During the Vietnam War, Long Binh Post was the U.S. Army’s largest base located in the former South Vietnam. It was situated between Bien Hoa, the location of a large American airbase, and Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. The Geography and Map Division holds a map from the war that was printed and created by the 66th Engineer Company (known as the “Topo Corps”). The likely purpose of the map was to serve as a guide for personnel and others who lived or worked on the base.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used the base as a logistics and command center. By some veterans’ accounts, it had the unofficial name “Long Binh Junction.” In 1968, the base fell under attack during the Tet Offensive, and the Viet Cong assault force was repelled by American troops.
The base was a kind of island for U.S. troops “in country,” a phrase used to describe a soldier who was on a tour of duty in South Vietnam. A virtual city of some 60,000 people at its height, Long Binh Post had dental clinics, large restaurants, snack bars, a photo lab, a wood shop, post offices, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, a golf driving range, laundromats, and even a Chase Manhattan Bank branch. It had a nightlife scene, as well. Among the offerings were a bowling alley, nightclubs, and other so-called adult entertainment establishments. Several of these places are listed on the map’s index titled “Guide to Important Buildings and Features,” which provides a building number and grid location.
Author’s note: Originally this post stated that “Long Binh Junction” was also known as LBJ. Those initials, however, were used to mean Long Binh Jail.
To download a copy of the map, please visit: Long Bình Post : [Vietnam]. – Recto | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
To download a copy of the reverse side of the map, please visit: Long Bình Post : [Vietnam]. – Verso | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
Comments (651)
My father was a Lt. Col. when he was stationed at Long Binh, 1966-1967. He retired from the U.S. Army back in 1970, went back to college, and started a new and successful career. He died this past January. I have old reel-to-reel audiotapes that my parents recorded and mailed back and forth to each other while he was stationed at Long Binh. I haven’t attempted to listen to them yet.
For that time period, I would have to say that Long Binh was modeled after most large military bases, containing recreational opportunities to distract you from the fact that you were counting the days until you could return home. Unlike the military bases in Germany, for example, there was no family housing at Long Binh because Vietnam was a war zone. My husband was stationed at Binh Thuy, a much smaller base that lacked most of the niceties of Long Binh. At Binh Thuy, my husband witnessed the prevalence of heavy drug abuse among the enlisted ranks and was relieved to return stateside in 1972 after 7 months in country. The Vietcong hit the base ammo dump with mortar rounds, resulting in the destruction and abandonment of the base.
Per the request of many, a Long Binh Facebook group is available for all to join: Long Binh Junction Group on Facebook
Dear Leslie Wagner,
Your comments are appreciated. I would like to share with you information about the Library’s Veterans History Project that collects stories about veterans.
The website is https://www.loc.gov/vets/
Their email is [email protected]
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
Cartographic Specialist
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
My brother was stationed here but would never talk about it. Drafted at 27 finishing up his degree at our university, full time job.
My father was LT. Gordon L. Locke on base. He was an MP officer If any of his buddies remember him I would love to hear from you.
I was at Long Bing for most of ’67. Never heard the base called LBJ, but the stockade was called LBJ as in “Long Bing Jail”.
Dear Jim Haskins,
The jail was indeed referred to as LBJ. However, different sources, include memoirs by veterans, refer to the base as LBJ or Long Binh Junction. If you are curious about those writings by veterans, please contact me and I can share some of titles with you.
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
Cartographic Specialist
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
Did anyone in here whose were in LongBinh, BienHoa around 1970 to 1071 or know someone who was there . PLease post . Thanks
I served at Long Binh in 67 and 68. I was in the U.S.Army, 212th MP Co. I was a Sentry dog handler and psyroled the ammunition dump at night. I have photos of the base and dump.
I was in long bin in 70 and 71 with 66 engineers. I worked in the map depot. Never saw a bowling alley, wood shop or any of the other things mentioned. There were some clubs to.drink though.
Never heard post called LBJ. only heard long binh jail. Went lots of other places in country too. Now disabled due to agent orange. Want to say to all that served there, THANKS MEN and WELCOME HOME!!
I was a 1Lt stationed at Long Binh 1970-71 at a facility called Inventory Control Center-Vietnam. On the map it was in the lower area about 500 yards east of the Generals Compound. The building next door was the headquarters for the 1st Signal brigade
I don’t ever recall anyone stationed a Long Binh calling it “LBJ” — that was reserved for the infamous jail. It’s possible that one stationed elsewhere did nickname the base LBJ. There was, however, a civilian contractors billeting area located in the area about the center of the map that was referred to as RMK-LBJ (RMK being the initials of that major contractor)
I wish the map were larger so that I could locate several of the base facilities on it
April 1967 to November 1968 Mail address 19 months
1st Signal Brigade
44th Signal Battalion
580th Company (Telephone Company)
Long Binh Vietnam 96307
Work as telephone lineman
How could I get a digital copy of the map? I cannot enlarge the map as it is displayed here so that I can read it.
I was in the Army signal corp at Long Binh Post Jan. 67 thru Jan 68 soon after tet. Anyone out there who remembers the detained VC lineup outside the main gate by the barber shop the morning after tet? Remember when the VC blew up the ammo bunker? Not sure which company and battalion I belonged to while there, can anyone help?
Rod
From Quakertown, PA (30 mi north of Philly)
I was a JAG officer stationed part of the time in 1970 at Long Binh – I had many a “client” housed at the LBJ – a place you did not want to spend any time at – or in it!! LBJ was the major jail facility in Vietnam for military prisoners convicted or waiting for trial.
I was on the North perimeter of 208 facing the cemetery to the left and a village to the right. We were in a fire fight all night. I was on top of a 20ft conax with sand bags for cover as I was being used as a sniper at that time 1968 Jan, I was picking off cong comming out of the tunnels being used in the cemetery. The head stones were 4 to 5 ft high. I thought I was going to be over run . I was left with no radio but I stocked up on ammo . 7.62 parachute flare s the day before we were told that the enemy was comming in from the east so they took most of artillery and heavy wepons to the east of fire base long benh. I was the only one there atop of conax. It was getting so bad I had to start shooting flares directly into cemetery. I thank God I did, as I caught the attention of an apache and when they saw what was going on they called another apache and 2 smokies, they are 1 man choppers with 2 30 Caleb gatlin guns and 6 rocketes on each side they were 25 yrs in front of me. 2 smokies, would fly low with there lights on and draw the enemy fire, at that sec they would use their jet to shot up with out lights and 2 apaches, would come in and rocket and use their 4 gatlins at the same time. I was only 19yrs old scared and excited and full of adrinilyn at the same time as this went on till the sun came up , the enemy had gone Back into tunnel and then I was blown of of my post. It must have shot me another 12 to 15ft in the air, my ears were ringing I was disoriented and hit the ground all in slow motion, I kept saying to myself when am I gona hit the ground. I hit the ground and still had my m14 auto in my hands. I looked up and saw nothing but 16″ shells sticking have way out of the grond in from of me. Then I looked at the gate to the road it was still chained and saw people running at me. I raised my wepon and was going to start shooting, but something was out of place as they got really close I saw no weapons and then there were woman men and children , I that split sec I said there running away from the cong and looking to take refuge by my gate. I was able to talk with a few with my broken veitmanse and discovered that they were hiding in the village and was all sitting in circles when the 16 inch shells landed all around them. This was one night of many during and after TET Offensive.
L. HAFFERTY, if you should see this, would you please send me an email? I have a question for you about the months you spent at Long Binh (April 1967 to November 1968) for a book I’m working on. Many thanks. *personal information removed per policy*
Bob Dunn
November 11, 2017 at 8:48 am
I served at Long Binh in 67 and 68. I was in the U.S.Army, 212th MP Co. I was a Sentry dog handler and psyroled the ammunition dump at night. I have photos of the base and dump.xxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Mr. Dunn, I would love to see your photos. I got to Long Binh October 67 with the 1st Platoon, C-Company, 720th M.P. Battalion. Our company area was directly across the road from the main gate of The LBJ. One of our many jobs was to set up ambush points outside the wire of the Ammo Dump. Have you checked out the web site: 720th Military Police Reunion Association ? There is a page dedicated to and about The 212th. It has photos of the scout dogs and Handlers.
I was with the 261st Transportation Co. in 1968,arrived just before Tet and my 2 years “ETS” was up in late Sept.68. I drove a 5 ton and hauled mostly ammo all over Vietnam. I had my 21st B.D. there.
My brother was Spc/4 Russell Holland, MP 212th Sentry dog and Scout dog handler.
His dog was named Arko. Looking for any info, photos etc. sadly he passed away in 2013. He served ’67-70.
My MOS WAS 72B20 Comm Center.
TET 1968 January 31st.
We couldn’t keep up with msgs
EVERYTHING was Flash so that
Became Immediate then routine.
Lost most Long Lines 1st Sig Bn.
Most of us went to bunkers at
“The wire” near Main Gate.
About 3AM got pretty wild.
RPGs Mortors ALso grenades.
I served in Long Binh from Mar ’67 to Mar ’68 with 3rd Ord Bn, 60th Ord Co in the ammo dump. I never heard it referred to as Long Binh Post or LBJ. LBJ was the jail. In my time we had no swimming pool, bowling alley, or any of the other creature comfort things listed above. It was pretty wild around there. I lived in a tent my first three months. Never had a hot shower or running water, we pissed in a tube sticking out of the ground and had two hole outhouses. Even potable water was from a lister bag hanging from a tree limb.
I was stationed from June 68 to June 69 at 12th Combat Aviation Group, which was located about 1 mile north of
Long Binh main base. The compound was called Long Binh North or “Plantation Airfield”. I worked in aircraft maintenance section, although my last 3 months in country drove truck back and forth to Ton Son Nhut Airbase to deliver potable water to our unit. Remember “LBJ” as referring to the jail there.
I worked inside the LBJ (Long Binh Jail) every day from mid-September, 1969 through mid-September, 1970. I was nominally the SJA for the 18th MP Brigade, but actually worked most of the time for the LBJ “Correctional Officer,” in other words, the warden.
I was at long bein ,last bob hope show, incredible singing ol holy night with trained killers . 1971. No “nightclubs” dum ass , I did run a pool and used the photo lab .
It was insane
I was at long bein ,last bob hope show, incredible singing ol holy night with trained killers . 1971. No “nightclubs” dum ass , I did run a pool and used the photo lab .
It was insane. I was a drug counselor , the jail became our center ,typical for nam ,
I restored and ran a pool , total insanity
Served with #16 Carl Easley at same time and 261st TC May 67 to may 68
I was stationed at Long Binh from January 1967 through March 1968. I was company clerk and mail clerk for the 624th Supply and Service Company located just inside the main gate off Highway one. Like several others above, I never heard it called Long Binh Junction. LBJ was the Long Binh Jail. Had to transport several prisoners, mostly captured AWOL, to LBJ. Our billets were wooden barracks at first, but later we had metal buildings. At night sometimes we got to watch the choppers making firing runs at the VC on the ground. We would see the rockets fire, then the mini-guns with their tracers, then about two seconds later we would hear the sounds. During Tet we spent many nights in the trenches or in the bunkers. Occasionally whenever a sapper managed to infiltrate the ammo dump, we were given a fireworks show to end all fireworks shows!
Bob Dunn , I probably met you several times while i was pulling tower guard in the ammo dump , it seemed like i was there every week or pulling bunker guard out between the wires .I was with the 576 ord from Oct 67 til Oct 68 ..I also went to the LBJ riot to operate a R T fork lift to get some of the large shipping containers out while the prisoners were trying to open them and destroy the contents .
Thanks for posting this map. I was stationed at Long Bihn from June 69 to June ’70. Our office for the 1st Aviation Brigade was right next to the amphitheater at 12D on the map. USARV HQ was down the road. Fortunately for us, the barracks did have hot and cold showers by then. it wasn’t uncommon for an ice cream truck to take the road around the base and stop in front of each building. The ice cream was more milky than creamy. The swimming pool was great, run by two soldiers who were formerly life guards. Their entire tour of duty was to take care of the swimming pool. At one point, a piece of equipment for the pool broke and the pool was shut for 6 months. The two fellows sat at the pool reading books for 6 months waiting for the part from the states. I was fortunate to serve under Sargent Major Cyril G. Manning, as a typist. Manning served eight years straight in Vietnam. I remember one of the majors asking Manning once, “Sgt. Major, did we ever have such and such helicopter in Vietnam.” Manning replied, “Sir, you mean the one with ( and here Manning raised his hand to imitate a propeller) the such and such? No sir, we never had that helicopter here in Vietnam.” Despite never having to fire a rifle once at any enemy, it took thirty four years of prayer for me to overcome the realization that I had committed to kill whomever they would have asked me to kill. I just prayed that they would never ask me to kill anyone who was innocent. God bless my friends and their families with peace who served in combat then and even in today’s struggles world wide.
How may I obtain 2 of the maps of Long Binh Post
I was stationed with the 120 Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) at Long Binh in 1970. Long Binh was never referred to as Long Binh Post or LBJ. LBJ was the term for Long Binh Jail. As the company clerk I can remember processing at least one individual to LBJ to await his court-martial.
How can I obtain 2 maps of G8024.L6 1972 Long Binh Post?
To Tim Dickison. I was at 12th Combat Aviation Group July ‘68 to July ‘69. I was In Hhq PIO working for 1LT Amoruso. We must know each other. I appreciated the water you hauled. Welcome home. SP5 Tom King
I was with the 62nd Trans Co 67-68
I was the wrecker operator on convoy everyday. Anyone who was stationed on TC Hill during this time frame give me a email *personal information removed per policy* Welcome Home to all.
My father, CWO Albert Waters spent 13 months across ‘67-‘68 in Long Bình. For what it’s worth, he never spoke much about it. I recall he talked about what sounded like a chronic drug problem among the younger men and he spoke with hesitation about the Tet Offensive. I learned his cigarette habit grew to 5 packs per day and that he didn’t get to see Bob Hope’s show. Quite honestly, those few tidbits are probably all I know about his tour, yet I suppose my brother and I were always too respectful to press with questions. He passed away in 2003. The one unanswered question I wish I’d asked was why he was there … which is not a question about political ideals!! Seriously, he was Air Defense Artillery (specifically Hawk missile)… so my question was always about the need for air defense in Vietnam? I don’t ever recall there being an opposing Air Force…. or was it the mere potential of one?
I served in Long Binh in 1968 and 1967 I worked at the Com Center on top of the Hill. Was with 1 ST Signal Co. C. Lived in Tents when I first Arrived in Country.
I was Station at Long Binh 11/67-11/68. Worked with the Readiness Assistance Teams. Flew a lot around South Vietnam delivering mail and picking up reports. Never saw most of the “amenities” listed in the opening article, must have been available to officers!
The comments from everyone, and especially veterans, are both fascinating and appreciated.
I have noticed a string of comments about the meaning of LBJ, as it was noted in this author’s blog. I wish to speak to that point. When researching this map, I referred to written accounts by veterans that stated LBJ had the meaning of Long Binh Junction but also meant Long Binh Jail.
Robert F. Fischer in his book Combat Bandsman: Memoir of a Tour in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division …On wrote on page 40 that: “Our destination encampment shared the same initials with our soon-to-be-relieved commander in chief of the military, President Lyndon B. Johnson, LBJ–Camp Long Binh Junction. It also shared initials with another nearby facility, Long Binh Jail…”
Similarly, Robert F. Hartley in his book, Gunship Pilot: An Attack Helicopter Warrior Remembers Vietnam, wrote on page 6 that: “Six Army buses arrived to take us all over to Long Binh Junction (LBJ)… It was home to the Headquarters of the United States Army, Vietnam along with many other units including the Army’s jail. The jail, appropriately enough, was called the Long Binh Jail or LBJ.”
Walter D. Rodgers wrote in Army Green on page 138 that:”…the huge Army post at Long Binh Junction, inevitably shortened to ‘Camp LBJ,’ in honor of our Commander-in-Chief.”
Anyone who is interested in a scan of the map may contact me directly at [email protected]
Best,
RM
I was stationed at Long Binh from MAR70 thru Mar71. 1st Signal, 44th Group, AUTOSEVOCOM (crypto). If you look at the map in the lower left quadrant there are large rectangular buildings in black forming an “H”. That was USARV (US Army Vietnam) Headquarters. Above and right of that in what looks like a suburban neighborhood was our hootch. I have to echo other comments in that the base was never referred to as LBJ. That was reserved for the jail.
Also, Leslie Wagner’s comments were spot on. The racial tension involved a small group, but among them it was intense. In our row of hootches, we were the 8th and last in the line before the outhouses. The 4th hootch was occupied by a gang of all black GIs who refused to report for duty and would take in deserters and AWOLs from all over the country. They would play Hendricks music 24/7 and smoke dope and shoot heroin. The NCOs and officers ignored them for fear of having a suggestion of being racist on their permanent record. That lowered the moral of the rest of the troops, black or white, who were not druggies.
Yes, there was a Special Services swimming pool, hours based on rank. Officers had the majority of time, enlisted were not given the best times. Never saw a golf driving range or woodworking shop, but they did have a very nice skeet range out by the airport (off the map to the right, long enough runway to facilitate C126s and C130s).
Mess Hall food was pretty awful. They served what we called “roast beast” about 4X a week: grey, thinly-sliced slabs of tasteless protein swimming in a thick brown gravy. Toilet facilities were outhouses for the solids that fell into a cut-down steel drum that Papa-San (barefoot) would drag out and burn with diesel fuel. Yes, the black smoke was disgusting. Any “lawn” what would grow up would be “mowed” a couple of times a year with flaming diesel also. Liquid waste (OK, urine) happened in a mostly buried steel drum filled with river rock, surrounded by a 3-sided modesty plywood structure with a roof, the sides raised about 2-feet off the ground so you could see “ankles” if it was occupied.
War did not come to LB for the year while I was there except for the occasional rocket; but at night we’d set up lawn chairs on the sandbag bunkers and watch the Cobra gunships and fast-movers (jets) “work” the VC at Black Widow Mountain, which stood up on the southeastern horizon like a huge pile of sugar. A cheer would go up if there was a secondary explosion.
You did your job, you counted your days, you went home.
I was in Long Binh from july 1968 to july 1969, assigned to 23rd Artillery Group personnel section, attached to Service Battery 6/27 Artillery.
I remember the Feb 1969 attack on the base and driving to the perimeter the morning after the assault where the 11th Cav was dug in. I can testify that not all nva had been eliminated by that morning, since had ak47 fire go right over my head when an nva soldier popped out of a spider hole. The cav guys scrambled to their apc’s and the cobra went to work on him.
Would like to find more detailed that would help me find our barracks and other buildings I remember.
My recollection was LBJ referred to the prison, not the base. Read numerous memoirs of vietnam vets, and found no reference to Long Binh as LBJ, just used to refer to the jail.
Can you believe we were there more than 50 years ago!!
I was there in 71-72 with the 120th assault helicopter company. We had a pool not far from us that was the most out of place thing I have ever seen. That and Bob Hope were the only good things about the place.
I was stationed on Long Binh Post from April 1970 to August 1971. I was in the 20th Preventive Medicine Unit. I was able to visit Saigon and Bien Hao many times. My unit was responsible for inspecting LBJ’s sanitary practices. We also sprayed the areas for mosquitoes.
What was the disposition of prisoners being held LBJ when we evacuared VietNam
I was an MP @ Long Binh Depot December 1969 to February 1971
Served at 140th HEM Co. March 67-March 68.
Don’t recall any luxuries then except seeing Bob Hope at Christmas ‘67.
I am researching a screenplay about the August 29, 1968 insurrection at the “LBJ” stockade. I’ll appreciate hearing from anyone at the stockade or the Long Binh Post at that time. Thank you.
Gregory G. Sarno *personal information removed per policy*
F CO. Troop Command Army Depot trk driver delivered water and fuel to sister companies and the army depot 1971- 72
Was at Long Binh in 67. Served as a dog handler patrolling the ammunitions dump, the largest in the world at the time. The post, back then, was very rugged, with wood and tent structures.
The kennels were on a tree lined rubber plantation.
I was with 45th Dustoff at Long Bien from Dec 68 to Jan 70. Was a Huey mechanic for a while, then was in an office with air conditioning most of the time. Couldn’t have asked for a better deal after being drafted.
I wonder if we were sprayed with agent orange. I remember nothing seemed to grow on the bare dirt there. I remember the C123s would fly over spraying something. I thought it was for mosquitos. Hope all are doing well after all these years.
I served with the 615 Th MP company from Nov10, 1967 to Nov 1968 based at Long Bình. Our Company did Highway patrol and village patrols. We also from time to time escorted Convoys and did parimiter security and Long Bình base camp patrols. Our unit worked side by side with the South Vietnam Quan Sats ( their military police ). During the TET offensive we helped defend the ammunition dump as well as highways and villages in the Bien Hoa area.
LBJ was the Long Bình Jail which we helped guard after the 750 inmates revolted and burnt down their billets in early 1968. LBJ was built as a temporary facility to accommodate about 350-450 prisoners, then became a more permanent jail.
I’m trying to find buddies of my friend. His name is Jasper Estes. He served in Long Binh 65-66, he was in 1st S&T detachment, 1st. Infantry. June65-June66. A few of his buddies he could only remember some partial names: Perkins, Patton, Lt. Kertchum (spelling?) Lt. Green and Sgt. Spangle. If anyone knows of any of these men, Jasper would love hearing from them.
I was at Long Binh from Feb 67 to mar.68. I was with the 483rd field service co. We had a shower and laundry platoon, an engineering platoon, a graves registration platoon plus headquarters platoon. The engineer platoon were combat engineers.
When i first arrived i had the pleasure of guarding that ammo dump thst has been mentioned above. I think i was there every night for several nights. I started out in the engineer platoon. We were sent out to the ammo dump at least once a week for severa months??? I was reassigned to the graves registration platoon for the last 5 mos or so.
On the night of the start of Tet,i was on guard duty at the fuel dump and witnessed the battle of cemetary mentioned above.
Graves Registration was obviously very busy during Tet. During that period ee eere sent to the ammo dump as a guard. Remember seeing many mp’s with their dogs.The ammo dump was infiltrated that first night and some of the ‘ammo pads’ were blown up.
I do not ever remember long bihn being refered to as lbj. Only the jail.
I also never saw a swimming pool or bowling ally there. Met a lot of good men there.
I have a map of Long Binh And Bien Hoa (aerial)
taken in November 1967. I was assigned to the 6/56 Artillery. We took the fallout of the ammo dump
explosion. You can get a professional Photo from
Allied Photo Copy in Huntsville AL, Be sure to have it
laminated on both sides? (They have it labeled as Vietnan Map)The map is on the wall in my business in Huntsville, AL *personal information removed per policy*
I was assigned to HHC, Long Binh Post, S-2,3. I first we worked out of an old farm house which had the Tactical Operations Center in a bunker in the basement. It was rather primitive but suitable. During the last part of 1971, post headquarters was moved to a new building high on the hill next to US Army, Vietnam and the TOC was located in a bunker about 15 feet below the new building. The complex was called “Pentagon East” and was probably the safest place in the entire country.
I was at Long Binh from June 1969 to March 1970.I was with the 54th Ordnance 3rd Battalion. I worked in the ammo dump and pulled guard duty at nights.
I was stationed in Long Binh, until Nov 17th, 1967, with the 14th.ICC, and we referred to it as LBJ.
Does anyone rememder part of Long Binh called Long Binh Plantation. It over looked the ammo dump one side and rt.1 on the other side
They built a swimming pool at 93rd Evac Hospital in 1969. It was right next to where I was at 45th Dustoff. I went swimming in it several times. What a luxury to have that in a war zone. I wonder if it’s still there. I guess I could check on Google satellite images. I never dreamed of anything like the internet back then.
I was stationed at Long Bihn (Plantation – Field Force II HQ) from Feb 71 till September 71. Served at Di An with 11th ACR from 9/70 till 2/17.
Am making trip back to Saigon in December. Will try to find the locations. I realize much has changed, but that time was among the most memorable of my life–both good and bad. Have made life-long friends and we still communicate.
I was at Long Binh from June of 1970 to May of 1971 with first signal brigade. Pulled perimeter and interior guard most of that time. Saw a lot of oriental go go bands and a few Australian bands, drank a ton of beer and came home to my first divorce. *Personal information removed per policy.*
My father-in-law was stationed at Long Binh Post from approx. June, ’68-June ’69. He said he ran a lumber yard there. He seems to enjoy talking to me about it, but my mother-in-law usually squashes the conversation. I bet the post was more often called LBJ in general while LBJ was still president, and then later it may have been less popular, except, of course, for the actual jail itself. I have been a student of the Vietnam War ever since I was a teenager (I’m now 58), fascinated by all of it to the point of near obsession. I was actually looking for a map of the post when I came across this site and enjoyed reading all of the comments. I am going to request the map. I heard just the other day that in its peak, Long Binh was about three times the size of Manhattan! Thank you to all who served there; it must have been intense!
I was at USARV hqtrs g4 oc1967 to nov 1968 mostly the war room
was at USARV G 4 oct 1967 thru nov1968 wae room mostly SP 5 harry g steck
to chuck pollock i know of only one underground bunker at long binh it had a basketball court and a latrine painted white which we called the white house is that the one you were talking about.i was statined with the 535th sig co in 1972 to 1973
I passed through Long Binh in July of 1966. I flew from Travis AFB to Saigon and was held at Camp Alpha awaiting my orders to the 131st Aviation Company in Phu Bai. After a week at Camp Alpha I was transferred to Long Binh. From what I was told it was an ammo dump with an artillery unit right next door and remember they would fire off rounds every night around 3am. I remember well there was nothing there–maybe 20+ squad tents, latrines, and the beginnings of permanent wooden hootches. I say I remember well because they purposely held my orders for approximately two weeks to detail me to help pour concrete for the new structures. Apparently the 131st Aviation Co. inquired just where the hell I was and to cut me loose to travel up country to Phu Bai since I was overdue to replace an OV-1 Mohawk mechanic who had already rotated back to the states. I only recently have looked back at anything Vietnam and was astonished to see pictures of the size of Long Binh. I’ll never forget riding an armored bus from Saigon to Long Binh and stepping off it and thinking why am I out in the middle of nowhere with these 20 some odd tents. Also memorable was the fact that they handed me orders at Long Binh and said find your own way to Phu Bai. I made it to Bien Hoa and bummed rides on Air Force transports to Quy Nhon, Da Nang and Phu Bai. Just thought I would comment because the earliest date I saw posted here was I think Jan. 1967. I just can’t believe how much it changed after I passed through.
Ross Srmy, I remember the Long Binh Plantation well.
Was anyone with the 233rd or 446th transportation companies in 71-72?
In the 1969 ,Tet attack I was in A co.of 92nd engineers and was at the scene of the main attack which was in the area of the fuel storage tanks. I believe that 4 of the 5 casualties were from a dump truck company and the fifth was up in a tower with an m 60.
I was with the 576th Ord. company out of Ft. Lewis WA. We broke ground so to speak in Long Bien in June 1965. I was there til June 1966. Out door movies, lived in tents, shower at first was a hose and forklift. Shaved and washed up in steel pots. later it was a little better. Place was full of snakes and other little critters. We erected the first tents there. We guarded the Ammo dump at night in the top of man made “ant hills”
Was at Long Binh from May 67-Feb 69 was assigned to Co “C” 69th Sig Bat, 1st Signal Brigade. When I arrived we lived in tents then after a few weeks a Sgt Kris Kringle (Yes like Santa Claus arrived and for next 6-7 months we built 4 rows of the Hootch’s believe there were 7 or 8 in a row.We poured concrete, put up frames and roofs and filled thousands of sand bags. LOL…after that was assigned to drive a truck from Long Binh through town to the 11th Aviation running supplies and men back and forth. During TET it got kinda crazy around there. My Bext Friends at the time was Tony Swede from Quakertown, Pa and Willie Lee Jr from Detroit. We were basically jacks of all trades we did all kinds of stuff when they needed bodies they called us. I was a 72B20 but never got to use it over there. Thats all this old brain can remember…LOL
In 1971 I was at long bhin it was a good base. We were right across the street form LBJ we seen the guys walking around the yard m
In 1971 I was at long bhin it was a good base. We were right across the street form LBJ we seen the guys walking around the yard.
I was at Long Binh from September 1967 util November 1968. Worked at HQ USARV. Went back a couple of years ago. Hired a driver and after a few wrong turns we were able to get close to the old HQ building. It is now a Vietnamese military base. We were stopped at a guardhouse within sight of the old HQ building, but were not allowed in. The lone guard was about to let us in, but an officer came along and turned us away.
Everything else on the old base is now an industrial park.
I was in the 6th Battalion, 48th Transportation Group 6th 1st Logistic Command from May 1967 to May 1968. We went past Camp LBJ everyday. Lots of guests in there at all times. Working on my Agent Orange claim to the VA. Lots of paperwork.
I was originally assigned to the 23rd field artillery group, but had that assignment changed to HQ USARV in January 1968 when I arrived. I spent my entire year, till January 1969, AT long Binh. I was in the AG company, assigned to awards and decorations, specifically Foreign Awards – that is, award given to American army personnel by foreign powers also fighting in Vietnam, (like RVN itself, or Korea, etc.) awards that had to be approved before they could be issued. I think across the street from our company was 1st Transportation, , and then further back, 1st Aviation. Not sure who was behind us, but a Major there had fast access to the NFL Games of the Week films, & we had a projector & screen, so we shared. Good times, believe it or not…..
I was there 1967 to 1968. I remember highway 1 very well. took a jeep down that road many times. Got back one night after running through road blocks with barbed wire hanging off and bullet holes peppering my jeep. Also remember the ammo dump blowing up on February 4, 1967 a little after midnight. It blew up off and on for at least 12 hours. shrapnel went everywhere. One of the explosions blew me about 15 ft in the air. It was pretty wild.
I was 1st Lt at Long Bien Depot from Nov 1969-nov 1970 in charge of perishable food distribution to 225,00o US troops plus the Aussies, Kiwis, Koreans and Thais. Heading back next year.
Ross Smry – I was at the Plantation compound from about May 1971 to Dec 1971. MOS legal clerk. Drafted out of law school. Volunteered for VN. Could not face another Alaskan winter. Very small compound. Night guard duty often. Not sure what we really did. Did involve processing $ US payments to Vietnamese for a program I later heard called Phuc Wong(spelling phonetic). Told it meant Phoenix in Vietnamese.
I was Army in Vietnam (near Long Binh) 65-67, then as a civilian contractor from 68-75. During my Army and civilian time I made numerous trips to Long Binh and knew and dealt with numerous troops stationed there. I’m very familiar with the term LBJ applied to Long Binh Jail. A good friend was an MP guard there.
I never heard anyone us the term Long Binh Junction.
Aug 69 to Aug 70
1st Signal Brigade
44th Signal Battalion
580 Telephone Operations Group
Worked at TMA frame and DTE in Telephone communication. After Vietnam I went back to work for maw bell again.
I arrived in long binh march 68. Hq company 40th signal. I was asked if I could type I said yes and was assigned as supply sgt in the cable yard.. The 40th was a telephone line installation unit. I was very good at my job but not at souldering. I got into trouble command sgtmajor zeeks and I had a few run ins. Right after tet I shipped out for D company in phu tigh. We had a club in the camp. On weekends the lt would send 2 1\2s to town to pick up girls . Not every week but we had a few phillipino groups come to our little home made movie bar whore house. We got hit a few times but we had rok marines one hill over so charles stayed away most days. Those rok dudes did not like viets north or south. I shipped out stateside 3/69.ft benning then nato central command europe. By yhe time I left nam I was doing alot of drinking and much dope. The vc tried to kill me with bullets but the dutch girls tried a much more pleasent way. I thi k leaving the armt after over 6 years was a mistake. I really enjoyed the service. There is not anything line it. Sorry so many brothers died. I think of them. I yhink we could help our men now by contacting our old units and sending care packages. God bless yall. Yes I am a southerner.
44th Sig Bn HQ Co . Worked in Bn HQ (Feb-Dec 68) Worked at Gen Tel and Verizon for 43 years. Now living in North Hills Calif. look me up in the phone book if you served doing that time.
Assigned to HHC Long Binh Post, Colonel Castle was our Commanding Officer, Captain Van Aiken was our Company Commander. Our Company was part of reaction force that responded to what is known as the “Post Tet Offensive” which began February 23, 1969. Although we were clerks we gave a good account of ourselves as 10 VC infiltrated the wire and were behind us as we took up positions at the berm on the perimeter. Capt Van Aiken and several of our guys took them out. Our company suffered 3 KIA and 6 WIA (including Col. Castle who lost a finger and myself to a gunshot wound). It’s been 50 years but remember that morning as if were yesterday.
69 sig co b 1967 ft smith ar
this is where we first set up our 2nd Brigade 1st Inf Div base camp in june 65 there was nothing here
I served at the long binh base as MP, from Feb of 72 to Dec of 72. Agent Orange was still being used every day. It had a very oily smell and killed all the bugs and grass.Long Binh was winding down and all the personal was moved to the stockade. Hey guys you have to talk about this with anybody who will listen to you
I was stationed at long binh in 1971, I was the mess Sargent for my unit I was with the 1st signal if anyone remembers me please email my wife, I have had an ischemic heart attack that lead to a stroke and cannot talk very well anymore and I cant remember any of the guys named, Thank you.
I checked into the 624th S&S Co (DS) in October 1966. We were located directly next to the Evac Hospital there. I had only been there about three weeks or so and the VC blew up an entire pad of ammunition at 3rd Ord Ammo Dump.We happened to be working late at Bn HQ that night. My CO, Lt. George Millard looked out the window and said “what’s that”. It was an orange fireball and stem rising up from the ground. No sound yet. My thought was, “How the hell did they get a nuke in here” I hollered hit the deck, because I knew the shock wave was next. We all hit the floor and a couple of seconds later the shock wave came through blowing liquor bottles all over the place, blowing the screen out of the windows and scaring the hell out of everyone. We were about 3/4 of a mile away. It broke windows in Saigon, 12 miles away. I am sure that everyone had their own story. That’s mine. Welcome to Vietnam.
I was stationed there from 1970-71 in the 512th QM company as a heavy truck driver. I drove a 5 ton 6×6 hauling around fuel.
I’ve lived in Booneville, KY since 1976. Would love to hear from anyone still around from my unit,
I did a tour of Long Bing with the First Signal Brigade in 1971 and 1972 as a Company Clerk. Great base had everything. Restaurants, PX, basketball courts, live bands at the EM club and outdoor pools and movies. Saigon was off limits but I managed to get their several times by bus and returned by helicopter. Had to visit LBJ jail several times for work. Lots of heroin abuse. Lots of pot smoking and it was free for the most part.
I was at 50th clearing company in Long Binh next to 24th Evac Hospital. 50th clearing was a POW Hospital.
If you were at Long Binh and developed Prostate cancer or like Jeff Bisel an ischemic heart condition, or any number of medical conditions considered as presumptive – File a VA claim as soon as possible, you can be awarded 100% disability at almost $3500.00 per month tax free with many other state benefits like reduced property taxes, free car registration, etc
Look up presumptive illnesses related to Agent Orange and if you have any, you don’t have to prove how you got them if you were in ‘Nam -That is where they will presume that you got it!
I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2001 and recently was awarded a VA disability condition.
Agent Orange was in the food and water supply so if you were there you didn’t have to be near any spraying to have the chemical in your body.
******* (personal information removed per guidelines)
I was in 45th dustoff from 67 – 69 work crash and rescue firetruck and pol shack
To all Nam vets – I served at Long Binh from 11/67 – 11/68 at 50th Medical Clearing Company, next to 24th Evac Hospital. It was a POW hospital for wounded Viet Cong and NVA’s and I was an orthopedic tech putting casts on limbs shattered by M-16 rounds.
