

      Reply

      • I arrived in May in the middle of TET II. On my first night in Saigon a rocket landed outside the hotel where we were housed and blew me about 12 feet in the air. By the time I made it to Duc Hoa, you had long gone. Maj Ellis was a fine officer; he had come up through the NCO ranks and that gave him a gravitas that few officers possessed. I had the deepest respect for Maj Ellis. Thanks for responding. bob

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      • Great to hear from you guysā€¦ No, I never got hit, but it was my replacement that got shot. A little more detail: The word passed down from FAC to FAC was to stay at 1500 feet above ground level (AGL) to minimize taking ground fireā€”at least for a couple of months and until you learned the area well enough to know where the the most dangerous locations were. Well, my replacementā€”just can not remember his nameā€”went out on early evening on the eve of the TET Offensive to check on reports of large VC numbers out west by the river. We thought these reports were “crazy” but of course they were not! He was down low and took two AK-47 rounds through the cockpitā€”one through the front window and a second just behind his head through the rear window. I was really angry with him because he nearly got killed and possibly could have put all of us in huge danger trying to rescue him if he were downed. And of course it was too late in the day to put any airstrikes into the bad guys. Well, we all know what happened later that night and thanks to that Army M42 Duster with the twin 40mm guns that just happened to park inside the Pohl compound, we were saved from an attempt to over-run us. To the pointā€”I did receive a short note from my replacement a few months after I had left Duc Hoa. He said he didn’t fly low any more because he had been shot in the leg during a mission.

        Reply

    • Hello Charlie
      This is from Clifford Lanham. I was with the 4-49th, 25th ARVN just outside of Duc Hoa I was the SA of the 4-49 until after Tet. I think you and I had a couple of flights around DucHoa. I think we went on a number of aeral recons arond the 4-49 base camp and of course the Van Com Dong River area. Be glad to send you a pic to refresh your memory. LOL It was only yesterday you know. Cliff

      Reply

    • Frank I apologise for not keeping in contact with you a couple of years ago. I just wasn’t up to speed using Email technology. My email is bobfarland@verizon.net Tomorrow I will clear out old messages and hopefully hear from you. Again I apologise for not getting back to you before.

      Reply

      • Bob, I have now e-mailed you twice at the Verizon address you provided and have not heard back from you. In the e-mail I provided my phone number. If you need me to resend please let me know. Tks!!

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        • Frank, I just saw your message on the team 99 web site. My daughter’s apartment is downstairs where my office and computer are. Please let’s try this again. I never got your tel.# because of my situation ,but today I received an email .. I receive emails on my cell phone now. 401 265 0797 or bobfarland@verizon.net

          Reply

    • Frank, I do not remember you, but I was there from May of 68 to May of 69. I worked in the G-2 shop with MAJ Ellis. I was a CPT at the time. I just though I would check in.

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        • Rick, I do not remember you. What did you do? Where did you work? I have been trying to remember some of the names of the other guys I worked with in G2, but my memory is foggy. I remember a LT by the name of “Shannon,” whether first or last name, I cannot remember. He and I would take turns guiding fireflies into the rice fields each night.

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          • Robert, I was the Admin Clerk, I was there from Jan 7, 68 to Mar of 70. So yes, it was me that did all your paper work. šŸ™‚ I sure liked Major Little, he took me up on a night flight a few times and with search lights, we would go up and down the Vam Co Dong river, very scary. ha

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              • Bruce….

                I remember Maj. Phillips during an early 1969 ops. Lt. Warfel and I (TM 99) were assigned with the ARVN 25th Inf. and we required air support and a couple of Huey slicks were providing that support. One of the hueys took an rpg and crashed approx. 100 meters from our position and Lt. Warfel and I, along with some Arvns raced to that crash to rescue the survivors and provide perimeter security. Well Maj. Phillips was observing the op in his huey. After we secured the perimeter and rendered aid, Maj. Phillips landed and dusted off the survivors. As I recall, Lt. Warfel and I continued the ops and safely returned to our base camp in Duc Hoa

                I subsequently learned about a month later that Maj. Phillips put himself in for either the DSC or Silver Star!!!! Imagine that! I think what he did was disgraceful. I’d like to read that citation and see just kind of story he told for that awarded! His huey pilots and door gunners were the heros that took the risk!

                Jim, do you remember that ops? It’s still very clear in my memory!

                Rob

                Reply

                • Rob, What ARVN unit were you working with at that time and do you recall the general area the incident took place? I was kicking around the Ben Luc area in the Feb/Mar 69′ time frame with the 1/50th. I’m thinking Maj Phillips may have been the Bn SA. Of course it’s only been 50 years so I might be off on that.

