GUESTBOOK
2005
Was with the 7/17 from 9/71 to 8/72, call sign -"Undertaker 22", just found this web site.
Richard M. Barron <richardmbarron@verizon.net>Whitesboro, Texas USA - Thursday, Debember 29, 2005 at 14:57:33 (PST)
Lt. Col Heslin, thank you for this website. I was station at the Special Forces FOB just south of Kontum City. I was assigned to the Commo Platoon and was in charge of the night shift down int the commo room basement. Many reports and SITREPs came across the teletype of the attacks and battles. My commander was Col Radke and his deputy was Maj Doughro (sp). I often pulled shifts on OP Eagle just south of the camp. In March 1972, I was odered to take some documents to Saigon and once there, was not able to get back because of viet cong activity. Reading your account on the battle, even though it is from a pilot's point of view (smile) still brought back memories.. Thanks again.
James Wallace McMurray <jmcmurray@houseofdiscipline.com>Killeen, Texas USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 13:51:06 (PST)
As a little girl growing up in "safe haven" Bangkok, Thailand 1967-1975 I remember my father - Rudy G. Hall - recounting his service in Kontum. This site retells his story almost verbatim. Daddy passed away a few months ago and I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. He was a helicopter pilot and field advisor.
A warrior for God and Country
My hero
Fairfield, California USA - Friday, October 07, 2005 at 08:47:40 (PDT)
For anyone trying to reach me by E-mail, I posted my e-mail address incorrectly, it is:
kralston@chesco.org
parkesburg, pa chester - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 06:04:15 (PDT)
Thanks for a really great site Jack! Portions brought back some similar memories. I was in the Avenger gun platoon of the 189th AHC from Sept. 67 to Sept. 68.Our primary mission was supporting CCC out of FOB 2 so we spent alot of time at Kontum. The first night of Tet-68 the city and a portion of the airfield was overrun. We spent most of that night and good period of time over the next couple of days supporting the airfield and the 57th AHC. In spite of contrary press releases, we finally had the bad guys out in the open and it was a pure old fashion Turkey Shoot. Oh well enough of the war stories. Thanks again a really great site that documents an important event in a superlative manner!
Jim Kreutz (Avenger VIII) <J_kreutz@msn.com>Spanaway, WA USA - Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 19:08:31 (PDT)
I served (68-69) wityh the 9th ID at Dong Tam, then later with the 1st AB at Vinh Long,
I flew scouts (Warwagons) with D trp 3rd/5th. On my second tour I was with H trp 17th at Pleiku in late 72 with the scouts (Scalphunters), then with ICCS. If anyone from H trp (late 72 period) I would like to hear
from you.
Bradley, IL US - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 20:50:15 (PDT)
I am Lt. Ronald Doughtie's widow and would love to hear from anyone who knew him. He was John Paul Vann's pilot and was killed with him on June 9,1972. There has been much written about Mr.Vann but nothing about either my husband or the passenger. Would like to know if anyone knew or knows WO Dan Brown, he identified my husbands body and said he was fine except a gash on his forehead, yet I am told the helicopter crashed and burned and my husband's body could not be retrieved till the next morning?? I know it is 33 years ago, however, for me it was like yesterday. To all those men and women who served in Nam, Thank You!
Kaye Doughtie Ralston <kealston@chesco.org>Parkesburg, PA USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 06:34:31 (PDT)
Thanks for a great website. I was with the 57th AHC in Kontum from 4/69 thru 3/70 when we were reassigned to An Khe. Our mission was the support of the S.O.G, and operated in Cambodia and Laos, using Dak To as a launch pad. I was crew chief on Huey Slick and participated in the Battle of Ben Het.
What a flash of memories!!
Hughson, CA U.S.A. - Monday, August 15, 2005 at 16:48:02 (PDT)
Jack:
I just found the web site while on the net and was deeply moved. My brother, Ronald E. Doughtie was the pilot killed along with John Paul Vann 0n 06-09-72. I would like to hear from the gentleman that worked the investigation or any others who have information to share regarding Ron's time in Viet Nam. I have heard so many different stories over the years and would like to know first hand what happened.
I know Ronnie loved the Army and was a career "Lifer." He served both as an enlisted man and officer just like our Dad. Our Dad joined the Army cav on horseback in the late 20's and later became a member of the Army Air Corp and was a Bombarder on B-17's in WWII. Later he became part of the Air Force and fought in Korea. He retired after 28 years as a LtCol. He then went on to work civil service for the Air Force for another 17 years. I was in the Navy and got out in 71. I then was a law enforcement officer for 30 years now retired.
