Criteria The Air Force Training Ribbon is awarded to Air Force members on completing an Air Force accession training program (i.e., Basic Military Training; Officer Training School; ROTC; Air Force Academy; or... The Air Force Training Ribbon is awarded to Air Force members on completing an Air Force accession training program (i.e., Basic Military Training; Officer Training School; ROTC; Air Force Academy; or Medical Services, Judge Advocate, or Chaplain orientation courses). 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 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
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 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
Criteria
The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon is issued for completion of a standard overseas service assignment of two years or more in length
Chain of Command
Lt. Col Earl J. Scalet = 1849 EIS Commander Capt. Scott Nylund = Installations Officer Mr. Willie Simmons = Heavy Radar supervisor
Other Memories
NCOIC Heavy Radar Section Certified Installation Team Chief TDYs to Korea, Hawaii,San Clemente Island, Half Moon Bay, Crescent City AFS,Myrtle Beach AFB,Mt.Hebo AFS, McCord AFB, Norton AFB,March AFB,Minot AFB,and others that I have forgotten, some on purpose.
Best Moment
3 day TDY to Neah Bay AFS WA. to render technical help. Typical of the remote radar site, when the job was done it was time to party.
Worst Moment
having to be a part of the death and burial of a system that I had been apart of for my entire career.
Chain of Command
1849 EIS
Other Memories
Removal of the computer system out of the blockhouse.........the mountain of cable, recovering the gold contacts, the magnetic memory drums, Thousands of vacuum tubes to be counted and cataloged.
Best Moment
Driving between Osan and the three sites several times, seeing the country and experiencing the culture. Oh, and running the ville.
Worst Moment
Team member stabbed himself in the leg trying to strip the insulation off some antenna cable at Palgonson. Trying to convince the Korean guards on more than one occation that we were supposed to be on their site.
Chain of Command
1849 EIS
Other Memories
TDY to install and upgrade the IFF/SIF system at Mangilson, Palgonson, and Youngmunson
Best Moment
On base billeting, use of a Dodge power wagon for the duration, night life both on base and downtown.
Worst Moment
Slipping on some spilled gear oil and coming very close to falling off the tower.
Chain of Command
1849 EIS
Other Memories
TDY to perform bearing change on the GCA Radar. Luckily we had good weather for the job because trying to work atop those towers in the cold Montana winds is in no way my idea of fun.
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
Best Friends
Bill Reynolds, Wayne Lumpkin, Frank Phillips, Paul Drew, Kam Ng, Gary Winslow, Dennis Braun, Gene McDonald, Andress Gomez, Lew Orcutt, Wayne Devily, Tom Pober, Doug Brink, Zafer Kilicarslan
Best Moment
The births of my son Shawn, and daughter Shelly, at the Bitburg AB hospital.
Worst Moment
a high speed, middle of the night trip to Bitburg on winding roads and the resident fog with a very pregnant woman screaming for me to hurry up.
Chain of Command
Lt. Col Ron Guizec = Commander Lt. Col Robert Nix = Commander Lt. Joe Brooks = Chief of Maintenance Capt. Bruce Bonds = Mobility Officer
Other Memories
Trucks, Tents, C-Rats and Mud. Had to attend a AN/TPS-43 school,assigned to a unit with a AN/TPS-44. Eventually we got a TPS-43E
Criteria
The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon is issued for completion of a standard overseas service assignment of two years or more in length
Criteria
The NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon is awarded for successful completion of all levels of resident professional military education.
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
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 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
Description Exercise Reforger (from return of forces to Germany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forExercise Reforger (from return of forces to Germany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forces to West Germany in the event of a conflict with the Warsaw Pact.
The Reforger exercise itself was first conceived in 1967. The Johnson administration announced plans to withdraw approximately two divisions from Europe during 1968. As a demonstration of its continuing commitment to the defense of NATO and to illustrate its capability of rapid reinforcement, a large scale force deployment was planned that would deploy a division or more to West Germany in a regular annual exercise. The first such exercise was conducted beginning on 6 January 1969. These exercises continued annually past the end of the Cold War, except for the year 1989, until 1993.
