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This Guestbook covers the period from December 2000 through November 2006. There are many interesting posts from Vietnam veterans who fought in many battles and battlesites that I visited.

NOTE FROM JANUARY 2023:  Please be aware that many of the links listed below may not work because many of us have passed on.  The (KILL_SPAMMERS) should be replaced with the @ sign.  
Date: Thu Dec 28 2000 - 04:35 PM
Name: Marge Brillhart and daughter, Karen Kalinowski
Comments: We visited your website and enjoyed the photos and the diary. Awesome!!
Date: Thu Dec 28 2000 - 06:12 PM
Name: Jim Matney
Email: matney1(KILL_SPAMMERS)webtv.net
Location: Oct.68 June 69
Comments: Good pix my man
Date: Wednesday August 29, 2001 - 09:19AM
Name: Merri Taylor
Email: silversage2(KILL_SPAMMERS)earthlink.net
Comments: Fabulous site! Enjoy all the info and photos. Very well done!
Thanks for being my brother-I am very proud of you!
Date: Wednesday October 17, 2001 - 10:21PM
Name: Alan Johnson
Email: greener(KILL_SPAMMERS)teleport.com
Location: A106, 5th SFGA
Comments: I found your site again, enjoyed very much. I'll write soon.
Date: Friday December 14, 2001 - 10:25AM
Name: Saigon Eddie
Email: OurManInSaigon(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.co
Location: 1965-75 - NSA, Saigon, Pleiku, Nha Trang, Dalat, DaNang, etc.
Comments: Your love of Vietnam, and the Vietnamese people, is very apparent by the excellent photos and descriptions. Nice job!
Date: Wednesday January 16, 2002 - 03:54PM
Name: KEVIN HARTIGAN
Email: kevin(KILL_SPAMMERS)greencafe
Comments: I am doing some research for Col. (R) Lewis L. Millett, USA< MoH, DSC, 9096592888. trying to verify if Harvey Gordon Brande was a member of A101 and taken prsisoner at Lang Vei approx 6-7 Feb 68.

THANK YOU KEVIN. I TRIED TO EMAIL YOU BUT IT CAME BACK. THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU LEFT WAS NOT A COMPLETE ADDRESS. ANYWAY, HERE IS THE TEXT OF MY REPLY. THANKS, GREG (KILL_SPAMMERS) VIETNAMJOURNEYS

Kevin, Thanks for visiting my site, www.vietnamjourneys.com You probably have already seen the following sites regarding your search for info on Harvey Brande but I'm passing them along anyway. I visited Lang Vei several times in the mid-1990s. Not much left but you can still get a sense of its strategic location when you walk around it. I hope to return in two years to work on a documentary on the Ho Chi Minh Trail coming down through Laos and ending at Lang Vei, Khe Sanh and the Ashau Valley.

Good Luck, Greg Taylor

http://members.tripod.com/~vet4/specialforces.html
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3406/mia18.htm
html http://www.taskforceomegainc.org/b048.html
html http://www.taskforceomegainc.org/b048.html
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pmsea/pmsea_info_b048.htm
Date: Friday January 18, 2002 - 02:13PM
Name: James Jobe
Email: pavelowrider(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: 129th AHC, An Son, Lane Army Heliport Dec '69 - Dec '70
Comments: Great site, and Welcome Home.
Date: Saturday February 9, 2002 - 10:52AM
Name: David Dillberg
Email: dillberg(KILL_SPAMMERS)aloha.net
Location: G,2/1/1st Marine Div.67/68ConTien,Khe Sanh,RT9.881N
Comments: This is not any of the above it is a request for help in finding a topographical map of Khe Sanh and the area of 881N.To the north and east of 881N is an area of valleys where I was blown up for the third time and got my ride home. May 11/68 If anybody can steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Dave Dillberg Golf co. 2nd Battalion 1st Marines, 1st Mar.Div.
semper fi
David Dillberg
Date: Saturday February 9, 2002 - 11:00AM
Name: REPLY TO ABOVE EMAIL REQUEST
Email: FROM vietnamjourneys.com
Comments: Hello David,

Welcome home and Thanks for visiting my website, www.vietnamjourneys.com. Well, there are several ways to find a map of your time in Vietnam. I would start with this website: http://www.rjsmith.com/topo_map.html#clist5 (the main site is http://www.rjsmith.com/) Scroll down that page and click on the 2 links that says: "Index of Vietnam Topo Maps" and also " Obtaining Topographic Maps of Vietnam". You should be able to get what you need. Also, I have bought topo maps on EBAY. Just use a search phrase with the area you are looking for plus the word "map". If you search eBay right now with the phrase "Khe Sanh Map" you will find one map for sale at this page: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1064684264 Also, you are probably already aware that there are several Khe Sanh Veterans organizations and you can get info from them:

http://maxpages.com/khesanhveteran
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/4867/

