Best Moment
I Married my present wife, Sue (Wong), on the 27th of September 1976.
Chain of Command
Maint Sup Mobile Weather Fac - TSGT Donald G. Waring Maint Sup Electronic Maint - SMSGT Harold W. Painter NCOIC Tac Radio - SSG (USA) Carlos G. Buckley 1974 - 1976 Electronic Maint Shop Foreman SFC (USA) Elbert Treadway Jr Electrnic Maint Sup - SMSGT Donald B. Huffman OIC - Capt (USA) Martin S. SAS Chief of Maint - Major John J. Kershaw
Other Memories
I was NCOIC of Ground To Air Radio and also maintained The TKR-1 Weather Satelite Tracker/Weather Map Recorder Unit
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Other Memories
I was stationed At American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) and worked as a night engineer in Saigon keeping all Station Electronic Equipment on line to support Radio & TV broadcasts. I also aided in bringing the Nha Trang Radio/TV Station on line to broadcast to the Nha Trang Area.
Chain of Command
NCOIC Radio Engineering - MSGT Willis McGhee Jr. NCOIC Engineering - CMSGT Edward W. Gleisberg Director Of Engineering - CW3 (USA) Gilbert L. Macdonald Broadcast Operations Officer - Major Frank W. Kafer
Other Memories
I was stationed At American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) and worked as a night engineer in Saigon keeping all Station Electronic Equipment on line to support Radio & TV broadcasts. I also aided in bringing the Nha Trang Radio/TV Station on line to broadcast to the Nha Trang Area.
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Description
With the onset ofthe dry season, the USAF began another air interdiction campaign on November 1, 1971, COMMADO HUNT VII was primarily directed against enemy traffic over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Lao
With the onset ofthe dry season, the USAF began another air interdiction campaign on November 1, 1971, COMMADO HUNT VII was primarily directed against enemy traffic over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos. although USAF pilots also flew missions in South Vietnam and Cambodia. The campaign consisted of 3 phases. First, U.S. pilots bombed the Mu Gia and Ban Karai Passes, entry points from North Vietnam into Laos. In phase 2, tactical aircraft attacked chokepoints on key transportation routes, bombing or strafing stalled trucks and full storage sites.
Phase 3 began in early 1972, when the Air Force shifted air strikes, including B-S2 bombing. to entry points between Laos and South Vietnam. During the 5-month interdiction campaign. B-52s and AC-130s hit enemy traffic at night. while during the day tactical fighters bombed and strafed trucks and other targets of opportunity. From November 1971 through March 1972. U.S. aircraft damaged or destroyed an estimated 10.000 trucks in the Laotian panhandle and about 1,500 more in northeastern Laos.
Besides the interdiction missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. USAF pilots flew close air support sonies for Laotian forces now under increasing pressure from the enemy on the Bolovens Plateau and the Plain of Jars. On November 25, Royal Laotian troops held most of the Bolovens Plateau, but within 2 weeks, on December 6, the North Vietnamese once again drove the Laotian forces from Saravane, on the northem edge of the plateau. On January 3. 1972, Pak Song. a town 35 miles south of Saravane, fell to advancing Communist troops and by January 11 the Bolovens Plateau was in the hands of the Communists. In northern Laos, on December 18. 1971, the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces mounted a major offensive on the Plain of Jars and on January 31, 1972, cut the highway between the capital, Vientiane, and the old Royal
city of Luang Prabang.
By this time, interdiction and close air support missions in Laos had become much more dangerous because of greatly improved air defenses.
For example, on March 29. 1972, the U.S. Air Force lost an AC-130 ten miles southwest of Tchepone to a surface-to-air missile On May 5, when the Communists first introduced the shoulder-fired infrared heat- seeking missile. the SA-7 Strela. 1 of the missiles damaged an AC-130
near An Loc. South Vietnam. about 55 miles northwest of Saigon.
During COMMADO HUNT Vll, the USAF mounted several air raids against targets in North Vietnam in retaliation for enemy fire on reconnaissance aincraft. On November 7 and 8, I971, U.S. aircraft bombed 3 airlields at Dong Hoi, on the coast 35 miles north of the DMZ; at Vinh, 90 miles further up the coast and about 160 miles south of Hanoi;and at Quan Lang, on the 20th parallel near the Laotian border and less than 100 miles southwest of Hanoi. From December 26 to 30 the United States conducted the heaviest air attacks on North Vietnam since October 1968. Flying 1,025 sorties against military installations south of the 20th parallel.
