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
Per General Order 25 dated 8 June 2001.The 20th Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang A.B., So. Vietnam and Udorn R.T.A.F.B., Udon Thani, Thailand. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Valor
Best Friends
Ray Seese, Tom Jennings, Ron(Mertz) Sturm, and Jack Davis.
Best Moment
I was promoted to Staff Sgt. and given NCOIC of the jet engine shop.Life was great. What a great bunch of people. Wonderful Squadron.
Worst Moment
On 17Jan69, one of our CH3E Jolly Green Giants (Pony Express 20/tail#62-12582), on a mission to a TACON site in Northern Laos, was hit with small arms fire while landing. The aircraft went over the side of a hill, rolled, and exploded.Killed were: Maj.W.W.Martin,Capt. R.A. Fleming,SSgt. A.J.Davis, and 3 civilians. Three Airmen survived.
Chain of Command
Ran into TSgt. John Carpenter from Williams A.F.B., Arizona. He tried to draft me into his unit, but I loved my own too much.
Other Memories
The 20th Helicopter Squadron was activated 24Sep65(Pony Express). Redesignated 20th Special Operations Squadron on 1Aug68. Was transferred to NKP in Aug69 and became part of the 21st S.O.S. The Ponies ceased to exist.
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Comments
Per Special Order G-3269 dated 13 August 1969. For meritorious service with the 20th Special Operations Squadron 1968-69
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
Description
14th Field Maintenance Squadron Nha Trang A.B., Republic of So.Vietnam & 20th S.O.S. Udorn RTAFB, Udon Thani, Thailand
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 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
Comments
For continuous service from April 1965 until April 1969.
Description This period was from November 1, 1968-February 22, 1969.
Following the cessation of bombing on October 3,. 1968, the United States for the next 4 years restricted flights over North Vietnam primarily This period was from November 1, 1968-February 22, 1969.
Following the cessation of bombing on October 3,. 1968, the United States for the next 4 years restricted flights over North Vietnam primarily to reconnaissance missions. The Air Force diverted airpower resources committed to the campaign over North Vietnam to the air campaign in Laos in an attempt to slow the flow of suppliesfrom North Vietnam down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This interdiction effort covered an area in the Laotian panhandle from about the 16th to the 18th parallel and focused on the Laotian/North Vietnamese border near the Keo Nua, Mu Ola, and Ban Karai Passes. Much information about targets on the l-lo Chi Minh Trail came from air-dropped electronic sensors. When American bombing choked the major transportation arteries. the North Vietnamese directed truck convoys along secondary roads where they became more vulnerable to tactical air strikes. Throughout November and December 1968 U.S. tactical aircraft and B-52s attacked targets in the Laotian panhandle. AC-130 gunships, flying at night and relying on infrared, radar, and other sensors. proved especially effective in destroying trucks. To counter the intense air attacks, the North Vietnamese quadrupled the number of anti-aircraft guns along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, while adding logistical personnel in Laos for repair work and transport duties.
The USAF also provided close air support to hard-pressed Royal and irregular Laotian forces in northem Laos, where on December 25, North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao troops launched a strong offensive. By late February 1969 the enemy had driven the Laotian forces back across the Plain of Jars to Na Khang.
In South Vietnam, meanwhile. the Viet Cong suffered temporary setbacks under Allied air and ground attacks. On November 1, 1968, the Republic of Vietnam began a military and civic pacification program intended to bring most of the onuttry quickly under government control. Two operations underscored Allied military approaches to pacification.
In the first, the Allies learrted of a large enemy force moving into the Savy Rieng Province, Cambodia. the so-called “Parrot's Beak" that jutted deep into South Vietnam northwest of Saigon. To thwart this penetration, between October 18 and November 11, 1968, the U.S. Air Force airlifted 11,500 men of the U.S. lst Cavalry Division and 3,400 tons of cargo in C-130s over 500 miles from Quang Tri Province in the north to Tay Ninh. Binh Long. and Phuoc Long Provinces. northwest of Saigon. Until the tum of the year, these U.S. Army forces. working with the South Vietnamese, conducted operations in the Cambodian/South Vietnamese border area along the Parrot‘s Beak between the Vam Co Tay and Vam Co Dong Rivers. The USAF supported these operations with tactical aircraft and B-52s flying air support and interdiction missions against troop concentrations, base areas, logistics complexes and transportation lines. In the second major winter operation. starting the first week of December. the Seventh Air Force launched another air campaign in the A Shau Valley, located near the Cambodian border some 30 miles southwest of Hue. Afterward, in January 1969. U.S. Marines entered the valley and found large amounts of materiel that the Communists had abandoned unable to move it during the sustained air attacks. After months of negotiations on January 18, 1969, representatives of the government of South Vietnam and of the National Liberation Front. the Communist political branch in South Vietnam joined the United States and North Vietnam in the Paris peace talks. While negotiations continued in France, the Communist forces in Vietnam launched their first offensive of the new year. ... More
Best Friends
Steve Hobson and Jerry Rambo 19 photos, see the next assighnment. Special Operations. 20th S.O.S.
