GUESTBOOK
2009
Nice Site
Ron Burgandy <RBurgandy78@gmail.com>Laredo, TX US - Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 15:16:00 (PST)
Viet nam vet 1970 dec to 1971 dec Gunner on gun trucks Bad Hombre, and the Creeper. Filled in on the Boss and Paladin
barry montgomery <dog@charter.net>lebanon, tennessee USA - Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 15:10:52 (PST)
I had been "in country in ICorps @Camp Evans 101st Abn. The division stood down in DEC 71.I got assigned to the 129th AHC 7th Sqn 17 Cag @ Lane Army Heliport. I started crewing & was flying sorties to reupply the ROK's FSB on the west side of An Khe Pass. The NVA had the pass closed. The FSB was comletely surrounded; no one going west toward An Khe @ beyond.We fly sorties into the FSB to re-supply the ROKs for about two weeks.The LZ @ the FSB was zeroed in.WE crashed. Both pilots got KIA'd & the two ROK observers that help'd dump the stuff out to the the LZ or the FSB. We were "never"told about this being the "Easter Tide Offensive" back then. Just another day @ the office. The Nva had the road blocked off so no one could go & Helped the troops in Kontum or Plieku.Thirty yrs or so later now it comes out. Keep up the good work!!!!!
Bruno E SanchezLaredo, TX USA - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:21:54 (PST)
Anyone served in the area of Dak Wak? I was born there. My father's name was A-Rau, and mother's name was Y-Thil. They died 6 months apart from one another in 1972. My father served with Green Berets in the area and died during a night raid by the VC.
Tulsa, OK - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 08:47:22 (PST)
great site!
Mohammed Aser <mhmnaser@live.com >Lincoln, UK - Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 15:48:08 (PST)
Excellent site and mountains of info.
I was at Camp Haskins 1970 USMC III HQ.
I need info about our in camp attacks that summer for stressor claim with VA. Please email any info at all. I literally running out of time. Thanks-Semper Fi
Erwin, TN USA - Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 19:25:37 (PST)
http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html
Many veterans encountered problems when trying to prove that their difficult-to-diagnose or undiagnosed illnesses were connected to military service. This affected these veterans’ access to disability compensation.
http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html
In response, VA asked Congress for the authority to provide compensation benefits to veterans who are chronically disabled by undiagnosed illnesses.
http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html
Click on hyperlinks to read more about these new Compensation Programs.
http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html
- Monday, December 07, 2009 at 16:39:31 (PST)
great site!
Martell Payne <martell510@yahoo.com>oakland , california usa - Monday, December 07, 2009 at 14:49:45 (PST)
Excellent site and alot of history behind all this. Chris
Chris <chrischris234234@yahoo.co.uk>Olean, Mo USA - Thursday, December 03, 2009 at 10:11:34 (PST)
In the Battle of Kontum, the A1 pilot that was mentioned :"Late in the afternoon of May 27th, a VNAF A1-E was shot down 2km southwest of the city. The pilot parachuted safely and was picked up by a helicopter operating in the area." was me, i served in the 530 fighter squadron in Pleiku air base from 71 to the end of the war.If somebody knows the helicopter crewmembers please pass me the info,i like to say thanks to them again .Thuy.
Thuy tien Nguyen <thuytam123@yahoo.com>Sugarland , Texas USA - Thursday, December 03, 2009 at 07:24:09 (PST)
I served in Phutai, Vietnam during 1971-1972 as a 50 Cal Gunner on the King Cobra Guntruck in the 597th Transportation Company, it is nice to be able to read some of these Articles from the Stars and Stripes which you have here, many thanks for having this for us Vietnam Veterans, later Frenchie
Bruce Bourget <bnbourget@yahoo.com>Gardiner, Maine United States - Thursday, December 03, 2009 at 03:44:43 (PST)
I served as Lift Platoon leader and later Operations Officer for B 7/17 from June 1971 to April 1972. This website is a great piece of work and history.
Robert Hess <robert.hess@29000men.org>Manhattan Beach, CA USA - Wednesday, December 02, 2009 at 14:09:37 (PST)
I love this guestbook
Berenite Saturne <berenitev@yahoo.com>Fort Lee, VA - Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 20:12:04 (PST)
Lost my Halang Montagnard interpreter at the battle of Kontum-Great site
Ron(Doc)Abner <Montagnard71@hotmail.com>New Smyrna Beach, Florida USA - Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 15:10:29 (PST)
Nice page. Very interesting!