As you saw on my website, I made three trips back to Vietnam in the mid-1990s, spending most of my time on Highway 9 from Dong to Khe Sanh, Lang Vei and down into the Ashau Valley. It really is one of the most interesting areas to travel in especially from the war history point. I got up near the top of Hill 861. We wanted to get to 881N & S but didn't have time. We also hiked all the way around the Rockpile looking for a way up but couldn't find one easy enough for our 50-ish year old bodies to use. Con Thien was the most impressive yet lonely location I have visited, even more so that the top of Hamburger Hill. Anyway, let me know if you still have trouble getting the map, especially if you need the map number. All my maps and stuff is in storage and I would need a couple of days to dig them out.

Good Luck, Greg Taylor
Date: Saturday February 9, 2002 - 11:03AM
Name: David Dillberg
Email: dillberg(KILL_SPAMMERS)aloha.com
Location: G,2/1/1st Marine Div.67/68ConTien,Khe Sanh,RT9.881N
Comments: To Greg Taylor, thanks for the contacts and information on hill 881N. I will persue them all. But what I really wanted was to find and view a map on the internet that I could copy and see 881N so I could study the land forms to locate the exact hill out in front of our location where the NVA were hiding befor they bailed out. I was so wrapped up in calling in arty.and hueys that I and the radio were blown up by their last barrage before we got them, and we did. I lost my maps and I fell like its unfinished business untill I can see
Date: Tuesday February 12, 2002 - 09:05PM
Name: Mike
Email: moviemike(KILL_SPAMMERS)go.com
Location: USAF 1966-1970
Homepage:
Comments: Found your website on the Earthlink website awards.
Took a quick surf through some of the pictures. I found doing that to be a painful experience, so I stopped.
Regarding the War in Vietnam, the heart is... still aching after all these years.
Date: Sunday March 31, 2002 - 03:51AM
Name: Dennis Mannion
Email: dmmkhesanh(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: USMC Sept67 - Oct68 K 3/26 : Evans, Camp Carroll, Khe Sanh, Hills 861, 881s,
Comments: Welcome Home....live in Cheshire, Ct. Am a high school English teacher and football coach. 34 years ago I was the arty FO for K 3/26. Kilo arrived at KS on 12Dec67 (part of the build-up) and hiked up to 861 on 26Dec67. Spent most of the siege on 861 and we left (by chopper) about 11April68 for 881s. Three days later we participated in the Easter Sunday assault of 881n. I went back to Nam in July00 with three other KS vets. Hiked up to 861 using the same terrain approach as 1967, and we overnighted on the hill! I was able stand in the carved out depression in the earth that had been my bunker for over 100 days 3 decades before. I have not recovered emotionally yet from that experience.
I enjoyed looking at your site. Nice work with it. Semper Fi, Dennis
Date: Saturday May 4, 2002 - 06:01AM
Name: Sully
Email: Deopplbr1cs.com
Location: Savannakhet, Laos---1963 SF B-7
Comments: Nice job.

De Oppresso Liber
Date: Saturday June 29, 2002 - 09:34AM
Name: Wayne Gaskins
Email: wgaskins(KILL_SPAMMERS)preferred.com
Location: 101st Airborne Div. 2Bn. 327th Inf. D Co. V.N. 1/'69 to 1/'70 basecamp Camp Eagl
Homepage: http://pages.preferred.com/~wgaskins
Comments: Great page, great pictures! I also fought at Hamburger Hill. My AO was Ashau
Valley, Roung Roung Valley, Elephant Valley, N. W. section of the DMZ and along
the northern Laos border and Phubai during monsoons.
On Hamburger Hill my platoon walked into a L-shaped ambush and came out with no
one killed and only 3 wounded. My squad was walking point at the time.
We didn't get to see base camp Eagle much, just 2 stand downs, one 3 hours and one 9
hours.

