Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifiThis campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.... More
Memories I arrived at Long Bin replacement detachment on the 21st of May. We had a week of in-processing: couI arrived at Long Bin replacement detachment on the 21st of May. We had a week of in-processing: country orientation, shots and more shots, equipment issue and more shots and filled out a preference to which unit you wanted to be assigned to. I had been warned by the other officers in the basic course (many were warrant officers who took direct commissions and had served in VN already) to stay away from the 101st Airborne Division. So I listed 1/9 CAV, 1st Aviation Brigade and two other I can�??t remember, but not the 101st. One morning a Warrant Officer came into barracks and announced assignments in alphabetical order and U being at the end, I was about last to hear where I was going. I�??m sure they did there assignments the same way, give everyone above me their choice and I got what was left: 101st Airborne Division. VN was divided into four Corps areas, with I Corps in the far north on the De-militarized Zone (DMZ) and the location of the 101st. For those war buffs, this was the location of Hamburger Hill, Ashua Valley and Khe Sahn. Mountains over 5000 feet and dense jungle and a long stretch of the HO CHI MINH TRAIL. I boarded a C-119 cargo aircraft for my trip to Camp Eagle, the location of the 101st Headquarters. The C-119 is a very loud aircraft, so I put on my flight helmet to reduce the noise. Right beside me was a mic jack, so I plugged in and could listen to the flight crew. I noted upon entering the aircraft that the pilot was a LTC and the co-pilot was a second lieutenant. I could hear them discussing the flight and what to expect at each airfield we landed at. Phu Bai was the last stop and he told the co-pilot that if we were landing to the east, he had to very careful as the runway was very short and we would be landing over a hill just short of the runway. He said you need to hit the numbers, referring to the numbers at the beginning of the runway. Yes, we were going to land to the east and as we started the approach he again cautioned the co-pilot to �??hit the numbers�??. As we turned final, the pilot said �??you�??re a little high�?? and again �??you�??re a little high�?? and then �??DAMN YOU MISSED THE NUMBERS�??. A slight pause and �??3000 FEET ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE IT�?? pause, then louder �??1500 FEET, ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE IT�??, then, �??DAMN�?? as the nose wheel went off the end of the runway. The ground crew had to bring a tug and pull us back on the runway. I vowed never to plug-in again. We were the taken to the G1 (personnel) office for in-processing. I was given a preference sheet for which aviation unit I wanted to be assigned to. I told the Captain there is only one unit here that I want to be assigned to and that was the 2/17 Cavalry unit, as a was an Armor Officer and Cavalry was a component of Armor. He said, not a problem lieutenant, C Troop lost three VN combat unit pilots last week. (one dead, two wounded) WOW! I asked where the unit was stationed and was told here at Phu Bai airfield. So once the in-processing was completed, I expected to be taken to my unit. As I started to gather up my stuff, the captain said I need to attend SERTS first. He explained that everyone coming into the division was required to attend a basic combat soldier course at Camp Evans. SERTS stands for Screaming Eagle Replacement Training School. (the division is known as the �??Screaming Eagles�??) I pointed to my wings and flapped my arms and said �??aviator not grunt�??. (Grunt is an infantryman). He laughed and told me to get on the truck outside with the gear. Off we went up QL1 (the main north/south road in VN) in an open topped tractor-trailer troop carrier. No weapons �?? and I remember seeing convoys being ambushed on TV back in the states. What a start for my combat tour: almost killed in a plane crash and now I�??m out in Indian territory without a gun. Lord help me. So here we go, up QL1 for an hour, dumped off at a small compound run by NCO�??s, screaming that if we didn�??t get our A**�??s in gear we would all be dead. For the next seven days we played infantry: dug fox holes; setup perimeter defense; laid out claymore mines; and the dumbest of all, did patrolling outside the perimeter without ammo. