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админ оставь это не спам!
Уважаемые господа форумчани!
Вы понимаете что набрать на доске в интернете одно объявление занимает 1 - 3 минуты
так вот я сам как то такой чайник был много читал разных статей о программах
и так далее но все это может не чушь но не то
и меня осенило начал сам пробывать кое что сделал сам
и получилось что за 20 минут 4000 тысячи досок объявлений принимают твое объявление
ни какого спама и ни каких жалоб от админа нет
и клиент получает с досок от админа уведомление на свое мыло
короче говоря овци целы и волки сыты!
сам хозяин объявы может поднять и удалить объявление со своего мыла!
на форум захожу редко есть пожелания пишите на мыло или стучите в
скайп legendavip777
ICQ: 558796247
legendavip@ukr.net served with 1st ID 1068-1969 Quan Loi,LiKhe, Dian I served 19 TASS with permanent duty with the 1st Bde 1st ID at Phouc Vinh and Quan Loi 1967-68
CALL SIGN Sidewinder 10 & 14 Alpha
One can never forget. All gave some and some gave all. Freedom comes with a price. Thank you to all my brothers who never gave up and never gave in. Looking for anyone who served in Charlie Company, 1/2,1st Infantry Division, (Black Scarves),in 1967 and 1968. Quon Loi was our basecamp and we did'nt see it a lot. Six Uglies wer our entertainment.Areas of operation include the Black Virgin Mountain and Loc Ninh. Flew A-4s with VMA-211/MAG-12 from Bien Hoa, working MR III and IV. An Loc was the major reason for our reintroduction into RVN from Iwakuni, Japan, to which MAG-12 had been withdrawn about a year earlier. Arrived in-country on 17 May, went to work immediately thereafter. Excellent site, brought back countless memories. Glad to hear that we truly did succeed in helping "the grunt on the ground". Believe me, we certainly tried. Hi:
I was a pilot in VMA 311 at Bien Hoa--A4s, callsign Hellborne, supporting the ARVN at An Loc. Remember the SunDogs well.
Thanks for the site.
Best,
Vince I was assigned to the 374 OMS out of CCK AB. I was the last crew chief assigned to 63-7775 when it left Tan Son Nhut AB before it was lost. I'm so glad the crew got out ok and was rescued.7775 was a great aircraft and it served us well. Al thanks for the great tribute to the MAX HOROES Like to chat some time C E 836 and others 71 72 I was a lurp attached to the Big Red 1 in An Loc in Dec. of 67, seems like yesterday. God Bless my buddies
that paid the ultimate price for FREEDOM and God Bless America. I served as an advisor in An Loc from November 1967 until the 1st of January 1970. I found this web sit to be excellent! One of my relatives,a Vietnamese woman who was a counter-insurgency "operative" involved with Phoenix during a battle that may not connect with other dates for the battle at An Loc. She has passed away but we came across some notes about fighting in the area with dates between 11-1-1967 and 1-30-1968. Can anyone shed info on this? Many thanks. I was Vietnamese CTI TAD aboard the USS Hancock from March to September 1972 during which time she supported operations in An Loc. Sometime after the battle I remember seeing a two-page spread in a major magazine, Look or Life, it think, of the battlefield with a quote from some general saying to the effect, "If it hadn't been for U.S. air support An Loc would have been a disaster." Can anyone help me out with this? I was assigned as a MACV team advisor with Team 70 and was with the 5th ARVN, 5/70-4/71. I was at both An Loc and Loc Ninh, as well as other places in the area, including Cambodia. This is a really informative site. Was in an loc 1968-1969. would like some info on co a 1st eng 1st inf. Big Red 1. Served with 1st Inf Div i/16th Mechanized, August
69, Short timer then, with HHC 4.2 mortar. Bandido
Charhlie took a big hit. Meet a Bandido in 2009
named Mack. Hell of a guy . I have a set of sildes I took during the battle of An LOC that I had put to music and added sub-titles. Would the web site like to see this video for a possible addition to your site? I flew daily combat mission (Cobras) during the entire Battle of An Loc and at Loc Ninh until that city fell to the NVA. I flew for F/9 Cav and took over as the Weapons Platoon leader after CPT Jimmy Ford ETSed. Jimmy, like most of the original members of the Weaponts Platoon, is now deceased. I was at An Loc when the 229th AHB suffered the majority of their combat losses to enclude the losses of those gallant young men from F/79 ARA. I just wanted all of you combat veterans of An Loc, who are still struggling with your VN experiences, to know you are not alone. After 38 years the battle for An Loc still visits me at night were I fly and fight along side all of those gallant young men who have been lost to us forever except in our dreams. Good luck and God bless you all.
Sabre 29 Aloha and thanks for the e-mail Bill. I will give you a call and we can discuss some of the issues. I would like to make a short statement, as it has been bothering me for many years. I kept telling myself that it didn't matter, but I can't anymore. In the book "American's Last Vietnam Battle" by Dale Andrade, I found a few errors. On page 452-453 it is stated that a LTC made the flight into An Loc on 9 July, well that is not true, as this individual flew hight cover. Oh, well, I will leave it at that. God bless you all and God bless America and our Troops. In memory of our Army Blue Max Cobra pilots lost in this epic battle: Charlie Windeler and Hank Spengler (5 Apr 72), Bob Williams and Rod Strobridge (11 May 72), "Chickenman" Henn and Ike Hosaka (22 May 72), Steve Shields and Ed Northrup (20 Jun 72): Rest In Peace and Well Done. We were soldiers once, and young. Hello All, I was a pathfinder assigned to the 229th in Bien Hoa in 72. My first fire base was Gibralter in Jan. 72. There I met a huey pilot from Texas and I believe he went by dj. In April 72 I worked a hot lz at An Loc and on May 10,1972 while on fb Drinnon we lost a bunch of guys when a chinook crashed. I found out years later that it was caused by a tail rotor malfunction. My call name was Daytona Tangerine. K trp 3/11 ACR May 1966-Sept1967 I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut all of 1971, I left just before Christmas. I was an Air Traffic Controller & I remember just before I left they needed a senior Controller to go to An Loc GCA becauese there was trouble brewing there!
What a great site, keep up the good work I just spent hours going over everything! I Lost a good friend at AN LOC Loadmaster SSGT. Joseph C. Hopper, shot down May 3, 1972 C-130E 62-1797
50 TAS CCK TAIWAN I just missed it by a few days lost some friends airdropping c-130 Nice work guys Bill I just had to say what a fine job youv'e done. I look in every so often to see what is new and try to visualise the scene. See you and yours in Dallas Fort Worth. richard was in vietnam 1967 I served in An Loc from Aug 68 to Aug 69. Initially I was the District Senior Advisor and replaced a civilian named Herbie Clark. For the last six months of my tour I was the Province S3. The Province Senior Advisor was Richard Parkinson and the Deputy was LTC Ernest Peixotto. My first counterpart was Dai Uy Bao Tan, a nephew of the Emperor Bao Dai. An Loc was an active location and at times the 1st Inf Div, 1st Cav Div and 11th ACR all had elements in the Province. The 2/2 Inf Bn from the 1st ID occupied the Fire base at the airstrip for much of my tour. They were a great outfit and their presence did much to reassure us. Upon arriving in-country for my second tour I was assigned as a District Senior Advisor in the Delta. While processing thru Saigon I ran into a college classmate who worked in assignments. I asked that he change my assignment to An Loc since I was vary familiar with all of the villages and hamlets. He refused and at the end of my first tour the Easter Offensive and the Battle of An Loc occurred.