In spite of the escalating air and ground war. the U.S. continued to withdraw its forces from Southeast Asia. On November 17, 1971, the USAF inactivated the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing and on December 1 the 834th Air Division, at Phu Cat Air Base. Later that month, the USAF transferred base operations at Phu Cat to the VNAF. By the end of December only 158,000 U.S. troops of all services remained in South Vietnam. The withdrawal of American forces continued, although no progress had as yet been secured in the Paris peace talks. Indeed, in February and March 1972 Communist delegates again boycotted the sessions for 4 weeks. In March the 315th Tactical Airlift Wing inactivated at Phan Rang Air Base, and the 504th Tactical Air Support Group inactivated at Cam Ranh Bay. While the USAF inactivated or redeployed units, reduced its manpower, and gave up various functions. South Vietnamese. Laotian, and Cambodian pilots increasingly flew interdiction and close air support sortics. as well as airlift and other support missions.... More
Memories I was stationed At American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) and worked as a night engineer in Saigon kI was stationed At American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) and worked as a night engineer in Saigon keeping all Station Electronic Equipment on line to support Radio & TV broadcasts. I also aided in bringing the Nha Trang Radio/TV Station on line to broadcast to the Nha Trang Area.... More
Chain of Command
NCOIC GATR - MSGT Edward J. Dangler NCOIC CEM Maint - CMSGT Dale E. Straw OIC Ground CEM Maint - Capt John K. Wilkinson OIC CEM Maint - Capt James A. Holmes Commander/1970 - Lt Col Dixon E. Nichols Commander/1971 - Lt Col Thomas R. Singleton
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. 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 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 It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (dut... The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (duty) designated handgun weapon. The ribbon is issued in only one degree; however, a bronze service star may be worn on the ribbon for those who have qualified expert on both the service rifle and handgun. MoreHide
Chain of Command
OIC of Life Support - Capt Clyde H. Butler Operations Officer - Lt Col Nelson L. Neil Commander - Lt Col Charles Q. Buckwalter
Other Memories
I was NCOIC of the Life Support Section. During TET in 1968, our squadron was TDY to Tachikawa, Japan and Nha Trang Vietnam for 6 months. I worked in both locations. When we returned to the states we left our aircraft in vietnam and returned to the states with our relieving squadron's aircraft
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. 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 period was from January 22-July 7, 1968.
The air campaign in defense of Khe Sanh, an outpost held by the U.S. 26th Marine Regiment. began on January 22. 1968. For 2 and 1/2 months Allied tacticalThis period was from January 22-July 7, 1968.
The air campaign in defense of Khe Sanh, an outpost held by the U.S. 26th Marine Regiment. began on January 22. 1968. For 2 and 1/2 months Allied tactical air forces continuously attacked targets surrounding the base and B-52s dropped bombs near Khe Sanh on an average of every 90 minutes. At night AC-47 gunships provided illumination and close air support. Air Force and Marine airlifters. mostly C-130s. frequently landed under fire at the Khe Sanh airstrip. bringing in supplies and reinforcements and flying out the wounded and refugees. When the transports could no longer land because of intense mortar and artillery fire. their crews used parachutes and arrester cables to extract cargo from the aircraft as they flew a few feet above the ground over the airstrip. Beginning on March 6 the Seventh Air Force provided fighter escorts to suppress enemy fire and lay down smoke screens until the C-130s dropped their cargoes. Gen. William C. Westmoreland, MACV Commander, encountered difficulties coordinating the air resources of the USAF and U.S. Marines to meet both the military demands at Khe Sanh and the requirements introduced by the Tet Offensive that the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched on January 30, 1968. On March 8 he appointed the Seventh Air Force Commander. Gen. William W. Momyer, as Deputy Commander for Air Operations. MACV. to manage all tactical air resources in South Vietnam.
Late in March 1968 the North Vietnamese surrounding Khe Sanhmwithdrew. leaving only a single NVA division to oppose the Allied advance. On April 1, the 1st Marine regiment and the Army's 1st Cavalry Division moved along Route 9. relieving Khe Sanh 5 days later. On April 10. for the first time in 48 days. no shells fell on the base.
