GUESTBOOK
2010
Thank you for visiting The Battle of Kontum. And please feel free to add a comment to the Guestbook.
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Istanbul, United Arab Emirates Guatemala - Wednesday, September 08, 2010 at 11:36:01 (EDT)
Hi Uncle Jack,
Hope this is appropriate, me entering this guest book. Just finished your book.Wow. What I remembered of Vietnam is ,watching the TV to see if a friend's # came up (some did go),taking care of the Vietnam vets at the VA,with strange diseases,mentally troubled or hooked on drugs.They all seemed so hurt and angry. I often spoke of you serving 2 tours in Vietnam
rather matter-of-factly. Your website has trully opened my eyes .Also,How many vets need to kind of revisit it all ,well I guess, for closure. I just was visiting RI and spoke with Irving and How much he'd love to reconnect with his buddies from WWII subchaser 1282. Well sorry to keep going on.Know I trully appreciate what you did.Love, your niece Karen Walsh
honolulu, hawaii usa - Friday, August 27, 2010 at 18:20:39 (EDT)
Jack,
I just discovered your website and find it exceptional. I left Kontum just twelve months before the events you have chronicled, and have always wondered what it would have been like to experience Kontum April-May 1972. Thank you for what is obviously a project sustained by tireless effort, a labor of love.
I served as an SP4 in Kontum January 1970-April 1971 with “Smasher Forward” a forward detachment of HHB 6/14th Field Artillery Regiment. We provided artillery fires coordination for 6/14th A Battery at the Oasis near Pleiku, B Battery at Ben Het, and C Battery at Kontum as well fires coordination 1/92 Field Artillery Regiment batteries and ARVN batteries at those same locations. We also operated “Tollhouse Mike”, the Kontum Air Advisory aviators used for status of artillery fires. We operated out of a concrete domed bunker built by the Japanese in WWII at an ARVN HQ and firebase compound, I’m not sure but I think it was 22nd Division HQ near the Kontum air field.
In looking at your Images of Kontum pages I became very excited to see the aerial image of the Kontum Water Tower. During my time I would often take the short walk from our compound to the concrete water tower and climb to the highest platform at the top of the ladder to relax and enjoy the wonderful mountain views and the activity at the airfield. At the time it didn’t appear that the water tower was actively used by the ARVN for security. I wrote a few of my letters home from my perch up there. Sometimes helicopters would take off from the airfield and bank as they flew by and I’d wave. A couple of times I watched Chinooks bringing back damaged Hueys back from across the mountains. That always gave me a chill to think of what those missions had endured.
Again, thank you so much for sharing your stories and images.
Regards, Bob Sorensen.
Billings, MT USA - Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 10:27:27 (EDT)
really great site
Rob <streetlampghost@gmail.com>USA - Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 19:29:59 (EDT)
I was in the artillery with the 4 division at Dak To in 1968 when the Ammo dump was hit during the Tet offensive . I will always remember how beautiful Kontum was with the river ,white sand bottom and bridge at the entrance to the town. We were never defeated on the battlefield but that was irrellevant.
Ralph Spyer <rspyer@gmail.com>Chicago, Illinois U.S.A. - Friday, August 13, 2010 at 23:55:48 (EDT)
Hello. My father was the 'leader' of the Kontum Eliots (so Eliot 01) in 69 -70 and I was going through the little memory book he brought home and wondering if any of the fellas who flew/knew my father could be found. Dad was: LTC Jack G Cude, Jr.
My thanks!,
diana
TX USA - Monday, August 02, 2010 at 21:47:50 (EDT)
I wasn't involved in the Battle of Kontum but I was active in the Danang area in 1960 thru 1979 in the USMC , I find the stories captivating many of you guys paid a huge price fighting for what you believe in. I salute all of you.
David <simidave@sbcglobal.net>Simi Valley, Ca USA - Monday, August 02, 2010 at 17:47:48 (EDT)
Served w/MACV, Advisory tm 41 from Jan 1,1969 to Jan 4, 1970 in Kontum, Dak To, Pleiku, Tahn Cahn, etc...God bless all who served.
