Name: David Pierce
Dec 28,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is David Pierce. I was in 377th Combat Support Group at Tan Son Nhut from June 1971 - June 1972. Would like to hear from anyone. Thanks.
Name: Ira B. Cooperman
Dec 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all TSN Association members! Here's wishing each of you a happy and healthy and successful New Year!
Ira
Ira B. Cooperman
Proud Tan Son Nhut Association member
Name: Thomas P. Sutkaitis
Dec 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just wanted to wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year and hope to hear from you next year.
Tom Sutkaitis
Career Enhancement
Westover ARB, MA 01022
Name: Leon Thomasson
Dec 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: Thanks men for your work and dedication to the men and women that served at Saigon and other places in Nam.
I was a Flight Engineer on the C-130'S that rotated in Country from CCK Taiwan. I spent the most part of my 16 month tour in and out of Tan Son Nhut. We of course flew to all of the other bases and firebases in Country.
I enjoyed your page very much Keep up the GOOD work
My tour of duty was from Jan 1972-Apr1973.
T/Sgt. Leon Thomasson
Retired US AIR FORCE
Name: Richard Sena
Dec 20,
2002
Email:
URL:
Comments: It is A1C Robert Garrido, KIA 5-6-68. He was KIA on the catwalk of the radar tower where the SP messhall was. I believe he was on guard duty at the time. Richard Sena, there has been a lot of speculation how he was killed, I just know what I saw.
Name: Stanley E. Hutchison
Dec 18,
2002
URL: http://pub43.ezboard/bvietnamvetsandfriends
Comments: My name is Stanley Hutchison. I served at HQ, MACV in the AG annex building. I worked in the AG - Admin Machine Branch, Automated Personnel Accounting, as a SSG, MOS 74C4O. from Oct. 1968 to Aug. 1969.
I have been searching the web for 5 years and have never found anyone who was in the AG Division at that time, or even before or after. I guess those soldiers just don't post online. Would like to hear from ANY one who was there.
Also have a question. I have attempted to find out what happened to the MACV Hq and other Army buildings (annex, Tent City, all of the facilities) after the fall of Saigon. I inquired of an American businessman who is in Saigon now, but he was unable to determine what happened. (He is too young to know much about the war)
If anyone has any pictures, articles, etc. it would be most appreciated.
Thanks from an ol doggy.
Stanley Hutchison
MSG, U.S. Army (Retired)
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Stanley, the Spencer Group used to have a photograph of MACV HQ at the end of the war, on the internet. The photograph showed that MACV HQ was imploded. Currently there is a modern day hotel on the site where MACV HQ was situated.
Name: John Hagler
Dec 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: I enjoy the entire site as well as the messages. I'd also, at this time, like to throw out some information which I don't think ever made it into any of the TSNAB unit lists.
An Armed Forces Courier Station (ARFCOSTA) - Saigon was located on TSNAB. It was part of the Armed Forces Courier Service (ARFCOS) which was as Army/Navy/Air Force organization with the ARFCOSTA on TSNAB being run by the Army.
There were also ARFCOSTA's at Danang, also run by the Army and at Bien Hoa, run by the Air Force. As the Vietnam War was back in the days before computer proliferation (sp?), the vast majority of classified material was sent through ARFCOS accompanied by an Armed Forces Courier (ARFCO) or, in the case of highly classified stuff (also known as two-man
control), two ARFCO's. In country we travelled anyway we could and on any type conveyance we could get on.
When combined with ARFCOSTA's in the Philippines, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, Taiwan and Hawaii, it was quite a large and sophisticated organization. Headquarters was in Alexandria, VA.
John Hagler
RVN 1967/68
Name: Charlie Brooks
Dec 10,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was reviewing the Memorial Page and noticed an omission.
Wilbur James Hallock was killed at the same time that Michale Vincent Sorter was killed on 19 June 1968. I believe Sgt Hallock was assigned to the 377th USAF Dispensary at the time.
Charlie Brooks
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Charlie, it is an honor to place the name and information on Sgt Wilbur J. Halleck, Jr., on the Tan Son Nhut Association Memorial Page.
Name: John Carson
Dec 08,
2002
URL: http://hometown/BKWAIV/blu4index.html
Comments: Looked in Google and found your web site. I served as Commander of the 1876th Comm Sq. June 1968 until June 1969. I was well supported by the men that served with me. I would be happy to hear form any of them.
John W. Carson Lt. Col. USAF Ret.
John Carson
Pres. Blue Knights
WA IV
Biography: www.geocities/oralbio/jcarsonbio.html
FROM THE WEB MASTER: One of our members, Dan McKegney submitted two photographs to be added the the Photo of the Month web page. If you have already been to that web page this month then please revisit it and look at the two added photographs located on the bottom.
The URL is:
http://www.tsna.org/photo/index.html
Name: Terry Klinzing
Dec 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: My older brother, Thomas Klinzing SGT USAF was killed 1/31/68 at Tan Son Nhut. He's been overlooked on the site. He was a radar repairman and was either shot by a sniper or killed by shrapnel while working on a radar tower.
Any help on the details or his friends would be greatly appreciated. My Dad has mourned him deeply all these years. I'd like to get some additional closure for him before he passes.
Thanks
Terry Klinzing
FROM THE WEB MASTER: It is with Honor that we have now added your brother, Sgt Thomas Lee Klinzing, to our Memorial Page. If you know his unit of assignment, then we will be more that glad to add that also.
Name: John Burke
Dec 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: December 7, 2002 is a day for reflecting back on this date in 1941. Pearl Harbor Day we call it ... or "a day that will live in infamy" as President Franklin Roosevelt labeled it for history. We lost our president during WWII. We recently lost another Franklin who witnessed the carnage of December 7, 1941.
Our own General Franklin A. Nichols was there when the bombs fell. He was a twenty-five year old P-40 fighter pilot with the 6th Pursuit Squadron of the 18th Pursuit Group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii. I refer you back to our November 2002 issue of Revetments for an article on the passing of General Nichols.
Let's take a moment from our busy lives on this day and remember our veterans of WWII and General Nichols. He was, and still is one of the heros of WWII that I have admired from the time I was old enough to read stories of our WWII fighter aces (5 confirmed aerial victories in the South Pacific). I am proud to have served at Tan Son Nhut with men like Franklin A. Nichols.
Please join with me in saluting his memory now, and all of the Pearl Harbor and WWII veterans we owe so much to.
John Burke
Name: Lewis C. Barnette Dec 07, 2002
URL:
Comments: I had the privage to guard Bob Hope's plane and the truck that they used for the stage on 12/24/1964. I worked with A1C Danny Squiers, that was also the the time the VC blew up the hotel in town . Jill Marie St.John, Antia Bryant.
It was a day that I will not forget.
Name: Jim Garrow
Dec 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: Would be great to hear from anyone who also served at TSN these times, especially my unit. I was Staff Sgt who setup the Special Express Kentucky trailers used for bomb hauling from port to TSN and Bien Hoa.
This website is great for so many of us who have lost touch with good friends after returning home.
Thanks,
Jim Garrow
Name: Warrior Radar
Dec 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: Found your site. Made me happy to find something of the old days. I was there at the last. Worked Investigations. Would like to throw out a little story that happened at the end.
We were all leaving and I was in a bus full of Security Policemen. We had went through customs and was sitting on the taxiway looking at many C-130's waiting to be loaded. Some Officer wouldn't allow us to leave the bus until the North Vietmanese Set up their cameras so they could film us leaving. Always had a very bad taste in my mouth over that. Anyway. They stopped us from busting the cameras so We mooned them. I guess my Butt and a few other 377th SPS Butts are in the film archives over there. We had over 1500 of the enemy fully armed on Tan San Hnut at the end. If I remember right they lived in what was an old Army camp called Camp Davis.
Right now I am President of a Veterans Motorcycle Club. We have a Service Officer and assist Vets with their claims with the VA. Anyway, Thought I wanted to part with that little bit of history.
Warrior Radar
Club President
Name: Amy Serna
Dec 03,
2002
URL:
Comments: I had posted before looking for acquaintances of Bobby Richardson. He served at TSN from 1967-1968, Air Force Field Maintenance.
I had gotten a reply, but lost the person's email. If you read this, can you please email me again? My dad says that he remembered you, and I would love to have a copy of the picture that you said you had of him.
Thanks
Amy Serna
Name: Richard Fulton
Dec 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: Charles -- It is great how the page has grown.
Thank you so much for doing such a great job. And the same words of praise go to all the Association officers, to our PAO, and to our Chaplain, for caring, for keeping the flame of memory burning so brightly, and for letting America at large know how well it was served by all who went to Vietnam, and in our case, of course, who spent the tour at TSN.
I just want to use this occasion to convey to all TSN vets, to all members of the TSN Association and to their families the very best of the Holiday Season.
God bless You.
Rick Fulton
FROM THE WEB MASTER: The Tan Son Nhut Association like to bring to your attention the inclusion of a brand new page for the TSNA.
One of our newest members, John Burke, is an talented cartoonist and very humorous writer. Please go to the new page at URL: http://www.tsna.org/cartoon/index.html
Name: David A. Brown
Nov 29,
2002
URL:
Comments: Happened across your web site tonight. I did not see any mention of my unit, ( 10th Finance Co., U.S. Army. )
It was located at the Army compound, Tent City, beside the Air Force base.
I served there from 3/66 to 6/67. Yes I extened. When I got my rotation orders, they were for Ft. Lewis Wa. I am from Maine and to be that far away from home I figured I should stay in Nam and get the $65.00 extra a month. Also knew somebody in personnal and rotated out with 89 days left in service and got an early out.
I am currently disabled with a heart condition and am trying to get it service related. If someone could help me I wish they would email me. Would like to hear from guys that served in my unit.
David A. Brown
Name: Wilburn Mitchell
Nov 21,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, I left Shaw AFB with the 12th or 16th TRS, May 1965. Was TDY for four months, At TSN Air Base. I returned to Shaw AFB Aug. 65, and returned to TSN Sept. 1965, was there until Sept 1966.
I think I was in the 377th Aircraft Maint. Sq. I Filled a lot of sand bags and put togeather a lot of 600 gallon drop tanks for the RF 4-C. I also worked on the The Ranch Hand 123 A/C, We had a small airman named Scott he could get inside of the C- 123 necell fuel tank sump hold, and repair and patch the bullet holes. This saving a lot of down time.
I
also spent a lot of time building up 450 gal. fuel drop tanks just off the main run way.
Wilburn Mitchell
Msgt USAF Ret
FROM THE WEB MASTER: The Tan Son Nhut Association would like to take this time to introduce our newest members and they are:
1. Ronald D. Fairbank
2. Harold Segerson
3. William D. Snyder
4. Paul A. Subbie
5 Tom Wilson
Name: Lionel Jeffers
Nov 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: To All TSNA Members and All Veterans,
I just thought it appropriate, on this 2002 Veterans Day, to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for the sacrifices you all gave for our country. No other occupation is as hazardous and thankless as that of a warrior and you all answered the call at some point in your young lives.
Whether you were actually in harms way or simply served without incident, you still gave and did your duty for the best country on earth. Because of your efforts, in history, you all have contributed in making this country as great as it is.
Again, THANK YOU! Each and every one of you.
Lionel Jeffers, Sgt., USAF 1965-1971
Tan Son Nhut AB, July '67-July '68
Name: Dan McKegney
Nov 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am a member of an online Yahoo group for Viet Vets who have prostate cancer. Such cancer is considered by the VA to be "service-connected" because of the Agent Orange sprayed in the Nam. There are many other cancers, and more recently Diabetes Type 2 has been included, which are considered to be service-connected because of Agent Orange. Such a connection entitles a Viet Vet to disability compensation.
Over the past couple of months, several posters to the Yahoo group for Viet Vets with prostate cancer have mentioned that they were unaware about their cancer being service-connected. They have consequently lost compensation money because of that unawareness.
I strongly encourage those Viet Vets with diseases listed on the below VA website to file a compensation claim:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/Herbicide/index.htm
The link below is the Yahoo group for prostate cancer to which I belong:
http://groups.yahoo/group/PHCa-Veterans/
Best wishes to all of my VN brothers,
Dan McKegney
TSN '67-'68
Air Force 1876th Communications Squadron
Name: Richard L. Gissel
Nov 05,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, Sgt Richard L. Gissel, USAF, 377th, signing in on his visit to your web site.
Lots of memories and I have some pictures that may be of interest.
Rick
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I just now updated the Pledge List for the new printer. Twelve new names were added. To each and every one on the list, I thank you for helping keep our association going.
Charles Penley
Name: Bryan Spicer
Nov 04,
2002
URL:
Comments: This is for the Tan Son Nhut Association Web Page.
I was in country from 1968 - 1969, U.S. Army 69th Sig. Bat.
Thanks for the site.
Bryan Spicer
Name: Frank Sciotto
Oct 29,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello Tan Son Nhut Association,
My name is Frank Sciotto, and was assigined to Tan Son Nhut from 1967-1968 in the Army. I worked at the cement walled compound that was right up the street from Davis Station, right on the curve were the Arvin Airborn trained.
I surfed in to your sight by luck. It is a really good site and enjoy it very much.
Here are 3 sites that you or the membership may find of interest so am passing these along for your info.
1. Radio Research Communications Unit Vietnam
http://members.tripod/~Ralph_Kennedy/index.html
http://members.tripod/~Ralph_Kennedy/index-2.html
2. Old Spooks & Spies SE Asia ASA Veterans Association ( Davis Station on Tan San Nhut )
http://oldspooksandspies.org/
3. Brown Water Navy, Navy transit barracks on Plantation Road heading toward the Futo Race Track and Cholon.
http://hawley.hispeed/vietnam/Saigon.htm
There are quite few pictures and rosters so perhaps some old friendships can be renued
Please check the sites out and let me know if of interest.
Best regards,
Frank
Name: Robert B. Atkin
Oct 27,
2002
URL:
Comments: Does anyone recall the time in 1969 when an enterprising engineering officer installed lights on the two huge radar domes that were in the middle of the base?
One dome had a lighted outline of a star, the other was a lighted outline of a Christmas tree. Every time the radar unit inside the dome would rotate by the lights, they lit up from the energy generated by the radar.
Sometime around Christmas time in 1969, we had a rocket attack that hit on a line from one end of the base to the other. It was discovered that these rockets had been fired from as far away as ten miles. It was apparent that the VC, or NVA, used the highly visible lighted radar domes as their zeroing in point.
Needless to say, the star and tree were removed asap. Verrrrry interesting.
