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10574 entries.
Ramon Evans
from
yorba linda
wrote on March 14, 2024
at
6:46 pm
As I write about my experiences in Vietnam as a Military Policeman in the Army after all these years, I realize that I was always on the move in a Jeep, working with different groups at various locations, and doing various duties such as guard duty, guarding prisoners, escorting convoys, village outpost liaison duty, river patrols, city security patrols, and maintaining route security.
The war was going full-bore around me in 1967-68. Wherever I had duty, nobody shot at me directly, although with TET in Nha Trang starting on January 30, 1968, several rounds hit the buildings we occupied. The camps I stayed in such as Camp Evans and Camp Barnes received periodic mortar fire, but they always missed our tent or building, although a mortar round damaged our outdoor urinal and shower (See photo in Camp Evans Chapter). When in a war zone, you are focused on your current duty and vaguely aware of the events surrounding you. This was especially true when most of my military police duty assignments, which seemed to be made daily, and 95% of the duty such as convoys and security patrols were completed in a Jeep. Thus, I have added some historical text that occurred at the time and locations when I was on duty. Basically, our unit was on duty 24/7 and we worked each day until the duty assignment was completed.
The status and missions of the MPs changed in Vietnam. In the initial attack on the U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the Tet Offensive of 1968, the first two casualties were MPs killed defending the embassy. Two more MPs were killed when responding to the fire fight taking place there. Twenty-seven MPs lost their lives and forty-five were wounded fighting in and around Saigon during the battle that raged for control of the city. The traditional duties of town patrol, base security, and POW security had been augmented with armed river patrols and convoy escorts, etc. Many MPs names appear on The Wall in Washington, D.C.
By the end of 1967, U.S. troop levels reached 463,000 with 16,000 combat deaths. By that time, over a million American soldiers were rotated through Vietnam, with length of service for draftees being one year, and most Americans serving in support units. An estimated 90,000 soldiers from North Vietnam infiltrated into the South via the Ho Chi Minh trail in 1967. Overall Viet Cong/NVA troop strength throughout South Vietnam during that time was estimated to be up to 300,000 men.
The war was going full-bore around me in 1967-68. Wherever I had duty, nobody shot at me directly, although with TET in Nha Trang starting on January 30, 1968, several rounds hit the buildings we occupied. The camps I stayed in such as Camp Evans and Camp Barnes received periodic mortar fire, but they always missed our tent or building, although a mortar round damaged our outdoor urinal and shower (See photo in Camp Evans Chapter). When in a war zone, you are focused on your current duty and vaguely aware of the events surrounding you. This was especially true when most of my military police duty assignments, which seemed to be made daily, and 95% of the duty such as convoys and security patrols were completed in a Jeep. Thus, I have added some historical text that occurred at the time and locations when I was on duty. Basically, our unit was on duty 24/7 and we worked each day until the duty assignment was completed.
The status and missions of the MPs changed in Vietnam. In the initial attack on the U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the Tet Offensive of 1968, the first two casualties were MPs killed defending the embassy. Two more MPs were killed when responding to the fire fight taking place there. Twenty-seven MPs lost their lives and forty-five were wounded fighting in and around Saigon during the battle that raged for control of the city. The traditional duties of town patrol, base security, and POW security had been augmented with armed river patrols and convoy escorts, etc. Many MPs names appear on The Wall in Washington, D.C.
By the end of 1967, U.S. troop levels reached 463,000 with 16,000 combat deaths. By that time, over a million American soldiers were rotated through Vietnam, with length of service for draftees being one year, and most Americans serving in support units. An estimated 90,000 soldiers from North Vietnam infiltrated into the South via the Ho Chi Minh trail in 1967. Overall Viet Cong/NVA troop strength throughout South Vietnam during that time was estimated to be up to 300,000 men.
Tom Reed
from
Nashville, TN
wrote on March 14, 2024
at
8:19 am
I entered the Army at the Nashville AFEES (induction center) 11/22/66 and took BCT at Fort Campbell. AIT was at Fort Knox at the Personnel School. Following AIT, I was assigned to the 401 Pers Svc Co that supported the 7/17 & 8 /1 Air Cav at Fort Knox . In 11/22/67, I arrived at Bien Hoa AFB in Vietnam, and 4 days later was assigned to the 222nd Pers Svc Co of the 44th Medical Brigade. We provided admin and personnel support for the 44th. Promoted to SP5 in mid-1968. During the last couple of months of my tour, I was assigned to the Nashville AFEES, arrived home on 11/22/68 in Nashville to begin my last year of service. My tour in Vietnam was relatively benign except for TET and a couple of other incidents during the year.
Wayne LeBlanc
from
New Minas. Nova Scotia
wrote on March 14, 2024
at
5:22 am
Served in Vietnam at Danang Base from 69-70. Assigned to the 20th Tass as an aircraft mechanic on the O2's.