                  Reply

                  • Finally!! Some folks from Team 99!Ā  My years were 66 67.Ā  I was SA of 4th Bn,1st Regt, 25th ARVN.Ā  My team and I did the Tan An- Ben Luc-and good old Lung Hoa route for about 10 months. Last 2 months fattening up at Duc Hoa before they sent my wormy butt home.Of course, I am trying to track down a couple of my old team.Ā  One was a big black Capt named Rodney G. Smith,(he was also a RN) and SFC Roberts. (can’t remember his first name-dammit.Ā  He always called me “Skipper”.Ā  He wzs also a Marine in a past life)He and I got our PHs from the same land mine.I am Lawrence D. Bowen, I was a Captain at the time.Ā  My counterpart was aĀ  Major Quay.Ā  (Grumpy guy,but we got along good). Sorry to jump in,but I would like tofind at least part of my old team. Appreciate it. Thank you.Dutch Bowen.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

                    Reply

                    • Hey Dutch..Nice to hear from you. I was still in diapers when you were in country but it seems I may have walked some of the same ground. Feb69 thru Aug 71, 1/50th as the FNG, 25th Recon Co as SA and then 3/46th as SA. Can’t imagine what a 20 something nimrod was doing; but DoD must have been right.
                      Steve Hampton
                      rvn1969.1971@gmail.com

                  • Steve………

                    I was embedded with the 46th ARVN stationed just outside the Pohl Compound in a school house in Due Hoa. I hit country (Bien Hoa, 90th Replacement Battalion-Long Binh) on Jan 2, 1969 and hueyed to Duc Hoa on January 5 thru early August 1969. I was part of a 4-man field team with Cpt. Susteric, 1st Lt. Jim Warfel (he’s on this website), SFC James James, and me.

                    Reply

                  • Steve…..

                    I don’t think so…….but he definitely should have been in “leg irons” not armor……….

                    Rob

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            • Got ya!!! I never went up with MAJ Little; I was always going up during the day with one of the other guys. I wish I could remember some of their names. How long did you stay in after Nam? I remember the Vam Co Dong quite well … the horse shoe and the river boats with the Seals. One of the Seals bunked in my hooch; I did a couple of boat rides up/down the river with him. I wish I could remember his name; he was always singing this crazy little song: “Anna Banana, Fofanna …” etc. His build reminded me of a football player. After Nam I tried to find MAJ Ellis, but to no avail. I know he lived somewhere in VA. Can you remember any of the other names? What are you doing now? bob

              Reply

            • I just answered your msg in my reply to Bruce Swander. I do not quite have the skills I need to handle this blog. Know of a good admin guy to help me out? Please read my reply to Bruce Swander…maybe below?

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  40. Steve, I am wondering if you are the same Sgt. that I remember from Duc Hoa and R&R to Vung Tau. I too was there April/68-April/69 w/44th Signal. You can email me @fxmole@earthlink.net if you like. Look forward to hearing from you! Frank Moeller

    Reply

  41. I’m not sure how or by whom this site was created but THANK YOU. I first discovered the site in the fall of 2015 while planning a trip to VN to include a return to Duc Hoa. As a result, I first reconnected with bird dog pilot Cy Johnson who I accompanied on a number of missions over Hau Nghia Province (now Long An). Yesterday I received a post on this site from Rob Weamer, Jr. who was an RTO on our team. Today we had an hour long phone conversation. Sadly, these contacts also led to the confirmation the Cpt. Lou Susterick, who was our team leader, was killed in the fall of 1969 while on his third consecutive tour of duty in VN. I have often wondered about each of these men. VN was a defining moment in many of our lives. To have had an opportunity to reconnect after 48 years with those with whom it was directly shared is a true gift. Glad to hear the stories of some who returned and prospered.

    Reply

    • Hi James, just in case you haven’t heard, there’s a Vietnam Vet reunion in Effingham, Ill in September 2017. For more info you can log onto 2017 Vietnam Veterans Festival. Jerry Wiese is the coordinator.

      Reply

    • Hi James, I was a Navy LTJG attached to the NAVLE, Duc Hoa at the same time you were there. I too went up with Lt Cy Johnson, Bird Dog pilot, on numerous missions over Hau Nghia Province in support of our PBR’s on the rivers and canals. I believ his CO was Captain Frank Farnum, who put me in for the Air Medal, but it got shot down by the Navy as I did not have DIFOT orders. Crazy!. When in September of 2017 is the Vietnam Vet reunion in Effingham, IL.

      Reply

  43. Hi Cliff, I do not have Duc Hoa pictures posted on my FB page, could be another member to the Team99 account. I sometimes think about going back to see what it looks like now.

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  44. I was with the 145th Av Bn out of Bien Hoa. I was in Duc Hoa for about 6 months until Sept. of ’67. My self and my partner, (last name Spurlock) would spend the day refueling and rearming helicopters out by the short airfield. The few things I remember about Duc Hoa…During lunch a fellow had a seizure and we had to put a spoon in his mouth as he was choking on his tongue. He bit down on his tongue and spoon…Bloddy mess. I really remember the early evening basketball games. In our hootch there was a guy that was really trying to get home anyway he could. Well he made it. Word was he kept drinking water from a small ditch that ran on one side of the compound, He ended up with hepatitis and the whole camp had to have a gammagoblin shot in the butt. Man that was painful!!

    Reply

    • John I RECALL THE GOOD OLD SHOTS ONE IN EACH CHEEK I WAS COMMO CF FOR THE BN. BUT NOT MUCH TOO DO ROUND UP IN GHARGE OF SEC GUARD PLT ON 145TH AREA OF FIELD NEVER COULD UNDERSTAND WHY THE HQ 145TH WAS IN LINE WITH GATE AND WATER TOWER WENT TO 69TH BN LATER I WAS ALL OVER VN TM 43 TM 68 AN CAM RAIN BAY FOR GIVE ENLGISH 80 PLUS YRS NOT TO BAD I AM STILL HERE SAYING HELLO ONE TO ON VET.