Name: Rev. Carl N. Fitchett
Oct 26,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Rev. Carl N. Fitchett and I served in the USAF at Tan Son Nhut from Nov. 1966 - Jan.1967 and I am looking for the family of John M. Cole, Airman 2nd Class. He died December 4, 1966, at Tan Son Nhut, and I have tried in vain to get in contact with his family. Can you provide any assistance?
Name: Tan Son Nhut Association
Oct 23,
2002
URL:
Comments: The Tan Son Nhut Association takes great pleasure in announcing our nine new members and welcome them aboard:
1. Burke, John P., 460th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron
2. Cady, Richard, 377th Supply Squadron
3. Cook, Jerold R., 377th Security Police Squadron
4. Maloney, Elmer, 7th Air Force
5. Patton, Lynn, 377th Security Police Squadron
6. Salisbury, Alan D., 7th Air Force
7. Sawyers, Thomas R., 16th Tactical Reconnassance Squadron
8. Shea, Mike
9. Spice, Sam, C-130 Crew Chief
Name: Danny L. Ray
Oct 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello, My name is Danny L. Ray from Coleman,TX. I was an A1C in the USAF with the 64th AB Gp. I took part in the 2nd Phase of "Operation Cleanout" at Tan Son Nhut in Feb. 1975. We were given 10 days to clean the base out and recover all files from the Embassy. That was the worse 10 days of my life and I am still having problems with it.
Enjoyed your web-site. It is about time that the men & women that served or died there be recognized.
I worked in the Administration field keeping records on 150 pilots and handling "Top Secret" documents. I am sorry I am not able to join right now, maybe later. God bless you all and especially God bless America!
Sincerely,
Danny
Name: Wayne Salisbury
Oct 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: I have run across an article in the August 1967 issue of the 7th Air Force paper that was published at Tan Son Nhut. On page 3 there is an article about a husband and wife medical team stationed at TSN that were deeply involved in a civic action effort to improve the health of Vietnamese throughout the Go-Vap District in Gia Dinh Province. Here are their names: A1C Andres Mercado, age 23 of San Diego, and his wife, 2nd Lt. Suzanne Mercado.
Airman Mercado was a medical technician at the 377th USAF Dispensary, and his wife, a nurse with the 21st Casualty Staging Unit.
I'd like to find this couple in order to do an article on them in a forthcoming Revetments. Can anyone furnish information of their whereabouts? If so please email me:
Please allow a post script. Bob Need, Public Affairs Officer of the TSN Association is still seeking contributions for a new photo copying machine in the association's office in Norfolk, VA. During my visit with him a few months ago the machine was on it's last leg. It was moaning and groaning. It's condition has since deteriorated even further. Please, if you can, write Bob Need and make a pledge. Don't send money at this time. All of us who enjoy reading the monthly Revetments need your help.
Thanks!
Wayne Salisbury
Roanoke, VA
Name: Bennie Pointer
Oct 10,
2002
URL:
Comments: After TSgt Palmer left the 377th Security Police Squadron, he was assigned to the 7th Air Force IGS and was my room-mate living in the Metropole Hotel in Saigon. Please advise if you know how to locate him.
SGT BENNIE POINTER
DECATUR, ALABAMA
FROM THE WEB MASTER: The Tan Son Nhut Association would like to take this time to introduce our newest members and they are:
1. William Gindhart, JR.
2. James W. Grote, Jr.
3. Tom Hartman
4. Ray Henderson
5 Allan Rubin
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I just now added four additional names to the PLEDGES list above. I want to take this time to personally thank everyone for your pledges and await further contributors, so that we will be able to obtain the much needed printer.
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I just now talked to Dave Koopman long distance and it was a wonderful exchange of ideas and remembering Tan Son Nhut. We must have talked for 1 1/2 hours. For that, I thank you so very much and wish you well.
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I only have the 377th Air Police After-Action report and those numbers mentioned in the report only pertain to the Air Police. However, the below information pertains to all the units on Tan Son Nhut for Jan 31, 1968.
ATTACK NUMBER --------------- 035
YEAR --------------- 68
MONTH --------------- 01
DAY --------------- 31
HOUR --------------- 0320
BASE --------------- TSN
TYPE --------------- MBN (Multi Battalion)
ROUNDS --------------- NR
US Losses Aircraft DESTROYED --------------- 000
US Losses Aircraft DAMAGED --------------- 013
US Losses Casualties KILLED IN ACTION --------------- 023
US Losses Casualties WOUNDED IN ACTION --------------- 086
RVN Losses Aircraft DESTROYED --------------- 000
RVN Losses Aircraft DAMAGED --------------- 000
RVN Losses Casualties KILLED IN ACTION ------ 032
RVN Losses Casualties WOUNDED IN ACTION ----- 089
VC/NVA Losses Casualties KILLED IN ACTION ----- 157 on post, over 600 off post, when they quit counting.
VC/NVA Casualties PRISONER OF WAR --------------- 009
If any of you have an after-action report for your unit, let me have a xerox copy and I will put it up on the web page also.
Name: John Webb
Oct 01, 2002
URL:
Comments: I read the "After Action Report" that has just been added and I saw that there were 4 AF KIA's for Jan 31 1968. I have to assume they were the SP's in Bunker 51. However, I thought there were at least 2 more KIAs. I could have the day wrong though so I would like to find out if anyone knows anything about the KIAs that were in the RADOME by the chow hall and the chow hall it's self.
These could have occurred a day later but this is what I remember and if someone could help me determine on what day it occurred I would appreciate it.
Either the morning of Jan 31, 1968 or Feb 1, 1968, my NCOIC (CMSGT Harry Simms)drove one of our pickups over to the 700 area to get someone to help him go to the chow hall to get food for us. No one had been allowed to leave our compound and so we needed some food.
I had come in out of the field the night of Tet and so I still had my M16, my flak jacket, steel pot and a couple of hand grenades. We were one of the few units that had our own weapon storage facility because we were TDY out in the field a lot. When Harry came by I volunteered to go with him to the chow hall. When we got there, the SPs were assaulting the RADOME near the chow hall and we were not allowed to go down the street to the chow hall.
There was a lot of shooting going on so I got out of the truck and ran down the street, running from one vehicle to another until I made it to the chow hall. I recall seeing 2 SPs with M60s just shooting the hell out of the RADOME, while a number of other were making their way up the stairs to the RADOME. As I said there was a lot of shooting going on. When I hit the chow hall door I went sliding into it. Everyone who had been eating breakfast were now on the floor and up against the inside wall. There was one KIA on the floor next to a dining table (and there may have been 2, but
my memory is getting fuzzy). They had been shot by VC snipers who were in the RADOME. That was when the SPs were called to assault the RADOME. I got some food from the cooks in the chow hall and put the boxes of food out behind the chow hall and then went back to the front of the chow hall and started working my way back to the road to get Harry and the truck. By this time the shooting up in the RADOME had subsided. I found Harry and we drove "balls to the wall" down that street and to the back of the chow hall. We picked up the food and started back. By this time all of the shooting had stopped and so we found an SP and asked what had happened. e told us about the sniper shooting into the chow hall, but he also said there had been an airman technician who had gone up into the RADOME to check on the equipment and he had surprised some VC who had gotten up in there. The VC had killed the airman but because of that the VC didn't have as much time to start shooting down into the chow hall.
I am not sure about the latter part of this story, but I do know about the KIA in the chow hall because I saw that myself.
Do any of you SPs know anything about when this happened? I know it was sometime within the first 3 days of Tet.
Thanks
John Webb
Name: Larry Fugel
Sep 30, 2002
URL:
Comments: I served with the 377th Security Police Squadron from June 1968 until June 1969. It was great to see this web page.
Thank you.
Larry Fugel
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I have a new item on the Tan
Son Nhut Association web page. I have placed on our web page the 377th Air Police Squadron, TET 1968 After-Action Report, Jan 31, 1968. Look for the button at the bottom of each web page for the after-action button.
Name: Janet Lembke
Sep 27, 2002
URL:
Comments: Your e-address was provided by the Tan Son Nhut Association.
I write on behalf of a friend, an Air Force veteran, in hopes that you can provide some information. He served there, with the 616th Military Airlift Support Squadron during June and July, 1966, and would like to contact people who were there at that time. I hope that you or someone in the TSNA will be able to help.
Many thanks,
Janet Lembke
Name: Micheal Latoria
Sep 20, 2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed there Oct 1970 - 1971. Iwas with the 377th Combat Support Group, 8th Aerial Port Sqdn. If there is any info I can help you with feel free to ask. Can you tell me about the association?
Mike
Name: Bill Burnam
Sep 19, 2002
URL:
Comments: Bill Burnam, SSgt USAF, 16th TRS, 1969 - 1970.
Name: Edwin F. Zawacki Jr.
Sep 16, 2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed on the airbase perimeter road with the US Army in 1967-68 with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillary, Hawk Missles. I don't see any reference to my old outfit, and would like to see them included for the role they had during the war, and through the Tet Offinsive of 1968.
Thanks,
Edwin F. Zawacki Jr.
Gloucester, Ma. 01930
Former US Army, discharged 1970, SSG USArmy ADA (Hawk)
Name: Frank Ybarbo
Sep 16,
2002
URL:
Comments: Does anyone happen to have any photos of the Le Van Loc Club? If you recall, it was north of the heliport and it was a (sort of) Vietnamese officers club. If anyone has any could you get them posted to the TSNA photo site.
Thanks,
Frank Ybarbo
377th Security Police Squadron
Vietnam 1967-68
Name: Ron Walker
Sep 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut between Apr 1966 and Apr 1967 in the 315 Concl Acft Maint Sq. in the main AGE branch. I was a 3 striper at the time (A1C is what it was called at that time). I stayed in the USAF and retired as a Chief in 1991. I tried to send an E-Mail thru the TSN web site don't know if it made it so I backed it up with this
Ron Walker
Name: John Webb
Sep 14,
2002
URL:
Comments: I found this site because of a message sent to me by Sgt Pelto through Classmates. You've put together a great site. I would make one suggestion though and that is adding a different message board. You can get the software for free from http://www.phpbb. The "We Were Soldiers" film site was using this software and so was the Pearl Harbor film group.
I was at Tan Son Nhut from 1965 to 1968. Yes I extended. I saw your list of KIA's and I was trying to find a group of 11 or 13 names of airmen who were all killed on the same day right after Tet '68 started. During one of the 5:15 am Rocket attacks, one of the rockets made a dead center hit on a hootch in the 700 compound.
It was directly across the street from me. After the rocket hit, a bunch of us went into the hootch to help survivors. There didn't seem to be any. Myself and 3 other guys tried to help one guy we thought was still alive by placing him on a mattress, each of us grabbed a corner of the mattress and we ran him down to the dispensary by the morgue. When we got there it was obvious he was already dead. He had a bunch of small shrapnel wounds all over the front of his body, but there was a huge hole in the small of his back on his right side. When we got back to the hootch, the ambulances and other trucks had arrived and they were carrying all the bodies away.
We heard there were 13 airmen killed in that hootch. Does anyone else remember this incident? I have pictures of what was left of the hootch (they are actually slides) and also pictures of my own hootch showing how close I was to the explosion. The concussion popped the seam on the gas tank of a pickup truck we had parked near our hootch and the concussion also blew the back off of my guitar. It wasn't one of those cheap Vietnamese models, it was a Gibson L7C arch top acoustic.
I would also like to add that a couple of days after the 9-11 Attack I wrote a song called "Let's Roll America" and in October it went to No.1 on the Country charts at
http://www.soundclick. It stayed No.1 until May of this year. It now bounces around No. 2 to No. 8, but stays in the top 10. If you would like to hear it go to:
http://www.soundclick/bands/tonyandshanne_music.htm and you can listen to it. The song has also been selected to be put on a CD with 13 other songs that is being sold as a fund raiser for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Name: Al Uruburu (SSgt Ret)
Sep 14,
2002
URL:
Comments: I sent a message last week but I would also like to send one in behalf of my older brother, Jim. Jim was in the 50th Air Police Squadron at Hahn AB, Germany 1962&nbjsp;- 65. He was a dog handler. I hope someone recognizes his name.
Thank you guys .....
Name: Tim rich
Sep 14,
2002
URL: http://finance.yahoo
Comments: I was pointed to the TSNA.org web page by a fellow Vet. I am interested in getting more information. I was in-country from 17 Aug 1966 to 16 Aug 1967; for two months at Nha Trang and the balance of the time at Tan Son Nhut, 460th AEMS(PMEL).
Tim Rich
Name: Charles Penley
Sep 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: I just now posted our eleven newest members on the membership web page. It is especially nice to post the members names on this Special Day of 9/11. They are:
1. Bedaimol, Maurice L. Sr.
2. Brooke, Ariele Ruth
3. Burks, Sr., Charles E.
4. Day, Bruce
5. Hasting, Frederick Lee
6. Jeffers, Lionel M.
7. Jorgensen, John Peter
8. Kiepke, Lawrence M.
9. Miller, Kenneth
10. Mayes, Larry
11. Sherrill, Bryant
Welcome One and All !!!
Charles Penley
Name: Frederick L. Hastings
Sep 08,
2002
URL:
Comments: I have just visited Dave Koopman's WebSite and it was great. I also recommend it to everyone who was stationed at Tan Son Nhut. I would like to receive information about joining this Association. I will be glad to give my mailing address in a Private E-mail.
I have finally hooked-up my scanner, printer, copier and will have a few Tan Son Nhut photo's to share with everyone in the future. I was with the Flight & Ground Safety office of the 460th Tactical Reconnaisance Wing located in the 460th Headquarter's builing from 27 September 1969 to 27 September 1970. I have made a previous posting on this WebSite back on February 18th, 2002. Again to all My Vietnam brothers: God Bless each and everyone of you!
Name: Leo Paradis
Sep 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi,
Just located your site. My brother-in-law SSGT Docite (Doc/Michelle) Michaud was stationed at the Security Police Squadron January 69 - January 70. He worked nights on one of the perimeter sectors. He also worked at the BX in charge of security during the day. I was happy about that because I was with the 3D FLD HOSPITAL a couple of blocks from the main gate of Ton Son Nhut. Any time something I wanted came in to the BX he called me so I could purchase the item at the BX rather than down town Saigon.
I remember his little refrigerator next to his bunk. He was quite an entrepreneur. LOL
He got an ITT to Ramstein Germany where he had his final tour. Fortunately, I got an ITT to Germany, also. He retired eventually to Florida, but died Memorial Day, 1980.
Looking at some of the photos in your site bring back memories.
Good luck,
Leo Paradis
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I am recommending that everyone who is reading this message, to go to Dave Koopman's web page. It is located at URL:
http://www.qsl/wb0ydi/vietnam.html
Once you are there you will definately want to review his Map web page at URL:
http://www.qsl/wb0ydi/maptsn.html
He has an excellent aerial photograph of a portion of the southern perimeter. Specifically the 1200 Area building and the 1100 Area buildings. You can see the twin radar domes, the French cemetery from which the Viet Cong used as their base during the May 6, 1968 Attack on Tan Son Nhut.
