Best Friends
Companies C, A, and HHC. Located at Sand Hill. One of the worse periods of my life.
Chain of Command
I had one of the best First Sergeants in the Army. I was reassigned to Company C after my trouble in other companies and this 1SGT set out to repair my career and get me to reenlist. I wish I remembered his name. He was great. He gave me only two jobs. I was trainer and in charge of the Firing squad on burial details in Alabama and Georgia. I also attended weapons qualifications every Friday for him. What a blast, so many weapons courses and training in so many different weapons. This guy also promoted me and notified the Department of Army I had less than 90 days in the Army to go when I got orders back to Viet Nam, so I did not have to go. He also had me given a Good Conduct Medal upon my discharge, and lamented that I did not reenlist. He was what a leader should be.
Your memories of this course
TOW Guided Missile Instructor Training Course. The first course of its type in the US Army. 5 days long, August 1970. 4 days learning and one day on the range firing a live TOW at targeted tanks downrange. I graduated second in the course, after some Lieutenant in another battalion. It was fun blowing an old tank up from nearly a mile away.
Your memories of this course
5 day course in Personnel Management. The First Sergeant of my Company was trying to get me to reenlist in the Army and was sending me to these courses in order to build my military record (resumee). This course was a Personnel Management Course for small unit NCO's, not the above listed Clerical AIT Course. The course was actually designed for NCO's and I was the only PFC attending.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
According to Army Regulations I was awarded this medal for the one year period covering my service in Viet Nam. It certainly was not for the following year!
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description
awarded to entire battalion, perhaps dividion
Best Friends
Returned from hospitals in Japan. Trying to make it back to Alpha Company after being reassigned to it. Pulled off plane and returned to States by the Army. The end of my interest in an Army career.
Best Moment
Being sent back to Viet Nam and reassigned to my unit.
Worst Moment
Either the hospital administrator at Oji Hospital, Tokyo, disregarding Army Regulations and failing to promote me to sergeant as my unit had ordered or being removed from the plane at Thanh Son NNhut airport on the way back to my unit and sent to the states.
Worst Moment
As with most other in country vets I was assigned to a replacement battalion upon arrival in-country. In my case that was during April 1969 and I was released within a few days, that is, after being assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. I spent time in a hospital in Japan and was returned to Viet Nam and the 90th Repl Bn in September. I spent a couple of weeks there (technically reassigned to A 1/501 Inf, 101 Abn Div) before being reassigned to Fort Banning, GA and returned to CONUS.
Best Friends
Sp4 Smokey Smith and SFC Bennett of A 1/501 hospitalized there from my old unit. Both recovered.
Best Moment
Escape back to Nam
Worst Moment
Return to hospiutal from emergency leave.
Chain of Command
WIA shrapnel through left thigh. Medevaced to Field hospital/surgical hospital at Chu Lai, then Cam Ranh Bay, then on to Tokyo and both Campo Oji and Camp Zama.
Other Memories
Col/Admin Hospital refusing emergency leave for me, then tearing up my orders for sgt because the Chaplain arranged it. Then he sent me back to Nam. Guess what, "Colonel"? I did not die like you planned. I got transferred to Ft Benning again. ABsolute power corrupts immoral people,
Worst Moment
Where I found out how bad the Army can be, and one hospital administrator officer (Colonel) could be. He refused my emergency leave, disregarded AR's requiring my promotion to sergeant as my unit had ordered, and returned me to Nam to try to get me killed instead of sending me to Korea as the new AR required. (And my buddies went when they healed). The beginning of the end of my desire for an Army career. He did what the enemy could not. I lived anyway, and went on to civilian life.
Best Moment
I attended Screaming Eagles Combat Leaders Course at Camp Ray, Bien Hoa, before going to my unit.
Chain of Command
We patrolled A Shau Valley, FSB Thor, Whip, and Pike: then on 15 May were airlifted to Tam Ky to rescue the Americal Division from its defeats.
Other Memories
Wounded 14 June 1969 on Fire Support Base Professional by 82 mm mortar shrapnel, and again on 8 July 1969 in the jungle sw of Tam Ky, Quang Tin Province, by 105mm shrapnel.
Other Memories
I was operated on here and was treated well. Lost contact with my buddies who were evacuated with me when I was flown to Cam Ranh Bay Hospital (aboard a C-47) while on a stretcher.
Other Memories
merely an overnight stay before loading my stretcher onto a C141 and flying on to Tokyo for further treatments. But it was interesting, with lots of freshly wounded sailors, soldiers, Korean soldiers, and enemy coming in, and some dying. A terrible place, but I was treated well by the staff.