Jack Makemson
from
West Liberty
wrote on March 14, 2024
at
5:03 am
Drafter 1967,assigned to C/5th/60,9th Infantry.Last big firefight for me was at Cai Lai,Mekong Delta,November 18th,1967.Attacked by a battalion size force of Viet Cong,firefight lasted very long time,we were eventually overrun.Artillery lowered fire to bee hive rounds.I lost my machine gun boots,wallet and my right eye.I received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.Good bye Vietnam
Sp/4 Donald Doke
from
North Port , Fl.
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
6:22 pm
Entered army basic at Fort Bragg Nov 67.Did advance tng. at Fort Jackson then to Vietnam in May 68.Assigned to First Cavalry Div up in I Corp at Camp Evans with Hq 2/7 until the division moved to III Corp and operations out of Phouc Vinh , Bien Hoa and to finally end up at Quan Loi. Extended stay and transferred to Hq 3rd Bde 1st Cav aviation plt as a scout observer gunner on an OH6A LOH.Went home on special leave in Jun 69 and returned to Quan Loi and did operations out of there until Dec 69. Went home to Maryland and from there did the rest of my army obligation at Fort Hood, Tx until Dec 70. End of army obligation.
LaVerne Barry Arndt
from
Jim Thorpe
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
3:40 pm
Served on the USS Independence CVA-62 Marine Detachment in the Gulf of Tonkin June through November 1965, 5 months combat service. Off to OCS at Quantico, VA. Commissioned a 2/Lt. and then to The Basic School for 5 months of Leadership and Marine Officer training in the military arts. I selected Infantry MOS and was assigned to Vietnam duty May 22,1968. Upon arrival, I was assigned 1st Platoon Cmdr, Golf Co., 2nd. Bn., 5th Marines, located at the An Hoa combat base, about 25 miles SW of Danang. We conducted base perimeter duty, search and destroy and ambush missions through-out the area. Wealso had aCompany size outpost at the Nong Son coal mine located 8 miles SW of An Hoa. From there we conducted base security and ambush patrols in the immediate area. Left Golf Co. 2/5 after 7 months on Dec 15, 1968 and then served as an Aerial Observer with the 1st. Mar. Div. AO Unit at Marble Mtn. This was also a 7 month tour. We conducted aerial reconnaissance and infantry air support from the O1 and O2 reconnaissance aircraft. I flew with Marine, Army and Air Force pilots in the Danang are and north to Phu Bai, Hue tactical areas. July 1, 1968 I was lucky to be afforded a ride in an F4 Phantom to cover for an ilI RIO. A former O1 pilot, Capt. Larry Nowak gave me the ride of a lifetime!
l left Vietnam on July 13, 1968, after 14 months in country. I wass then assigned to Camp Pendleton as the M Company Commander at the base ITR. We processed 13 companies of new recruits through ITR in 15 months time. The remaining 3 months of my time in the USMC was as the Bn. S-3 Officer. Welcome Home my fellow Marines, and other Vets! God Bless you all! I got my captain bars on Nov. 01, 1969.
l left Vietnam on July 13, 1968, after 14 months in country. I wass then assigned to Camp Pendleton as the M Company Commander at the base ITR. We processed 13 companies of new recruits through ITR in 15 months time. The remaining 3 months of my time in the USMC was as the Bn. S-3 Officer. Welcome Home my fellow Marines, and other Vets! God Bless you all! I got my captain bars on Nov. 01, 1969.
Robert V r VanDyke
from
84404, Ogden, UT
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
2:39 pm
chu lei 1965-66 usmc , deck house 1, deck house 2 was the strart of my 13 months
Ted Winkelman
from
Stockton, Ca.
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
2:34 pm
Way back in March of 1968, I was with the Air Force. Now you may say, He got easy duty. Not knowing what Viet Nam was. Only knew what I head on the news. I was 3 weeks in country and my butt was sent to Khe Sanh on a short TDY. Now my short TDY was to be 2 weeks. Turned out to be tell the base was closed in July of 68. Now what is an Air Force guy doing in Khe Sanh you ask. Well , I was sent up there because the Marines did not know how to load or unload the air craft as they came in. So there I was, doing just that. What an experience it was. Meet some great guys and lost a few as well. But that was an experience I well never forget. I was with the 15th aerial port squadron out of Danang and was attached to the 29th marines. Again you say, what an easy duty I had. Well , when the birds landed I was out on the tarmac open to the world while everyone else was cozy upped in their bunker doing what I was sent up there to do. I made a great target setting on that stupid forklift. The hardest part of my job was loading bodybags. But I made it home thank God. I would love to chat with anyone who was up there when I was.