Name: Al Uruburu (SSgt Ret)
Sep 07
2002
Comments: Hey -- nice place to visit. Wish I saw names I knew. Lot of friends from this part of life. I was with 377th Supply Sqdn -- Equipment section - 8/70 - 8/71.
I hope somebody out there says Hi.
Al Uruburu
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I would like to have some input from the members and associate members of our association, as to what they would like to see on our various web pages?
It is you, who are the ones who tell our stories, donate the photographs and help keep our facts accurate.
This month I opened the 7th Air Force News web page. During the month of Oct 2002, I plan on opening another new web page.
Name: Robert Larson
Sep 03
2002
Comments: To Whom It May Concern:
I was given a "heads-up" on TSNA.org, by an acquaintance on the net and this is terrifc, ladies and gentlemen.
So many people have shared various experiences on, in and around this fabled (?) base, and I've not been able to share mine with hardly anyone .. civilian or service types.
I'm sorry to say it was my home for only a year. That year was July 1967 to July 1968 (TET OFFENSIVE). I knew I should have stayed longer, but the deal was I didn't acquire a weapon until after the offensive. Just as well, we were protected by the Big Red One, Infantry Division shortly after the little people melted back into the greenery. The body counts had to be phenomenal on both sides. I remember all the MP/AP helmets on the steps in a chapel, General Westmoreland was standing over, in our newspaper.
No matter how you were treated, upon arriving home from the hositle zone, we did not disgrace our country, flag, or uniform. I was literally "stoned" by a youngster in D.C., no older than ten, while in my class 'A's. He didn't know from peace or war, just saw the victory sign used for a peace sign and was confused.
A cab driver drove me from Travis AFB, upon my return and was bringing us, who shared the ride, up to date on our politics ... that Ronald Reagan was running for nomination to the presidency, and next we'd be electing Mortimer Snerd and Charley MacCarthy, with Edgar Burgen.
Such were the times and memories, but pride in who we are, what we did, and where we fought, will never diminish in our minds and those who shared with us, the life and times on TAN SON NHUT.
THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH YOU JUST A SMATHERING OF MY MEMORIES.
I had typed everything in lower case, because I was told it's like shouting on the net if it is done in all caplitals.
My best wishes to all those who served there and my prayers to those of you who were wounded and those who can't shake the horror you once faced.
GOD BE WITH YOU ONE AND ALL.
ROBERT D. LARSON
Former 1ST LT, U.S. ARMY
MACV & CICV IMAGERY INTERPRETATION SECTION LEADER
Name: William Jones
Sep 02
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at TSN from Jul 1966 till Jul 1967. My first assignment was in AeroRepair/Crash Recovery in the Field Maintenance Squadron (don't recall the number).
When the 834th Air Division formed, I was transferred to the Standardization section under Lt Col Harold Hardesty. I was the Standardization Flight Engineer and was qualified on the C-7 and C-123 aircraft. I was attached to the 309th Air Commando Squadron for records keeping.
MSgt William B.Jones
Name: Lionel Jeffers
Sep 01
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi All! I too, was directed to this site by Michael Pelto, by way of the CLASSMATES website. I have already sent him a "thank you" e-mail and I think all others that were directed here should do the same.
My name is Lionel M. Jeffers (Jeff) to anyone that may have served with me. I was assigned, initially, to the 6470th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron (RTS) which was the recon photo lab in the large white building just north of the heliport, which was just north of the Airman's Club. My year of duty was from July 4, 1967 to July 3, 1968. I was a Sergeant (E4) and arrived with two fellow photo instructors from Lowry AFB, by the names of John Sharpe and Jim Pankratz. I was NCOIC of the Contact Print Lab.
I have seen only one other letter from the 460th RTS and none from the 6470th so I just wanted to get our units on the board. The first seven months of duty was pretty uneventful but January and February of '68 was unforgettable, to say the least. In January of 1968, six of us from the 6470th were assigned to a detail to put up a mobile photo trailer complex on the flight line, next to the 16th RTS and directly across from the civilian air terminal. It was to become the 460th RTS. The NCOIC was SSgt Deathridge. Although he was then an AF SSgt., he was an an Army Korean War veteran and authorized to wear his CIB on his AF uniform. I thought that was kind of neat.
On the morning of January 31, 1968, our trailer complex had been hit by rocket fire. The next day Sarge and I were there cleaning up the mess when "Charlie" decided to throw in a few daytime rockets. As they "walked" them in, getting closer, we ran so fast to the 16th's bunker that we got in there before they did! We were also storing some "full" body bags in our film storage cooler, which was also hit and the generator knocked out. That clean up nearly turned my stomach.
Our barracks was at the southeast area of the base next to the French cemetery on the base perimeter. I too remember the night that the chapel was hit. Does anyone remember the basketball court getting hit? I was running down the steps of the barracks when it was hit about 100 yards away!
Lastly, one morning about 4:30 AM, while having morning chow at the chow hall next to the motor pool, "Charlie" decided to "walk in" some more rockets. The motor pool was hit, one rocket landed in the street next to the chow hall, and one landed just past me and hit a quanset hut about 60 yards away! Remarkably, I was not afraid of the rockets, but some other airman there in the barracks was shaking so badly from fear, that the light from his shaking cigarette (the barracks was pitch black) scared me. After the sun began to rise, I noticed that that barracks had not been sandbagged!
Anyway, enough of my longwinded war stories. If any of you "apes" (AP's) were stationed with a guy from Baltimore, MD by the name of Walter Banks, let me know if you have been able to contact him. He and I graduated high school and basic together, and he was there at Tan Son Nhut when I arrived. We can't seem to locate him for our high school reunions and I would like to contact him just for old time sake.
Thanks,
Lionel Jeffers
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Good News Everyone!!! I have just now opened up a new Tan Son Nhut Association web page. At the bottom of each web page is a series of buttons. The new web page is called, 7th Air Force News. Click on the new button.
I currently have five of the 7th Air Force newspapers and have reproduced the articles articles pertaining to Tan Son Nhut on our web page. Please take a look.
If you have a 7th Air Force Newspaper and will donate it me then I will place new stories on the new web page.
Charles Penley
Name: Ken Miller
Aug 30
2002
URL:
Comments: Sir, this is for Tan Son Nhut Association Web Page. This is the first time I have logged onto this Web Site. How long have you been on?? I was a Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Jan 62 for 6 months. I built the Mail Room in the Hanger, next to the Chow Hall. Any of you remember that???
Ken Miller
USAF Ret (E6)
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Ken, this web page has been in existance since 1996. This particular format of the web page has been in existance since Oct 1998. Glad to see you making contact with us.
Name: Jerry A. Hinton
Aug 30
2002
URL:
Comments: Like another who has posted to this super site, I also heard about the site from a "Classmate" site e-mail. I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut from March 1966 to about June 1966, then on to Pleiku for 6 months, then to Nha Trang for 3 months and ended my tour in Bien Hoa with the Air Force in February of 1967.
I was a "gun plummer" with the 14th MMS attached to the 4th Air Commandos working on the 'mini guns' of "Puff The Magic Dragon" the AC47's. I want to thank you for this site and to mention the loss of one of our gunships "Spooky10" out of Thailand, downed in Laos, May 15,1966. One of the Gunners, Kenny McKenney was my Best friend/Best Man at my wedding and was my Roommate at Pease Air Force Base, N.H.
The 4th A.C.S. was H.Q'ed at Tan Son Nhut and there were seven others on the Ship with Kenny -- Col. Jensen, Col. Landis, Col Reilly, Maj. Thompson, and Chief Master Seregents Preston, Williams, Madison & Senior Master Sergeant McKenney. They were listed as M.I.A. (Unknown Crash Site) but were repatriated in 1997, Identified and given burial on May 15 2000 in Arlington. All had been promoted posthumously over the years. Although the caskets were empty (?-not much found) I can almost say to them ---- Welcome Home!!
Jerry A. Hinton
A1C U.S.A.F.
Name: Mike Hoffman
Aug 29
2002
URL:
Comments: I was introduced to your web site by Michael Pelto a member of Tan Son Nhut Association. It was of great pleasure to to be introduced to your organization and all the memories pouring in from Vietnam Vets.
I can still remember July 1967 and that steep airplane decent into TSN ... recalling the pilot saying over the intercom .... for safety reasons to avoid ground fire we will be making a rapid decent. The next thing was THAT heat blasting in your face as we departed the plane and the processing-in bldg. My assignment was with the 600th Photo Squadron Headquarters at TSN which was only for about a month ... but I remember the Chapel ... the PX ... and the short-cut to the chow hall past the morgue ... with many many containers.
My permament assignment was with Det 6, Combat Pics at Bien Hoa and with a great bunch of guys in our outfit ... and who would not remember TET 68. Rockets .. rockets and rockets. Now we recall the best and the worst times we spent together ... but will always remain connected by that experience they call Vietnam. If any of you guys from Det 6 are out there drop me a line.
Mike Hoffman
Name: Tom Goralewicz
Aug 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed with the US Army 56th Transportation Company, arriving at Tan Son Nhut sometime in January (I no longer remember the date) of 1966, as a Private, E2. Within a week, all of us who arrived together were "automatically" promoted to PFC/E3. I was just a week or 2 past my 19th birthday (Jan 10th).
I was too new and too young to be scared when I first arrived. I was full of excitement and curiosity, but immediately hated the oppressive heat and humidity. My MOS was 45J, Aircraft Armament Repairman.
I was later "attached" (to save "TDY" money) to the 330th Transportation Company in Vung Tau, approximately from May through September (I think) of 1966, returning to TSN after that to complete what came to be my first tour in 'Nam.
So many memories ....
Tom Goralewicz
PFC USA
Name: Larry E. Fry
Aug 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: One of your members saw my posting regarding Tan Son Nhut on
Classmates and told me about this site. Congratulations on a fantastic site!
I have been reading through the letters in 2002, and so thought I would get a few
thoughts down here.
I arrived in Viet Nam on December 29, 1961, as part of a sprcial
alert force, around 62 of us. We lived in hotels in Saigon until we got tents built; converted an old Frnech hanger into the mess hall, etc; watched the day that a Vietnamese Air Force pilot combed the Palace; etc.
I realize from some reading on this site, what some others must have gone through, and it makes me very humble. If there is anyone out there who was there when I was, setting up things at TSN, early 1962, please write.
I am in contact with one, former A1C Ken Miller, and a few years ago had heard from a Bob Cerminara, but lost contact with him.
Sincerely,
Larry E. Fry
Chaplain Services Specialist
Ton Son Nhut,December 1969 - March 1962
Name: Vincent DeLuca
Aug 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Help!!!
Need verification that I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut
and MACV Headquarters around 1963 - 1964.
My Name is Vincent DeLuca.
If anyone reading this was stationed during this same time period and can assist me in
locating duty rosters or personnel records or the names of anyone who could help me, I would
greatly appreciate the assistance.
Thanks,
Vincent DeLuca
Name: David E. Koopman
Aug 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Does any one know where I could find an after action battle report for
the May 6, 1968 attack on Tan Son Nhut. I would like to know how the battle progressed
from start to finish.
Best Wishes
Dave Koopman
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I also would like to read a copy of
that particular after-action report. I am a former 377th Security Police Squadron,
Sentry Dog Handler.
Name: Charles Penley
Aug 18,
2002
URL:
Comments: Today I received an email from one of our members. In it they
state they received an email from me containing a virus.
The email did have my email
address listed but in actuality, it was not sent by me. It did not have my ISP's
idenitfication.
I use Norton Anti-virus 2002 and not only does it check incoming email
but it also checks out-going email from me. I also use a firewall to help protect my
system.
So if you receive any email from ***anyone*** and it appears to have a virus
attached, delete it immediately. There is also a reference to a new game that is being
passed regularly, delete it also.
Charles Penley
Name: William Trowbridge
Aug 18,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just visiting:
Bill Trowbridge
834th A.D. Det 1.
Name: David Kirby
Aug 13,
2002
URL:
Comments: There was a steak place in S.E Saigon ... The Crazy Cow
.. The Purple Cow ... something like that .. it was a block from the
river
A bridge with lots of White Mice and ARVN guarding it .... two weeks
later I'm having dinner at The Caravelle ... the only indication that a war's going
on was the masking tape lattice on the windows ... About half way through my steak I
looked out the window and saw choppers unloading serious ordinance on the other side of the
bridge ... the concussion was making the silverwear rattle.
Air Force
6250th Civil Engineer
The Tiltin' Hilton.
Name: Charles Penley
Aug 13,
2002
URL:
Comments: The Tan Son Nhut Association needs
money for the new zerox machine.
I am making a pledge of $ 10.00. I
will match the next ten people who also pledge $ 10.00. That will make a total of
$ 100.00 and I will match that one hundred dollars, for a total of two hundred dollars.
Please pledge at Mr Bob Need's email address:
Name: Norman Brown
Aug 12,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just discovered your site! I was a USAF Sergeant in the
Comptroller shop. I was a cashier at the Tan Son Nhut Terminal. I changed
all your real money for script! I probably met all or most of you as you came
in-country or rotated home!
I haven't been able to make contact with anyone from the
Comptroller shop. I came in-country in May 1967 and rotated out in May 1968.
I have many memories of the sights, smells and happenings on Tan Son Nhut and Saigon,
especially TET.
Would love to here from anyone there at this time, especially
Comptroller troops.
Norman Brown
Name: Ed Tibor
Aug 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was with the 7th AF Hq. from Jan 1967 - Jan 1968. I was
looking for and old friend. His name was Dennis Shovelin ... wonder if ya
know anything about him!
Thanks in advance!
Ed Tibor
Name: Stephen Shaw, TSgt (Ret)
Aug 10,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Steve Shaw. I was assigned to the 377CSG, CBPO -
Assignment's Section in 70 and 71. It's been awhile ago but can remember some names.
TSgt Homberg, I believe he worked in Assignments, SSgt Holland, Flight booking// Uh,
who else SSgt Cassanova. I especially remember SSgt Holland because he was incountry
for 5 years when I got there. He was married to a vietnamese and lived in town.
If I can find them I have some pictures that were taken in the CBPO and some that I took
downtown.
Stephen Shaw, TSg (Ret)
Name: A Daughter
Aug 09,
2002
URL:
Comments: My father was stationed at Tan Son Nhut in the late 60's early 70's.