      Reply

  45. Again, sorry but I just don’t recognize the name and there were so many radio operators and people that managed the bar. Just been too long, any chance you can send a picture of him back then. You could send it to my email address rricevet@gmail.com

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  46. I was there, but the name does not ring any bells. I remember faces, but have forgot so many of the names. What did he do there? Officer or non-com?

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  47. I believe my dad was in Duc Hoa from 68-69, Don Brunn. Anyone remember him? I would like to try to connect him with some people he knew. He isn’t very good with the searches.

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    • Sp4 Leon Kunkler Duc Hoa , Learned language from two dear linguist females June 68 to Aug 69 before becoming an RTO for Unit outside of Ben Luc, and up Cambodian Boarder to Ven Ven south of Tain Nan city. then back to Duc Hoa security platoon for last month would like to connect with Don at askandack@yahoo.com

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  48. JAMES LEE says JAMES SMITH YOU RECALL PLAYING TENNIS IN DUE HUE TE 43 I BELEAVE YOU WHERE MY SA. if so scoll down to your entery below forgive the typing getting younger.

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  49. I was in Duc Hoa for over two years and met so, so many people, officers and non-coms, so although I always thought I would remember everyone, that didn’t happen. But when I see pics of them, yes I sure remember. Glad you made it home. I left March 18th of 1970.

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  52. I definitely remember Ssgt.Smith.First team member I met.Spent about six months with him in the field until he was reassigned to Saigon somewhere.He actually saved my life more times than I can remember.One of the best and bravest soldiers I ever met.I think of him daily.I will try and locate some photos I have of him and our team leader Capt. Valasic.John.

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  53. MACV Team 99, My grandpa (then SFC Robert (Bob) Smith) was an Infantryman assigned to MACV Team 99 in 1968 at Duc Hoa. I am currently in a graduate degree program and doing research on his experiences in Vietnam. I am looking for any person(s) that served with him or served in the same location and timeframe that could aid in my research. Thanks for the help.

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  54. Was at both Duc Hoa (Pohl compound) & Duc Lap.. with Adv. Tm. # 99, 49th Reg, 25th ARVN.. from July ’68 – Sept. ’69. I have photos and 8mm films from the experience.. otherwise, very foggy memories & names

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      • Wow! you’re right.. that was me that replaced you as RTO.
        Sorry for the late reply, but was searching for and found a couple of pics I remembered having of you.
        If you can email at gsosings@gmail.com, I can send them to you. Gary Oppenheim

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      • Dave, Are you the Spec 4 rto that was at the 49th HQ…LTC Bowles then LTC Fillisetta?? Not sure on that name. I was the 1st Lt.( L T) Advisor of 3/49th, then near the end of my tour moved to 49th HQ.
        If so I have a picture of you in the field…we were taking a break and you were smoking a cigarette.
        I was there from June 68-June 69.
        Best regards,
        Tom Arthur

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      • Leonā€¦.This is Rob (Bob) Weamer Jr., and I was an RTO and worked with team leader Capt. Susteric, Ssgt. James, Sgt. Doughty, etc., from Jan. 1969 to Oct. 1969 when I transferred to Cįŗ§n Giuį»™c to work with Maj. Moss at TOC. What I remember about you was your position at the small Gate Guard Hut (definitely not a house….lol) what seemed like almost every morning at 6am for chow. As you may recall, Adv. Team 99’s four-man team was stationed inside the schoolhouse just southeast of Pohl Compound with the 25th Inf. Platoon located about 250 meters east of our compound.

        Rob Weamer, Jr.

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          • Thanks Rob. It’s always nice to be remembered. Remarkably, it’s been almost 50 years. We were among the fortunate to survive and thrive. I hope you and your family continue to prosper! Best wishes for an terrific 2018.

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            • JIm…….

              I trust your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s were blessed…….We’re all doing well here and certainly enjoyed our holidays, too!!!!

              Thanks for those very warm sentiments……..

              Warmest regards……

              Rob

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  55. There was a building about midway of the compound, I believe it was brown, I would man the radios from 1800 to midnight. I went out on recon with the ARVN’S but not everyday. I remember we had on our end of the compound there was 6 105’s. One night after I turned in they started firing for an APPOINTMENT in contact. Nearly jumped out of my skin. Glad you made it home Brother.

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    • I remember the ARVN reconn team – scary dudes. Occasionally they dragged some VC into the compound for “interrogation” and we advisors were told to “take a walk.” Glad the 105s were on your end of the TL – was occasionally bracketed by them when out on ops, lousy ARVN FO. Happy you, too, made it home.

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  57. Jim, thanks for replying. I did find your Facebook. But, did not see any post concerning Vietnam? Not sure why??? My face book is Rick Rice, West Lafayette……………..or you can email me at rricevet@gmail.com.

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  58. I did not return to Vietnam. A friend tells me that today, there is no trace of the compound. I will send you a picture of the hooch ba when I find it.

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  59. Yes Cliff, I did go to Duc Hoa, but only to pick-up supplies and ammo. I was beating the bush with the 3/46th ’70 – ’71. I did get to spend the night in Duc Hoa a couple of times and in a movie and have a few beers. I only have one picture taken in Duc Hoa, we had asked the Hootch Ba to take her hair down so we could shoot a picture of her very long hair.

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    • I found this site by sheer accident. If I have also reconnected with the infamous Cy Johnson, it would be a miracle of the internet. I too have pictures mostly from hooch parties in the compound. I’ll try to attach one to an email to the address provided.