In 2001 I developed Prostate Cancer while in my early 50’s. I had no family history of it so it baffled the doctors that I got it so young.
I found out from another Nam vet that it is considered a ‘presumptive’, agent orange condition related to service in Viet Nam. Everyone who served there was exposed, no matter what the MOS. If you have it or any of the many presumptive AO-related conditions (google them) you are eligible for VA Compensation checks of up to $3,500.00 per month tax-free.
Remember, you don’t have to have been out in the jungle, working directly with AO, been sprayed on, etc. You could have spent your entire tour in an office in Saigon, you are still eligible because the harmful chemical Dioxin, leeched into and spread throughout the entire country into the water and food supply and everyone who drank water or ate food there was considered to have been exposed.
Even if you are severely ill and think it’s too late for you, your wife can receive a monthly check as your survivor and most times a lump sum payout.
I served at Long Binh from November 1967 to August 1968. Was a mortarman in the Ammo Dump mortar section. Jan of 1968 TET was horrific. Deperately firing alumination rounds and mortars. VC pinned us down but bunch of Heros freed us to continue firing. I dont remember any swimming pools,bowling alleys or night clubs at that time.
I was a mortarman at the ammo dump from Nov.67 to Aug.68 TET in Jan 1968 was horrific
I was there in 1972 and don’t remember Long Binh being called LBJ. Only the famous Long Binh Jail was referred to LBJ. And I don’t remember seeing any theaters,pools,restaurants and ect. I was in and out of that post moving around South Vietnam
I was in
I was 9th div. at bearcat not far from long binh. I stole some lumber to put a floor in my platoon tent, took about 4 loads in a 3/4 ton in early 67. visited some Buddys that were working ground surveillance radar in the watch towers at the ammo dump a couple of times and called home once at the mars station
I was a Spec 5 with the 9th Inf Div HQ G-2 Intel down the road about 20 miles from Long Binh at base camp Bearcat. My buddy and I use to drive there in a duce and a half to pick up supplies and also in Saigon. I was in country from Oct 67 to Oct 68. I remember TET very well. Our perimeter was overrun, but we kicked their ass and saved ours. We could hear and see the ammo dump in Long Binh explode from our camp and what a sight! This we’ll defend, go Army. Welcome home my fellow vets, and thanks to my brothers that never came back!!
I worked at USARV HQTRS in the Office of the Secretary of the General Staff from Nov 67 till Feb 69. Worked for the 4 Generals: Bruce Palmer replaced by Frank Mildren Gen Tabor, Gen Linnell, and Gen Edwards. Worked directly for Col Wilkerson, Major James Larkins, and SFC Homer Sellars.
I remember a mortar hit nearby during TET and the office drop ceiling fell down and the windows were blown out. Saw Bob Hope in Dec ’67.
First and foremost to any and all who served and read this – my profound Thank You. I am the adult child of now deceased SP4 Jerry Dean Jackson who volunteered to serve ’67-’68. In wanting to know more about my father and his life experiences I on many occasions through my life tried to ask him questions about his service in Vietnam. Unfortunately he would always shut down. Even as a kid I found old photos melting together and away in a box in our attic from Vietnam. My father was pictured standing next to several men he served with and when asked who they were he would only reply “I don’t know”. If you haven’t shared your personal story with your families I urge you to do so, especially your sons. It IS imporant and can be cathartic for you also to no longer be held captive by thoughts and memories pushed down but which DID happen. Now all of that being said I found and digitized several 8mm reels of “home movies” most from before I was born. In those reels was a metal 6 inch spool of about 12 mins of Vietnam. Within the first 30 secs it depicts Camp JBJ, with a sign over the post exchange in black letters “Camp” and in red “LBJ” and then below in black again “POST EXCHANGE”. So someone at one time did actually dub it Camp LBJ. There are shots of many wooden structures, men even erecting a building together, a Huey landing, a dog handler making his rounds, a terrible night fight with flares and tracer bullets, my father with men he served with, a nosed downed Cessna, a downed Loach, Huey in formation, tiny Vietnamese women carrying tremendous loads of sticks on yokes on their shoulders, the showers of L&B Section TF Moroz 26 GP 1st Log, cement bunkers, possible a temple, an anti aircraft truck wrecked in a ditch, Vietnamese working the rice fields including a pedal powered irrigation “bike”, an unknown little town, China Beach itself and China Beach shower and USO,
First and foremost to any and all who served and read this – my profound Thank You. I am the adult child of now deceased SP4 Jerry Dean Jackson who volunteered to serve ’67-’68. In wanting to know more about my father and his life experiences I on many occasions through my life tried to ask him questions about his service in Vietnam. Unfortunately he would always shut down. Even as a kid I found old photos melting together in a box in our attic from Vietnam. My father was pictured standing next to several men he served with and when asked who they were he would only reply “I don’t know”. If you haven’t shared your personal story with your families I urge you to do so, especially your sons. It IS imporant and can be cathartic for you also to no longer be held captive by thoughts and memories pushed down but which DID happen. I have spoken with soldiers who have said so even if they could only write it down. Now all of that being said I found and digitized several 8mm reels of “home movies” most from before I was born. In those reels was a metal 6 inch spool of about 12 mins of Vietnam. Within the first 30 secs it depicts Camp JBJ, with a sign over the post exchange in black letters “Camp” and in red “LBJ” and then below in black again “POST EXCHANGE”. So someone at one time did actually dub it Camp LBJ. There are shots of many wooden structures, men even erecting a building together, a Huey landing, a dog handler making his patrol, a terrible night fight with flares and tracer bullets, my father with men he served with, a girl he wrote home to my mother he wanted to adopt, a nosed downed Cessna, a downed Loach, Hueys flying in formation, tiny Vietnamese women carrying tremendous loads of sticks on yokes on their shoulders, the showers and laundry of L&B Section TF Moroz 26 GP 1st Log, cement bunkers, possibly a temple, an anti aircraft truck wrecked in a ditch, Vietnamese working the rice fields including a pedal powered irrigation “bike”, an unknown little town, China Beach itself and China Beach shower and USO building, Chinook and trucks on the beach, off duty dog and handler on the beach, large number of night flares possibly 4th of July??? over the water – not a fire fight, then an unfortunate “punch” ending frame of a dead Vietnamese person. I also rescued a Kodak instapic or Polaroid if you will of when he was serving at LZ Sharon in Quang Tri. It is laborious to say the least to start searching from scratch to find information out about my father’s service, and to have something to pass on to his grandson and recently added great grandsons.
Served with 261st Transportation ( Roadrunners) July 70 to June 71 based at Long Binh. Delivered ammo to firebases all over the country. Moved 21st out of cu chi when turned over to ARVNS. Got busted with pot at a firebase with a load of 8 inch projos. Went from e4 to e3 that round. Capt. O’Brien was not bad about it though. Survived it all. Had my 19th birthday there. Took a few years later but finally grew up.
I was in long bing 65 and 66 ,never heard of LBJ .87 th trans co . It was TC hill .
I was there 70 – 71, captain signal corps; first as post signal officer then commander HHC Communications Assets Recovery Agency – Vietnam (CARA-V); 1st Signal Bde. Retired 1990.
Phillip White I served in the 261st transportation unit in 1967-1968 out of long Binh we were a 5 ton unit and we went by the name Whistlers same unit you served but they changed the name. We had Whistlers printed in white above the radiator. Worked 12 hour shifts suppling Long Binh ammo dump and Bien Hoa air base when not supplying these we were running convoys all over Vietnam, so many fire bases I gave up tying to remember all of them.
# Phillip White I served in 1967-1968 in the 261st Transportation company, it was know than as Whistlers my truck # was 38 we done 12 hour shifts 7 days a week when we weren’t hauling to Long Binh and Bien Hoa air base we were supplying fire bases to many to remember all of them. Spent 5 1/2 hours in Long Binh ammo dump the night it blew up. Don’t like fireworks shows to this day stay away from 4th of July Fireworks.
Hey Jimmie Barrett, my name is Dennis Blackwell and I’m pretty sure we were in the same company in Viet Nam I was in 512 quarter master work in fuel farm when I was not on guard duty I remember when one of the guys painted his tractor black can’t remember if that was you or one of the other guys hope you are doing ok and your health is good let me no if you get this message in Florida now retirement is going ok hope to hear from you.
I arrived in long bing in 65-67 as soon as arrived they sent me to honor smith compound, even though i was airborne qualified,ran the generator on compound for 15 months-not sure if it even exists today.the person that comes to mind is sgt horst lolet(anybody remember this wac-co)
I served in Long Binh from Oct 70 to Sep 71 as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps, S-4 Logistics Officer, 58th Med Battalion. Parent unit of the above mentioned Dustoff unit. I spent my time closing all Dustoff units in the area and then we closed our headquarters. I transferred to the 24 Evac where I helped set up the drug testing program for ALL Army personnel returning home. We placed soldiers failing the test in the prison hospital mentioned above that previously held enemy combatants.
To those at the ammo dump..We used to watch the helicopters with those million watt lights search for intruders.
Thank you for your service. I am proud to have served with you.
Sp4 Lawrence Allen bradford l prayed each day for 3 months the ARVN would not run away during 72 eastern offensive . Thank almighty God those brave guys took more hits in a square mile area at an lock than we did at Kay San . Brave determined fighters : we were. Next in line before Saigon : Nixon got pissed and bombed the hell out of their tanks and artillery . ARVN wins , i’m Alive and a good 71 years . I was a counselor in drug detox . Sammy Davis jr visited , last bob hope
Christmas show , singing “ oh holy night” general westmoreland visited “ called solders in detox. “ their a bunch of losers” ***** (word removed per guidelines) , we did our country proud in 72
Oh for guys for 2 months I fixed up a pool
Sent most of detox guys back to front , addicts ( few) sent home for tx
Thank you God for brave ARVN at An Loc. , saved my patriotic soul
Lawrence Allen bradford. Miss you guys I served with
My late husband, Jerry, was stationed at Long Binh
from Feb 1967 – Mar 1968. 185th Maintenance.
Told me some of what went on – but really didn’t
like to elaborate. Kept generator(s) running,
repaired trucks & jeeps etc. Slept in a hooch with
netting over him. After service went to the University of Cincinnati and got his BSEET. Had
prostate cancer surgery in 2006, MDS 2016, and
died May 4, 2018 of leukemia. More than likely
Agent Orange. A wonderful man & husband of almost
49 years. My thanks to all who have/and are
currently serving! Ann
I was at Long Binh from Jan through Oct of ’68. in the 483rd field service company, 52b20, generators. Into my 2nd week there and when they hit 3rd ord me and the other guys in our hooch where blown of our bunks from the concussion. Talk about fireworks!! Saw LBJ when the prisoners set it on fire, we could see it from our company area. Saw Bear Cat get hit real bad from our bunker out at 3rd ord one night. Pulled guard duty there often. Many memories, still in touch with one of the guy’s. Oh yeh, here’s one for you guys that were there, the out houses blowing up when you through a lit cigarette butt in the hole, ha ha. Best regards to all the vets and welcome home, Bob
50th Medical Clearing Station .i arrived in Viet Nam by boat ( U S N S Gorden in June 1966 .we built the 50 th Med. from scratch.Every thing we had went with us from Ft. Benning George.it might of been a medical unit but the only thing we did was build ( put up our tents,mess hall,bunkers,etc. After 6months they split half the unit out to different places I wen’t to the 544th
Was stationed in Long Binh from Oct 71 to July 72 assigned to Saigon Support Command. Does anyone remember the racial riot that started between our company and the Engineer group across the road?
Arrived at B Company 44th Signal Battalion on 6/3/68 and stayed till 8/20/70. I was a tactical controller and worked at the radio site with the big towers by gate 2. We were Long Binh Control, then Battalion Control (Batcon), then Area Control (ACON). We went by the jail (LBJ) every day going to the site. We were 12 hours on and 12 hours off seven days a week for my first year and half so I didn’t see much else of Long Binh. I remember some great people and some not so great times. Rockets and mortars were fairly common early on and occasional perimeter attacks. I was a little burned out when I came home but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I was stationed in Long Binh, from 1969 to November 1971. I served in the 86th Transp, together with 261st Transp, as truck driver for the Mess Hall, and from what I know, the Jail was call LBJ and the fort was call Long Binh Post.
I served with the 182 Ordnance Detachment 1st Logistical Command in the headquarters building on the hill on Long Binh Post from Apr 69 until Nov 1970. We maintained inventory of all ammo in country on early generation computers using key punch machines and IBM cards. First Univac computers and then IBM 360s down at 1st Signal. Was also company clerk. Served with some great enlisted men and officers. I wish I had kept in touch with them. I wonder how many have passed from Agent Orange exposure. I have had kidney cancer, prostate problems etc. etc. since my 40’s but VA says none of it is Agent Orange. Nothing grew on the base. Outside the wire it was jungle and rice paddies. Go figure. That stuff has an amazing shelf life.
I was in long Binh with the 556 transportation co.from Oct.66-Oct.67 we hauled jp-4 and sometimes ammo.When I arrived we lived in tents,while I was there they blew the ammo dump twice.
I was stationed in Long Binh Army Depot(**** never heard it called Long Binh Junction) from May 1969 to May 1970……Was with the 18th MP Brigade, 8th CID Group Detachment C…….Was right across the steet from LBJ and the 720th MP’s were right next to us…..We were in a Tent with steel drums & sand bags around it……Our housing was also a Tent with the same perimeter protection for what it was worth… I would get prisoners to work for us fillin sand bags etc & policing our area……I would not have wanted to spend a night in LBJ!!!!!! Lived in that tent for 1 year was a Luxury to have a frig. & a Black & WHite TV that we watched Star Trek every day. Would drive down to Vung Tau as we had a Field office there & fly down to Can Tho…..the drove to Vung Thu got interesting a few times… I was the scrounger for our group Air Conditioners for Tent Office We built a bar at the MP main gate would drive down to Port of Saigon in Duece 1/2 and come back with a Pallet of Beer. Always had a Warrant Officer with me to do the talking. It was my summer Vacation I gues but a wasted year of my life n…..saw alot of shit that I never would have seen in the states, got to witness what we did to each other and worst of all to ourselves….Take Care All WELCOME HOME
I served in vietnam 67-68 long binh post 261th transportation unit hauling ammo, and convoys the Whistlers, truck 37. Welcome home brothers, I salute my brothers who gave their all.
I served in vietnam 261st transportation unit in long binh, 67-68, hauled ammo, hot loads, napalm, supplied ammo depot, was there when the vc blew the pads, whistlers #37.
I was stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base 5/68-5:69 as a 46250 weapon Mech. I landed in country at Tan Sanut Saigon & as I walked down the stairs the sirens went off we were under a Motar attack! Welcome to Viet Nam! I was heading to the bunker but the guy I was sitting with on the plane said follow me. Next thing I know I was sitting at a bar in Siagon! Turns out this guy was a ground air controller on his second tour!! Worked on F-100 & A-37 aircraft. I remember saying that we were hit by rockets and mortars 180 nights during that time peroid, probably a slight exaggeration! Anyway, during that TET I remember the bomb dump going up, spooky firing right on the base perimeter. Next day an F-4E strafed the perimeter. I could see the 20 mm casings falling from it. We had nice 2 story wooden barracks and the Army helo base was right behind us as well as the altillary. 105s I believe. When they fired it would be right over our barracks and if raining you could hear the rain hitting the shells. Our shop would take a Duce and a half to LBJ to pickup pallets of coke (the kind you drink). It also aforded us access to the PX. That is all I remember of LBJ. At Bien Boa I & Frank Johnson and another airman worked part time at that pool as life guards. We lived good with nice barracks, showers, a good chow hall & airmans club. We lost one O-1 bird dog to a rocket, although not sure it was during TET or not. Another time our bomb dump got hit and 500 500 pounders went off all together. The dump was 15 miles from our barracks & the concussion lifted me from my bunk and put me on the floor. The hanger doors on our weapons were knocked off their tracks & the floresent lamps on the floor. We went to the dump to see the crater & it was 40 ft around & 20 ft deep! I rembember the B52s dumping their loads many nights. Could see the flashes on the night sky’s & hear the rumble. They would dump 117 500 pounders in a salvo. There were no F-4 based at Bien Hoa up to 5/69 but they replaced the three squadrons off F-100s later. During my stay thaw 100s, A-37, a couple of 0-1s, a couple of Cessna bull shit bombers, spookies, U-2s & 2 F-102 interceptors on the alert pad One morning Frank & I were walking to the flight line before dawn when a 102 scrambled. As it went down the runway sparks were commit off of it! The pilot roatated and went straight up and exploded, The pilot ejected and was rescued by the army unit within minutes.
I forgot the Ranch Hands at Bien Hoa! They had C-123s. An interesting tidbit is that during my tour at Bien Hoa the Ranch Hands sprayed us often for mosquitos. One time I got caught out in the open and the 123 went directly over me & I got doused pretty good. The interesting part was that I always hunted with just a wool shirt all season in upstate NY. After Nan I could never get warm enough no matter what I wore. I was 21 yrs old in 69. Coincidence? Maybe. But I have always wondered. Of course there were all those shots they pumped into us also!
I know what I have been writing isn’t about the Long Bien post but thought some would be interested. Anyway during the night I realized that I left out the A-1Ds & F-5s that ARVN had there.
I was with the 624 S&S Company at Long Binh from Nov 1967 until Nov 1968. Jim Smith must have given me my mail. LBJ was Long Binh Jail to me. Was on Bunker Guard the night of Tet 68 and the morning the Ammo Dump
ew.
I served from Oct 1969 to Oct 1971 44th signal brigade which became the 106th.Company B. You were able to see USVR hill from our hooch By the showers and latrine.
We all had nick names mine was buzzard, we had feet, super mex, migurier, shorty,PR, and the professor.
Feet Fred Paul and I are looking to find any one we served with
I was stationed at the 24th EVAC Hospital from June 1969 – 1970 following a one year tour with the 2/18 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. There is a reunion of the 24th EVAC in Nashville, TN this October.
ATTN: Ryan Moore
I was wondering if you have access to maps of Long Binh of the years 1966-1967. I was with C-company, 720th M.P. Battalion. We arrived at LB Oct. 19,1966.
We set up camp across the road from Long Binh Jail. The first few days in country we ate our meals inside the Long Binh Jail. During this same time
I believe the back of our cantonment was the back of Long Binh’s perimeter. When we relieved ourselves in the piss tubes, the jungle was very close. Well, anyways,
I would like to see a map of the area from that time to see if I’m correct. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Ron Kidder
1st.Platoon C-Company, 720th M.P. Battalion 18th M.P. Brigade
October 1966-October 1967
Iserved in Long Binh from 70-71 supply depot would like to know if anyone I served with remembers me
70-71 with 117th AHC WARLORDS, Maintenance platoon – engine shop.
I served on long binh 44th signal company B microwave platoon. worked close to LBJ 2 big towers by gate #2 fron Aug of 69-to aug of 70. you could see USRV hill from the showers and shitters and our houches. would love to hear from anyone i served with.
I served from March 1970 to March 1971 with the 327th Signal Company. Saw the Bob Hope xmas show with the Lola Falana and the Golden Girls. Spent a lot of time at the Pacesetter Service Club shooting pool and playing ping pong. Saw lot of great Philippino cover bands at the clubs. Ate sharkfin soup and peking duck at the Loon Foon restaurant. Was there for the grand opening of a new huge PX, Generals had to wait in line behind Spec 4s and PFCs. Swam in the pool previously mentioned. Spent quiet time at the air conditioned library. So yes, it was one of the better places to be stationed in Vietnam.
RVN Jan-68 to Oct 69. Was with 19th DPU on 90th Rep. Btn. Compound, when TET hit (reactionary force for 90th)
Thought Jody could go ahead and have my girl, when 3RD Ord. blew up. Afterwards moved us inside Long Binh to merge with 14th ICC (Data Mgt. Ctr. – 1st Log). Tracked all Army personnel In Country through Morning Reports.
Remember well the riot at LBJ. Our hooch just down the road from Amphitheater where Hope etc. performed.
2nd Tour was in Tent City B (Tan Son Nhut) tracking Helicopters with 34th GSG (AMMC).
The best of times, the worst of times, eh?…
I was at Long Binh in 1968…stationed with the 352nd Trans Co then with the 261st Trans Co primarily riding shotgun on 5-ton trucks…(Tay Ninh…Quan Loi…Lai Khe..Vung Tau and a few other places. Company area
was not far from 90th Replacement to the rear….end of first month in-country…Charlie blew up 3rd Ord… welcome to RVN..
I was at Long Bing 9/68 – 7/69 with the 74th Field Hospital who took over the POW hospital from the 50th Company next to 24th Evac. 74th Fld Hospital was a New Jersey reserve unit activated by LBJ 3/68 and quartered at Ft Lee Virginia prior to movement VN. I was a drafted and ended up as an Operating Room Tech. Many open slots in the 74th Reserve Hospital were filled with RA and US personal. There were two advance parties sent to VN before the whole unit arrived 10/68. I Deros 7/9/69 and was discharged on arrival Oakland California via Travis AFB. The way I understand it the 74th returned to the states Oct. 1969 with the 24th taking over the POW hospital.
Welcome Home Brothers
He ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother by the Hollies
Welcome home all.
Anyone familiar with Camp Castle or the 93rd Engr Battalion? The 93rd entered country in 1967 to build an airstrip next to a bamboo plantation. I was a medic with the 93rd, and we spent most of our early time building wooden sidewalks, hooches and putting band aids on guys wanting a break from the boredom of camp life.
Later, we went off into the jungle to treat the Vietnamese for ailments, most of them related to their lack of sanitary conditions. The soap we gave them most often ended up on the black market in Saigon or elsewhere.
I had the watch on a twist-o-flex band stolen right off my wrist by a little boy who ran past me and didn’t have to stop, he was that quick. One boy distracted me while the other did the snatching. I thought it was very creative. Did not buy another watch with a twist-o-flex band.
Spent first R&R in Sydney, Australia, where I fell in love with Robyn Cater, a gorgeous 17 year old girl who worked in the Lottery Office in downtown Sydney. Was so in need of her company that I asked her to marry me…long story. Second R&$ spent in Sydney, again with Robyn. Still in touch with her but we’re not married. I never married, so my estate will go to her when I kick the dirt in the devil’s face.
Guys of C company tried to burn their first sergeant’s hooch to the ground with him in it.
Supply sergeant of some company ran a whore house not far from base. I’m told he was often seen there, wearing a kimona over his greens, like some monkey on a string.
Write to me if you know the name of the village just down the road from Camp Castle, opposite direction from Long Binh.
BTW, spent Tet Offensive in the relative safety of Union City, a fire base not far from Binh Hoa. Watched from the top of a small bunker as rockets streaked from the jungle in the distance to land moments later on every fuel supply dump in Binh Hoa, sending up a fireworks display that I’ve never seen since. What a sight! Poor guys who got caught in that mess, may Nature bless them.
Spent time in a base in the Delta…that was some s**t.
Spent the last month of my tour with the 83rd Engr Battalion, who had just arrived in country with their brand spanking new bright green fatigues. Made mine look red by comparison. But I was so admired by the doctor at the aid station there at the 83rd that he allowed me to sleep in, not stand reveille, come to the aid station only when I felt like it (which I never did…wasn’t RA), but I’d often bring him donuts and milk (his favorite and mine!) early afternoons. Call it brown-nosing. He was a good young man and I liked him. Wish I could remember his name.
The worst two things that happened to me and which I now suffer nightmares from I can’t tell you. They’re too painful and sickening. My only wish in life is I could go back in time and make right that horrible wrong.
No, I have not asked for PTSD status with the VA. I can live without that, but would like to meet some men and women who have suffered over there in that otherwise beautiful country and learn from me that they should let it go if possible tho it’s not possible for me to do the same. May Nature also bless you, those who are alive and those especially who are no longer with us.
For everyone else, stay safe!
I was in Long Binh from Feb 67 through April 68 72b20, worked in the communication center (containers/vans).. LBJ was the stockade in Long Binh, pulled guard duty there on the tall/ high towers when waiting to be process for states return. The pool was in Bien Hoa (Air Force) base. Went there to get burgers at the cafeteria and swim in pool. Remember the blow up of the ammo dump the night of the start of tet. Also remember the field hospital and helicopter units bringing the wounded and the black body bags from the fields. Worked 30 years for AT&T, retired in 1998. Still work part time in my sons businesses. Still live in New York.
” #8 Ngo – Gao
November 10, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Did anyone in here whose were in LongBinh, BienHoa around 1970 to 1071 or know someone who was there . Pease post . Thanks
Ngo,
My Father was posted there 70-71, Rahlp La Rose
I was at long ben from September 68 to October 69 I was In the Depo on a perimeter line when Charlie blew it up the night of tent invasion spent many of nights on the perimeter line and in the towers I was with the 78th ordinate detachment grew up real fast over there would like to hear from some of the guys if they read this
And now for the rest of the story, I was with the 66th Engineers TOPO when this map was made. Too many officer’s clubs appeared on the original map, we had to go back and rename them motor pools etc to satisfy command.
I was at Long Bien in 68, worked for Retrogade and Disposel, and a lot of gaurding duty at the ammo dump. Thanks to everyone who served in Vietnam and never forget.
served with 1st signal/44th signal batttion/ under the two microwave towers at the main gate
I served with the 327th signal co. (1969-1970) in Long Binh also at the base camp Tay Ninh, at the Tropo site. My company was across the road from the 24th Evac Hospital and a couple roads down from LBJ in Long Binh.
Served with 1st Logistical , February 1966 to 1967 with185 th .maintenance Bn.
Great group of men, Terry Judkins, Burbank, Martin,
Costello, Eberely , Fielder. Sp5.Dirk and Sgt. Vaderbaum. Then
went to Chu Chi with Terry Judkins ,best friend there.
His brother was with medics and was killed. Terry called me
when we came home in February 1967. So very, very sorry to the family. Sincerely hope all are doing well. SAL D’A more
I served at Long Binh in 1972 (HHC, 1st Aviation Brigade G-4, USARV HQ). We departed Long Binh September 1972 for MACV Annex in Saigon. Long Binh Post became vacant of U.S. troops in November 1972. Cease fire occured in January 1973 (X-Day). I departed Country 39 days later (X+39). Polish troops and representatives from North Vietnam oversaw our exodus. Canadian troops operated our PX’s. Freedom Bird out!
I was ‘in country’ in the autumn of 1966. I took a truck with a few guys to Long Binh to pick up materials there. We called it The Long Binh Lumber Company. On another occasion, we got a few hours off to go to the PX in Saigon. Most of the rest of the time it was tents in the jungle. I think my best memory was setting up near a Shell Oil facility. There was a bar in one of the company buildings that served some kind of lemon/lime soda. It wasn’t very cold but after months of Fizzies it was heaven.
Hello Everyone,
This is the blog’s author. If there is sufficient interest, I will create a Facebook page for Long Binh, where I will make these maps available, and veterans/family members can share contact information. As of now, the Library of Congress does not permit email and phone numbers to be posted. I know that folks have attempted to post this information as a way to reach out. Please let me know if there is an interest.
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
Cartographic Specialist
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
[email protected]
I was stationed at Long Binh from December 1967 to December 1968. I was assigned to HQ Company and served as a SP5 with a psychological operations unit (CORDS) under the command of Colonel Rowland H.Renwanz and later Colonel John T. Hodes. Tet was of course the big event that year, and I distinctly remember the ammo dump exploding. You could see the heat wave arrive well before the sound of the explosions.
I was in Long Binh April 10, 1967 to April 1968 as part of the 14th ICC. I remember being with Jim Roach, #52 above. I played drums for the unit with a local Vietnamese band. Have always wondered what happened after I left, if you have heard from anyone or if anyone knows Terry Mc Clane from Labannon OR I would like to hear from him.
I was stationed 20 shop with A Co, 169th Engr Bn 1971-1972 while we were constructing QL20. It looked like the battalion had been there a few years when I was there. Why does no one else mention the battalion?
I was stationed at the Plantation Pad next to the Cobra maintenance facility… it seemed at times as though we were a target, especially when on duty in the tower. I am hoping to find records of artillery/mortar attacks from 25 November through 30 November 1969, any help will be well appre4ciated by this proud veteran.
Hello Harold,
The National Archives holds records of the Vietnam War. It is likely the base command kept a daily log book, which could contain information about attacks on the base — at least presumably.
National Archives contact info: National Archives Contact
472.6.9 Records of the U.S. Army Garrison, Long Binh Post,
Vietnam (Provisional)
Textual Records: Correspondence, daily journal, command reports, issuances, and operations planning files, 1966-70.
Long Binh Post Records at the National Archives
Ryan Moore
Library of Congress
I was with the 218th CC&S. I drove a 10 ton dragon wagon and named her Sugar Bugar after my wife. We went around Viet Nam collecting tanks,dozers,and APC’s that had been blown up, brought them to Long Binh and washed them down then hauled them to the docks in Saigon. On Sept. 11, 1968 we were on convoy to Tay Ninh and stopped in Co Chi. The bridge between us and Tay Ninh was blown so we waited till it could be replaced with those track bridges. The next morning the rest of the convoy left without us because they said we were too heavy. After they were gone an officer got upset because he said that we could have crossed on the bridge but it was too late to join the convoy. Later we heard that the VC hit the first truck in the convoy and it stopped and the convoy was wiped out. I would like to know if that was true. I would love to hear from anyone who served with the 218th CC&S in 1968. I wish I could get a map of the Long Binh post to refresh the old memory. Also I have a faint memory of stopping at a Special Forces Club between Long Binh and Saigon and they had a flushing toilet. Was this a dream.
My brother Patrick Malloy was at Long Binh June 69/June 70.
46th Engineer Battalion Charlie company.
We are trying to find 2 guys that were stationed with him.
Joseph Taylor. Joe left country in December 69 last known duty station Ft. Huachuca, AZ Joe was a motor grader operator.
Terry Miller was a lineman. Terry was from St. Louis, MO
Would love to make contact with them or their families.
It’s the least I can do for Pat.
He ain’t heavy he’s my brother.
And I’ll forever be his mouse.
Welcome Home!
I’m trying to locate a guy that served with my brother in Long Binh .
My brother Patrick Malloy was there 69/70. 46th Engineers , Charlie company, he was a 62 L 20.
I’m looking for Joesph (Joe) Taylor.
Joe was a motor grader operator and left country before Christmas 69 as far as Pat can remember.
Joe was stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ
after Vietnam.
I have nothing more than that.
Any help would be greatly appreciate.
I was assigned to the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh from Mar 1970 to Mar 1971 as an Operating Room Nurse. We worked only 2 shifts 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am 6 days a week with only the one day off between shift change. We had 6 OR’s which was really only 2 big rooms with 2 wooden dividers on wheels making them into 3 rooms each. The floor was cement. We had all the speciality surgeons including an OB so we did C-sections on the Vietnamese who could not have the big GI babies. Plus we had a POW compound so we did surgery on them also. We called the helicopters that brought our patients in Red Nosed Green Bellied Patient Carpers. We seldom slowed down.
I was a new graduate from a three year nursing program in Al. I took the OR course at Letterman and then straight to Viet Nam. I was very unprepared for what I was sent to just like all you guys. I learned so much about myself and life from that year. No, I don’t talk about it a lot but I do have good memories. My partner in crime while there spent our New Year’s Day
Jan 1,1971 at a Fire Base. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of it but it is the best one I have ever had in my entire life or ever will have. I have never been kissed, had my picture taken or treated with such royalty as I was that day. So if any of you know anyone or have heard any stories about Teddi and Myra coming to the fire base to share steaks and a band for New Year’s Day tell them we are both still alive, cute as we were then and would do it all again!!! God Bless All of You!!!
More Nurses Need To Share
Was stationed at Long Binh from 69-70 with A Co 92nd Engineers. Would like to hear from anyone else who served during this time with the 92nd.
In January 1969, Johnny Cash played a show at the NCO club at Long Binh. The recordings of the songs were released on his posthumous album Bootleg 3. Did anyone attend that show? And if so I would appreciate any photos of the stage I could get. I have searched for days and found absolutely nothing.
From Sept 65 to Sept 66 I was CO of the 576th Ord Co. In Oct 65 I was directed to move the unit from Tan Son Nhut to Long Binh and establish the Long Binh Ammunition Supply Depot. I returned to Long Binh in Dec 71 and was assigned to the US Army Inventory Control Center as the Chief of Financial Management and was responsible for managing preparation the USAICCV close out report. When the USAICCV closed down in July 72, I was assigned to USARV DCSLOG as DSU Operations Officer and later as Chief of Supply Operations. So overall, I had the opportunity to be there when Long Binh was established and when it closed out.
I do not know when 261st name changed to roadrunners. I had truck 23. I could never keep up with all of the firebases either. Some were in the boonies. Nothing but respect for those who were stationed on them. I just stayed overnight and that was enough.
Yea I remember long bing. Been there 68-70. The pool was located at hq co 46th engineers where I was stationed. I was in the motor pool and then went to the sign shop. Was acting sgt for a short time. I was only 20 at the time
I was stationed at Long Binh from February 1972 through September 1972. I was in the 624th Supply and Service Company, which in April 1972 was stood down into the 266th Composite Service Battalion. Most of the supply, transportation, POL yard, depot personnel were assigned to this battalion. We all pulled guard every other day at he perimeter, pol yard, and the ammo dump, because most were leaving, because of the deescalation of the war. We departed Long Binh, September 1972 for MACV Annex in Saigon. Long Binh became vacant of U.S. troops in November 1972. I departed Saigon, Vietnam in November 13, 1972.
Hello all,
I started a Facebook Group for those interested in sharing stories, photos, and anything else related to Long Binh Junction. This page is not an official Library of Congress page. Rather, it is something that I started in response to overwhelming number of fantastic posts on this blog from veterans and their families.
Long Binh Junction Facebook Group – All are welcome to join and post! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2569885683300490/
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
Cartographic Specialist
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
Was with Inventory Contol Ctr, Computer Opns 1970/71.
Very Interesting.. read all names, twice but only One
possible recognition, a Richard Becker. Tried toextend
but rejected. Was an E7 inE6 slot, but replaced bya E7.Fortunately ‘found a job’ at MACV/SAIGON & remained
there till Jan 73. July 72 read in Stars&Stripes that my old outfit at Heidelberg had been hit by terrorist bomb. 2 ex coworkers killed. The O-3 who died had just
trasnferred fm Nam. Such an Irony: from a combat zone to a city forever untouched by war!
I like to say that in my extended tour of duty, only
heard shots fired 1 time. That was at 2359 31Dec1970
At guard post all around the huge Long BinhPost tracrs
were fire in the air to welcome in the New Year!
Hi Guys and Gals:
I am inspired by everything that I have read to
attempt to contribute to the conversation. I do
not remember talking to anyone about my service
in Vietnam-probably until after 9/11.
I was in Vietnam from July 3, 1967 through
February 11, 1968. My memories of my time there
are as fresh today as every day I spent in Vietnam. I do not believe that what I have
just written is something foreign to all who served in Vietnam.
I spent my rime in Vietnam working in Officer
Replacement Division, Directorate of Replacement
Operations at US Army HQ-first outside of
the Saigon air base, and then the unit was moved
to LB in early August, 1967.
Most of the guys in the unit, when I arrived,
were nowhere to be found at night-they-all staying
with their lady friends in Saigon. They showed
up for work 7:30 A.M. and worked 12 hours. This
was a day job-while in Saigon.