Dad doesn't speak much of his life in Vietnam so I don't have a full understanding
of his past. However, I do hold a great respect for all those who served and for
their dedication, honor, and duty. I've been able to piece together a little bit of
Dad's history mostly through pictures and a few stories that he has shared. I know
Dad visits this site often so, I wanted to take a few moments and express my appreciation for
this site and the healing community to which it provides. Sorry if I'm over stepping
any boundaries, but from the younger generation to yours "Welcome Home"
- A
Daughter -
Name: Thomas P. Sutkaitis
Aug 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: I really enjoyed the monthly photo's. They brought back a
lot of memories for me some good some bad!
Tom Sutkaitis, TSgt, USAFR (Ret)
377 Cmbt
Support Group (1970-1971)
Name: Jim Gish
Aug 05,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am looking to contact a John Dovala that was stationed at Tan Son
Nhut in 1965 / 1966 in the Air Police. A friend of mine that does not have
a computer has asked me to try and locate John for him as they were good buddies when they were
stationed at Ostis AFB before going to Nam. Hope you or some of you buddies may
remember him.
Jim Gish
633rd APS
Pleiku AB
1965 / 1966
Name: Norman A. Duplantier
Aug 05,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Norman A. Duplantier. I was stationed at Tan Son
Nhut in 1969-1970, with the 377CES squadron.
I would like information on the training of
security police aurgmetees, that I was in, while I was with the 377th CES group from 1969-1970.
If you know anybody that does, you can email me at normana92123
Your truly
Name: Amy Serna
July 30,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am posting this in regards to my father, Bobbie (Bobby) Richardson.
He served at Tan Son Nhut from 1967 - 1968. I am not sure what
unit he was in, but he was Air Force Field Maintenance, I think he was a helicopter mechanic.
I am just looking for people who served with my father and who may remember him.
He is still alive, but never talks about this time in his life. I would love
to be able to find people that he knew, or that knew him, so I can get him in touch with them.
Thank you,
Amy Serna
Name: Dale Bryan
July 29,
2002
URL:
Comments: I'm a new member of Tan Son Nhut Association who found the association
on the internet. Scott Insley's letter in the "Communications Center" of the July
2002 edition of "Revetments" touched me deeply. Scott, please believe me when I
second Bob Need and state that you and the 377th did the right thing! If not for you
and your fellow Security Police, I would likely not be writing this message. I, like
some many others, am forever indebted to you. Thank you.
I was working at the
460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in the middle of the night on January 31, 1968.
I was a weather officer in Detachment 2, 30th Weather Squadron, and my job was helping select
"target" areas where the wing would take their aerial photos. Needless to say, that
night did not end with the usual early morning briefing to the air crews. It was the
beginning of a sort of bivouac at the 460th, for a few days passed before I could get back to
my billet off base and near the U.S. Army field hospital located a few blocks outside the TSN
main gate.
With sadness, however, I review the Memorial Section of the TSNA web page.
There are many pilots (too many) of the 460th whom I know and gave those early
morning weather briefings. One day I was having a beer with a guy. The
next, he may have become an MIA or KIA. Those are memories one never forgets.
I will look forward to each issue of "Revetments" with anticipation.
Dale Bryan
Name: Mary Porter
July 26,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello --- I gave my husband a 5 year membership as a gift.
He is very happy with it.
Thanks
Mary Porter
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Mary, thank you for obtaining for your
husband a five year membership in the Tan Son Nhut Association. He is indeed a very
lucky man. The web page was begun so that former military personnel from Tan Son
Nhut could keep up with former friends and associates.
Name: Robert J. Ver Merris
July 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: I just joined the Tan Son Nhut Association this month. Happy
to see an organization like this, honoring those of us at Tan Son Nhut.
My time at TSN
was the last year of the war May 1972 - 31 March 1973. I served as an Army
MP at Camp Gaylor, 69th Sig.Bn. (late '72 early '73 it was redesignated 38th Sig. Bn)
.
I am trying to find somebody who also departed TSN at the end, specificly 31 March 1973.
I have a question which has been nagging me for 30 years. Thanx,
Robert J. Ver Merris
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Robert, in my opinion, I would not wait
to find an individual who was there at the end. It might be possible that some of us
might know the answer. Please ask your question!
Name: John Mastandrea
July 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Looking for Lt. James Riley who was stationed at the Tan Son Nhut
Mortuary from 1969 to 1970. He was from New Jersey. Prior to RVN he was
at Ft. Lee, Virginia.
Anyone who can give me info in locating him, I would appreciate it.
Thank you,
John Mastandrea
Name: Michael O'Neill
July 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: I just located your site and I think it's great! I was
stationed at TSN from June 15th, 1968 - June 1969. Attached to 377th CSg.
and worked out of the 460th Field Maint.Squadron, Sheetmetal shop(Tin-Bender).
Would
like to locate a Sgt. Joseph Cyr or SSgt. Barry Mitchell that were buddys of mine while there.
Also was TDY to Binh Thuy AB for about a month with a SSgt Marvin Hughes to patch up a
C-130 that "Charlie" decided to take pot shots at. Would like to hear from anyone
that was in the 460th and especially anyone in the sheetmetal shop.
Michael O'Neill
Name: Dave Koopman
July 16,
2002
URL:http://www.qsl/wb0ydi/vietnam.html
Comments: I would love to contact my fellow workers from the Tan Son Nhut S.O.A.P.
Lab. If you worked in the S.O.A.P. Lab with me in 1968 you will find your pictures
on my web page listed below.
From the Vietnam page click on the RVN Flag to view my
Attack on TSN story and from there click on the blue highlighted and underlined S.O.A.P. Lab to
view your pictures. If you have a picture of your self from that time frame as proof
you served with me I'd be glad to add your name to your picture. If you desire not
to have your name on my web page I'd still like to hear from you by email or letter.
It would be nice to share memories with you all.
Best Wishes
Dave Koopman
Name: Vince Mazza
July 16,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just discovered your website. Came down from Nha Trang AB
after spending 3 mo. there. Would you believe I actually Volunteered to go down to
Tan Son Nhut after hearing they were short Crash Rescue Firefighters.
Was in country Feb
1968 through Feb 1969. Began serving in TSN around May of 68. Would love
to obtain a list of personnel who served in Crash Rescue during that time. Any help
would be appreciated. I can't for the life of me, remember any of the guys I served
with ... and that sucks!, sorry
Believe it or not I was a featured singer on a
talent program shot in Saigon.
I think it was shown on AFRTN during that time.
Vince Mazza
Name: Charles Penley
July 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: Reference: K-9 WIA/KIA ... I have received the following
message from Richard Deggans, a 377th Security Police Squadron, Sentry Dog Handler.
If you are able to help him then please do so quickly. Please send all email to
Richard.
**********************************************************************************
From Richard Deggans:
If you would be willing to share your Sentry Dog
photograph with the National War Dog Memorial Fund Committee, I would love to place them on the
memorial web site along with any information that you might have.
Richard Deggans
Name: Norm ?????
July 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello, my name is Norm Webb. I am looking for a couple of
old friends that were in-country assigned to The 377 Security Police, from June of 1972 to
April of 1973. Danny King is one from N. Carolina, and the others I just know the
first name (Craig) and (Mc)
Thanks Norm
Name: P. Bitler (MSG, Ret.)
Jul 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was in the 377th CSG (Comptroller) from Aug 1969 to Jul 1970.
While there I was in charge of collecting money for the toys for tots for "TET" that Col
Mereck started. Went back in 1973 assigned to MACV and all the playground eguipment
we bought were gone.
P. Bitler Msgt Retired
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Today I placed fifty-four (54)
additional names to the Tan Son Nhut Association Memorial Page. We currently have
identified ninety-seven (97) Tan Son Nhut individuals who gave their lives.
Tim Butz had
sent me the names months ago and I had filed it away. While cleaning out my filing
cabinet, I relocated the list he supplied. They are mostly aviation personnel and
pilots.
Please revisit the TSNA Memorial web page and see if you know some of our fallen
friends.
Charles Penley
Name: David E. Koopman
Jul 04,
2002
URL:http://www.qsl/wb0ydi/vietnam.html
Comments: I got a real kick out of the picture of the sandbag detail sent in by
Dan McKegney for the TSNA web site. It reminds me of a sandbag detail I was on
shortly after TET '68.
We were talking to each other about how ridiculous the base
beautification policy had been and wondering who had thought up that idea when I heard a faint
whistling sound. I looked up and said what was that, did you guys hear it?
Followed by two loud explosions. I assume a couple of mortars were lobed over our
heads as we were packing the sand bags.
At least we didn't have to look far for a hole
to jump into for cover as we already had one in front of us. Thanks for the memories.
Best Wishes
Dave Koopman
Name: Paul L. Donahue
Jul 02,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was there, 1971 - 1972, 377th CAMS Transient Alert, Crash
Recovery, and perimeter duty.
Sgt Paul Donahue
Name: Stephen Hall
June 29,
2002
URL:
Comments: Trying to locate: Lieutenant in charge of In-Country
Processing Center at Tan Son Nhut 1968
Message: About Sept 12,1968 I had to
abandon a guitar & case around the main office of the In-Country Processing Center.
When I left Vietnam a year later I inquired about the guitar and was told that the Lieutenant
in charge of the center (who had already DEROSed) took possession of it.
I am curious to
find out who that Lieutenant is and if he still have the guitar. I'm not really
interested in regaining the guitar, I'm just trying to locate the guy and find out if the
guitar helped him pass the time during his tour.
Please contact: Steven Hall
Name: Charles Penley
June 27,
2002
URL:
Comments: I did not send out any any emails with a game attached.
Someone has put my email address on something and sent it to you.
You will definately
need to check your computer with Norton Anti-virus immediately.
I receive those type emails
mentioning something about a game. Norton shows that they have an attachement and it
is a klez virus. My copy of Norton shows any incoming virus and also when I send a
message, it checks it prior to sending it. Clean up your computer immediately.
Charles Penley
Name: Jim "Radar" Riley
June 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was station with 554th Red Horse Civil Engineers Sq. at Tan Son Nhut
Nov. 1971 to Nov 1972.
If I can remember, our barracks were next to the SP's.
We had our own little pub downstairs. I still have pictures of the jobsites we
worked on.
One time I operated a TD-20 dozer with gang of disc to knock down the
vegetation were a old ammo dump was. I drove over a bunch of live 50 cal. shells as
I was operating the dozer. I asked my NCO if EOD checked this area out.
He said yes they did. Thank God they didn't go off. Somebody could have
been really hurt big time!!!
Nice website !!!!
Jim "Radar" Riley
Name: Bill Shoap
June 21,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just in case you are not aware, this Sunday (June 23, 2002), Oliver
North is narriating the " 1968 TET Offensive at Tan Son Nhut and Saigon. He is
narrating the " TET Offensive 1968 ."
It is on the Channel that Bill O'Rielly is on.
The Fox Channel. Here in Washington State it will air at 5:00 p.m.
Check your listing. If you already know about this, disreguard.
Your
Friend,
BILL
Name: Ralph Kerns
Jun 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello, 6-20-02, I will not be of much help, but the terminal at Tan Son Nhut
was airconditioned when I returned last year. The reunification museum (Old
Presidential Palace) was interesting. Sure glad that I did not have to cook there!
The concrete 'covers' for the jets are still in place.
Ralph Kearns
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Today I received from Mr Bob Need, the
Master List of the Tan Son Nhut Association Life Members. I did not have four of the
members listed. I just now updated the members page and uploaded it to the web page.
Charles Penley
Name: John F. (Zig) Zeigler
Jun 18,
2002
URL:
Comments: I'm trying to locate members of the Defense Language Institute, DLI,
stationed at MACV Annex or the White Hotel in Saigon / Cholon. I was there
April 1970 - April 1971. We were part of Nixon's Vietnamization Program
-- he evidently thought it was cheaper to have us teach the entire Vietnamese Air
Force to speak English so they could read the manuals than it was to translate the manuals into
Vietnamese. We were called "Palace Dogs," (and also hand grenade targets!)
John F. (Zig) Zeigler
Name: Jimmy A. Anderson
Jun 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: hey charles! Hope to see you in St. Louis in Oct
SSgt Jimmy A. Anderson & DEVIL OA73
377TH SPS-K-9
DEC-67-DEC 68
Name: Jim Eggert
Jun 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: Jim Eggert with PARIS CONTROL, at Tan Son Nhut Jan - Dec 1963.
Intrested in your page, like all who were there, I'm still looking for old friends
thanks
Name: Jim White
Jun 05,
2002
URL:
Comments: What memories this website brings back. My name is Jim White.
I was in the Air Force and was stationed at Tan Son Nhut AB from August, 1965
through July, 1966. I was in the first buildup after the Gulf of Tonkin in 65,
having been stationed at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM.
I was in Transportation,
helped build a new base motor pool. Sgt Jim Garrow and I managed the rented vehicle
section of the motor pool including the base taxi service using the small Vietnamese cars with
their owners as taxi drivers.
I believe it was in May 1965 when the base came under
mortar attack. From the base we could see Puff flying over Cholon trying to
eliminate the VC source.
I would love to hear from others who served in transportation
during that same time. Thanks for putting this site together.
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Just having read the June 2002 issue of
REVETMENTS, I noticed the message from Ralph Schneider. He requested that Sgt Mike
Sorter, be added to our Memorial Web Page and to update the unit of assignment for another of
our Memorial brothers. That brother is William L. McMahon and his unit of assignment
was the 21st CSF. I just now updated the Memorial Page. Thanks Ralph,
Charles Penley
Name: Howard A. Drozd
Jun 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: I want to thank you so very much for your post to your guestbook
concerning the research I did for Operation Babylift casualties. I am very honored.
I feel that all memorials to veterans should be as complete and accurate as humanly
possible.
I was personally involved with Operation Babylift. I hope you can
take the time to read my story.
When I got out of the Air Force in 1969 I went to work
for Greyhound. We operated special service buses (SOBO's) between Travis AFB and San
Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an intermediate stop at the old Greyhound terminal
on 7th Street in downtown San Francisco. I am sure that you or other members of TSNA
rode these buses at one time or another.
During the early 1970's we transported numerous
returning Vietnam veterans from Travis to SFO. I always encouraged the other drivers
to welcome these guys home. All too often, though, upon arrival at SFO, there were
mobs of anti-war protesters who spat in the veterans' faces and called them baby killers.
I was extremely infuriated whenever I witnessed these scenes.
In 1975 we operated
a number of special moves transporting the orphans from Travis to SFO so that they could catch
commercial flights to the home towns of their prospective adoptive parents. Most of
these kids suffered horribly from Diarrhea and/or Nausea. This was not a pleasant
experience for our drivers.
Next came the "boat people" whom we had to transport from
Travis to Camp Pendleton, where they set up a tent city for the refugees. These
trips were almost unbearable. The smell of the urine, feces, and vomit was sickening.