Lt. Robert A. Memory
Metairie, La USA - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 16:06:04 (EDT)
I bet I scrounged a ton of black grease pencils and 45 rounds for all your maintenance people to tract the UH-1H rotor blades. I even snagged a popcorn popper for the mess hall for the troops. My boss was major Morrison and ran the S-4 for him. He was a great boss.
I am still reading and you should be very proud of your hard work and a great web site. I am passing the web site to my friends and my grand kids. I hope they learn something. Thank you Sir for your service.
Lyle Hensley US ARMY RETIRED.
Ripon, CA United States - Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 20:59:00 (EDT)
Very interesting.
verity <hverfity@rocketmail.com>United Kingdom - Thursday, July 08, 2010 at 18:01:24 (EDT)
Well it looks like I will need to spend some time at your web site looks like a lot to read about. I was in Viet Nam 1966-1967 I started out with the 155th Avn and finished my tour with Hq 52 Avn Bn. I was refered to your web site by Dennis Watson today when he called asking if I could make some RV keys for him. We had a great conservation. So I took his advise and dropped by. I will bookmark the site and start seeing all that you have to offer looks like a lot of work has gone into making this a great site. If anyone was ever in Berlin Germany I want to recommend a great web site. Don't plan on seeing it all in one day. If you see some guy holding a fox and a fox looking out through the rifles that would be me. I was in Berlin 1961-1966. Got to see Kennedy and the building of the wall. Check it out as it's also an outstanding web site as this one is.
http://www.berlin-brigade.de/engl-net7.html
"GOD BLESS AMERICA PLEASE"
Lyle Hensley
Enjoying Every Breath
Retired US Army
1957 - 1978
http://webpages.charter.net/golddigr/
Ripon, CA United States - Wednesday, July 07, 2010 at 20:45:31 (EDT)
Hello Jack,
I hope you do not mind my contacting you. I have been very busy lately with the launch of my book. The whole thing has been deeply moving for me, and I am happy to report that the British public are responding to my tribute to the Vietnam veterans.
About time.
ALWAYS THE CHILDREN BY Anne Watts - published by Simon & Schuster ,has been out for 2 weeks and is receiving strong reviews. It can be ordered on Amazon.co.uk and takes 4 to 5 days to arrive. I want as many of you men as possible to read it - and feel proud. Dont let the cover put you off - it is meant to attract the nostalgia market over here. Between the covers is the story you will recognise.
Enjoy, spread the word, and I want a critique when you have read it.
I have been interviewed on Radio and TV. Much of the interest lies in the childhood experience (you'll understand when you read it) and then the Vietnam section. People have no idea of what actually happens to soldiers in conflict, and I have tried, through the amazing little vignettes I write about, to show the humanity that comes to the fore, despite the darkest of scenarios. I also point out that the same heartbreakingly touching heroism will be found in Iraq and Afghanistan today - and God knows where tomorrow and in the future.
I want this to be my salute to you brave young men who went through what you endured all those years ago.
The response here is touching. But I want it to be so on your side of the Atlantic also.
Anne watts
- Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 18:11:26 (EDT)
In the summer of 1972 LT Chuck Tallman was advisor to 44 Reg, 23 Div, in the vicinity of FSB November. According to the discussions I had with Chuck, in July 1972 he helped turn back a major NVA advance. Might you have any memory of him? He served with me in my Army Reserve unit in Germany; upon checking his records I found no commendation for the July action. This seems odd, and I am undertaking what research I can to find what happened, and perhaps request appropriate citations, if warranted. (Any help would be appreciated)
Thank you. Dave Theis, Ed D LTC, USA (Retired)
- Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:45:59 (EDT)
I am proud to announce that Rudy G. Hall's grandson is now serving our country at Ft. Rucker, Al. He was born on Memorial Day at Ft. Bragg, NC and I am trying to prepare a memorial album of my father's service as the Provincial Police Aviation Advisor in Kontum.