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! The only highlight of the whole time was being picked up on one of the patrols by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and taken back to base. I arrived at Phu Bai sub-base and in-processed with the troop headquarters and assigned sleeping quarters in an old Marine Quonset Hut. You can not believe the mess it was. There were 10 Warrant Officers living there and the place reeked of smoke and spoiled food. (RLO�??s or real live officers e.g. commissioned officers have a saying that Warrant Officers are just E-4s with a O-club card) I found an open bunk in the corner and cleaned up the space around it. That evening I was to see the Troop Commander for an in-briefing and assignment. When I was in the Armor Basic Course, with all those direct-commission Warrants, they blew so much smoke up my backside that they convinced me that I needed to fly scout aircraft and after seeing movies about the �??little bird�?? buzzing at tree-top level, I agreed. So when I had my session with the troop commander, �??Major John D. Sterrett III�??, I was already to plead my case for flying scouts. He told me to sit down, handed me a bible and said the Lord should be your co-pilot. He was assigning me to the lift platoon (Hueys) as a section leader. I told him I was an Armor Officer and wanted to fly scouts, to which he said: you�??re a married man with a family and that�??s where you�??re going, end of discussion. The mission of the lift platoon is the airlift the �??blues�??, an infantry platoon, to secure unit aircraft shot-down out is the area-of-operations (AO). Once the downed crew has been rescued and the aircraft rigged for evacuation or destroyed, we go in and pick them back up. A secondary mission is to insert Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRPs) into the AO and retrieve them in 5-7 days unless they come into contact with the Viet Cong (VC). So there is a lot of boring ready-room time waiting for someone to get shot down or deploy and pickup LRRPS. Three weeks in the unit I received an in-country check-ride, an area orientation and had flown a couple of missions. Then one day I get a call from the troop commander �??John D. Sterrett III�??, to report to his office. He informed me that the unit had just failed a Command Maintenance and Material Inspection (CMMI) and that I was being assigned to the motor pool until the unit passed a re-inspection. He said because I was a former Transportation Officer I should know motor pools. Until then I was grounded and could not fly. Well guess what? The unit was not authorized a motor pool and all the vehicles except for the commander�??s jeep currently in the unit were also not authorized. There were 3 2½ ton trucks, 2 ¾ ton trucks, mules (a motorized wagon) and the commander�??s jeep. All these pieces of equipment were either borrowed or �??appropriated�??. There was a motor sergeant borrowed from headquarters and several �??mechanics�??. The mechanics were soldiers (mostly crewchiefs or door-gunners) caught with drugs and were grounded. We had no spare parts other than borrowing or raiding the �??bone yard�??. A mission impossible. After 3 weeks with the help of the headquarters maintenance officer and supply officer (accounted for on paper the vehicles on-hand) we almost passed the CMMI re-inspection. Fortunately at this time, �??John D. Sterrett III was reassigned and Major James Newman became the commander. (Sterrett was despised by the entire troop. There was a hand-written sign above the urinal in the latrine that stated: JOHN D. STERRETT III, LET MY PEOPLE GO! SIGNED GOD. There was an attempted fragging of his quarters just before he left. A coffee can filled with gasoline and a hand grenade with the pin pulled and taped with electrical tape was left near his bunk. It was found before it detonated. Major Newman stopped by the motor pool and asked me what an Armor Officer was doing here and I told him what happened. He ordered me out of the motor pool and back to the lift platoon. Jim Newman was a great man�?� During my time in the motor pool, another LT was assigned to the platoon. He was John Schiefer and we were almost twins in life experiences. we were the same age, had come on active duty from the national guard, was divorced and remarried and worked powerline construction. He was from Idaho. We teamed up and enclosed one end of the quonset hut using discarded 2.75 inch rocket boxes and mosquito nets. I had Pat send me an electric frying pan and care packages with Mexican food. We bought a window air conditioner and small frig, lined the boxes with books (came by the hundreds via the USO) and added a secure door as things, especially out of the frig, disappeared. A week later, one of our sister units LOCH (light