Dan Rodenbaugh
from
Orleans
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
2:09 pm
Sep 1969-
My best friend Eudell Leo Kotrous from Nebraska, and I were drafted and boarded a train in Holdrege Neb., traveled to Omaha, Neb. for physicals and induction, from Omaha to Ft. Polk, La. we arrived at dark met with several drill instructors, together we attended Basic, AIT, and Nam.
• Was given an award by basic training CO for being only one that had a perfect score and maxed the proficiency test, and cognitive test for graduation.
• Was nominated and graduated top of class LPC Academy
• Attended AIT at Fort Polk Tiger land was made Platoon Guide
Travel orders were for Vietnam reported to
• C-3-22, 25th infantry arrived in country June 1970
• Eudell Leo Kotrous and I shared a last cigarette together before traveling in country to our assigned units, learned he was KIA Apr 26, 1970
First week of assignment took choppers to hot LZ, we had combat with 6 Vietcong, chased them across rice paddy, being new, gung-ho, I took lead as still under impression and mindset I was invincible.
Landed in hot LZ to engage NVA / Vietcong training area, we quickly moved to support and assist the battle already going on with another 25th unit. Numerous battles and stories until rotation.
My best friend Eudell Leo Kotrous from Nebraska, and I were drafted and boarded a train in Holdrege Neb., traveled to Omaha, Neb. for physicals and induction, from Omaha to Ft. Polk, La. we arrived at dark met with several drill instructors, together we attended Basic, AIT, and Nam.
• Was given an award by basic training CO for being only one that had a perfect score and maxed the proficiency test, and cognitive test for graduation.
• Was nominated and graduated top of class LPC Academy
• Attended AIT at Fort Polk Tiger land was made Platoon Guide
Travel orders were for Vietnam reported to
• C-3-22, 25th infantry arrived in country June 1970
• Eudell Leo Kotrous and I shared a last cigarette together before traveling in country to our assigned units, learned he was KIA Apr 26, 1970
First week of assignment took choppers to hot LZ, we had combat with 6 Vietcong, chased them across rice paddy, being new, gung-ho, I took lead as still under impression and mindset I was invincible.
Landed in hot LZ to engage NVA / Vietcong training area, we quickly moved to support and assist the battle already going on with another 25th unit. Numerous battles and stories until rotation.
John Palmieri
from
Smithtown Long Island N Y
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
2:08 pm
I will never forget Jan 10 1969 at Binh Thuy
AB in the Mekong Delta may Peter rest in peace. I was in the 22 Tass 01 Bird Dogs.
Seen a lot for being in the AF they say time heals I still do not feel it.
AB in the Mekong Delta may Peter rest in peace. I was in the 22 Tass 01 Bird Dogs.
Seen a lot for being in the AF they say time heals I still do not feel it.
Michael A. Hull
from
Jacksonville Florida
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:56 pm
86th Maintenance Bn. 98th Light Equipment Maintenance Company (LEM). Cha Rang Valley October 1969 to November 1970.
Stewart Edward Rawlinson
from
Springfield, MO
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:29 pm
Served in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade from 2/1/1968 thru 2/4/1969. Most of the tour in and around Cholon and then in the Pineapple Groves. Charley Company, Fifth of the twelfth.
Fred P Deckert
from
Gardner
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:27 pm
Served in CBMU-302 3/70 - 5/71 in Hon Khoi then Saigon Block Mfg plant. We were next to an MRKJRB rock-crushing plant. Best duty station. Worked nights adjacent to an ARVN training camp. Long Binh USA base was down the road a bit.
Dennis Hanson
from
Lansing
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:26 pm
Served in Saigon 1969-1971 and returned five times with VWAM
Chuck (Woody) Woodruff
from
Semmes Alabama
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:22 pm
Thanks and Semper Fi 2 yours 2/1 south of Danang tour2 Quang Tri. 1371 combat Engineer. 1st Engineer Bn. 🇺🇸
Martin J Platt
from
Woodbridge
wrote on March 13, 2024
at
1:10 pm
Served with the 528th in Cha Rang Valley 1970-71 and would like to reach out to my captain.
Don Stille
from
Grand Rapids
wrote on March 6, 2024
at
10:48 pm
Served in Qui Nhon, Cheo Reo, Ben Tre and Saigon 1967-68
Eric Rueder
from
Paris missouri
wrote on January 27, 2022
at
7:20 pm
I was with the 628th 1967-1968. Radio Repair
Richard W Magner
from
Glastonbury, CT & Bradenton, FL
wrote on January 27, 2022
at
3:59 pm
Tiger 38, D/229th (Smiling Tigers), 1st Cav 68/69
Fitzsimons Army Hospital 69-74
Air Methods Corp. 1979-2016
Fitzsimons Army Hospital 69-74
Air Methods Corp. 1979-2016
Robert Zerby
from
McLean, Virginia
wrote on December 11, 2021
at
12:57 pm
I served with the 1st Marine Division, near Hill 327, in 1971 as a 2nd Lt. I will never forget that tour.