The JUSPAO advisor at An Loc, Norb Koziatek,and I have been neighbors in the Atlanta area for many years. The description of the Battle of An Loc provides a great history of a major chapter of the War. My thoughts are often with those I served with and the many heros that I never met. Excellent site. Had the pleasure of serving with Charlie A.
Thanks I was a radio operator with team 47 for 2 months Jan. and Feb 1972. in Col. Corley's team photo I am front row, third from right next to the guys holding the sign. i was looking for photos of An Loc today and found this great site. though i missed the battle at An Loc, i was transferred to a team in I Corp and caught some of the fireworks at Quang Tri and Hue during the Easter offensive. I hope all i served too briefly with in An Loc are doing well and have fond memories of that town before it hit the fan. i was with MACV 47 in 1968 1969. I
forgot a lot of names. i remember craig mortland, chet mochel, john smith
ray rappazzinni, lt lauretti,
john cheney, barry smith, lt talbert,
george calabresse. hard time forgetting
lt's terry graham and earl browne
I flew as CE on one of the hueys that supported the ARVN at An Loc way back in Junne 1972. It's good to see this site. Thank you for doing this. I was the Aircraft Commander of the Deputy Corp Commander of TRAC, 1st BG McGiffert and then BG Tallman. I have had many loses of memory about my tours in Vietnam. This site has brought back some of those memories. I remember the many long days of flying C & C over the battles of Loc Ninh and An Loc. I used to listen to the command console and specifically remember the Battle of Loc Ninh and the communications with Zippo. God Bless you all for what you went thru. I felt relief that I got to go back to my bunk each night, but I prayed for each of you. My memories of VN actually ended on that morning of July 9th. God Bless, Donald Harlor (CW5, ret), dharlor@aol.com As a SIDEWINDER FAC in 1967, flying in support of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division out of Phouc Vinh, we deployed regularly to Quon Loi to protect An Loc. My close friend, LTG Tom Case, a SUNDOG FAC flew many combat missions in battles over An Loc in 1972. During that NVA offensive, in 1972, I was flying combat missions out of Da Nang AB as a COVEY FAC. I was part of a group from the 6th/27th Artillery Btn. attached to MACV. From late 1970 to mid-1971 I was one of the "An Loc Arty" team which passed along artillery advisories to aircraft.
During the period that I was there An Loc was reasonably quiet. This was the calm before the storm.
Would love to hear from anyone there during that period. My mistake on prior message.My fathers name is Francis James Semons,he served in country from April 18,1968-1971. He has served with the Co A 1/5 first air cav and Co B 1/5 most of his time in.he also served with HHC 2D BDE ,HHC 3rd BDE always served with (Air Mobile)the whole time in.I am trying to locate any one who might have served with him.He past on December 27,2006 and his wife and i dont talk she will not give me a picture of him so i can finish his shadow box.My fathers final rank was E-7 SFC if any one new him please e-mail me thank you and thank everyone of yall who served our country Charles. Served in An Loc 1967 -1968. 342th signal attached to MACV and 5th Special Forces. Alot of activity during TET, Quon LOi took the blunt of it, Big Red 1. Its been 41 years,
it was like yesterday. Great guys, experience I will never forget. Nice Job I was at Long Thanh North 71/72 with 56th Trans DS Maintanence Co when the Blue Max Cobras moved in to take over our company area as we were standing down then. During the offensive one of the ships returned with battle damage the gunner had taken a .51 round through his inner thigh. We all took a look of course as this was our first contact with the "real thing" coming to peaceful and boring Long Thanh North. Lucky us. I hope he survived. I was in An Loc Oct 1968-Sept 1969. I was NCOIC of the MILPHAP team that worked at the local hospital. If anyone was there at that time please e-mail me. Bill, I have procrastinated signing the guest book hoping that my vocabulary, writing skills, and creative writing juices would improve with time. However, I seem to be retreating rather than attacking. With that in mind, I'll try to do the best I can and post some heart-felt comments. As one of your good friends, I have personal knowledge regarding how hard and how long you have labored creating your An Loc website. Your efforts have paid off "in spades." I have read the laudatory comments left by visitors and couldn't agree more - your site is awesome. I know that you are not finished and have plans to expand on an already breath-taking website. No person that has visited your website, left it without having been "touched." You have brought old friends and warriors back together, and have even provided closure for some. Thanks to you, your website, and those that have left insightful comments, the legacy of one of history's most pivotal battles will be preserved after all of the combatants have passed. Sundog 39, I am proud of you and proud to be your friend. Hand salute! Jim Beaubien Chico 62
Great website
Untold History for everyone who lived though it!
God bless you all
1/7th Cav
Recon 72 I flew cobras for F/9, 229th AHB, First Cavalry Division, during the battle for An Loc. Your site brings bad memories I've been trying to forget for 37 years. However, I thing it's a story that needs to be told so it will not be forgotten.
Curtis, Sabre 29 Hello,
My father was Colonel Le Nguyen Vy, Deputy Commander of the ARVN 5th Infantry Division at An Loc. I stand in awe of the bravery displayed on these pages. Thank you for providing a wonderful resource to the unvarnished stories of the heroes of this little know epic battle. Doorgunner
F Troop 1/9th Air Cav.
'72-'73
Bien Hoa
Great site !!! This is a fine site and a fine source for a poignant piece of history.
I was the Province Senior Advisor from July 1969 to July 1970, working most of that time with the excellent Colonel Tran Van Nhut as Province Chief. During the battle I was at the Embassy in Saigon, following the action as best as I could, and driving once up to Chon Thanh then to talk to Colonel Nhut on the radio.
I returned to Vietnam on a trip in 1973, travelling up to An Loc by ARVN helicopter with General Minh. The damage was overwhelming and the number of Russian tank carcasses impressive. It was an epic battle that deserves to be much better known. The Vietnamese defenders and the American who helped deserve high praise and recongition. Bill :
it was time for me to review the battle once again...............
a Bravo site for sure....brought back many memories good and bad.