A week later, on April 19. the Allies mounted a helicopter-bome attack against A Shau Valley on the Laotian border. 30 miles south- west of Hue. The Viet Cong and NVA had built a vast stores and logistical base in this area since 1966. Preliminary USAF and Allied air strikes. including B-52 bombings between April 8 and 13, 1968. failed to clear the enemy from landing zones. In spite of the heavy resistance. on April 24, the U.S. Army seized the A Luoi airstrip at the northwest end of the valley. USAF transports airdropped supplies. often during bad weather and without tactical air support, because intense ground fire prevented the landing of C-130s until May 4. The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese withdrew into Laos in mid-May, leaving behind large caches of weapons and supplies.
Earlier in the year. on January 30, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese launched the Tet (Buddhist New Year) Offensive throughout South Vietnam in an effort to regain the political and military initiative that they had held 2 years previously. At Bien Hoa and Tan Son Nhut Air Bases. alert base defenders successfully repulsed initial attacks, but in the next 2 weeks the air bases came under frequent mortar and rocket attacks; in all, the USAF lost 14 aircraft on the ground and another 114 damaged. During the Tet Offensive. Seventh Air Force pilots provided close air support for Allied troops. and C-7s and C-130s hauled ammunition, supplies, and reinforcements to isolated areas. Within 2 or 3 days Allied forces cleared the Viet Cong troops from all cities except Saigon and Hue. By February 5, the Allies had driven the Viet Cong from Saigon, although a large force remained in the vicinity. North Vietnamese forces that had taken the old imperial city of Hue were more difficult to dislodge. The Seventh Air Force used close air support carefully to avoid indiscriminate and unwanted damage in Hue; AC-130 gunships that could deliver precise fire day or night provided the most effective support. On February 25, Allied forces succeeded in driving the enemy from the city. Although
the Allies successfully and rapidly countered the Tet Offensive. the Communists gained a significant propaganda victory. Many Ameri- cans believed that a failure of U.S. military policy had permitted the Communists to mount so extensive a battle throughout South Vietnam.... More
Memories My unit, the 38th Troop Carrier Squadron, was on TDY to Nha Trang Vietnam for 6 months in 1968. Our My unit, the 38th Troop Carrier Squadron, was on TDY to Nha Trang Vietnam for 6 months in 1968. Our C-130 aircraft provided personnel and cargo transportaion within Vietnam... More
Chain of Command
OIC: 1st Lt James F. Helfrich Commander: Major Thomas M Macglothlin
Other Memories
During the time I was assigned to this unit, I worked with a team that repaired and drove vehicles and equipment from the salvage yard at Evreux to Salvage yards at Rhine-Main and Wiesbaden in Germany. This was in anticipation of France pulling out of NATO and the Closing of American Bases in France. I was NCOIC ot Personal Equipment/ Survival branch of the Base Equipment Management Office
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
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
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
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
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Moment
My first daughter, Carol, was born in Misawa AFB Hospital 0n the 30th of November 1959.
Chain of Command
1958& 59 NCOIC: Tsgt James M. Morrison OIC: 1st Lt Jack C. Aycock Commander: Major T. H. Adams 1960 OIC:1st Lt Carl B. Light Ops Officer: Major Joseph W. Mejeski Commander: Lt Col Ernest E. Biggs
Other Memories
I was a member of the Misawa Dusters Motorcycle club. I conducted tests for motorcycle driver licenses. I was also a member Of Motorcycle Federation All Japan (MCFAJ). I was married to my first Wife, Eiko Arai, in Sapporo, Japan in early 1959.
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Other Memories
While stationed here, the squadron was TDY to Webb AFB Texas for a couple months during the Hurricane season, so we could continue pilot training.
Other Memories
Attended 15 weeks of Survival Training while TDY from Chanute AFB. Training was in conjunction with Personal Equipment Training at Chanute
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
I Married my present wife, Sue (Wong), on the 27th of September 1976.
Maint Sup Mobile Weather Fac - TSGT Donald G. Waring
Maint Sup Electronic Maint - SMSGT Harold W. Painter
NCOIC Tac Radio - SSG (USA) Carlos G. Buckley
1974 - 1976
Electronic Maint Shop Foreman SFC (USA) Elbert Treadway Jr
Electrnic Maint Sup - SMSGT Donald B. Huffman
OIC - Capt (USA) Martin S. SAS
Chief of Maint - Major John J. Kershaw
I was NCOIC of Ground To Air Radio and also maintained The TKR-1 Weather Satelite Tracker/Weather Map Recorder Unit