GUESTBOOK
2003
I served in Kontum, 69. Army 2nd 12th field arty, 155Howetzers, base camp Phu-Loi, PEACE BROTHER
Luis O. Cruz <fjean51@yahoo.com>
W.B. , PA USA - Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 19:41:06 (PST)
Found your website while brousing through vietnam vet sites; glad I found it-terrific job!
Stationed at Camp Haskins, Da Nang Dec 71-Apr 72, and completely unaware of the major fighting going on up north at that time. Also stationed at Long Bihn/Bein Hoa 68-69; Saigon Jun-Nov 71. Keep up the great work on your site!
r. e. fisher
colorado springs, co USA - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 14:39:39 (PST)
Jack, I was a Huey pilot in the Cav 72-73. Can you please tell me the names of 1) the LTC who was the ARVN ranger advisor? All I remember is that we called him "Bear." 2) The II Corps G2, was a CPT or MAJ that we brought from Province HQ for our daily debrief.
Charlie Elliott <celliott1@jam.rr.com>
Monroe, LA USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 13:46:47 (PST)
Jack, I am in awe of this website and the work you have done to capture the history of this important battle. I haven't begun to digest it all but will do so in the coming days. My father was BGEN John Hill. He retired a MGEN after serving as Deputy Commander, III Corps and Fort Hood in 1978, the year I followed him in graduating from the U.S. Military Academy. He then moved to Austin, TX, where he went to law school and established a private practice in the suburbs. He passed away in 1999, sadly from brain cancer. Although an ignoble way to end his life, he knew he had lived a full one and achieved much. I miss him a lot
My father didn't speak a lot about his experiences in Vietnam. I know he hated the war and those in power who entangled us in it but he also loved being a soldier and knew he did it better than most. To this day, many who served with him remain close family friends.
Thank you for this effort to educate new generations about the Vietnam War from a soldier's perspective. Rob Hill
Rob Hill <robrtmhill@bellsouth.net>
USA - Monday, November 17, 2003 at 06:20:36 (PST)
great site jack....iwas a medic with the 283rd dustoff out of pleiku...69 feb and 70 feb.flew
many mission out of kontum,dak to and ben het.
donald martin <rodeocharlie2323@aol.com>
adair , ok USA - Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 22:36:17 (PST)
Jack - I was sent to your site by Dennis Watson, and what a great site it is. Although I'm ex-Air Force RF-4C troop (16th TRS, TonSonNhut 1966)and didn't participate in the Battle of Kontum, I'm here because I am a Director with the Brevard County (Florida) Veterans Memorial Center. The Center has just acquired a Huey (#71-20139) that according to Dennis was in the battle. We are in the process of restoring it, and we need all of the history we can possibly get, including pixs of its operational markings. So I'm using your great site to help get the word out that we've got an important "bird" that we want to establish as a memorial to all who crewed the Hueys and to all those that rode them into and out of battle. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please contact me at my home e-mail: grayeagle@cfl.rr.com
Also as part of our project, we want to list everyone that came in contact with 20139, either as a crew member or a passenger...send us your name, rank and unit. Thanks Jack for a great site, and Gob Bless! Gary
Gary Ridenour <grayeagle@cfl.rr.com>
Merritt Island, FL USA - Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at 13:28:18 (PDT)
My name is Julie and i'm 30 years old. I was a mere baby when all you men were risking your lives and making these memories. For the past year and a half i have been transcribing hearing dictation for the VA out of Texas and in that time i have learned more than any textbook could ever contain. So, many stories i have heard, some angering, some funny and some that just make me break down and weep at my keyboard. The things you men endured and still endure because of your experiences daily have me in awe. That war is long over and forgotten for most people, especially those of my age group and younger, but i know for some of you it still goes on everyday. I only wish to give you my respect and gratitude and wish you all well. Thank you.