He worked with a group called CORDS. If anyone has a story, photo or any other documentation, please contact me.
Unfortunately Dad passed away before he could see his grandson graduate from flight school. I am hoping this memorial album could be a small tribute to my hero, Rudy Gerald Hall.
Thank you all for your service to our great nation.
Respectfully,
Tammy Hall Mooradian
Fairfield, Ca. USA - Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 04:22:27 (EDT)
Great Site
James Hetfield <beatricelemonade@yahoo.com>Toronto, Canada - Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 15:37:08 (EDT)
I am helping a VNAF A1-E pilot, shot down 27 May 1972, find the Huey pilot who picked him up out of the field that day. About 1500 hours while in support of ground troops in south Kon Tum his aircraft was hit. His left wing on fire, Thuy climbed to 3000 feet to return to Pleiku. About five miles south of Kon Tum he lost aileron control and bailed out. The rescue helicopter was waiting on the ground as he parachuted down. We do not know the Huey aviators unit. We do have information on the units in the AO at the time. It is hoped that someone operating in that area then may have information on the incident.
If you know anything about this incident or believe you know someone who may, please contact me at the address below.
Thank you for your service and welcome home.
Rod Moon
Previously, CWO R.A. Moon, C-229th Avn. Bn. 1st Cavalry Airmobile, Dec. 67, Dec 68
And MOI instructor, Ft. Rucker, AL 1969-70
- Tuesday, June 08, 2010 at 21:44:56 (EDT)
Great Site!!!
MACV 35th Advisory Team
Miramar, FL USA - Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 11:17:13 (EDT)
Would Kontum be the same battle that my fellow classmate lost his life in on 4/24/72? He was a helicopter pilot with the 17th Aviation Company, James Hunsicker. My Hero!
Pat Roos <proos@ptd.net>Lititz, PA USA - Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 19:41:12 (EDT)
Didn't think anybody heard about us. 344th ADD Tiger Control.Camp Holloway,Kontum AAF & Dak To
Bill Brunner <drbrunner52@gmail.com>Livermore, CA - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 02:05:15 (EDT)
I was with the 17th HHQ until April 1972. How do I get my name on the roster?
Wes <Tanner>Lugoff, SC USA - Monday, May 03, 2010 at 10:49:57 (EDT)
D 2/8 Cav. 3/1 Cav. A.M. MayJn72
Jack,
Just found your excellent site and posted to the guestbook. I hope that Rob Armitage and/or others will post to the memories book about the participation of American anti-tank infantrymen in the battle of Kontum.
try your link to TOW MISSILE SYSTEM CHRONOLOGY 1961-2000 (May 1972, 21 May 1972, 26 May 1972) and the relevant dates in the appended pdf document, you will read that men from 3rd bde. 1st Cav. div. were trained on the ground-based TOW system and deployed to (Pleiku and) Kontum. The particular unit was D co. 2nd bn. 8th Cav. regiment. This same unit lost its commanding officer and 30-man platoon on 10 may 72 in between TOW training and deployment to the central highlands. [see angryskipperassociation.org honor roll] I was one of those who fired a TOW in training--the blast of its launch nearly gives one a concussion--but was not rotated to Kontum from Pleiku, the fallback position. Before I could be rotated to Kontum the battle was won, so we and the rest of 3/1 Cav. stood down and those with 6+months in country came home to a hero's welcome--NOT! My platoon leader, Robert Armitage, now in Iraq with Halliburtan, and/or others in the unit could add a few paragraphs to the battle account. It should not be overlooked or forgotten that American anti-tank infantry also took part in this battle alongside ARVN and US air and helicopter units. And a big "thank you" to Jack Heslin for this excellent site.
- Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 22:38:04 (EDT)
THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT INFO AND SITE. WE WERE THERE IN 1966-1967 VANGUARD OF THE 4TH INFANTRY DIV. COMPANY A, 4TH ENGR BATTALION COMBAT. WE SUPPORTED 1ST 2ND BRIGADES, OF THE 8TH INF 4TH ID AND RECIEVED THE 2 PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS FOR BATTLES AT JACKSON HOLE AND PLIEKU TUY HOA PHU YENT OPENED 350K'S OF ROAD FROM THERE BACK UP 6B AND INTO MANG YAMT TO PLEIKU DRAGON MOUNTAIN THEN, NEXT AN EARLIER BATTALES AT DUCCO AND KONTUM DAKTO I WAS A DOZER OPERATOR D7E AND HD16 AC, TRACTOR TRAILER USUALLY NO GUARDS OR TANKS OR PC'S, WAS ON OPTS SOMEHWERE AROUND PLEI JDERENG AND SAW NUMEROUS CHOPER LOADS THAT DAY OF OUR DEAD BROTHERS STACKED LIKE WOOD IN THE DOOR WAYS PISSED ME OFF BOY WE CRIED, THEY WANTED US TO DIG A TRASH DUMP AND BURY THEM WOWW THE OLD MAN HIT THE ROOF AND SO DID WE AND SOON LEFT!!! I HAVE PTSD FROM THIS TYPE OF HORROR! 50%! ON THE LINE______________GREATEST ADVENTURE I HAVE EVER HAD AND THE BROTHERHOOD HOOOORAH!
DOUGLAS G MUNSON <dgmexe@sbcglobal.net>BEAVERTON, OREGON USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 20:19:48 (EDT)
I served as Advisory Team 22's Signal NCO from May 71 to April of 72. This was best I have read of the 22d ARVN Divisions actions during that period of time.
Edward Hall <sig24id@aol.com>Raynham, MA USA - Monday, April 05, 2010 at 21:31:31 (EDT)
Hey, great site!!
Brian <brian.bott@wolvespct.nhs.uk>Wolverhampton, West Midlands UK - Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 18:58:06 (EDT)
I was very surprised and pleased, to find this website as I was stationed at this base, and see that my name is on the list of enlisted personnel. This was a time in my life that will never be forgotten. Thanks for helping to make this battle a part of history.
Clifford Wong <client365@gmail.com>San Jose, Ca - Monday, March 22, 2010 at 22:46:23 (EDT)
Thanks again, Jack, for what I know must be a labor of love. Excellent material for anyone who would take the time to try to understand a critical time frame in our experience in SE Asia.
Jesse Blanco <lawyerjblanco@gmail.com>San Antonio, Texas USA - Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 20:14:29 (EDT)
Thanks for a great site, Jack. You and I shared many experiences on joint missions in 1967-1968 when you were Blue One and I was Crocodile Six of the 119th AHC flying in the Central Highlands and "elsewhere," and later when you were Gator Three with the same unit. I appreciate your contributions to the army and to its history! Thanks for your service. Will visit your site again soon. Best wishes to you and yours. Don, MAA (retired)
Don Martin <croc-6@suddenlink.net>Seminole, Oklahoma USA - Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 11:54:53 (EST)
I served at Kontum 63/64 Magg Tm 22 under the 73rd Avn Co Was AC crew and armorer.
CWO Bobby Newman was ex-SF NCO so he kept my butt out trouble He was top notch pilot and didn,t need a map as he spent a lot of time in Vietnam and surrounding countries. I feel for these folks in these new wars in Middle east. We had more leadway in Vietnam in fighting back these folks have to follow to mant damm rules which does harm to them. God bless you and God Bless American and the Men and Women Who Defend It..
State College, PA USA - Monday, March 08, 2010 at 21:43:47 (EST)
this was very good work
tierra lewis <tdl12342003@yahoo.com>fort lee, va - Monday, March 01, 2010 at 12:02:07 (EST)
Very proper work, thx!
p_wolf007@gmx.de
- Monday, February 22, 2010 at 17:28:50 (EST)
Thanks for the site, my husband served in Vietnam but doesnt talk much about it.
xt.ream99@hotmail.com
- Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 15:49:58 (EST)
Thank you very much for you account of the battle of Kontum.