observation helicopter) was shot down in the A Shau Valley and landed in a deep ravine. I was flying with Captain Malcom (MAC) Jones, the platoon leader. The platoon leader is normally the first aircraft to land in the landing Zone (LZ). Our first approach was met with heavy automatic weapons fire and we aborted. Additional fire from USAF jets and our Cobras was applied and we made our second attempt. We had rope ladders out on the side of the helicopter and three of the people on the ground were able to get on-board. We were taking heavy fire and departed the LZ, thinking we had everyone. Soon we heard over the FM radio �??I�??m down here all by myself. I�??m the meanest MF�??er in the jungle�??. Another Huey piloted by CW2 Harvey Rents flew into the LZ to pickup the last soldier. The grunt climbed on top of the LOCH and jumped, catching the last rung of the ladder. Sgt Horst, crew chief, un-buckled, climbed down the ladder, wrapped one leg through a rung and grabbed the soldier by his rucksack and held him until the aircraft landed is a safe area. For this action I was awarded my first Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) by the 101st Division Commander MG Tarpley at an awards ceremony at Camp Eagle. After I got out of the motor pool, I volunteered for as many flights I could get. One afternoon just as evening was starting, a request came in to do a resupply mission to firebase Mexico out by the A Shau Valley. I volunteered to take the mission. Upon return to operations and filling out my flight log, I realized that I had gone over 90 hours flight time in a 30 day period and according to flight fatigue regulations I was grounded until receiving clearance from the flight surgeon to continue flying. I reported to the platoon leader of my flight time. He had me scheduled to fly a LRRP insertion with W01 Mark Minier on that mission. He said for me to report to the flight surgeon in the morning to get clearance and he would assign my roommate John Schiefer to take my place. I went to breakfast and then to the flight surgeon�??s office and he ask me how I felt, to which I replied fine and he gave me a �??go fly�?? slip. As a approached the flight line I notices people running around and was told that Minier and Schiefer had been shot down in the landing zone (LZ) and both were dead along with 2 passengers and the door gunner. Apparently the Rangers decided to land in the LZ without being prepped by our cobra gunships, which are normal procedures. When the A/C came to a hover, a 50 caliber machine-gun opened up on them and the A/C crashed. Had I not volunteered for the resupply mission the night before, I would have been in the seat John Schiefer occupied. Needless to say, this really hit me very hard and this was the first pilot death since I arrived in country. I made aircraft commander AC shortly after that was in charge of my own aircraft and crew. In September our unit was detailed to assist the Marine Corps in an operation near Da Nang in a region called Elephant Valley. We did the scouting for them and they inserted infantry to exploit the situation. We were flying 10-12 hours per day for about a week, sometimes not shutting off the A/C; hot refueling and eating while in the air. When we returned to Phu Bai, the Squadron Commander, LTC Robert Molinlli scheduled a �??CAV CALL�?? at Camp Eagle and it was a command performance, which means everyone must attend. We were all really beat, but were flown up to Camp Eagle for the meeting. It was bucketing down with cold rain when we departed. Once the meeting finished, a Pilipino band was brought in for entertainment. So with loud music playing, booze flowing like a fire hose and the effects of no rest for a week, my resistance was at a low ebb. The squadron headquarters was situated on top of a small hill and our helicopter was on the landing pad at the bottom. It was still pouring with rain and we stumbled down the hill getting soaking wet. I laid on the floor of the AC as we flew the 15 minutes back to Phi Bai. There was no vehicle to transport us back to our hooches, so we walked. I laid down on my bunk and promptly fell asleep. The next morning I woke up and had a terrible cough and it was very difficult to breathe. I went to the ready room and crashed for the whole day. As the monsoon was well underway, there were no flights scheduled for a couple of days. I laid in the ready room for two days before I went to the flight surgeon. He listened to my chest and told me to get to the hospital as he thought I had pneumonia. I had to hitchhike to the hospital, which was across the runway. They x-rayed my chest and told