I "left" Greyhound in 1981, but the above are indellible images that will always be on
my mind.
While doing the research on Operation Babylift, I visited one website that
asked for personal Operation Babylift experiences. I sent them an e-mail similar to
this one; I never received a response.
I would like you to share this e-mail with
members of your organization and respond to me.
Howard
Name: Charles Penley
May 31,
2002
URL:
Comments: Request that all the 377th Air Policemen / Security Policemen, please
go to the following URL and read a great two page story, concerning them:
http://www.vspa/tsn-photos-roy-1.htm
Name: Charles Penley
May 26,
2002
URL:
Comments: Today, I want to remember all men and women of all the services who gave
a good portion of their lives to serve our country.
Today, I especially want to thank the
efforts of Howard A. Drozd. He spent a good portion of today remembering the name of
four of our military who died on April 4, 1975, during "Operation Baby Lift."
Today, due
to Mr Drozd's efforts four more names have been added to the Tan Son Nhut Association Memorial
web page. His email address is:
I salute you for your
thoughtfulness and for caring.
Your friend in heart,
Charles Penley
Name: Bob Need
May 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: If you were in Vietnam or Thailand, no matter what service you were in,
or even as a civilian, you came through, worked at, or served in a unit that had its
headquarters at Tan Son Nhut.
Besides 7th Air Force Headquarters which commanded the
entire air warfare in Southeast Asia, MAC-V commanded the entire air, ground and sea warfare of
the Vietnam War.
Since 1995 the Tan Son Nhut Association has grown steadily.
Its members are U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force and civilians. It has members presently
serving on active duty who are at last discovering the legacy of honor and sacrifice you made
during that most misunderstood conflict.
The TSNA just held its fifth reunion in
Washington, D. C. It was a moving experience. Jon Scruggs met us at The
Wall, a memorial service for all of your lost buddies and mine was held in the Memorial Chapel
in Arlington National Cemetery. We'd like to hear from you all, we welcome you all
into the TSNA and most of all ...... we welcome you home. Please take time
to look in at our website: http://www.tsna.org We think you'll find it
interesting.
Thanks,
Bob Need, MSgt., USAF (Ret.)
Public Affairs, Tan Son Nhut
Association
1967-1968
Name: Michael Cermele
May 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Michael Cermele. Was assigned, Hqs 834 Air Division, as Director
of Personnel March 1967 - March 1968.
Had great commanders- Generals William G. Moore, Jr. and
Hugh E. Wild. Would not trade the memories of that year for all the "Saigon Tea" in -country ----
lived around the corner from 3rd Field Hosp and met Bob Hope there on Christmas Eve night through a fellow Burbank
person ( a PAE employee-Adrienne Pope).
Remember TET Offensive and the many nights of rocket attacks
- have lots of slides of Charley ramp burning. Anyone know the status my secretary, Agnes Binh,a
Vietnamese civilian? Could go on and on about the year, but will save that for anyone who wishes to contact
me.
Hope to hear from my Tan Son Nhut friends.
Name: Bob Gallagher
May 21,
2002
URL:
Comments: Recently I received an e-mail from someone I served with at Tan Son
Nhut. We were both members of the 377th and spent a lot of time together on Bravo
Bunker 4, in 1968/69. Unfortunately, I have been unable to get a message back to him.
So I would like to leave a message here to let Dave know that he did reach the
right person and I would be glad to hear from him again. Please try again, Bob G.
Also, if anyone out there knows where I could get a squadron patch for the 377th Security
Police Squadron, please let me know.
Thanks for your help.
Bob G.
Name: Bob Mathes
May 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Terrific to find this site. I am Bob Mathes. I
served with the 460th TRW out by the flight line from June 7, 1970 to June 7, 1971.
As a mission planner and staff and air crew briefer, my tour with the 460th TRW was the most
significant of my 28 years in the active AF, air reserve and 3 Air National Guard Units.
Am most interested in knowing of other Air Force or Army Intel types who served under 7th AF at
Tan Son Nhut (1970-1972) time frame.
Name: Wayne Salisbury
May 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: I attended my first Tan Son Nhut reunion last month and it was a
wonderful experience! For the first time since returning from TSN in September 1966,
I felt welcomed home.
I hope all of you can attend the next reunion. It will
be an experience you will never forget.
Thanks to John Peele (and wife Michele), Bob Need
and a host of others for putting on a great reunion.
Wayne Salisbury
Retired USAF
Name: Robert E. Williams
May 16,
2002
URL:
Comments: Ref: Posted message, 4 May 2002, Looking for Emory Clayton
Rice.
He has been located an Jacksonville, Fla and is alive and well. My 30
year search/hunt has come to an end.
Thank you all for your help.
Robert E.
Williams
Name: Peter F. Beyette
May 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: I have attempted to e-mail William Grayson who is listed as a member of
the association and is, as I understand, Director, Project 2002. Each time I send an
e-mail to the listed address, I receive a message that it is undeliverable. If there
is a way to forward this to him and/or furnish me with the correct address, I would appreciate
that very much.
Peter F. Beyette
Det. 5, 6922 Security Wing
1966-1968
Name: Glen Fruendt
May 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: I sent out a my information of my stay at Tan Son Nhut, awhile back.
I received some contacts, then my computer went down and I lost all information.
Glen Fruendt Sgt. E5
United States Army Mortuary Tan Son Nhut
September 1967 to September
1968
It was a great ride, I be glad to hear from anyone in the unit.
Glen
Name: Dave ?????
May 10,
2002
URL:
Comments: Know you are connected with the Tan Son Nhut Association so hope you can tell me where
MAAG Headquarters was located in Saigon during 1962-64??? Believe the MACV compound was near the
Air Base but not sure about MAAG.
Dave
FROM THE WEB MASTER: The time frames given are before my
time. Okay everyone, can anyone help Dave find his answer. Let me know
also and I will post it here.
Charles Penley
Name: Glenn Zwetsch
May 09,
2002
URL:
Comments: Great site!!! I served at Tan Son Nhut from 8-65 to 8-66, 600th Combat Photo
Sq.
Name: Thomas P. Sutkaitis
May 08,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am looking for anyone who might have worked in the CBPO or as they
call it now, the MPF, from Sep 1970 to Sep 1971, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. Looking
forwart to hear from you.
Thomas P. Sutkaitis
TSGT, USAFR (RET)
Name: Bob Licciardi
May 02,
2002
URL:
Comments: In reference to Kirk Bridgeman's comments about the A1E Skyraider.
I don't remember the date, (being there over a 2 year period, 3 months there, back in
Japan 3 months, on and off, but finally being stationed there for my last 5 months in the USAF
in 1966).
But I remember an air show. We were on duty at our RF-101
revetments and were sitting on the top of the concrete revetment wall watching it.
An A-1E did a loop but he was too low when he was trying to come out of it and we saw it go in,
but didn't see exactly where the impact was, just the black towering smoke. I
believe this was reported in the Stars and Stripes and I recall that we were surprised that it
was an American pilot and not a Vietnamese pilot and it hit a Bom-Ni-Bom (spelling?) beer stand
that was set up, and I can't remember if it was just inside the base or just outside the base,
must have been outside. I am pretty sure it was in the Stars and Stripes cause that's
how we got the details and the pilots name was mentioned. I don't remember any other
incident like this, especially one being described the way Kirk layed it out. I
wonder if we are talking about the same incident.
I also remember watching, while
sitting on top of the revetment, the many planes landing and taking off both military and
civilian aircraft and definitely remember seeing Air Marshal Ky in the lead A-1E Skyraider
loaded with bombs on the wings, taking off leading his flight of aircraft on a mission and also
remember them coming back later and landing with all the bombs missing from underneath their
wings.
There was one other incident that is vivid in my mind. In daylight I
saw a helicopter gun ship just make it back over the end of the runway and the pilot seemed to
purposely direct the chopper off the concrete runway over the grass and clearly saw his tail
rotor drop off. He must have been badly shot up. When this happened he
went into a spin and made a hard landing, and seconds later two guys jumped out as the chopper
caught fire ... then they stopped and looked back and suddenly went back through the
flames into the helicopter and pulled somebody else out. As soon as they were clear
the chopper was engulfed in flames.
Name: Kirk Bridgman
May 02,
2002
URL:
Comments: Charles, Thanks for the response, I really appreciate the promptness.
The guy in the truck that had the mortar round in his chest was, I believe a
Vietnamese who was working with the USAF POL ( Petroleum, Oils, & Lubricants ) group.
I have found nothing else about the A-1E Skyraider crash, except that I was there when it
happened and I know it took place. Do you think it may have been suppressed
information? I'll watch for the responses on your excellent website.
KwB
Bou 1966
Name: Charles Penley
May 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: In reference to Kirk Bridgman's message below, I have seen a photograph
in the Pacific Stars and Stripes newspaper where there was an un-exploded mortar round in an
individual. However, I do not believe that the particular photograph mentioned was
associated with anyone from Tan Son Nhut. I have that copy here at my home and will
take time to find it and get back to this message board.
Name: Kirk Bridgman
May 01,
2002
>
URL:
Comments: Hi, Kirk Bridgman USAF - came through Tan Son Nhut in late
September & early October 1966, arrived for processing & relocation under, "Project RED LEAF,"
which was the Army Caribou program which was transferred to the Air Force on Jan 01, 1967.
I was only there at Tan Son Nhut for a few days, but at that time it was a real beehive
of activity.
I am trying to compile a 'Timeline' of historical incidents for my Caribou
activity, and Tan Son Nhut was a part of this historical timeline.CaribouhistoryI have
read through your letters section to see if I could pinpoint 2 specific incidents, but did not
find any references.
First item: Last week of September, or first week of
October 1966 - There was an airshow on base, and an A-1E flown by a Vietnamese pilot
veered out of formation during a fly-bye & was crashed into the reviewing stand where there
were many South Vietnam Government Officials in attendance. This may have been an
assassination attempt on the Viet Nam political structure. I am trying to confirm
this incident, and the date it occurred.
Second item: Within a few weeks of
my moving to An Khe with the 1st Cav's Caribou program, there was an attack on Tan Son Nhut
- and one of those really weird things happened, like a URBAN LEGEND - when the mortars
started dropping in, a POL driver was moving his tanker truck on the line, and he turned and
drove away from the aircraft reventments. As he was moving away, an 81MM mortar
round hit the forward dome of the tank, and was deflected through the rear window of the cab,
where it struck the person in the right seat. The round entered his shoulder by the
collarbone, slid down his ribcage, and stopped with the fuse lodged in his groin.
The round failed to explode, and the base surgical staff built an operating area out of sand
bags, and cut out and safely removed the mortar round.
Both of these incidents were
documented in the Pacific " STARS & STRIPES " and would have posted in October or November of
1966.
When I left Tan Son Nhut to go to An Khe it was the morning of October 4,1966
- as we were not allowed to land at the Camp Radcliffe Golfcourse because the Caribou had
hit Hon Cong Mountain at An Khe while we were in route. We put in at Qui Nhon for an
overnight before going to An Khe on the 5th of October.
Thanks & best .......
Kirk
Caribou 66
Name: Peter F. Beyette
Apr 28,
2002
URL:
Comments: Please change my e-mail address on the web page as well as in all
records to: pfbeye
I am very sorry to have missed the reunion!
I had been looking forward to attending since we scheduled it in San Antonio two years
ago. I hope it was a great experience for all who were able to attend.
It is
my understanding that the Air Force Security Service has changed its name, based on information
that I received at the San Antonio reunion. I am interested in information about the
Security Service its history, insignias etc. I would appreciate any tips you may be
able to share on finding a history and patches, if there are any available. We never
wore patches and I do not recall seeing any.
Any assistance you may be able to give
would be greatly appreciated.
Peter F. Beyette
TSN, Det. 5, 6922 Security Wing
1966 - 1968
Name: Ron Leonard
Apr 28,
2002
Comments: I am The webmaster for 25th Aviation and on the night of 22 Dec 68
Issue 15 a FAC assisted us at Mole City. It was a very nasty battle. On
the Cambodian border South of Tay Ninh. I have been looking for him and the F-100
guys for information the ground troops and to clarify our story. Any help would be
appreciated.
Now I saw Tan Son Nhut the night of 31 Jan 68 .. it sucked, I got
shot down and was a grunt for 3 days, I know that wasn't in my job description since I flew
gunships There are a couple TET stories on our web page by Wayne Coe
.. they are very good. He supported the SP's turned grunts all night.
Ron Leonard
Diamondhead 085
Webmaster 25th Aviation Battalion
Name: Bob Licciardi
Apr 26,
2002
Comments: Regarding the monthly picture for April and in particular my memory of
the Dec 4, 1966 attack that I earlier described (see archives 2001). I was glad to
see this picture and the patch. The choppers took off that night right accross from
our barracks and I saw the first ones take off ... crews running and jumping into
them.
You guys were all business and the pride just swelled in my chest when I saw that.
As I said before ... very impressive. I'll never forget the
scene of you firing the tracers over the runway under the parachute flares that lit up the
ground. Since I never had any personal contact with the Army guys (Razzorbacks) I
never new the name of their outfit until now. Even though their choppers were
sitting right across from us.
I Just want to say "Thanks!" You guys did a
fantastic job and I am damn proud of all of you. You saved our butts that night, that
is for sure. I mentioned in my last post in 2001 that the machine guns were 50
calibers, but I believe that was a mistake, they were more likely 60 caliber ...
right or wrong? I often wondered what it looked like that night from your positions
in those choppers, from the pilot's and gunner's viewpoints. I'd love to see your
stories on this website. How about it? Fill in the blanks for us ...
you had the front row seat.
Name: David Koopman
Apr 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: The anniversary of the May 6th 1968 attack on Tan Son Nhut is almost
upon us. Does any one know who flew the A1-E that dropped the bombs on the VC that
were trying to over run our group from the 460th FMS. He saved our butts that day
and I'd like to thank him.
Best Wishes
Dave Koopman
Name: Gene Kuykendall
Apr 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: Any members of "Redhorse, 377th Combat Engineers, "Tet Offensive."
Looking for a guy named David Todd Jr. from Ohio.
Gene Kuykendall
Sgt,
USAF
Civil Engineers,Redhorse)
Name: Dave Koopman
Apr 22,
2002
URL:http://www.qsl/wb0ydi/vietnam.html
Comments: This is for the Tan Son Nhut Association Web Page Guestbook.
If any one of our Tan Son Nhut Association members have pictures of the 460th FMS Jet Engine
Shop and the flight line area, revetments etc., around it that they would be willing to share
with me, I would appreciate it, if they would contact me. I have a Super 8MM movie
film that shows the Jet Engine shop but the picture would be much too small if I digitized a
frame any way. I would dearly love to be able to share with viewers of my web page
what the Jet Engine shop looked like.