When we moved to LB, things changed-the women
remained in Saigon, although a few would take an
old French car, cab style top LB to visit. We
lived in one of the new barrcks. Across the street were the mess halls, directly across the street was the officer mess.
A story I have told about 30 times. I would like
to share. It began at 5 at night. Two of us in the
unit volunteered to work at night at the 90th
Replacement Unit-a few IBM keypunch
machines were available, and we converted
information-developed by the guys who worked
during the day-to a format for transfer each
day regarding troop needs-which was sent to the
Pentagon.
Well, while sitting on the steps of the barracks,
we noticed that three 4 door green Fords, driver driven pulled up on the road on the side of the officer mess. Two cars had one red star on the
bumper, the other 2 red stars. Generals. The day
was December 24, 1967-Christmas Eve. What was
going on. We went across the road to the mess hall and asked and were told.
We went back to finish our beers and waited until 6 at night. At that time there was a double
row of cars parked around the mess hall. About
60 cars. The generals were having Christmas dinner, not any Christmas dinner, but one
with Omar Bradley.
Those officers that were then general officers
were a part of the Normandy invasion-then
being of lower officer rank. Even in war,
the continuity of the military-like those
here saying a few words-continues.
The problem here is that I could write all day
long and bore all of you with memories-that
are a part of me.
I said up front-“Gals”-well at HQ, we worked
with a unit of WACS-about 200 of them-a joy!
Regards to the guys of 1st AG Co, Special Troops,
USARV, Officer Replacement Division, Directorate
of Replacement Operations.
Little known army history for Long Binh:
I was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, serving as a Labtech/medic when a call went out for volunteers to go to Vietnam (TDY for 90 days) on a “Medical Mission”. 19yrs old and still an idealist, I did volunteer, needed to sign waviers since my brother was already there, Marine (now on disability due to Agent Orange). My unit was formed from indivduals from all over (alot from the Chicago area). We met in Oakland, shipped out in May 1970.We were an island unto ourselves so I ended up volunteering to do a 9 month tour, leaving in March 1971. The drug problem for the guys serving over there was so bad, and the military so concerned over they image of drug addicts being returned home, that my unit ended up being a lab whose sole duty was urine drug testing. We had armed guards, I guess to protects from those not happy with what were doing. We sent armed men in helocopters to forwrd bases and forcibly collected urine samples from the men there, test, and report the results to command. Heroin addicts were removed and sent to basically a lockup area and left there to detox, and medical discharge- if you tested positive you were not allowed to go home until you no longer tested positve- therfore the addiction rate of soldiers returning stateside dropped as theywere tested prior to discharge and the military looked good.We called ourseles the P.I.S.S. unit (Personel Intranst Smack Security) and even had badges made (obviously not to wear out of area).
Our unit did volunteer to do medical outreach at a couple of orpanages in the surounding area, probably more to help us feel better about what we were doing.
I was with the 327th Signal Co. from 70 to 71. Spent most of the time at Long Binh. Was at Quan Loi for about 4 months which was plenty long enough form me. Haha. The Company moved to Long Binh Plantation in 71. It was a great experience but glad I only had to do it once.
was in country from 1971 for almost a year with the 632 h.e.m.co.i was a wheel and track mechanic mos.63h20.worked in the sweat shop on all kinds of vehicles from trucks to apcs to tanks.when we stood down i was transfered to the 4th.tc 47trans.co.my job was to run jp4 copter fuel out to firebase melanie and to do trips to saigon for supplies.
I served as the Communications Chief and Security Platoon Sgt for the 576th Ordnance Co. from Oct 66 to Oct 67.
Many good memories of some of the finest men to have served this country. Lived in a tent w/ mosquito net. I only recall LBJ as referring to the jail. Traveled to Tay ninh, Bear cat and Phu Bai to Repair communications equipment. Recall seeing the ammo dump turn from green to brown as a result of AO spray. God bless those that that gave their lives
and a special prayer for those that returned.
Arrived Viet Nam July10, 1970 Cam Ranh Bay Made my way to Long Binh. Arrive 59th Signal Bn July 13th. Saw Madwoman of Challiot at outdoor makeshift movie screening. A good sign. Settled into a life of decorating and illustrating the 79th Maintenance Bn, eating at Loon Food piles of prawns , when I wasn’t grabbing a ‘ham egg cheese’ sandwich on the dusty roads between 59th and 79th. Find an abandoned hat on the road with ‘RAEF’ written on it. This becomes my nom de guerre. Sleep late every morning and report to my sometimes air-conditioned office at Bn HQ. Called it ‘eyewash’ work on signage, painting jeep tire covers, even the Bn water tower(“we’ll do it”). Overall laying low , waiting for Application for Conscientious Objection to wend its way up channels. In the evening paint sets and hang out with actors in Special Services doing plays: ‘Shot in the Dark’, ‘Rainmaker’, Krapps Last Tape’ Get to my hooch each night after midnight exhausted from outrunning MPs on our evening peregrinations. The likes of Captaincies Mack, Keith Prather, Phil Kraft, Betty Avant, Lt. Bob Farwell all trying to stay alive by working and playing as hard as possible. Occasional forays into Saigon to do plays or dine rooftop Saigon Hotel, french onion soup-first ever for a midwestern farm boy. Park Lanes. Hueys hauled our meager sets out to fire bases or USARV to perform “fantastics” Paint all day, shuck and jive into the night and occasionally dine like kings at Loon Foons. One rocket attack on 69th(89th?) replacement center. Joined by college roommate assigned to 89th Infantry Mech, we pull him out and he’s reassigned to special service to tend to Bob Hopes upcoming Christmas Show, happily a theatre major in college. begins immediately to direct plays. Thousand Clowns, Mary Mary, Don’t drink the water. Over the course of the year I ran into 3 college chums, who passed-through. One a chopper pilot I’d known since we were 4 another picked me up when I was ‘foolishly’ hitchhiking in the jungle between Vung Tau and Long Binh. Loon Loon changed it’s name to Mandarin House. around Christmas I get a card from Ba Te: To Coulter:Mung Chua Giang Sinh Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year–Mrs Te To; Coulter with all true and Respect (to the first G.I. like you). Whenever we choppered to Saigon I was supposed to draw a weapon, but I felt it would violate the spirit of my c.o. application, so I went unarmed my 24 year old self believing that guns were magnets for bullets and people are more likely to shoot at armed men than the unarmed. Principle.(I later rode Muhammad Alis coattails out of the army when the Supreme Court overturned his conviction and granted him C.O. status.-but that’s another story). As spring came and went, one couldn’t help but notice the crunch of the plastic heroin vials underfoot wherever one walked. Everywhere. Senior enlisted were by and large Drunk. junior enlisted were either stoned on dope ro runs on near beer Officers by rank and privilege had their scotch and bourbon. in April
,1971 Stars and Stripes reported 900 dead at FB6. The nights with Tim Howle, OJ, Bob Lazuka andDanny and Angel slowed to a halt and having failed to write the great Viet Nam novel: “A Thousand Basketball Courts” i I took the Freedom Bird home . Turns out that ‘War was as interesting as Hell ‘
I wonder how many veterans have been inspired to add some comment to this blog, only to have the effort wiped clean upon pressing the ‘add a comment ‘ button after writing a lengthy commentary? Coulter Long Binh 70-71
William,
Hello. Comments appear in chronological order. I apologize if this may be confusing, as some sites have the newest comments first and the oldest last.
Your lengthy comment from this morning was approved. I also approved your current comment.
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
My uncle’s unit was the last one to pull out of Long Binh. I don’t remember what specific company, battalion, or regiment he was in, but his shadow box has a 1st Cavalry Division sleeve insignia. He was drafted as 11B and was in country for 11 months. While there, he was trained to be an MP and made E-5 before coming back to the world. He said that as they were lifting off in the choppers the civilians were already looting the post of all of the office furniture, etc. and as they got higher in altitude they saw the NVA and Viet Cong coming behind the civilians.
Served as CO of 212 th MP Company ((SD). From May 67-Nov 67
Staff officer at 18th MP Brigade Long Binh Nov 67- May 68
God bless my fellow soldiers that I was honored to serve with.
I was in long Binh the fall of 1965 to. Oct 1966 with the 556 transportation co 5000 gallon gas tanker truck
i served with usarv jag from june 1967 to april 1968. the greater part of which was at long binh. please feel free to contact me via e-mail. i was a captain assigned to defend u s army members charged with general court martial offenses. look forward to hearing from anyone who over lapped with me.
I was in long binh 70’71 , with the 714th power line detachment attached to the 92 engineers
Thank you all for your service. My brother served in LB in the 60s ans now suffers with debilitating Parkinsons. Does anyone know if or how Agent Orange was used in that area? I want to file a claim for him, but am having difficulty identifying whether it was used there. Thanks for any assistance. *personal information removed per posting rulesMany thanks.
Served HHC 1st Avn Bde 69-70
O5C20-40 MOS
Thanks fellas for your comments.
CW-2 Pilot with 117th AHC. Apr 70 to Apr 71. Plantation Army Airfield.
Lived in tents first 7 months. then rocket box hooches.. !
WARLORD 24, 2ND FLT PLATOON
For Ryan Moore In past attempt to communicate my email was stated to be in doubt – What am I doing wrong ? VERY lo tek
Was stationed in Long Binh Jul 71 to Apr 72. Worked in (not a prisoner) the LBJ (Long Binh Jail) with the 284th MP Co. as the orders clerk. Remember about the Bob Hope Xmas show which i still regret about not attending but i had a hangover. I remember a general was to visit the jail and we cleaned our office for weeks. When he got there, he walked straight past our office and never stepped foot inside. We were very disappointed. I was lucky to be stationed there since I was a draftee in Feb 71 with a draft # of 45.
All there gave some, some there gave all which i will always be in their debt. God bless each and every one of them.
Sept. 14th 1999 I was with the 615th MP CO. Known as The Blood Hounds FROM APRIL of 1969 to March OF 1970.MY Unit was responsible for All the gates around Long Binh,Pluss Patrolling the base and all the clubs.We also patrolled the Highway With Gun Jeeps, Ran Escort for some convoys and picked up prisoners from LBJ Allso Known As Silver City and transported them to a processing company where they were sent back state side with a designstion as un-fit for military service.Most of them laughed about it and wished the MPs transporting them got killed while doing there tour. That was one of my first assignments with the company and one I remember well. We also ran TCP’S which is a Traffic Control Point.We patroled alot of the small villages around Long Binh at night looking for deserters and in the day raiding Whore Houses. I Loved my job and actually miss it. We had a Second Lieutenant who liked me, He would have to go on night patrols Once or twice a month, and he would request that I be his driver. His favorite thing to do was to pull raids on the womens Barracks after hours. He liked arresting officers when we could catch them. He had gotten drafted and decided he migjht as well be an officer and went threw officer training school. But he didn;t like officers. He was alot of fun and a good guy.I dont remember the names of any of the guys I served with.I hope some will read this and we could figure out a way to talk with each other.When I left at the rank of E4 I was asked to extend, go home on leave and come back for six more months with a promotion to SGT E5. I wanted to badly, But I had a fiance at home waiting for me. When I left I got stationed at White Sands Missle Range IN New Mexico 150 miles from where I lived. I got out at the RANK OF Sgt E5 and to thi day I wished I had extended in Viet Nam then Re UPED And made a career of the Army. It was a good exsperience And I met some grest guys. I have a grand son in the Marines as an MP. He loves it and has already re-inlisted. Makes me proud.I have alot of pictures from the TET OFFENSIVE. I got thear right after but a friend gave me all the pictures of the clean up after the fighting stoped. Their pretty gross. I sent them home a couple at a time between pages of letters I wrote home. They would of taken them away from me if I got caught with them. Their a good reminder of what war is all about. I’ll sign off for now and hope some old friends read this and contact me. *personal information removed per posting rules
served in HHD 48 th Tans Gp S1. Nov 69 to Oct 70. Served with Sgt Joe Scroubough. Sgt Larry Smith, Sp5 Bill Dearn, and others. Mail clerk Clyde Riine committed suicide March 2019 as a result f severe depression. Any HHD 48th trans guys out there?
45 th dust off air ambulance 1970 -71 crew chief uh1h yes sir there was agent orange being sprayed at long Binh stuff stuck on your arms after the planes come flying over, see them go down highway 1 and all down to Xuan Loc. Glad I made it back to much blood. My head is still there most of the time. I feel the pain
I was in the Long Bien area with How Battery 2/11 1971-72. I was at the last Bob Hope show and what a show. Would love to hear from some of my brothers.
Does anyone who served at Long Binh between 1965-1967 remember a Chief Warrant Officer in the 283rd Medical Detachment DUST OFF by the name of Thomas C. Gipson, Jr., everyone called him “HOOT”? He also flew some gunships with another unit in the latter part of his tour.
Anyone from 62nd Engineers Company D..please respond..been searching,
In 1969 I was attached to 7th Army Inventory Control Center at Long binh. A sister site to the one for Germany. I was an operator. A second detail I was given was document transporter, I assumed
because of my clearance. However, I was never called on to do this job.
While I was there I was feed twice a with roast beef, that came swimming in metallic colors,along with powered mash potatoes and powered milk. Breakfast was powdered eggs and powered milk,no bacon. Ariving at messhall for midnight breakfast, I worked 6mto 6am, the said the had real eggs,ice cold milk an bacon. I was excited! I got my milk and sat down to enjoy. We where immediately hit by five mortars, hitting the back of messhall. This is what happened next. The man seated across fom me through the table up as he stood to run. As I went for the floor in slow motion, I say my perfectly cooked eggs,bacon and milk flying through the air.
That was the first and last of a real breakfast while I was there.
True story! Thanks Jim
I arrived Long Bing VA April 1969,Just after Tet attack of LB post. When checking in I was assigned barracks, work location, messhall etc. I also was told to go to armoury to sign out my weapon. I went there and signed out my rifle. It was a m14, not a m16. I what a disappointment. I continued to wait at the cage. After a couple of minutes. He looked back up to me. He says, what else do you want? I said “BULLETS”. He says, are You expecting to shoot someone? It seemed reasonable to me,but what the heck! What do I know? Three weeks later I was ordered to surrender my weapon to the armory. I asked the same guy, why? He says, “You expecting to someone
I arrived Long Bing VA April 1969,Just after Tet attack of LB post. When checking in I was assigned barracks, work location, messhall etc. I also was told to go to armoury to sign out my weapon. I went there and signed out my rifle. It was a m14, not a m16. It what a disappointment. I continued to wait at the cage. After a couple of minutes. He looked back up to me. He says, what else do you want? I said “BULLETS”. He says, are You expecting to shoot someone? Well It seemed reasonable to me,but what the heck! What do I know? Three weeks later I was ordered to surrender my weapon to the armory. I asked by the same guy as before, Why? He says, “You expecting to SHOT somebody? Well you can’t argued with that kind oflogic, hey? Thanks Jim
I arrived Long Bing VA April 1969,Just after Tet attack of LB post. When checking in I was assigned barracks, work location, messhall etc. I also was told to go to armoury to sign out my weapon. I went there and signed out my rifle. It was a m14, not a m16. That was a bummer? I continued to wait at the cage. After a couple of minutes. He looked back up to me. He says, what else do you want? I said “BULLETS”. He says “are You expecting to shoot somebody? Well it seemed reasonable to me, but what the heck! What do I know? Three weeks later I was ordered to surrender my weapon to the armory. I asked by the same guy as before, Why? He says, “You expecting to SHOOT somebody? Well you can’t argued with that manner of logic, hey? Thanks Jim PS. I’m looking for records on how many times Long Binh post was mortared during a period beginning April 1, 1969 through September 30, 1969. I simply cannot find a way to get to these records. If you have looked and found these records, please pass this information on to me. I’d like a map of Long ninjas well. Again thanks for your service there. Jim
I arrived at Long Binh in mid Jan. 1968, about 12 days before Tet 1968 started. I never saw a swimming pool. The area was referred to as T.C.Hill by the men that hauled ammo to the field in the 261st Transportation Co.
I arrived at Long Binh in mid Jan. 1968, about 12 days before Tet 1968 started. I never saw a swimming pool. The area was referred to as T.C.Hill by the men that hauled ammo to the field in the 261st Transportation Co. I put in for R&R and left for Malaysia on Aug. 24, 1968. I later learned that 13 men of the 48th group were killed in an ambush enroute to Tay Ninh . Sgt William Seay was later posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. I often wondered where I would have been if I didn’t take the R & R. I got out on Sept 29, 68 as I had less than a year when I went to Nam. I didn’t hear about Sgt. Seay until much later.
My brother(James Burton Kroesen) was in Vietnam I know on Aug. 10 ,1968 because I was married that day and thinking about my brother in Vietnam not able to attend. I think he was at Long Binh Post. He has Parkinson’s desease and dementia, we filled out paperwork that came back yesterday as denied because they couldn’t find proof that he was there in Vietnam. He can’t remember anything except tent camp B. He must have been in the finance building because he wrote out checks and worked with money. I remember, because it was funny, in a letter that there was fighting on the golf course but they were fought off. He remembers that he was there for two months only. Anyway…anyone know how to find proof that he was there? The VA couldn’t but maybe there is some other way to find out. I wish he could remember.
on long binh 1971 with the 632nd heavy equipment maint.co.worked in the sweat shop you know what i mean.when we stood down i was transfered to the 4th.tc 47th. trans and i was running jp 4 to firebase melanie.18 years old and pulling tankers of that stuff alone.was never afraid full of piss and vinegar.left to go back to the world to fort devens ma.got early out to go in the guards and stayed in for a few years.now almost 68 and 100% agent orange disabled for about five years.severe diabetes and heart disease.did not know why i was sick all the time.had to raise a family so i never went to the doctors.found out about the law passed in 1991 about boots on the ground and i filed all my papers for disability.took them 5 years to work with me,they lost my paperwork took the d.a.v.and the purple heart foundation working for me .they found my files
I served at Long Binh from Feb.1968 to Feb. 1969.
I remember Tet Offensive and the Ammo Dump blowing up. I served with the 92nd Eng. C Co.
Worked on base and off base. Pulled a lot of guard duty i8n Bunkers at night. Had some good nights and some bad nights.
I want to welcome home all my brothers and never forget the brothers left behind.
God Bless
Drafted while in college – Lottery #40. Enlisted (delayed enlistment program) in order to finish the year. Sent to Long Bing after basic/AIT at Ft Leonard Wood. Assigned to HQ Co, USARV Special Troops ( dog handlers, demolitions experts, journalists, divers, etc.). Worked on reasssignment of troops returning to states for discharge or assignment to Germany, Korea, etc. Useful when I was sergeant of the guard and had to write up guys supposed to be on interior guard duty but we’re found sleeping. If they threatened me for writing them up, I would remind them that I held their ticket back to “the world.” Also served periodic perimeter guard – sometimes had to call in gunships when there was action in the wires – usually monkeys or dogs when we saw what had happened in the morning.
I have a photo of my Dad, Maj Frank Geisel, Sp4 Doug Benton and CSM Woodruff “at Bridge #15 on QL 20”, dated April 1971. Would love to share it, post it somewhere – point me to some shared space. I think he was with the 173rd Engineers in ’71. I have a treasure trove of his slides from the 64-65 timeframe also.
Keep the faith
Hello Frank,
Thank you for the post. There is a facebook group called long binh junction where people are posting photos, maps, and stories. Lots of folks sharing there. Yours would be a welcomed addition, I am sure.
Ryan Moore
Library of Congress
On Halloween day, 31 October 1972 a CH-47 Chinook from the 18th Corps Aviation Company out of Can Tho Army Airfield was shot down by a Russian made SA-7 ground-to-air missile. There were 12 souls on board. The aircraft crashed and burned. There were no survivors. All but three of the occupants were burned beyond recognition. I was the OIC of the recovery operations. The Quartermaster Graves Registration folks from Long Bihn came and recovered all the burn victims. I never got an opportunity to think them for their quick response and hard work. So I say to you not, thank you, and welcome home.
Served June70 to June71. Long Binh plantation 1st Avation Brigade, 12th gp, group headquarters. Turned 18 in June, shipped over in June. 67n20, however didn’t fly till I got back in the states
I remember flying in to Bin Hoa October 6 or 7, 1967. We took a bus to the replacement center, I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess it was Long Bin. Received my fatigues, boots and TA-50. Was there maybe two days and shipped to Cu-Chi, 25th Infantry. Assigned to 4/9th, Charlie Company, “Manchus'”. Looking at the video, looked like decent duty there, until “Tet”, anyway. It seems like it was two weeks in getting adjusted to the comment, sighting in my junk 16 and out to the woods.
Hi my name is Sadie Cavalancia. My grandfather David Lee Wietsma served in Long Binh from ’67-’68. Sadly he passed away in 2017. Before he passed I got an opportunity to interview him about his time in Vietnam. He spoke very little of it before that interview. The only other time he talked about it was whenever he had health scares. He died of lunch complications due to the after-effects of exposure to agent orange. He served as Chief Company Clerk in the 580 telephones operations company of the 44th signal battalion. If you recognize his name at all, please feel free to reach out. Thank you.
I read Phil Whites (Flip) comments number 104. I served with him with the 261st transportation unit at Long Binh. We drove in convoys together all over the country and had rooms next to each other at our hooch. We were both kids back then and I would love to reunite with you. How can we connect?
Worked USADLB security 1969-1971 looking for anyone who did same
I need info about my father Ronald h Thompson was in Vietnam 1968 and 69 was in army. Stationed north of Saigon
Myself and eight other guys pull guard at Long Binh the first night anyone every was there. There was three bunker on that hill. One of the guys was a first LT who after forty one years nine months of service retired as a LT General his name is General Edward D Baca. He was command of the National Guard with over five hundred and sixty thounds men under him. We came from Fort Bliss Texas. Went over on a ship call the USSNS Barrett. Left out of Oakland on Friday the thirteen at thirteen hundred hours. The name of the Company was the 85th Ordnance. We had everything to make war.
I was stationed on Plantation as a firefighter 1971-1972. Plantation was a Huey & Cobra airstrip next door to Long Bing. I can’t find anything on line about this small base. I would be interested in anyone who was stationed there, especially any firefighters I might have known
Michael Alsup, I worked at, on , out of Plantation from Aug 70 to Aug 71. I was with a the 219th MID. First job was spraying the fence line. Second the Detachment company clerk found out I could type. So I took his job for two to three Months. Worked TOC in the Middle of Planation in G2 Air. Work in the II Shop for a President Project. Finally the last part of my tour was spent at Bien Hoa Air Base with a couple of other Image Interpreters Vietmazation Project. We traveled daily from Plantation to Bien Hoa Air Base. The Bunker that we manned was between Long Bien and Plantation along HWY 1. I do remember the 24 Medivac Hospital where I spent my 21 Birthday. Their were so busy. I got a elastic band for a crushed nerve in my leg. I felt lucky to get it, because upon my arrival Medivac Choppers were bring wounded in and it was surprising they even got to me after 4 or 5 hours.
I was with the 92nd Engineer Bn. from 69-72 and We built LBJ among the many other projects. We weren’t limited to Long Bihn, we worked in Dihn Quan (rock city) Tay Nihn, Phu Loi well you get it we got around I do remember showers and clubs.
I was with the 92nd Engr. Bn. and we built Long Bien Jail in 69. I had a much longer post but while I’ve never posted here the sightmaster days I have and heaven forbid duplication.
worked at the long depot from april 1969 to march 1970 no contact with anyone since
In October of 1965, I received orders for assignment to the 69th Signal Battalion at Fort Eustis, Virginia and found myself, once again on the way to Oakland, California. The battalion was being prepared for its operational commitment in Vietnam. We departed the United States from Oakland, Ca. on board the USN Upshur. The unit landed off Tau, Vietnam in November 1965. When we arrived at Long Bien, the combat engineers was still clearing the jungle where we were to setup. When I say setup, I mean the whole unit setup in two man pup tents, with duffel bag and weapons, with no ammo initially, c-rations daily and bathing buddy style. Fifty gallon drums of water heated by the sun during the day, your buddy used his helmet to pour water from the drum down a trough for you to wear your body and then to rinse of the soap, sorry no privacy. So many memories to talk about, I will finish here.
70-71 assigned to 169th eng as a heavy vehicle mechanic A co.
Served in Long Binh with area company 44th signal Bn. July 1968 until September 1969. I was a communication center specialist. I worked in the vans that were tied together by the main gate. We were located about two blocks from the LBJ stockade. Better known as silver city.
I was stationed at Long Binh from the fall of 67 to the fall of 68. I was with the 147th LEM originally, then transferred to the 832 HEM.I was there when the TET offensive of 68 occurred. Unfortunately I now suffer from the affects of AO, I have prostate cancer. I didn’t notice any comments in the above posts about health affects from those of us who served there have now, but I didn’t read every word of every comment either. It would be interesting to see how many of the above vets that have posted or future posters to this blog,have health issues,due to AO exposure while serving on this base.
Would like to no where about of anybody who sever in long binh base post between Sept 1971 to Sept 1972
Would like to here from anybody from that was at –Long Binh base post between sept1971 to1972 with the 32sn med depothope to here any boby
Would like here if anybody was in long binh in sept1971 to sept1971 in the 32sd med depot
I was with the 624th S&S Co in Long Binh from July 1966 to July 1967. I worked at the ration breakdown yard with guys like Browiak, Beck, Spitzer, Parker, Thompson. I see in this site a couple other guys who served at the 624th around the same time I was there. Jim Smith the company clerk I kind of remember him handing out the mail. I believe he replaced a guy named Greasie or greasey, who played the drums in the company rock band. The compound was located in a rubber tree plantation and I lived in a field tent for several months until we built a new hooch. Some of the guys in the hooch were Larry Crognale, Jerry Van Nood, Jerry Diabo Tacho Sandoval, John Beers, Chuck Lebens, Larry Soja. Tom Bourlier in this site, who I didn’t know, mentions the October 66 Ammo Dump Explosion. Yes I remember it well, was sitting in the EM club drinking a beer when the blast hit. Blew me off my chair, slammed to the floor, ringing ears, dazed, etc. Ended up grabbing our old M14’s, yes M14’s as we didn’t get the 16’s. Spent a long time in the perimeter trench on alert and also had to guard the ammo dump a couple days later. On a lighter note, I was there to see Nancy Sinatra and Martha Rae. Also watched a lot of old dusty movies in a make-shift movie hut. Anyway, that was 52 years ago, but I remember it well
Wayne
Where are the comments I posted yesterday???
Our apologies Wayne, comments have to be approved before being visible on the website. With the holiday last week, we got behind on approving new comments. Your comment is now visible.
66th Engineers TOPO seems to be the missing link in everyone’s recollections of the Long Binh Post. I served with the 66 Engineers TOPO from November 1968 to November 1969 and our company was attached to the 76th Engineer Brigade. I would like to hear from anyone assigned to the 66th Engineers especially during that time period. My recollections are sketchy and to get caught up would be appreciated.
HHC Long Binh Post 69 and 70. Never heard it called Long Binh Juction. I think I remeber Wilson who worked at S 2-3.
I was at the Johnny Cash appearance at Long Binh EM club in 1969. I remember two things from the appearance– 1- how rough and tumble Cash looked (would not liked to run into him in a bar room brawl)2- Remember when he was singing an American Indian song, a Indian soldier in the audiance got up from his chair holding his hands in the air. Two MPs jumped on him forcing him back into his chair. Mr cash went to jump off the stage to come to his aid, his band members grabbed him, not allowing Cash to get to the MPs. His first words back at the mike was — “Leave that boy alone” in that low Johnny Cash voice– and the MPs left him alone.
With Age many memories are fading, but that memory is crystal clear, like it happened yesterday.
FYI: Oct 68 through Oct 69 LBJ was Long Binh Jail. I drove a JAG officer to LBJ several times– Terrible place, Like Basic Training in a hell hole. Worse of all LBJ time did not count toward In-Country Time.
I was at Long Binh from Oct 1966-Oct 1967. I was attached to Headquarters Company and later transferred to 64th Quartermaster Battalion Battalion. I remember an incident a couple of months before leaving. The machine gun jeep was blown up and two soldiers died that night patrolling the compound. The following night the combat troops came in and there was a lot commotion that night. I left about 45 days after that and don’t remember much after that.
I just want to add a few more comments to my above story. I read several comments by others about swimming pools. There was a place in or near Bien Hoa called Tran Camp or Train Camp, not sure of the exact name. It reportedly was a former ARVN officers club. It had an olympic size swimming pool, bar/lounge and restaurant. I was there one time shortly before I went home. Does anyone else remember this neat place? I still have pictures of it. I think it was a well kept secret because I only found out about it shortly before I left VN.
Also, LBJ was always known as Long Binh Jail when I was there in 1966-1967.
Never saw or heard of a bowling alley when I was there. Being an avid bowler, I would have found one. My cousin who was in Vietnam later said there was a bowling alley in Siagon.
You guys remember Mama Son, she cleaned your boots, did your laundry, cleaned your bunk area? Always wondered why they had black teeth.
Have a good one, Wayne
Hello. The reason I am reaching out to you is because I am looking for my father. My name is Kim Nguyen and I was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mother and American father. All I know about my father was that he was a pilot during the war. I was born there in 1973. My mother refused to give me any information on my father, not even a name. I am reaching out to try and find someone that may be able to help me find him. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. My father stationed in Long Bình Vietnam. My mother worked at long binh hospital. My dad probably return home to USA 1972. If anyone knows please share
I was stationed at Long Binh from June 1972 until November 1972 when we turned it over to the South Vietnamese Military. I worked for the Comptroller’s Office HQ USARV. My first job was at Bien Hoa then all over the country doing audits on the Army Club Systems. November 1972 until April 1973 assigned Tan Son Nhut Airbase doing the same closeout audits of Club systems. I don’t recall anyone calling it LBJ or Bowling alleys or rec facilities. Maybe working 7 days a week I just did not have time for those things.Retired USA First Sargent
I was station at Long Bihn in the 556th Trans Co. (Petro Main) We were in what we called Tanker Valley because fuel was all we hauled. I was there May 68 – Apr. 69.
My grandfather was Col Edmund Castle and I came across these comments. I never had a chance to meet my grandfather and will love to hear more stories good, bad or indifferent. Specifically comment #84 from Mr. Tom Wilson. Is there a way I may get his email to reach out?
My unit was charged with providing security at the ammo dump. I received several trailer trucks loaded with GI,s from trans., eng., and other units stationed throughout LBJ. I placed groups of 5 guys spaced some 100 yds apart in large trenches. We were at the wire or in towers stationed throughout the dump.Our Inf. Unit was responsible for daylight security ops. I was there from Feb.’67 thru Sept. ’67 at which time I rotated home and back to civilian life. I missed TET thank goodness.
I was stationed at Long Binh from February 1970- February 1971. My Unit was the Communications Electronic Engineering Management Agency (CEEMA) adjacent to the 1st Signal Bde Headquarters. Spent a lot of my time TDY traveling the arround country managing the installation of “Advanced” Data Communication Terminals (“Primitive” by today’s standards}
Like many others of you I can only remember one pool and that was at the 24th EVAC Hosp. While my Hooch (RMK) across the street from the 24th , I was never allowed pool access.
However not wanting to give up the good life, I had my father an Air Force Officer Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, send me ceiling tile, floor tile air conditioning and a small refrigerator to help get me through it.
I also wrote a letter to Hugh Hefner asking for playmate pinups. In response he sent me a whole case of 1971 calendars, which I use as wallpaper for my hooch.
O-well that was 50 years ago; when I was a young 22 year old Signal Corps Captain.
Does anyone remember explosion sand bag near piss tube long binh 1966 or early 1967 I think I was struk by shrapnel on leg not serios enough for med attention?
I just read Jim Bale’s comments #194 regarding not getting any bullets for his M14 in 1969. Two years earlier in 1966 when I checked into the 624th I was also issued an M14. In our field tent we had a rifle rack,a case of loaded M14 magazines and also a case of hand grenades all sitting at the front entrance to the tent. After we built our new hooch, we were ordered to turn in the hand grenades to supply, but kept the loaded magazines.
I had the good luck of pulling guard duty on New Years Eve, 1966. When the clock struck midnight, we all started shooting off our M14’s, which was a no no. Soon after, the Lt in charge came out and was quite angry. He asked who was shooting off their weapons, but nobody admitted to it, so he began sniffing the gun barrels and caught a few guys. I quickly put a couple drops of our ole smelly insect repelant in the barrel and got away with it. Happy New Year…..
I arrived at Long Binh in Oct. 1966. We landed from the USNS Upshure at Vung Tau then created a base camp at the very western perimeter of Long Binh. Our company was the 563rd CS Heavy Material, 277th Battalion, 1st Log. Command. We made camp in a former rubber plantation and transported supplies from Saigon to Area 208 located at the very east end of Long Binh near the village of Ho Nai. Most of the later development of the base had not been built yet. We helped locals at Ho Nai and supported an orphanage in Ho Nai run by Nuns. I have photos, stories etc to share if needed.
Was stationed the entire year of 1969 in Long Bing serving as a clerk-typist at USARV HDQRTS. Was assigned to 1st Logistical Command and worked in re-enlistment office across from mail room. Attained rank of spec5. People I recall working with & for: Col Dupard, Maj. Wm Barbour, Sg Maj Hagen, sgts Charlie Greenfield, Zeke Zebrowski, Rush Neal. Drank lotta beer and played poker with Ken Hayes (NC), Bill Smith (CA), Jim Otts (TX). You never forget the guys you hung with. Took in-country R&R to Na Trang. Damn that water was cold (South China Sea). Got to see Bob Hope Christmas Show. Now reside in St. Jo, TX. & would like to hear from cohorts from a time past.
I was stationed at Long Bein from July 1970 to July 1971. I was with the 446 Trans Co.
I believe my father was stationed at LBP in 1967 with the 512th Quartermaster Company. He was an SP4 and may have helped refuel helicopters, but am not sure as he didn’t talk a lot about his time over there. He passed away in 2011, but held the flag as I was commissioned into the Army 20 years ago. I have a few years left before I retire. If anyone has any information on his unit I would love to know more. I have enjoyed reading the stories on here. Thank you all for your service. God bless.
I was assigned to Headquarters USARV and I worked in the AG building in the Officer Replacement Division. I was in country from February 1968 to February 1969. I attained the rank of SP5 while serving there. We assigned Officers from the rank of WO1 to LTC. We were a part of the Special Troops Battalion and I was assigned to AG Company. We work 7 days a week from 7 Am to 7 PM. For the last five months I worked nights with an another enlisted man and we did the keypunching for the division. We had more freedom and as long as we got the job done, no one bothered us. Many of the day guys didn’t like us.
Looking for anyone with the 12th DPU USARV from 1968-1969
Anybody from the 531st engineers in 1969?
Ron
I was at Long Binh from July of 1968 to October of 1970.
We called Long Binh Jail LBJ. (There was no junction about our LBJ.) You could watch the place from the back porch of our hooch while we smoked. We even saw the “uprising” until we felt it might be better to take it indoors because there was some shooting from the guard towers. We were not so much afraid as worried about seeing GIs shoot GIs. I much preferred your LBJ.
From March 1970 to 1971 with 20 engineers .