the medics to get me ready to be medivaced to the USS Sanctuary, a Navy Hospital Ship. I was gasping for air and was about to pass out when a medic placed a plastic bag over my head. In my delirium, I shouted out �??don�??t put me in a body-bag, I�??m not dead�??. What had happened was I hyper-ventilated and the bag was used to get the CO2 back in balance. I remember an IV being inserted in my arm and the lights went out. The next thing I remembered was being led down a corridor, now in a Johnny, by a corps man. We entered a room and he told me to get on the top bunk. I ask him why couldn�??t have the lower one, which he agreed to. Then out like a light. I don�??t remember how long I was under, but I woke up, finding an IV in each arm and needing to go to the bathroom right now. There was no one around, so I grabbed the two IV�??s and heading down the hall, running into a Navy Nurse who advised me to get back in bed, to which to said I had to go bad and where was the latrine? She said get back to bed and I�??ll bring you a bottle. I said out of my way and point to the latrine, which she did. Once relieved, I went back to the room. A corps man came in and removed the IV�??s, gave me a pair of pajamas and led me to �??Officer Country�??, on the upper decks of the ship. There are four people per room with small TV�??s at each bunk. Meals were served family style with silver chaffing dishes and there was a large refrigerator full of food we had access to. In the evening there was an outdoor movie on deck with popcorn and cokes. (Sorry no booze) I was on the mend and spent 10 days relaxing in the sun. I was dropped off at the 24th Corps Headquarters in Da Nang and had to make my own way back to Phu Bai. For the next couple of months it was business as usual. In January, Major Newman called all the officers together and told us to prepare to deploy on a secret mission and we would not know where we were going until we were airborne. We were to lock up all our personal items in the troop storeroom and only take our issued field gear. At 0500 we departed Phu Bai heading north towards the DMZ. We arrived at Quang Tri, the headquarters of our sister unit, A Troop, and were briefed by the 101st Division Staff. We were going to support Operation Lom Son 719, a joint U.S/Army of Viet Nam (ARVN) incursion into the country of Laos for the purpose of cutting the Ho Chi Min Trail, a major supply route from North Viet Nam to the south. U.S. helicopters were to support airmobile operations to insert and extract combat troops deployed up to 40 kilometers into Laos. My unit was responsible for providing reconnaissance for the insertions and do search and rescue of downed flight crews. A month prior to this operation we trained elements of the Hoc Boa, an elite ARVN ranger unit in the City of Hue who were the troops for securing the downed AC and rescue the crews. C troop, my unit was to deploy to Khe Sanh to secure part of the airfield and prepare for arrival of the squadron headguarters. The 5th Mec Brigade was to secure the remaining area around Khe Sanh. I was the acting platoon leader as Captain John Stolp, the newly assigned leader, as he had only had 1 week in-country. As we flew out the �??brown line�??, a dirt road leading from Quang Tri to the Khe Sahn airfield, we saw the 5th Mec pined down by the enemy. We turned around and spent one night in Quang Tri and occupied the airfield the following day. Khe Sahn was a large base occupied by the U.S. Marine Corps and was overrun by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) in 1968. There were revetments for parking aircraft and a runway made out of metal planks called PSP. Our ground convoy arrived and set up GP medium tents for sleeping and the headquarters built a operations center in the revetments. We started missions the following day (7 Feb 1971) and lost four scout helicopters and two cobras (gunship). Our first rescue operation took place within two hours of troops going across the border. A scout helicopter was shot down about 20 kilometers deep into Laos and landed in a large bomb crater. I led the mission with Cpt Stolp as my co-pilot. We were told to hold northeast of the downed aircraft at 2000�?? by the command and control (C&C) mission leader. Flying at 2000�?? we were out of range of small arms fire. As I circled as directed I saw some trucks on the road stop, remove tarps from the rear of the truck and started firing at us with a 50 Caliber machine guns. I reported this to the C&C and was told to hold northwest at 5000�??, which is out of range of the 50 CAL. We were the cleared in to the downed AC location. I made