Mitch 8 July 2009 I just stumbled on this web site and find it very interesting. I flew AH-1Gs for D Troop/ 229th during this period and spent a great deal of time providing gun cover in the area. was at Loc Ninh during August 1968 I was a C-130 copilot, 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 374th Tactical Airlift Wing, 1971-1973. I flew several high altitude (10,000 feet) air drops. I recommend the books, America's Last Vietnam Battle by Dale Andrade and The Battle of An Loc by James Willbanks. I was at An Loc & Loc Nin June 1969 - Dec. 1969. I was the tank mechanic for the A-Troop 1/11 acr.My nick name was spagetti. Please contact. I was at an loc 1969 with the 11th acr To all of those individual that served in the military, I just want to express my sincere gratitude. Your service and sacrifice could never be repaid. I was too young to serve during the Vietnam War. I did join the Army in 1976. I was stationed in ROK from 1977-78. My Unit was the 128th AVN/INF Co. I had the honor of serving with some veteran pilots from the war. CWO Orley Anderson, CWO James Hanshaw, MAJ. Andrew Jackson just to name a few. Looking for any info on my dad, James Howard Dean. He was from Huntington WV and would have been in country from mid 67 thru mid 68. He was KIA 21 DEC 69 in Quang Tri, 3 months into his 2nd tour. He was with Papa Co 75th Rangers at the time of his death. I have info on 2nd tour but NONE on his first. Any info would be great. I was with the Battery C 2nd Battalion 20th Artillery July of 1969 through April 1970. Wow! This is a great site.
I really appreciated Maj. Kirkpatrick's story of the Low Level Airdrop Mission at An Loc 18 Apr 1972. I was the Crew Chief on Triple Seven Five from 1971-18 Apr 1972. The 63-7775 had just returned from Marietta, Georgia after its major inspections and updates. 18 Apr 1972 was the plane's first mission back. It was sent from CCK to Tan Son Nhut, parked and loaded with cargo to be dropped at An Loc.
I had never met the flight crew members before that day, but they seemed to be in good spirits and congenial. They even asked if I would like to go along. I thought about it for a minute. After watching the loadmasters roll the extra chains on the floor to stand on I realized that ... 1. that there might not be enough chain for all of us to stand on, and 2. I better stay behind and be ready for the plane to return. So, I did not go. The plan was to bring the plane back and turn it around for another trip to An Loc.
Well, it was suppose to be a 30 minute trip. In what seemed to be about 45 minutes, we got word the plane had been shot down. Thank God you made it out as safely.
I remember taking a plane to Okinawa for high altitude air drop practice. After reading Maj. Kirkpatrick's story, now I know why. Boy, we had an experience there too! After the parachute was pulled to drag the load out of the plane, the dual rails did not release. The plane lugged down for about 3 seconds. The loadmaster was just about to throw a safety chain on the load, when the rails released and the load cleared. Everybody and everything was okay. Was there from Dec 1968 to June 1969 anyone still remember the guy form the 2nd of 2nd to get c milk meat and tuna from the 105 guys? Today wecthink of the guys that didn't make it home. miss them dearly espically Paul E. I was flt. opns. spec. at Bear Cat 3/18/1971 to 2/28/1972. Would like to contact anyone from the 1st avn bde. 117th AHC. I was supported a few times in 1971 by the Blue Max To all of the visitors to the anloc.org website: This is the easiest way for me to update what has been going on lately. i hope to update the website soon. I just got back from a trip to Ft Worth. I met up with a couple of fellow FACs, and also Robert Kirkpatrick (see previous message), and Ralph Bemis, loadmaster on the C-130 that was shot down. We all went over to Paul Tran's house, he was 7 years old during the battle. (see other related stories) Met his whole family.
Bill Carruthers Another 18 April and after 37 years it is still sweet to be able to make and entry of remembrance of our "F" Troop 1/9 good guys, Frank, Monette, Shearer, DesLauriers and of course Don Gooch "SABRE RED" I must include Sgt Williamson from the other HUEY and would include the rest of that crew if I knew who they were. While it is good to remember our good fortune and being able to still make guest book entries, a secondary excitement is this web site itself. The wide diversified gathering of folks that come by and tell of their personal involvement with the Battle of An Loc, in what ever way it may be, as military that were there in some capacity or a relative looking for someone that may have known their loved one that didn't come back. I happen to have personally experienced both kinds. The US Marines probably say it best with "Semper Fi"
RWK 374 OMS CREW CHIEF CCK AB TAIWAN 72@73. FLEW WITH AN NEW MANY OF THE
CREW MEMBERS ON THE C-130`s LOST AT
AN LOC. LOST MY GOOD FRIEND LOAD
MASTER JOSEPH C. HOPPER ON THE NITE
OF MAY 3 1972 ACFT. 62-1797. 101st abn rvn 1965-66 I had a long telecon with Bill C. today, sharing some memories and stories of An Loc. I enjoyed Bill's updates and insight. Also, Bill was able to direct me to some of our mutual friends and Sundogs. I'll be re-engaging with them soon. Its good to see that people remember about their tours, especially in Viet Nam. I served with MG Hollingsworth o/a Feb - Oct 72 as his a/c avionics tech (command console), then later on became his door gunner/avionics tech on his a/c. MG Hollingsworth code name "Danger 79" was a brilliant tactical planner and didn't take any "B/S". An Loc brought out the best of him, and inspired a lot of leaders that worked with him. I had the opportunity of keeping his "command console" in operation before the spring offensive & ending of An Loc invasion by the NVA. After leaving Vietnam in Mar 73, I was assigned to 128th Avn Co in Korea where I met LTC Hollingsworth again. Again, I had the pleasure of been tasked to keep his a/c command console operational 24/7. I've been in denial of having PTSD for over 35 yrs, and this is the reason I've come across articles about An Loc. I'm in the processing of filing a claim with VA for my PTSD. I salute all of those that served in Viet Nam, and wish all a happier life.
Ret. 1SG/James Keliipaakaua This is a great tribute to those who sacrificed during the battle for An Loc. Thanks for putting it all together. I servred on Tm 47 at Loc Ninh and An Loc, Oct. 69 thru Aug. 71. This brings back a lot of memories for me. It was very quiet there just 5 months before the siege. Thanks again to all who served. I was with Major Mitchell Leeds on the ground at Bu Dop as a field interpreter/translator (MOS-O4B2LVS)for 1st CAV, 3d BDE (SEP), S-5 during the evacuation of over 3500 men, women and children, before the fall of Bu Dop. Major Leeds did an outstanding job. It was the moment I am most proud of in my stay in Viet-nam. I would like to thank all of the warriors that have served with my father and taken the time to show your respect by remembering him on this website. My brother LT.GEN.THOMAS G. MILLER, continues to serve our country in the army today. I remember what An Loc looked like in the spring of 1969 it was a beautiful town before the Buffies pulverized it to try to rescue the ARVNS. I understand Thunder Road was never reopened past Chon Tanh until the shooting stopped brings back a lot of memories some good some not so good.
James Ketola
11B2P
RVN 3/69-7/71
BRO the Cav &1st Avn Bde I had the great pleasure to serve with MG Hollingsworth, BG McGiffert, Lt Anderson, CSM Hulshizer, SGT Henson during the Battle of An Loc. As a young PFC, I had no idea the importance of this battle. Also remember BG Tallman, LTC Kuich, MAJ Benson and the misfortune that happened. Danger 79er was a great inspiration to me. He was truly an "Enlisted Man's Officer". I have served with a lot of great soldiers and will soon be hanging it up. Just recently returned from Iraq serving as 1SG with an Armored Cavalry Regiment. Great to read all of the messages posted here. I was stationed at Bien Hoa with the 8th Special Operations Squadron (A-37)as a weapons load crew member during the battle of An Loc and just recently learned, from my then squadron commander, that we were about 24hrs. away from evacuating the base due to the possibility of a breakout by the NVA. I know that pilots and crews worked their "asses" off in support of that battle while at the same time we were taking significantly more rocket and motar attacks. this is the first account I have found and it is mesmerizing to listen to and read the account of the people involved to include the C-130 shoot down which I knew some of the crew.