Best Moment
Had a great beach. White sand, clear blue water, jellyfish. Too bad it was a war zone. From the roof of the 6 story hotel in town you would think you're in paradise, then you'd walk out onto the dirt streets and watch someone squat and relieve themselves, and worst of all, who do you trust? The natives and the enemy look exactly alike.
Worst Moment
Mortar attacks. Not often, but the air raid sirens would go off so often, many of us stopped reacting to them. How do you know which is for real? If the bunker you're hiding in takes a direct hit, maybe the barracks was a better place to sit.
Other Memories
A C-47 flight from Nha Trang to Udorn R.T.A.F.B. in Thailand. Harrowing. Not out of fear of ground fire.I thought the air worthiness of the aircraft was suspect; extremely noisy and bumpy ride. Frightning .To say that I was concerned might have been an understatement.
Best Moment
There was a movie called "In Enemy Country" playing at our open air movie theater. Over the fenceline we have Hueys firing live ammo and tracers at the enemy. World War II on the screen, and World War III a half mile away. Awesome!
Worst Moment
Mortar attacks. Air raid alerts. Frightening at first, common place after awhile.
Best Friends
Richard Kaiser, Dennis Chapman, and Wally Zeier
Best Moment
Three of us had motorcycles and rode all over central Arizona. Superstition Mountain, Canyon Lake.
Worst Moment
A pickup truck turned left in front of me on my motorcycle. Went face first into his large side view mirror. Woke up in the operating room at the base hospital. Concussion, stitches, scrapes, bumps, and bruises.
Chain of Command
TSgt. John Carpenter. Terrific guy. I worked in jet engine teardown and he chose me to handle a modification required on all F-5 aircraft engines. It was a great honor. I'd meet him again at Udorn R.T.A.F.B., Udorn, Thailand. He tried to steal me from the 20th S.O.S. and work for him. I couldn't do it.
Other Memories
Chandler was close to Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Lots of action, besides the University of Arizona. Phoenix drag strip was nearby and we went often.
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
Description For service with the14th Field Maintenance Squadon(20th S.O.S.), Nha Trang A.B., Nha Trang, South Vietnam & service with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Udorn RTAFB, Udon Thani, Thailand. 30 June 1968 thru 18 April 1969.... For service with the14th Field Maintenance Squadon(20th S.O.S.), Nha Trang A.B., Nha Trang, South Vietnam & service with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Udorn RTAFB, Udon Thani, Thailand. 30 June 1968 thru 18 April 1969. 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 Served with the 14th Field Maintenance Squadron, Nha Trang A.B., Republic Vietnam, from 30 June 1968 to 15 October 1968 and the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Republic of Vietnam, Operating Locatio... Served with the 14th Field Maintenance Squadron, Nha Trang A.B., Republic Vietnam, from 30 June 1968 to 15 October 1968 and the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Republic of Vietnam, Operating Location in Udorn, Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, from 15 October 1968 to 18 April 1969.Notified by A.F. Nat. Pers. Rcds. Cntr. that 4 Bronze Service Stars were entitled. 19 June 2012. 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 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
20th Special Operations Squadron service in support of the Vietnam Conflict.
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
20th Special Operations Squadrons service in support of the Vietnam Conflict.
Best Friends
Richard Kaiser, Diane Smith, Paul Grabenstedder, Mike McDonough
Best Moment
Being an Instructor was crap. I wanted a flightline assignment, but everything else was great. Permanent party.Free time. I actually was the manager of the "House of Suzuki" off base when I was off duty.Great gig.
Worst Moment
The last thing I ever wanted to be was an Instructor. Teaching someone else something I just learned without any practical hands-on experience didn't make much sense to me. I got good at it, but didn't enjoy it.
Chain of Command
An upside of instructing was my direct superior, TSgt. Donald E. Daly (pictured below). Firm, but fair. Great guy.
Other Memories
The University of Illinois very near by. Chicago within driving distance. NHRA drag race track in Gary, Ind., Springfield,Ill, not too far. Lots of places to go and things to do.
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
Worst Moment
I had to fly home to Los Angeles on emergency leave twice. Mid August of 65 when my twin sister was diagnosed with liver cancer, and again in mid September of 65 for her funeral.
Other Memories
Jet engine mechanic tech training? But wait. My recruiter said, "Fire protection?Well sure, anything you want".
Worst Moment
Arrived on base at around 2:00AM. Were all taken to the chow hall and given s.o.s to eat. Never had, or even seen, anything like that before. And so it began.
Chain of Command
Airman 1st class Recore. What an asshole. Thought he was God's gift to mankind.
Other Memories
Summertime in Texas.HOT,HOT, and more HOT.
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
All personal information and photographs for Udorn R.T.A.F.B.,Thailand are listed under- Special Operation Units, 20thS.O.S.