the decision to make a low-level approach into the site because of all the small arms fire we took while in a holding pattern. I dropped down to 50 feet about five kilometers from the downed AC and was directed to the site by the C&C. This was a high-speed approach with a quick stop maneuver and descended into the bomb crater. The Hoc Bao jumped out of the AC at about 10 feet and set up a perimeter defense. Our second AC made the same approach as I did and added another eight soldiers on the ground. We departed the landing zone (LZ) and stayed low-level until we had high airspeed and then climbed to altitude and wait to extract the troops and downed crew. Within 5 minutes we were told that the crew was dead and directed to pickup the troops on the ground. I conducted the same flight maneuver as the initial approach, but came at it from a different direction. We encountered heavy fire on both the insertation and extraction. The second AC was hit in the tail boom, but no vital components were hit. We returned to base and prepared for another mission. On 7 March 1971, I was sent on as downed aircraft recovery mission 20 kilometers into Laos. A huey (UH-I) had been shot down and had landed in a heavy stand of bamboo. The downed crew did no want to leave to AC for a clearing which was a long way from the downed bird. I directed the crew chief to clear the tail rotor and I descended into the bamboo stand. The main rotor was like a lawn mower cutting the bamboo and throwing it everywhere to include inside the helicopter. Some of the shoots came into the cockpit and broke out the plexiglass panels on the roof above the pilot and copilot. We rescued the crew of four and departed without receiving any bullet hole in the aircraft. Once Captain Stolp took over the platoon, I was tasked to fly C&C missions out of the troop�??s operations center. One day I was sent out to confirm locations and tail numbers of AC shot down in Laos. My observer had gyro-stabilized binoculars that could read the tail numbers of AC we found. Several problems were encountered 1) the tail numbers were painted black on an olive-green background, 2) some of the AC were in heavy growth or in trees and 3) the wreckage would be scattered over a large area. After a frustrating search we were unable to accomplish the mission, I decided to do the low-level procedure I used in downed AC recovery. I was covered by two cobra gunships and I had them guide me over the downed AC. I would do a quick stop, my observer would take a photo of the tail boom, recording the numbers both visually and with a backup photo. In one hour we documented all the known downed AC and we returned to Khe Sanh. The report was sent directly to the division headquarters. That afternoon, operations was notified of the completed mission and the photos. Major Newman, the troop commander, called me in and asked how I accomplished the mission and got the pictures. I explained my tactics and he started shouting at me about what a lousy Lieutenant I was, not following orders and endangering my crew. I had flown with him when he did the exact same thing and I told him so. He said: �??I should court-martial you �?? go see the squadron commander�??. The squadron headquarters was in the next revetment, so I headed over there with my tail between my legs, knowing I was in deep dudu. When I entered the operation center LTC Molenilli, the squadron commander, was seated at a desk and I reported to him. He stared at me for the longest time then stood up and called all the people in the center to attention. He gave me the same dressing down that major Newman did, telling me I was a sorry Lieutenant and I thought he was going to rip off my rank and send me back for court-martial. He then said if I could not be a lieutenant, he would therefore promote me to captain and pinned captain�??s bars on my collar. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense. I purchased a movie camera prior to deploying to Khe Sahn and took some great movies of combat operations. I also took it to Hawaii on R&R. While in Khe Sahn, while living in a large tent with no security, someone stole the camera and about 12 rolls of film. Boy was I pissed, because there was no way to replace it until the operation was over. Some of my history lost. On March 17th 1971, I was sent out on a mission to locate and destroy anti-aircraft weapons that had hampered the extraction of beleaguered ARVIN troops. Every time an attempt was made to land in the LZ, AC would receive heavy fire from a ridge line close to the extraction area. My mission was to silence this fire so troops could be air lifted out. I