Great job to all. I was stationed at Nha-Trang in 72,73.
21st tass, 377th OMS. Crew chief on O2's. We flew at An Loc. Stationed at Ton Son Nhut before Nha- Trang. Would like to hear from anyone there. Especially Gary Curtis, Ron Swilly, Mac, Danny Bowen, Jim Lidgard, Charles Smith, Marvin Baird. Great web site. I spent most of my two tours in and around An Loc with the 1st ID at Quan Loi (through Tet 68), some time with MACV 47 (spring 69), and with 2d Bde 1st Cavalry Division at An Loc and Lai Khe (early 69). It broke my heart when the 1972 attacks occurred; I have so many good memories of how lovely An Loc was; Quan Loi sucked badly, but An Loc was just a sweet little town.
One of my fondest memories is of LTC Raymond Suarez, who was PSA at An Loc while I was there from March-June 68. He was transferred to Song Be, and was killed there in Tet 69. Camp Suarez, the MACV compound at Song Be, was named in his honor. He was a brave officer, a great leader, and a very brave American. I think of him often.
I'll be visiting An Loc and Quan Loi next year when I go back with one of my buddies with whom I served in 'Nam.
As the advisor who became the commander at Loc Ninh 5-7 April 1972 I would like to thank you for establishing this site.We would not have made it past 0500 hours the first day without the Sun Dog/Rash FACs,SPECTRE and our brave Army OH-6 and Cobra pilots(Whitehead,Ripley,Dey,Timberlake et al).Our brave Vietnamese held on believing in you and that An Loc had to be given some time to prepare.With Wild Bill Miller,Jim Hollingsworth(Danger 79R) and John McGiffert always above us we were able to at least form a plausible speed-bump on the way to An Loc.In the POW camp every day that An Loc continued to hold was an inspiration in our darkest of hours.You are all my heroes as are my Vietnamese Soldiers who held against tanks and Infantry in numbers never seen before.God Bless You All.ZIPPO I was with the 1st Div. 2/18th. Inf. on 2nd. of July 1966 and was wounded on that day. We were called to Secure the Village of An Loc because Intelligence had gotten a report the VC were going to overun the village. I was a Medic attached to the 2/18th. sent from the Base Camp, Bear Cat near Bien Whea Air Base. trying to get information of that Mission from that time. Was Pretzel 01 flying O-2s out of Quon Loi, not far from An Loc, during last 6 mos. of 1971. We were part of the FAC assets assigned to MACVSOG or SOG. Thanks for your effort to bring forward the FAC's role in SEA. I was at the last FAC Assoc's reunion in Oct for the first time and it helped bring closure to this war. Your work is helping also. Frank Leuck Very interesting and professional. I have a great deal of interest in this because I was a B-52 aircraft commander who flew many sorties to An Loc from U Tapao AB in Thailand. We pretty much were sent there exclusively for a period of several weeks till the seige broke. The MSQ controllers who directed our bomb runs deserve special mention. Hardly anybody ever mentions those folks. Blue Max 03 during the battle. Blue Max Cobras flew the battle every day. FACs, USAF and VNAF pilots were brave and selfless. Invited to view this site by Robert Kirkpatrick. I am so glad he did. It is always great learning about our countries heros. Thank you all for your selfless sacrifices. Doug Robertson made me aware of your site, I served 71 to early 72 on Nui Ba Den first as Rustic Alpha (19 Tass), then when they moved to Ubon I became Sundog Alpha (22 Tass). I left prior to the An Loc attack and the the sapper attck on the mountain. I thought some of you guys might remember me, I was know on the radio by my nickname Beefy. I with the 21TASS in Vietnam at Nha Trang and Cam Rahn Bay 1969 and 1970. What ever happened to the 21TASS after Vietnam. I am the sole surviving member of the 3 man TF-52 advisory team. We were on the ground for the start of the Spring Offensive. My, and SFC Winland's, participation ended on 8 April 72 when we were all evacuated under heavy fire. LTC Ginger did return to duty, but I have no information as to where he later served. Winland and I were evacuated to the states. I have a partial copy of the III Corps After Action Report covering the battle. I have also written an account of what happened to us in TF-52. It is the only first person account of our part in the battle and the incredible flight of nine souls in/hanging from an OH-6. I offer those documents and other papers and pictures for consideration for inclusion in this web site. I am former Rustic India and Sundog Echo from Sep 71 Mar 72. I still have all of my flight info and some pictures. I also have one of the original maps still marked with the red and blue roads somewhere. Would welcome any and all contacts from those who might remember me. I especially remember Bob Goree, Carruthers, Grattop, Brown, Jim Patterson, Schmidt, Thompson, Rogers, Lau, Van Zee, Dimmick and of course Col Hogg. I certainly remember 17 Feb 72 when Christy and Silva went down. Thanks for the memories. Jack Otis, MSgt, Ret I was one of those Cobra guys overhead with Blue Max ARA during the Battle of An Loc in 1972. I'll never forget seeing those little RASH and SUNDOG FAC's (Bill Carruthers among them) gleefully diving on those tanks and heavy AAA positions with nothing more to offer than a couple of willie-petes. You guys have got big ones made of brass!!!
After some 30 years, I got to meet and get to know COL. Bill Miller. What a fabulous human being! Tough as nails and never afraid of anything. That man was a soldier's soldier. He was accutely aware that not everyone felt that way about him. To the end though, he was a gentleman. I never heard him say anything bad about anyone although sometimes he wanted to.
Thanks for the great site! Jet Jackson, Blue Max 24 To all of the visitors to the An Loc web site: I was in Washington, DC last week at a memorial ceremony honoring the KIA's fron the battle.
Now I am in Colorado Springs at the FAC Assoc reunion. I will try to update the web site when I get home.
Bill I met you last week in Charlotte, NC at the Fresh market. Thank you for building this web site. I was in Vietnam from January 1968 through December 1998 and attached to the Navy PBR's (River Patrol Boat) TF116 River Division 53 located at Mytho,South Vietnam. This site has refreshed many memories from my year in Nam.My God continue to bless America and all that are serving or have server in the Armed Forces I few over Anlock, but we didn't do well. Nice to find this site. I am glad we can all communicate some-way or another.
Sundog13 6994thSS (Siagon) Sep. 66 to Sep. 67, Flew all over as there were not many of us (people or birds) at that time. I am looking for information about An Loc and Nui Ba Den in April 1972. My Husband, Pat Talty was KIA on Nui Ba Den on April 8, 1972 I want to say what a wonderful site this is... I was aboard the USS Hancock CVA19 when the battle started and was quickly sent into Danang to the FASU there to assist with aircraft repairs. I know the air wing on the Hannah flew numerous sorties in support of the combined forces in An Loc... it seemed like we were going 24/7 for some time during those months. I have always been proud that we were there to help. God bless you all! I was "Tiger 30" aircraft commander of a AH-1G Cobra from D Troop 229AHB.