D.HodgeFort Lee, VA USA - Monday, November 23, 2009 at 15:17:09 (PST)
Very nice site, never learned of this in history class
E.Harper- Monday, November 23, 2009 at 15:10:13 (PST)
good site did even know it existed
nicolas bautista <nicolasbautista62@hotmail.com>hopewell, va us - Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 18:02:29 (PST)
Awesome site that I would have never discovered without guidance from mt professor. Thansk Mrs. C!
Vance M. Maxey Sr <vancemaxeysr@yahoo.com>Petersburg , Va United States - Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 17:13:23 (PST)
I came to this site as an assignment for a course on Introduction to the Internet. It is always good to gain knowledge in new things. thank you!
SFC Cecil D. Cousins, VaARNGRichmond, VA - Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 12:04:04 (PST)
Kontum District Deputy 1968-69
Interesting stuff
Steilacoom, WA USA - Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:26:06 (PST)
Great website
Thes Hubert <huberttd@yahoo.com>- Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 07:07:26 (PST)
My brother, Lt Ronald Doughtie died with John P Vann on 6/9/72 towards the end of the Easter offensive. I have received some emails from folks who knew my brother but would any emails from those that knew him. Thank you.
Welcome home guy!
Tallahassee, FL USA - Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 08:49:49 (PST)
I was a controller at the kontum Army Airfield during the battle for Kontum.
1SG(r) Robert Elliott <longknife11@yahoo.com>westminster, co usa - Monday, November 09, 2009 at 10:56:16 (PST)
I was a child in the orphanage from 1972 until our mandatory evacuation in 1975. Only a handful of us (Montagnards) were taken on the orphanage's three vehicles to head south to Saigon. I'm now recalling my life and putting it on paper; and this site is a great method of recalling history. Thank you.
SSG Andrew Smith
164 QM GRP
Tulsa, OK USA - Friday, November 06, 2009 at 09:30:38 (PST)
Very interesting site.
Bob Doe <bob.doe715@gmail.com>UK - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 at 03:52:28 (PST)
good one
Anthony <anthonyihekwoaba@currencymails.com>Nigeria - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 at 00:20:32 (PST)
Did you know?
The Department of Veterans Affairs established a service-connection for Vietnam veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and B-cell leukemias such as hairy-cell leukemia. These illnesses are now considered "presumed" illnesses. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for VA benefits. It is important to note that this new policy will not go into effect until sometime in 2010. At which point affected veterans will be urged to submit new disability claims.
Highland, CA - Friday, October 30, 2009 at 12:26:24 (PDT)
Just reporting in again Jack. I was MACV based in Kontum working with the the 22nd Infantry ARVN and 14th Armoured calvary ARVN. Welcome home fellows.
Hugh J Preacher <hughjpreacher@aol.com>Frisco, Texas USA - Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:01:46 (PDT)
this site was really awesome
Prince Daniel <pdan4.0@gmail.com>Hellespont, Greece Greece - Friday, October 09, 2009 at 22:33:57 (PDT)
Excellent book.
Looking for info on the Huey crew that picked up the A-1E VNAF pilot 27 May 1972
Pilot hopes to thank same.
Clawson, Michigan - Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 19:09:26 (PDT)
wow really interesting and informative.
dave <mr.davedunkin@yahoo.com>Vancouver, canada - Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:45:49 (PDT)
Looking for SFC Kenneth Mason and SFC Jackie Keith, Team 22 Signal Advisors, with regard to the 1SG Janca incident of October 13, 1970.
George Slook <dddiaries@aol.com>Southampton, PA USA - Monday, September 21, 2009 at 06:10:40 (PDT)
The truth, as I know it, is that Gloria Anne Redlin and 1st Sergeant Louis Emil Janca were returning by moped to Dr. Pat Smith's hospital in Kontum City late at night on October 13, 1970. On the way, they tried to run an ARVN roadblock, not knowing if it was friendly. Sergeant Janca was killed and Gloria Redlin was seriously wounded. She died of her wounds on October 21st. I am looking for anyone who may have information with regard to this incident.
George Slook <dddiaries@aol.com>Southampton, PA USA - Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 09:45:35 (PDT)
Very interesting site; rekindled some memories I deployed with th 57th AHC in 1967 very familar with Kontum and the Gladiators that fought there.
Augusta, Georgia USA - Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 23:02:09 (PDT)
NICE SITE!!!
Lazlo Fisk <lazlofisk@gmail.com>United States - Monday, September 14, 2009 at 02:44:40 (PDT)
Remember Cobra crews nesting at night on Arty Hill/ Pleiku during Easter Offensive 72. They slept on the ground next to their birds with radios on. Believe two did that for a week or so for security reasons. They needed to dispurse incase of attacks. Spread them selves out across A.O. Great site.