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      • James, Did you make your trip to VN? If so we’re you able to visit Duc Hoa?
        Would be interested in any pictures you have of Duc Hoa as it looks now. Would also like to see the bird dog recovery picture. Cliff Lanham, clanham@knology.net

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    • Remarkably I have a confirmed contact with Cy Johnson. The Internet is a miracle. Looking forward to catching up a bit by email and perhaps a meeting at some point. It would be fun to review old
      pictures from Duc Hoa.

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    • Cy, Nonstop 13 this is Alpine Tricker Sierra. John Shankel 317 339 3909 jashankel @ yahoo.com Call/Text or email when you see this. I heard your “big Iron bird” comment as you flew over us in Duc Hoa in late 1969. Hope you are doing well

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    • Cy, I was the Advisor with the 3/49th (June 68-June 69) out of Bao Trai and later out of Duc Lap .
      From June 68 til early 69 I often flew with Cpt. Bill Freitas who was Nonstop 13 prior to you.
      You had an interesting job!!
      Tom Arthur

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  63. I was assigned to DCAT#99 MACV 5th Ranger Group in November 1970 as RTO. Everyone was Airborne/Ranger except me. We worked with the 30th,33rd,and 38th ARVN Rangers. Biet Dong Quan. We wore the ARVN Ranger Patch on our right shoulder. Lt Col Broady was the CO. He would be replaced with Lt Col Gillingham after he got hurt from a B-40 rocket that KIA 4 ARVN . I was with the Col when it happened. I called the Dust Off. We moved to Cu Chi in 1971. I remember Bien Hoa, Hobo Woods, Neui Ba Dien, We did night missions called Night Hawk. Pick up rotated between 2200-2400-0200. I was the only enlisted man. Major Hamm, Capts Daniel, Barry Kerr, MaCabe, Lts Vallenti,Hunt,Sgts Fowler, Magrown, Smith, Mayes. Some of the names I remember. I was PFC John Steck 21 from Brookville, Ohio. Any information would be appreciated.

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    • I was the senior advisor of the 33d and 38th Ranger Battalions in 1970. Team 100. Moved then to special forces, Broady was senior advisor of 5th group. My counterpart in 38th Battalion was LTC Hong, who later came to US and we spoke frequently. With me in 38th was Lt Ken Plisse, MSG Ed Abbadusky, and SSG Malcolm Smith.

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      • Glad to hear from you. Sorry it took so long. When I got there Nov 1,1970 5th Group was located at Ky Vinh the fish net factory. Fish nets where still being made in the back. We occupied some of the offices in the front of the building. ARVNs camped all over the property. Does that sound familiar? Malcome Smith. I might have known him. I have some photos of the team when a 1 star General from from the First Cav gave them some awards. I believe Sgt Smith is standing along with Col Broady and others. We moved to Cu Chi early in ’71. Col Broady died in 2011 but I talked to his son and sent him some pictures I had of his dad. I will send you some of the pictures I have of the team as it was when I was there if you like. My e-mail is john_steck@aol.com. Working with the Vietnamese was a different kind of tour. I found the Biet Dong Quan to be good soldiers and was proud to have served with them. I had many ARVN friends, as I was the only enlisted man. I often wonder how they are doing. If they are still alive. What it must have been like when America left. I’m in the Dayton, Ohio area.

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  64. That compound was a little piece of heaven. Too bad the locals didn’t get to benefit from it. It would have been nice to know we left behind something of value to so many in need.

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  65. A few years ago, I became friends (emails) with Rey Kaufmann. Rey was the officer in charge of building the Compound in Duc Hoa. Actually it was the Helipad and runway for the Vietnamese Army at that time. It was very interesting what he had to say. They would fly back to Saigon each evening during the building of it. I always thought the Vietnamese would take it over when we left and love using it for housing, but not so, North Vietnam wanted no trace of the US. But yes, hard to believe why this little village of Duc Hoa changed so much over the years.

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  66. I’ll be happy to share my experience. We’re on a 17 day trip to include Hanoi, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Saigon and Can Tho.

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    • James: Would be really interested in your trip( who what, how, cost) BTW: do you have a brother by the name of Dale Warfel? he and I served together at Ft. Ord. I too was at Duc Hoa as the SA of the 4-49th 25th ARVN and also with 1-49, 25th ARVN, 1967-68.

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    • Loaded many air mobile ops on that air strip. Also used to fly with a bird dog pilot named Cy Johnson when we weren’t in the field just to pass time. Seems like a very crazy idea today!

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  68. Jim, how cool that your might get to see Duc Hoa again. My understanding is that Duc Hoa is no longer a dusty little village, but a larger type town. Everything that we had there, including all of the compound area is long gone. The NVA tore all of that down quickly. I would love to see if I could recognize anything again. Would love to see pictures of it if someday you do get there. I think possibly the only way it could be recognized is seeing the old grave yard in the back of the compound or figuring out where the 25th HQ once stood. Good luck !!

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    • The 1/46 HQ was in a school outside of the compound. We could walk to the compound for flush toilets, hot showers and meals, mama san services and way too much booze! It will be very interesting to see how much it has changed. I’ll share pics if we actually get there. We’ll need to go off of our tour to do it but it shouldn’t be too hard to arrange.