Major units: (Germany based units) USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe): 8th Infantry Division, Bad Kreuznach; 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Nuremberg. (U.S. based units): 4th Infantry Division (Mech); 5th Infantry Division (Mech); 9th Infantry Division (Mech); 1st Cavalry Division; 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.... More
People You Remember
Zafer Kilicarslan
Memories I was Issued TDY orders to deliver tasked personnel and equipment to a unit deployed to Wasserkuppe,I was Issued TDY orders to deliver tasked personnel and equipment to a unit deployed to Wasserkuppe, Germany... More
Best Friends
Dennis Braun, Douglas Shipman, Bob Fraiser,Mike McMahon, Albert Rice,Ron Sisler,Cindy Frank.
Best Moment
Replacing the clearance lights on the antenna.
Worst Moment
Driving from Williston to Fortuna on a day that the snow was blowing in sideways from Canada, ended up in a ditch for several hours before someone came along.
Chain of Command
Major H.R.Burchfield.............Commander
Other Memories
Assigned to the AN/FPS-35 Tower.Playing softball on the squadron team,playing a tournament at Malstrom AFB Montana. Tending bar at the club.
Description Exercise REFORGER (from REturn of FORces to GERmany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forExercise REFORGER (from REturn of FORces to GERmany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forces to Germany in the event of a conflict with the... More
Memories 612th TCF ground deployed in convoy to Grafenwohr, Germany in support of Reforger 77/Coldfire.10 day612th TCF ground deployed in convoy to Grafenwohr, Germany in support of Reforger 77/Coldfire.10 days under field conditions. Got to see our A-10s working over the Armys tank range using junked tanks as targets.... More
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 Friends
George Holmes, Ed Benson, Ed Ehrgood, Doc Brooks, Lee Rider, Harry Holtman,Frank DeAngelo,Dallas Sharp,Rick Shaunasee,Neil Chesser
Best Moment
Playing on the squadron softball team. Supporting the base football and baseball teams.
Worst Moment
Air deploying from Aviano Italy back to Germany in a C130 that was leaking more hydralic fluid than a FPS-26 antenna.
Chain of Command
Brig Gen David E. Rippetoe,Jr. Commander 601 Tactical Control Wing
Col. Joseph A. Peterburs Commander 601 Tactical Control Group
Lt.Col. James T. Sullivan Commander 603 Tactical Control Squadron
Other Memories
72K20- best truck in the fleet, carried our TPS-43 without a wimper. Never left us on the roadside. Had to attend a AN/TPS-44 school,was assigned to the AN/TPS-43. Go figure.
Description Exercise REFORGER (from REturn of FORces to GERmany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forExercise REFORGER (from REturn of FORces to GERmany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forces to Germany in the event of a conflict with the... More
Memories 603rd. TCS ground deployed,in convoy to Hesselburg, Germany in support of Reforger 75. 20 days under603rd. TCS ground deployed,in convoy to Hesselburg, Germany in support of Reforger 75. 20 days under field conditions.... More
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
Description Exercise REFORGER IV was conducted in Germany during 9 January-22 March 1973. This exercise, the fourth in a series begun in 1969, is conducted annually in accordance with U.S. obligations to NATO, thExercise REFORGER IV was conducted in Germany during 9 January-22 March 1973. This exercise, the fourth in a series begun in 1969, is conducted annually in accordance with U.S. obligations to NATO, the United Kingdom, and the Federal Republic of Germany and is designed to test procedures for receiving, equipping, and assembling deploying U.S. Army troops assigned to reinforce NATO. About 10,000 troops from the 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Riley, Kansas, the 3d Brigade, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas, and eight nondivisional support units deployed from bases in the continental United States to Rhine-Main, Ramstein, and Echterdingen airfields in Germany, requiring 109 C-141, 4 DC-8, and 6 C-5 airlift missions by the Military Airlift Command. On arrival, troops drew prepositioned heavy equipment stored at several locations in Germany and moved immediately to assembly areas where combat-loading, final maintenance, and inspections were performed.