Thank You
Dave Koopman
Name: Thomas P. Sutkaitis
Apr 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Tom Sutkaitis. I was assigned to the 377th Combat
Support Squadron. Chances are that I seen some of you either coming in-country or
leaving the country.
I used to work in the in-out processing section. I was
the happiest person in the building. Because I handed out the plane tickets.
I hope to hear from someone soon.
Thomas P. Sutkaitis
TSgt, USAF (Ret)
Name: Helen Hegelheimer
Apr 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just discovered this great site. For 18 months in 1966
through 1967, I was a stewardess (in those days we were "stews" and darn proud of it) for World
Airways carrying troops into and out of Vietnam. At Tan Son Nhut, some of you guys
guarded our planes ... I can tell you we were grateful. At Bien Hoa, they
just parked us way out on the tarmac in case we got hit by incoming.
I understand from
Vietnam Veteran friends that have been back, that the old airport is gone now. I'd
love to see a photo of the terminal building ... especially from the tarmac side.
We were not allowed to take any photos at all incountry ... however, I did
manage a photo of F4's parked at Bien Hoa.
Tan Son Nhut was the first where I landed my
first trip into Vietnam, its where the ammo depot blew when we were on final approach --
our pilot decided to land anyhow ... the guys on the ground thought they had
just lost their flight home!
Even though I stopped "stewing" early '68, I was proud that
my airline stuck around until DaNang and Saigon. World Airways got a lot of kids out
of Saigon during the "baby Lift flights" ....
Great stumbling over this site
-- I wish I were closer to DC to attend your gathering ... but, I'll be in DC
for Veterans Day!
Don't know if you can accept an attachment, I am going to try anyhow
... a photo of me in my uniform on the tarmac at Travis Airforce Base circa 1966.
Helen Tennant Hegelheimer
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Helen, thank you for such a wonderful
email to the Tan Son Nhut Association. I also thank you for your service to your
airlines and the United States Military. For taking care of us on the trip over and
upon our return.
When your aircraft landed and a Security Policeman got to guard it, it was
a priviledge. I say this because the aircraft crew would always give the SP a container
of milk, real food and etc.
Also if the aircraft was damaged, it was guarded by an
off-duty Security Policeman. The SP would be paid by the aircraft company and it was
definately good money at the time.
All the best to you and yours,
Charles Penley
Name: JetManinWa
Apr 08,
2002
URL:
Comments: Pretty good web site. I was there from DEC of 1971 to March
9, 1973. Lived in the MACV area but flew out of Hotel-3 (The helicopter area next to
the PX.)
I was with the Hq company 34th Gen Support Group and later became 1st Avn. Bg.
We flew mostly (UH-1) down south, Long Binh, Can Tho and Vung Tau to name a few.
I ran onto this web page wondering about some of the old friends I had there.
Take care all
Name: Bernard Gifford
Apr 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: I want to personally thank Tom Shearon for paying my one year
subscription to the Tan Son Nhut Association. One always puts off things he shoud do.
It has been a long time since Vietnam and lets hope and pray that these new men won't
have to go through any thing like we did during TET. I seem to dream a lot about that
period, and in my dream I always miss my flight back home. The reason being, at the
time I knew someone in transportation, and he called me close to my deros date and said he had
a flight for him and myself to get out a little early. So here we go on a C-140 to
Japan. What did we do when we got there, we are now on stand-by status.
We watch our plane from Vietnam (a big boeing 737, with all them nice looking stewarness ) come
in and leave, with us still on the ground.
We finally did got flight to California.
While in California, I met a friend there and had a few drinks (ha Ha) few, and missed
that flight to NY. Once in NY, I had a few drinks, and dam if I didn't miss that
flight to upstate NY.
The moral of the story, is take your normal flight and leave all
your contacts out. I am retired now from everything. The service was
great to me and all is well.
SMSgt Bernie Gifford (Ret
PS: I would be
glad to hear from anyone that was there during my tour Mar 1967 to March 1968. The
377 Security Police Squadron, THE FINEST
Name: Dave Grant
Apr 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: Floyd Jack wrote on Mar 07, 2002 posted a question about the Tan San
Nhut Base Chapel, and some items there. I know that the Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Air
Force Museum has a small tribute to the chapel, and some items are there, possibly the items he
was interested in.
I also know that there is an RF-4C there that was assigned to TSN, as
I worked on them there from Dec 1967 till Sep 1969 with the 460th Avionic Maintenance Squadron.
Dave Grant
Name: Bernard Hiller
Apr 03,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was assigned to Tan Son Nhut in December 1965 and departed in November
1966. Col Roger Benton was the Chief, Security Police at the time. I was
assigned to the Administrative Security Section of the Operations Section.
Bud Hiller
Name: Darryl (Ron) Taylor
Apr 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Darryl (Ron) Taylor (SP4 then). I was with the U.S. Army
Mortuary, Tan Son Nhut Airbase, from 1968-1969. Spent time both at Camp Red Ball and
Tan Son Nhut working for the Army Mortuary. I certainly remember those tracer bullets
flying down from the Hueys every night along the perimeter where the mortuary was and running
around everywhere armed to the teeth with every kind of weapon I could get my hands on,
government issued or not. It was a wild and insane world both on-base or stepping
out any gate to be immediately hustled and propositioned by everyone who thought they could make
a buck off you. Not that I blame them, life was hard there and many of them didn't
eat if they didn't hustle us G.I.'s one way or the other. I also remember that after
eating the reconstituted swill at Camp Red Ball, moving on base with you Air Force guys and the
'Real Food' you guys ate (Real Eggs, Fresh Milk, etc) was pretty 'cushy' to me at the time.
I remember hitting the bars in Cholon and partying with every G.I. around, drinking too much
with the 'tea girls' and doing the usual things that G.I.'s do in that crazy environment.
And the shots in the butt for gonnorhea.
Don't remember the names, but we had two brothers (twins) working there and one went into
Saigon one day and got murdered by someone in one of those Drive-by Shootings from a Motorcycle
or (If I remember right) and his brother was on duty working when the body showed up in a body
bag. That world was so crazy there that people here can't even imagine what we went
thru. We didn't really know why we were there, at least I didn't, and as I look back
now, I don't like why we were there at all. Just politically folly.
Would love to hear from anyone who was at Camp Red Ball or with the Army Mortuary around the
time I was there. (68-69) Camp Red Ball(ies), remember the 2 bars/tea houses
immediately to the left and right of the gate? Going out the one to the left was more
just a 'whore house' and the one to the right was both a large bar (tea house) and 'whore house'.
... Tan Son Nhut(ers), remember the crazy scenes right outside both the front and
back gates, the small alleyways with dozens of bars and teahouses (prostitution) right out both
gates? The energy on the streets around there was 'manic'; at least until curfew.
Best to Everyone and Peace Now!!!
Darryl (Ron or Ronni) Taylor
U.S. Army Mortuary Tan Son Nhut (and Camp Red Ball) 1968-69
Name: Paul L. Donahue
Apr 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Paul Donahue, I was then a Sgt between 1971 - 1972
Dec. Worked Transient Alert, and with Crash Recovery and with Security Force
----- did we have any patch or acommadations awards or did I just drink too
much 33 beer?
Oh well, I miss them all!!! If you read this, "Welcome Home!!!"
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Paul, I really do not know much about
various organization or units patches. Perhaps someone here can help you with the
answer to your question.
Name: John DiPisa
Mar 30,
2002
URL:
Comments: Can you add one more name to your memorial page, and that is:
SSgt Durwyn Lee Wolf.
He was assigned to the Airfield Survey Office, Airlift Control
Center (ALCC), 834th Air Division, Tan Son Nhut Airport (Air Base). He was killed in
'Nam, May 31, 1970, with 2 or 3 officers from the same office. They were flying out
of Cambodia after inspecting a drop zone, and on their way back to TSN, the Huey they were
flying on crashed near Tay Ninh, killing all aboard.
"Big Bad" Wolf (as I used to call
him) was my replacement, assisting AF survey officers to inspect airfields and drop zones to
re-supply "in-country" ground forces. Inspecting airfields was to determine
suitability for landing C-130, C-123, and/or only up to C-7 aircraft and inspecting drop zones
was to re-supply from the air (without landing).
Initially, Wolf had another support
position within the 834th AD but when I rotated from 'Nam for another assignment in Jan '70
(assignment to Taipei Air Station, Taiwan), Wolf was selected to replace me. Wolf and
I were very good friends, we were running partners on the streets of Saigon (as the grunts
would call us, "Saigon Warriors/Commandos).
I recommended him to the "bosses" for the
job since he just extended another six months "in-country" and was a worker the "bosses" would
be happy to have. Lt Col Joe Schindler the Assistant Director of ALCC and OIC of the
Survey Office sent a letter informing me of Wolf being killed. Lt Col Schindler said
that the helicopter was shot down by enemy ground fire (so I am confused since the Vietnam wall
background information states that Wolf was killed in non-hostile action).
You can
reference the following web site for information on Wolf, which is:
http://thewall-usa/cgi-bin/search4.cgi. Also, his name on the wall is located at
Panel 10W - Line 129.
Like I said, there are other Air Force personnel (officers) killed
along with Wolf that were stationed at TSN with ALCC. I do not know their names
(maybe somebody who was with 834th AD might know, if so let us hear from them on the officers
names and what actually happened, were they killed by hostile or non-hostile action).
This input is being submitted by John DiPisa, formerly a SSgt (E-5) with the 834th Air
Division. I already have made comments to this web back in Mar 16, 01.
Since the previous comments, I have a new e-mail address, which is: tooaks.
I was stationed at TSN from Nov 22, 66 to 7 Jan 70, and all that time assigned to
the Airfield Survey Office. I was a "lifer"; retiring from the AF in Jan 85 as a
SMSgt (E-8) with 28 years of service.
FROM THE WEB MASTER: John, thanks for helping keep our
Memorial Page accurate as possible. I just now checked the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Directory of Names book, that I have and verified what you have said above.
Charles Penley
Name: Leo Anderson
Mar 25,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, my name is Leo Anderson. I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut
from March 1971 to March 1972. I was assigned to the 1876th Comm Sq. (I think the
number is right). I worked at the Command Control Relay Vietnam (CCRV, also known at
the PAFCO Relay) behind the BX and lived in the 800 area across from the 8th Aerial Port.
I was on the 800 area augmentation team. Thankfully, I wasn't involved in anything
too exciting but I did get to go out to Bien Hoa and play sniper games and shoot stuff up.
The Security Police took care of all the important stuff so I didn't have to.
Looking back on it, now, that was a good thing.
Thanks
<:) LKA
Name: Michael B. Pittman
Mar 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Mike Pittman and was at Tan Son Nhut, Nov 1971 - Nov 1972.
I was assigned to the 377th ABW and my last 5 months I was "volunteered" to work with the 377th Security
Police Squadron as a Augmentee, or as you cops called us, "Auggie Dogs". I arrived as an A1C and left a Buck
Sgt.
I was assigned to Resource Protection (call sign Blue 5) in the 700 area. I would roam the area to
insure thefts were kept to a minimal and remember talking to the "Static Patrol" person assigned to the entrance to the 700 area
almost everyday (12 hour shifts). Do not remember many names but I do remember one SP named "Murphy"
(I think) who used to get out on the main road and direct traffic and his arm and whistle antics were very funny to the
Vietnamese and GIs.
I was also assigned to NKP RTAFB (Aug 1974 - Oct 1975) and worked as an
Augmentee with the 56 Security Police Squadron pulling parimeter duty in the towers during the "Thai Guard Strikes" and the
Mayaguez Incident. The saddest day in my life happen in May 1975 when we lost 18 Security Policemen and
crew when their CH-53 helicopter crashed in support of the SS Mayaguez. We were a small base and everyone
knew each other.
I just wanted to say "Thanks" to the real SP's that I had the privilegy of working with and sharing
those wonderful meals off the back of the Chow Jeeps. I know I am not a brother cop but I hope I can at least
be a honorary brother or half-brother. Anyway thanks again to all the SPs that protected "US" 24/7 and you all
truly deserve the motto "PROVEN IN COMBAT.
Michael B. Pittman
Name: Lou ?????
Mar 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: An old Battalion Commander suggested that I write to you to see if
there is any information available to help locate the pilots that helped us on 11/12/66 during
the last part of Operation Paul Revere IV in Plei Djerang.
My company was being over-run
by the 33rd NVA Regiment on this date, first pilot was an Australian who saw us in trouble and
came in with a Skyraider to buy us the time we had to have before the American pilots came in,
pilots name is Wing Commander Vance Drummond who was assigned to the 19th TASS along with Wing
Commander Tony Powell of the RAAF. Drummond was our FAC pilot who was killed in a
training flight in Australia and Tony Powell killed in an auto accident after returning to
Australia.
US Air Force elements with habitual association:
19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (Forward Air Control OV-10)
3d Tactical Fighter Wing (F-100 A-37)
31st Tactical Fighter Wing (F-100)
35th Tactical Fighter Wing (F-100)
8th Attack Squadron (A-37)
This is as close as I can get to learning who the two
American pilots were who saved our lives, having many foxholes over-run and most out of ammo
when these pilots came in with either the F-100 or A-37 to take care of business which they did,
attack was over in about twenty minutes from our first radio contact when the pilot asked to
shoot tracers straight up from the center of the parameter to get a layout of the incoming and
outgoing fire.
It is a shame that no pilots or pilot organization is even mentioned in
our 4th Infantry Division history or National Archives and I hope to have this added to give
them some recognition as none of my company could have survive this massive attack by the 33rd
NVA Regiment in Plei Djerang.
Hope you can help to fill in some blanks as this has been
an ongoing search since 1967 and no way to turn it loose until these pilots are recognized.
The Australian pilots were given honors who helped us and now focusing on the
American pilots, got to meet the sons of the Aussie pilots which was very emotional, but only
half of the effort is complete.
Best Regards,
Lou
Name: Swsprint1
Mar 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am so glad I found this site ... I wasn't 'alone' over
there ..... I am a lifelong member .... Thank You Everyone!
Name: Allan Furtado
Mar 15,
2002
URL: http://www.allanfurtado
Comments: To Tan Son Nhut Association. Great website! I was
looking at the Memorial Page. I think, I know someone that should be listed there.
SP4 Hubert Price Jr. He was with the 300Th Tc Co., which was a
detachment of the 71st Trans Bn., my unit. He worked at Tan Son Nhut Air Base moving
air cargo. Killed on Feb 2, 1968, from mortar & small arms attack at Camp Red Ball.
I have his IDPF if you need anymore info on him. Thank you for taking
the time to read this.