330th rrfs det 8, 71-72
USA - Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 17:54:31 (PDT)
I was the radio operator for B Troop 7/17 )
Air Cav in the field (Spring through mid-December 1971. My call sign was 34. My commanding officers were Major Glenn Carr and Major Robert Cassity. I am seeking information on unit combat activites. Also trying to contact members of my unit.
Burnsville, Minnesota USA - Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 14:45:11 (PDT)
Great site!
Howell <thowell53@gmail.com>Texas USA - Tuesday, September 08, 2009 at 08:34:33 (PDT)
Wow, I missed the map page evidently but...what a gold mine! Thank you so much. Nowhere else (on the web) is there any info on these ARVN Rocket Ridge FSB's other than general descriptions, e.g., Andrade. To come across an original doc like this is just gold. Forgive me for pressing my advantage but is there any chance you know anything of ARVN FSB's November and/or Lam Son north of Kontum? I have found ZERO on these locs after much searching. I'm honored to cross paths with a principal. I was a garden-variety grunt in I Corps in 1970. For 39 years I've read histories of the conflict just trying in my own mind to understand how such a noble endeavor could've gone so wrong. I've been particularly intrigued by the tale of John Vann and thus my interest in '72 II Corps and Kontum. Thanks again for taking the time to contribute your invaluable experience to the record.
Bill Kindred <bill.kindred@comcast.net >USA - Friday, September 04, 2009 at 19:58:11 (PDT)
Want to hear from ANY ONE WHO KNEW OR HAS PIC'S OF "WILLIAM FETTES" AKA: Billy
USA ARMY -
1) 101st Airborne Divison, Fort Campbell Ky
To: Private William Fettes RZ166386862
Date given: Nov. 9,1959
2) The Bronze Star medal Nov. 7,1967
3) Two Awards (Not in English)
1) VIET-NAM July 22,1967
2) VIET-NAM ??/15/1968
4) Knife Award
In appreciation SRC William Fettes
SOA (CCC) 5th SFGA
KONTUM, VIETNAM
6) The Bronze Star medal Feb. 22,1971
7) XVIIIth Airborne Cops Noncommissioned Officers Academy certificate of completion Nov. 29,1972
William Fettes SFC
8) Army Commendation Medal Sept. 18,1973
9) USAIMA DISTINGUISHED INSTRUCTOR SFC WILLIAM FETTES 1973
10) SFC WILLIAM FETTES Instructor of the Quarter, ARCOM award March 1974.
MSG E-8
years of service: 20yrs 2 months 29 days
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 6TH AWARD, VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL, RVN CAMPAIGN MEDAL W/60 DEVICE, BRONZE STAR MEDAL 1st OLC, RVN CROSS OF GALLANTRY W/P, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL, RVN HONOR JUMP WINGS, 5 O/S BARS, PARACHUTE BADGE, COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE, MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION, RVN CIVIC ACTION MEDAL, RVN FORCES HONOR MEDAL 2d CLASS, MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL.
Last Duty Assignment: HHD 558th USA ASAREUR, E3
SPECIAL FORCES, AIRBORNE - DE OPPRESSO LIBER
KY, NC, NM USA - Friday, August 28, 2009 at 11:06:18 (PDT)
Welcome home, I served with the 498th Med Co(Dustoff) at plieku and had the pleasure working the highlands (Cp Holloway) from 1965-Sept 1967, when the unit moved to Lane Fled. This is wonderful book.
William E. Brown, Ret/USA/Flt Medic <webrown44@verizon.net>Pemberton, New Jersey. 08068 USA. - Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 15:33:09 (PDT)
I was a kid in Kontum that summer. I clearly remember the rocket attacks. It was awful. My dad was chief of staff of the province. He stayed back and fought well in to 1973. My 4 siblings and I were flown out in a C130. That plane was on fire en route to Pleiku, luckily they put it out when we landed at Cu Hanh. My mother and a 3 days old brother got out in a medivac chopper. Thank you for the information on your site. For the last 2 weeks I stayed up 'til 3am reading this.
Nguyen <anfotografix@gmail.com>LA, CA USA - Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 00:24:49 (PDT)
I am a British historian writing a book on VN post 72. I have been interviewing the family of an ARVN Col. who was in Kontum in 1972. He had won the Silver Star. They recall a US Colonel Miller, who was killed in a helicopter crash with a Vietnamese Col.. I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about Col. Miller. thank you, Leanda
Leanda de Lisle <leandaonsaigon@googlemail.com>UK - Monday, August 17, 2009 at 13:55:37 (PDT)
George Slook, 4th Infantry Division, Central Highlands, 1969-70 seeks comrades, friends, and family of Gloria Anne Redlin. Gloria was shot in country on October 13, 1970 and died of her wounds on October 21st. All public accounts of her death indicate she died on June 8, 1969. There is also other misinformation about her in the public record. Any and all information would be appreciated.