Major units:(Germany based unit): 557 QMC Idar-Oberstein. (U.S. based unit): 1st Infantry Division (Mech), 2nd Armored Division.... More
People You Remember
George Holmes Lee Rider Larry Widener Doc Brooks Al Gober Eli Ramos Ed Ehrgood Ed Benson
Memories 603rd TCS air deployed to Istanbul, Turkey. Convoy to Tekerdag using Turkish AF duece and a halfs. T603rd TCS air deployed to Istanbul, Turkey. Convoy to Tekerdag using Turkish AF duece and a halfs. The drivers would not leave their trucks with us so each truck had a Turk attached to it. The bad part of this was our antenna stayed mounted on the truck and the driver ended up spending a month on a remote mountain top. Luck was with him as the Turkish Army was assigned security for the site so he found a place to eat and sleep. We were instructed not to offer the Turks any C Rats that contained pork. They seemed interested only in those and our library of Playboys and Penthouse mags. We were billeted in a hotel aptly named The Kum Bag Hotel.However there was a mixup and we were supposed to be at the Kumsal Motel on the Sea Of Mamara which was better but not by much. Great views though, the food wasn't too bad and they brought in some Belly Dancers for entertainment one night. I'm afraid the boys made asses of themselves so that never happened again. Had an hour bus ride every day up to the mountain top but the view was worth it and the radar picture was great. Took a trip into Istanbul,did the typical tourist stuff, went to the Grand Bazzar, did the Europe to Asia thing and consumed more than my share of VO at the Istanbul Hilton. Don't remember much about the return trip.Received a visit by a gaggle of NATO Generals and politicians.There were so many choppers decending on the site that I thought I was back in Nam. ... More
Best Friends
Barbarol J. James, John Krafton, Bruce Mendendorf, Bob Hall, Dan Carrier,Ron Sisler,John Puhalla, Charles Bennett
Best Moment
Learning through the MARS station that I had a daughter, Shannon. She was born in Aiken SC. Her mothers hometown.
Worst Moment
Not getting assigned to Aiken AFS when I left Nam.
Chain of Command
Maj. Hoyt....Chief of Maint. MSgt. Bond...Radar NCOIC
Other Memories
This was a chance to get experience on other radar systems. Responsible for both the FPS-20 series search and the FPS-6 series height finder radars.
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 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
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 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
Description
On December 1, 1970. the USAF began another interdiction campaign named COMMANDO HUNT V, the third so-named dry season campaign in as many years.* In Commando Hunt V, the USAF attacks focused on the
On December 1, 1970. the USAF began another interdiction campaign named COMMANDO HUNT V, the third so-named dry season campaign in as many years.* In Commando Hunt V, the USAF attacks focused on the Laotian panhandle, although tactical aircraft periodically struck targets in northern Laos and Cambodia. B-52s and fighter-bombers hit the passes between North Vietnam and Laos, creating chokepoints that forced the North Vietnamese to channel traffic and reinforcements moving southward so that gunships, B-57G bombers, and other tactical aircraft could more easily destroy them. The Icitoo Wrtrre automated system of sensors that the USAF airdropped along the Ho Chi Mirth Trail was designed to aid in the location of trucks and other moving targets. The South Vietnamese and U.S. military leaders intended this aerial campaign to prevent a sustained enemy offensive in South Vietnam, thus giving the Republic of Vietnam more time to equip with modem weapons and train its armed forces. To that end, between January 30 and March 24. 1971, the ARVN entered Laos near Khe Sanh, 15 miles south of the DMZ. The Allies in this operation, code-named LAM Son 719, hoped to cut a segment of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and capture Tchepone, the hub of the Communists’ logistics system in Laos. From February 8 to March 24 the USAF supported Lam Son 719 by airlifting South Vietnamese troops and supplies into Khe Sanh. Flying tactical air strikes in Laos, and furnishing forward air control (FAC) in the battle area.
On March 7, 1971, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam reached Tchepone; however, North Vietnamese forces inflicted such heavy casualties that South Vietnamese commanders were forced to withdraw 3 days later. The USAF then covered U.S. Army helicopters evacuating ARVN troops with heavy tactical air and B-52 attacks. By March 24 the last ARVN troops retumed to South Vietnam, but they had abandoned large quantities of military hardware, including trucks and tanks, during the evacuation. in spite of the ARVN‘s chaotic withdrawal. the North Vietnamese army also suffered heavy losses and did not begin another major offensive in South Vietnam for almost a year.