Mike
Mikeroche99@gmail.com
- Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 21:46:33 (EST)
Thanks for all your hard work Jack. Enjoyed your book, emotional at times, brought back many memories. I was with the 57 AHC from Sept 69 to Sept 70 Kontum and AnKhe.
Steve Ostendorf <sobikn@gmail.com>Redding, CA USA - Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 21:14:03 (EST)
http://www.veteranprograms.com
Great website! VSO’s throughout the Nation tell us the U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs is a GREAT website as well. In fact, it is the website recommended by VSO’s around the world. Veterans who are actively pursuing a service-connected claim or seeking an increase in compensation visit U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs to learn how to file, who to see, where to go, what to do, and so much more. Visit it today!
http://www.veteranprograms.com
Highland, CA - Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 18:31:40 (EST)
Served with 1/92nd Arty 68-69. Involved in battle of Ben Het as air observer attached to 219th Avn. Served with 57th Aslt Hel Co 71-72. Lost too many friends during that time frame( Battle of Kontum ).
Tom Schalk <postman52499@yahoo.com>Houston, TX USA - Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 13:38:35 (EST)
Very good website!
Hifa, Lebanon Lebanon - Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 19:54:03 (EST)
I was in Kontum from Feb.69 to Nov.69 with the fwd. air contollers ALO/FAC.I was an air craft mechanic at the air field. Lived on the MACV compound .
Tom Chifalo <tchifalor@yahoo.com>Walnut Grove, CA USA - Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at 22:02:38 (EST)
Served with 52nd Sec Det at Camp Holloway 1970. Flew to many of the areas up and around Kontum. Great site.
Tony Rypkowski <oldrypper@comcast.net>Canton, Michigan - Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 18:12:01 (EST)
Great site. It brings back memories of Ben Het and II Corps in general. The Battle of Ben Het I participated in was in Feb-March 1969. I was the 2nd Brigade, 4th Inf Div liaison officer "selected" to coordinate fires and keep our HQ at Dak To advised of enemy strength, loses, etc. I have an account of this battle (the beginning of the NVA's Operation Dien Bien Phu) in which the goal was for the NVA to overrun the camp and claim a significant victory over RVN and US Forces. They failed. Anyone can check out my web site or Amazon for my book: Stand To...A Journey to Manhood. I have also sent copies to our 4th ID Soldiers in Afghanistan as well as assisted three high school students honor Soldiers whose names appear on "The Wall", the Vietnam Memorial in Washing, DC. Like you, I have sent copies to my old high school and adopted them to let them know of the real story of our participation and struggles of the common Soldier. I would like to link to your site and request reciprocal link should you be interested. BTW my book was just selected as the Gold Medal Founder's Award for 2009 by the Military Writer Society of America. Great organization.
Columbus, GA USA - Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 13:52:25 (EST)
Great contents. I love the site
Astrid
Tampa, FL USA - Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 18:55:31 (EST)
Nice site :)
Daniel Ford <danford100@gmail.com>US - Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 12:31:38 (EST)
I also served with HHC of the 52d CAB from 70-71. Know the area well. brings back lots of memories. Thanks
Danny Houk <dhouk@comcast.net>USA - Monday, January 18, 2010 at 11:33:22 (EST)
fogot to mention the years 73-74 mny people forget that alot of diferent countriies sent us boys back and forth.we did the best we could per ardua ad astra
bruce rogers <mr_mrs_rogers@hotmail.com>barriere, british columbia canada - Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 08:21:12 (EST)
served with u.s.a.f. sqdn out of comox b.c.made 3 trips da nang ,pleiku,ankhe
bruce rogers <mr_mrs_rogers@hotmail.com>barriere, british colmbia canada - Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 07:55:52 (EST)
Nice site
David Smith <mrbluesman86@yahoo.com>Ash, Somerset UK - Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 14:55:03 (EST)
Interesting site. I was at Pleiku (II Corps RED), leaving Jan. 72.
Mike Hoy <MHoy525@gmail.com>Grand Blanc, MI USA - Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 23:08:46 (EST)