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    • Ric: Go to Google and look for pictures of Duc Hoa! I could not believe how much it has changed. I recognized some of the town, but like you said nothing of the compound is there. I could not even find remains of the latterite airstrip.
      Cliff Lanham

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    • I was there (Pohl Compound, Duc Hoa), from Feb, 1966 until July 1966 when I transferred to the Vietnamese 51st Ranger Battalion as a Lt Wpns Advisor! I still remember pulling Guard Duty, on a bunker that faced the grave yard, during those days/nights! That was kind of a scary place, when you were there by yourself! Otherwise, that was not a bad assignment!

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      • Bustling town, hardly recognizable. Paved roads! Very friendly people. The old airstrip is a narrow road with squatter huts all along it.

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        • I flew out of that airstrip at night in Fireflys. Mortar rounds dropping everywhere. I still have nightmares at night. The smell of chopper fuel brings back all of those memories. One day on an observation flight in an OV-1, once we were in the air, I became violently air sick, but I said nothing, knowing that the pilot (cannot remember his name, only his face) would be able to see what we needed to see. When we returned to the airstrip, I climbed out of the plane, rested my head on the side of the plane. The pilot asked me what I saw. I confessed that my head had been between my legs the whole flight. When I looked at him, he was just as green as I was. He, too, had been airsick the whole flight and just looked up enough to keep us out of Cambodia. But we came back alive. On another flight when I had run out of ammo, he still had two rockets left and he decided to use those on the infiltrators below. CRAPP … no roller coaster ever felt like that dive we took to lay those rockets on that target. Unforgettable.

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  70. I served as an advisor to the 1/46 Battalion, 25th ARVN 8/68 to 7/69. Planning to visit VN in January and hoping to take a side trip to Duc Hoa from Saigon. So many memories.

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  72. To Christopher Floyd Rycheik, would love to talk to you about your uncle Floyd and will fill you in on the area that he was in.

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  75. I was stationed there from September 66 to June 1967. I was the Sr. Advisor to the 34 Ranger Bn. and my unit was attached to the 2nd Bde. 25th U.S. Infantry Division for most of my stay. Spent some at the compound (had a room assigned to me) but slept mostly at the Bn. HQ located about 200 yards from the main gate down a side road. As far as I know we were at Duc Hoa

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  76. Does any one know why Team 99 is listed as “Duc Lap”? The team headquarters was located with the 25th ARVN Division headquarters at Duc Hoa…

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    • The 49th Regiment was HQā€™d at Duc Lap, about 6 miles NNW of Duc Hoa, but no open road to get there. To drive from Duc Hoa, you had to go back to Hiway 1 and go through Cu Chi, then towards Bao Trai.
      There was always a Battalion of the 49th also at Duc Lap to provide security for the Rgt HQ.

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  77. When I first arrived in the field the 4th bn. was located on the road outside of Duc Hoa .That road was main road to Chu Chi.Senior advisor was Capt.Vladimir.He was a West Pointer and 5th Ranger.Great officer,medivacted out around July 1968.When I left in May 1969 we relocated west of That Nhiy at the old French fort on the border with Cambodia.We went thru 4 or 5 SA’s by that time and I was the only original team member.My replacement was killed the day I left the field.I have my old maps and some of those great AF aerial photo maps.Just looking at some old photos.I.Will scan some and send them.John.

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  79. I was #2 advisor (Trung Uy) with 1/49 Dec. 69 to April 70. We were located at the old Ranger Camp at Trung Lap. Left just before Cambodian invasion.

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    • Hey Patrick, we’re you with MACV TM 99 at Trung Lap. I was there Nov 69 to Mar 70. I was part of a 5 man laison team from the 25th Inf Div going out on recons with the 49TH ARVN. Do you remember Sgt Gary Brown, he was MACV 99.

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      • Hi Don, I remember you guys – we used to have our cook prepare meals in your compound and used your toilets because they were the ONLY ones at TL. Yes, I remember Skip Brown – I had to go out and claim his body after he was killed, this was just before I DEROS in April 70. Our BN Advisor Major Keller eventually retired as a LTG – good leader.

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      • Hey Don, This may be a repeat. I entered a reply to your question to Patrick. Something happened to lead me to believe that my response did not make it to you. Gary was one of my best friends. We went through the Ft. Sill Artillery NCO Academy together; we shipped out and arrived in Cam Ranh Bay together; we shipped out to our final destinations in III Corp together. Gary and I flew together to our respective base camps on the same chopper. The chopper pilot caused a mix-up in our drop offs. I was delivered to the 3rd of the 46th, Gary to the 1st of the 49th. On paper I was to be delivered to the 1st of the 49th. I did not know Gary lost his life until late in the day when it happened. My team lead saw my name on the KIA board in Duc Hoa, because of the mix-up he thought I had been the KIA. I had to go identify Gary’s body at graves registration. I often reflect on that experience. Gary was sometimes crazy, lots of fun, but always a good friend…..I miss him.

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        • Jim I went to grade school thru high school with Gary we played on the same little league teams and graduated high school together in 1966. We just had our 50th reunion and was thinking of Gary again. I thnk of him very often and have always wondered. I was satationed at Bien Hoa in the USAF as a weapons loader on the F-100 and then the A-37’s the same time Gary and you were at Duc Hoa although I wasn’t aware of it at the time. I knew Gary passed but never knew the How’s and Why’s. Would you be so kind to e-mail and let me know. I will understand if you don’t. Thomas Cellars USAF Ret. E-8 twcell2@yahoo.com My e-mail may come across as cobrajetjones
          Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifices.