Ron is missed! I don't think I ever saw him again after about 1968 or 1969 as I was in the Navy and he in the Army. His kids are now grown and are wonderful. They live in PA.
Thanks again and feel free to contact me or pass along info any time.
John Doughtie
Tallahassee, FL USA - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 07:47:39 (PDT)
Very informative site. Thank you and thanks to all veterans of all wars for his/her service to our country.
Bob Creager <Bobc463507@aol.com>Carbondale, Kansas USA - Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 11:14:55 (PDT)
I worked the Emergency Room and Operating Rooms at the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku from 6/69 to 6/70. Worked with great people and helped save some lives. I really respect all the guys we worked on. Sometimes we'd help unload the choppers and some of them looked pretty sorry...so dirty and bloody you couldn't tell if they were black, yellow, red or white...didn't matter, we gave them the best care we could. Thanks to all you warriors AND all the guys, like me, who supported you! I hope you are well. We had some tough times too, but ours were different from yours. God bless America!
Thanks for all the info about Kontum, I never got to go there, but worked on a lot of guys from all that area.
Great website. You've really put some work into it. Thanks!
Arco, Idaho USA - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 11:17:02 (PDT)
SERVED WITH THE 61STAND 129TH AHC FROM OCT. 71-MAY 1ST 1972. DURING THE SPRING OFFENSIVE THE 129TH SUPPORTED THE ROK TIGER DIVISION IN THE AN KHE PASS, I WAS DOOR GUNNER ON THE SHIP THAT WENT DOWN ON APRIL 27TH, 1972 NOT FAR FROM THE TOP OF THE PASS. THIS IS A GREAT SITE.
Bernie Hernandez <Bernie.Hernandez@HILL.af.mil>Ogden, Utah USA - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 12:54:38 (PDT)
MAGV Kontum 96-97 Spent time @ most outposts mentioned in well layed out website. Often wondered what happen to Doc Smith's hospital out over Dak Bla River?
Byron A. Williams <subject@charter.net>Arroyo Grande, , CA 93420 USA - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 14:28:35 (PDT)
I did a Google search on my name to see if I existed, never thought it would bring me back to KONTUM after all this time.
Daniel J. Crombez <dcrombez@aol.com>Sterling Heights, Michigan USA - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 11:43:15 (PDT)
Great site. A lot of information that is easy to find.
Allen 8 <a8deb714d5a66@yahoo.com>US - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 06:45:35 (PDT)
Piloted 'Bous in the area '68/'69 Great Job with site!!!
Larry French <cuddy1111@aol.com>Birmingham, AL - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 17:43:51 (PDT)
I just found this website while browsing the web. I was an AC callsign Pallbearer 32 in B Trp 7/17th which became H Trp 17th ACS . I have lots of photos taken between 1/1 /72 and 8/6/72 when I DEROSED.I would love to hear from my old buddies.
CPT Stephen E. James, Ret. <sjames115@hotmail.com>Bee Branch, AR USA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 13:00:53 (PDT)
Jack,
My compliments for this outstanding website that documents one of the greatest Vietnam battles, the Eastertide offensive of 1972. I was a member of A troop 7/17 CAV, Lift Platoon, when assigned to the Central Highlands for approx 6 weeks supporting the American advisors in An Khe , Feb thru early March 1972.
Mechanicsburg, Pa - Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 19:10:55 (PDT)
Paul DeMarco brought this web site to my attention. While he was on the ground, I was in a B52 high above. I can still hear the FAC's call signs some 30 plus years later. Thanks
Gregg Weston <gregg.weston@otak.com>Lake Oswego, OR USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 10:26:51 (PDT)
As a young SP4 MP stationed near MACV Hq in Pleiku in 1972 - I now know who and how my life was saved. Thank you so very much.
Paul DeMarco <paul.demarco@generalgrowth.com>Portland, OR - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 15:34:29 (PDT)
Memorial Day 2005 -
It has been just a little more than three years since this site was launched on the 30th anniversary of The Battle of Kontum. Since then we have had more than 2 million hits on the site and thousands of e-mails from many different places in the world. I built this site to honor our fallen friends and the brave men who faced the fire when few were aware of their epic struggle. I want to thank all of you who have served our Nation and risked everything for the beliefs we hold dear. From the beginning, this great nation has survived because of the long line of sacrifices made by those willing to serve in the Armed Forces. I too remember... May God Bless this Great Nation and those who are serving.