I worked "Hunter Killer Teams" in and around AnLoc during this battle. I can remember talking to Rash and Sundog over the radio during those days. Seems like a hundred years ago, seems like yesterday! THE COLONEL
WILLIAM H.MILLER
UNITED STATES ARMY
HE WAS GROWING OLD AND SLOWING DOWN AT LAST, THE COLONEL OFTEN SAT AROUND TELLING WAR STORIES ABOUT HIS PAST.
HE WOULD RECALL ALL THE YEARS THAT HAD GONE BY, AND AT TIMES I WOULD SEE TEARS IN THE CORNERS OF HIS HAZEL EYES.
HE TALKED ABOUT ALL THE BATTLES HE HAD SEEN AND FOUGHT IN FROM WORLD WAR II, KOREA AND DOING THREE TOURS IN VIETNAM, BUT MOST OF ALL HE TALKED ABOUT THE THINGS HIS SOLDIERS DONE, TO HIM THEY WERE ALL HEROES, EACH AND EVERY ONE.
HE TOLD ME THAT AT TIMES PEOPLE WOULD LAUGH OR MAKE A JOKE, BUT THE OLD SOLDIERS WOULD CAREFULLY LISTEN TO EACH AND EVERY WORD HE SPOKE.
NOW SADLY THE WAR STORIES HAVE COME TO AN END, BECAUSE THE COLONEL PASSED AWAY.. NEVER TO BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
THE COLONEL, THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR WITH ROWS UPON ROWS OF MEDALS AND DECORATIONS UPON HIS CHEST..SERVED HIS COUNRTY FOR 41 YEARS, GIVING ONLY THE VERY BEST.
NOW THE RANKS OF THE OLD SOLDIERS FROM WWII AND KOREA GROW EVER SO THIN, AND EVERY TIME I SEE THE AMERICAN FLAG, MY HEART WILL BREAK JUST THINKING OF HIM.
WILLIAM H.MILLER JR.
VIETNAM 1970 SGT.USMC.
I met your wife at the Y last night. I look forward to reading the book and spending time checking out your website. I know that Sundog is my Dad.(Barry Allmond) on the audio tape from May 6. Very cool to hear his voice. Unfortunately it is the only way I ve ever been able to hear his voice. I was 1 on May 11, 1972. Thanks for the memory, and reminding me of what a hero he was, and that he has not been forgotten. MACV Team 47, Nov 71-Nov 72 Hello to all of you---
I had a brother, Bill Delaplane (William K. Delaplane III), a grad of the USAFA in 1967. He died in 1973 in a crash on a training mission of an F-111 in New Mexico. However, he was in Vietnam from Sept 1971-Sept 1972. I understand from my sister-in-law, Wanda Delaplane, Bill's widow, that he was a Sundog, flew the 0-2A in the Mekong region near the Cambodian border during that time.
I am now in Vietnam on my first trip here and recently visited the War Remnants Museum that has a model of that plane. I have also been in Rach Gia and Hai Tien, and think my brother may have been in that area. I never knew much about his time here but I am eager to find out whatever I can about what he did, where he was, and those who might have known him.
I would be very grateful if anyone knows anything about him and would be willing to share----whatever little tidbit you might know, good or bad!
Dee Delaplane Millard Wondering if anyone knew my father-in-law, Larry Eaton. Army helicoptor crewchief. He mentioned being at An-loc. I never meet Barry Allmond. I have seen his yearbook picture and made a comparison to mine which is only one year later than his. I think there is a possiblity we have common ancestry.
Proud to have the same surname. I was in USAF on C130 as radar repair. I left the AF in 71. I was never at risk like Barry. I only hope that faced with the same task I would have displayed the same courage.
I salute the FACs. I was a navigator at CCK, in the 345 TAS, during the 4/72siege of An Loc. I was on Don Jensen's crew. He was the A/C of the crew that got shot down during the day drop and was rescued...I joined his crew after he returned to CCK. We completed a low-level drop one night, and I think we flew 63-7775, which Don Unger apparently went down in a few days later. We launched a couple of nights after our first drop, but were aborted after Harry Amesbury went down. I knew both of them well, also their navigators. God rest their souls. I also salute everyone who was on the ground and in the air in that operation. TO MY HERO CAPT. RODNEY LYNN STROBRIDGE, I SALUTE YOU "SIR". Son of Jesse L Yearta. " Good soldiers don't die, they go to hell and regroup" See ya there old man. It has been a while, but I remember. I started looking for my little black mission book after I read Bob Kirpatrick's anniversary message. I was flying with Capt Link, A/C, and Capt Hopkins, CP, Nite High Speed Low Level, Tay Ninh Orbit with a southern dogleg approach. I think that was the night I coined the phrase "first one whose voice quivers over interphone buys the beer" -- no one laughed!!! A couple days later, we lost Don Unger and crew. My 196th combat mission. 2 May 1972. Warm Regards, Ron Harris I was the very first sundog, started in early 1970, picked out the call sign from the VCSL with B/G Bennett in 7 AF Hgd. All out of country flying from Tay Ninh East,O-1's, 3 FAC's, 1 french speaker. I am interested in our American History My father was CSM Jessie L. Yearta. We lived in Fort Benning, Georgia during the war. After his retirement he moved close to us in Hogansville, Georgia. Thanks for all photos of the battle of Anloc
Thank you for the site! My grandfather, Col. Bill Miller, was at An Loc and it is interesting to read about him and the battle. Great site. Welcome Home Brother!
Check out the site www.ec47.com
That's us..."Alone Unarmed Unafraid"
Strictly intelligence gathering.
Pat Northern, MSgt, USAF Retired,Vietnam Vet
Det 1, 6994th Scty Sqdn
Nha Trang and Phu Cat RVN
1Aug69-1Aug70
Surfed in. Looking to track down my cousin, Jim Meade, chopper pilot. Google led me to his comments in guest book. While I'm here just want to say "Welcome Home" to all the Vietnam Vets that pass thru this site.
Peyton B. Northern, Jr., MSgt, USAF Retired, Vietnam Vet 1Aug69-1Aug70, Nha Trang and Phu Cat RVN. My father was also at An Loc and I am just recently learning about this. So thank you for the site and information. i was in the army at the time of an loc and in Saigon....thanks for the site I served in the A-37 @ Ben Hoi during 1969 & 1970. I SERVED IN HON QUIN AN LOC WITH ADVISORY TEAM 47 FROM JUNE 1969 TO JULY 1970. I WAS THE COMPANY CLERK. I WORKED IN THE BUILDING WHERE THE GUYS ARE STANDING THAT HAS THE MACV ADV. TEAM 47 SIGN. MY COL. WAS JOHN FARR. MY LT. WAS LT TALBERT. Bill,
I wonder if the escape from An Loc discribed by Paul Tran was associated with the group of civilians I describe being shot at by the NVA on our first run into An Loc on June 11, 1972.