Best Friends
Kenny "Cochise: Bunner, died in Oklahoma City after retiring as a Green Beret Larry Darnall, good friend whom I have traveled to South America and Alaska and around this country with. A really solid person. Both of them were in 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon with me and Larry was WIA and medevaced with me.
Best Moment
July 4th 1969, when I realized that I was accepted as no longer a cherry, but a dependable survivor and company member; a proven and accepted warrior.
Worst Moment
Leaving the company after being wounded and medically evacuated to Japan. Clashing with the Ojii Army Hospital Administrator (Colonel) and not being promoted to sergeant like the Army Regulations required, and not being allowed to return to combat with my unit, or any unit for political reasons, or being sent to Korea like all my wounded peers at the time.
Chain of Command
Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry (Geronimo), 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) [Screaming Eagles]
Placed under the command of the First Brigade during Operation Lamar Plain (most of my time in-country)
Other Memories
Rifleman, 3rd squad, 3rd platoon, April to May, 1969; Acting Squad Leader, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, May 1969; 90mm recoilless rifle team. assistant gunner, 2nd platoon. May-June 1969; Rifleman, 3rd squad, 3rd platoon. June 1969; M-60 machine gunner, Weapons Platoon, July 1969. Medevaced to Japan until 10 September 1969 Reassigned to A 1/501/ not present 12 Sept Reassigned to Fort Benning, GA 22 Sept 1969
Best Friends
The Army gave me a guided missile MOS when I graduated from Infantry Training in 19968. It took months of fighting for me to get it changed back and held my promotion up as well. I went to a Leadership course at Fort Polk, then was assigned to Ft Benning to teach machine guns to officer candidates at the Infantry School, Weapons Committee, Machine Gun Sub Committee, while I waited, and until I went to Nam in 1969. When I was presented with a primary MOS of infantry I was promoted to Specialist Fourth Class and my MOS was 11B2H (Infantry Instuctor) until my assignment at the Infaantry School ended with my transfer to USARV.
Formal assignment at the Infantry School was to:
Company E, Infantry School Battalion, The Student Brigade. (CoE, ISB, TSB), Fort Benning, Georgia.
Your memories of this course
101st Airborne Division Combat Leader's Course Number 39, April 1969. Camp Ray. Bien Hoa, RVN. 6 days long. Designed for enlisted small unit leaders who had been in combat as an infantryman for at least 6 months, I was ordered by the 2nd Brigade commanding officer to attend this course upon my arrival in Vet Nam rather than the Preparatory Training Course MACV required all enlisted personnel entering Viet Nam to attend. The staff of Ranger NCO's who ran the school were vocal about opposition to an untried soldier attending the course, but the Colonel Commanding was adamant that I attend. It was an excellent course.
Chain of Command
I was assigned to Company E, Infantry School Battalion, The Student Brigade, (Co E, ISB, TSB) the weapons committee, machine gun sub-committee. Although a PFC upon arrival and a SP4 later while there, I was an active instructor and was awarded the MOS of Infantry Instructor. I can not recall any other instructors on the ranges who were not NCO's. We taught OCS Candidates six days a week. M-F on the M-60 and Saturdays on the M-2 Broiwning. In March 1969, I was given leave prior to my reporting at Travis Air Force Base for transportation to Viet Nam.
The hours were long and the work was rewarding at the Infantry School. The staff NCO's were very professional and I learned an unbelievable amount that stood me in good stead later.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments Operation Lamar Plain, summer 1969, I Corps, RVN, while standing on a bunker on Fire Support Base Professional 14 June 1969. Minor shrapnel wound to the chest. Treated at base first aid station. One d... Operation Lamar Plain, summer 1969, I Corps, RVN, while standing on a bunker on Fire Support Base Professional 14 June 1969. Minor shrapnel wound to the chest. Treated at base first aid station. One day light duty and back to work. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments July 8, 1969, about 1 a. m., in the jungles southwest of Tam Ky, while sleeping on the ground near my M-60 machine gun position. Medevaced via basket to hovering helicopter eight hours later, for sev... July 8, 1969, about 1 a. m., in the jungles southwest of Tam Ky, while sleeping on the ground near my M-60 machine gun position. Medevaced via basket to hovering helicopter eight hours later, for severe large shrapnel wound to (through) left thigh. 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 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
Comments
5th and final award (three Navy and two Army) of this campaign medal, covering all of my years of involvement in the Viet Nam War.
