I remember taking two different pills during my time in the field and then on FSB Nancy where I finished my tour of duty. I think everyone remembers these, the big orange pill once a week and the little white ones once a day. What the hell were those drugs? I just did as I was told. I sure didn't want to get malaria. I did hear guys complaining about side effects. The runs, you know, diarrhea. I did not experience this, but I came to understand quite few GIs weren't taking their pills. The … [Read more...]
Comments for the attack at FSB David
The comments are still coming in regards to this event: the attack of June 13-14th. Here's the most recent one from Chickenman, an artilleryman with the 2/19th Arty. Keep the comments coming! Welcome home SP4 Arnold! _________________________________________________ I was the gunner and shift leader (section chief) on one of the guns (I think 2 or 5) in C Battery 2nd/19th Arty during that wonderful night. I had just returned from R&R in Australia about 6 days before and Top took me … [Read more...]
Cambodia – May 30, 1970
(Map from public domain.) I like this map. It's pretty clear where we were headed, but also where the 25th Infantry was, as well as where the ARVN were fighting. I think they gave a good account of themselves when attacking the Parrot's Beak. Beaucoup dead VC! Not to forget the 11th ACR. What I have read indicates they had a tough time crossing the border in their tanks and APCs where they ran into prepared NVA/VC positions and a hailstorm of rocket propelled grenades. God Bless and … [Read more...]
50 Years Ago
Bu Gia Map Wow, look at all those birds coming in. This is an old French air strip near Bu Gia Map where we spent the night before the assault into Cambodia. Looks like Sgt. Corn looking off to the left. That must be Rock (Tom Foley) sitting on the right. Hard to say who the others are. The weather was gorgeous for the next few weeks before the monsoons started. Sometimes it seems just like yesterday. Mother posted this photo in an email, not sure but it may be one of Sgt. Livermore's … [Read more...]
Chico
Four jaybirds perched on a log Chico, myself, Burleson and Jobe stopping for a smoke break somewhere in Viet Nam. I have two distinct memories of Chico, a.k.a. Edmundo Gutierrez, or "Doc." He was brave to a fault in the tradition of latinos serving in the armed forces. He was quick to smile, always ready with a comment in any situation. One time near LZ Salty that I have mentioned before, we were pinned down by an enemy machine gun in a hidden bunker. Ski and I had managed to get to a huge … [Read more...]
Quan Loi
Most anyone who served in the 1st of the 5th Cav, as well as the 1/7, 2/7, 11th ACR, etc. in the years 1969 to 1970 is likely to have been to Quan Loi. Here's a good idea of it's location. This base camp could be found approximately 60 miles north of Saigon and 12 miles from the Cambodian border. This is in Binh Long province, just to the east of Tay Ninh. First known as LZ Andy, in 1966 it was established as the base camp for the 1st Infantry Division. As a base camp, there would be … [Read more...]
FSB Vivian Photos
Bob Turay send these photos. That's a big gun. 155 howitzer. CComing back in from patrol. Eddie Dixon in one of the mortar pits at Vivian. That's a lota ammo! The Most Point Team Outstanding! Thanks Bob, will post some more later. Happy Veteran's Day and Welcome Home! Bird-out … [Read more...]
1970-Cambode tribesmen with 3rd platoon, Bravo Co.
Hey Guys and Gals, Here are some more photos from Lt. Schottenhamel. He said 3rd platoon provided security for the Doc and medics while they cared for the local villagers. Great photos to say the least! The Lt. said the tribesmen played a concert for them. Outstanding! Bird-out … [Read more...]
Firebase David: Photos!
Hey everyone, Here are some of the photos that Lt. Schottenhamel forwarded to me. Great stuff, interesting to see after all these years. 49 years... Paul said they (Bravo Mongoose) were the first lift into David's location. Paul was a platoon leader with Bravo, 1/5. Bird-out … [Read more...]
FSB Nancy
I was glad to visit with Dob Neuhaus at the Myrtle Beach reunion. He reminded me that we used to shoot the rats in our bunker with soap bullets. FSB Nancy was the first firebase I was at that we didn't have to build ourselves. That was the good news, bad news was the old bunkers were infested with rats! Now I remember! We would "pull" a bullet from an M-16 round and shove the cartridge into a bar of soap. Gee whiz Wally! We can safely shoot our rifles inside the bunker! Blam! One dead … [Read more...]