Mike Wheeler Pilot A/229th AHB i salute the brave men at the battel of An LOc. . Sundog you are a true war historian Excellent photos, Bill. The site just keeps looking better and better. Jim I was a member of Team 47 during 1969-1970. I am grateful for the efforts made to bring home what happened to our "town." May God bless and keep safe all who served there and continually embrace those who are no longer with us. On 2 Nov 1972, I was the flight engineer on an AC119K Stinger gunship that prevented the friendlies from being over-run on Nui Ba Den mountain. I would like to contact Eddie Howell, who is seeking information regarding that fire-fight.
Lee Kyser
ac119k@earthlink.net God bless all. Bill Great site Bill You are doing a fine thing here.....outlaw28 Thank you for your work in putting together this site. My brother, SSgt Calvin Cooke, Jr., was killed on April 26, 1972, when the C-130 on which he served as a loadmaster, was shot down during a resupply mission to An Loc. All crew were killed.
His remains were identified in 2006, and on June 20th, 2006 after 34 years, his family and friends gathered to welcome him home and lay him to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Counted among the family was a large contingent of members of Cumberland, Maryland Chapter 172, Vietnam Veterans of America.
These brothers in war were a reminder of the courage of the men who fought in Vietnam, and their dedication to each other, even after so many years.
Again, thank you. Your efforts and work on this website are much appreciated. Thank you for your efforts in getting this website up. It is important this history is remembered. Recently reading about this. Lost a cousin, Charles William Love, Jr., 12/27/1969, who was an E-6 with Advisory Team 47. He was from Winter Garden, Florida. Thank you for your site. My dad is bounty and it is interesting to hear him on the recordings. I am so proud of my dad, he is a brave and couragous man as are all the men who served in Vietman. He refers to me as his mircale as he did not think he would make it out of An Loc. He left An Loc on Easter sunday when they were finally able to get a chopper in to get him and the other rangers that were with him after several days trapped in a hut with no ammunition. I would like to thank all those men who were by my dads side and those who braved flying in to get him and those looking out for him in the air. God Bless all the men who fought, died and never left Vietman you are all heros. As a radio operator for the Rustic FAC's I had frequent radio traffic with the Sundog's especially while on Nui Ba Den at Rustic Alpha in '71.
Forward Air Controllers were a very special breed of men that I still find myself in awe in their company. They truely put their lives on the line every time they took to the hostile skies over Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos and an occasional trip over the fence into North Vietnam. I'm proud to say that I had a small part in the FAC story.
Sgt Doug Robertson 21TASS & 23rd TASS Rustic FAC's I stand in awe...there is no other way to say it. Let me explain.
I first met Jesse Yearta around 1992 when I befriended his daughter, Penny. We all called him "G.P.", short for "Grandpa", and he wouldn't have it any other way! He adopted me as one of "his" immediately and we became family.
I knew that he had a pretty distinguished military career from his daughter but he would never make a big fuss over it and I never knew the extent of his accomplishments!
When I got the call from his son-in-law in Sept of 96 that he had been killed in a car accident, I remember thinking, somehow KNOWING that he had survived much bigger tragedies than a car accident and how sad it was that he was taken so quickly from his family like that. He asked me to go to the house and be there when they came home to tell his daughter. She was devestated but handled like she said she knew "G.P." would want her too. I was overwhelmed when we went to Ft. Benning to get some things replaced on his uniform for the service. When we uncovered that uniform, there were grown men brought to tears, saluting his uniform, offering to help us any way they could, explaining what each medal and badge meant. I had no idea that the sweet, funny man I knew as the fatherly/grandfatherly "G.P." was a tough-as-nails, fearless, courageous, true-life hero.
His funeral was the first military funeral that I had ever been to and it will forever be a part of me. I have friends that have gone to Iraq and come home. And a friend that is leaving any day, Sgt Daniel Schrader....I pray that the friend that is leaving carries CSM Jesse Yearta's spirit with him, for if he does, I know he will be in the best of hands...the strongest..the bravest..the most courageous..those of a true Hero! I miss you, CSM Jesse L.Yearta and I love you, "G.P."...Your adopted daughter..Tracey
I was a C-130 Navigator during this
period of time and knew most of the
crews who flew An Loc. I Take out my
old JOG Chart with the inbound low
level routes and reminisce quite often. This is a great site and that
period of time is being kept alive by the 314th Airlift Wing through their recurring award of an An Loc
plaque to the best airdrop performance during training at Little Rock AFB. Warm Regards Ron Hello everybody, my name is Ha. I was born in An Loc and I spent my childhood there. Sorry, I am not good at English but I really surprise because there is a website write about my hometown, An Loc. I am not lived in war but my parents, grandparents lived in war. Now, I living in Ho Chi Minh City for studies but I always return to An Loc every month to visit my parents. And I hope I can to build this site better. Contact with me if you want to have some pictures or something else about An Loc today. The Chinese Bandit Recon LRRP Team 1st Bn (ABN) 8th Cav 1965-66 was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism for their participation in the Battles of the Ia Drang (November 1965) and Nathan Hale (June 1966); conducted the historic FIRST night combat rappel lead by RANGER Lawson; and DOD/MACV directed long range reconnaissance (LRRP) operations lead by 101st RECONDO Grimes along the northern Cambodia and Southern Laos borders in the spring of 1966..."Laying Down FIRST Tracks in the Central Highlands".
RANGER Jerry Conners
Master Parachutist, Special Forces Weapons Expert, 101st RECONDO
Chinese Bandit 13
www.geocities.com/d6566mustangs
www.geocities.com/d6566mustangs/history ... for more articles on the combat and reconnaissance patrols performed by the Chinese Bandits thank you very much for keeping alive the legacy and memories of the great men that served along side my grandfather. he was just as proud to have served with you as you were with him; and as his service record shows he was willing to serve any time , any where. you are all heroes in my book and i am raising my children to value freedoms that you all served to protect. i can see from the stories and medals that a call sign of trusty victor was an acurate description. thank you again Bill for your hard work. Thanks Bill for all the work in keeping the website going... It hard to believe that has been 35 years, it seems like only yesterday... I am honored to be a member of the first crew to make an air drop at An Loc and sent my respect to all the lost crew member during that period... I was at An Loc numerous times. I was the Plt Ldr for the AH-1G Cobra Helicopters from F Troop, 9th Cav. I was also on the mission that pulled the C-130 crew out when they were shot down. Bill, The web site is really coming along Thanks. Ralph Loadmaster on C-130 63-7775 that went down on 18 April 1972 04/16/1972 at approx. 1240 LCL time RVN is the 35th Anniversary of a C-130 Tail #63-7775 that crash landed near Lai Khe 30 mi. S of An Loc in some old rice paddy's, all of the crew including an ARVN SGT were picked up by some fine folks of"F"Troop 1/9 Air Cav that thought we could use some help, we could and they did, Thanks again and still. A special thanks to Col Bob Corley for his Thank You at the Little Rock AFB Reunion, it meant more than you'll ever know. Also to Bill Caurruthers for the dedication to this website and his encouragement to me for doing a written report, it will be there this year for sure.