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to 101st Airborne Division during period I served in Viet Nam and to USS Coral Sea during period I served aboard off the coast of Viet Nam. No devices for subsequent awards are authorized.
Description This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressiThis campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressive allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAGLE, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date.... More
People You Remember
fellow members of Company A 1/501 Infantry, 101 Abn Div
Description
Massachusetts Striker began March 1 and ended May 8 and paratroopers had killed 176 enemy, captured 859 individual and 34 crew-served weapons.
101st Abn Div
Memories FSB Thor, Whip and Pike at southern end of A Shau. Patrolled the A Shau Valley. Skirmishes. firefighFSB Thor, Whip and Pike at southern end of A Shau. Patrolled the A Shau Valley. Skirmishes. firefights. Being mortared.No major engagements for me there.... More
Description May 16 - Aug 13 1969; 23rd Inf Div, 1st Bde, 101st Abn Div and ARVN 1st Div. NVA began a major offensive throughout the 23rd Americal Division area of operations at LZ's Baldy, Center, and ProfessionaMay 16 - Aug 13 1969; 23rd Inf Div, 1st Bde, 101st Abn Div and ARVN 1st Div. NVA began a major offensive throughout the 23rd Americal Division area of operations at LZ's Baldy, Center, and Professional. southwest of Tam Ky, Quảng Tân Province.... More
People You Remember
1/501 Infantry, 2nd Brigade op-conned to 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
Memories Operation Lamar Plain, beginning 15 May 1969 Hill 372 June 2-10 1969. Seige of FSB Professional, May-JOperation Lamar Plain, beginning 15 May 1969 Hill 372 June 2-10 1969. Seige of FSB Professional, May-July 1969.... More
Description This campaign was from 9 June to 31 October 1969. During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to Vietnamese, US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffThis campaign was from 9 June to 31 October 1969. During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to Vietnamese, US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffirmations of support for the Republic of South Vietnam government. President Nixon announced the reduction of the U.S. military presence in South Vietnam which would be demonstrated initially by the withdrawal of 25,000 troops by 31 August 1969.
American troop strength had peaked at 543,400 in April 1969 but dropped to 505,500 by mid October. More scattered than before, enemy attacks were concentrated on South Vietnamese positions. U.S. combat deaths were down in the early fall as American units switched to small unit actions. The trend was not constant, however, because U.S. troops deaths which had fallen well below l00 a week in the fall, rose above 100 later in the year.... More
People You Remember
fellow members of Company A 1/501 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
Best Friends
GMG3 Leon Busby. Attended boot camp together at USNTC San Diego, assigned to and served aboard USS Coral Sea until our original discharges in the summer of 1967. I enlisted in the Army for 3 years thereafter and Leon reenlisted in the Navy for 2 more years. We have been best friends for all these years (60 years in 2023).
Best Moment
Transfer to Guided Missile Division from 1st Division (USS Coral Sea).
Worst Moment
When we were docked in the Phillipines and I was struck in the face by a coward with a steel dogging wrench, the beginning of a shipboard race riot.
Chain of Command
USN July 31, 1963 until May 1967. 1st Division, USS Coral Sea 10/63 until 6-65, then GM (Guided Missile) Division, USS Coral Sea. Rated a Boatswain's Mate Seaman in 1st Division, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Petty Officer by Discharge.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
2nd award - this award for 1966-67 cruise, in support of the Viet Nam War. 1st award - this award for 1965 Western pacific Cruise in support of the Viet Nam War.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to recognize four years of continuous active duty, above average conduct and proficiency by enlisted service members in the regular Navy or ... The Navy Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to recognize four years of continuous active duty, above average conduct and proficiency by enlisted service members in the regular Navy or U.S. Naval Reserve. MoreHide
Comments
Sent to me during Army Basic Training (by the Navy). A total surprise.
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
Comments
Awarded to me in 1963 for service in the Cold War (following Navy Boot Camp).
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
Description This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of politicalThis campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
... More
People You Remember
fellow crewmen and pilots of USS Coral Sea
Description Operation Barrel Roll was a covert U.S. Air Force 2nd Air Division (later the Seventh Air Force) and U.S. Navy Task Force 77, interdiction and close air support campaign conducted in the Kingdom of LaOperation Barrel Roll was a covert U.S. Air Force 2nd Air Division (later the Seventh Air Force) and U.S. Navy Task Force 77, interdiction and close air support campaign conducted in the Kingdom of Laos between 14 December 1964 and 29 March 1973 concurrent with the Vietnam War.