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  80. I am interested in contacting former advisors of Tm 99 with duty with the 1/49 and4/49 25th ARVN Div. I was was with both bns from 1967 to 1968.

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  82. Not sure Ray; my memory is terrible. Did you take any pic there at Duc Hoa…..If you have a picture please post it and I sure hope so….been looking for some of the team and wondering what happened to them….

    Sp/4 Larry W. Miller

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  83. Hi Larry. He was out of Bien Hoa 67-68 and out of Duc Hoa April 70-71. I’m beginning to suspect he was a ghost in country since no one seems to know or remember him. šŸ˜‰

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  84. Hello Dennis! Thank you for your note on the location of Duc Hoa. I would be happy to email you his photo. My email is sanne57@gmail.com. If you would sent me your email, I will reply with the photo. Thank you for having a look at it!

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    • Susanne; what year was your Father there at Duc Hoa: I was there in 1965 with Signal. I worked out of the com center….

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      • hey; my name is Larry Miller. I was there in Duc Hoa in 1965 and also worked out of the com center. what is your name and do you remember me…..

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      • Larry I think I remember you. Do you remember me. My name is Ray Moore. I Am the guy who fell in the well one night.

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      • Larry. I was in Duc Hoa from about July 65 to Apr 66. Worked out of the communication center, in a maintenance deuce and a half before the compound was completed. Do I know you.

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        • if you are SGT Callahan then you know me. I left in Dec. 1965; and left some handpainted glasses with you to send home for me for
          Christmas.
          do you remember me now.I worked out of the same duce and a half com center .I think I have a pic of you there in the compound; somewhere in my Vietnam photos..good to see you made it out Ok. Would love to talk to you sometimes.
          SP/4 Larry W. Miller

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          • Are you the one that used to beat me at rummuy game all the time? I do not remember anything about hand painted glasses. I went by the name as Pat. I you can contact me at my Email address, callahan3311@comcast.net that would be nice. Do you remember the switch board operator that got promoted to Sgt the same time I did? Hope to hear from you.

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  85. it was a green background with 25 on it and a red circle with a lightning bolt through it.I got a plaque when i left I think they mailed it to me so i just looked at it.I had forgotten it though and yes we had very little contact with each other i think that was because we got very close with the people in our hooch.

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  88. I was at Duc Hoa in 1965. Part of the security detail and would like to hear from anyone else that was there at that time.

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    • Raymond Moore, my Address is stickman205@yahoo,com I would like to see a pic of you and maybe I could place you. It was many years ago, and I have Parkinsons Disease from Agent Orange that was sprayed around our area. When you send me a picture; I am sure that I will recognize you. Contact me at my email and we will talk some more….

      Larry Miller

      r

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  89. susanne after thinking about it I remember they did have warrent officers in signal ; unfortunately the social things the way they were an enlisted man would not have socialized with a warrent officer.There were small units under us one was tay ninh I dont remember the others but he probably went to these other units to trouble shoot.I didnt work in the comm center and that is where I would have known and worked with your father.The patches could have been any thing but it may have been macv or any small unit patch I would have to see it to recognise it.I am glad you want to find out about your father.at duc hoa we had cia air america air force infantry officers who went out with arvn and all of us worked on the same base but usually hung out with people who did the same things together.

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    • Hi Jimmy! Happy New Year to you.
      Ha ha … my dad used to tell me that being a warrant officer meant that you didn’t have to socialize with either ‘side’ if you didn’t want to! Of course, he came up through the enlisted ranks and always felt more at home there.
      I do not think I will ever learn the whole story of my dad’s Vietnam service – but at least a few of the mysteries have been solved. This MACV site has been the one and only treasure I have discovered in the last 25 years.
      It is about time I come up with a way to put my dad’s things in a shadow box now. I was hoping to find that 25th ARV pocket patch through the Vietnamese Embassy … but they never even responded to my 3 emails. Then I found one on eBay … and it became VERY expensive, so I Iost the auction. Meanwhile, I sure appreciate what you have been able to share with me, and deeply thank you for your service to our Nation!

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      • Susanne, I concur with you that this MACV site is a treasure. There are a lot of Vietnam service experiences and stories that remain untold since many of its service members were KIA, MIA or would just never talk about it after the war. Good luck on your search for information about you father’s service. Thank you veterans for service!

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  90. duc hoa adv tm 99 was near cu chi if your dad was as cwo he was probably a helicopter pilot. they were advisory team for the vietnamese army unit 25th div.i was there in 67 68.the unit had army air force and cia and special forces.

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    • Jimmy, thank you! I have discovered that the photo I have of him was taken on his FIRST tour, also in 67-68. I don’t suppose you knew him? The patch on his right pocket is of the 25th ARVN Division, and it looks like he has some sort of emblem (Vietnamese?) sewn right above his name. Although he does have an Air Medal, from many hours on helicopters, he was not a pilot. He was Signal and went out to fix comm units he once told me. So nice to hear from you!!

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      • Mr. Lizotte,
        Hello, my uncle was Floyd W Pohl. The person your compound was named after. I just came across this message board.

        I am interested in any information you would be willing to share about that part of Vietnam.

        Feel free to contact me via my email address.

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        • Can you tell me if Floyd W Pohl was a radio operator. We had a KIA in my unit in 1966 but can not remember the name.