Robert William Zerby
[email protected]
Robert William Zerby
[email protected]
J C Wile
from
The Villages Florida
wrote on December 11, 2021
at
10:34 am
Looking for anyone H&S supply 2/7 from March 68 - November 69
Gary Layne
from
TEN MILE
wrote on November 27, 2021
at
9:39 am
I was there from April 1968 to Nov 1968 Tuy Hoa with the 577th Engineers Co A
Bill White
from
Pittsburgh Pa
wrote on August 13, 2021
at
9:24 am
140th HEM 65/66 went over on a ship John Paul guarded the ammo depot a good bit.
Rod Jerls
from
Riverside, CA
wrote on May 28, 2021
at
6:53 pm
Jan 67 to April 69, Mag-16 Communications and HMM-364.
Paul w. Cook jr
from
Westland, michigan
wrote on May 24, 2021
at
7:01 pm
D Btry 3rd Bn 13th FA, 8 inch, CuChi, 1966
Ray Barth
from
Brooklyn
wrote on May 12, 2021
at
6:55 am
Ray Barth from Brooklyn wrote on March 24, 2021 at 9:59 pm:
I was attached to HQ 2/33 Arty. 1st Inf. Div. in Lai Khe from 7/66 to 8/67. I was first in the Radar Section then in FDC (Fire Direction Control). I went on all or most of the missions the Big Red One was involved in. Tulsa, Battle Creek, Attleboro, Cedar Falls, Niagara Falls, Birmingham, Junction City, Blue Field, Billings, Manhattan. Anyone there at that time can contact me via e-mail.
rayboptions @ yahoo . com
I was attached to HQ 2/33 Arty. 1st Inf. Div. in Lai Khe from 7/66 to 8/67. I was first in the Radar Section then in FDC (Fire Direction Control). I went on all or most of the missions the Big Red One was involved in. Tulsa, Battle Creek, Attleboro, Cedar Falls, Niagara Falls, Birmingham, Junction City, Blue Field, Billings, Manhattan. Anyone there at that time can contact me via e-mail.
rayboptions @ yahoo . com
Darrell Smith
from
Broadlands
wrote on March 25, 2021
at
3:13 pm
Thank You Vets With A Mission for this site. I have found several old friends and have made more because you provide. I have posted messages several times and check it weekly. I was in the 51st Med. Co. (amb) in Phu Tai Valley in 68 & 69. Someone posted some pictures of 51st compound on U-Tube recently. Again I say Thanks to Vets With A Mission and to Chuck Ward. Rom
Nacole Wagner (Welch)
from
Longmont
wrote on March 24, 2021
at
10:02 pm
I was researching my dads Vietnam paperwork. I was following a lead, I ended up here. Like many of your sons & daughters. We (daughters) tip toe around this war subject because we know it hurts. So, we do not ask. But, we can see the pain clearly... We just want to understand.
Then one day we can not ask. You are gone. So, I seek. Knowing that I will never truly understand... I wish I had asked more, listened harder, never left you’re side.
You will always be my hero. Donald Leroy Welch...191st MI Sept.69-70. Fort Ord., Fort Holabird, Fort Huchutcha. I miss you’re voice, your humor, strength. Never a complaint, always had time for me. Always stood by me. “Daddyâ€. R.I.P
I think you are all hero’s. No matter the details. I have nothing but LOVE & respect for everyone of you. Welcome home...I am so sorry It has taken so long to write that. I am so sad for all of us.
Then one day we can not ask. You are gone. So, I seek. Knowing that I will never truly understand... I wish I had asked more, listened harder, never left you’re side.
You will always be my hero. Donald Leroy Welch...191st MI Sept.69-70. Fort Ord., Fort Holabird, Fort Huchutcha. I miss you’re voice, your humor, strength. Never a complaint, always had time for me. Always stood by me. “Daddyâ€. R.I.P
I think you are all hero’s. No matter the details. I have nothing but LOVE & respect for everyone of you. Welcome home...I am so sorry It has taken so long to write that. I am so sad for all of us.
norman theriault
from
Lewiston
wrote on March 24, 2021
at
10:02 pm
I was in VN in 1968 with the 352nd Trans Co and 261st Trans Co both at Long Binh...rode Shotgun most of the time
Rafael Olmeda
from
San Diego
wrote on March 24, 2021
at
10:02 pm
Was in country 1968-1969 at Long Binh 1st LOG COM A TRP CMD. Looking for for friends who served with me during that time. People like Willie Lawrence(Weasel) Herb Centeno, Joe Mojica. Email me, would love to hear from you guys. Living in San Diego California the last 42 years.