The original purpose of the operation was to serve as a signal to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) to cease its support for the insurgency then taking place in the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). This action was taken within Laos due to the location of North Vietnam's expanding logistical corridor known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail (the Truong Son Road to the North Vietnamese), which ran from southwestern North Vietnam, through southeastern Laos, and into South Vietnam. The campaign then centered on the interdiction of that logistical system. Beginning during the same time frame (and expanding throughout the conflict) the operation became increasingly involved in providing close air support missions for Royal Lao Armed Forces, CIA-backed tribal mercenaries, and Thai "volunteers" in a covert ground war in northern and northeastern Laos. Barrel Roll and the "Secret Army" attempted to stem an increasing tide of People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Pathet Lao offensives.
Barrel Roll was one of the most closely held secrets and one of the most unknown components of the American military commitment in Southeast Asia. Due to the ostensible neutrality of Laos, guaranteed by the Geneva Conference of 1954 and 1962, both the U.S. and North Vietnam strove to maintain the secrecy of their operations and only slowly escalated military actions there. As much as both parties would have liked to have publicized their enemy's own alleged violation of the accords, both had more to gain by keeping their own roles quiet. Regardless, by the end of the conflict in 1973, Laos emerged from nine years of war just as devastated as any of the other Asian participants in the Vietnam War.... More
People You Remember
pilots and crew of USS Coral Sea CVA 43
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 Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
First award of the Navy Unit Commendation for the 11 month long 1965 Western Pacific cruise aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43). For efforts in support of the war against North Viet Nam
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
Comments
awarded to me for Naval service in 1965 and Army service in 1969. No subsequent award devices are authorized.
Description This campaign period was from 15 March 1962 to 7 March 1965. During this period, direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict increased steadily as U.S. trained Vietnamese pilots moved VietnameseThis campaign period was from 15 March 1962 to 7 March 1965. During this period, direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict increased steadily as U.S. trained Vietnamese pilots moved Vietnamese helicopter units into and out of combat. Ultimately the United States hoped that a strong Vietnamese government would result in improved internal security and national defense. The number of U.S. advisors in the field rose from 746 in January 1962 to over 3,400 by June; the entire U.S. commitment by the end of the year was 11,000, which included 29 U.S. Army Special Forces detachments. These advisory and support elements operated under the Commander, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, a position established 8 February 1962. The object of American military assistance was to counter the threat to the government of the Republic of Vietnam posed by the insurgency of an estimated 30,000 regular communist Viet Cong and civilian sympathizers among the population. Despite what appeared to be considerable successes in consolidating the population in a series of defended strategic hamlets, and in establishing local defense forces, the U.S. equipped Army of the Republic of Vietnam repeatedly demonstrated an unwillingness to close with the enemy. A corrupt government and bitterly contending Vietnamese political factions further hampered a coherent prosecution of the war with American advisors, who nevertheless continued their efforts well into the period of large scale commitments of U.S. Army forces to the conflict. ... More
People You Remember Served aboard USS COral Sea with fellow crew membersand pilots from Feb 65 to Nov 65. Cruise was DecServed aboard USS COral Sea with fellow crew membersand pilots from Feb 65 to Nov 65. Cruise was Dec 64 to Nov 65... More
Description Operation Flaming Dart was a U.S. and (South) Vietnam Air Force military operation, conducted in two parts, during the Vietnam War. During the bombing raid Premier Alexei Kosygin headed a Soviet delegOperation Flaming Dart was a U.S. and (South) Vietnam Air Force military operation, conducted in two parts, during the Vietnam War. During the bombing raid Premier Alexei Kosygin headed a Soviet delegation to North Vietnam.
United States President Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1965 ordered a series of reprisal air strikes after several attacks on U.S. bases by Vietcong units, particularly in reply to a mortar attack at Pleiku. These strikes had originally been intended to be part of a three-phase "program" beginning with attacks in Laos in December, 1964 (Operation Barrel Roll) to bring pressure to bear on North Vietnam, and so had been ready to fly.
Escalation of the Vietnam War officially started on the morning of 31 January 1965 when orders were cut and issued to mobilize the 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Okinawa to Da Nang Air Base. A red alert alarm to "scramble" F-105s was sounded at Kadena Air Base at 3:00 am, pilots and support were deployed from Okinawa and landed in Vietnam that afternoon to join up with other smaller units who had already arrived weeks earlier. Preparations were under way for the first step of Operation Flaming Dart.