I was with the 388th Trans. Co. ADS from March 1967 to July of 67. We were a detachment from Vung Tau providing helicopter maintenance for Medevacs serving the Evac Hospitals. The day we arrived we were given a couple of cement mixers and 5 wheelbarrows and told that we had to pour a pad for a hooch so we would have a place to sleep. In July they sent us back to Vung Tau and someone else took over our mission.Looking for anyone from our detachment. The stories bring back a lot of memories. Always called the Jail,Camp LBJ
I served at Long Binh with the 580 Telephone Operations Company. I worked at USARV Headquarters servicing the EAC (Emergency Action Console) which was a high priority stand alone telephone exchange serving HQ and mostly General officers. I likely, along with my cohorts, had the best job at Long Binh as we has a couple of Autovauhgn direct lines to the states. I could simple pick up the phone and call anywhere in the country as long as the lines were not in use. It was a great bargaining chip as, mostly working the 7 PM tp 7AM shift I could give out phone calls back home. It got me some great perks. To my credit I never gave calls to anyone if they did something for me. I usually found someone who had or could do something I wanted, went nest door to the Alpha Roster at the Red Cross office across the hall, found out their wife or mother’s phone number, called them, the guy on one phone and their wife on the other, connected them and let them talk for 5-10 minutes. I would then ask them for a favor and 9 times out of 10 I got what I wanted, lumber for the hooch, steaks, beer and even chopper rides. Possible the best job in Vietnam. I was drafted and got real lucky.
I was a SP4 and was stationed at Long Binh from June 72 until November 72 at which time it was turned over to the Vietnamese. I was with 1st Sinal BDE My MOS was 31S30, Crypto Repairman. I was assigned to the Com Center on USARV Hill. I worked in the Crypto vault in the back of the com center. I worked the day shift. 0600 to1800. I found my way to the bowling alley and the EM Club. When Long Binh stood down I was re-assigned to 39th Signal BN at Tan Son Nhut. I worked CLSCV until I left county Around the end of March 73. For anyone trying to find buddies may I recommend https://www.facebook.com/groups/398400204322163/permalink/662800181215496/ They have a page called BUDDIE FINDERS. I just found a buddy of mine a few days ago I had been Trying to find since the mid 70’s I am forever grateful to them because as we all know time is growing short. Best of luck to you.
I was there 70/71 1st sig across the road from LBJ. The Nam had it share of everyone. Lifer,drunks,dopper we were all there. Some how we all made it home. Some of us had troubles why we did our coping skills with what ever meds we had.
was in long binh sept 66 to sept 67 75th supply co I also remember ammo dump blowingup feb 67 pulled guard duty there within a few daysafter
HEY JOHN WYATT. I was in the 547th Map Depot, 66th in 70 and 71 ALSO. Sounds like we probably saw each other although I do not recognize your name. How do we connect off this website?
Here is your comment back in 2017:
John Wyatt
December 22, 2017 at 2:40 pm
I was in long bin in 70 and 71 with 66 engineers. I worked in the map depot. Never saw a bowling alley, wood shop or any of the other things mentioned. There were some clubs to.drink though.
Never heard post called LBJ. only heard long binh jail. Went lots of other places in country too. Now disabled due to agent orange. Want to say to all that served there, THANKS MEN and WELCOME HOME!!
I was in HQ Special Troops USARV message center in 1968-69. We had a Vietnamese worker by the name of Lee Hong Kahn? or something like that. He was drafted into the South Vietnamese army. I always wondered what happened to him. I was just a chairborne ranger.
Was stationed with HHC 1St Aviation Brigade April 1967 to April 1968.Comm Center 72B40. Remember Tet 1968 like it was yesterday. Was wondering if any of my former members are on this page. Thank you for the time.
I was in Long Bihn from Jul68 till Jun69.
I was assigned to HQ Special Troops and worked at AG Postal Division at HQ USARV up on the hill. MY building was the most South East assuming the map at the top of the blog is oriented to the north. We did live in the relative lap of luxury.
My wife tells my I am a lucky individual since I was in the pipeline to be become a Naval Aviator but busted my physical. My fate was to get drafted but have skills to work to make sure others could have reasonable mail service.
Welcome Home and make sure you go to the VA and get checked for the effects of Agent Orange. You guys did your best for our country and your family.
Landed in-country Feb 2, 1968 and spent 2 nights in replacement company at Long Binh, next to an artillery unit that seemed to be supporting all night, both nights. Then was picked up by the CO of my unit (536 HEM Co, stationed in Colon, the Rice Mill, part of the 79th Maint Bn). We made daily repair parts runs to LB, unless red or yellow alerts. LBJ was the reference to the jail. And I remember working to get the guys to be at the Holiday Show in late ‘68, but due to some aggressor action near Long Binh, the Bob Hope troop could not make it in. We had good views of an empty stage from the hill. And we had a tough time back in Colon in Feb and again in May of ‘68. I flew back to the World the end of Jan ‘69, a 3 day drop. Spent a lot of time processing those IBM cards for a special project at the direction of Major Lyons of the SLSA. That project was outside the mainstream supply activity of Long Binh, and we later found out we were prepping 1st Cav for their action in Cambodia. The “reports” were finally declassified in 2002, from what I can see on the stamped docs. Our unit in Colon, was direct and general support, part of the 79th after the 79th left Colon and moved to Long Binh. Our cards stated “The Helping Hand” (with a picture of the back of a hand with the middle finger standing tall) and “You Blow it We Tow It”. We took rockets, small fire arms fire and had quiet VC activity on our compound. We did a lot of support for the 199th and the MP’s stationed in Saigon. THANKS TO ALL WHO SPENT TIME IN THE PLACE.
My late father, Captain Carl W. Stone Sr was stationed at the Long Binh Drug Treatment Center. He was a nurse in psychiatry One of his most recalled stories was the visit by Sammy Davis Jr. He served only part of his year at the Long Binh. The remainder of his tour was at the Saigon Hospital.
I am together with a man that’s mom lived in Long Bihn and his mom met a military man and got pregnant and gave birth to him in March 1970. He has no idea who his father is and his father doesn’t know he has a son. So sad for both in many ways. Too many military people to know. There is a huge loss felt I feel for him never knowing anything about his father. His mother was very young and he was raised by his aunt while his mother married another military man after the birth of him. Where do you go from here?? His father must be quite old and he doesn’t know he has an amazing intelligent son that he would be proud of but his mom would never share or doesn’t know. So sad and I am sure there are many more from that time.
To Ngo – Gao.
Yes, I was there then, 1970 – 1971. I was assigned to the 402 Trans Detachment.
For above, the location in Saigon was “Cholon”. Hitting send the spell check took over and put the incorrect word into the script.
Hi, I served at the British Embassy Saigon November 1969 through January 1971. During that time I had an excellent and close relationship with Provost Marshall Ed (Edward) Guilmore based at Ben Hua. I have been struggling over the years ‘trying’ to contact him. Any ideas gratefully received.
Respect to one and all who served…
David
I was with Company C, 535th Signal Corp. at Firebase Plantation June 1971 to April 1972. My last two months I was moved to the main base of Long Binh. I want to say a great-full “Thank you” to Smitty from Georgia who volunteered to replace me on guard duty at Tay Ninh so I could get married on R&R in Hawaii. Tay Ninh was not the place to be.
I’d love to hear from anyone else that was there. Montague (Watertown,New York), Hass, Lebruska (From Nebraska), Smith from Oklahoma?
I was with Company C, 535th Signal Corp. at Firebase Plantation June 1971 to April 1972. My last two months I was moved to the main base of Long Binh. I want to say a great-full “Thank you” to Smitty from Georgia who volunteered to replace me on guard duty at Tay Ninh so I could get married on R&R in Hawaii. Tay Ninh was not the place to be.
I’d love to hear from anyone else that was there. Montague (Watertown,New York), Hass, Lebruska (From Nebraska), Smith from Oklahoma?
With Co A 69th Sig Bn, shipped out of Oakland Army Terminal in Oct ’65, disembarked in Vung Tau and flew by C130 to Bien Hoa, cattle trucks to a jungle clearing in Long Binh in Nov of 1965. Paired up with SP5 Larry Kempner and pitched our shelter halfs just as monsoon season started. Pup tents soon turned into squad tents and C-rations became K-rations. Our camp was named Gary after one of our guys was accidentally shot during rifle safety training!?!? Also spent time at Camp Gerry at Tan Son Nhut airbase, named after Gerry Gaylor who was killed at a off base villa. Lost contact with my buddy E.J. Robles when we returned to the states. Anybody know E.J.??
I was a 1st Lieutenant in the Signal Corps at Long Binh from Feb 1968 to March 1969 with the 1st Signal . I reported to a LTC Sage who was a great guy. I worked at several areas including the telephone switch center as the Ops OIC and at the 580th Co. In various positions.
I was an MP on Long Binh from Dec 1970 – Apr 1971 at the Long Binh Jail , and yes it was referred to as L B J
Upon arrival in Saigon we were placed in buses and taken to Long Binh. This was during the fall of 1967 awaiting permanent assignment. During that time approximately 21 days in Long Binh one evening very late trip flares were initiated and two VC were located in the wire surrounding the area gun fire was initiated and it was a pretty active time as none of the recent arrivals had weapons talk about a cluster ####. Does anyone remember this event it remains an issue with me and I would appreciate confirmation.This has been going on for many many years. Thanks
I was in RVN from 31 OCT 1969 to 30 OCT 1970. I was drafted into Army 15 APR 1969 so after my tour I was given an “early out” as had less than 6 months to go. I was at Ft Bliss, then Ft Huachuca , then Ft Gordon, so that extra duty in the states got me the “early return of overseas duty” something to that effect. I ended up at HHC,36th Sig Bn in Long Binh. After coming from USARV Hill to come to my duty station all was left was a deserted gravel lot. They walked me over to the personnel office and the CW2 running the place asked me if I could type. I said sure as I had 2 yrs worth of typing in high school. I was fortunate as working in the office in redeployment/ID cards and typing manually R & R orders that I got 2 R & R’s. One was getting married at Ft DeRussey in Honolulu on 4 JUL and also got down to Sydney,Australia. I was fortunate to be STANDING TALL as in August of 1970 I was the ‘Soldier of the Month”. I remember we interviewed at night in the hootch before senior non-coms and the CSM of the HQ> Here I got lucky and the award was 5 days in Bangkok. The only remiss I have is that I didn’t grab a jeep and get more around Long Binh. Fortunately I got to see an old high school buddy of mine who was reassigned out of the field as he caught malaria, so I did drive over to Bien Hoa to visit him. I view the Army time served as a great discipline for rest of my life. Got out as a Sp/5.. mos 71H30.
Barry, I served at Long Binh from 66-67 with 624th S&S Co and they sprayed that AO crap all over the place back then. I have had skin cancer,a malignant tumor removed, have numerous skin lesions, bumps moles, etc all over my body. My daughter was born with a birth defect. And yet, the VA continues to deny my AO claim. I am still working on this claim and some day it will get approved. Good luck with yours and keep at it.
Wayne
MOS 36C20 Tel. Lineman. At LB 1/66{after 5 months in Quin Nhon, 41st Sig. Bn.))thru 6/66. 53rd Sig. Bn. Upon arrival, we poured pads for APTs
(All Purpose tents) Hooches and pulled guard. Hot hard work but we did it. Not much there. Dozers were pushing the perimeter back and barbwire was going up. Return second tour 3/67-11/67. Same deal but more hooches. Chow halls and Bn. HQ were screened in, wooden. We just called area Long Binh. LBJ was the jail. I believe ‘Long Binh Junction’ came from Bn HQ for comm. purposes. It wasn’t being used daily when I was there. A small EM club and NCO club but the action was in Bien Hoa.I missed Tet 68 by ten wks. Lucky. Welcome home to all….
I arrived at Long Binh Post from Ft. Bragg, NC (Adjutant General Staff) in May, 1969 and was assigned to G3 Plans and Operations (USARV). My commander at the time was Col. John Hemphill (later Maj. General, Ft. Lewis, WA), followed by Col.Day. It was my job to transcribe TS Vietnamization docs, catalogue and file those docs in the G3/USARV library.
I’ve been asked by some, “how did you get that job”? Well, I was required by my father to take typing classes all the way through high school. By the time I graduated, I was typing 70 WPM on a manual typewriter. In basic training (Ft. Ord, CA), they asked “who can type”?. I raised my hand. At that point it didn’t matter how well I did on the range, I was going to be typing full time, because there was a shortage of typists in the Army.
So many of the details surrounding my tour have been lost to my memory.
My greatest regret is that I didn’t keep in touch with any of the wonderful people I served with, both enlisted and officers, except one; My friend Tom Kabeary (Glasgow, MT) who lives just a few miles from us, here in Puyallup, Washington.
God bless you all!
Great guys during my service at LB 1967 / 1968
I was in Long Binh Jan 1969 til Jan 1970. At that time was a Capt in the 169 Const. Engineer Battalion assigned to A Company. A Company supported the line companies building QL20. We ran the asphalt plant on base and paved part of QL20 along with sections of the ammo depot on base. Also ran the well drilling detachment, dump truck company and was responsible for all of the battalion maintenance. All of the line companies were stationed on QL20 and our company supported them with equipment and maintenace. The well drilling detachments were sent all over the southern part of the country. Interesting time to say the least.
I was a medic at the 24th Evac Hospital (Long Binh) from June ’66 to July ’67. Prior to the arrival of the US Army, the area had been called Long Binh Junction which referred to the junction of Highway 1 (from Saigon) and Highway 15 (from Bien Hoa.) Once the Long Binh Stockade went up in mid-’67, it was quickly given the nickname Long Binh Jail, or LBJ for short. So the term “LBJ” had two different origins– one referring to the junction of two highways and the other referring to the prisoner stockade. When we arrived, there was practically nothing there– just a gigantic field that had been cleared of rubber trees and bulldozed into what looked like the world’s largest parking lot. For the first several months we built our hospital while pulling bunker guard every second or third night. In addition to being a hospital medic, I performed many other duties such as jeep driver, prisoner guard, sign painter, translator and HQ clerk. Also got to see/meet many celebrities who visited the 24th Evac after the hospital became operational. These included Nancy Sinatra, James Garner, Henry Fonda, Martha Raye, Robert Mitchum, Chuck Connors and Mike Wallace, among others. I recently wrote a humorous book about these experiences (“Long Daze at Long Binh”) which you can find on Google. My best to all Long Binh vets who are still kickin’!
My mistake, the Long Binh Jail was constructed in mid-’66, not mid-’67. Oops.
After jungle school at Fort Benning I arrived in Vietnam in July 1971 at Cam Ranh Bay. I made my way to Long Binh where I was attached to do US Army engineer command. I served until March 1972 with some really talented people (Snowden, Walkawitz, Rogers, Morgan, Nichols, and Smith). I remember the Bob Hope Christmas show in 1971. The officers all sat in peanut heaven, as it should be, and we laughed until we had tears in our eyes. I also remember midnight mass on Christmas Eve, a very strange experience. It seemed like everyone was there: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, nurses from the 24th Evac hospital, South Vietnamese Marines, ROC troops Aussies, and Brit’s. LBJ was the Long Binh Jail. One of the highlights we enjoyed was going to the PX and looking through the Pacex catalog. I remember ordering my wife a string of Mikimoyo pearls, she was thrilled! The engineers stayed focus and did a great job as did our South Vietnamese partners! Thanks for your service.
To: Ngo – Gao
I was with Radio Co. 1st Sig Bde 70-71
To: Ngo – Gao
I was at Long Binh 70-71 with Radio Co. 60th Sig. !st Sig. Bde.
Trying to find out more about a Colonel Castle, Provost Marshal, Long Binh Post, Lost thumb/KIA/, on LBP perimeter; one tough SOB who last radio contact was; S3 & Driver Dead, blew off my thumb.will probably pass out soon from loss of blood>Did he survive or not? Being Bird Col. could have send subordinates to check perimeter, but went himself: very impressive.
I’ve read that humorous book Long Daze at Long Binh by two medics from the 24th Evac in Long Binh. It’s not only got some great laughs but is very informative for anyone who wasn’t there, very nostalgic for those of us who were there. It’s not pro-war or anti-war, as some vets might fear, and it’s quite witty without making light of war in any way. The stories bring back a flood of memories, mostly good ones, for any Vietnam vet. Look it up on Google and check the reviews from Army doctors, pilots, nurses, medics, artillerymen, transport, signal, clerks, engineers, infantry, etc. As one nurse says “You don’t have to be a medic to relate.”
Respect to all who served our country during times of war and peacetime.
My father, Robert Jones, was commander at Camp Camelot for the 71st Transportation (at the time a Major). I believe it was during 1966-1967 but may be off by 1 year. I have enjoyed looking at the photos and slides he took during his time during the Korean and Vietnam wars.Unfortunately, my dad has passed 11 years ago and miss him dearly.
Glad to see the folks who served, or family, sharing here.
Bless you all!
Stationed at Long Binh Jan to Nov 1970 with AG Company, USARV working at the Casualty Reporting unit and responsible for records and reporting on all US Army personnel classified as missing (or MIA). I have been to the Post Office, the dental clinic, the nearby large above the ground pool, the bookmobile, and the ice cream truck. If you showered early in the morning the shower water was hot. If you worked the night shift at Amry Hqts. as I did for the first 3 months in-country the A/C was so cold we often had to wear field jackets inside to keep warm.
Reply to Ross Smry:
My time in country spanned most of 1971 and almost half of 1972. My first duty station was at Chu Lai as a special teams mechanic on CH-47’s for the 23rd Americal Division, 132rd ASHC. The unit stood down towards the end of 1971 and I was transferred to the 1st Aviation Group 213th Black Cats in Phu Loi, attaining Flight Engineer status on the Shit Hooks. Then another stand down and I was transferred during my last month to a place that was called “The Plantation” at/near Long Binh Post. I remember there was a lot of high ranking brass there. I was then put into service as a jeep driver and flight crew member to take/accompany them wherever they wanted to go. Back then to fly a chopper, there had to be a minimum of to people in the aircraft. This was very cool as I got to sit in the Co-pilots seat a lot and even got to handle the chopper on many occasions with most of the younger pilots my age.
The “Plantation” as most all of us referred to it, was my last duty before leasing for the States.
Assigned to Enlisted Replacement Ops at HQ, USARV (LBJ) from 09/67 to 09/68. CO was Colonel Ackerman whom I had much respect for. Also looking for CWO Thomas E. Spann, my CO at Ft Leonard Wood. Looking forward to hearing from fellow hootch mates (yeah the one we wanted to rent out).
I was stationed at Long Binh from estimated April 1967 to November 1967, Co. D, 51st Inf. Attached to MP Battalion performing Amo dump security in guard towers, bunkers and outside ambushes. Saw one of the biggest snakes ever, ended up decorating the CP after a Sargent caught it crossing a road soon after we arrived from Cam Ranh Bay. Attached to MP Battion doing amo dump security, convoy escort to highlands (Da lat), other duties
SP5 Assigned to Sr. Enlisted Replacement section, HQ USARV AG Co from Oct67 to Aug 68. Worked night shift 7pm to 7am, 6 nights a week, off Sat night. Working shift when TET 68 attack to the post including headquarters. New Ray Sykes,good guy, same hooch mate and he got E6 slot that I turned down because I wanted to stay on night shift. Had a great group of guys that worked at Enlisted Replacement section. Russ Diethert, my cube mate also was my best man at my wedding in 69.
Long Binh, January 1966 to August 1967 with the 500th Engineer Company (Panel Bridge) SP4 to SSG. Back again April 1969 to April 1970.
I was in Long Binh From January 1970 to August 1971. I was with the 79th Maintenance Battalion 632nd HEM.
I was at Long Binh 4/1971- 2/72 I was with the 266th supply and service Battalion my mos was 63 B20/30 my co was Cpt Daupinee below him was 1st Lt Whitlow motor Sargent was Sp6 Baldwin I later became the Battallion Co’s driver (Lt Col Jerry L. Hearn) Is there another “Provider” here?
Attn: Ron Kidder
Ron – I saw your post of 04/22/2019 and think that I remember your name. I was in HQ Co. from Oct. 66 – Dec. 67. When we first arrived we lived in tents and the back perimeter backed up to an overgrown area. As I remember a lot of the vegetation was dead, Agent Orange probably. I think there was an Engineer Unit to our rear on the right of the compound and another unit opposite us on the left. Large area in between that was jungle-like area. Wild animals would sometime stray into the compound, especially monkeys and some type of deer. The bats were huge. Remember several of us sitting on sandbags and watching a fire-fight the Engineer Unit was having in the wooded area. It went on for awhile – don’t know what they were firing at. Also remember the big explosion at the Ammo Dump that kept going off all night. Hey man, thanks for your service and welcome home, hope things are going well with you.
Arrived 1971 thru deactivation, then sent to the 3rd 187th in PhuBai. 23rd then 7th 8th arty FSB happy, 2 8in, 2 175s, duster and quads for support. Tay Ninh province, 100 feet inside of Cambodia. Mt Nui Ba Den in the background. Duties were whatever was required to assist 24/7. I was a utility player, Jack of all duties, master of none. Rode convoys through rubber plantation, and at times stopped along the way to pick up the weeds as needed, and also supplies in Tay Ninh to take back to the FSB. Worked with the Sensor Placement and assisted Skip with search Light duties (that was fun). Captain Spears stands out. Russ the crazy man and a lake named after LT Brady. New areas of spraying identified for Agent Orange. Area of Dar-Prek Plantation 1969 Northern Tay Ninh . Stay covid free, many Veteran dead because the staff in Nursing homes werent tested until 7/3/20 shame on leadership.
I was at Long Bien from 01/69 to 01/70 HHC 6 Trans Batt 48th Group. Work in the Commo shop
I was at Long Binh mid summer 68 & 69 In the 261 transportation out fit driving a 5ton cargo truck then I was moved to the maintenance dept as a mechanic but still drove on some convoys and drove the C/O Jeep on several convoys , his name was captain Jeffers ( not sure if that’s spelled right) But he was a Black man and one of the finest persons I have ever known, would like to know if anyone knows his where a bouts.
I was at Long Binh from Oct 67 to May 69 in the 71st Trans Battalion. We would convoy to Newport Army Terminal on the Saigon River and operate the port there. We were just below USARV and 1st Log Command headquarters, and I would sometimes go there to buy a burger and fries at the snack bar and use the flush toilets.
I arrived in Vietnam 12/1967. 12 days before TET. Was assigned to the 48th Trans Group, 7th Trans Battalion, 572nd Trans Company. The Gypsy Bandits. Convoy truck driver. Tractor trailers. We all grew up and hardened fast the night of TET. After TET part of our Company was loaded on transport ships and sent North, Da Nang to support the counter assault. Resupplied fire base camps all the way up to the Marine artillery base at the Rock pile. Some time in early 68 they transferred 20 of us to the 26th Group, 57th Trans Battalion. The company was then referred to as “K” Company (Kenworth) We retained the 572nd Company on the bumper. Three civilians from the Vinnell Corp out of Ca trained us to drive the 10 40 Ton KW’s that were taken off beach clearance and assigned to convoy duty. We loved those trucks. Huge C130 aircraft tires. No governor on the engine. Vintage 60’s model 552 with Eidal model 1262 trailer. One KW could haul what it took 4 tractor trailers to haul. Ended up in Dong Ha at the Marine fire base. Lived in holes in the ground 3 miles south of the DMZ. In April 68 we loaded the 101st Airborne on our flat bed trucks and hauled them up to Khe Saun. The Marines were nearly out of ammo and C rats. The 101st had come into Dong Ha the night before on 24 of their choppers. 22 got hit that night. The only reference to this day and mission, is one sentence in the order of battle records stating that the 572nd participated in the convoy of 4-28-68 to relieve the fire base. The Marines were happy to see that we showed up with ammo and C rats. They were not happy to see the 101st guys on the trucks. Took a couple of Marine officers to settle the no welcome dispute. As draftee Army drivers, the unit drama was of no interest to us. We just wanted to get our trucks and buts back down to Dong Ha. Trying to locate some of the guys from our unit.
I served in 1st Signal Brigade, 2nd Signal Group Near the 24th Evacuation Field Hospital. A Lieutenant Colonel, Major Eddy, liked me and had a jeep assigned to me. I was his driver and I also drove around the sergeant major, so I saw a lot of the base. I made specialist five pretty quickly and the night I was promoted we went to E-5 club to celebrate. It just happened to be the night at the LBJ riot started. We got caught up in what was going on around the jail when we try to get back to our unit. The lights were out around the jail and they were soldiers everywhere. We got stopped and eventually turned loose.
I remember the clubs and the girl bands and American music that you never heard on armed forces radio. Like “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” my favorite. Many good memories. And some not so good memories.
Served at Long Binh late Oct ’67 thru late Oct ’68.
Most of my tour pretty quiet, boring actually. TET ’68 was a notable exception as it likely was for anyone in-country at the time. Other than that only the occasional rocket/mortar attack on Second Field Force Hdqt and the ammo dump broke the monotony.. popular neighbors can do that.
Serving at Long Binh Sep 68-Aug 69 prompted me to write the memories “Vietnam Convoy Trucker”. We 319th Trans Co of 6th BN 48th Group drove to all bases around Long Binh up to about 80 miles away. We saw the area, were ambushed 6 times and learned about the war. There were no safe places. Please consider my book for 201 pages and 90 photos taken by my company members and myself. I enjoy communicating with other VN Vets.
Ron Kidder did your unit move in at night? Seems like remember fire fight with mp unit no body knew was there Horn 9 4 66 11 3 67 across hill
vietnam 1971-72 720th mp bn. c co. convoy escort and pow duty.
Kevin Gramm, thank you for escorting our convoys. The MP escort helped save my life or prevent my capture at least once. I was always glad to see you fellows with us.
Assigned to CoD Troop Cmd USARV Apr 72 as 45B/76Y, immediately put to work closing out anything USARV, by means of dragon wagon, forklift, deuce and a half and five ton. About October 72, reassigned to HHC 1st AVN, and moved to MACV Annex TanSonNhut Airbase in Saigon to do the same, just shorter trips to haul stuff. Was one of many loaded unceremoniously on 29 Mar 73, checked by Pole, VC, and other observers while on loading ladder to aircraft, in my case mostly because of severe inebriation, eventually to arrive in Fort Knox. Retired after 21 yrs and 4 or 5 more MOS changes.
I was assigned to the 71st Ordnance Company 02/71 to 12/71. I was the Supply Sergeant for 71st & 576th Ord Company. Do anyone remember SGM Brown?
My father was Robert Shepard he was in logistics does anyone know of him? He lost his life in 1970.
August 2020 marked my 50th anniversary returning from Vietnam as a 20-year old soldier.
After radio transmitter school at Ft Monmouth (NJ) Signal Corps School, I was assigned as an instructor in the ANS/22 systems control course (MOS 32D20) at 160th Signal Group’s Southeast Asia Signal Corps School (SEASS), Long Binh, teaching there from Aug 1969 to Aug 1970.
Many thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at the 24th Med Evac Hospital, Long Binh, where in Nov 1969, I had to have an emergency surgical procedure. While laying on a stretcher in the hospital’s entrance, medics brought in at least 6 seriously wounded soldiers just flown in by helicopter. Curiously, I remember awakening in the mental fog that accompanies surgery, and while fighting my way to clarity, an Army Medical Corps general happened to stop with his medical rounds staff and cracked a joke which included a punch line using the word “circumcision”.
A few days later, I boarded a C-130 (I believe) for a rough plane ride to Cam Rahm Bay, serving as an excellent moving target for VC rocket practice, before landing. Then, after 10 days rest and recovery with a thousand other recovering wounded GIs on the beaches at the 6th Convalescence Center Hospital, where I pulled late night perimeter tower guard duty since the hospital had been bombed by the VC, I returned to duty at SEASS.
Serving in the Vietnam War was certainly a life defining experience.
Came in country at Cam Rahn Bay. Was there from Sept 67 to Dec 67. Sent to Long Binh till Sept. 68. HHC 1st Log. Worked out of 1st Log headquarters bldg. Up on the hill. Don’t remember where our billiting area was, but was near a px up the road about 50 yds. If anyone was there at that time appreciate hearing from you
John Ames: I left Nam on July 27, 1967 near the time you arrived. I was with the 624th S&S Company that was assigned to the 1st Log. My hooch was located right across the road from the Evac Hospital, where they had a PX, barber shop, tent for religious services, etc. I bought a lot of beer at that PX amongst other items. Not sure, but it’s probably the same PX you mentioned in your post.
Dec 1968-69 at Long Binh, HHC 12th combat Avn Gp , juat outside the wire LZ Plantation and with the 74th RAC at Phu Loi
APO SF 96375 and 96384.
Only the jail was referred as LBJ.
Sgt Meyers, US Army, Ret
Hi there I find this site very interesting I’m looking for information about 273 aviation company They were based in long binh but not sure what the address is
also about Vietnamese ladies who spoke English who helped the American army with their laundry and housework
Was at Long Binh May-Dec ’68. R and R clerk for 29th General Support Group (3d Ord, etc.) Worked across the street from the 24th Evac. My hooch was across the street from the Long Binh Jail. Watched it burn down during the riot. Guard duty on the fence at the ammo pads. (Moonlight on barbed wire over the barrel of an M60)
Got out a week early for Christmas. Saw Bob Hope’s plane coming in as I was leaving. (Missed the show.)
Hoa, my true story book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” and my company’s true story DVD “Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam” both report the Long Binh civilian employees. Hope you will be helped by these stories.
where was the depot where all supplies were kept before being issued? I was there once in fall of 68, it was just off highway 1 and I believe east of long bien.
Lyndal Williams: The 624th S&S Company DS (direct supply) had all the supplies, from food rations, c-rats, clothing, uniforms, boots, etc. etc. I was assigned there in 1966-1967. We were actually located in Long Binh, just off highway 1 as you had mentioned. When I arrived there in July, 1966, it was still somewhat primitive, mostly field tents and some wooden structures. By the time I left, it was looking pretty good, had modern wood barracks, mess hall, EM club, etc.
I was stationed at Long Binh from April 68 thru March 69. I was assigned to HHQ Saigon Support Command, Comptroller’s Office. Interesting comments about the LBJ. One of the officers in our office was assigned to do the investigation of some theft involving a fellow who was locked up in the LBJ. We went into the place during the August 68 riot. The prisoners still owned half the place and fires were burning. We found the guy we wanted to interview buck naked in a Conex container. I was the recorder and still have the report papers I created at the time. Spent more than a few days & nights on the bunker line around the ammo dump.
…to all…”Welcome Home”
This is for Susan Taylor.
I served in Long Binh, Oct 1970 – oct 1971. Long Binh is in 3 Corp area which was the most heavily dosed area in all of Vietnam with Agents Orange, Purple & Black. You shouldn’t waste time trying to get your brother compensation on your own. There are plenty of attorney’s out there that specialize in compensation for military related health issues that you only pay a percentage to, if they win your case. It’s worth it as if your brother wins, he’ll get compensation on a monthly bases. If your brother doesnt already go; he needs to go to a VA hospital and get his VA card. People there will tell him how to get appointments to doctors at the facility. Just take DD 214 with you. Good Luck!
I was stationed at long binh from oct 68 to feb 69 with the
74th field hospital we took care of detainees we could not call them prisoners because we did not have a declared war my best
Memories are bob hope show cardinal cooke saying christmas mass
And the brawl me had new years eve with the 24th evac because
Their co called ud yhr horxes ass
My 319th Transportation Company was based on Transportation Corps (TC) Hill, the first gate on Long Binh coming from Saigon. Our motor pool was the one just by the gate. We had an outdoor theater, a swimming pool and a club nearby but had little time to use them. We drivers were on the road 7 days a week, all day and some of the night. My book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” and my company’s DVD “Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam” have good photos and videos of the area. Not a happy time. All Vets enjoy our day tomorrow 11 November.
I was stationed at Long Binh Post at the USARV HQ in the Finance office. I remember working on Christmas Day 1970 and heard helicopters landing outside. I quickly went outside and saw Bob Hope and his entertainment group(including the Gold Diggers) walking by. Bob had a golf club with him, but he was not going to play golf–he was at Long Binh to entertain the troops. Made my Christmas Day. Bob and his group later performed that Christmas Day for all the GIs at Long Binh. Thanks to Bob Hope for all he did for servicemen everywhere!!
John Correia: I was in Long Binh 1966-1967. There was no swimming pool back then. We had a decent EM club and a rickety open sided theatre. I was lucky to see Martha Rae and Nancy Sinatra perform for the troops, but did not see Bob Hope. It seems like things really improved a lot in Long Binh from 67 to 70. Someone even mentioned that there was a bowling alley in Long Binh.
I was in Long Bihn 67 and 68. I am trying to remember
the name of the batallion and company that supplied the vehicles,tanks and apc’s.
There was nothing in that area when we arrived, we built our own hootches that were canvas covered.It was on a rubber plantation.They told us not to cut down the rubber trees because the U.S. would have to pay the owner a thousand dollars for each tree damaged.
I was their from 70 to 71 at the 38 base post office, Hot humid during the rainy season. We humped mail 24/7 made a lot of guy happy every day Good fellows that I served with worked super hard to keep our troops up with their mail and what was going back in the world. I prayed that all the fellows who i served with made it home safe to their loved ones. Bob Hope was the best entertainment we as soldiers really loved his shows and the people he brought with him.
Served in Long Binh May ’70 to June ’71, first at Camp Frenzell-Jones (named after the first 2 heroes who died in this unit), and then was transferred to the 23d Artillery Group, immediately adjacent to Camp Frenzell Jones and next to II Field Force. Went over as 11B, had a year of law school, (drafted on my 23d birthday !) and was promoted and got a new MOS, 71D. Served as a court reporter for special courts martial for my entire tour of duty. Visited guys at LBJ, flew out to support bases in our LOH. Never had to shoot my weapon at anyone…Always marveled at how stupid some of the guys were about (immature) behaviours, as so many were druggies. I also marveled at how our military and political leaders never let us fight the war as it was intended – to be WON -marveled also at all the incredible amount of sheer waste the American taxpayer had to ante up for…. Rte 1 drive into Tan Son Nhut, blood on the road… I will always remember those who gave their lives, needlessly, while serving. Peace to all, Merry Christmas.
I was at long Binh from Jan.69 to Jan.70.
I was with the 549th Light Maintenance Company.
My unit and others made up the large Lnog Binh Maintenance Facility. Any of the motor pool maint. guys from any of the companies from the 48th Transportation Group might remember The Maint Facility. I was the intake and outgoing inspector for the facility. Would like to here from anyone that was with the 549th during 1969.
Would like to hear from anyone that was with the 549th Light Maintenance Company during 1969.
Allen Cunnigham. For 2 months I was a surgeon at the 74th Field Hosp did majority or ortho had 2 quonset huts of ortho patients. I remember the night of Dec 68 when ammo dump blew and Maj Cillo was running around yelling, “…they nuked us!” Sperling was a great lab tech. All staff nursing and OR techs were superb. Did you help me build the X-ray room?
Sorry to hear of the Prostate business…hope you got timely and excellent treatment. Do you remember the orthocase where the NVA had been in a cave and survived a red smoke grenade. he had the dye everywhere; serum, urine, skin, even spinal fluid
I was in long Bing oct-66 to sept-67 with 584th med ambulance co worked out of 93rd Evac and ran convoy to 11th armored cav.
My Dad extended to 1st Cav in June 1970.
Sp4 John Nix
HHC 15S&S BN 1ST CAV.
LONG BINH JUNE- NOV 1970
LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS SERVING WITH HIM
THANK YOU, Laurie
Military Police 1st Lt, Long Binh, Jan – Dec, 1969. Supply officer at company across street from LBJ (Long Binh Jail – stockade) thru March. Duty office at LBJ some nights.