The COMMANDO HUNT V campaign saw the first extensive use of 2 new USAF weapons: laser-guided bombs and “daisy cutter” bombs. On
February 3. 1971, F-4s equipped with laser-seeker pods and laser-guided bombs destroyed a 37-mm antiaircraft site along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Then, on February 19, F-4 pilots used this weapon to destroy 2 trucks. On March 3 the Seventh Air Force used laser-guided bombs to destroy tanks that had been spotted near Tchepone. The USAF now had the means to hit accurately small targets on the first try. During LAM Son
719. the USAF also used large, high-explosive “daisy cutter” bombs (up to 15.000 pounds) to clear landing zones for helicopters. These bombs.
extracted by parachute from C-130s, exploded a few feet above the ground and cleared enough area in the jungle for I or 2 helicopters to
land. The ordnance allowed engineers to establish suitable landing zones quickly in enemy territory and contibuted substantially to the rapid
movement of troops into and out of Laos.
All the while, the war raged in other regions of Southeast Asia. From January through April 1971, the USAF launched numerous retaliatory strikes against surface-to-air missile and antiaircraft sites in North Vietnam, and USAF pilots also frequently flew close air support missions in Cambodia and northern Laos. Meantime, on February 18 the North Vietnamese delegation once again boycotted the Paris peace talks, although on April 8 it reappeared to resume negotiations.... More
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
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
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 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
Description Operation Kingpin, the raid on the Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, was the largest and most complex special operations mission of the Vietnam War. It would be a joint operation with the Army, Navy, aOperation Kingpin, the raid on the Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, was the largest and most complex special operations mission of the Vietnam War. It would be a joint operation with the Army, Navy, and Air Force with 59 men led by the legendary Col. Arthur "Bull" Simons in the actual ground team that would enter Son Tay. One-hundred sixteen aircraft from the USAF and the US Navy participated, with the Navy aircraft flying from three aircraft carriers to conduct diversionary operations to allow the Son Tay raiders to sneak into North Vietnam from Laos.
On the night of 20 November 1970, the Kingpin force had departed RTAFB Takhli in Thailand just north of Bangkok. After a rendezvous over Laos for aerial refueling, the raiding force itself consisted of the following elements:
Cherry 1: Lockheed C-130E (Raid force mission leader)
Cherry 2: Lockheed C-130E (Mission leader for the Douglas A-1 Skyraiders flying close air support as Peach flight)
Banana 1: Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant (Assault team, they would intentionally crash land in Son Tay's courtyard)
Apple 1, 2, and 3: Sikorsky HH-53 Super Jolly (Assault team)
Apple 4 and 5: Sikorsky HH-53 Super Jolly (POW transport)
Peach 1-5: Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Close air support)
Falcon 1-10: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II (MiGCAP)
Firebird 1-5: Republic F-105G Thunderchief (Wild Weasel SAM suppression)
In addition to the raiding force, a multitude of other tankers, early warning aircraft and Navy combat aircraft were assigned vital supporting roles to make Operation Kingpin possible. For at least a year up to the actual raid on Son Tay, the prison complex was a high-priority reconnaissance target imaged by both spy satellites and Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird flights as analysts and planners set about determining the forces defending Son Tay as well as the routines of the personnel and prisoners of the complex. Something as simple as laundry hanging out in the prison courtyard offered valuable clues. In the last few months before the raid took place, reconnaissance had shown that the North Vietnamese had added two SA-2 "Guideline" SAM battalions to the area. Each SAM battalion was self-contained with its own radars, command and control equipment and four SA-2 missile sites, each site with six launchers and 12 missiles. With two of these battalions in the area, that meant eight SAM sites would be defending the prison complex. And these SAM sites were often protected by a large number of mobile antiaircraft guns.
To meet this dangerous threat to the aircraft of the Kingpin raiding force, the 6010th Wild Weasel Squadron flying the SAM-site killing F-105G Thunderchief were added to the raiding force to knock out the missile sites. Firebird 1 through 3 would accompany the raiders all the way to Son Tay and orbit the area, knocking out the SAM sites as their radars went active. Firebird 4 and 5 were to act as spare aircraft in case anything happened to either Firebird 1, 2 or 3 during the mission.