Southampton, PA USA - Monday, August 17, 2009 at 09:35:47 (PDT)
i was in kontum with 6/14 artty.175, 8in gun. jan 69 till oct 70,
frank thompson- Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 12:27:55 (PDT)
thank you i was there on the tow missle in 72 and the time john paul van was kia
mitchell smith <mccoll_cowboy@yahoo.com>brethren, michigan manistee, usa - Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 08:03:45 (PDT)
This is pretty interesting.
propayne.payne@gmail.com
London, United Kingodm - Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 14:57:45 (PDT)
Great site
Oliver d, Diffenegger <oliverdnegger>san francisco, California USA - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 21:18:46 (PDT)
Felt a need to revisit Kontum today and see if I could find any names I remember, I first went to Vietnam in January 1964 returning home with a broken leg in July, returned to complete a tour in 5/65 - 5/66. We were then known as 24th Special Tactical Zone not as hot as you guys had it in 67, just want to say "Welcome Home" we all had a job to do, as do the kids today. Just wish our home coming was as joyous as theirs is today. May God Bless us all and those we will one day join in enternity.
Robert J. Cour <r.cour@yahoo.com>Fernley, Nevada USA - Friday, July 24, 2009 at 10:36:35 (PDT)
Correction from previous date, should have read 01/1971 to 07/1972. I was assigned to the G2 Section but worked in the DTOC (rear) during the Easter Offensive.
Reg Fujimoto <reggie.fujimoto@gmail.com>New Port Richey, FL - Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 18:39:08 (PDT)
Tm 33 from 01/1970 to 07/1972.
Reg Fujimoto <reggie.fujimoto@gmail.com>New Port Richey, FL USA - Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 18:34:59 (PDT)
hi mr.heslin remember me from the graduation party you gave me the card thank you for giving it to me this web site is awsome
patrick <patrickchilds95@yahoo.com>- Monday, July 06, 2009 at 08:59:51 (PDT)
Jack, currently in Afghanistan with John and he told me about this site. I'm another mil-history buff, especially Vietnam. Great site/story/work here. Thank you for creating it and offering all generations the opportunity to not forget.
LTC Rich Graham, US Army
Olathe, KS USA - Sunday, July 05, 2009 at 06:34:25 (PDT)
A very welcome and valuable website. Thanks to all who've put it together. Was in Viet Nam in '72, but never in MR II or Kontum. One of my best friends ever, Tim Conry, was KIA there in '72, with the Pink Panthers. I miss him to this day. A lot.
Very happy to see the 'set the record straight' effort. Our high school and college students are being spoon-fed myth and hallucinations about Viet Nam (and Laos, and Cambodia). Whole country still doesn't have a clue as to what went on, why, when, where, etc. News media was and is ignorant to a repugnant degree. Without contributions of Viet Nam veterans themselves, the real, honest history -warts and all- would be forever buried under layers upon layers of gossip, rumor, invented facts, etc.
God bless all.
Bill Laurie
Mesa, Arizona USA - Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 12:11:56 (PDT)
my dog walked these mountians dec 67 dec68 ijust watch him tell me where the nva was hiding he sure saved a lot of lives thanks shep x125 39th scout dog 173rd abn he did not get to come home when his tour was done he just kept pumping..
BILL HERRERA <CTODUST@aol.com>torrance, calif la - Monday, June 15, 2009 at 18:35:21 (PDT)
My name is: Armando F. Pena and I am now 60 years old now. I joinded the U.S. Army right after my oldest Brother joined the USMC and I wanted to fellow in his foot steps, but he wouldn't let me join the Marines.
So anyway I joined the U.S. Army on July 18, 1969. Did my Basic Training in Fort Lowis Washington and my AIT Training in Fort Leonardwood, Missure, my MOS: 51N20 Watermaster with the 815th Combat Engineers. After my training I was sent to Viet Nam. We landed at Cam Ranh Bay and from there I was sent to Pleiku, was there for about a month or so. From there I was stationed at Kontum, under a briege on a Water Purification Station by a river. I did that job on and off and most of the time pulling guard behind on M-60 on top of our bunker.