April thru Dec, at 89th MP Group Headquarters, HHC CO, supply officer and MP BOQ officer (125 officers). Remember my clerk Spc Barros (Mike?), also Smith and Gonzales at BOQ, Many fellow officers and EM’s. BOQ had nice bar and gift shop. Long Binh Post was huge (maybe 1 mile x 4 miles or more?) with 90th Replacement Battalion, bank, PX, swimming pool, outdoor movies, 93rd and 24th evacuation hospitals, bowling alley, basketball and tennis courts plus many nightclubs (officer, NCO, enlisted) with live music and last but not least a massage parlor.
The Viet Cong attacked Long Binh during the 69 Tet offensive. Not as severe as the 68 Tet attack. Many VC were Killed trying to get thru the barbed wire perimeter near the MP’s area of defense. C130 Snoopy with mini (gatling) gun stopped them cold. Many MP’s received medals for bravery. I watched fire fight from stockade lookout tower.
Although during war, I have many good memories of the wonderful South Vietnamese people and my time in Saigon. At Cat Lai (on the river) on the way to
into Saigon where we had a detachment of MP PBR’s (Patrol River Boat). They kept the VC in check near the shipping docks and small rivers near the main Dong Nai River.
I have many friends from South Vietnam currently in the USA plus a niece by marriage.
God bless the people of South Vietanm.
Was in A Company , 92nd Engr Bn from Dec 1968 to Dec 1969 . A lot of good men.
I was stationed at Long Binh and worked at USARV HQ from Sep 70 – July 71 so 50 years ago this time I was there. I had an easy job, I worked in the Headquarters Commandant’s office. The office was for a Col., but at USARV HQ, a Col. wasn’t much. He was also the Long Binh Post commander so he spent all of his time there. I was an E5 and it was just me, an E4 and an MP using a desk in this big air-conditioned office so I had it very easy. The general’s offices were upstairs, but they were easy to get along with.
I remember especially the Bob Hope show, the gun fire celebrating New Year’s Eve, Midnight Mass in the amphitheater and drinking a lot a lukewarm beer that year.
I served with the 212TH MP Cpmpany in Long Bein 67&68 as a dog hander. There wan’t much there when I got there. During the TET Offence January 31TH,1968 early morning I was the driver for Capt James Roberts 212TH Commander. We went to the Depot to recover the body of one of our handlers’ and his dog that had ben killed during the attack.
Satchel charges were going off on some of the ammo pads. My Jeep was comonderred by a Colonal and we three attempted to put a fire on a power pad. After putting out the fire I was ordered by the Colonal to get my Captain (who had followed a blood trail away from the pad) and meet him at another pad to check for more satchel charges. I picked up the Captain and headed back to meet the Colonal, but when passing the powder pad we had left after putting out the fire, it exploded. The explosion was heard a 100 miles away. Thanks Captain for saving my life.
212TH MP Sentry Dogs Long Bein 1967/1968
During the morning of January 31, 1968, I was the driver for 212TH Commander Roberts. That morning we went to the Ammo Depot that had been over run during the early hours. We had one soldier and his dog that were killed. While there our jeep was comonderred by a Colonal who had us assist him extishing a fire on a 155 powder pad. After extishing fire I was ordered by thr Colonal to get my captain a d follow him to another powder pad to check for satchel charges. After getting the Captain we were passing the powder pad we had put the fire out, when it exploded. The explosion was heard a 100 miles away. We survied.
Christmas 1969 on Long Binh: Our 319th Transportation Company had a very rare day off from convoys. It might have been better if we had worked. We drank too much and were very homesick. We had no sign of Christmas decorations, Jesus or Holiday cheer. None of us wanted to be there. But we survived and went back to work the next day, delivering ammunition and other stuff to our combat arms fellows. I now wish all combat Veterans a very Happy Christmas season and Peace On Earth. Bill Patterson author “Vietnam Convoy Trucker”.
Long Bein 67&68 212TH MP Sentry Dogs
TET Ofensive 68, I was driver for 212TH MP Commander. The Captain and I took part in putiing out a fire on a 155 Powder Pad. We were on our way to assist putting out another fire when passing the pad we previously extingished, it explosded. The explosion was heard a 100 miles way. We survived.
After a six month stint with the 523rd MP Company in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, I arrived in Long Binh on January 29th, 1970. Sitting with my friend, Jim Hartgerink, also from the 523rd, we were awaiting orders when our former 1SG Tarr came into view. He took our folders into personnel and told them we were now his. After a couple of drinks at the EM Club with him, we were checked in to the company and we shared a double bunk. Jim was top and I was bottom. Most of my duty for the first month was routine patrol and escort duty as a machine gunner on the jeep. I was then assigned to the Bien Hoa PMO as a clerk/driver, and lived in an apartment until our mission ended and we returned to Long Binh. I lived in a hootch behind the PMO with the 179th MP Detachment. I shared a room with Ron Winner, and after he left, Bob Spomer and the hootch next door was Tom Wekenman (deceased), Mike Lynch , Ken Pieper, Mike Anderson and Jim Phillips. I was a clerk in the admin section, and after Ron left, I was also driver for the Ops Officer, Charles Carrick. I’ve been in contact with some of these guys over the years. I am a retired mailman and a self-published author of fourteen books. My Vietnam novel, Combat Boots dainty feet-Finding Love in Vietnam is a fictionalized look at my military service.
At New Years 1970 at midnight red tracer rounds were fired along the Long Binh perimeter to celebrate the New Year and the hope that it might bring. Ill never forget that sight as the whole perimeter lite up red.
I assigned to Long Binh with HHC 266th S&S BN from Nov 1970 to Dec 1971. I was 72B20, assigned to the Communications Platoon.
I was in long binh 70-71 20th preventive med Louis Bradford I was your roommate also AIT together got transferred to can tho
Had Long Bihn as main area 1971 to 1972. Was with 557 Engineers, 31st Batt, 159 Group. Won the draft lottery and was drafted after college. We travelled, Phu Lou, Chu Chi, Tay Nihn, Fire Base Nancy, Fiddlers Green, and we built Fire Base Bunker Hill before leaving. Last engineer group there.
Long Bihn was my main post 1971 to 1972. Was in 557 Enginers, 31Batt, 159 Group. We traveled doing jobs Phu Lou, Tay Nihn, Cu Chi, Fire Base Nancy, Fiddlers Green, Hobo Woods, and built Fire Base Bunker Hill before leaving. Won draft lottery and was drafted after college. I was a heavy equipment mechanic and operator as needed.
Had Long Bihn as base camp from 1971 to 1972. Was in 557 Engineer, 31 Batt, 159 Group. Traveled doing jobs Phu Lou, Cu Chi, Tay Nihn, Fire base Nancy, Fiddlers Green, Hobo Woods, and built Fire base Binker
hill before leaving. Was a heavy equipment mechanic and operated equipment. Won the draft lottery and was drafted after college. Was in and out of Long Bihn several times while there. Attended Bob Hope show Christmas 1971.
Had Long Binh perimeter mounted guard one night. Heard a whump then long, high moaning sound as the mortar round passed over our jeep. It exploded on a guard tower and killed 1 or 2 G.I.s. More details in my book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker.”
Had Long Binh as main post 1971 to 1972. Was with 557 Engineer Co, 31st Batt, 159 Group. We traveled doing jobs, Phu Lou, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Fire Base Nancy, Fiddler Green, Hobo Woods, and built Fire Base Bunker Hill before leaving. Attended Christmas Day Bob Hope show 1971.
Steve hodges. I worked at L.B.J. from July 69 to July 70 .what section did you work in?
I was at long Binh July 69 till July 70 .I worked in LBJ for 6 months than I was the driver for the correction officer
Steve Hodges .did you serve under correction officer lt.col.Wille lee Jones during 1969-1970
Just round this site. I was stationed at HHC Trac HQ in an intelligence unit for a short 8 or 9 month tour. While there a small deescallation was started at our base..and from reading this within a yea our base was shutdown. I was there when the Miss American party with Phyliss George and 6 other contestants arrive and I was Miss Arkansas’ bodyguard – escort when they were in country. I was directly involved with the Intelligence around Anna Chennault Affair. If you are not familiar with her google it and it changed my attitude towards Viet Nam. I can provide details if anyone is interested…or watch Ken Burns TV special. I’ve searched for my best buddy in Viet Nam, J.D. Callahan for 50 years, he is from Alabama…would love to hear from him.
I arrive to Viet Nam to replace an Intelligence Analysist. he was headed home for Brooklyn, NY. A quiet buy that simply did his job and more when needed…a desk job. I had certainly heard about the TET bombing of the Bien Hoa air base munitions dump…WikiPedia says it was the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. The NVA somehow managed to get a rocket into the munitions underground bunker holding the majority of the bombs for U S forces. A couple weeks after the Spec 5 caught a chopper to Saigon to head home…others in my office started talking about the NYorker Spec 5. That he did not look like a soldier….to find out:
When the TET hit munitions bunker at the Bien Hoa Airbase (mostly fixed wing) the ground shook at Bien Hoa and everybody ran for cover…somehow the SPec 5 (forgot his name) grabbed his M16 and ran to a crowd in the road by our base…commandeered a rickshaw from a local and headed to the Bien Hoa airbase. On the way he ran over and shot NVA in uniform escaping from the Airbase…after the carnage of 8 or 9 hours Spec 5 was credited with 18 KIA’s…weeks later was recommend the Congressional Metal of Honor, but it was eventually reduced to a Silver Star…regretted not getting to know the guy better…but he was headed home.
An A-4 Skyhawk Fighter-Bomber dropped 2 loads near the Long Binh perimeter. I watched it zoom in and near the bottom of it’s arc it released the 2 high explosive bombs. Big red and black clouds erupted. The little jet zipped away and I drove my 5 ton on down Highway 1-A towards Saigon. I was so glad it was our jet instead of the enemy’s.
Was in VN 1964-65-66, the 163rd TC from Ft. Sill, OK went as a company Sept. ’65. There was nothing on TC hill when we got there, we built with things we “acquired” We stock piled the Long Binh Ammo Depot from barges and the docks at Saigon Port. we mainly hauled munitions, but on occasion fuel and troops. when I left we were building a mess hall. they let me help pour the concrete floor as extra duty because a truck load of us drivers took a side trip into Bien Hoa to see BOB HOPE. 1964-65 tour was with MAC-V at Tan Son Nhut
Deployed with the 103rd engineer company in 1965, was to be in Thailand for two months and one month in Vietnam to repair vehicles but eventually ended up in Long bihn we had an asphalt plant and a quarry built a lot of roads. I was a crane operator but had a 5 ton wreaker towed in a lot of destroyed vehicles.
I was in Long Bing in 71-72. Stationed at 24th Evac Hosp. I lived with the pilots from the 45th Dust Off unit. They were our taxis to base camps. Don’t remember any bowling alleys or night clubs. The only LBJ I knew of was the jail and it was full of mostly druggies. Used to spend time sitting on the perimeter at night watching the fun ships work. I suppose it was as safe there as you could get in Nam. We did gets rockets and snipers but not like other places.
Arrived in country April 6, 1968 and departed April 6, 1969. I served in two units, first served in Hqs, 7th Transportation Bn and then Hqs, 29th General Support Gp.
John Keith, you may enjoy my true story book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker”. It has pictures of our company’s wrecks and 201 pages of Long Binh related stories. 48th Group, 6th Transportation Battalion, 319th Transportation Company Sep 68-Aug 69. Welcome Home.
Was in Long Binh 68-69, with the 821st MHE company. We kept all of the forklifts running on the depot and the ammo dump. We used to race the big forklifts around the army depot. That depot had everything. We found all the parts we needed to build a go-kart. When the refrigerated food area needed service we got a case or two of chicken and steaks. When we weren’t fixing forklifts we were pulling guard duty.
Was in LB in 1965-1966 Sailed out of Oakland ca October 13 1965 and had a fuel stop in Guam ,served in the 506th Quartermaster Was in the GR platoon and the maintence platoon Was promoted the day I shipped out to E-5 , went to Germany until 1968 -Finished up in the national guard, Retired as a E-8 battalion maintenance NCOIC -Have not been in contact with any fellow soldiers from Vietnam
Gene, I was with the 624th S&S Company in Long Binh 66-67. A bunch of the guys who got there before me said they came over on a ship, just wondering if you knew anyone from 624th. From what I recall, the 506th, 624th and 228th all were located in the same area in Long Binh, right off highway 1 near the evac hospital. I worked in the back of the compound at the ration breakdown depot.
Wayne , I did not know anymore from your unit.But I do remember going through the yard for guard and there was a stack of canned viena sausage on the way to my post and it had been cut open , got some snacks for guard duty.We were the first unit in the rubber plantation.The 93rd hospital was set up already.Lived in tents with dirt floors and tubes to urinate in and outhouses.The first night there was monsoon season , slept on 2 duffle bags with my poncho over me, was not nice –Thanks for responding, I would like to find some of the 506th guy I came over with or were there at the same time
Gene, there was a guy in the 506th, Rich Mallory who worked in the forklift repair shop. He had a website at one time showing pictures and 8mm film of the 624th & 506th area ca 1966, also some other VN locations. I don’t know if he is still around but you can go on like and check it out. You can also google 624th S&S and 506th and find some stuff there. I lived in one of the field tents for about 4 months until we built our own wooden hooch in the rubber tree plantation. If you remember that large storage yard in the back, one of my duties was to issue out the cartons or c-rations. Most of the c-rats were dated 1944-1946, old WW 2 stuff. Have a good day.
Wayne,I have been on the 506th site.I did not know that guy. I was in contact with a lieutenant from 506 but was only there for a while. He was my boss and sent me a picture of a small note pad he carried with my name in it, really 50 plus years ago. I wish I had a duty roster of names in 506.We are all getting up in years and would be great to see some of the guys.Hope all is well with you and stay safe -Gene
Just stumbled into this blog yesterday. Thanks for posting it, all the stories and the map. Jan69-Mar70, HQ 185th Maintenance Battalion.
We were situated next to the 93rd Evac and it had a pool next to it which I used with a high degree of regularity.
Never heard LBJ referred to than other than the jail, which I had occasion to visit (not stay) and it was not a place you’d want to be confined.
These collected recollections bring back lots of lost memories.
Thanks – God bless all who served there.
Was in Long Bihn Oct 68 to Apr 70. Jail was called Silver City. I was in 221st Signal company, 1st Signal Brgade. I was motor sergeant. 221st Signal Co. was Combat Photo. 1st Infantry left summer 1969, to Hawai. Long Bihn had no trees. Why, Agent Orange. So no birds either. While I was there early out went from 90 days to 150 days. I went on R&R to Japan. I was there when we landed on the Moon. July 20, 1969. Woodstock was in Aug. Manson murders that summer. We has 7 detachments; Phubai, Danang, Pleiku, Quin Oun, Camrahn bay, Tonson hut air base(Saigon), Can Tho(Delta region). 221st Signal Co was in center of Long Bihn, 2 blocks south of Silver City.
I left Long Binh on 7-27-67 and there were still hundreds of rubber trees standing tall in our compound. Someone must have dumped a ton of heavy duty, new and improved Agent Orange on Long binh to kill all them trees and birds.
I was stationed at Long Binh from Mar ‘71 to Jan ‘72 (at the jail). My papers stated that I was being assigned to USARVIS (United States Army Republic of Vietnam Installation Stockade). My primary MOS was 95C and I arrived with 26 other MP’s as the first group of Correctional Specialists assigned to the stockade. We were with the 284th Military Police Company which was housed directly across from the jail. I worked the night shift from 6pm to 6am which included 4 hours at a gate, 4 hours in a tower, and 4 hours in a compound before being assigned to the control room. I remember that “LBJ” referred to the stockade and not to the post. I also remember that “Silver City” referred to the Max Compound and not the jail. The nickname applied to the “Conex” boxes that were lined up in rows within the compound that housed the inmates. They were all painted silver in an attempt to reduce the amount of sunlight they absorbed. It was in 1971 that they completed the new stockade which was directly adjacent to the old one.
Does anyone know how this base received supplies (ammunition, uniforms, food, miscellaneous clothes, etc.) and who were the suppliers during the Vietnam War?
Thanks,
Maureen Bruschi
I was stationed at Plantation, II Field Force. 1969-70. I was a long flyball south of 90th Replacement and next to the helipad there near HQ. Except for occasional rockets and mortars it was a fairly easy year. Huey’s with 2 pallets of Bud and PBR taking off headed toward my hooch was unnerving at least.
Funny the things I remember from that time and location. Our club didn’t have coolers worth a darn but did have an ice machine . Learned to drink PBR on ice or rather warm beer, my version of PBR Light Wes ok, and still will if needed.
I know we were pre lite beer then and only had the 2 afore mentioned brands, but they worked.
Spent the last 49 years running my Ford Lincoln store in Cabondal,, illinois
Trying to retire or semi retire soon. Guess I’d like to hear from anyone from 9th Trasportation. Co (Car Airbourne Co) from that era, especially 1st platoon. I think most of us just wanted to survive tha t year and get the heck out . Over a half century later here we are trying to reconnect.
Thanks listening Dennis Rathjen’s
Kerry Israel, committing on your post. I was at the 32nd med depot from 70 to November 71, I ran the narcotics vault. Randy Peters
RE: COMMENT by “John Wyatt
December 22, 2017 at 2:40 pm
I was in long bin in 70 and 71 with 66 engineers. I worked in the map depot. ” [end quote]
*** I am looking at our Map Depot photo personnel dated June 1970. You are not in the photo so I assume you were stationed at the 547th after June 1970? Anyway, sorry to hear about your Agent Orange. We now know that the dioxin was stored nearby and they sprayed us in 66th with it – but told us to stay in barrack as the “DDT” was sprayed from low flying aircraft. The DDT, was, of course, Agent Orange.
To Tom Wilson #84. I was with HHC Data Service Center Dec. 68 to Dec. 69. Think I knew you. I was on the line Feb.23 and 24,1969. Remember it like yesterday too. All I can say is “WELCOME HOME BROTHER” !
BTW, we called Long Binh “LBJ” because we all felt like we were locked up. The Stars and Stripes calledusthe “Chairbourne Rangers” because of the TET of 69. I still have a copy.
Ive lost my comments it was about my time in saigon 11/66 and mid yr in long bien. It my be on another comment darn it.i dont know how it happen my its this old phone or me,but im still here.god rest the rest.
Was stationed in Long Binh in 71. Acting Motorpool Sargent for 550th signal company detachment. Had a great commanding officer, Liutenant Ron Flores. Made a lot of friends in my last 6 months in-country. Was stationed at Bearcat before that.
@RyanMoore this article, but mainly the comments and feedback from everyone inspired me to create a facebook group also. I am moved how many still are hurt that they were never welconed. I created the “Welcome Home Vietnam Vets” group as a platform for Vets and families thereof to share stories, memories, and just a place to connect with other vets! Please join – to all ‘Nam Vets who need someone to relate to.
Stephen Crowson, I convoyed to Bear Cat once or twice during our tour Sep 68-Aug 69. Enjoyed it as the trip was only a few miles, we got some homemade Phillipineo food and did not have to sleep in our truck or on the ground as we returned to Long Binh same day. I turned my 5 ton truck over on it’s side after writing to my fiance and day dreaming about her. The whole story is in my true story book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker.” It took 5 vehicles to get my truck upright. Glad to be old and retired now.
Was MP at Long Binh Depot from Dec 69 to Dec 70. Remember working the tower duty, gate duty with the all the convoys and working the civilian checkpoint every morning and every evening.
Anthony Denicola, I may be wrong but I think I recall that the civilian checkpoint was located near the 624th orderly room right off the main entrance from highway 1. That was in 66-67. Sgt Novak was in charge there at the time. I remember seeing the mama sons and papa sons standing in line getting checked out.
My dad was Lt Colonel Frank Lawrence he was attached to the 32nd medical Depot as well. He was there from July 71 to April 72.
THE ROAD FROM BEARCAT TO LONG BINH WAS BUILT BY THE 46TH ENGINEER BATTALION ,NOT THE 66TH.
Was at Long Binh 72 with E Company 14th Infantry on August 13th while I was in my tower Sappers attacked the ammo dump destroying thousands of tons of ammunition. I’m looking for anyone who was in my unit at that time.
Jim Kelley: I was there in Long Binh in 1966 when the vc blew up the ammo dump, a very powerful blast that had crap flying all over the place for days. I actually had to do guard duty there for several nights. I believe the vc blew that same ammo dump up 4-5 times before we left Nam.
Today is April 1, 2021. It was 50 years ago today, April 1,1971 at approximately 1:12 pm that I left Viet Nam. I spent 15 months at Long Binh with the 93rd EVAC Hospital helping in the care of the sick and wounded as a medic.
If you look at the top of the map there are a bunch of buildings that look like “X’s”. That was the 93rd. Saw Bob Hope and remember a few rocket attacks, but for the most part felt relatively safe.
I was there in 1970-71. Stationed in the ICCV in the closed loop division. I was the NCO item manager for all artillery, Dusters and tanks for the entire country with three depots to draw from. Closed loop because we collected all of these items that were combat damaged and moved them back to the ports and sent them back home for repair. Saw some of the same tanks come back and put back into service within the year I was there.
As a side note, I made a Christmas tree using computer cards which was placed in the office of the ICCV commander. It was published in the Army Times.
During my time in RVN, 1969 – 1970, I was station at Plantation, which was adjacent to Long Binh. The University of Maryland has one of its Southeast Asia extention in Long Binh where I took a few courses. One of them was American Government.
I flew into Long Binh in January 1967. Took a bus to 90th replacement bn. There i was deployed to Cu Chi 25th ID. To me Long binh was a place for house cats. Oblivious to the war.
Wish I had been stationed at Long binh. It was like stateside duty. They had it all. Swimming pools and no fear of being hurt. I wouldnt have been so shot up when I was attached to the 25th Infantry Division. HOUSE CATS.
I wonder why they pulled the 9th and the 25th to Saigon in January 1968. Couldnt you house cats handle it? Was on the fligh line at Ton Son Nhut when it was over run and in Cholon also. 7th AF guys were wetting their pants.
I served in Long Binh from January 1969 to Aug 7, 1969 at HHC SP TRPS USARV as a personnel specialist. I would be interested in communicating with anyone who served with me.
I arrived in viet nam may 15 1969 was assigned to the. 720th mp company c company. Stayed there for several month on convoy escorted before going try with 25 th infantry as we had a tactical unit at ch chi base camp. Stayed there for several months before going back to long bin where I was assigned to pow escorted. To pick the pots being brought to long bin then transportation them to Ben hoa part of our duty was also to fly with dust off picking up wounded vc and nva as it was reported that some how a lot of them were escaping out of the dust off at 3 to 4 thousand feet . After that went back on convey duty untill may 23 1969. Lbj stock aid was in riot mode numerous men from c company went there as back up to the 284th mp company that worked in the stockade. Remdmbet it well as the captain wanted 25 perdonel to remain the over night and I replied I couldn’t not as I was syspose to leave for home on a 30 special leave.ad I had extended for another six months duty. When I arrived back in viey nam I went back to my company c area were I was told the me and 25 others had been transfered to a company 716 mp in Saigon where I spent 4 months.before being sent back to the states because I was braking out with several boils on the left side of my face then transfered to the 523 mp company in Aberdeen Maryland and was discharged June 12th 1971 four months after leaving viet nam
Reuben George, we may have seen each other as the 720th MP Co regularly escorted my 319th TC from Long Binh Sep 68-Aug 69. You may also enjoy my book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” and my company’s DVD “Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam.” Welcome Home Brother.
I was in Long Binh June 1970 to May 1971. I was in Company D Troop Command….would like to get in touch with anyone that was there during that time. Thanks to all my brothers and sisters who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice….
Looking for Danny Love (Musician) at Long Binh, Vietnam during 1970. My name is David Catania. I played bass for the band. Please contact me ASAP. Thanks.
This in response to comment #154, Gary Burkholder, I remember you and the name of your 10 Tractor, I believe it was a gasser. I am not sure if I was on that convoy, however I remember somewhere near Cu Chi, the hub on the dragon wagon went bad, and we had to stay over night at a fire support base and got another hub the next day. Snake was the driver, I cannot recall his actual name. I was riding shotgun, would like to reconnect with you.
David Catania, I was in the 147th from Apr. 69-Dec. 1970. I remember you in the Company Band , “THE 8 Foot Clearance“ Danny Love, Spenser (bass), Howard (drums) Pat Gutkoska whom I have contact with. No leads on Danny Love.
I am in contact with a few of the 147th guys. I am on Facebook .
Came to work @ Long Binh in April 1972-October 1974 for Dynalectron Corp. as Security Supv. Night shift.. Had 30-35 Locals and my German Shepard every evening.. Did a tour of the General’s Housing by USARV Headquarters.. Nice Hooches…Became the only American at night on Long Binh in 1974.. Ammo Dump was blown in the spring of 1974..early Fireworks.. Was offered a job when leaving Nam to ETS on an early out. Searched at home for work but not many opportunities for a returning Nam Vet. Returned as a civilian to earn them tax free $$…
Steve, I was in Long Binh in 1966 when the vc blew up that ammo dump. It seems like that same ammo dump was blown up 4-5 times. It must have been an easy target. I was near the blast in 66 and now I have tinnitus and can’t hear out of my left ear.
started out in cantho transfered to long binh. I was with the 1st signal till late 71. Agent orange was sprayed by helicopters I have heart and lung problems.
I was promoted from Buck Private to Spec 4, 15 minutes after joining the 26th military history detachment at USARV in Long Binh in March, 1970. I wrote the promotion orders myself. Was there 13 months before DEROS, a 19 month army wonder. Cpt. Hrair Badalian was my first CO, later Cpt. John Kemmer replaced him. Both COs are now dead, Kemmer 2 years ago. I located one of my original hootchmates, Steve Hickman in Eugene, Oregon, a year or two ago, using Zabasearch to find his number. He moved to Cam Rahn Bay and was replaced by Spec 5 Terrall Smith of Lubbock, Texas. Terry and I reconnected when I found his number in Austin, Texas, where he was a Republican in the GOP legislature. I was born in Mineral Wells, myself, left in 3 months, and when last back, skipped visiting Mineral Wells to tour Larry McMurtry’s Archer City, Texas, the locale of the Last Picture Show, a tiny city that looked almost the same as it did in the 1971 movie. McMurtry was in town but I couldn’t find him at his bookstore. He died recently. I’ve been down to see Terry in Texas 3 times and he’s on my email list. Captain Frank Grau was his CO in his detachment at USARV. There were higher ups in the office next door,an E-6 named Tony but they rarely bothered us in the madhouse office,in the very south wing of the major USARV HQS. My detachment covered 1st Signal Brigade, sending back reports to OCMH (Office of the Chief of Military History) in the Pentagon. Yeah, the one they tried to bomb on 9/11. We went to Saigon often. Spec4 Mike Krause graduated from UW Stevens Point, sold ads for the school newspaper, from Chicago, moved back to Chi post-Nam. Bill was a black guy, who was detachment EM. Another black guy from Baltimore, very funny, called Soda SAEw-duh. All friends. Some EMs around Long Binh smoked heroin in conventional cigarettes working at 1st Signal Brigade near the USARV Hootch. Some of the flight scheduling guys upstairs at Flight Scheduling, that got us plane rides all over ‘Nam, smoked H too. The Hill at USARV had casualties. One short little guy graduated from San Francisco State, was harassed constantly about it by the Colonel in charge. He got the boot from the Hill, instead ran a caged outside office trash burning bin. No one oversaw him. He eventually assigned us users to mind the trash bin, went to Saigon regularly and started a heroin selling business. He was constantly high. He stood outside mine ‘n Terry’s digs over the Supply Room at the USARV COMPANY hootch,babbled 20 minutes incomprehensibly. I pretended to listen to the whole ramble. Years later, I see a pic of a GI selling drugs by Highway 1, past the main gate to Bien Hoa and the 90th “something’battalion, where I’d lived for 3 weeks without showing up for a formation, trying to think up a scheme to possibly desert, in country. Finally, I heard a Cpt. Badalian had been looking for me at the 90th for 3 morning formations. I had a minor in history at Cowridge, major in Poli Sci. I packed up my kit bag and was driven in the 23rd MHD’s brand new jeep, to USARV, and introduced to the rest of the crowded office. Paul Gregorio and Rex Hays were friends from Ft. Dix and early AIT. Rex was six foot five and knew movies as well as I did. I found Gregorio teaching college, possibly at a Washington State University a few years ago. Rex was an actor, later played Juan Peron in the road show production of Evita. Later, he got a movie, StepMom (1998)with Ed Harris, Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. Rex died of Cancer at age 60 in June, 2001. He had 2 children and a widow, actress Lisby Larson. While in Dix and Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn, we hit Broadway every night, if we weren’t visiting my Uncle and Aunt Alan and Liz Ecker on 94th street. Rex got hooked up with an apartment full of actors in late’69, on NYC’s West Side, which I visited with him one day. Pictures of actress Celeste Holmes all over the apartment. Every guy living there was getting work on or off broadway,thanks to Celeste Holmes. Rex and I drifted apart at Ft.Hamilton. I got the flu, stayed in bed instead of going to class, and got the boot from the Chaplain’s Assistant program at Hamilton. I was reduced to a mere clerk-typist but had a college degree, which was a ticket to avoiding ‘Nam I wasn’t aware of at the time. One could visit the nearby Army post, back home, find out which interesting parts of the Base might serve your interest in NOT GOING TO ‘NAM, by arranging to have you transferred to a job at the camp. Others in advanced training were aware of the tactic. I’m glad I didn’t. ‘Nam was the adventure of a lifetime, though I never stopped being a peacenik!
24th Evacuation Hospital.
Queen Tonic
My Dad was:
Sp4 John S. Nix
HE EXTENDED FROM:
HHC 4th S&T Bn 4th ID
Camp Enari,Pleiku,KONTUM, AN KHE, VINH LONG….May 1969-May 1970
DISCOM PATROL TEAM “GOLD”
USARV
Extended to:
HHC 15th S&S Bn 1st Cav
MAY 1970-NOVEMBER 1970
Long Binh, Phouc Vinh, Song Be, Ben HOA, Quan Loi, FB Mace.
MOS 76X20
DISCOM
USARV
LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS HIM.
GOD BLESS, LAURIE
HIS ONLY CHILD.
Arrived LB Dec 67, assigned to A co 44th Sig Bn. Worked com center in the vans by the main gate. 68 Tet Offensive Surviver. Transfered to A co 69th Sig bn Saigon June 68. Anyone know a Sgt Floyd Cutshall, trying to find him.
I waste Long Binh from March of 70 through April of 71, stationed at the 381st Replacement Company, 90th Replacement Battalion. We processed officers below the rank of Lieut Colonel into and out of the country and got them their in-country assignments. The company that did the same for enlisted men was just up the hill, by the CO’s air-conditioned trailer which was near the swimming pool.
I remember many nights in the guard tower with kids who had been in country for a couple of hours and who had’t slept in a few days. Most of them were scared out of their minds. They used to have a general formation where the enlisted men new to country were assembled and given their assignments, but a rocket was lobbed into the middle of it one morning and that was the end of that,
Sloshed through agent orange, especially on our perimeter side which fronted an infantry brigade. Got home with less than 180 days left to serve, so I was immediately released.
Have been dealing with thyroid issues since my early 40’s, high blood pressure, and four bouts of kidney cancer. I’m in the process of filing a disability claim now, 50 years after I got home. Wish me luck.
Still think about the guys who had their lives cut short there, in a war that made no sense then and still makes no sense 50 years later.
Served in Ling Bing from March 70 til April of 71. Was a Spec 5 (acting Jack) at the 381st Replacement Company, 90th Replacement Battalion. We processed officers below Lieutenant Colonel into and out of the country, got them their sssignments, and shipped them around in country. The company that did the same for enlisted men was just up the hill, by the CO’s air conditioned trailer near the swimming pool.
Remember many nights pulling guard duty in the towers with bug eyed kids who were in country a couple of hours who hadn’t slept in days and were scared out of their minds.
They used to have a morning general formation for all the enlisted men who were awaiting their assignments, until a rocket was lobbed into the middle of the formation and that ended that.
Sloshed through Agent Orange, especially on the side of our perimeter that fronted an infantry brigade. I put myself on a flight home so I got in with less than 180 days and could go straight home.
Developed thyroid issues in my early 40’s, high blood pressure, and had 4 bouts of kidney cancer. I’m just now working on a disability claim, 50 years after I left Nam. Wish me luck.
Because I was in country for nearly 13 months, I was there to process out a lot of the officers I had processed in. So many of the Warrant Officers who flew choppers talked about the guys they came in with who didn’t make it. I was in charge of the amnesty box, where we gave officers to get rid of anything they didn’t want to be caught with as they were processing out. Atrocity pictures and strings of human ears.
Still think of all the good men who had their lives cut short in a war that didn’t make much sense then and still doesn’t 50 years later.
I was station in the Long Binh Complex with the 53rd Signal Battalion from April 1968 until October 1969. I was not in combat in any way or shape. I became a courier and was dispatched to carry classified and non-classified material to and from MACV, at least 1-3 times weekly and to Vung Tau also several times. We also drove several times to MACV at which time, while we had to wait for the mail bag to be opened and refilled, we usually had some 30-45 minutes or more to kill. We frequented the bars, and massage parlors. When we drove, we either drove down Highway One A( main road) or the back road which was Highway ONE. I still recall the flights, every time I hear a Huey gunship fly over in the Houston Texas area. I can’t recall of any of our Signal Guys getting killed, at least, not the ones I worked with. We may not necessarily needed to have been sent, but, at least the South Vietnamese treated me better than when I landed in California for the last time in October 1969.
I was stationed at Long Binh at USRV Headquarters in 1967 when we moved there from Saigon. I was a clerk for the Chief of Military Personnel Division. His name was LtCol Kenneth B Holmes. I was also his driver and would pick him up and return him to his quarters every day. When he finished his tour of duty I transferred to a Helicopter Company and finished my tour as a Helicopter Door Gunner with the 147th ASHelicopter Company mostly out of the Delta until the TET offensive of 1968 and spent the rest of my tour in flight operations in VungTau.
I was stationed at Long Binh with the 24th Evac from March 70 until November 71
I was at Long Binh from May 69 to April 70. I remember the Loon Foon Restaurant. I worked at 1sr Log Headquarters on the hill. Had guard duty every friday night. Saw Bob Hope Dec 69.
I was stationed at Long Binh as a Military Police on the supply depot.We worked the main gate,the perimiter posts, and sometimes did escort for trains bringing damaged equipment. Also played basketball for post runnerups. I served from August1971 to March 1972. Trying to locate any old teamates, J.Hanson, L Harrison, B.Watree, and Country Jones fron Pink Hill SC.
My Uncle , Warrant Officer Charles Franklin Smith MedaVac pilot, was shot down near a hot LZ on his third trip near a hill forward base. Reported as an accident until this year when fellow pilots pushed their reports several times. Finally the Pentagon released a detailed report. I’m trying to find a way for a medal to be given to my Aunt, his older sister. My father passed away 2 years ago at age 84. A veteran and a POW of the Korean War. He always told me he was shot down. God bless both of them.
I was thee during Tet Offensive. We were close to USARV Headquarters. We used to call the post Camp LBJ (Long Binh Jail) because there were that the stockade was located. We were attacked exacly at 2:00 am Jan 31, 1968. We had intel reports about what to expect, and were ready for them. Ironically, I was supposed to be in the field, but there was a training I took, but wasn’t documented, and I was flown to basecamp to take it again. Needless to say, I didn’t take it the second time. I was assigned to cover tge perimeter with an M-60. There were a couple of men with a 50 caliber about 300 meters in front of me, and my orders were not to shoot until they were over run. I spent the whole night waiting, but not expecting that to happen.