Robert W.Kirkpatrick , Maj.USAF Retd.
rkirk72@yahoo.com This is the 35th anivesary of the Battle of An Loc. I would like to thank everyone who has visited this site and have signed the guestbook. Right now this is the easiest way for me to to post a message to everyone. I would like to let people who visit this web site to know who Steven Brawner is refering to in the previous post. I knew Jesse Yearta by his call sign, Trusty Victor. Here is a copy of his citaion for the Distingushed Service Cross
YEARTA, JESSE L.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
81st Ranger Group, Airborne Division Assistance Team, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
Date of Action: April 20 - May 20, 1972
Synopsis:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jesse L. Yearta, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with as an American Advisor with the 81st Ranger Group, Airborne Division Assistance Team, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Yearta's distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 20 April 1972 through 20 May 1972. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
HQ US Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Order No. 2440 (October 17, 1972)
Bill Carruthers
Sundog 39
Jesse Yearta Grandson Thirty-five years ago today A & B Companies, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, escorted/protected by 4/79th ARA, Blue Max, combat assaulted an ARVN Battalion into the soccer field at An Loc. Those ARVN were there in that hell hole for the duration, well into June when we started extractions and replacement insertions of fresh troops.
I'm 55 years old this last month and credit the bravery and skill of the Blue Max gun drives for my living to see this age. Every day I have enjoyed in this life was, and is, a give from Blue Max. Thanks guys
Mike Wheeler
A/229th AHB Had a great conversation with Chico 62 the other day. Hence, I just had to come back here. God bless all, Cobra Marlin My Father, Phil Coombs, was a C-130 pilot who earned a DFC for his participation in An Loc. He passed away a few years ago. I am now serving in the Army and am very proud to read about his war time missions. I wish he was still around to hear mine. Great site.
De Opresso Liber EXCELLENT website!
I thought I would never get to see pictures like these. I grew up in An Loc and was 7 years old when the siege happened. My mother and 6 of my other siblings had to escape on foot down Hwy. 13 to Chon Thanh after surviving the mortar barrages as we passed by the garrison on our way out of the city and then being held captives by the NVA for a few days. I still have vivid memories of the supply parachutes coming down and the carnage along the road. Through some of the aerial photos and some help from my older brother, I was able to look up the house where we used to live, the Catholic school where I attended, and the path I took everyday to go to school.
Please post more pictures if you have any.
Thanks to all who put this site together and the courageous men who fought along side the ARVN defenders. Great website! You've done a lot of work and the effort shows. I was Rash 11 from Feb '72 to Feb '73 and the website brings back lots of memories. Keep up the good work. Flew several AC-130A Spectre missions in the defense of An Loc from Ubon, Thailand. I remember in particular a night in April when tanks appeared, bursting from hiding inside buildings in the NE sector. We were not too successful in stopping them with our 40mm's, but did ignite a few of the gasoline drums they carried on the rear. I was the senior advisor with the Vietnamese 5th Airborne Battalion from January through June 1972, which included the An Loc battle. There were several times when we were about to be overwhelmed, and I owe my life to the guys who adjusted the strikes and those who delivered the bombs that helped to turn the tide. I'm also thankful to the guys who parachuted supplies into the town as it was thin going before that operation went into gear. When I left An Loc I went down to the Vietnamese Airborne Division's headquarters at Tan Son Nhat and picked up a couple of months worth of mail and then I returned to the States. I have never met or talked to any of the people who supported the troops on the ground, so this is it -- THANKS, GUYS!!!! and Airborne All The Way.... Marv and I have been close friends since 1965. I can't thank the 1st Cav crew (Whitehead & Waite) enough for pulling him out I was the aircraft commander of chalk 5, the first flight of 5 to hit the LZ at An Loc in April 1972. Lots of memories there; thanks for the web site. I was a black hat landing helicopters at An Loc in april 72 and on surrounding fire bases. Some amazing flights. My call name was Daytona tangerine. I was stationed at TSN in '72 in the 377 CAMS/FMS Electric Shop. Spent a lot of time working on your birds. Nice to see the planes again on your website. Awesome site. I served a tour in An Loc Aug68 - Oct69 with Adv. Team 47. I have a number of newspaper articles on the Battle of An Loc in my scrap book. The courage and valor needs to be told. I salute the bravest of the brave and god bless all of you for making your country and uniform proud. You flyboy's were a special breed along with your supporting cast. No doubt the Army boy's appreciated your couragous airdrops. Just browsed in. I was a Radio Ooperator out of the 19th TASS assigned 9th Div, 1st Brigade, Oct. 67 - Oct 68. Call sign Tamale, looking for an old Tamales, guess none of us are young anymore. Thank you for this wonderful site. I was one of those C-130 loadmasters crouching on chains during the low level night airdrops. I thank the FACs that guided us in and out. Without you I'm not sure if the aircraft and crew would have made it "out the other side of our run". Learned of this site this weekend at the FAC Reunion at Dayton. A great way to preserve the history of the Battle of An Loc. Much courage was expended by many during this long seige. Many unnoticed heroes were involved here. An Loc was an epic battle. It has never received the notoriety that it deserved. Perhaps this site will help a bit to remedy this. My visions of the battle are vivid...but my memory does not always connect the dots. Will surely stay connected for more information. Sundog 29 - Great site and I remember all of this very well. looking for other veterans that served at an loc and for advisory team 47 during 1968 and 1969. Excellent website! The siege of an loc gave the usaf one of it's greatest
hero's. Charlie Shaub, loadmaster, stationed at cck, taiwan, 345th tactical airlift squadron. Carrying a load of ammo for airdrop, his aircraft was hit. Engineer dead, copilot and nav wounded, two engines out and no hydraulics. Charlie, severly
burned, jettisioned the burning load then manuallly lowerd the landing gears by hand, even his hands were horribly burned. Charile received the Air Force Cross, to go along with his Purple Heart, numerous DFCs and Air Medals. He is the most decorated Air Force enlisted man, not
highest decorected but most decorated. I attended his funeral in Portland, Tn in the late
'90s I appreciate this site very much. I have been fascinated with this battle since reading about it in the papers at the time. At the time it seemed to be one of ARVN's finest hours and also reflected heroic work by their American advisors. This site proves that these perceptions were, if anything, understated. Thanks to all veterans of the siege for your devotion and courage. I want to let all of our legitimate visitor's know that we are doing everything possible to stop the spamming that has been going on, including passing on the information to the FCC.
Bill I recently met many fine men that served with my brother Skip at An Loc. I thank them for sharing their memories.
Linda Served with the 11th Pathfinder Det
HHC 229th AHB. 3rd Bdg 1st Cav Div.
In and out of An Loc form late April to mid- May. Glad someone remembers that place besides me. Not much ever mentioned about the 229th and the Cav in An Loc that's a same,we got a lot of supplies in there and pulled out a lot of civilians. We did a lot of good there, and lost some good men.