flew over the ridge line and received antiaircraft fire. As I flew out of the fire, the cobra gunships rolled in and fired on the targets. I made a second pass and did not receive fire. I dropped altitude and again flew over the area and took more fire. Again the cobras engaged the target. On my third pass, I was hit with six 50 CAL rounds through the bottom of the helicopter. My observer SSG Kieth as hit in the leg, shoulder, and wrist. There was blood all over the cockpit and on the windshield. I directed the crew chief to get a tourniquet on his leg. The crew chief was traumatized and could not assist. SSG Kieth took the rotor tie down (a strap that secures the main rotor to the tail boom when the AC is parked) and applied his own tourniquet and gave me a thumbs up. I radioed the closest firebase to get medical aid for Kieth. All the close firebases were under fire. We had several warning lights on a long with severe vibrations. I told the cobras to cover us and I descended to a low level so that I the engine or flight controls failed, I could put the AC on the ground and headed for Khe Sahn. We did a controlled crash onto the medical pad. SSG Kieth was removed from the AC and gave me a thumbs up. We learned later that he lost his leg. The troop commander decided that I needed to get back in the air and sent me on a mission to find the artillery positions that shelled Khe Sahn. I took 3 Cobra gunships with me and headed northwest of the airbase. It was early evening and very hazy and about the time the enemy artillery would fire on the base. I was at 9500 feet, way out of enemy fire I thought, then the ADF system started buzzing meaning that we were being painted by radar when the crew chief screamed in the mike that there was puffs of gray smoke near the tail of the aircraft. I pushed the nose of the aircraft over and started an emergency decent. At about 125 knots (max speed is 120) we struggled to get control over the aircraft. We pulled our at 4000 feet and about 140 knots. Because we probably over-torqued the aircraft I cancelled the mission and returned to base. Upon inspection, we found several holes on the tailboom and the fiberglass cover was missing. Major Newman told me to take my crew to Quang Tri and take the night off. We stopped by the hospital to see SSG Kieth and gave him a CAV hat and a 50cal round we found in the helicopter which was on a dog tag chain. He started to cry, which made us really feel bad, but he said his tears were for the camaraderie he felt for our unit. His only complaint was his left leg was cold. (the one he lost) We hit the club for some drinks and chow and a good nights sleep. Back to Khe Sahn in the morning. Lom Son 719 concluded on 25 March and we returned to Phu Bai. Information on this operation can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Lam_Son_719 When we returned to Phu Bai I was the senior aircraft commander in the lift platoon and had 30 days left in-country and the command tried not to sent the �??senior guy�?? on potentially hazardous missions. We were on standby for downed aircraft for the squadron and everyone was in the ready room, being very bored, when a new Captain instructor pilot ask if anyone could take him over to Eagle beach to do some air work because he had a check ride in the next week. I volunteered and was told by operations to monitor the troop radio frequency in case they had to launch. When we returned an hour later, they platoon had launched to secure a downed aircraft in the Ashau Valley. Neither of us heard the radio call. Two of our aircraft were shot down during the recovery operation and one crew spent the night on the ground surrounded by the enemy. No one was hurt, but I could have been the one on the ground and with less than 30 days remaining on my tour. Four days prior to my DEROS (return to the states) I was ask if I wanted to leave early and they gave me two hours to pack my gear �?? which I got done in one. I cleared the troop headquarters and was on a C-130 to Long Bien for a flight home. I expected to leave the next day, however, a group of soldiers came in and took all the seats. Another night in-country and the O-club. Same story the next day. The night before my real DEROS, I was at the Air Force O-club across the runway when the whole world lit up. There was a major sapper (vietcong special forces) attack on the airfield. I caught a ride to the departure area, grabbed my gear and headed for the terminal. We were loaded on the plane and it took off from the taxiway. What a close call.... More
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Al Rodriquez
Graduation from OCS