Allan Furtado
154Th Trans Co.,71St Trans Bn 6-67 - 6-68
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Allan, thanks for helping keep our
Memorial Page accurate as possible. I just now checked the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Directory of Names book, that I have and verified what you have said above.
Charles Penley
Name: Bob Schnaufer
Mar 15,
2002
URL:
Comments: Dear Sirs, I am writing to you to see if you can help me find some
servicemen that were at Tan Son Nhut during the years 1970-1971. I have a friend of
mine that was in the 377th Transportation Squadron at that time and is seeking help to find
these individuals. They don't have to reveal their address but if they have an E-mail
address that he can contact them with, it would be greatly appreciated.
The names are:
Robert Genovese, SSgt
377th Trans. Sq.
NCOIC Night Shift
Frank P. Wall,Jr,
SMSgt.
Motor Trans. Supervisor
James A. Edwards, SSgt
NCOIC Bus & Heavy Equipment
Richard S. Yamaguchi, MSgt
Motor Trans. Supervisor
If you contact any of
these people please write me at:
Name: Charles Penley
Mar 14,
2002
URL:
Comments: Bob Need, I wrote an email a couple of days ago, but don't know if you
received it.
Just in case you didn't receive it, "I was inquiring if you have made any
progress on putting together a "Master Listing of all the Historical Items," that the Tan Son
Nhut Association, currently has on hand?
I know that I would be interested in knowing
exactly what we have and how it can be shared with the current members. I am very
interested in any photographs, maps, members recollections of their times at TSN.
Charles Penley
Name: Don Condrey
Mar 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut from Dec 1967 to Feb 1970 working for
Transient Alert, we drove the "Follow Me" trucks. Our main responsibility was to
handle visiting aircraft particularly "Medevacs" and those carrying politicians and other
dignitaries visiting the area.
This is a wonderful website, it has brought back many
memories both good and bad. One bad memory is the one described by David Koopman in
his story "Attack on Tan Son Nhut." What a day that was. My most vivid
memory is of the A-1E making its bomb runs over our heads. Thanks for the memories.
Hope to hear from others that I worked with.
Don Condrey
Name: Mike Lafferty
Mar 08,
2002
URL:
Comments: Charles, Just e-mailed Floyd Jack as to the Base Chapel.
During TET it was hit and, if I remember correctly, was burned to the ground. Many
of us that were caught off base for a few days ended up sleeping in the Chapel. I
returned to my apartment to get some civilian clothes and stayed overnight before going on leave.
We didn't leave from the main airport terminal since it was hit that night and as it turned out
so was the Chapel. Lot of memories of those days from May 1967 - May 1968.
Best,
Mike Lafferty
Name: Diane Moore
Mar 07,
2002
URL: http://www.geocities/paramedic
Comments: I often come and check out the posts but don't leave notes everytime.
I did however want to leave one this time.
When I first started using the
internet I searched for info on Tan Son Nhut, then attempted to find my dads old sqd.
Never found the 6250th Civil Engineers, but happened here, and that was the night my
understanding of how special the Air Force was to my dad, Cmsgt Thomas Moore,USAF, spring 1965 to
his POW MIA date of October 31 1965. Along with Samuel Adams, Charles Dusing, and Jasper
Page who managed to escape.
I have recieved emails from many of you, and there are some of
you that literally "have become my adopted uncles" and I have come to know, Bill Price and Kailey
Wong as wonderful caring close friends.
I still hope some day, I will find others who per
chance might remember my dad. But if I don't , I just wanted to let all of you who
served and returned with honor, how much I thank you, And how much you all are important to us
kids whose dads did not make it home except with flags draped with them, and how much those of us
whose dads are still MIA need you still, to learn and to heal, and to help us with the fight we
pursue to bring any remains home.
Thank You and Gods Speed
Diane Moore, daughter
and PNOK
Cmsgt Thomas Moore
Name: Charles Penley
Feb 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: In Floyd Jack's email, directly below this one, brings up a very
interesting question. Although I knew where the Base Chapel was located, I had not
been there. I did not know about the memorial at the chapel. Can anyone
answer Floyd Jacks questions. I know that I would also like to know the answer.
Name: Floyd Jack
Mar 07,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just found your site! I was at Tan Son Nhut 1967 with 7th AF
Combat News. I have often wondered what became of the place after we pulled out.
Particularly, the memorial at the base chapel with the names of those of us who died there.
Also, what became of the French cemetery for their military dead not far from the base.
Floyd E. Jack, Major, USAF (ret)
Name: James W. Day
Mar 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, my name is James W. Day,USAF, CMSGT, (Ret.) I serve a tour
in Bien Hoa, AB, RVN, April 1968 - 1969. I was assigned to Det.# 5, 8th
Aerial Port Squadron.
I was a SSgt at the time in the USAF. I worked in the Hot
Cargo area (Ammo Area), Air Terminal, & the Ramp loading & unloading cargo, passengers, mail &
HR.
I also was over at Long Bien & worked with the 90th Replacement unit (Army).
I was trying to see if I could locate some of my buddies that I served with while there.
Thanks for your help & please advise.
Jim Day
Name: Gary Edelson
Feb 26,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just realized there was a site for Tan Son Nhut Vets - I can't
believe I missed this all this time.
I've really never thought to even search.
Browsed through this and really brought back memories.
Stationed at TSN from Aug 1967 thru
Aug 1968 - at Camp Ellis - was there for the fireworks. I believe
the compound was re-named to Camp Willard (?) after (unfortunately) a Sgt from Franklin, MA was a
the end of a rocket the day before he was leaving. He was packing to go home.
Hqs 7th Air Force - 377th Cmbt Support Grp.
Keep up the good work.
Gary
R. Edelson
Name: Dan McNichols
Feb 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut from Dec. 1966 til Dec 1967. I was in the
1676th Comm. Squadron. Most of my duties was as a scrounger. Learned a lot from that
experence. Its great reading about others that were there. I will never forget.
Dan
McNichols
Name: Dave LaPoint
Feb 24,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed on Tan Son Nhut at Davis Station from Jan 1972 to Jan
1973. I was asssigned to the 509th RR Group. Would love to hear from
anybody that was their during this time.
Dave LaPoint
Name: Melvin D. Smith (Smitty)
Feb 22,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, My name is Melvin D. Smith(Smitty) and I served at Tan Son Nhut
from 2 Sep 1970 until 20 Aug 1971, got out a little early to be escort for "Golden Flow" bad
boys. While at TSN, I was a SSgt and worked "B" Flight LE for 2 months and spent the
remainder of my tour as NCOIC of Resources Protection. Would like to hook-up with
any of the guys from that period, lots of good and bad memories, mostly good.
M.D. Smith
Name: John M. Peele
Feb 20,
2002
URL:
Comments: I finally got to spend some time on the site, all I can say is WOW.
Bob Need is right, it is one of the best sites or the best site of this kink I have ever
seen.
Thank you,
John Peele
Name: Charles Penley
Feb 19,
2002
URL:
Comments: Robert A. Throneburg, if you still visit this web page from time to
time, the web master (Charles Penley) is trying to make contact with you. Please
make contact with me at my email address above
Name: Frederick L. Hastings (Former TSgt, USAF)
Feb 18,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello, I just found this "Great" site and would like to post something
on the site. I served with the 460th Tac Recon Wing from Sep of 1969 til Sep of 1970.
Great assignment even though it was in a "War" zone.
Worked in the Flight
and Ground Safety Office and once promoted to E-4, became the N.C.O.I.C. worked for several
great pilots. The 3 I remember were Major Swanson, Major Mixon, and last but not
least Major Ray A. Kropp (Flew the RF-4C's).
I was awarded the Air Force Commendation
Medal for my duties with the wing (About the only award a 70250 could hope for doing a great
job.) Many fond memories of the year in the "Zone". Loved the R&R to
Hawaii most of all (7 Days of Great Surfing) .... HAHAHA.
Anyways, if anyone
reads and wants to write to me from the unit feel free to do so ....... Just email me
at the above email
By the way my name is Frederick L. Hastings, (Former TSgt, U.S.A.F.)
Name: Sra. Andy Pickle
Feb 18,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hi, my name is Andy pickle and I served with the 377th on Ramstien AFB
from 1991 - 1993, before it moved back to the states. I am happy to see
the web site and hope to see more entries in the future. The 377th has a long, proud
history and I am proud to say I served in it through Desert Storm, "Provide Hope", and "Silent
Echo". Hopefully I can get a few replies from guys I served with.
Sra Andy
Pickle
"C" flight Marauders
WS3 "WolfPack"
Name: Swsprint1
Feb 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was at Tan Son Nhut from June 1968 to July 1969 ... 377th
USAF Dispensary - Flight Line and also 21st Casualty Staging Unit, which cared for
wounded for a few days before sending them on to Japan or Phillipines and on to the States
Name: Mario J. Ventura, Jr. Capt USAR (Ret)
Feb 13,
2002
URL:
Comments: I just happened upon the site and story by David Koopman. It
brought back a flood of memories from my tour at Tan Son Nhut from June 1966 to Oct 1967, at a
place called CICV.
I emphasize with Airman Koopman as I had some experiences which I
haven't told anyone about and have kept private all these years!
I was in the U.S.
Army and I too thought I was in Vietnam to make a difference. I'd like to hear from
others who may have been there at the same time at TSN or CICV or just trying "to keep the
World Safe for Democracy" as Airman Koopman and I were!!
Mario J. Ventura Jr.
Capt USAR Ret)
Name: Dennis Gille
Feb 11,
2002
URL:
Comments: Hello, I just found out about this web site. I thought I
would just jot down a few things.
I was at Tan Son Nhut from Jan 1970 til Feb 1971.
I was a Sgt in the 377th CES, working in electrical power production. I
have some fond memories and some not so fond memories of theat era of my life. It
is good to see that so many people that were "over there" still have contact with each other.
I was discharged at Oseola AFS, in Wisconsin in Sep 1973 as a SSGT. It
would be nice to hear from others who were there about the same time.
Name: Mike Gonzales
Feb 10,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at Davis Station at Tan Son Nhut, from Feb 1969 to Feb
1970. I was with the 509th RRCUV US Army ASA
Mike Gonzales
Name: Capt Chuck Henry
Feb 09,
2002
URL:
Comments:
I don't want to get overwhelmed with this, but I am deeply affected by
much of what I have read. Thank you for a major job of putting this site up and
gathering what you have so far.
You already added me to the officer's list for the 377th, 1966-1967,
thanks, and I am pulling together more thoughts.
I just read your request for information from people who were there for
the 12-4/5-66 attack, and you mentioned a former squadron member who is now 75. As
Security Ops officer at the time of that attack, I have a flood of memories, and maybe I have
some which would help answer our buddy's questions or needs. Who is he, and where was
he during the attack, to see if I can put pieces together in my memory for anything I can do to
help.
During the initial 12-4 attack, I responded by jeep from the officer's
quarters to Central Security Control, and by the time I got there Major Fox was putting things
together. I was sent out around the base on a series of coordinating tasks during the
night, and did not know about the Qucik Reaction Team that got hit on the west perimeter road
until later that night when I worked my way out there next morning in my jeep (which had serial
number 777, an inside joke for anyone who remembers the SAC days). I have photos of
some or most of the QRT trucks which were hit out there, some of the bunkers and that water tower
observation post, and a lot of other stuff, and will have to take my time figuring out how much
of it you may want or need, and how to get it to you.
I was the officer who radioed to CSC at one point during the first
night to tell them to knock off the background chatter in the control room, because it was
interfering with our radio traffic, and was told later it was some 1 or 2 star general who had
dropped in to try to take control of something he knew nothing about. Does anyone
else remember anything about that incident, or how they got the general out of CSC?
I remember being directed to the body of one of our guys, I think it
was Oliver Riddle, around first light, just outside the perimeter road, and being overwhelmed
with having lost three men from my unit in the first combat I had experienced. I had
to stand there for a long time, to get the prayer and the crying done because I did not want the
guys on the road to see their captain so close to bawling like a baby. I found the
names of Riddle, John Cole and George Bevich on the traveling Wall when it came through our area,
and was stunned by the feelings that came back when I touched them. If you get a
chance to see the Wall, find them, and make the connection.
There was one of our response team units that got hit by an RPG-2 on
their way to Bevich's support, as I recall, and the team was led by a SSgt. I knew from McCoy AFB,
a great guy whose name is now lost. I thought for many years that one of his team was
killed by that rocket, but not if Cole and Riddle were both on the QRT on the perimeter.
I would like to put the memories of who was on that team back together.
About NCO's in the 377th at the time of that attack: I think
CMSgt Ford was there, and Maxie Bush, at that time, but that is off the top of my head and I'm
not sure. Can't find any notes about it. TSgt. Watson was on Terminal Security (the
airport terminal and customs) around that time, which I can re-construct from an inter-office
memo referring to a broad-jump competition he was promoting. I was willing to compete,
if he provided the broad. There was an NCO, SSgt. I think, named Smith in Charlie
Sector who got a Silver Star for his magnificent juggling of the defense of the MLR during the
first attack, etc .. Sorry, first names are long gone. I may
think of more, but wish I had saved some rosters of the outfit from those days.
You mentioned being stationed at the M60 post outside CSC at the
intersection during the Tet 68 attack? Here is a little story for a connection.
Different attack, I know, but during the night of 12-4-66, I was sent out from CSC to
gather some SPS troops and lead them across the ramp to reinforce the revetments and the Charlie
Section MLR. In the dark, unable to make sure who my NCO's and troops were, we put
together a group of about 20 guys or so, who were supposed to follow me across the ramp to the
first machine gun post, reinforce it, and then work our way post by post to the MLR.
When we started across the concrete, all hell broke loose (unrelated to us) with tracers and
automatic weapons fire coming from the MLR and the bunker where one of our guys had just taken
out an NVA with his shotgun while the NVA was satchel-charging either a C-47 or a chopper -
I think it was the Gooney Bird. Anyway, I was running across the concrete toward
what would later be your post, and discovered it was very quiet and I was very alone.
The other guys had gone back to CSC to come up with a better plan, and later did reinforce the
line, but without the running across the open concrete. It worked out for me, because
while I was walking back to CSC, a bit grumpy about being left out there alone, a staff car came
along with a 2-star flag, headed right straight toward the area of the flightline where the
automatic weapons fire had just been so intense. I got to tell the general to turn
around and get back off the flightline before he drove right into it. Don't know who
he was.
Another memory, but I don't remember if it was the first or second
night. Three NVA got cornered in a patch of grass and bamboo out in the middle of a
big bare laterite area, between the old runway and the new one then being built. We
had many troops lined up along dirt berms left by the construction tractors, near the patch of
foliage, but everytime we tried to move the NVA would open up on us. Someone found
some slap flares, and we used those to orient ourselves and figure out where the NVA muzzle
flashes were coming from. We poured major small arms fire and threw a bunch of hand
grenades into the bush until Major Fox told us to send in three guys to see if the NVA were dead.