Call sign was Chitown. Thanks its a great web site. I was Sundog 05 from Jan 1972 to Nov 1972. Flew over 200 missions as a forward air controller, many of those missions were at An Loc. Was up there the morning of May 11, '72, when we lost Allmond and Haselton. Continued flying for the Air Force until 1992. Flew A-10's for 12 years. ILM(776TAS)on first plane(C-130)on April 15,1972.. Only successful airdrop of the day, but at a GREAT loss and cost to my follow aircrew brothers... This is a great web site and helps tell a story that needs to be told- over and over again. Too bad our school children don't hear the stories of the brave men who risked their lives- and put their lives in the hands of other men they didn't even know to bring about victory against an overwhelming force. Could there ever be a greater lesson in teamwork, patriotism, or valor? Thank you to all our military, then and now, who keep America free. And thank you Bill for this window into the past. Yesterday, Tuesday, April 11th, I had the privilege and honor of attending a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capital at which Retired Colonel Ed Stein (U.S. Army) presented the Silver Star to Jim Beaubien III (Chico 62) for his service during the Battle of An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, in 1972. It was a very moving ceremony where Jim was honored for his service as a FAC during this crucial battle. The Governor and the Lt. Governor of the State of Oklahoma, along with several General officers, were present at the ceremony and praised Jim for his heroic actions on that day. Flying under very severe weather conditions, Jim put himself and his aircraft at great risk while marking enemy targets and helping direct numerous airstrikes that helped to turn the tide of the battle at An Loc and thus, saved hundreds of American and South Vietnamese lives in the process. He was previously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism for his actions in this same battle. Jim went on to complete a successful career with Delta Air Lines where I had the pleasure of flying with him over a 20 year period. I am proud to say he remains one of my best friends today. I was very proud of him today , especially to see and hear those many soldiers at the ceremony who paid tribute to Jim, and personally thanked him for saving their lives on that day.
Congratulations Jim! And Thank You to all the soldiers and airman who participated in this moment in history.
Joe Moraine
Jim Beaubien was president of the Senior Class of Ponca City High School, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Class of 1966. I think I can speak for all of our classmates in congratulating him for his service, his valor, and this great honor. Sincere congratulations to Jim Beaubien, well deserved honor.
Bill, a great job!
A great site! I was referred to this outstanding website by my friend, Jim Beaubien. I'm looking forward to meeting some of Jim's friends at his Silver Star Award ceremony April 11 in OKC. With profound admiration and endless thanks ... may God bless and watch over each of you. Great site with more informations and pictures of The battle of An-Loc in 1972. I was there with the 81st Airborne Ranger Group from 4/16/1972 through 6/26/1972. Our advisors were Captain Charles Huggins and 1st Sergeant Jesse Yearta. Yearta is a brave man in my heart. He always in the front battle line with us.
On the photo gallery that I found the pictures Ulmer#4 was the pictures of the cemetery of the 81st Airborne Ranger. This cemetery we burried our 68 arm men of our troup. After April 30/1975 the VN communist that excavated their tombs and flat out the cemetery. This picture is show part of the cemetery. I wonder if General Walter Ulmer has more pictures of this cemetery? Below is the link to show the cemetery that took in May/1972
http://bcdlldb.com/TuSi/images/nghia_trang_An_Loc_2.jpg
I would like to ask your permission to use some of the the photo from your site to display on the 81stABR'site. I'll put the image source (your website address)on the photo. Thanks in advance. Great site. I was in An Loc from Aug 72 until after the cease fire. Initially an advisor with the 18th ARVN Div, I transferred to the Province Team in Sept/Oct. Bob This is great! The new audio is great, thanks. Col. Stein's report is excellent.
I don't know how your site could get any better.
Thanks Bill.
Ken Hinks This is a reply to John Kildea and others that may not received a reply from me. I sent two emails out, and they both came back. Try to reach me at the email address above. Thanks.
Bill Looking for information on LTC William Nolde, killed on Jan 27, 1973. Need background for a book, family, job, 3rd tour?, etc. Hope to hear from you. Thanks.
John Well Done. This site just keeps getting better and better. It's a terrific testament to the heroism of all who fought and died there. A perfect example of how our warriors were more than capable of fighting the war to a successful conclusion were it not for the ineptness of our politicians. Hand Salute to all that gave it their best shot. Tangerine 31, Song Be 65/66 This dosn't look like anything I remember. Are there more photos? Nice site. I was involved to Anloc battlefield during 1972, and my unit was there since April 6 by airlift from Trang lon) after get back Cambodia operation. I belonged to 3rd Ranger Group Bn (ARVN). We get out Anloc on July 5th 1972 (91 days) and when we get out my company got only 28 people left, compare with 124 before entered the battle. We are 52nd Ranger Bn, and has been decorated once with US Presidential Citation Unit. I still got some pictures that I had during the battle Thanks for this web site to tell the story of An Loc to others who otherwise would never know. As a A/229th UH-1H pilot who flew An Loc in the spring of '72 a word of thanks. Most folks think the Viet Nam war ended for the U.S. sometime around 1968. This site and James Wilbanks book will go a long way to inform the public that some us were still "hacking the load" well into the early '70s.::::Thanks Keep up the good work in recording this important part of the history of the Vietnam War / Mitch My unit, A/229th or B/229th were the ones usually tasked to get the pathfinders in an out of An Loc. I was operations officer, A/229th during the period Loc Ninh fell and An Loc was surrounded. In the links part of this website, you can read the late Ron Timberlake's story about Loc Ninh. I will be telling Mark "Zippo" Smith about this website since you can see his picture in the piece Timberlake wrote. Additionally, I will be providing an update to the rescue of the advisors by John Whitehead and Dave Ripley from the Air Cav troop D-229. Marv Zumwalt is the sole living survivor of the three Americans that were rescued. On Nov 10, 2005, he had met with the pilots from Blue Max F-79 ARA, Whitehead, and me at a dinner and the next day we met at the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 0630 with some other ARA pilots from 4/77 ARA 101st Abn. I will be providing some history I have compiled as the historian of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assn who I have met with since 1988. Additionally, John Bowers, an A-229 Pilot took a lot of pictures from An Loc that we can include. The losses related to the Easter Offensive in III Corps was 4 KIAs D/229, 2 KIAs F/9 Cav, 8 of 32 pilots (25%) in Blue Max F-79 ARA. During that period and not related to An Loc was the loss of United 157, a CH47A from 362 ASHC over Long Thanh North, with a loss of 30+ passengers and crew. It threw a blade.:: I was with Charlie Company, 15th Med Bn of the 1st Cav in Quon Loi in 68-69 and had been to An Loc several times. there was a "hospital" there that was run by this very courageous Vietnamese nurse. She gave me a tour of her hospital. It was beyond primitive but the pride she had was something to behold. I always wondered if she survived this battle. Just wanted to thank you for sending me the tape. I plan on going down to my fathers on Sunday.We will watch the tape together.::Thanks Ed Benedit Jr. excellent site This web site is an honorable tribute to those who served so gallantly during the Easter Offensive. “An Loc must be held at all cost”! The cost was high, but the winds of freedom prevailed through the determination of those Valiant Advisors who chose to::Stay with their Vietnamese Allies. To all who served during the battle of An Loc, especially the U.S. Advisors, FACs, and numerous Air Crews, Thank You.::::Bob Green ::Crew Chief 19 TASS :: Good to meet SUNDOG FAC. JTF C5a Driver. Great web site - you do honor to all who served - thank you. |
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