Julie <tranfam@pccompsoft.net>
Morris, OK USA - Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 13:08:58 (PDT)
Thanks Jack, It's been over 30 years (June 69 to March 72 in country) I'm still not sure I'd 1049'd so I wouldn't have to go State side and "break starch", but rather to be there for the team, 1st Cav. A 229th AHB and the friendship and bonding that I have only been blessed with once, in Vietnam. Your site has reminded me of those ties that the protected will never know. Most of my tours were at Tay Ninh (Rocket Alley) we mostly flew inserts although we did do Psysop missions also. Short story: We had one CO, Maj. Parsons, who let us all do our thing. My CE came up with the idea and had avionics guys take 3 of the Psyops speakers mounted them in the helicopter hellhole along with amp and wired a Craig Pioneer 8 track tape system I'd ordered for this project through PACEX. 812 during insert missions was always a hit with the 11B's when we'd be on short we'd kick it in and turn it up. Many a hot LZ's were blessed with Ironbutterfly. We thought of it as our own form of psychological warfare! It certainly raised the grunts morale, as I also hope it helped demoralize the NVA. The down side, I was usually yellow one; I hated being 1st one in...
Your site is a true treasure for those who where there and those who weren't. Knowledge brings out understanding. Thanks on everyone's behalf for the great job.
Bill Richey (Captain Zig Zag)
Bill Richey <BillRichey@Mich.com>
USA - Monday, October 06, 2003 at 19:37:54 (PDT)
Hello Everyone
I served as Senior Operations Advisor MACV ll Corps Hqs. Team 21 Pleiku, 1970, I wold love to hear from anyone who served with me during that time.
Thanks for this site.
Martin
Martin L. Gray Retired <martyg592000@yahoo.com>
Tunica Resorts, Ms USA - Monday, September 29, 2003 at 20:31:05 (PDT)
Jack,
It was a true pleasure to meet you at the Richmond trade show. I wish you all the best; and congratulations on all your work. I've been in the "people business" a long time; and have become a "quick study" in character. You are, in my humble opinion, one of "the good guys". Take good care of yourself, keep up the good work, and may God Bless You. Sincerly, Tommy Moss
Tommy Moss
Richmond, Va USA - Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 11:37:07 (PDT)
I'd love to have contact with anyone that was part of a Huey crew that was booted outta Kontum by MACV commander for losing his steel pot evading .51cal on a C&C. While this may sound abso-loot-ly silly, I hitched a ride with this crew to Camp Holloway. As we were gaining altitude we saw the rockets impacting on the airstrip. Why did I hitch a ride? Well I didn't exactly do it on my own resolve. The same MACV Colonel had his SGM and the MP's escort me to the chopper. My crime? Not wearing a hat. I'd so love to hear from anyone that was involved in the flight or anyone that was familiar with the incident.
thanks -mac
Mac McKinzie <mckinzi1@flash.net>
Arlington, TX USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 07:11:28 (PDT)
Jack, while idling away at the computer today, I did a search on my name to see what evidence I might have left in traveling through the web. Imagine my surprise when I found the link to the May 23, 1972 newspaper article "Fliers Keep On Trucking Over Highway 14" on your web site - The Battle of Kontum. There I was, 31 years ago, frozen in time, one night when we took a Stars and Stripes reporter along with us. How strange....
Jack, I can't tell you what chord your site strikes in me. How fascinating it was to be able to see it again but through so many different lenses. It is the same feeling I had after reading Neil Sheehan's book, "A Bright and Shining Lie." All those pieces started to fit into a whole. But this, your web site, is much more personal.
Thank you for the effort, for hosting so much information, for bringing so many people together, for remembering.
Mel
Mel Hughes <mellh_50@yahoo.com>
Chattanooga, Tennessee USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 05:29:21 (PDT)
[ View Mel Hughes' Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, thank you so much for everything, I served with the 10th CAV out of Pleiku during the battle of Kontum. I was to young to understand just what was going on at that time and for thirty two years I have been trying to sort it all out, now I understand what was going on at that time. I was there when we took out the NVA tanks. Thanks again, this means a lot to me.
Sincerely sp4 John Harden
John Harden <jkharden@comcast.net>
USA - Monday, September 01, 2003 at 20:33:46 (PDT)
I served from 06-1969 to 10-1970 in M.A.C.V. Tm. 33 at Ban-Me-Thout and Tm.21 at Song Mao - Phan Thiet also did some time at Dalat.I Came home from there & in 1977 ended up in the R.L.I. in S.A. . I would like to have contact with anyone who was in M.A.C.V. with me .I hope all of you made it home!!!