Stationed LB Nov 67-Oct 68, 1Lt with 92nd Engr Bn and HQ 159th Engr Grp. Pretty boring duty, closest thing to any combat type action that year for me was Tet 68 and that was limited to hearing the post ammo dump go off. Never fired, or even came close to firing, a weapon all year. Made many trips down Hwy 1 between Saigon and Bien Hoa without incident.
Tomorrow is July 4. Saw lots of real fireworks on and around Long Binh in ’68-’69, don’t want to see any more ever. Please consider my true story book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” for more details. Welcome Home Fellows.
Served 92nd Engineering, Co., C. July 14, 1971 to March 17, 1972 and ended as E5. Just now have filed for benefits after all these years. Anyone out there serve with or know me?
Was there my first 6 months as a Military police sentry dog handler(212th MP Co. 1970-71) Remember being close to Long Binh jail, and walked dogs each night at the large ammo depot. Was later sent to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta for my last 6 months. Lots of fond memories.
I was in Cantho and Long Binh in 1970/71 anyone who wants contact me by email. Would like to hear from anyone.
Thank you
Gary Schoo
I served in Long Binh March 1968 to March 1969. USARV SAIGON SUPPORT COMMAND PROVOST MARSHALL OFFICE. Spent many nights in bunker 13 for the 3rd Ammo Depot. Was in the bunker the night they burnt Long Binh Jail down. We could see fire fights every night on the distance to where Bearcat was located. When we got hit in Feb 69 I remember laying on the ground looking up at the 122 rockets coming overhead, you actually see the smoke trailing the rocket it was so close. About the time I was leaving they installed showers and toilets with hot and cold running water. I could say more but getting depressed. Later my brothers.
Anthony Denicola I worked at the depot as an MP from December 69 to February 71. Hope you are doing well
Anthony My name is Dick DeHo I worked at Long Binh Depot from December 69 to February 71 I remember all of those duties Hope you are doing well
I was stationed in Long Binh in the 7th Battalion 10th Transportation Company. I was promoted to the company commander of the 10th Transportation Company and was a convoy commander for nearly a year.
Anthony Denicola I was an MP @ Long Binh Depot December 69 to February 71(I extended) Remember those duties very well
I was in stationed Long Bing 67-68 and was part of the reactionary force into Saigon during TET…..and was back in lthere in ’69 for the “unofficial” TET 2
As far as I ever heard, LBJ was the jail.
Bien Hoa would have been more of a “junction”
1971 was a good year i was in vietnam in long binh. Left cantho for long binh worked with some great guys. Went to ft.bragg,NC from nam spent the rest of my time there. Would like to hear from someone who was there at the same time. My commander was Gary D Bright.
Thank you
Gary Schoo
I was in the 972nd Signal Bn and the 107th Signal Co (Rhode Island National Guard) from October 68 to September 69. The 972nd was an oddity in that it was a unit that did two tours. The unit was in the Nam 65-67, came home and shipped again in 68. The 107th was one of 8 Guard units activated in the wake of the MLK assassination and ended up getting sent to the Nam. Both units were “contingency” outfits and, as such, had small teams sent all over RVN to operate signal installations. I was a true driver so spent time running convoys from Long Binh to Can Tho, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, Dong Tam and other sites. Because the 107th was a guard unit they were mostly from the Providence, Rhode Island area. I have been able to attend two reunions of the 107th. http://www.107thsignalcompany.com
I was at Long Binh 26 Aug 71 to 23 Apr 72. I was the Intelligence NCOIC in the Intel Plans and Opns Branch, DCOPS, HQ USARV. My bosses were COL Farrell and MAJ Tom Rose. Also pulled additional duty as the Intel NCO at the USARV TOC (night shift). I did not spend a full year there but got credit for it. I was caught in the drawdown of US Forces. But not to worry, I went on to complete a 30 year career in Intelligence and the Army saw to it that I got other interesting assignments.
My brother, Lawrence “Larry” E. Bridge was an MP in Long Binh around 70/71 time frame. I’m looking for anyone that might have been stationed there and knew him. I believe he was a Spec4 when he came back home.
Thank you in advance.
I was a Sgt assigned to 66th topographic engineer company in Long Bien. I was there during the Get Offensive. I remember most of the men in my unit. Any of you still alive it would be nice to hear from you.
I served at the Property Disposal Office, Troop Command US Army Depot Long Bing from Feb to Dec 1970 as a clerk in the sales office. We sold scrap metal to local contractors. It was a hot, dirty and uncomfortable job. We also gave wrecked vehicles to MAG China and Korea. Spent some nights in a bunker on guard duty. Fortunately Charlie never attacked us. One night the machine gun in the next bunker started firing. I thought we were under attack . The Soldiers just wanted to have fun . Fortunately it was a false alarm though I had never been so scared in my life. Life was very Routern and boring.
219th MID from 66/67 anyone there at that time. Lt Col’s Wolkonski (sp?) and Estes in-charge while there
I was stationed at Long Binh, from 11/28/1966 to 4/7/1967 with D/87TH Infantry ,providing security to the RMK Quarry etc.I liked the assignment,got to visit Bien Hoa occasionally .I was on watch early one morning at the RMK Quarry when VC Sappers detonated ordinance at the ammo dump in Long Binh, the explosion turned darkness into daylight ,with a mushroom cloud of smoke,shock waves and a loud explosion . Then I was to sent to a line unit in April 1967 ,A/2/12 Infantry 4th Infantry Div . as a rifleman in War Zone C a mostly triple canopied jungle area ,where we constantly operated vs the VC and NVA ,which was a difficult and bad experience!
I was stationed at Long Binh, from 11/28/1966 to 4/7/1967 with D/87TH Infantry ,providing security to the RMK Quarry etc .I liked the assignment ,got to visit Bien Hoa occasionally .I was on watch early one morning at the RMK Quarry when VC Sappers detonated ordinance at the ammo dump in Long Binh, the explosion turned darkness into daylight ,with a mushroom cloud of smoke ,shock waves and a loud explosion . Then I was to sent to a line unit in April 1967 ,A/2/12 Infantry 4th Infantry Div . as a rifleman in War Zone C a mostly triple canopied jungle area ,where we constantly operated vs the VC and NVA ,which was a difficult and bad experience!
I was stationed at Long Binh Post from Early July 1969 to mid-September of 1970. I was part of the 604th CS Maintenance Company. We arrived in country as a company. We were attached to USARV. Our mission was to re-deploy personnel and equipment from Vietnam. It was the beginning of the de-escalation of the US presence in Vietnam. We were moved around a couple of time. It was like they weren’t expecting us. We ended up near the PX mixed in with a couple of Transportation Companies.
I was at Bien Hoa, By the airbase, and then moved to Long Bien ,with the 44th Signal Battalion, HHQ from May 67 to April 68 was there during tet 68.. I’m rated by va, at 100% disabled….
I was with the 615th MP Company from August 1969 to August 1970. Conducted on post and off post MP patrols. Was in the Military from June 1968 till February 1992. Retired as the 1SG of the MP Co. Ft. Gordon, Ga. I would like to here from someone who was assigned to the 615th MP Co. at that time.
I was in long bien a few days in March 67, they took us to long duc 1 in the Mekong Delta. 199th light infantry, co e 2nd battalion came back their in 68 on the way to the states.
I was with USARV Headquarters and was the personal clerk for Kenneth Holmes who was the Chief of the personnel division. In 1967 we moved there from Saigon. I was also his driver and remember having to pick him up and take him back to his quarters every day before returning to one of the enlisted quarters. The officers lived in nice trailers while the enlisted personnel lived in wooden barracks with outdoor latreans and outdoor showers. I remember we worked long days seven days usually six days a week.
1st Signal Brigade HHC SSA Long Binh was home base 1969 – 1971,31j20 / 36g20.
our shop was in the phone exchange complex, the microwave tower makes a nice target reference as the lifers would say.
5th level depot maintenance, the shop repaired radios
microwave equipment, teletype equipment, instrument repair , field telephone’s and switchboards.
We also supported other actives, TDY assignments to other parts of southeast Asia were normal.
Looking at the map of Long Binh I found on the net, between gate one and gate three is another gate marked closed on the map, was open to highway 1, turn left at the gate takes you to Saigon, turn right takes you to Bien Hoa (air base).
Coming in from Hwy 1,(closed gate ?) MP check point, the TOC for that section of the main wire was across the road from the MP station – Long Binh , never
heard it called anything else, LBJ was the stockade, as you come on post and keep going straight down Iowa, LBJ was on left side, some troopers called LBJ
silver city (fence coverings) some would throw cigarettes or park lanes over fence if prisoners were out in the yard. some MP’s were troopers, other’s were
assholes. as far as duty go’s Long Binh was like being back in the world, TV, bar’s, smokes (varying types)the base had restaurants, PX’s, movies, message
and sauna (with side dish’s) skit range, schooling, hell somebody even robbed the post bank. In some ways it was just like back in the world, groups who poop
together only clubs.
I pulled 90 days in the guard platoon (zoo) four nights on, two nights off, bunker line, main wire or riding shotgun on some supply runs think animal house with gun’s, each company had volunteered an E5,I was newest in rank ;-] after 90 days, I went feral.
the attitude of, what they going to do, send me to nam was normal in the zoo.
after the zoo, I extended my tour for an early out, feral troopers didn’t do well in the regular army, I learned that lesson at Fort Gordon.
my second tour, I didn’t like being back in the shop, it was boring. I started looking around for a new job. a new CSM had rotated in and was one of these strack & shine guys, clean up, paint, uniformity of the uniform, his new job and rank were riding on it.
raggedy looking hooch’s made my new job.
The hooch’s in the company area were looking ragged, sandbags walls were starting to fall apart, torn and beginning to shred, not a strack look.
Top, came back from the meeting with the new CSM and passed the word on down. painting, repairing each hooch, rebuild the worse parts of the wall around
each hooch. everyone just saw the work, turned into an opening for a new job.
I asked top if I could show him a way for the company to shine, sure? what you got trooper.
I explained we didn’t need to tear down any bags we just needed to improve the looks of the company hooch’s, I asked for access to the rolls of rusting fence wire (not concertina) sitting in the supply yard a bag of cement and one worker who knew how to work with it. we used one of the inside walls to demonstrate, Top was always covering his bets. we draped the fence wire over the old sandbag wall, using straight wire to thread through the sandbag wall kind of like sewing a button, that secured the fence to
the wall and we used the cement to plaster over the fence and bags, after it all hardens and dry’s, you end up with a better looking walls that can be
painted, big deal for military minds.
Top liked it, the troopers liked it (less work) so it was a go.
the CSM thought HHC & Top were strack, Top did not incur any new material cost, used surplus equipment and supply, minimal man power, cut waste.
after that I was reassigned A&R NCO (don’t know MOS), handing out athletic equipment, setting up the baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, in reality
papasan handed the balls and games, I was just around, A&R NCO ment I had my own three quarter ton for equipment and supply transport 🙂
thanks Top, my last eight months in country were easy.
Arrived Long Binh in 12/67. 572nd Trans Co. 10 ton tractor trailer unit. Line hauls to base camps around southern part of Vietnam. We thought convoy runs on dirt roads were dangerous. Then TET hit 1/68. Part of the company shipped out to Da Nang via the Gulf of Tonken. One month on line hauls out of Da Nang and we moved to Dong Ha. At the 3rd Marine base 3 miles below the DMZ, things got serious fast. We were in the convoy to re leave Khe Sanh in 4/68. Gun ships at cab level and free fire on both sides. Was hard to keep your right foot on the accelerator steady.
long binh 65-66. first couple of months drove truck from saigon to long binh with items to help new unit to settle in. then helped wire compound. we set poles and run power lines to tents. 303rd rr bn. 2nd tour 67-68 cantho.
Frederick, I was in Long Binh 1966. I lived in a field tent that was located in a rubber tree plantation, 624 S&S Co. You probably wired our hooch that was located near the entrance off of Hwy 1. The big generators were located behind our tent.
Company Clerk 261st Transportation Jan 70 to Mar 71. Did Bob Hope and Lola. Post 104 I probably wrote you up when you got the Article 15 or trained the guy who did. Never went on a convoy, when I was not going to Saigon I was coming from Saigon. Had one of best times of my life on R&R in Hong Kong. I have been trying to locate my road dog who dispatched out of 261st motor pool from Detroit Michigan. Enjoyed the post up to 300. What’s up 205!!!
Ngo – Gao. I was with the 615th MP Company, headquarters in Long Binh. I spent my tour working out of a detachment in Thu Duc which was located between Bien Hoa and Gia Dinh. 12 enlisted lived there and we supported the A company of the 720th, and later the 557th Company during Operation Overtake, overnight convoy operations. I wouldn’t ordinarily comment but Ngo Gao caught my eye. Ngo Gai was an veg prevalent in the soups and noodles sold at roadside stands.
Pedro Rangel. The gate you refer to was Gate 2, I think. It was closed most of the time when I was there. However, our patrol unit was pulled in to defend it during Tet 1970. It wasn’t much of a gate but there was a bunker close by. My partner and I took the M60 from its stand in our jeep and took cover next to the jeep. Stayed quiet there all night. The attack came from the other side of the base.
I was in the 66th Engineer Company, Topographic at Plantation on the north end of Long Binh from Jan. ‘69 to Mar, 16 1970. Arrived in country with an Infantry MOS but 75 of us were sent to the 79th Engineer Battalion for OJT as engineers. From there 5 of us were sent to the 66th. Three of us were sent to the Survey Platoon, one to the Reproduction Platoon (he had been printing LIFE Magazine for 7 years) and I became the Operations clerk typist because I knew how to type (just barely). A few months later the three survey guys were called back to the Infantry and on to the A Shau Valley.
Couple times a week I’d drive my 1/4 ton to Saigon to pick up aerial photography from the Air Force. Learned how to drift a Jeep in the dirt roads (loved the big right handed coming north from the airport). Would always take a few guys who had pulled guard duty the night before. Eventually became a good typist.
Had a few rocket attacks and one wild night in a guard tower when we got a call saying 150 VC were coming up the railroad tracks right next to our tower. They only got close enough for us to see them silhouetted in the napalm.
Got home safely in 1970. I still have malaria like symptoms every few years and was researching that when I came across this blog.
Have three sons, four grand children and have been with my third wife for 39 years.
Welcome Home!!!
I was with the 66th Engineer Company, Topographic from Jan. 1969 to Mar. 1970. Came over with an Infantry MOS but 75 of us were sent to the 79th Engineer Battalion for OJT. Five of us were sent on to the 66th. Of the five of us, three joined the Survey Platoon, one went to the Reproduction Platoon (he had printed LIFE Magazine for seven years) and I became the Operations Clerk because I knew how to type. (just barely). A few months later the Survey guys were sent back to me Infantry and on to the A Shau Valley.
The 66th was at Plantation on the north end of Long Binh. A few times a week I’d take my 1/4 ton to Saigon to pick up aerial photography from the Air Force. That’s where I learned to drift a Jeep. Loved that big right handed coming north out of the airport! Always take a few guys coming off guard duty down to Saigon with me.
Had a couple of rocket attacks and a wild night on guard duty when we got a phone call saying 150 VC were coming up the railroad tracks next to the tower. They only got close enough to see their silhouettes in the napalm.
Brown, Patrick and Duffy, you fellows may enjoy reading the true story book I wrote “Vietnam Convoy Trucker.” Long Binh,68-69 convoying 80 miles to local fire bases. Guard Duty on base one night a mortar round was fired from the east side, flew high over our Jeep and struck a tower across the base. Won’t forget the wailing sound it made flying high over us then the big explosion. 15,000 miles on the roads showed me a lot of stuff. Thank you for YOUR service. Peace Be With You.
was stationed Long Bihn 1971-72 D Co. Troop Cmd USADLB. Army. Remember R. Drummond,Michael Scott,Bobby Sekoku?, Sgt. Reyes,others whose face I remember but forget names. Left VN 6-72.
580thSIG.CO. 69th SIG BN
We ran a lot of signal cable threw Sigon in *67 before tet hit. When it did I was in the Ki Mein Hotel downtown and we were escorted back to the base. I remember going back to the air force base but thats the last I remember there. But.. I do have several pictures of my buddys there I am sure they would enjoy, but do not know where to send them. We were telephone line men. Pictures say a 1000 words.
I was stationed at Long-Binh from June 1970 to January 1972. My Vietnamese girl friend was Nguyen Thi Hanh. I lost all communications with her after I came home. Missed her. Sorry Hanh.
I was with the 46th, Engineers from February 1969 till February 1970
We were working at Bien Hoa air port building helicopter pads and bunkers.
also special bath areas.
Long Binh July 66-67, HHQ 48th Transportation Group, TC Hill.
I was in long bin Dec 69 Jan 71 I was with 3 ord 54 th ord co ammo I worked in the 54 th ord moter pool also drove a water truck took water to showers and mess halls I would like to hear from anyone who served with me
I was there 70 71 with the 54 th ord co worked in moter pool and drove water truck
My MOS was 31E20 Radio Repairman. I arrived In Long Binh Nov 7 1969. I was assigned to the 185 Maintenance Battalion Headquarters Company HMSC. We were about a half mile up the hill from the 90th Replacement Battalion. We repaired radios for a lot of different Units. I remember on one occasion I had worked on the same Radio two times and found nothing wrong with it and sent it back, A few days later a Captain with the 11 Armored Cav brought the radio back and wanted to have my head on a platter. I picked the radio up off of the work table about a Foot and dropped it and it worked. That ended the fight and they gave him a new radio. Tanks and APC have a lot of vibration and the components and circuit boards start loosing there tight connections with each other. Usually a day or so after payday they would let us go over to the main PX in Long Binh to buy what ever we could afford, and we would go by LBJ Long Binh Jail It always gave me the creeps with it high perimeter walls and constantina wire on top. I also remember where we slept was about 200 yards from the 93rd Evac Hospital and every day 24 Hrs a day choppers would be bringing in wounded GI’S. I would look up at the chopper and wonder if that GI lived or died.
I was stationed at Long Bihn from 12/22/1969 to 11/22/1970, early ETS date. Lot’s of great memories and friends. I was in charge of the fuel testing depot and loved every second of my tour! Only one fire fight that scared the shit out of all of us. I still have photos! One of the funniest daily scenes was the clap line at the dispensary! There were at least 20 in the line every day and I never had the horror of being in that line. The nearby villages were open 24 hours for us! Filipino bands and their dancer/strippers were weekly entertainment. All of that was more than 50 years ago.
My husband was a medic in the fields for the construction Company C near Long Bihn
from 1970- April 1971
he dusted off injured and locals to medical stations
He visted Long Bihn for varrious needs
medic E-4 169th Company C
he would love to connect to following men he served with during this time.
He was from WV and still is.
Jim Kelly 377. Was at Long Bing with E company 1/14 Inf (Golden Dragons) In 1972 July remember ammo dump attack.I was in company area we went and moved out by truck to a open area and swept it no one there.Still have S&S with story about attack.
B Chancey to 377Jim Kelly. I was in E 1/14Inf in 1972 .remember aug13 when ammo dump was hit.
That ammo dump was hit and blown up at least 5 times since 1966. I was there in October 1966 when the vc hit it. A massive blast that shook buildings in Saigon 15 miles away. Seems like it was an easy target.
In response to John Palmer (post #404) or anyone else for that matter.
Curious if you remember anyone by the name of Larry, AC of S Supply, HQ 1st Log Comm.
I went into the Army in September 1967 right out of Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama. Everybody was either trying to go to college or getting drafted. I wasn’t ready for college so I joined the Army rather than get drafted so that I could choose my MOS. I chose a generic ‘clerical’. They ended up making me a 71G, medical records specialist. I did basic training at Fort Benning then on to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic clerical and then medical records training Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Tx. I then got sent straight to Vietnam where the 90th replacement battalion assigned me to Co. B. 9th Med Bn. 9th Med was in transition and preparing to move from Bearcat down to Can Tho. As a new guy I wasn’t doing much besides burning s**t. After a couple of months, I managed to get myself transferred to the Headquarters, 44th Medical Brigade at Long Binh where I served from June 1968 to April 1970. I worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week coordinating in-country and out of country aeromedical evacuation. We used single side band radios and later crappy telephone connections to coordinate patient transfers. I sent thousands of guys between in-country facilities and to hospitals nearest their homes of record. I also did reports and charts for the colonels and generals. Yep, as an REMF I typed Charlie to death for nearly 2 years. Charlie was particularly afraid when I put bottom-left on the asterisk key. But I do feel that I made a useful contribution to the welfare of the good guys who were out doing the hard stuff. Our hooches were right next to the 1st Aviation Brigade helipad so we got our share of rockets and mortars. No big deal compared to what some had to endure. A couple of my ‘medical regulating’ bosses were Major Ribotto, Major Michael Weiner and Cmd Sgt Major Kato. These were all great people. When I returned home in 1970, I went to college, got an engineering degree at the University of South Florida and became a software engineer. It’s had to believe that Vietnam was 50 years ago.
My time at Long Binh was from July 1970 to February 1972. I was a 3 year RA soldier, finished my first 12 months and had time left to kill in the army. Somehow, I figured another 6 months at Long Binh wouldn’t be any worse than 9 more months at Fort Ord.
I had been a company clerk at Fort Leonard Wood before RVN. When I got to Vietnam, I filtered through the replacement system and wound up in the 79th Maintenance Battalion, part of the Saigon Support Command. At the 79th battalion HQ, they weren’t sure what to do with me. I was about to be sent down to the Long Binh Collection, Classification and Salvage Company when one of the S-1 guys said, “Ask him if he can do a Morning Report.” Which saved me from CC&S and secured me the job as Detachment Clerk for HHD, 79th Maint Bn. Which I did for most of my 19 months in country. I was also an alternate battalion mail clerk, and when the primary DEROSed, they hadn’t found a replacement, so I was mail clerk for 3 months, then went back as detachment clerk.
My assignment and time served was mostly uneventful. Long work days, we worked 6-1/2 days a week when I got there, later only 6 days. The duty hours and day were long but not difficult. Of course any personal business was done during duty hours. Lunch time was an hour and a half, including transportation time to and from. The usual personnel drama was always going on.
When I got there in July 1970, Long Binh was a bustling enterprise, but by the time I left in early 1972, it was much reduced. Lots of empty buildings and parking lots that had been filled with people and vehicles when I’d arrived.
I’ve read through all 455 comments, above. I found one person I kinda knew in my unit, Bill Coulter, comment # 171. He was at the far end of the HQ building from me, across from the S-2/3. He made me a nice little name sign for my desk. I was in the opposite end of the building, near the command section. As a detachment, we weren’t big enough to be authorized a unit commander or first sergeant. So I didn’t have an orderly room. At first, I was kinda hived onto the S-1 Section. A bit later, they did a remodel and I was moved in with the legal clerk and the command section drivers.
Since we had no authorized commander or 1SG, the battalion adjutant was our CO as an additional duty. Our 1SG was usually senior NCO in the Materiel Office. Not long ago, I made a list of all the adjutants I’d worked for in this position, about 12 in number. I looked them all up on the internet, unfortunately time keeps passing by and most of them are now dead.
Re. comment # 399, by Mike Albano. He was in the 381st Repl Co, 90th Repl Bn and mentioned the time all the newly-arrived replacements were standing in formation when a mortar or rocket round came in. Which killed a couple of men and wounded many. Many purple hearts awarded for that action for skinned knees (diving for cover) and so on. I remember this because CPT Grisard who’d been our adjutant for 6 months (long stretch for that job where some lasted weeks), had gone over to command the enlisted incoming company in the 90th, I don’t remember the number of the unit. After this attack happened, he came back over for a visit and well describing it. He’s still alive and lives up in Vermont or New Hampshire I think it is.
The Agent Orange thing has got to be real. I remember the C-123’s that flew over spraying insecticide, same ones that they used to spray Agent Orange. There was bound to be some cross contamination just from that act alone.
Arrived in country late Aug. 1965 as a 2nd Lt with the 85th Ordnance Co (DS) from Ft. Bliss Texas. We were one of the first support units to occupy LBJ triangle. Our unit was at the top of the triangle next to the med. evac. field hospital. Our unit’s mission was to provide direct support to the 1st Infantry Division. We lived in tents for the first 6 months before we could build any permanent structures. Memories were of serving with some of the finest officers and enlisted men. One of our officers, Ed Baca, stayed in the service eventually rising to the rank of Lt. Gen. in charge of the National Guard. Another officer, Lt. Meryl Jones made the ultimate sacrifice. Ironically, Lt. Jones was a late replacement to our unit before leaving Ft. Bliss. He was replacing another officer, Lt. Henry Howe, who injured himself repairing a car. Henry Howe went on to being the first officer court martialed after protesting the Vietnam War at a demonstration in El Paso, Tx later that fall. Remember seeing the Bob Hope show with Rachael Welsh and Joey Heatherton that December. Over the last ten years we have been getting together as a group once a year in different parts of the US. To my band of brothers, Happy Veterans Day this November 11, 2021…………
If you worked the LBJ it was12 hour shifts.We had a pool about a block away ,not to many had a chance to use it.The EM club burnt down in the middle of the night in 71.My sergeant who also was our honcho offered me the company honcho job.Had about 40 vietnamese working for the 284th MP Co.Never saw a bowling alley in 70 71 Nice px but only made it a couole times.The Oficers had alot of nice things on USARV hill.THE RESTURANT WAS CALLED MANDARAN hOUSE WAS there A COUPLE times MILES from the 284th ate there 2 or 3 times very good We had to go to the New port bridge for water for the showers the 557th MP had running water.
Our hootch was called the barn I got the ok if I could find the wood we could build rooms.My buddy drove truck so we went to an engineer company that pulled out and gutted the barricks.GOt enough to build rooms for the barn.284th MPcompany
I was a Spec 5 with the 19 Light Maintenance Company at LB from 66 to 68.
I was at Long Binh Oct.67 to oct68, was fuel tanker
drive for the 556 trans co.Was on the convoy
on Aug. 25th that got ambushed on way to Tan Ninh.
Platoon leader and my Squad leader both killed.
Patrick Duffy #440-442. Hello Patrick: I read your comments with interest and realized that we were in Viet Nam about the same time. I arrived in country in November 1968 and returned state side in November 1969 and served with the 66th Engineers without interruption for my entire tour. If you were the operations clerk, I was the officer in charge of the motor pool, and perhaps you remember me. Aside from the CO, there was only one other officer, who’s name I do not remember, who was in charge of the map warehouse. I do remember some of the rocket attacks we took and also have a few memories of events when I was the after hours OD. One particular night I remember getting a call from one of the guard posts stating that they were hearing noises along the RR tracks and requesting permission to fire flares. Since it was a little windy that particular night, I reminded the guard position to allow for windage so as not to drop any flares near the fuel tankers in the engineers staging area directly across the RR tracks, and as luck would have it, flares were dropped within 50-feet of a loaded tanker truck. Fortunately, no explosion occcured. Later, I got a call from the guard position saying that the OD from the engineers across the tracks wanted to talk to me. I suggested that he come to my office, which would have required him to leave his area, drive 2 miles along the un-secured road, come in our area and then drive back to my office. Needless to say, he never followed through, so I wrote up the after action report in my duty report, explained what happened to the Major the next morning and that was the end of it. Nothing else ever occured.
I now live in Blaine, Washington and would love to get in touch and get caught up. I have been trying to find out where I could research the roster for the 66 Engineers for the period when we were there but have not been able to find out any names. Let me know where you now reside and I will try and get in touch. Happy Holidays and I look forward to hearing from you soon. – Roy
Stationed at Long Binh 1971 had a lot of good guys there enjoyed knowing them had some great experiences. I hope they are doing well I miss them we had some good times. With the 1st Signal there.
Fellow Vietnam Vets, the Christmas Season can be tough for us so I wish you a peaceful time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We won’t have Bob Hope to cheer us this year but consider my story lived, wrote about and published “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” and my Company’s story “Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam”, the 319th Transportation based on Long Binh Sep 68-Aug 69. Both are on the internet or contact me for signed book copies or just to talk. Welcome Home Gentlemen. Bill
I was in the 43rd Engineers DT.We had a civilian company that our whole battalion worked with which was RMW&LBJ out of San Francisco. We always said that it was pres LBJs company but slot of years later a friend told me the LBJ owner was Lady Bird Johnson apart owner. I don’t know that for a fact.
WAS IN LONG BINH 67-68 ON TC HILL 86TH (TRANSPOTATION COMPANY) WE DROVE FLAT BEDS TRACTOR TRAILERS TO VARIOUS AIR BASES WITH SUPPLIES AMMO -BOMBS-NON-PAR. FOOD.. WAS THEIR FOR THE TET HOLIDAYS..DROVE 20,00O MILES WHILE ON CONVOYS DAILY.I REMEMBER THE CONVOY BEING AMBUSHED TO TAY NINH..TWO FROM OUR UNIT WAS CAPTURED.. SEEN MANY VC DEAD BODIES ALONG MY TRAVELS TO DIFF. BASES–NOT A PRETTY SITE.. KEPT A WATCH ON MY CALENDER D DAY..
I REMEBER HEARING OF THE AMMO DUMP BEING HIT AT LB.. WAS IN TAY NINH AT THE TIME DELIVERING AMMO..SOME TIMES IT WAS A 2 DAY CONVOY BECAUSE COMMANDERS DIDN’T WANT TO CHANCE IT AT NITE TO RETURN TO OUR UNITS..ANOTHER MOMENT I RECALL WAS IN CU CHI WHERE THE VC WERE UNDER THE BASE WE WERE ON TOP..I READ THE BOOK OF THAT SITUATION–THE TUNNELS OF CU CHI–VERY INTERESTING BOOK..GOING THRU SAIGON FISH MARKET WASN’T A PLEASANT DRIVE THE SMELL OF THE MEATS AND FISH MADE YOU WANT TO PUKE…TOOK MY R&R AT BANGKOK, THAILAND…1 WEEK AND MY BUDDY THAT I WENT WITH GOT A CASE OF VD SORRY FOR HIM
Hey looking for some folks from the 483 for my dad. He was E-5 Lacy Kilby and was a 76P40 supply clerk. He has just shown me his discharge papers and this is the first time he has ever told me anything about his time in Vietnam. I’ve been trying to get him to say something for years. All of a sudden he wants to try and connect with some old buddies.
Hi to Dave Bock — I also worked in the ICCV Closed Loop, I must have just missed you. I arrived in April 1971. Met and worked with lots of interesting guys, but sadly not in touch with any of them. I wonder what happened to fellow closed looper, “Big Al”?
I served in long binh with the 321tc and the 261tc driving the wecker on convoyes fro Dec 67 to Dec 68. Saw a lot of the southern end of Nam from the delta to the central highlands. There was not even running water at that time and normally was not any water left to bath in when we returned from convoy as the people that did not leave post would use it all and leave the valves on the showers when they got out. They cared nothing about those who got up at 3am drove all day returning after dark 7 days a week. Then they call themselves veterans.
I was with the Security Guard MP unit at Long Binh Supply Depot from 4/71 to 2/72. Joseph Spriggs I also rode the supply train you mentioned. Maybe we crossed paths. Dick Deho you were there before me. Never saw a swimming pool, bowling alley or any restaurants. There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by since that I have not thought about that place.
I was stationed at long Binh with
The 277th supply and service Battalion
559 General support Co. As a supply
Clerk class 1 supplies from Oct 67
To Oct 68.Did not know they had swimming pools and bowling alleys.
Art Hathery. Just seen you post. I was also in the 43 DT. Was in Nam from January 10, 67 till January 5, 68. What years was you there? Hauled a lot of stuff from Newport to Chu Chi and a bunch of other places. Drove a lot of miles. Happy New Year
I arrived in Long Binh January of 67. I was the 41st Port Construction till September, then transferred to the 43rd Dump Truck Company. Drove 5 tons in both companies. Left Vietnam January 6th 1968. Does anyone remember our time building a artillery base camp northwest of Tay Ninh? It was latter named Camp St. Barbara. My wife and I took a tour back to Vietnam in January 2018. Quite an adventure.
got to long binh in jan 1969 just as tet started i was with the 44th signal comm center at the microwavy towers.
May 1970-Dec 1970, I served at Plantation Compound on and off as a captain assigned to the 11th ACR, where we maintained a staging area for combat vehicles and equipment that was destined to be transported out to forward deployed units of the regiment. After reverting to my basic Officer branch, Ordnance, I assumed command of the 378th Maintenance Company, part of the 185th Maintenance Battalion, 29th General Support Group. We had big problems with drug use among our soldiers and many served bad time at LBJ before they were sent home and booted out with DDs. But for every druggie, we had 10 decent, hard-working GIs and it was a great privilege to lead them. I stayed in the Army and eventually retired as a colonel in 1994. God Bless you all for your service and sacrifice.
Does anyone remember a large explosion at artillery base in long binh, 1965-1966
Hello Dwight, there was a massive ammo dump explosion in Long Binh on October 28, 1966. I was there about 1/4 mile away from the dump. The blast blew me off of the chair I was sitting on and slammed me to the floor. I can’t hear out of my left ear now. From what I heard, the blast and after shock shook buildings in Saigon 13 miles away. Were you there? Some of the ammo kept exploding for several days after the initial blast. I was chosen to do guard duty at the dump for several days afterwards. It was a little scary sitting in a guard shack with some of that ammo going off.
My father was a platoon Sgt. with the 43rd engineer company DT 1967-1968. Was there during tet. His name was Harold L Upperman. Had also served during Korean War with 7th ID. Would like to hear from those who served with him. He was stationed at Long Binh.
1LT David Goldman Aug66-67
Arrived at Long Binh Aug66 with the 548th maintenance co. from Ft Lewis WA. Reassigned to HQ 185th maintenance battalion where I was the S-4.I was also there for the big ammo dump explosion and pulled OG the following day in the dump. Reassigned to the 188th maintenance BN in Chu Lai until REFAD in Aug 67
I was stationed in Long Binh from July 1968 until September 1969.I was with Area Company 44th signal Bn. I worked in the communication center located by the Gate. We had a bunch of vans that were hooked together. I could see LBJ from were I worked. Our company was located below the usarv buildings. Whenever Charlie would launch his rockets at Usarv he would over shoot and the rockets would end near our company area. Would scare the hell out of us. I still remember many of the guys I served with. I guess I got lucky because they were all a bunch of good guys,
I was there in Feb 69 to Feb 70 and returned to civilian life. For many months I worked in an underground COM Center with a tunnel that opened up looking right at the perimeter. I then was moved to some trailers in what was called COM Center Company Area. I went past LBJ many times and was just delighted not to be an inmate. I had some very horrific relations with my battalion commander and was extremely pleased to leave.
I have had the time to go back and look and a lot of the posts and it took me right in country. I have seen some posts about the high use of drugs and what I saw were that many hooches must have had peer pressure to either smoke weed or drink. I clearly remember people saying this person or that person was either a juice freak or a pot head and few were in between. I do not remember any night clubs nor do I remember any bowling lanes. I do remember that there were good lifers and some that should have just stayed at home as they did nothing but stir up racial issues and make use of the “N” word and look down on those of us who crossed or just did not observe racial differences and got along just fine. A guy in my company was named popcorn as anytime he moved his muscles moved. He was a man of color and by all accounts came from a very hardcore back ground. One night he said to me, “You know, one thing that has been good about being in Vietnam is we can all exchange stories of growing up and back in the world neither one of us would even feel welcomed to each other’s neighborhoods and here we have the time to know each other.” Those words have stuck with me forever and where ever in this world you may be Popcorn I still think of you as a brother.