49 sorties were flown for Flaming Dart I (7 February 1965) and 99 more for Flaming Dart II (11 February 1965). The Vietcong attacked a hotel billeting U.S. personnel in reaction to Flaming Dart I, prompting the second air strike. Flaming Dart I targeted North Vietnamese army bases near Dong Hoi, while the second wave targeted Vietcong logistics and communications near the Demilitarized Zone. Among the pilots was Air Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky, then a member of Vietnam's ruling junta.
American reaction to Communist escalation was not restricted to the bombing of North Vietnam. Washington also authorized the use of U.S. jet attack aircraft to engage targets in the south. On 19 February, U.S. Air Force B-57s conducted the first jet strikes flown by Americans in support of South Vietnamese ground units. On 24 February, Air Force jets struck again, this time breaking up a Communist ambush in the Central Highlands with a massive series of tactical air sorties.
The Operation Flaming Dart raids were later followed by Operation Rolling Thunder, which began a 44-month campaign on 2 March 1965.... More
People You Remember U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA 43) initiated bombing attacks against North Viet Nam on 7 Februrary 1965. I waU.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA 43) initiated bombing attacks against North Viet Nam on 7 Februrary 1965. I was assigned to 1st Division, USS Coral Sea, as a Boatswain's Mate.... More
Description This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also attempted to consolidate its ground operations more efficiently. For this purpose, it organized the U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV). U.S. support in the I Corps tactical zone, composed of five northernmost provinces, was to be primarily a Marine Corps responsibility; the U.S. Army was to operate mainly in the II and III Corps tactical zones which comprised the Central highlands, adjacent coastal regions, and the area around Saigon; and ARVN troops were to retain primary responsibility for the Delta region of the IV Corps.
On 19 October 1965. three VC regiments totaling 6,000 men attacked a Civil Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) - U.S. Special Forces at Plei Me, near the entrance to the Ia Drang Valley, in what purported to be the start of a thrust to cut the country in half.
With the assistance of massive air strikes, elements of the newly arrived 1st Cavalry Division thwarted the enemy in a battle that lasted nearly a month and included several engagements. The Ia Drang Valley action was the costliest in terms of casualties to date. The successful defense of the region improved security in and around the Central Highlands and raised the morale of the soldiers involved.... More
People You Remember
USS Coral Sea.
Memories Transferred to Guided Missile Division June 1965. 1965 tour 11 onths long, 1966-67 tour 7 months. DiTransferred to Guided Missile Division June 1965. 1965 tour 11 onths long, 1966-67 tour 7 months. Discharged from USN May 1965 as an AO3.... More
Description This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also attempted to consolidate its ground operations more efficiently. For this purpose, it organized the U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV). U.S. support in the I Corps tactical zone, composed of five northernmost provinces, was to be primarily a Marine Corps responsibility; the U.S. Army was to operate mainly in the II and III Corps tactical zones which comprised the Central highlands, adjacent coastal regions, and the area around Saigon; and ARVN troops were to retain primary responsibility for the Delta region of the IV Corps.
On 19 October 1965. three VC regiments totaling 6,000 men attacked a Civil Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) - U.S. Special Forces at Plei Me, near the entrance to the Ia Drang Valley, in what purported to be the start of a thrust to cut the country in half.
With the assistance of massive air strikes, elements of the newly arrived 1st Cavalry Division thwarted the enemy in a battle that lasted nearly a month and included several engagements. The Ia Drang Valley action was the costliest in terms of casualties to date. The successful defense of the region improved security in and around the Central Highlands and raised the morale of the soldiers involved.... More
People You Remember
fellow crew and pilots of USS Coral Sea
![[Other Service Rank]](https://ranks-tws.imgix.net/army/ARMY/no_insignia.png?ixlib=java-2.3.0&w=100&s=23b5573d656eb2bde1c3f1f108ef3965)
Companies C, A, and HHC. Located at Sand Hill. One of the worse periods of my life.
I had one of the best First Sergeants in the Army. I was reassigned to Company C after my trouble in other companies and this 1SGT set out to repair my career and get me to reenlist. I wish I remembered his name. He was great. He gave me only two jobs. I was trainer and in charge of the Firing squad on burial details in Alabama and Georgia. I also attended weapons qualifications every Friday for him. What a blast, so many weapons courses and training in so many different weapons. This guy also promoted me and notified the Department of Army I had less than 90 days in the Army to go when I got orders back to Viet Nam, so I did not have to go. He also had me given a Good Conduct Medal upon my discharge, and lamented that I did not reenlist. He was what a leader should be.