Mike Hennen <michael.hennen@eglin.af.mil>
Valparaiso, Fl. USA - Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 19:35:24 (PDT)
Jack:
Great work and a fine site. I was pleased to see the young people who learned about Vietnam from a true veteran. Quang Tri Province 1970-71. A Btry 1st/39th Arty, 108th Group, XXIV Corp."To those we left behind"
Ron Hudson <RLH7415@cs.com>
Colonial Heights, VA USA - Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 18:01:23 (PDT)
Jack, you have spend a lot of time and have done a great job of investigation in getting the facts. I flew B and then H 7/17 during Feb to June 19th 72. Call sign "Scalp Hunter Lead" and flew almost every day. I flew John Paul Vann when his pilots couldn't - rescued more than a few of his advisors as their FSB's were being overrun, Dak To, Tan Canh and Polei Kleng. Jack, out of the nine OH-6's you report as lost, 4 were mine with another picked up and recovered. Let me know if you would like more information to add to the site.
Jim Stein <james.stein4@verizon.net>
USA - Tuesday, August 05, 2003 at 18:40:25 (PDT)
[ View Jim Stein's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, I am so pleased that your friend, my friend and savior Fred Suttle has been remembered in a place where warriors meet. CPT Suttle died in my place. I'm here because of his unselfish action. I will never forget him coming to my hutch and telling me to rest he would take the flight. If I remember correctly it had been 27 straight days of 16-hour days. I was overtired and he knew it. As I said I'm here because of him. A couple of years ago I took my son to the wall not only to see it but too specifically to see, touch, and connect with the hero who saved his dad's life. Thanks "Fred" and thank you for telling the story.
LTC (Ret) Plint Hickman (Blue 32) <mrpilotman@hotmail.com>
Harlan, KY USA - Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 12:10:33 (PDT)
My cousin Joseph Dudek from Chicago, Illinois was KIA in this area. He was killed on Jan 15, 1968. I was hoping somone would remember him and tell me more about his death and how he died. Please if anyone remembers him or maybe has pictures of him let me know as I am very interested in finding out about what he did and how he died.
Steve <tmp3092@yahoo.com>
Gilbert, Az USA - Monday, July 28, 2003 at 22:04:57 (PDT)
Jack,
I don't mind if you put it in the memories book. I'll check in later. Please send Jim Steins E-Mail address if you have it. I will probably contact him to see if he is going to the reunion at Radcliff in September. I saw Bart Burns E-Mail address on another web page but it is apparently it is old. I am also looking for Craig Smith. He was Scalphunter 15. Bart was the observer with me the day I was shot down and when I went in to Poli Klang. Craig was one of the Lt. that was a scout and the scout shot down by the tank. I'll sign on later and relate some more memories. Thanks for all the hard work you have done. It is providing a lot of information I was not aware of and memories and will hopefully put some of us in tuch with each other.
Larry
Larry Brassell <lbrassel@bellsouth.net>
Gulfport, Ms USA - Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 20:28:59 (PDT)
[ View Larry Brassell's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, I want to thank you for what I would say is the "best" war story I have ever read. Your depiction of the facts certainly puts a new light on the effort of the ARVN. I worked with the "Big Red 1" and the 1st ARVN and they weren't always as committed as our boys were but they certainly shined in Kontum. Please accept this "SALUTE" as a job well done. I agree with your closing comments as well and pray we are a nation who can remember the
past and never forget those who gave all. So, I'll say good bye for now. Bill Perrot
Bill Perrot <wperrot@spokanenet.net>
USA - Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 10:34:47 (PDT)
Jack - Goes to show you - you never know much about a guy whom is sitting across the breakfast table from you. Thanks for sharing the web site! I'll be certain to pass it along.