As the assault teams hit the ground, the SAM site radars went active and the first of 18 SA-2 missiles were fired during the raid- but only two of them targeted (and missed) the helicopters, A-1 Skyraiders or the C-130s acting as mission command posts. The rest of those SAMs bored in on the F-105s of Firebird flight. Firebird 3 took a hit but was able to disengage and its crew were able to nurse the damaged aircraft to RTAFB Udorn in Thailand. As Firebird 3 disengaged, Captain Don Kilgus and his back seat electronic warfare officer (EWO, or "Bear"), Captain Clarence Lowery in Firebird 5 were called into action to duel with the SAM sites. One missile managed to detonate close to Firebird 5, but Capt. Kilgus felt their F-105G wasn't damaged seriously and he and his EWO pressed their attack, knocking out the site that had fired the offending missile.
Unbeknown to the raiders, the POWs at Son Tay had been moved the previous August to a new facility 12 miles away called Camp Faith. The POWs there were awakened by the sounds of the SAM launches trying to down the raiding force. Some weren't able to see out their barred windows but the prisoners on the west side of the building could see the flares, the SAM detonations in the sky, and the explosions by Peach flight's close air support strikes. Word spread amongst the POWs "They're raiding Son Tay!"
Disappointed having not found and rescued any POWs at Son Tay, the raiding force withdrew from the area in less than 26 minutes. Not a single man was killed and only two were wounded. The 59 men and their support aircraft had managed to kill 200-300 enemy troops.
As Firebird 5 withdrew with the rest of the F-105Gs from the raiding force, Capt. Kilgus realized their were losing fuel. And they were losing it fast. The near-miss by the SA-2 detonation had showered their aircraft with shrapnel and punctured nearly all the aircraft's fuel tanks. With the fuel loss too great to be offset by tanking from an orbiting KC-135, Kilgus and Lowery were forced to eject over the mountains of Laos. They had managed to eject near each other and met up on the ground and began to radio their location to await rescue. As it turned out, the nearest rescue helicopters to their position were two of the returning HH-53 Super Jollies from Son Tay, Apple 4 and Apple 5. After a midair refueling from C-130 Hercules tankers, the two helicopters diverted and plucked Kilgus and Lowery from the jungle, making them the only two pilots rescued in the Son Tay prison raid.
Dejected by their failure to rescue any POWs, what wasn't immediately apparent to the men of Operation Kingpin was that their historic raid scared the Hanoi government about the strength of the resolve of the United States when it came to the POWs. Within two days POWs that were scattered across camps in North Vietnam in small groups were crowded together at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" where the lethal air defense umbrella around... More
Best Friends
Tim Hess, Mike Hogan, Julius Sills, JC Clay, Bob Croft, Bill Gove (civ.FSS-7) Wade Dyer,Tom Cornine(Civ.Tech.Rep.)
Best Moment
Got married between leaving Keesler and going to Maine.Got to be the best decision of my mis-spent youth.
Passing the 5 level test on the first try.
Worst Moment
Losing our first born son shortly after his birth.
Chain of Command
FPS-27 Tower NCOIC = Msgt Barry Haddock Supervisor = Tsgt Charles Jeffries Crew Chief = Sgt (Butch) Buchenski
Other Memories
Mike Hogan, Julias Sills and I were originally assigned to Topsham AFS in Brunswick Maine. Being a direction center they were not too keen on having a bunch of 3 levels running around so we were re-assigned to Charleston AFS. Having beeen born and raised in Charleston SC I thought I was headed home. Then they told us to drive North until we saw the big white golf balls. That was our new home.Luck assigned us to the AN/FPS-27 which was a very interesting system to cut your teeth on.On my shift breaks we enjoyed driving to Bar Harbor for a lobster dinner and exploring the coastal area.
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 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
Other Memories
3709th BMTS,Flt. 1969 I was a member of the Civil Air Patrol prior to enlisting and with my Certificate of Proficiency (COP) an official part of my AF file I was able to go through basic training with one stripe.Our barracks chief also had 1 stripe from ROTC. Due to my CAP experience, boot camp was more of a refresher course. It was interesting watching those who had never been exposed to the military adjust to their new lifestyles. Most had a smooth transition but there were a few that had a really hard time adapting.We only lost one guy during basic training and that was for medical reasons. He was a sleepwalker and broke a hip walking down stairs one night.
Bob Daughetry, Bob Godsey, George Hutchmacher, Oscar Clark, Gary Robinson,
Softball games at the site field and tournaments in Myrtle Beach.
Turning the radar over to the FAA and attending the closing ceramony.