A Lt. Jack Howe, an enlisted man whose name I never got, and I went in.
Supposedly in the dark, but someone fired a slap flare while we were in there, and one of the NVA
seriously wounded but not dead opened up on us with his AK-47. Lord knows how many
people fired at his muzzle flashes until they stopped, and I know I emptied two magazines and my
.38 at the position until I was ready to quit. From about 10-15 feet in the brush, I
wasn't going to move and make any noise unless I was sure. We were surprised by how
much firepower that guy was packing, for his size, besides his rifle. I think Lt. Duc
and the Quan Cahn took care of cleaning up the 3 NVA's weapons, grenades, satchel charges and
some little tapered glass tubes which someone speculated was some kind of painkiller or ---
does anyone know any more about that?
A TSgt Jeff Petty has just let me know that Major, later Lt. Col. Roger
Fox died last April. Damn! He was my supervisor 66-67, and apparently was
Squadron Commander later on. We called him "The Fox", and were told he knew more about
sentry dogs and the history of the program than most any officer in the AF. I know
firsthand that he had a lot to do with picking the finest handlers and dogs we could find, for
TSN, and had an uncanny way of working headquarters for anything he could get for the squadron.
There probably ought to be a length limit on letters from former
squadron members, and I have surely exceeded it. Good night for now. Thanks
again for putting up this site for a fine outfit.
Name: DVAJOJAR@VBA.va.gov
Feb 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am a VA claims representative with American Legion in Minnesota.
I represent veterans to the VA and try to get their claims approved. I am
working on an interesting case involving a deceased veteran, who I believe suffered from PTSD or
some version thereof. He later died (very suddenly) of a heart attack. I am
trying to service connect that death, so that his widow will be provided for. Lately
I've had very good luck relating heart (and hypertension) problems to psychological conditions,
including PTSD. There's a very valid connection, because stress causes your blood
pressure to spike, your heart rate to increase, and puts adrenaline into your blood, which makes
it clot more quickly, i.e., harder to pump. Even the VA doctors have recently been
conceding, fairly regularly, that stress CONTRIBUTES (if not actually causing) heart problems and
high blood pressure. Contribution is all that is needed.
Anyway, my veteran was
a supply person/truck driver in the 377th CSG, whose tour in Vietnam ended around September 1,
1970. Although he was not a combat veteran, I believe everyone in the theatre was
exposed to some combat-related stress, from VC sympathizers, etc. It would make sense
that trucks, which could be carrying ammo, fuel, troops, food supplies, and other things to
further the war effort, would be natural targets in Vietnam, just as they were in the Gulf War.
The veteran didn't talk much about his time in Vietnam, but he did tell his wife that,
even in the Saigon area, you never knew when something would happen. Once he saw a boy
on a motorbike throw something into the back of his truck, and naturally he thought it was a
grenade, so he jumped out, letting the truck go off the road. That was one of the few
incidents he recounted, but I'm sure there were others.
I am looking for general
information about conditions in the area (and in the 377th) during late '69 - early '70.
Were there ever mortar attacks at night, etc. or enemy action of any kind? Were
you there during that period, or do you know anyone who was? I will appreciate
anything you can tell me.
FROM THE WEB MASTER: I answered your email below but I will
need for the other men to email you directly with their assistance. This is to save
space on our web page.
Always glad to assist a Vietnam Veteran whenever possible.
First of all I would like for you to go to one of my web pages, that shows all the dates and
times that Tan Son Nhut got attacked. The information there is from Official Air Force
documents that I sent for and received. Please go to URL:
http://users.chartertn/cepenley/vcnva/index.html
You will be able to print only half of the entire chart. It will be the left hand
side. If you need the full copy, then email me and let me know your address and I
will mail you a full copy.
Sir, you are wrong on one point. You state that your veteran was not a combat
veteran. To me, everyone that was in the Vietnam Theater was a combat veteran.
I know that he did not have a combat AFSC or MOS. But tell me where the front
line was located? It was everywhere. One truck driver from Vietnam was
awarded the Medal of Honor. He did not have a combat AFSC or MOS either.
In addition you need to know that Agent Orange was sprayed by the 377th Air Police / Security
Police from the back of 5 ton trucks. It is logged into the Historical Archives of
the 377th SPS. It is mentioned numerous times on Microfilm M0073, M0074 and M0075.
Please go to URL: http://dns.advnet/gdmoore/ao_amts1.htm
Scroll down to III Corps, then read Tan Son Nhut's amounts, that were sprayed from aircraft.
The terminology utilized in the microfilm was "Bootlegged" ten barrels of herbacide
today. Number of barrels would vary with each trip. The Security Police
would then spray the Agent Orange from the back of the trucks. It would be more
condensed that sprayed from an aerial aircraft.
There were numerous standoff attacks at Tan Son Nhut. There would be rockets,
mortars, recoilless rifles, small arms attacks and etc. You will see it at URL:
http://users.chartertn/cepenley/vcnva/index.html
I was there from Oct 1967 - Jul 1969. It was more common to be attacked
at night but we also got hit during the day also.
Sincerely,
Charles Penley
Web Master
Name: Norbert A. Pirri
Feb 04,
2002
URL:
Comments: I proudly served with the 377th Civil Engineering Squadron from May 1967
- Dec 1968.
The 37th Civil Engineering Squadron, Phu Cat from August 1971 - Dec 1971 and
back to TSN till June 1972.
I had just returned from Hawaii the week before TET started.
I ran the night service call desk for the CES squadron. I retired from
the USAF 1 November 1986 as a SMSgt from Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, CO with
twenty-three and a half years of service.
I would love to here from anyone who may have
served with me then, although most of the names and faces are a blur. To many years
have gone by. This is a great web site and I am glad I found it. I will be
sending some pictures when I find then.
Name: Paul Rhoton
Feb 03,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Paul Rhoton. I was assigned to 1876 Communications
Sq. (Relay) from Sept 1970 to Sept 1971. I retired as a TSgt Nov 1990.
Name: Andrew Audette
Jan 29,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is MSgt Andrew Audette. I am assigned to the 12th
Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB, CA. Our squadron will formally reactivate
some time this summer. It will be the US Air Force's first Global Hawk unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) squadron. I just wanting to let everyone know the 12th's back in
business. The 12th has a rich history dating back to 1917: I am proud to be
part of it.
MSgt Andrew Audette
Name: Ian Findlay
Jan 26,
2002
URL:
Comments: My name is Ian Findlay and I served with the Australian Air Force at
Vung Tau from 01 April 1967 till 10 April 1968, with 9 Squadron (choppers) & later Base support
Flight (Operational Support Unit).
I was on Transport, Air Movements and Aircraft
refueling duties for most of the time. On a couple of occasions I worked for for
Airmovcon at Tan Son Nhut. Also on a couple of occasions, I used to ferry our
airmoncon equipment from Vung Tau, Newport and then on to Tan Son Nhut, via the River with the
help of the US Army LCU's . . . one nick-named " Hell Afloat"
Reason for this
e-mail is that I knew a lot of the guys with the SP Unit however after all this time I've
forgotten names etc . . I have just recently come across some photographs that were
laying at the bottom of some box way deep in the abysis and would like to try and identify some
of these guys. Maybe you can help? Or give me some tips on where to start.
Most of them were at Vung Tau, however some went to Tan Son Nhut before Tet.
I was
unlucky enough to find myself on a LCU at Newport Dock when it Tet Broke-Out and by the time I
finally got thru to the Air Base it was impossible to try to find any of the guys under the
circumstances, most people were having a silent nervous break-down (including myself).
I
retired from the Air Force in 1982 after 25 years (Last Five in Reserve). My last
Unit was the RAAF Service Police HQ in Sydney. My wife Lesley was a Former Service
Policewomen at the same HQ.We now live in Tasmania overlooking the Tamar river 70 km downstream
from the small city of Launceston.
I am going to post this story to others so if you get
around to making comparing notes with the guys don't be suprised if they have heard from me.
I guess I'm looking to contact anybody who remembers our guys from the 9 Squadron &
35 Squadron Hanger.
Regards,
Ian
Name: Kerry Nivens
Jan 25,
2002
URL:
Comments: The family of Jerry Clark wanted me to post the notice of his death.
Jerry and I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut in 1967. We were assigned to the 377
Combat Support Group, POL Division.
I will miss my friend. As he has made his
final rotation.
Your Truly
Kerry Nivens
FROM THE WEB MASTER: It is sadness within my heart, that I
posted the above notice. May the family of Jerry Clark know that he will be missed by
us all.
Name: Julio Yuen
Jan 23,
2002
URL:
Comments: I am sending pictures from Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam.
I was USAF Air Transportation (Mac Terminal) from Nov 1972 thru 1 Mar 73. I worked in
Camp Alpha and the Passenger Terminal. My name is Julio Yuen, I retired in 1991 as a
Tsgt. I am with one of my girl in the Pool and in the zoo. I would like to
see Pics of the Base during my time frame if you can.
Thanks
Julio Yuen
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Julio Yuen sent me four photographs and
I will place one of them on the Photographs of the Month during the month of February 2002.
Name: Larry Fitzgerald
Jan 23,
2002
URL:
Comments: Served as Scatback flight engineer from Aug 1968 to Aug 1969.
Bunked with Jimmy Austin from Tenn. and buddy with Rosignon from Houston. Are any of
you guys available for conversation?
Larry Fitzgerald
Name: Merlin H. Bittner
Jan 21,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was TDY to Detachment 5, 6922 Security Wing at Tan Son Nhut AB from
Clark AB, PI from August 5 to October 3, 1965. Then returned to Det 5, 6922 SW from
August 8, 1966 to June 1, 1967.
Name: Bill Jerguson, SMSsgt USAF (Ret)
Jan 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just thought I'd let you all know I visited. Was stationed at
Tan Son Nhut, 600 Photo Sq, 1968.
Name: George Sharp
Jan 17,
2002
URL: http://www.airbrushconcepts
Comments: I was stationed on a TDY in 1965, with the 481st TFS using F-100's to
help the war effort, man what a long time ago, it seems like it was yesterday, when I ponder it
all. I was a crew chief mechanic on the F-100's and did rotation to the Phillipines
every month or so for periodic maintenance. Is there anyone out there who's still on
the living list? It would be awesome to hear from you!!!!!!!
Thanx,
George Sharp
Name: Bill Bernhardt
Jan 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut 1967 - 1968 with the 16th TRS.
I always thought it was a R & R center until January 30th, 1968.
That was when I realized I was in a combat zone.
Lost some Aircraft during the month
of February. I was a SSgt Crew Chief working the night shift.
I would like to
hear from some of the other crew dogs that was there at the time.
Bill Bernhardt
MSgt,
USAF Ret.
Name: SSgt Craig P. Wolfe
Jan 17,
2002
URL:
Comments: On 1 October 2001, the 460th Air Base Wing reactivated at Buckley Air
Force Base in Colorado. As the newly assigned historian for the wing, I'm interested
in getting facts, figures, personal insight, stories that I can add to the proud history of the
460th.
We would truly be in your debt if you so desire to send us any information that you
can.
This web-site and a few other like provide a good deal of information, but I'm
looking for the people side of the story. My plan is to use the information from the
web-site, your stories, and anything else I can gather for briefings, classroom training, and any
other format I can use to get your story out to the troops now serving under the 460th flag.
Sincerely,
SSgt Craig Wolfe
460th Air Base Wing (Historian)
18401 E A-Basin Ave,
Stop 88
Buckley Air Force Base, CO 80011
FROM THE WEB MASTER: Okay, men of the 460th.
Here is an excellent opportunity to give your imput and information to the active duty Air Force.
Do your best to contact SSgt Wolfe and assist him in this mission.
Name: Allan Rubin
Jan 08,
2002
URL:
Comments: Stationed at Davis Station, 3rd RRU from March 1966 to March 1967.
Was an 058 Ditty Bopper, ( 05H20 ) and was Sp5 in charge of Midnight Shift at White Birch
Ops Bldg.
Was at Tan Son Nhut for Mortar Attack which killed Sgt Doughtery and was having
a beer at rear of compound on Airstrip when attack began. Shared bunker with Doughtery
until he ran for Arms Room and was killed.
Love to hear from others at Davis Station, same
time.
Name: David Kirby
Jan 06,
2002
URL:
Comments: I served in the 6250th Civil Engineers 7/65 - 6/66 ..
was supposed to be on the the trip to Vung Tau with Sgt's Adams, Dusing, Moore and Page
.. my NCOIC nixed it a last minute .. they were captured on the way back to
Tan Son Nhut .. Sgt. Jasper Page escaped and made his way back to friendly forces
.. he is currently alive and kickin' in Colorado ... the others rest there
somewhere ..... the thing/things I remember most about TSN, the variety of aircraft
that were operating out of there from A1Es to F-4's .... The first mortar attack that
took us by surprise ... didn't even have a bunker built .. 4 purple hearts in
our outfit .... and finally the nasty taste of Ba Muy Ba (33) beer .. keep
smilin'
A1C David Kirby
6250th CES
Electrician/Ground Power
RVN 65-66
Name: Irishkppb
Jan 03,
2002
URL:
Comments: Landed in Saigon, Tan Son Nhut Airport February 1962. Stayed
in a compound on the airport grounds for about a month or so before going to Bien Hoa and then
to Phu Bai. I was in the ASA /3rd RRU.
I came across this site just tonight
and am impressed with what is here.
Look forward to becoming a member ... good
luck.
Name: Harold McAbee
Jan 03,
2002
URL:
Comments: Just found this site. It is great for those of us that served
on Ton Son Nhut. I have found a couple of names of people I worked with.
Thanks for bringing back a lot of great memories.
I was in the 12th TRS From Sept 1966
until Sept 1967. I was the day line chief. I came there from the 22nd TRS
from France. I came as a Master Sergeant and left as a Senior Master Sergeant.
We had a great record in the 12th. Would like to hear from others that served in the
12th at the time I was there.
Harold McAbee
Name: Charles Penley,
Jan 01,
2002
URL:
Comments: Happy New Year to one and all !!!
FROM THE WEB MASTER: As you can see this is an updated
version of the Tan Son Nhut Association web page. It's your forum to voice, things
that are on your mind? What are your thoughts about Tan Son Nhut or Vietnam?
What would you like to discuss in this forum? What do you want to share with
the members of this association? Please remember that we are a family friendly web
site and keep it fairly clean.
Tan Son Nhut Association Web Page. © 1997 - 2007 All rights reserved.