One April day I got a vist from my Sergeant and CO to let me know that I was going home on a emergency, but didn't let me know what it was till we were on our way. I thought it was about my Mom, but it turned out to be that my Brother had gotten killed in action.
His name was: Sergeant E-5 John L. Pena (USMC). The saddest part was that he was killed one day before his birthday and three days after my birthday. So I had the Honor of escorting my Hero's body back home.
After all that I don't remember leaving Viet Nam or where I landed in the U.S.A., but I do remember seeing my Mom at the Airport in Tucson. Then I don't remember the wake or the funaral.
When I was done with all of that, I asked for on extention of my leave so I could help my Mom out, but I was denided. My Dad had past when I was 14 yrs. old and my Mom was alone with my little brother and two sisters.
So I asked my CO at that time and I told him that I was going to take it anyway and that I gave him my word that I was going to turn myself in as on AWOL after wards and I did keep my word, all I had was one more month to do in Viet Nam. I was locked up for about two years and went to court. I was given a Chapter 10 Under Honorable Conditions (Heartship Discharge). I did Honorably Serve in Viet Nam 11 months and 29 days.
But after all that mess, you see I still feel lost. The sad thing, I don't remember the guys I trained with and the guys In was in Viet Nam with and up to this day I feel so empty in side of me and it still hurts like Hell !!! So I am trying to reach out and find myself, before I die! So if anyone out there know's anything about me please write me at my E-mail: mandocando1@yahoo.com !!!
Thanks & may God Bless You All !!! Mando!
El Mirage, Arizona USA - Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 08:36:20 (PDT)
Was with B 7/17 and H 10th from Jan 1972 to Jan 1973. Thanks for making people aware what how tough it really was during the battle of Kontum
Elbert Staggs (undertaker 25) <gstaggs6@comcast,net>port charlotte, fl - Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10:51:37 (PDT)
thanks for the reflections,vv68/69. welcome home brothers,sisters,all who was there.thanks again,again and again.prayers and thoughts to all.
gerald harmon- Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 16:31:37 (PDT)
It has been really interesting to read what is on this site. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
mittendick@gmail.com
Clearwater, Florida USA - Friday, May 15, 2009 at 23:57:04 (PDT)
Great site.
Forbes <forbes.glenn1@gmail.com>Miami, Florida USA - Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 02:03:04 (PDT)
Nice site, lots of info. Was with C troop 7/17 1970-71-&72 Don't remember much but if anyone out there remembers me, give me a shout.
Forrest G. Hamilton <red110583@cableone.net>Lewiston , Idaho US - Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 12:52:32 (PDT)
Great place - me and Linda thought it was spledid!
Jimmy <James.digby@unitedlane.com>- Friday, April 03, 2009 at 06:23:07 (PDT)
I was at Camp Holloway year 1972 during the Easter Offensive. In 52 CAB HHC, I was so uninformed at that age but amazed now the USA unilaterally disengaged as I look back.
Joseph F. Bouffard <c7271@aol.com>Los Angeles, CA USA - Friday, March 20, 2009 at 20:17:07 (PDT)
I went home before this battle took place, spent a lot of time up by Pleiku and Kontum, had several near misses in this area, served with the 129th as a door gunner, 70-71.
gary mount- Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 07:36:05 (PST)
Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this site. I am sure all Vets like it as well. C/227 AHB 70-71 , 60th AHB 71-72
Jeff Teater <sdajetme@aol.com>Burleson, Texas PO Box 2921 - Friday, February 27, 2009 at 16:11:10 (PST)
I was looking for information for my husband a Crew Chief, on a UH-1H at Pleiku from 10/1971 to 5/1972. Now, only now can I begin see what he went through during this time. The story is well written and documented. Everyone should read this.
Thank you
Newport, Oregon USA - Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 02:58:04 (PST)
If you were in 3/12 C.from 3/69 to 3/70 call me at 906 2266143
Lloyd Black (Blackie) <blackie3_12@charter.net>Marquette, Mi. 49855 - Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 21:02:21 (PST)
Love the site jim.digby@gmail.com
- Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11:02:31 (PST)
Jack, maybe your readers could help with this. VFW magazine will be publishing an article on the Feb. 10, 1965, VC attack in Qui Nhon Barracks in which 22 members of the 140th Transportation Detachment were killed. This was the largest single hostile loss for the 1st Aviation Brigade in Vietnam. Can you recommend any articles (including from newsletters) and/or book chapters that detail this attack? Also, if you would pass the word among your members I would be most grateful. We are looking for veterans to interview, too.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
Rich Kolb Editor-in-Chief VFW Magazine
- Friday, January 16, 2009 at 09:22:23 (PST)