Craig Sanford
Craig Sanford <Craig_Sanford@Cartermachinery.com>
Midlothian, VA USA - Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 18:49:29 (PDT)
I read comments from Dennis Watson and would like to hear from him. He was on the crew with Dallas Nihson (KIA April 15 1972) in Kontum. Thanks in advance, Mac - Kontum Troop
Mac McKinzie <mckinzi1@flash.net>
Arlington, TX USA - Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 10:46:16 (PDT)
As a combat vet who has borne the brunt of our nations actions in Vietnam, bearing freedoms sword, and felt the embarrassment and scorn heaped upon the warriors from that conflict, I salute you sir, for helping us all to hear the important stories of Kontum, both for the veterans of that AO to remember, and honor brothers still there, and for those who have not the foggiest idea of what went on there. May the stories of valor, and the horrors of war be repeated often so that we might learn, and avoid the mistakes made in history. I invite those who pass here to visit my "Vietnam Picture Tour, from the lens and poet's pen of a combat infantryman, from one who's walked the walk, and can talk the talk...Take a walk in "the park" with the 1st Air Cavalry on combat patrol, that in reality will give you the sweet and sour taste of "the Nam" on your tongue, leave the pungent smell of "the Nam" acrid in your nostrils, and embed textures of "the Nam" in your brain as though you walked beside me in combat.
Gary Jacobson <pgriz@hotmail.com>
Realm of Idaho, USA - Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 12:30:27 (PDT)
The 57th AHC Yearbook website now has a message board for you to participate in. You can access the forum by following the link from the home page at http://57thahc.vianocona.com or directly by going to http://57thahc.vianocona.com/forum
Hope to see you there !
Robert Terry <admin@vianocona.com>
Nocona, TX USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 14:06:41 (PDT)
Mr Heslin, It is a great honnor to meet you onboard flight 219 inbound for LAS. I am one of the fight attendant working that flight. my father had served in the south Vietnamese Airforce during Viet Nam war. Is was over when I was 6 years old so I don't really remember much of this war as we were in Sai Gon at the time. Your web site have given me a clear picture of what happened in the other part of the country during the war. It had rased my respective and appreciation to all the Viet Nam Veterans up to another level. It's too bad that we lost that war but we have gain the great friendship. Just want you all know that your sacrificed have never been forgotten in our Vietnamese refugees hearts. Thank you again for all you have done.
Huy Trinh <ualsw96@yahoo.com>
Garden Grove, CA USA - Thursday, May 22, 2003 at 09:45:46 (PDT)
Chao Trung Ta Heslin.
Very informative and excellent website of a great battle! The Summer of 1972 was rightly called the "Red Fire Summer", because side by side the American and South Vietnamese soldiers had proved to the Communists and the World that we can fight them at any condition! I also like to refer you to the statue unveiled at Westminster, CA on April 26, 2003 of an American soldier and a Vietnamese soldier as a Memorial to these unsung heroes... I have the great honor of meeting Jack, Jean Heslin and their "kids" in 1977 while attending the University of Rhode Island. Jack had helped my uncle's family resettle in R.I. after their escape from Communist Viet-Nam. After my graduation from U.R.I. I visited the Heslins at Schofield Army Base in Hawaii. Jack knew that I was a former Helicopter Pilot from VNAF and took me to the simulator: I tried this amazing machine for the first time in my life! Back in Viet-Nam, I learned directly from the UH-1 at the 4th division VNAF in the Delta. I had a great time with the Heslins in Hawaii, especially seeing the beautiful island of Oahu. After they moved back to the U.S. I visited with the family a number of times.
I like to thank Jack, Jean for their friendship lasting over a quarter of a century. By this e-mail I also like to thank all the Veterans who served in Viet-Nam. No matter what other people said, please remember that you had made a difference in the lives of 40+ millions South Vietnamese people who couldn't have enjoyed freedom and democracy for two decades (1955-1975) without your sacrifice. Thank you.
Binh Thanh Nguyen hiepan@hotmail.com
S. Windsor, CT
Binh Thanh Nguyen <hiepan@hotmail.com>
South Windsor, CT USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 13:23:34 (PDT)
Great Site! I was with the 170th AHC (Bikinis) in Kontum in 1970. Your site brings back a lot of memories.
M. Steffenhagen <dsteff48@netzero.com>
Silver Springs, Fl. USA - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:08:50 (PDT)
Wish to communicate with anyone who knew Brig. Gen Marion C. Ross. He has passed away. I hope to gain accesss to addresses of family members. I know " SPIKE" was CO of the 173Rd in the Nam. I have known him form the time I can remember. Any coments good or bad woule be apreciated.