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        • It has been five years-plus since you put your post up, but I just joined this site not long ago. I was stationed at Pohl Compound in 1966 and while I never met your uncle, I was at the ceremony when the compound was officially named after him. I thought it was a great thing that the compound was named after a Pfc. A great thing and a great honor for him! I always wondered about who he was, where he was from, etc. I salute you and the whole Pohl family.

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      • Christopher Rychcik – You didn’t leave an email. Can you contact me at bruceswander@hotmail as I have some information for you regarding Floyd Pohl.

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  91. According to papers I have, my dad, CWO Marvin Don Arnold, was assigned to Team 70 from May 70 to May 71. He always told us he was at Duc Hoa during this time – his 2nd tour. In conversations with a couple of former Team 70 members, I learned that Duc Hoa was not a part of their AO, and they suggested I try here at Team 99’s page. Could the papers be wrong? Anyone have an idea of where I can go from here to find out more? I have a photo of him wearing a pocket patch, but I cannot make it out. Would be happy to email it to someone with a better eye than me!

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    • I was with Team 99 from Jan 68 – Mar 70 and yes, they had a signal unit. Everyone on Team 99 wore a pocket patch, it was the patch for the 25th ARVN Division, whom we were attached with, Thunder and Lightening. The patch would have a red background with a yellow lightening bolt through it. I’m not sure if the signal unit wore that patch? Although being at the same place, the signal unit kept to themselves and we to ours, rather strange with I think back on it.

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      • Perhaps this is why no one seems to remember my dad … he was never an outgoing person to begin with, so if everyone kept to themselves, it would explain why not much is known about his time in country.

        I have seen the 25th pocket patch since my original post … and have been searching for an original one for the shadow box I am making. Now, that is one hard patch to find!

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      • Rick, The signal unit was D/44th/86th Signal Bn. We wore the patch of the 86th Signal Bn from Cu Chi where we were based. I was Platoon officer then Executive Officer from early February 1968 through about July 1968 before they sent me to Cu Chi to take over as Bn S-4. If you need any other info, e-mail at david41@sbcglobal.net

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        • Hello Cliff, You can order a pocket patch on Ebay. I bought one several years ago, it came from Vietnam and it was the real deal, exactly like the one I wore on my jungle fatigues. I was with the 3rd of the 46th 1970 – 1971

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          • Hello Jim my name is Ronnie Taylor I was a RTO with DCAT99 46th regiment from April 70 until May 71.When I first got to Duc Hoa I thought this will be some allright duty,then was informed I’m being assigned to the 46th regiment and they happen to be in Cambodia at the time.

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            • Hi Ron, Good to hear from you. I served with the 3rd of the 46th from Feb. of 1970 until Feb of 1971. Our first base-camp was near the village of Tan My. After Cambodia we moved to Cu Chi after the U.S. 25th pulled out of Nam. Very soon after that I ended up on Nui Ba Den, where I finished my time in Vietnam……the ARVN 25 took over the base-camp on top of Nui Ba Den when the US. 25th pulled out.

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              • Hi again Jim.About the 1st of Nov.1970 after returning from R&R my fellow rto Tom Kennedy had rotated back to the states.Soon after I was wounded in an accidental grenade explosion in Trung Lap.Two weeks later after being released from 24th med. evac.Long Binh I too ended up in Cu Chi.My last 5 months was spend as senior RTO in the 25th DIV TOC.Getting replacements became a thing of the past so as a spec4 I had several E6’s at my disposal.You can imagine how much they liked being told what to do and what shift they were going to do it.lol .I didn’t ever see your rank, but was wondering if you served with a capt.Itto?It was great to hear from a fellow vet who served same time,same AO.GodBless RT

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                • While on Nui Ba Den I was working in the anti-personnel sensor program. It was headquartered on Cu Chi. I maintained a couple of signal converter relays that received transmission from the various sensors scattered over quite a large area. When needed, I could call in artillery on the coordinates that reported enemy activity. I did not like being on top of the mountain. We were routinely harrassed by Charlie and were overrun a couple of weeks before my DROS. Sounds like you had a tough assignment, lording over senior NCOs. I was a buck Sgt. Worked with Capt. Steve Hampton. The ARVN Battalion commander was Major Ba.

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                  • Capt. Hampton does ring a bell.Were the devices refered to as duffle bags?Your right my friend,the last half of my tour way better than being positioned on top of the virgin. In fact all my tour was better.That area was known to be infested with cong.I do think I remember meeting Capt Hampton. My original CO with the 46th was LT. COL Rainer a ww2,Korea & nam vet a 3 time cib recepiant with combat jumps in France. Would you remember him?How about LT. COL.Gransbach, he was my second CO with the 46th?COL. Rainer became CO of the 25th ARVN IN Duc Hoa.

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                    • Lt. Col. Ranier was my absolutely favorite. He told us ” do not call me Colonel, do not call me sir. just call me reb.and that is how it was. In fact sometimes he would bring a bottle of Wild Turkey and it would be passed around during our meeting/conference. He was an absolute leader. I had a great deal of respect for Reb. I will forever remember him and his personality. I remember once, when I was on Nui Ba Den, we had not had a supply chopper visit for a few weeks because of NVA gunning for aircraft…………Rainier visited us on the mountain and I had not shaved for several days….colonel Rainer said, “Sgt. I think you need a shave.” He was a great leader.