I arrived in Nam, with about 150 others, in July 69. I belonged with the newly formed 604th CS Maintenance Co. We headquartered in Long Binh. The other half of the 150, or so, were an Army Air Corps unit (designation escapes me). Our job – to begin the pullout of Viet Nam. I was also stationed at Dong Tam and Dian, for a short stint, to shut down those sites. Can you name an outfit that had E5’s as the lowest rank? That was us, until replacements came in to fill the short-timers.
I remember LBJ. Since we also processed vehicles, we lowlifes had access to anything with 4 wheels. One day, several of us just began driving around the base. As we drove past the jail walls, some of us, on top of the deuce and a half, gazed over the jail wall. All of a sudden, a voice over a loud speaker began shouting at us to stop looking. In addition, for emphasis, at the two corners of the jail, were 50 caliber machineguns pointed at us! What the F—! We had a glimps inside the courtyard. There were conex boxes, with slits in their walls. We could only imagine the torture that occurred of “who knows who” confined to those boxes in the heat of the day.
On the brighter side, our unit had the privilege of posting perimeter guard duty at the largest ammo dump in the world. I believe that, before our arrival, Charlie pulled an attack at that part of the perimeter that year.
Did I mention that all the “stars” hated our guts! We were treated like S— when we arrived in country. I guess it was the beginning of the end to their increase in rank. That’s my opinion.
I wonder how many others, from the 604th, will agree with me.
FEB 68 TO FEB 69 WITH 92ND ENG MOST OF MY TOUR AT XOM TAM ROCK QUARRY
Dale. I was there at the 219th MI detachment 02/68 to 09/68. Someplace I have a picture of the detachment before I left.
Dale T. re your comment #425, forgot to give reference / log number.
I served with the 3rd Transportation Center, (MCC), Saigon Support Command at Long Binh 69-70. Been searching for buddies for years.
I departed 3 march 1968,
My wife and I GOT OUT just in time
Our flight was delayed by one day
TSN was closed on our day to leave
This past December we have been married 54 years
We have been BLESS by our LORD TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT
I serve with the 169th Eng. battalion A company I from 70,71 I was a sp5 heavy equipment repairmen.
I was new in country in June of 1966. Myself and about a hundred other Army recruits fresh in country spent two miserable weeks digging guard bunkers, filling sand bags and laying what seemed like miles of concertina wired around the perimeter of a lone hill just off highway one. This was the beginning of Long Binh. We had one latrine a half finished mess hall and got one shower just before we shipped out to another location using a water tank truck with plumbing pipes around it as showers while we stripped and stood on wooden pallets, hoping to get the soap rinsed off before the water ran out. I stood night guard in a hole on top of that hill with one other guy and between us we had two beat up m14 rifles, 40 rounds of ammo each and acouple of flares. It turned out to be an uneventful night and I lived to see the longest 12 months of my life. I came home on Memorial Day 1967, weighing in at 112 pounds and totally screwed up. I’m 76 years old now, and still screwed up. I relive some of that experience every day as if it were yesterday. I was shocked to see what that little hill of highway one turned into.
Jackie Miles, we all understand. Hope the VA is giving you good care. Peace Be With You brother.
Bill Patterson author “Vietnam Convoy Trucker”.
long binh 66-68, 140th hem. live in rochester n.y.
I’m looking for Philip Beck who served in the
Vietnam war in 1967. I was in High School at the time
and we were pen pals. He would be about 76 yrs young today. Just wondering how he is doing.
Thanks so much
159 d company eng April 67 to
April 68 any one remember me
April 1969-July 1969 I was assigned to a Special Troops Inf unit that had members (11Bs) with two Purple Hearts and more than 60:days left in Country. I was trained as an MP but out there with three other MPs because “we knew about weapons”!!!! I learned my lessona from guys likeJimmy D Long. The BEST soldier I ever met. Charlie Waits. Doyle (Sudsey) Swann (?) and others. Transferred to Cu Chi, 25th Inf where I did village security and convoy escort. Village Security was my favorite in a couple of small villages. Trang Bang and Go Da Hau. ALONE. Had my 25th BD over there. No damn teenaged kid.
I was stationed at L.B.from Jun68-Nov70. My lst assignment was Aviation Sec. with Document Control and General Williams my commander. Upon promotion to SSG I was transferred to the Document Control with the AG Section. Being NCOIC of the DOC I was also courier of classified info and do remember the TOC. My brother Darrel (Gene) Ormes was with an infantry unit and has now passed away as he had many problems upon returning home. I remember the attack on LB particularly the ammo dump, being knocked to the ground, and running to the bunkers. Of course we couldn’t carry weapons even though I had been trained on the M-16 at Ft Benning.
Vietnam Women Vets served at Saigon, LB with a few Navy, and Air Force enlisted. It has been a struggle to be recognized that we served in Vietnam. Many of us served more than a year there for many reasons: keeping our brothers from going to Vietnam (didn’t work), not being welcomed home and having a hard time adjusting and returning to Nam, and knowing we were doing important jobs. When I came home flying into Travis I was told not to leave for home in uniform because of the riots. We had our 1st reunion in 1999 and every 2 yrs after and have enjoyed remembering. If interested our book is out “Vietnam Women Veterans: Our Untold Story and maybe on Amazon.
I was assigned to the 140th HE Co, Dec. 67 to Dec. 68.
Was an towed artillery repairman in the Armament Platoon.
Oct. 66 till Nov 67 in the 185th Maint. Battalion. Ration driver— every morning and every evening 33 miles throughout picking up girls that worked in the mess hall, Ammo dump ambush sites, reaction team, Radio shop Evac run to Saigon. Drove for Capt. Garcia of the Radio shop, Battalion mail man etc. Loved Tam Hiep and Bien Hoa. Have written a book that is on AMAZON, Barns and Nobel, etd.
THE GIRL FROM TAM HIEP Hope some of you guys check it out.
I was was at the Bien Hoa Air Base 4/67-4/68, 3rd Security Police Sqd. I got to see a lot of what you guys noted about Tet ’68. That night I was finishing up spotting from the water tower by our BX for almost the last 2 months.
In 2016 my oldest Grand daughter asked if I could help her with her HS project on VN. About 2 months later she got hooked on another topic.
One of the last times I thought I would be looking at the base via Google Earth I dropped a pin onto the east end of the base within in the perimeter.
I noted that at this spot is a mass grave of approx 150 VC/NVA soldiers KIA as a result of the Tet’68 battle.
It only took less than 10 days for someone in VN to contact me completely overwhelmed about this grave.
Here it was a former NVA soldier.
The detail of what proceeded was documented by the Philadelphia Inquire and published in 9/2017.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq/how-google-earth-search-led-veteran-back-vietnam-track-down-mass-graves-20170920.html
The article will note at that time we had found the locations of graves containing approx 3500 remains. About a third are down to their NE coordinates.
At Bien Hoa AB alone there are 3 mass graves to date totaling 923 remains. The 3rd grave is due to be excavated this month adjacent to Gate#2.
To date we have provided the VN with the locations of approx 8,000 of their remains.
Today we (2 of us ) are in contact with 6 US soldiers that involve 2 specific battles, ApGu (LZ George) and Kontum (Compound & City Battles). Combined they alone represent a reported 1409 VC/NVA remains.
This is strictly a humanitarian project for the sole benefactor, their Families.
We know their are several thousand buried near Bien Hoa, Long Binh and Hoi Nai. Yes we expect some of these graves will now be under various homes and or buildings. But where are they is the challenge.
Their Families, like our own continue to endure the same pain without any closure after all these years.
A former VC General has contacted us because he had heard about what we do and that no money passes hands. He gave the details to us on two US Army Soldiers that he had to bury in a tunnel entrance as his unit escaped to a safe area.
All details were collected and turned over to our MIA Commission in DC. So this is a two way street.
We plan to go back during this April – June time frame to visit several of these sites.
I will also be returning with an NVA helmet to give back to the deceased soldier’s family. He was found after the battle and properly buried. He had etched him name and enlistment date on the inside of the helmet. The Vietnamese Government did verify the correct owner and contact has been made with the Family.
This helmet was passed to me by a former MP who was working with Customs at TSN. The Army Soldier who had it did not have the paperwork to take with him prior to boarding. So he handed to the MP and he has kept it safe all these years. The former MP sent it to me to give back to the Family in Hanoi. He could not go back with me for personal reasons.
Any help by yourselves and or others you served with would be appreciated.
Thank you all for serving as well as those who’s Family member wrote about there loved one.
If my email does not appear below, I can be reached by contacting the Phila. Inquirer.
Sincerely,
Bob Connor
I was in Long Binh Jan 68 to Jan 69 I was with 352 Trans co, 86 trans Co. Would like se some old buddies.
Welcome Home.
Spent 49 days inside LBJ, following a surreal “Court Martial”, before, during and after which I was in a zombie-like sort of state. Dropped off at a wild-west mob scene of a “depot”. Tossed my steel pot and flak jacket in dumpster, hiked to Ben Hoa AB.Rejoined my unit (then at Phu Cat AFB) in time for christmas and new years.
When everyone else stood up to drunkenly sing god bless america at midnight, I sat myself down on the pigsty floor. No one got killed. Years later this all played back inside my head during the Colin Kappernick “kneeling” furor.
Took about 50 years to get my head around the basic lessons of Nam–that Nam was USA’s last clear chance to create an honest MORALITY, based on “…all men are created equal…”, the gold standard of which would always begin with an equal sharing of the risk of the defense of the general group–as opposed to the monstrous exemptions favoring the “fortunate sons”.
C Gifford
Mike Butler, I was with the 319th TC on Long Binh Sep 68-Aug 69. Also with a tractor trailer company for a few weeks in 6th BN. You will like reading the book I wrote “Vietnam Convoy Trucker” and my company’s DVD “Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam.” They’re on the internet or contact me for copies. Thank you for YOUR service.
Bill Patterson
I was with area company 44th signal Bn from July 1968 until Sept 1969. I worked in the tactical com center located by the main gate. All the vans that were hooked together. I remember we went by silver city known better as the long Binh stockaid. Everything was painted silver city. Our company area was located down the hill from USARV.
I was at Long Binh May71-Mar72.
I was a college dropout and a draftee, assigned to MACV, specifically with the 9th Med attached to the 24th Evac.
I saw a lot of shot up Huey’s and GI’s. The truth is a saw a lot of things I had never seen before and haven’t seen since. I guess the most perilous thing I did there, was ride security in the back of a 3/4 ton running medical materials back and forth between Long Binh and Saigon. I would sit in the back of the truck with my M16 and make sure no one tossed a grenade or a Molotov cocktail in as we rode up and down US 1. Obviously, we never got ambushed, otherwise I would not be here typing this comment. There were only three of us in the truck and only one automatic rifle.
Vietnam was a crazy place and most of the time there I was just bored.
After the Army, I went back to college, graduated, and worked as an Engineer for (41) years.
Was with the 556 transportation co oct 1965 to oct 66 truck #52 hauling fuel
My late father, retired Lt. Col. Frederick van Nus served in Long Binh in 1971-1972 as head of the Optometric Division and drove a jeep that was labelled, “Mr. Specs”. So if you got your eyes checked or glasses, it was probably my Dad that helped you.
Lt. Col van Nus also started the first Hui-O-Hawaii Club in Vietnam and put on many luaus for the troops there. If you had pineapple and kalua pig at the luau, my Dad arranged for these to be flown in from Hawaii.
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers him or attended the luaus.
Daryl Grimmett was the fuel testing depot that you are referring to also the fuel lab? If so, you probably knew my dad as he was there at the same time.
570th Supply Co Fwd
Long Binh September 66-67
We were a repair parts company. forward. a relatively safe designation. except for the fact we were in a combat zone. we received fire. artillery roared overhead. after sunset you could see tracers pouring from helicopters. flares being dropped from same. and the night belonged to Charlie. Mr Charlie to you (the VC). so this episode begins. huddled together in a smelly canvas army issue tent. passing a joint while the monsoon beat down with a thick roar that blocked out the sun and everything else. the uniform of the day was as follows: helmets, fatigue blouses, t-shirts, flack jackets, some shirts, no shirts and at times cut off fatigue pants. we listened to R&B on some little tape recorder. it might have been Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Impressions, Smokey Robinson, I’m still not sure. we danced in soulful abandonment that took us to a place known as “Back in the World.” men sharing their lives through movement and music. something tribal took place. a connection. a brotherhood. a select society. we passed the ritual joint and danced till the sweat ran down our faces. wiping the sting from our eyes with olive drab towels which we wore like talismans. rivulets of water would course around our boots like so many snakes turning the soil into blood red mud. soon we would stop dancing and laugh. at ourselves. at each other. the tent. the rain. the heat. the war. laughing out loud till our sides would split. brown mem. black men. red men. white men. becoming one. brothers. I thing that was the joke. A.M.P. 1943-2021
For Jim Lencioni
I do remember you as an officer at the 92nd
If you can, check the Veteran’s Voice Masuck
Agent Orange in the Providence Journal August 9
A correction in the article….left arm (I was left handed..) my only daughter lost both ovaries
to cancer)
And I may have picture of you, back to the camera,
examening a bridge construction….haven’t seen the
picture in decades, but it is somewhere
I was in hooch 5136. Easy to find on the map! AG Co, Special Troops. We could walk to work up on the hill
Upon graduation from Artillery OCS in 1969, I was commissioned Signal Corps. First stop was Ft. Gordon, GA for Signal Officer Basic, then to Ft. Monmouth, NJ for communications operations center training where I received a TS Crypto clearance. My first assignment was as an instructor at Ft. Benning, GA teaching basic electronics to radio operators. I arrived at the 90th Replacement Battalion in September 1970. As a 1LT, I was assigned as assistant S3 at the 160th Signal Grouip Hqts. This unit was one of the largest based at Long Bihn and therefore was responsible for the defense of a quarter of the perimeter (guard towers; bunkers, 100 ft deep concertina fence, etc.). I fit the bill just right as I was a Signal officer with combat arms training and I replaced an outgoing Infantry 1LT. To keep down vegetation in the 100 ft deep fences, we sprayed Agent Orange. I now have a 70% VA disability because of that. Due to my Comm Center training I was also assigned to run the Long Bihn Alternative Tactical Operations Center. This was an underground command center that served as the backup for the post command center. We duplicated all the radios, etc. Because I was on call 24/7, I was not available for rotating LT duties and I had my own jeep and an E-7 running the underground center and I would really like to find him again. Long Bihn was attacked only once during my tour and it was in a different sector of the perimeter and repelled quickly. Because my job was on call 24/7, I became the SLJO (Shit Little Job Officer) for the 160th Signal Group. So I had one off duties like currency conversion officer (changed over $60,000 MPC from one color to another in 24 hours; Protocol Liason with the South Vietnamese Signal Corps; scrounging officer (trading film from our combat photographers unit for steaks or poker tables from the 34 Engr BN). The best SLJO assignment was the Communications Officer for the Bob Hope Show and Cardinal Cook’s Midnight Mass on Christmas 1970. I came home in 1971 and joined the Army Reserve. I retired in 1998 as a LtCol.
Best comment I ever heard. WW2 vet said to a Vietnam vet, ” Why were you guys
over there, and what were you doing?”
Vietnam infantry vet answered ” Don’t you know, you sent me.”
I was drafted in August 1967. I trained on UH1 and OH 6A helicopters (67V20) at Fort Eustis. I was sent to Vietnam on May 6, 1967, from Travis. Our plane was held up because of mechanical problems (Government Lied). We finally left and landed at Oakland, California because of mechanical problems. We land at Hilo, Hawaii. We landed at Wake and Guam. We were told the airplane was having mechanical problems.
When we landed at Ton-Son-Nhut, the base was under attack. After a short bus ride, we got to the processing center at Long Binh. We were told nothing! That night we got hit with a rocket attack. A friend of mine for the next 12 months got hit in the face with shrapnel. I got blown out of the bunk. A bunch of buildings were blown up. A couple of troops headed home were killed.
Twenty long years later, I read a book about the true story, I found out what happened. May of 1968 was the Second Battle of Saigon or “Mini-Tet”. One end of the air field had been over run. To this day nobody talks about Mini-Tet.
I watched Nixon lie on TV upon my return from Vietnam in May of 1969. The government people
lied to us. I WORKED in the federal governmentfor 2 years after Vietnam. These government people are criminals. From a jaded, drafted, disabled Republic of South Vietnam combat veteran.
great posst
Was moved to Long Bing from Camp Richard M Davies, near Saigon, about 3/4 into my tour in 68/69. Big instillation but I remember incoming 122s regularly and attempts to breach
. One early morning, probably 3 or 4 am “Charlie” breached our perimeter. About a dozen sappers got thru and hid in a culvert, under a road. We had no way of getting them out with being exposed. Finally,it was decided to dump several hundred gallons of diesel fuel in they ditch so it would run into the pipe, culvert under the road. We tried shooting flares, tracer rounds and other means to ignite the diesel fuel to no avail. Finally we called in a gun ship and they fired it up big time. Not much left of the road and only pieces of body parts were left.
I was 20 years in submarines, my cousin capt lawrence wissell was killed at binh dinh 12/21/68, anyone there give me any particulars? We heard friendly fire, would surely appreciate any info.
I’m not sure this will be read but I’m hoping to connect with any former military members that were @ LBP and new my Dad, Kenneth G Martin, Army. He was injured in a bombing @ a club in Saigon and ended up being flown to Germany for his injuries.
I would to connect with anyone who knew him to learn more about him, his service there. God Bless and thank you to each who served and the families of those who served.
I was at Long Bien with the 195th AHC. The unit formed & trained at Ft. Carson. The unit arrived in late 1967. Most of the unit & aircraft came by ship from Sharpe Army Depot. I was among the few who came by air as I was the Maintenance Officer. I was there during TET. The ammo dump was hit. They sky turned pink. I didn’t hear anything for 3 days after. I departed at the end of 1968 & was back for a 2nd tour (F/W) about 18 months later.
Served with 5/2 ADA at Long Binh 1969. Also medevaced to the 24th Evac at Long Binh.
Anyone know Lance Jack “Lanny” Kohanke? He was KIA May 14, 1968 in the Long Binh province.
I was at HHC II Field Force Long Binh, Vietnam in 1970 and 1971. I was in the Signal Office reporting to Col. Paul Simon. My office was in an area called Plantation. General Davidson and several other Generals and many others Officers were within our compound. Just wondering if any others out there were lucky enough to be there then.
My dad was stationed in Long Binh in 71-72. He was in the 321 Trans company. He was the gunner on a gun Jeep that escorted the convoys of trucks. It had two M60’s mounted on a pole in the back and the Lt in the passenger’s seat had an M79 grenade launcher. I heard many stories of his time over there. He’ll be 70 this December. He’s still got three photo albums full of pictures from over there and a couple super 8 reels of video.
David Hess, you and your father may enjoy my book VIETNAM CONVOY TRUCKER. I was with the 319th Transportation Company in ’68-69 on Long Binh. Our Company also produced a DVD TROXLER’S TRUCKERS, MEMORIES OF VIETNAM. Both are available on the internet or contact me for a signed copy. Peace Be With You.
Bill Patterson author formerly Specialist Five Army
I was stationed at Long Binh from 12/67 to 3/68.572Trans Company 48th Trans battalion and the 7th trans Group. Tractor trailer driver. Convoys to Tay Ninh in the morning back for chow that evening. That was before TET. After TET part of our company was sent North to I Corp. Wunder Beach Utah Beach Quang Tri and Dong Ha.Convoys up there gave you serious War experience. Two combat injurys. We were assigned to the 26th GS group. 57th Trans Battalion. Vinnell Corp turned over 10 40 ton Kenworth trucks to us. Taught 20 of us how to drive them. “Never stop” was our daily order. Cobra gun ships at cab level were our escorts. We carried C rats and ammo to the fire base camps. We would slow to about 5mph and the shotgun would throw off a case of ammo and c rats. We were in Charlie’s town up there.His brother the NVA were always near by.Sprayed with agent orange every morning as we lined up to leave camp. Long Binh was good duty.
I was in Lima Platoon, A Co. 1/26 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Our Base Camp was at Phouc Vinh about 45-60 miles northwest of Saigon. I was in Long Binh coming into country and leaving. A 3/4 Ton truck driver and pal gave me a ride toward Tom Son Nuit where I was to get in a Pan Am jet to return stateside. On the way we’re shot at by a sniper a few times. I thought he or she was inexperienced until we stopped at a MP post. We then saw several bullet holes in the truck’s side. The sniper had no sense of humor. Spent ghe night having my first cold beer in months. Went back to ‘Nam in 1994 while living and working in Singapore. They would not allow our required guide to take us to Phouc Vinh. Did go to Da Lat and down to Vung Tau. I never went back in a physical sense, but I “visit” there frequently in my thoughts. Or as the great answer given by a Marine to Walter Cronkite as he asked the grunt, “How long have you been here?” The Marine replied, “All f$&&ing day long!” Amen to that!
I was a Spec5 with the 105th Quartermaster Company stationed at the Post in 1967.My M.O.S. was 94B20 a cook. I was transferred to Long Bay four months before TET, I guess someone was up there was watching over me, either that or somebody didn’t like my
cooking. I went to NYU on the G.I. bill for Theater but remained in Food Service for 41 years before retirement.
God bless all those who died, God bless all that came home and God bless America.
was a Spec5 with the 105th Quartermaster Company stationed at the Post in 1967.My M.O.S. was 94B20 a cook. I was transferred to Long Bay four months before TET, I guess someone was up there watching over me, either that or somebody didn’t like my
cooking. I went to NYU on the G.I. bill for Theater but remained in Food Service for 41 years before retirement.Funny thing, I was never able to talk about Nam until I came upon this page. I feel as if a burden has been lifted.
God bless all those who died, God bless all that came home and God bless America.
I was company commander of the 512th QM company (petroleum supply) from 1966 to 1967.
I remember the night the ammo dump was blown by sappers. Blew me out my bunk. Also we kept getting incursions by the VC because in the Army’s infinite wisdom we were equipped with .50 cal machine which were coveted by VC because our TO&E was from the Korean War. Shortly thereafter we were ordered to turn in .50 cal and gave us M60’s.
It was an honor to be in command of such hard working troops.
I served in the Signal Corp in Long Bihn in 1971-72. I have Peripheral Neuropathy which I think was caused by Agent Orange, but the VA will not recognize it. If you know of anyone that has Peripheral Neuropathy and is getting help from the VA I would be interested to hear from you.
In Vietnam August 68-August 69. HHC 165th we supplied chopper pads support. We were right across the road from where Bob Hope performed.
Nick Giantis, I was with the 624th S&S Company Long Binh in 1966-1967, probably around the same time you were there. I worked at the ration breakdown office where we issued out the food and supplies. I remember seeing the fuel tankers driving in the area. We were located in a rubber tree plantation just off highway 1. I was also there for the massive ammo dump blast in October 1966. Like you, I was blown off of my chair and slammed to the floor and now I have hearing loss in my left ear. The dump was just a short distance down the road from our unit. I pulled guard duty at the dump for the next three nights and some of that ammo was still blowing up for days. I heard that the blast shook buildings in Saigon 15 miles away.
Served with the 556th Trans Co (64 QM BN) as a platoon leader (1st LT) leading convoys of 5 ton trucks/5000 gal fuel tankers to Quan Loi and Tay Ninh. Memories include riding in Gun jeep in pouring monsoon rain, rat patrol at night in 3 gun jeeps around long binh perimeter, OD checking bunkers at night and looking for movement through starlight scope, endless flares and mortar platoon firing and being rolled out of bed when rocket landed in front of opening to my hooch. Only regency to LBJ we the prison reference. Great guys in our BN.
Remember landing in Vietnam and getting off that plane..the heat and the humidity was unbelievable..we got on buses and we were heading to the 90th replacement battalion the bus stopped at lbj jail and the bus driver said if you all go along with the program while you are in the nam you will be fine if not you will end up here…it was a nasty looking place this was August 1968…they had shipping containers with windows they welded out and barb wires around the containers the bus driver said that’s where they put the real bad ass prisoners..anyway my mos was 11 bravo I was assigned to the 25th infantry division was very lucky to make it home one year later..there were several guys in my unit that got into trouble and ended up at long binh jail…later in my tour when I was wounded I was sent to long binh to see a specialist doctor couldn’t believe how big that camp was got lost the place was huge…
My Dad SSG Robert English was stationed here 1967, 68. He was awarded the ACM for his part in defending the base during the TET offensive. If anyone here served with him I would love to hear from you. He just passed away on June 24th 2022.
Good to see increased interest here. Frustrated that we have been unable to find anyone who has ever spoke about the 30 40Ton Kenworth trucks that the Army leased from Vinnell Corp. There were 20 left in Camh rahn bay to haul from the ships and 10 were sent North to I Corp. 572 Trans aka “K” Company 48th trans battalion. 57 trans Group. They pulled 20 of us from the 572 Gypsey bandits and Vinnell employees taught us how to drive them. No goveners on the engine like the 10 Ton tractor trailers had. Each of the 10 trucks had a driver and shot gun. Cab had a open gun turret cut into them. Our standing daily order was “NEVER STOP” run over push over what ever was in front of you. The KW’S were always at the front of the convoys. Loved driving those monstors every day. Vinnell had equiped them with C-130 tires for the sand at Wunder Beach. Would sure like to connect with any of the other drivers.
Raymond c huot
Was station with the 3rd ordnance battalion in 1970 died nov 7
I believe at the time he was a clerk and also a driver for one of the officers any one that new him it would be nice to know
a horrible dusty place, that long bính base
i was there with the 615th MP company for 3 months (april~june 1972) then went to a small MP unit in Vũng Tàu (Cap Saint-Jacques)…
then served as part of the so~called peace keeping phase at trac III hdqrs (small base outside of Biên Hòa) jan to march 31, 1973
Johann, what dust? I lived in a beautiful rubber tree plantation just off highway 1 in Long Binh 66-67. Nice big trees, cool breeze, great shade, chirping birds, etc. There must have been a drastic change in Long Binh 6 years after I left. Actually, someone posted on this site a while back that all the trees were gone. Could have been all that AO they dumped on us.
I was assigned to the 63rd H.E.M.Company,79th maintenance Battalion,1st Logistics Command from November 22nd 1968 to November 21st 1969.We did maintenance on jeeps,3/4 tons,duece and a halfs,5 tons,and 10 tons.We sure kicked Charlie’s ass real good during the TET offenses of ’68 and ’69.To anyone who may read this that was with me in my company during my tour of duty,I want to thank you and the whole company for taking care of me and watching my back during my injuries and recovery.It was one of the worst days of my life when on Feb. 13th 1969,a duece and a half ran over me and it was a miracle that I lived.It took 8 months for me to recover back to 85% ability.My Company Captain,Clement Murdzak and my buddies took very good care of me to make sure I made a full recovery.I can’t thank them enough for all they did for me.I’ll never forget them.I did locate one of my buddies,Elmer Brown from Vancouver,Washington.And we connect often by internet or phone.I am living in Abbeville,Ga.since May 24th 2002.There’s no telling how many of my buddies have already passed away that I don’t know of.But the ones that are still here,thanks again for taking such good care of me during my recovery.I’ll never for get you.And may God Bless you.
BTW,my C.O. Captain Murdzak brought me back from the Long Binh hospital to my hootch later that night after I got run over by the truck, and he stayed by my side all night long when I was in the worst pain I had ever experienced.He made sure I took my medicine that was prescribed.But it did no good at stopping the pain.I stayed on crutches for 8 months.I wound up pulling 1 month of duty before becoming a short timer and coming back to the world that turned their backs on us.An ungrateful nation and we didn’t deserve the kind of treatment we received after returning.Shame on all the war protesters and hippies that didn’t deserve our commitment.And especially the draft dodgers.
Wow just stumbled on this post. I was assigned to the 40th signal Battalion out of long binh apr 68-69. I think it was company b. I was a pole lineman. I did some cable work there but also some carpentry. I was also at Cam Tho, Cu Chi, Binh Long and Cam Rahn. Missed first tet but they tried again in 69. Watched Puff fly over the perimeter all night. A few unfortunate got through but the next morning they were hunted down from pickups. I was supposed to go to ft hood but Don Porter and I heard a rumor that you could get your orders changed at the Pentagon. To make a long story short we spent the next 18 months stationed in Bangkok living in a air conditioned hotel
Bob Toner, my Reserve Unit was there for about half your tour. Hope you read my book VIETNAM CONVOY TRUCKER and/or watch our unit’s DVD TROXLER’S TRUCKERS, MEMORIES OF VIETNAM. Hope you enjoy them.
Bill Patterson former Specialist 5, 319th Transportation Company 48th Group, 6th Battalion
I think it was 44th Signal Bn at Long Binh. I was stationed at Phan Rang in 1966. Went to Long Binh to scout location for move in 1967. I remember the ammo dump being blown up in 1967. I wss there. The blast broke windows in Siagon.
Was stationed there in 1971 at cantho in 1970 long binh was a bigger base. Stationed cross street LBJ if you were there may have seen you. Did guard duty at generals HQ the pool was nice.
I was stationed at TRAC headquarters 1972 as crew chief / tech inspector for MG Hollingsworth. Great duty and a ton of flying
I was MG Hollingsworth crew chief at TRAC headquarters 1972
1966 stationed at long Binh with 40th signal battalion
We were part of the Start of build up lived in tents to start then later in hut’s
Went over as whole battalion on USS gaffey troop ship
Witnessed ammo dump explosion put on many miles as headquarters driver lots of trips to saigon
This post is very use full and help me thankswbbpe
I was stationed in Bien Hoa June 69 to Sep 70. The first half of my tour I was attached to G3 Tactical Operations and was a radio operator on the Air Force Base and because I had typing experience ended up typing for officers and Generals. The second 7 months I was moved to the orderly room on the small old French Fort in Bien Hoa where I lived in one of the hootches. Is anyone familiar with the Fort and do you have any maps or photos? Thanks
My husbandDavid Wooden served at Long Binh and Binh Hoa June 1966 to September 30 1967 with 75th Engineers Supply Company. He never spoke about any amenities at the base. He lived in a tent and had just finished guard duty at the ammunition dump and returned to his tent when the dump was hit. His best buddy that took over his watch was killed. He would not watch any movies or documentaries about Vietnam. David passed away September 2019. Agent Orange caused him numerous health issues starting in 1970s. David passed away from cancer caused by Agent Orange. It took us until 2013 to get 100% lifetime disability with the VA. That only happened after I worked with Georgia Senator Johnny Iasakson. I worked all over the state of Georgia helping Veterans getting them benefits. I am still working to help our Veterans. I lost several close friends in the Vietnam War. Thank you Veterans for serving your Country and keeping us safe. To the Vietnam Veterans you never received the respect you deserved when you arrived home. May I have the honor to say “Welcome Home” and to the families of those missing or killed, God Bless each of you. God Bless our Military and God Bless America!
Hello from Colorado: I was an MP Captain assigned to the Long Binh Provost Marshal’s Office from Feb 72 – Nov 72.
The 720th MP Battalion provided MP support. I have fond memories of my time there – we were VERY busy – convoys, post reaction force, MP patrols, security at the HQ USARV complex. Some 17 general officers on post. I do remember responding to a large racial fight in a Maintenance Support Gp – MPs deployed a V100 along with several dozen MPs. During the Easter Offensive, airbase at Bien Hoa was rocketed several times. Ran convoys in support of ARVN north of Saigon. Worked with some great MPs – no morale problems with the MPs. I had the pleasure to work with SFC Bud Lord, Major Leo Roppo, LTC Hammaker(Bn CO) and LTC Moody.
Hello Sandra, I am very sorry to hear about your husband and I will say some prayers for both of you. I was two blocks away from the ammo dump when it blew, a massive blast that was heard in Saigon 15 miles away. Yes, a number of soldiers were killed and a lot suffered hearing loss like me. I pulled guard duty at the dump for several nights after the explosions, your husband probably did too. It was quite hectic during that time. God Bless
Wayne
In 1983, I was an Employment & Trng Officer for the Helena MT Indian Alliance. Target group were Vietnam Vets. One man stood-out. Kenny Comes Last (Cantrell) a member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe. After ‘Nam he had a tough life whicj landed him in Deer Lodge Penetentiary. I put him on as my janitor. He was a boxer inside and undefeated. Good temperment. He violated parole and I represented him. The Board of Pardons sent him back. I cussed them out. On his way out the door he gave me his ring. On it was enscribed “Vietnam, US Army 120th Signal Btn.” He never talked about the war. I ask of you great warriors if any of you knew or remember Kenny (Cantrell) Comes Last. Thank you for your service and God bless you all. I pray for those who never made it back stateside. Hope you are doing well.
Joan Spencer
My husband was in Long Binh from August 1970 thru January 1971. I got him a three month early out for school. He also was diagnosed with Parkinson’s related to Agent Orange. Once it became a presumptive he was able to get his disability within three months with retroactive back pay. He now has a 100% total and permanent disability rating. It has taken more than four years addressing his different disabilities…many doctor and VES appointments for PTSD, hearing and Parkinson’s. He does have some short term memory….but no dementia. He worked in stock and supply in the Electronics 425 warehouse. It took many letters…phone calls and a VA advocate to reached the 100%. I wish your brother the very best… My husband and I have been together sinceI I was 15 and he was 16….married at 18…he was drafted at 19. He was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA for 14 months before he was levied for Vietnam. I was 8 months pregnant when he left. The war did change him…but we have soldiered on together. When he returned home…people were very rude and ugly towards him. He couldn’t get out of his uniform quick enough. It has only been since he started filing his claims with the VA that he is opening up to his time in Vietnam. Welcome home to each of you who served in Vietnam. You are all loved and appreciated by me. Thank you for your service!
Hope all Vietnam Vets will look at the true story book I wrote Vietnam Convoy Trucker, 201 pages, 90 photos taken by our 319th TC members in the war. Also our Company’s DVD Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam. I greatly respect all who served in this controversial time. Welcome Home.
I was the assistant S-2 NCO for the 12th Combat Aviation Group. At 3AM the morning of Tet, 1968 I was checking the east perimeter guard posts when the first 122mm rockets started coming in. I dove into a firing point as the first round exploded about 25 yards behind me, taking a few small pieces of shrapnel in my back. We received 27 rounds in a matter of just a few minutes and then they stopped. We’d also received some 60mm mortar rounds from Widow’s Village across the MSR and the west perimeter. I later found the tail fin assembly from one of those on my thankfully unoccupied bunk and a large hole in the corrugated tin roof. One of those 122 rounds struck 2 feet from that firing point I’d taken refuge in, bouncing me and another guy about 2 feet off the ground! The next morning, I stood up and urinated in the hole it made. We took some light rifle fire from the jungle area to our East between us and the Long Binh ammo dump, but most of the VC small arms fire came out of Widow’s Village. We later found out that we were supposed to get 125. rounds of 122 rockets but Spookie was up and spotted the firing point and “preempted” most of the fire from there.
I was with the 29th General Support Group which the ammo dump fell under, I was there from Sept 67 to Sept 68 the night of Tet I was in the Ammo dump driving an officer around checking what Ammo dumps were going up, looked like the 4th of July but a lot louder!
Thank you Mr. Moore for this blog. I stumbled upon it and found it very interesting. I was in country 66-67 with the 557th Military Police Company (GD) and then the 720th MP Battalion Company A. I just want to respond to two comments that I noticed.
First, to Curt Locke 9-22-2017: Lt Gordon Lock was my platoon leader at Company A, 720th MP Battalion. We went on many missions from Tay Ninh to the Mekong Delta. As he was a lieutenant and I was a SP4, we weren’t real “buddies”. But I’d like you to know that your father, Lt Gordon, was a fine officer, a gentleman and an excellent leader.