Thanks vets: A 4F er that knows what you all did and has a buddy on the WALL too.
Bill Coverdell <coveybgj@hotmail.com>
St. Joseph, MO USA - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 19:42:55 (PDT)
Good website; need to keep the story alive for future McNamara's et al. to consider before committing our soldiers to battle. Keep up the good work. vr BG Matia, Ft. Lee
Matt Matia <matiam@lee.army.mil>
Burke, VA USA - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 10:11:26 (PDT)
Jack,
What a site! Thanks for your effort here, laying out the story for all of us. I was one of those Chinook pilots in the 180th, flying out of Camp Holloway. Ammo and rice into the city, refugees out. Seemed nonstop at the time. And our reception of the TOW-equipped B model Hueys at Holloway: "Are you guys lost?" I remember the C-130 running off the runway at Kontum with it's ramp still down - callsign Spare 615 as I remember.....and the mornings we'd fly first sortie into Kontum, wondering what the situation would be, and where the next .51 Cal was.
Anyway, congrats.
Bill Baxley <Baxley428@aol.com>
Damiansville, IL USA - Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 00:37:41 (PDT)
I was in the "bomb squad" in Pleiku during the battle. It was great to read what was happening on the other end of that land line. Wish I knew what happened to the LT I worked for. West Point Grad but still a great guy. Thanks for putting down the history. Now I can tell my kids the can read about why dad doesn't like war movies. Although I only attended the war I am still a little touchy about it. Will never like Ted Kennedy.
Jim Maner <JBManer@hotmail.com>
Knoxville, Tn USA - Friday, May 09, 2003 at 08:31:32 (PDT)
A former Sgt with the 52CAB Pathfinder Det Abn. 1967-1969. You have a great site. Welcome home.
Larry W. Fuhr <lfuhr@terraworld.net>
Joplin, Mo USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 14:10:37 (PDT)
I have the honor of meeting and knowing Col. Jack Heslin, his wife Jean, and his children. I met the Heslins back in 1976 in Wakefield, RI. I was a Vietnameese refugee looking for a new life in America. The Heslins were a pillar of support for a few of us at that critical time. We often visited them at their house and they always received us with open arms. We finally connected twenty two years later in Chesterfield, VA. in May of 2003. We had a drink, told stories, shared our family and good memory.
In the end, it is a blessing that we crossed path in our lifetime. I am glad that I met them, and I am proud of him.
Great web site.
Dai Dau <dai.q.dau@power.alstom.com>
Windsor, CT USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 18:23:52 (PDT)
Hello, my name is Vanessa, I'm 15 years old and I'm searching for my dad. All of the information that I have is on my home page, www.hpm.freehomepage.de/members/vanessafreier. Please take a minute and read it; maybe you can help me.
Vanessa <hope_f_germany@yahoo.de>
Germany - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 07:02:14 (PDT)
I came into Bien Hoa the night of May 16 1972, in a pouring rain. Welcome to VietNam! I was with MAG-12, and left Feb. 1973 on one of the last planes from Bien Hoa a big C-5A. I was an ordnance man with H&MS-12 we sure used a lot of ordnance in support of the battles. We must have done some good, we began getting attacked quite often. Semper Fi! USMC 70-80
S/sgt. Jimmie Bryan <jbryan@eprod.com>
Prairieville, La. USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 00:34:53 (PDT)
Very fine job on your WEB site.
Calvin C College
RVN 68-69 I Corp.
Sempri Fi !
Calvin C College <sftrader6869@msn.com>
Santa Fe, NM USA - Monday, April 14, 2003 at 12:00:02 (PDT)
God Bless - the Vietnam Vet....I was at Dak To and Tan Cahn from Jan 1969-Jan 1970, with HHB 1st Bn 92nd Arty, in the Communications Section. Stayed on Active Duty until retirememnt in 1991.