                    • Reb what a perfect nick name for Col.Rainer,always had a mouth full of beech nut.WE set up a CP in Cambodia and I was the COL’s RTO.One afternoon a French reporter wandered in and wanted to go out to one of the units on patrol.Col told him we had limited access to a bird so he’d be there until the next day.Later that night it hit the fan.Capt. Itto gets on the horn and tells the Col.he has a French reporter that wants a lift out.The Col.response was “F him tell him to sit tight i’ll see him sometime tomorrow”.We would be hunkered down in a bunker and he would bs with ya like you were just talking with a buddy.He was by far my favorite too he left a great memory with me he was authentic.

                    • Also I don’t know if you were aware that Col Ranier was a Sarge during WW2,got recalled during Korea where he received a battlefield commission.

                    • Hes the only 1 I’ve ever seen I’m sure there’s a few around now with all the conflicts from Panama to the latest Iraq.Ihope your residing in a free state unlike myself here in Calif.My wife just retired and were looking to move to Idaho.MOONBEAM and his cohorts are moving as fast as they can to destroy a once thriving state.

        • I was with Tm 99 in Duc Hoa from June – Nov ā€˜68 assigned to G2. Served with Capt Mike Deviny and a Lt Joe Riley. Only names I remember. Remember the face of the G2 major but not his name.
          From what I have read here, sounds like Tm 99 left Duc Hoa in ā€˜70 and the base was essentially deserted.

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          • Clay Walker, I arrived in the G2 office in 68 and departed in 69. MAJ Ellis was the G2 when I arrived. SGT Nu was our interpreter, MAJ BAI was the RVN G2. I remember a LT Shannon and a LT DiGrazie were there when I arrived. MAJ Little was the G3; he and MAJ Ellis were close buddies. COL Hislop was the Senior Advisor. This is what I remember. bob

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            • Bob,

              Thanks, I remember the names Maj Ellis for the G2 and I think Maj Little. Also remember Lt Shannon and I think there was a butter bar named Thomas. I liked being in Duc Hoa and the main HQ. Had a hooch, hot (well, at least warm) showers and hot food when not in the field. Heard they later got a swimming pool! I got pulled out and sent elsewhere to work with the Phoenix program for the remaindered of my tour.

              Reply

              • Yes, there was a “Butter Bar” named Thomas. He DEROSed before I did. Shannon and I flew with the FireFlies each night, guiding them to the targets that we had marked during our daily observation flights. Shannon, too, departed before I did. I was only shot down twice: once in Cambodia and once as we took off in our “bird dog” at the end of the runway. I left before tm 99 was moved to Cu Chi and definitely before there was any swimming pool. On a later assignment I met the Cambodian officer who saved my life in Cambodia; our wives exchanged gifts.

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          • Dlay Walker, see my earlier reply. I may have my dates wrong: I may have arrived in 69, not 68. I know that TET occurred just prior to my arrival … at my age, dates become fuzzy. bob

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    • Susanne,

      Advisory Team 99 compound was located at Duc Hoa next to the ARVN 25th Division Headquarters. I was there from September 66 to June 67 as the Sr. Advisor to the 34th Ranger Battalion.. There was a airfield located next to the compound where helicopters and small fixed wing aircraft flew from. There were army and air force personnel located there. If you can email me a picture of your dad in uniform I may be able to tell you the insignia he wore. Time has faded my memory of names but I may be able to remember a face.

      Aloha,
      Dennis

      Reply

      • Hello Dennis! Thank you for your note on the location of Duc Hoa. I would be happy to email you his photo. My email is sanne57@gmail.com. If you would sent me your email, I will reply with the photo. Thank you for having a look at it!

        Reply

      • I was leaving the field after my tour with the 4/49th in May 1969.After a stay at the Pohl compound I was on my way home. I hopped into a L-19 for a VR mission for my battalion.There were engaged in Tay Ninh.Long story short-We crash landed badly at the Duc Hoa runway.Anybody remember that?

        Reply

      • Hi Dennis, would have known a Gary E. Bullock who died on January 31, 1967 from a ‘collapsed’ bunker ? He was 25 at the time, married and at the time was from Alaska.

        Reply

      • looking for anyone with info on sp4 Gary e. Bullock from Alaska (by way of Holley, NY) who died on January 31, 1967 due from non-hostile incident, a ‘collapsed bunker’. He was with team 99, HQ. He was a watercraft operator.

        Reply

        • Pat, Interesting that you commented on 3d Bigrade, 82D Airborne. I left that brigade (2-505 PIR) before going to RVN. The 82D had become a “replacement depot” for all the airborne brigades then in Viet Nam.(173D, 101St and First Cav). Junior NCO’s (squad and team leaders) and more experienced PFC’s and SP4’s were a revolving door. The brigade trained hard; but could not hang on to the sinews of rifle and weapons squads. Same on company officers. The only “glue” were the senior NCO’s. Carl

          Reply

          • Carl, by the time I joined the 3/82 almost all the original troops and their immediate replacement were gone. For the first few months in my company (D/1/505) there weren’t even any airborne people left and I didn’t get, as XO, a real old timer NCO as 1st Sgt until about 3 months before the brigade was “sent home.” When I was a Plt Ldr, the only NCO’s I had were “shake and bake” E-5’s, some were good as Squad Leaders but that was about it. So your 82nd wasn’t anything like mine. The pencil pushers were something else, too. I was reported KIA twice by Brigade G-1 because they hadn’t updated their records as to which BN I was assigned to. I was happy we had 2 senior NCO (a SFC and a SSG) on the 1/49 team. Pat

            Reply

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