Second, to Mike Duffy 11-22-2019: I hate to disagree with you, but the Long Binh Jail was built in the summer of 1966 by troops of the 557th MP Company, including myself. Long Binh was still mostly jungle. We constructed it from not much more than tents, sandbags and barbed wire; any engineering came later. There was a riot there in the summer of 1968, so you either renovated it or rebuilt it in ’69.
I’d also like to say, at the time, nobody in Long Binh called it a junction or plantation, and the LBJ was clearly the jail.
Thanks again.
bill feist, was with the 38th base post office,arrived in jan. 1969 sp/5 from germany.
spend first 10 months redirecting mail, made ssgt.
and 4 month at post office on hill running back
floor. handeled 14 1/2 tons of mail a day.
the base had 50,000 people on it and lots of letters and packages in them days,no cell phone,
just mail.
going thru cancer treatment, agent orange, think
a lot of us got it.
I wish I had found this blog years ago! I have been trying to find others with whom I served. I was stationed at Camp Gerry, Long Binh, from Nov. 1966 to Nov. 1967. I had been assigned to Co. C, 69th Sig group. Unfortunately, it was a radio company, and I was a dial central office person. I was attached and TDY to 593rd Sig Co, then 44th Sig , 580th Tel Operations Co. I helped install the new telephone exchange, which replaced the original switchboard trailers. I was occasionally called to the War Room ay USRV Headquarters to work on their telephone eqpt. I have several non-combat stories (I was kept out of combat, as I was considered to be too important to be shot at). I may add to this later, if anyone responds who was there when I was. I am trying to locate important information, which seems to have disappeared.
my dad was around Quy Nhon sometime in 1965 to august of 67 as an MP. If anyone was around then at same time or has information, please message me. His last name was Buchanan.
Liz Pierce, I knew and worked with a Sergeant Buchanan at Fort Gordon Georgia in the late 1960s. He was about 5 feet 9 inches tall with reddish hair. I think he was an E7 and may have been an MP. Does this help you? Bill Patterson
I served in the 572nd Transportation Co at Long Binh S. Vietnam & with my brother Gary L.McConnell at the 37th Signal Battalion HHD at Da Nang, S. Vietnam 1970-1971. From Twisp, Washington 98856.
My husband, Tommy Gatewood, was there as a tranportation officer from July 69 to July 70.
To Byron T. Yes, I was there at the same time. Did many jobs. Was assigned to the 219th Millitary Intelligence Detachment. Was company clerk, in the II shop, Runner to the TOC area, where I met General Davidson. Commuted to Bien Hoa Air Base daily the last part of my tour for the Vietnazation Program. Trying to remember the HHC clerk that was so helpful during my duty as company clerk. I knew nothing, just filled in until a young man with the correct MOS came in and took over. I remember him, because he was from the same State and area back home. Gone now Ronald Benner. 525 question. 219th was the first unit East North East of Long Binh. Our night duty bunker was in the marsh between the 90th Replacement Battlion and II Field Forces on Plantation. Watched many a sniper tracers go through that bunker, with me in it.
I was with an ASA unit in Long Binh from 1/67 & 1/68. I seldom wandered around the base and except for one swimming pool and a PX I never even saw some of the things mentioned above. Our unit was pretty self-contained with an EM, NCO, & Officers Clubs.
I was stationed at the MACV annexin Saigon with the Finance and Accounting Office. My immediate supervisor was SFC Tony Fuentes and the Officers were Cpt Walllace and Lt Breslin. I was there from Sept 72 to Mar 73. A couple of my fellow Finance Clerks were Phil Jones and Steve Lundgren. We were all Spec 4 73C. I would love to here from anyone that was there then.
Was with Hq 6bn 56th arty Hawk, we were across highway at behind widows village next to rubber plantation on
Remember the night, about blew my gun off the road. I was with the 615th MP based at Long Binh October 66 thru September 67. We had highway patrol with M51A1 Gun jeeps and did POW and 11th Cav escort. Also had V100 Commando vehicles with M60s and 50 Cal pom pom gun
Hey John, I was there that night also. The massive blast blew me off of my chair and I was tossed across the room. I was about 1/4 mile away from the dump when it blew. Some of that ammo kept exploding for a week. I pulled guard duty there for several nights afterwards, it was pretty hairy.
I was there Nov.69 to Nov.70. All I heard was about how you didn’t want to serve anytime at the ranch! Meaning long bihn jail! How can you serve and not hear of that hellhole! Serve with 25th,”electric strawberry”! Welcome back home to all my brothers-in-arms!
I was in Long Binh in the 19th right beside the 32nd medivac which was right behind our hooch. My company was right beside where QL13 and Hwy 1 ran parallel. your helipad was right behind us. I was there from August 1971 to April 1972. I have been reading some of these blogs and I think the same way with most of everyone else on here. I appreciate hearing fron a neighbor I didnt know. Please respond when you can. Welcome home Brother!
I was at Long Bing in 1971, one of the last draftees. I worked at the Army Depot. I was in Red Ball shipping. We “lived” in Troop Command. I completed my two years and went home. God bless the heroes who lost their lives.
Praying for peace Vietnam War brothers. I believe our worst Christmas here at home is still better than the one we spent long ago and far away. God bless us all.
Bill Patterson
1966 1967 Member of the original 9th transportation (car) airborne, basically it was a taxi service, we came from Bragg to sanfrancisco boarded the uss Gaffey to vung tau. Remer ammo dump blowing up in oct was at em club and the guitar player had just said what a way to fight a war sit back and drink beer, boom, our unit was next to ammo dump perimeter and tent post were knocked down was able to take a jeep on Christmas to see Bob hope at the big red 1 also saw Martha Ray and Nancy Sinatra
Hey Sam, I was also sitting in the EM club when that ammo dump blew in Oct 1966. There were several EM clubs in the area. I was at the one near the main entrance off of hwy 1 by the evac hospital and 624th S&S Co. I don’t remember the guitar player but I remember laying on the floor after the blast not knowing what the hell just happened. That EM club was about 1/4 mile down the road from the dump.
I was in the 259th Replacement Company as a 1st Lt in August 67 to August 68. I met the planes with both arriving soldiers and those going home. I want to publicly thank the MPs who accompanied us day and night on trips to and from Bien Hoa.My Company Commander, interestingly enough, was named was G.I Stanley.
I was 18 and stupid when I arrived in Vietnam. 17 when I entered the Army at FT Dix NJ. Went to Clerk School for 2 weeks. Not a good MOS for a HS dropout. Washed out of that program. 1049 to Vietnam for stay over at a MP Unit 21st MpCo FT Bragg NC. Arrived in Vietnam Dec 1971 they asked what my MOS was I told them I didn’t have one, they asked what I could do I told them Drive and cook. That got me a ticket to HHBtry 7th Bn 8th Arty out of Bein Hoa or Long Bein , I had no idea where I was slept outside until AM when a Truck sent me out to Tay Ninh to a FSB they called Happy 2 8in 2 175 2 dusters and 2 quads. Never did cook. Just drove from FSB to Tay Ninh from the FSB just inside of Cambodia border. I drove convoys and Assisted with searchlights, humped shells jack of all trades master of none. that unit deactivated and I was sent to the HHC 3rd Bn (AMBL) 187th Inf attached to a recon unit, and I did guard duty and Drove whatever was needed. From there I was sent to BTRY B
2nd BN 319th Arty 155 unit . then to home Ft Lewis Washington. Memorable Moments. Riot at Camp Evans, Ammo dump explosion at Cam Ranh Bay. Cleaning up a suicide at the Cam Ranh Bay Hospital. Watching the Quad 50 boys on the FSB light up the tree line. Tower guard where I overreacted on night and and the sky light up while on Perimeter duty . FSB Happy was a very Happy place. Being escorted by Cobra Gun Ships through the rubber plantations was an experience especially in the Monsoons. And first had participant in two Hurricanes AKA as Typhoons. Been at the VA helping veterans in the ICU and most recently in CNH oversight as Im too old now for ICU.
Looking to speak to anyone who may have known my dad.Lost him in 77 before I had a chance to know about this part of his life
CWO3 Marion J. Zimmerman nickname Bob
Served 69-70
51st Maintenence 91st CS EN
29th General Support Group
Or his partner Alexander Washington CW02
They served together and both were awarded Bronze Stars.
Thank you for sending any information you have about them or what kind of service they did.
Gratefully
Aue
Mar67- Aug68
62 Engr Bn HHC S-4
I was with the 254th Hel Amb Dustoff 66 67 at Long Binh our Hel pads were next to 93rd Evac Hospital E5 crew chief hours operator
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3rd Ord Bn June69 to june70. First with 54th Ord Co, then 71st Ord Co. Motor Pool and Supply
Tom Adkins: I was with the 624th S&S Company 66-67. My hooch and orderly room was located right across the road from the 93rd evc hospital. I watched those helicopters come and go all the time during the year that I was there.
I was stationed at Long Binh from 5/4/71 to 3/7/72. I was assigned to 1st Signal Brigade, 40th Signal Battalion, 2nd Signal Group. [MOS– 05B20, Radio-Telegraph Operator]. My hooch was straight across the street from Long Binh Jail (LBJ), and diagonally across the street from 24th Medical Evac. By this point in time, the war was lost–and every troop knew it! I spent 10 months & 4 days keeping 2-man guard teams awake from 7pm to 7am in guard bunkers along the highway.
My Dad was SFC Allen Davis, 76W POL, stationed at LB, Tan Son Nhut and Bien Hoi x4 tours of Vietnam. I bought my Dad a hat that said Bronze Star Heroism. A few days before he died, the Chaplain from the hospice asked him if he had that medal, and Pappy said, “Yeah, I got one.” Then the Chaplain asked me how he got the medal? (I told the Chaplain I waited 50 years to learn about the medal!) Pappy said, “ A couple of my Privates got in a little bit of trouble, and I got ‘em out! “. That was the most he ever spoke about Vietnam! Pappy was littered with cancers, the last thing he said to me was that he hoped I never got cancer. Pappy Died in May 2012, he was in a Supply & Support and a Transportation Company. Would love to hear from anyone here who knew Pappy. Don’t worry, I knew he wasn’t a Saint, but he took care of his troops. I asked the Army for an honor guard from Fort Campbell for the funeral in Winchester, Ohio. The Colonel told me it was too far for his soldiers to travel. I told the Colonel my Mom and I thought four tours of Vietnam was too far for us. When we got to the cemetery, a 1LT and A master Sgt with 101st Airborne patches on their right sleeves were waiting for Pappy. Welcome home, love and peace.
I served at Long Binh from March 67 to March 68. I was in D Co. 92nd Engr, 20th Brigade. Sometimes I feel like we built most of that base that year. 11 of the 12 months I was there we lived in tents while we built barracks for other units. We did work over at the air base, all so kept the road open out to Bear Cat to the East. It was a very hard year, would not want to do it again but would not trade the memories and the friendships made. Remember tet very well.
My uncle was with the 9th division 47 infantry and was kIA in Binh Long in March of 67. His name was Dennis Williams. I have his flag and medals and I take flowers to his grave on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I was 7 years of when he was Lille’s and he was my best friend I had no father. I have letters he wrote me and I treasure his memory. Just want to put that out there love you guys that served.
I was with the 40th Signal Battalion form Sept 68 to October 69.. Long Binh gained many amenities during my tour. At first the mess hall was the only source of food. I loved SOS, but had so much watermelon that one day it made me gag.I still cannot stand the smell of it. Mid tour a Viet snack bar was built nearby my company. I got them to make grilled ham, egg and cheese and cheeseburgers wit an egg on top. Heaven!
The above ground pool was wrecked. Word was a drunk in a large truck mowed it down. I was amazed when Johhny Cash, June Carter and the Tennessee Three showed up at our little EM club. June ‘69 I think. June pulled her modest dress up 2” above her knees and said, “That’s all you’re gonna get boys” with a grin. Best show of my life.
I extended 6 weeks for an early out. While waiting in the holding area on my last day we got some rockets and higher diverted our plane. We ended up on C-130s to Cam Ranh Bay, leaving from there 2 days late.
it was actually across the highway from bien hoa and not between bien hoa and saigon.
On Long Binh 68-69 with activated Army Reservists from Augusta GA 319th Transportation Company in 6th Battalion. Recorded my and my Company’s memoirs in published book Vietnam Convoy Trucker. It contains 201 pages with 90 color and black/white photos taken by our drivers and me. Written for all who drove trucks in the war. Welcome Home Gentlemen.
I arrived in VietNam in January 1970 MOS 11B Grunt! Some as we all know the military does what they want.Somehow I ended up 64B Long hall 5Ton Driver and Also assigned to a jeep as the M60 marching gunner! Was given a day off as the convoy was heading to Tay Nin base came with supplies. The convoy was ambushed the Drive of the jeep was wounded the Lieutenant was wounded and the gunner killed and others in the convoy killed.Other times snipers would stop the convoy with sniping the driver of a Truck .Later I was injured just out side of Cu Chi. Some time in my last three months. Never was on a Convoy after that.Several convoys Pryor Cobra Gun ship air support Tank support APC with Quad 50’s Left VietNam Dec 7 1970 my 21st Birthday! Thanks all who served! Special thanks for Medical evacuation that took car of me and the nurses and Surgeons!
Was stationed at Long Binh from late August 1968 until late August 1969. First half of my tour was as S2/S3 of the 185th Maintenance Battalion, second half as Company Commander of F Company (and yes, sometimes I felt like it resembled F Troop as in the TV show, except, well not really funny as everything was “for real”), Troop Command of the Army Deport there (a significant subordinate unit of 1st Logistical Command). A bustling place indeed would be expected from the 60K troops assigned there. Sometimes a rather miserable one. I was glad to leave. On the whole, mostly safe there, far more likely to be killed or hurt in a vehicle accident or an on the job injury than by enemy action (I guess we had probably an average of three rocket/mortar attacks of up to perhaps 10-15 rounds in-coming every two month period – relying on a half-century old memory, could be wrong). One ground attack that didn’t amount to much (in contrast to Tet ’68) in “Little Tet”/Tet ’69. Ah well. Not a year I seem able to forget, but surely one I have no wish to repeat.
47th transportation 1970-71. Not once did I see this main base, much less the amenities. Had to be at staging area before the sun was up with a load of JP-4 going somewhere, many trips to Tay Ninh. Normally back late in the day whether gone 1 or 2 days. Saw many cool things. A few scary times. The mountain yards going to Song Be. The monkey I thought was an idol turned out to be lunch. The rubber tree plantation is freaky to drive through. Bless you all
got in country dec 67 went to c co 20th as a dozer operater but ended up a driver for the platoon sgt and later for a lt ,i was sent home for a broken finger ,then reuped to return and after that i was bounced all over the contry
FUN I MISS IT
I started out in Long Binh in 69 and then went to Long Thanh North, then Tay Ninh.
August 1968… was a young draftee landed at bien hoa…remember getting off the plane the heat was unbearable they put us on buses to take us to the 90th replacement battalion along the way they stopped at long binh jail and pointed it out to us…bus driver said if you go along with the program you will be fine if you don’t this is where you are going to end up..anyway got to the 90th replacement battalion and with in two hours found myself and others burn human shit…it was terrible never will forget that…anyway a couple days later they called my name out for the 25th infantry division at cu chi…spent the next year humping a m-60 machine gun in the rice paddies and other places…was wounded two different times really glad I made it back home…I knew being drafted would be a adventure but I sure didn’t expect this…
I went to Infantry AIT at Ft Ord and left as a PFC with an MOS of 11B. I had two weeks leave to go back home in Minnesota before reporting to Oakland Army Base for transhipment to Vietnam. I arrived at Binh Hoa AB in Nov 1970.
I was at the 90th Repo Depot at Long Binh for about two days before being assigned to the 89th MP Group because they had two infantry companies used for guard duty. (Doctrine was that MPs were not to be used as mere guards.) But at the 89th MP Group HQ, I was queried if I would like to stay there, or if I had a strong preference for field duty. I chose the HQ and eventually OJTed to a 72L (company clerk).
I worked in the S1 shop and was assigned to the HQ building to work for our commander (an O6), our XO (an O5), Adjutant (O3) and CSM (E9). The Adjutant was my supervisor.
Interestingly, while there we had two “Personnel NCOs” (pronounced “pursenicko”) and they were both named SFC Jones. Couldn’t be more different. The first one liked choral music and his wife had a Masters in Fine Arts. The second SFC Jones was single, drank frequently, often took a HQ jeep into Saigon overnight (once having a wreck on his way home).
The company grade officers and the draftees were much alike. In our unit most of the draftees were recent college graduates. We had similar interests and takes on the war. The senior NCOs and Field Grade officers were more the same age group and tended to be heavy drinkers. (I remember when in Basic Training and we were learning the phonetic alphabet, our DIs often started a “who can be louder” contest between “Kilo” (drugs) or “Whiskey” (alcohol). The Kilo crowd were generally louder. BTW, we also learned in Basic Training that proper radio procedure was to use “say again” if you didn’t copy what was said. “Repeat” was reserved to order the artillery to fire again with the same load/coordinates.
We had parolees from LBJ come by at the end of the day to clean our building. My job was empty out sensitive waste baskets in to our burn barrel outside the building. It was a perforated 30 gal drum with a crank at one end and some big rocks inside. The holes allowed the paper to burn, and after it got going, I cranked it and let the rocks pulverise the ashes so nothing could be reconstructed.
Drugs were a real problem at that time. GIs liked to drive by our compound and throw empty heroin vials on our lawn. On of the parolees jobs was to police the lawn under the supervision of the CSM to pick up the “trash”.
The one day I had leave and wasn’t in the office, our commander got promoted to Brig General. General Westmoreland called to congratulate him. I was always disappointed I wasn’t there that day as calls reportedly came in all day from around RVN. The next day Gen Paul M. Timmerberg was at his next position (CO of the 18th MP Bde) just down the road and I rarely saw him.
Lots of great discussions during my tour with the Captains who filled the Adjutant spot. One of their duties was to interview officers just arriving incountry to decide which of the Battalions or the 90th MP Detachment in Saigon they should be assigned to. It was the CO’s decision, but it was always staffed by the Adjutant who had to make a recommendation and support it. After I got trained in, I learned how to ask good interview questions. It was always a match between skills, needs and personalities. We had a big org chart on the wall behind the Adjutant’s desk and he kept track of open positions.
I left in Jan 1972 as an SP4. Our 89th MP Grp HHD was being transformed to a drug abuse treatment unit. (We were adjacent to LBJ.) Everything changed. All of us counted down to our DEROS date. When our Freedom Bird took off from Vietnam, everyone quietly clapped, nothing raucous. Flew back to Travis AFB, then to Oakland Army Base to be discharged from the Army. Time served, 18 months plus a day or two. In those days we were allowed to request an extension of our Vietnam tour to hit it just right when we landed in the US. The Army only needed us draftees in Vietnam. We were uncontrollable dead weight if assigned to a stateside unit. The rule was if we had less than 6 months to serve, you could be discharged immediately.
Note: I reconnected with my first MP Adjutant about 15 years ago. He was a total role model for me in my civilian life. I have a ton of respect for him. He retired as an O6 with 30 years service. I also found one of my enlisted buddies. He was an art teacher in Auburn, NY when drafted. I was too late to find my roommate. He moved to Australia, married and died of cancer a few years before I looked for him.
Assigned to USARV Headquarters, Awards & Decorations, June 1969-June 1970. Would like to hook-up with any old buddies that were at USARV (Awds. & Decorations) during that time.
I lost a good friend on May 12 ,1969 but I don’t know how he was killed. A battle in or around Bin Long.
Arrived at Long Binh 12 days before TET. 45 days later part of the 572 Trans Co was sent to I Corp via Da Nang. Wunder Beach, Don Ha and Quang Tri made Long Binh look like a resort. The night that TET went off, I was, like many of you two streets over from the ammo dump. In one night I learned everything I would need to know about incoming versus outgoing. What part of the body the M-14 was most effective in. How fear becomes rage and courage. We grew up fast.
Long Binh was a good base I was transferred there from Can Tho in 1971 I was there till December of that year Met some good people there had great times and not so good lost some friends there still have bad memories of them it is sometimes hard to let go
Thanks
Sept 1965 myself and eight other stood guard at Long Binh. I was in the 85th Ord company. Our company was the first company there. We started Long Binh There were only three bunker on that hill top. Had tents with dirt floors. There was 75000 people in Vietnam at that time. When we left there was 305000. We had everything to make war. We were a direct support unit.
All this write up sure sounds good. I was at Long Binh for a year. 5th L.E.M. Got there in March, 1967 and left January, 1968. All the niceties listed did not exist in 1967. We had to build our own hooches. We were located in the SW corner with Hwy 15 beside us. We lived on the perimeter. We worked 12 to 16 hours a day when we first got there.
And LBJ did stand for Long Binh Jail in 1967. I don’t know what it looked like when this article was written, but you DID Not want to get thrown in there!
It has been so long ago that I only seem to have some recollections I was. A u s army dental hygienist when I was stationed with the 40th med detachment at Cu Chi. I have not been able to find any writing or photos of my outfit I know that in early 1969 was C O was Lt/col Gardner if anyone can offer anything I would really like it. Take care
I served with the 159th & 283rd Helicopter Amb. units (Dust Off) 1971-1972 flying as a Medic. I was Det Sgt. I ended up flying 42 missions in different combat rescue & related flights with some of the bravest soldiers both enlisted, warrant , lieutenants and 2 captains. Saw to much death & destruction to last a lifetime. I later was assigned to the 180th Aviation Company Assault Hel Unit in Germany where some of the CH-47 had also flown in Vietnam. By this time I had been commissioned as a Warrant Officer and was Property Book Officer for the unit. Some of the guys in this unit had also flown in Vietnam.
1967 – 1968 Headquarters 2nd Signal Group across from the PX at Long Binh Post. We lived in tents for a couple of months waiting for barracks to be built. I will never forget how it rained for days without stopping. Coming from Southern California it was something new.
there is a report that the Ho chi minh ville is sinking at a rate of 80 ft.There were many ammo dumps inside the depots,there is a fear that when temperature increase to more than the normal range,these sites have problems with air filtering and water treatment.
The key was not handed over to president minh at the time of surrender,it was partly managed by their state now and still it has link to the security of the us forces in the area.There is a scenario that it become a risk to the reputation of the state department because it could go unpredictable,there were high tech stuff there which was never used in the event of a world crisis,the present state does show some information but the real bunkers and its keys are with those in the usa.
Interested
Hi,I served with the 61st H.E.M. Company,79th Maintenance Battalion 1st Log Command from November 22 1968 to November 21st 1969.I was ran over by a 2 1/2 ton Tractor by one of my buddies who was horseplaying that day driving back to the Company area from one of our motorpools.I don’t hold any grudges for what he did.But he almost killed me that day,Feb. 13th 1969.Four days before the 1969 TET offensive started.I don’t know why my CO didn’t have me sent back to the states as I was on physical profile almost my whole time over there after the accident.I couldn’t walk for 8 months as I had to use crutches to get around.It was a miracle that I lived through it.What I’d like to know is where my company was on the map.The best of my knowledge and the closest I can figure is area 13E on the map.I got hit by the truck about a 1/4 mile from my company area.My CO and the whole company rallied around me and helped me back to good health.But it took a long time.And I want to thank all my buddies for helping me when
when I needed them.I sure wish I could see them again to say THANK YOU for helping me.Brothers,it was terrible and one of my worst experiences when the left rear duals on that tractor knocked me to the pavement.My head hit the pavement so hard,I should’ve died right there.But my Lord and Savior was right there for me.It was just a miracle of God that I survived.I would love to hear from some of my brothers after all these years to say THANKS for all you did.It would be great to hear from Larry Troxtell,Smitty,and McBeth to name a few if you’re still with us,which I sure hope you are.We lost on e of our brothers,Elton Spurgeon on March 20th 2003 due to diabetes.I have and still are a Southern Gospel DJ on WUFF FM.We stream live on wolfcountry975.com every Sunday from 3-7pm eastern time.I’ve been on thre air for over 35 years and still going strong after all these years.
I served with the 61st H.E.M. Company,79th Maintenance Battalion 1st Log Command from November 22 1968 to November 21st 1969.I was ran over by a 2 1/2 ton Tractor by one of my buddies who was horseplaying that day driving back to the Company area from one of our motorpools.I don’t hold any grudges for what he did.But he almost killed me that day,Feb. 13th 1969.Four days before the 1969 TET offensive started.I don’t know why my CO didn’t have me sent back to the states as I was on physical profile almost my whole time over there after the accident.I couldn’t walk for 8 months as I had to use crutches to get around.It was a miracle that I lived through it.What I’d like to know is where my company was on the map.The best of my knowledge and the closest I can figure is area 13E on the map.I got hit by the truck about a 1/4 mile from my company area.My CO and the whole company rallied around me and helped me back to good health.But it took a long time.And I want to thank all my buddies for helping me when
I arrived at Long Binh post in November 68. I was a massive material supply base. After 3 Months there was two occasions where the GI’s shot up the plywood and screen wire Barracks were shot up. I went to the Orderly Room and ask he could get me off the post and two weeks later me and others were called to the Orderly Room and where ask if we would like to join an Air Mobile Contact team. Our mission was to fly to several outpost and repair Jeep’s and Generators which we all went for it. The First Air Mobile Contact Concept was initiated and we went to Outpost in the 3rd. Corp Tay Ninh, Quan Loi, Binh Long and other Provinces in the 3rd. Corp
Spent a year there and had no idea what was outside of tanker area. Hauled a lot of Jp-4 over there. Saw many cool things and some sad. Many trips to Tayninh and others. The only place I saw was the PX.
I was stationed there in 1971 it was a good base had a lot of good people there I met some from across the country we just made the best of our time lost some friends
Went home to Ft.Bragg, NC
Is there any way to find out is my grandpa was stationed there?
I came to Nam on 5/30/70 , put in 6/31 inf 3rd bde 9th inf div C company Field duty . Eventually I got out the field and put in a REMF UNIT 269th C A B 1st Ave Bde in
Cu-Chi and then moved to Long-Binh . We had all types of Helicopters from LOHs to Cobras to S/Hooks – Hueys and some. I was a medic with a CMB and this was heaven compacted to prior duty . From 269th to 145th CAB IN February or March they changed our number to 145.
Anyway I’m got orders to go home in April and I’m stationed in north long binh and 90th Replacement is between me and the main post . Early one morning in March 1971 I heard 3 Explosions that shook the ground, and I thought it was EOD blowing off stuff in the dark and didn’t think much of it until I heard voices yelling outside and I got up and my Hooch and the Whole Place were running around because of incoming rockets . The Rockets came over my area and hit 90th Replacement. From what I remember it killed 7 New Guys hiding in a Latrine trying to dodge a formation. Here it is that I have orders to go home from there next month and from my hooch I can see the smoke from the Rockets from the Village were they came from . What a waist ! These guys never had a chance or time to HATE THE PLACE or a good meal . Just to be on a wall in DC and to be a PAINFUL MEMORY For their family and friends .
When Covid struck I was going to Combat Meetings in Hackensack NJ . I had been going for a few years and it was helping me out . I didn’t know anything was wrong with me until I got there and met people that had gone thru and still see what I see . I always thought I could do it myself .
WE REMEMBER AND CANT FORGET ! ! !
When my wife passed away there was nothing to hold the BALLOON TO THE GROUND . Being around people who know the same thing as me eases my mind .
My Brother is 8 years older than me and I only showed him the pictures of me in the field maybe 3 years ago because I didn’t want to hear a negative comment from him . He then tells me that he didn’t know that I had gone thru that . He would have tried to make me feel bad for something like that and I would have closed the door on him forever . Fifty Eight Thousand Plus people gone and the people that lost someone – nobody won that one .
NEVER FORGET !
I was in long Binh Detox in 1972 for heroin addiction I vaguely remember being offered a medical discharge but I am not sure. Does anyone know if this was something that happened at the detox? My memory is fuzzy. Thank You Raymond Fox
Thanks for this information! I watched a documentary about Nam years ago that said Long Binh was combined with Binh Hoa & put under fence. The total Long Binh -Binh Hoa area was approx. 44 Sq Miles of military installation! Is this true or is my memory of this documentary faulty? I served in 4/23/25th Mech, AO being predominantly Xuan Loc toward Tay Ninh. Just wondering?
This was a very walk down my memory lane my brother was drafted 07-19-66 my 11 birthday and we seen him probably 2-times before he shipped out it was pretty quick he was drafted went through basic and gone for 16 months..and the US was crazy as all types of death and destruction and never stopped
To Curtis Locke: I knew your dad ist Lt. Gordon Locke of the 720th M.P. Bn. He was one of the best officers I ever knew. I always wondered what happened to him after his time in Vietnam. I pray he made home in good condition. I am proud to have known him and to have served with him.
Maurice Caron
I picked up ammo at Long Binh for Nha Be Navy Support base south of Saigon every few weeks .1967-1968.
Nick Mott: I was stationed in Long Binh 66-67 and was located about 1/4 mile down the road from the ammo dump. I believe that the ammo dump was the largest dump in Vietnam at the time. I think that you probably drove into the 624th S&S Co compound off of Hwy1 at the entrance that was by the 93rd Evac Hospital. The vc blew up the dump in October 66 and they blew it up again several more times in the next couple of years.
I went to long binh from cantho in 1971 it was a great base met a lot of great people long binh compared to cantho lots of difference I did my R&R to vung tau I could have stayed there for ever I just loved the beach and the South China Sea
To Jimmy T (post 569) in response to my (post 525).
Thanks for your response and service. It’s good to hear from another HHC II Field Force (Plantation) vet who made it back to the World and is still around to share memories. General Davidson was a great leader.
I was drafted in the 1969 Birthday Lottery, Fort Bragg for basic, Fort Sill for AIT (Artillery 105’s) then straight to Nam. Got very lucky at the 90th Replacement with an in country MOS change to clerk because of typing classes in college. I worked in the Signal Office for Col. Paul Simon. I did fly with him when he visited many of our Signal Corp outpost to include 4 trips to our relay station at top of Nui Ba Den.
Other than lots of guard duty being in the rear at Plantation was great.
SP5 Thorpe
I served with marines dental clinic in freedom hill near danag 1970 also red beach another dental clinic in 1971 looking for other dental people who served in vietnam also.i served 19 months total before returning to eltoro marine corps Air station California feb1972.
Served in LB feb 70 – Jan 71. Assigned to HHD 48th Trans Gp. I was a clerk in S-1 for 4months, then was transferred to be company clerk for 10th Trans Co. 7th Bn. Marcus Cook was the Captain and 1Lt Henry Young (post #416) was XO when I was there. Rode shotgun on a couple of convoys (Vung Tau & Song Be). Thought I had it pretty good. AO followed me home and have been battling a couple presumptive conditions.
there is still armed units running the depot,the truck lift is seen next to the inventory area.The signals is migration of data and to protect that data is complicate,the repairs shop is full returned tanks and planes.
The cost of managing this security area must be huge,inside there are two arrows projects armed with wmd.
Below is a tunnel to sub units,each sub unit is contained in a confined area,an explosion could not blast the whole complex.
From a report there is still ammunitions,in large quantities stock inside the subunits,negotiation to open the stock for inspection is not available.Satellite shows that in a flood water could enter from top of the mountain and create a water log area where there is a living quarters for the compound.
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Gregory
Al Dube, Clement Matthew Murdzak was my father. It’s is amazing to hear stories of his kindness in the middle of the war.
Unfortunately, he passed away on 2015, but he can be found in Arlington. You probably never got to see some of his later career. He was a civil war historian who did technical advising for films. If you watch glory, you can find him with the little pork pie hat, and red sash. He’s in any scenes with troops moving around.
I was stationed at Long Binh mid 1966 for a year with the 617 Engineer Company – Bridge and Haul. While we were steel bridge builders our primary mission for most of the year was driving our fleet of dump trucks 24/7 to build the roads and ammo pads for the ammunition storage area. It was a high priority. We had a day shift/night shift, one day off every 14 days.
This is where my father was stationed from 1966-1967.
He was a Staff Sergeant and got permission to return home to the US on emergency family leave when my baby brother was deathly ill.he survived)
I am thankful that my father was not placed in harm’s way in Vietnam
The best I can remember is that I was assigned to Hq company from 1968-1970. I was with the motor pool and was acting sgt and lost it for some reason I can’t remember. Then there was something about the sign shop. I had to make a sign stating the rules for the swimming pool. Then there was tet of 68.
Hope my true story book VIETNAM CONVOY TRUCKER may assist you with your work. Our 319th Transportation Company’s true story DVD Troxler’s Truckers, Memories of Vietnam may give you much info. Thank you.
Bill Patterson, Vietnam Veteran
Leslie Wagner states that her Father was stationed there during the war. Is that Harry Wagner, author of The Head of the Snake, advisor to Westmoreland and Johnson. Living in Morgan County, Ga?
This article made long binh sound like a paradise but when I was there in 67 & 68 it was not like anything close we did not have running water and for unites that spent time on the roads everyday from dawn to dusk we had to go days with out a shower and had to eat nothing but c rations, does that sound like what this article depicts.
Dwayne, you are correct. When I arrived in Long Binh July 66, it was still somewhat primitive. I lived in a field tent for six months until we built our own wooden hooch. We were lucky to have a EM club where we could get some cold brews. No bowling alley, swimming pools, movie theaters, snack shops, etc. when I was there.
I was assigned to the 327th
Signal company, based in Long Binh, from spring 1968 to spring 1969 then from spring 1970 to spring 1971. I worked in the field, only coming to Long Binh for briefings in changes to our mission to to undertake another assignment. We did tactical communications. I did visit the dental facilities and remember eating abalone for the first time in a restaurant on base.
I did not visit snack bars, photo labs, wood shops, post offices, swimming pools, basketball or tennis courts.
I do not recall a night life in Long Binh. Perhaps for the soldiers that were stationed there, they knew of these places. For those of us that worked in the field, we came to Long Binh to receive new instructions or to wait further assignments. I did attend a Bob Hope concert in Long Binh. I think it was in 1971.
Served in the 46th at Long Binh from 2/69 to 8/70. It was home base traveled to numerus sites , unfortunately I didn’t log all the locations. Even though there was a war we had a lot of good times. Miss all the people I served with, stayed in touch with one who passed away a few years back.
My Name is Kenneth Coleman. I served between 1969-1971 Troop D Command. if you or a loved one served around that time. Thank You
I was at Long Bien from Jan 68 to May 69. On the northern perimeter, across from the 90th. When I got there we had no electricity and when I left we still had no running water. I never saw any restaurants or recreation facilities. The only flush toilet I ever saw was at Bien Hoa.
The base was long binh,it was with the ammo that the forces went into laos,it emerged that april 22 1971 that us ground troops did participate in this operation.
The report was it was not a triumph,it was the beginning of the tiger steels total air war,JS said it was to take the pressure off Thailand but in doing so the saigon government condemned itself to an extremely public backlash,by committing forces and then not being able to complete military victory over the stated period of one month,because general lam found the forces available too thin.
supporting the drive were aircraft units hancock,ranger,and kitty hawk,the opereration went smoothly but then the bases were overrun,the aircrafts can’t go in because both sides were too close to each other,weather was abysmal with poor visibility,the saigon troops had to move out,there were4 army parts,airborne plus us special detachment.This is confidential.
I was stationed with the 56th Data Processing Unit 1967 / 68. At the time we were on the outer edge of long Binh just south of the 90th Replacement. Right before TET 68 a Transportation company move in just to our Right. We watched as the Ammunition Dump was blown up During TET 1968.
I have several slides taken at long Bin. The Hq Buildings, Barracks, etc taken during 67/68.
I want more information than I have now.