Go to my web-site below, I have a lot of Pictures posted there and I have a pretty good collection at home. I would like to exchange pictures with you...of the Dak To and Tan Cahn era, also of FSB 6, and Ben Het?
http://members2.clubphoto.com/eray225163/guest-1.phtml
Sincerely,
E. Ray Austin, MSG, US Army Retired.
E. Ray Austin, MSG, US Army retired <eaglephoto@twlakes.net>
Byrdstown, TN USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 16:46:32 (PST)
I was at Tan Canh, May-Sept. 1970, Sept.-Mar.70&71.You brought back a lot of memories. I was on the water tower many times you mentioned in Tan Canh. Have photos. Was at the Hwy 14 bridge, on the Dak Bla in Kontum, My hooch was at the base of the bridge.VC tried to blow the bridge one night.Couldn't belive an ESSO gas station at the north end of the bridge. Thanks for the great site.
Jerrell Herron <jerrellherron@earthlink.net>
Lewisville, Tx USA - Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 16:49:49 (PST)
Thanks for the great web sight. Was with 5/22 Arty at PoleiKleng 3/68 - 6/68. Fired many thousands of rounds in support of Brillo Pad, FSB 14, H&Is and various infantry elemements. Great overhead shot of PoleiKleng. Index 4 8th picture. Fire mission tape available at http://1-14th.com/MemSteveSiposTape.html. Recorded 16 May 1968 at about 0300 hrs.
Steve Sipos <poleikleng@aol.com>
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 12:06:21 (PST)
I was looking through your website and wanted to drop you a complement. I have been doing websites for about 3 years and yours is quite impressive. Keep up the good work.
Private Krankenversicherung <horste@abs.de>
- Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 04:08:23 (PST)
I served as Sr Adv 2-42 Inf Regt, Kontum from 6-67 to 2-68, then 11Corps HQ until jun '68. We operated as a sep bn attached to 24th STZ. Would like to connect with Advisors, ARVN or Montagnards. Jack, the "Yards" and your HUEY's saved my rump. John Giboney
John Giboney <gib@cyberg8t.com>
claremont, ca USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 17:28:11 (PST)
Wonderful stuff!! Thanks Jack. Crewed in 170th. '69-'71 Kontum(FOBII)& Bucs.Again, Thanks!!
Mark Oury <moury@asapchoice.com>
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 10:48:02 (PST)
Renewing my past Viet Nam memories as I have taken on the care giving function for the www.170th.org Web Site. I was in 170th Assault Helicopter, Crew Chief - Kontum 70-71 until the unit stood down in March of 71, seeing the maps and details of the area was a blast from the past. I will add a link to your site and pass the word along of your Battle of Kontum web site to the others in the 170th. I can't remember exactly how I wound up here, a link off of another site, and off of another... the main thing is that I've found it, its a Great Site...
Henry
www.170th.org
Henry Winther <dachskreiger@yahoo.com>
Round Lake, IL USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 16:39:19 (PST)
Great site! Jack, I was an ROTC cadet of yours in 1974-75 at URI. I went into the Marines,did 20years active/reserve service, infantry officer. Retired LtCol.
I always thought you were a SUPERB officer, a great leader, and wondered whatever happened to you. Glad to have found you. Give me an emmail address or call! R/Neil McNulty 757-412-1170.
Neil McNulty <mcnulty1@exis.net>
Virginia Beach, VA USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 15:06:35 (PST)
Wecome Home!! Great Page..for additional info see bravecannons.org..we were a 155 split trail at FSB6 with guns at Ben Het and others
Rodney D Stephenson <rodds@aol.com>
Washington, IL USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 16:00:37 (PST)
Sir, It is great honor of you to those, Vietnamese and Americans alike, who fought, suffered or perished in and around Kontum in that bloody summer of Vietnam with your dedicated Web-site to them. I found out about it by chance after I went to my lost hometown of Tan Canh on 11 Nov. last year (2002), more than 30 year from the day I fled it, 24 April 1972. Nothing is the same from the little town once was home to my parents' family, from which I am the eldest son. Tried as I could, I was not able to locate where our house once stood. Upon returned home, I sought in random on Google.com to see what it has about Tan Canh and discovered your site, thebattleofkontum.com. It brings back, fresh to my mind, what I thought buried deep in my heart years ago, all the pains and nightmares I had suffered then. I think I'll be frowned upon by some, even from the spineless and turncoats of your own country, if I say that I thank you very much for what you have done to build this excellent site. Lost lives not forgotten, deeds of heroism remembered, valor fully appreciated, you and your site do justice to people who for a while in 1972 shared a desolate city name Kontum. And yes, my name is Van (Ky) Chuyen, the young 'Viet Sgt.' wrote about by Jacques Leslie's article on Star & Stripes issue of 27 May 1972.