Chester, Virginia USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 10:14:12 (PDT)
MAY THE LABOURS OF OUR HEROES PAST NOT BE IN VAIN. I SALUTE ALL GALANT MEN OF HONOUR
ONYEOCHA WETEGO JUAN- Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 07:13:29 (PDT)
Jack,
I was a Sundog FAC during the battle of An Loc in 1972, for the last couple of years I have been planning on doing a web site similar to yours on An Loc. As you suggested to me last Sept., I posted a message here asking for any information on the battle.
Last month the posting was read by a C-130 crewman that flew missions during the siege. He contacted me, mentioning that there is a cermony at Little Rock AFB April 23rd honoring the best scoring C-130 crew going thru traning with the "An Loc" award. I had not heard about this before, will be going. This year they are also honoring the Army helicopter crews that rescued the men from a C-130 that was shot down at An Loc. Guys from The Army and C-130 will be attending. Ironically, I just started going thru some files a friend of mine, who flew A-37's at the siege, loaned me, and came accross a copy of the Stars and Stripes article that covered that day. I will send you a copy.
Hopefully the web site will be up to speed in April, the 33rd year after the battle. Also, there is a new book out, " The Battle of AN Loc" by Jim Willbanks. I just got a postcard from Saigon, he is on a tour right now.
Thanks agian for a great site,
Bill
Charlotte, NC - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 08:14:26 (PST)
squad leader 3rd bd 12th inf 4th inf div jul 67 sep68 dakto ben het hill 1338 anybody that remembers me say something
mike alcorn <alcornlivestock@bellsouth.net>amite , la usa - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 19:27:21 (PST)
I was in the Infantry company C co. 1/22nd 4th div. during the battle for Kontum and helped to save the MACV compound on the 4th of Feb. 68 Along with D Co. we killed over 100 NVA and Viet Cong and on the 5th of Feb. was wounded for the second time when we assaulted hill 684 right outside Kontum and I will never forget the courage of the young soldiers whom I fought with during that crucial battle. They were truly what America is all about!
Mike Meadows <mfvm4458@aol.com>Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at 12:23:11 (PST)
I was an air traffic controller at Dak To from 6/67 to 3/68. I've started a website to collect memories, stories, and photos of that place. If you have anything you'd like to contribute, please contact me.
Thanks
Ernie Camacho
http://www.twirlonup.com/dakto
Windsor, Calif. USA - Thursday, February 03, 2005 at 16:54:50 (PST)
Jack: as the surviveing C.E. of Gladiator#715, and our 13 day E & E at Dak To2, your info still bring's me right back to the river bed, all those year's ago. Excellent site my friend & looking better all the Time I need to quit procrastnating, & write you my story, for you honor us all! Shakey, C.E. Gladiator715, crash#1833, 10 soul's on board-5 came Home.
Rickey Von Vogel <Xhuey715@wmconnect.com>Camdenton, MO. Camdem - Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at 02:50:10 (PST)
Jack, you have managed to construct one of the most informative and thorough sites on RVN that I have visited. Congratulations!! Though an Armor platoon leader by MOS, I was assigned as the Order of Battle officer for Kontum Province,4th MI Det, 4th Inf Div, from 2/68-2/69 and will add my comments to the "Memories Book". I can assure you that I was very frustrated and, as a young Wall Steet type, reading of these events in the New York Times et al and knowing what I did of the events in that AO just four years earlier. Please see "Memories".
Edwin Hines <ehines@atl.invesco.com>Atlanta, GA - Monday, January 24, 2005 at 14:44:51 (PST)
[ View Edwin Hines's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Just wanted to thank you for a couple of pix I downloaded. I was In Kontum during Tet 68, and the kids (my God, at my age, they're ALL kids) want to know something more than the revisionist crap they learned in high school. Go with God, my brother.
John Rice <woodtick@icehouse.net>Post Falls, Idaho - Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 17:11:13 (PST)
I was with the 57th AHC during the Battle of Kontum. Not being directly involved in the battle itself, there was always this knowledge of what really happened that I was lacking. This site has answered many questions for me. Superb job, both in design and content!
Thanks for the link to my 57th AHC site as well.
Nocona, Texas USA - Friday, January 14, 2005 at 10:56:46 (PST)
I was senior advisor to the ARVN 44th Infantry Regiment in Kontum until I was wounded and evacuated on 31 May 72. This website is a major contribution to the history of the Vietnam War and a great place to exchange information and experiences.
Tom McKenna <tpmckenna@verizon.net>Montpelier, VT USA - Monday, January 10, 2005 at 08:59:23 (PST)