Van (Ky) Chuyen <vanky4896@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:42:06 (PST)
[ View Van Ky Chuyen's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
I was Col. Merryman's crew chief Oct. 71-72. I flew some missions in support of Hawks Claw operations during this time in the Kontum and surrouding area. I remember vividly when John Paul Vann OH-58 went down.
John D, Grills <sgrills@kih.net>
Evarts, Ky USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 18:45:55 (PST)
[ View John D, Grill's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Excellent website, very informative. Keep up the excellent work.
Samantha Williams <willsamantha4@yahoo.com>
USA, none USA - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 15:28:41 (PST)
I was a pilot A37-B for South VNAF at Cu`Hanh AFB Pleiku 72-74 .We did so many sorties for the battle of Komtum too , my best wingman
never came back. My hat is off for the support of the US Armforces during VN war. Even we lost the war ( not our faults. We ,the Vietnamese people never forget your help.
"" blackhawk""Minh Le <ziimo7@yahoo.com>
San Mateo, CA USA - Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 14:00:30 (PST)
Jack, this is Shirley your housekeeper,I had no idea. The news durring those times did not come near to telling and showing what it must have been like. Not even in reading your account and talking to those I know who were there, we could never comperhend how terrible it must have been for all of you. Then to come home to be spit on and being treated as if you were the enemy instead of the heros--after sueviving such hell to only now have another battle to fight in your own country---what a sad day for us as americans. At this point I would like to say for my country--"I Am Sorry". I also would like to say that even with seeing your many awards and medals--I had no idea of what you did until I read the account. Also for all you went through there--you and your dear wife Jean have a pleasent sweet spirit, of caring and giving, thank you for allowing me to work for you as you a long time ago worked for me.
Shirley Howard <bttrflygrl4u2c@aol.com>
Petersburg, va USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 15:46:32 (PST)
Jack, I was with the 4th batt of the 173rd during the battle for Dak To and I must say to all you pilots' that you guys' had balls of fire to come in as often as you did, while so many were shot down. This old grunt will ALWAYS be forever in debt to you guys'. I also wish I knew the name of the pilot who dusted me off after we finally took Hill 875. I cried more than a grown man of 22 should have, but unashamedly. FOREVER will you brave pilots hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for such an inspiring site and it brought back both good and bad memories. But the buds' I made far outweigh the bad memories. GERONIMO to you SKY PILOTS of the HERD!
James Baskin <Paleontologist46@aol.com>
Lebanon, TN USA - Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 09:48:25 (PST)
I WAS IN THE 201ST AVN CO. RED BARONS AIR SUPPORT VIETNAM FROM 1971-1972
JERRY RAMIREZ
HIGHLAND PARK, CA USA - Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 00:42:36 (PST)
Jack, I was with C Troop 7/17 Cav From sept.68 -May 70. I was a scout pilot Call sign Red 6. We did many mission to the NE of Kontum you are right only the VC NVA and C troop were the only once out there. thanks for great site hope to see you at one of the VHPA Reunion I'am the guy with the great Cav hat.
Richard "marty" Martines <marty@foothill.net>
Nevada City, CA. USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 21:08:20 (PST)
This website captures parts of history that even some of us Vietnam veterans did not know about. I am glad that someone has preserved these pieces of history for future generations to read and learn about. Great website. I am adding a link from my own website so that others can find these pages. Thanks...Rev. Bill
Rev. Bill McDonald <angelnet@citlink.net>
Elk Grove, CA USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 07:35:32 (PST)
ronald strickland is my brother prould of him
george strickland . <skip strickland2002@tahoo.com>
chattanooga, tn USA - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 17:05:27 (PST)
ronald is my brother in law proud of him.
peggy strickland <peggy killer@aol.com>
chattanooga, tn USA - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 17:01:29 (PST)