No Slack
Date: Tuesday August 6, 2002 - 08:25PM
Name: eugene glazer
Email: eglazer230(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Comments: you better not walk the Ho Chi Minh trail without me.
love
gene
Date: Wednesday August 7, 2002 - 01:16PM
Name: Gerry Schooler
Email: thenam(KILL_SPAMMERS)sampan.com
Location: A, 2/27th Inf, 25th Div, Cu Chi, 67-68 "Nec Aspera Terrent"
Homepage: http://www.sampan.com
Comments: Hey Greg ... it's your old road buddy from these Vietnam Journals. Just stopped by for an update. Great stories. Glad you didn't mention the one where I ate a couple of pounds of "bear" jerky one evening on the veranda of the Aloui Grand Hotel. Well, you described the restroom facilities pretty accurately. Needless to say, it was a very, very, long night. Anyway ... keep writing. It's good stuff. I'll be stopping by for another update soon.
Date: Thursday October 10, 2002 - 08:40PM
Name: Gary
Email: mikeforce20(KILL_SPAMMERS)netzero.com
Location: 66-69 SF
Comments: Great web page well done how are my yard brothers
being treated?
Date: Tuesday December 31, 2002 - 04:51PM
Name: Wayne Gaskins
Email: wgaskins(KILL_SPAMMERS)preferred.com
Location: 101st. Airborne 2nd. BN. 327th Inf 1/69 to 1/70
Homepage: http://pages.preferred.com/~wgaskins/
Comments: I was with the 101st Airborne Div., 2 Bn. 327th Inf., Delta Company. My platoon and a platoon of Pathfinder Special Forces were placed on the back side of Hamburger Hill near the Laos border, our platoons split up and went our separate ways to avoid detection. We were to call in air strikes and artillery on the NVA as they tried to escape into Laos. The first day The Special Forces were all killed. The 3rd day we walked into a L shaped ambush and myself and 2 others were wounded. My wound was minor and treated in the field. One of the others was e-vac after the ambush and 2nd was e-vac 2 days later from an infection in the wound.
Repelling the ambush used up all our ammo but for a few rounds. We spent the next five days evading detection and continued to call in artillery and air strikes. During the next five days we e-vac 2 others because we were with out water or food along with the ammo and their tongues swelled to where it was cutting off their air. Three more had to be e-vac because they came down with malaria.
The question that must be on your mind now, did they bring out ammo, food and water on the many helicopter e-vacs? Sad to say was, no! We did find water in a bomb crater. On the 8th day we called in a Cobra helicopter strike on an
estimated 2,000 NVA troops crossing the valley near the Laos border. Five Cobra helicopters were dispatched and 3 of them were shot down with in the first few seconds. The Cobra's backed off and fighter jets were dispatched with napalm. We were then pulled out, because we were too close for a napalm strike, and was fed and resupplied and sent back to help collect the American dead.
The trees left standing on Hamburger Hill, at and near the Colonel Honeycutt photo, were imbedded with flesh and it looked like hamburger all over everything from the bodies getting blown up. Someone took a C-ration box and wrote on it "Hamburger Hill" and placed it on a tree, and that's how the name came to be.

Also visit the website for his unit.
Date: Monday January 20, 2003 - 04:29PM
Name: Bailey
Comments: Hey i liked your page.. I have to do a project called Culture Fair and my country is Vietnam. I found your page very helpful! Also my grandfather went to Vietnam in the Airforce so it was really interesting to see everything he could only tell me about.
Thanx a lot!
Date: Saturday February 8, 2003 - 01:37PM
Name: john statham
Email: jestatham(KILL_SPAMMERS)earthlink.net
Location: no. 3rd/325th/82nd abn inf, ft.bragg, 1972-73; 3rd/39th/9th inf '73
Comments: greg - thank you for your time and efforts. after all those years of pain and unhappiness, it is great to see these folks with smiles, and hopefully, some joy.
john
Date: Sunday February 23, 2003 - 04:32PM
Name: gary adkins
Email: gda3372(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: 67-68 tay nihn 362nd engr. co (le) 588th engr bn (cbt)
Comments: you have brought back alot by reading your stories and looking at your pictures. good job and thank you
Date: Monday February 24, 2003 - 10:28AM
Name: David Aro
Email: ggwhale(KILL_SPAMMERS)pacbell.net
Location: MCB 4 - Da Nang 67-8 and Camp Evans 68
Homepage: http://1942Willys.homestead.com
Comments: surfed to your site. Great memories. I particularly enjoyed your memory of the Japanese stall. I lost my revered zippo in Nam but I got a real thrill looking at those in Sampan.com and that is thanks to your site link.

A few of my buddies were attached to Seabees at KheSan and they remain in my thoughts too.

I appreciate your effort to place these places on the web and to have your perspective after visiting old haunts and seeing the way you view these places now. General Giap would have been a hecka interview. Maybe next time.
Date: Tuesday March 4, 2003 - 06:54AM
Name: Gary S. New
Email: gnew(KILL_SPAMMERS)hcsfl.com
Comments: Visiting site due to friend's recommendation. Very good site, will be visiting often.
Date: Wednesday March 19, 2003 - 08:34PM
Name: Robert C. Rose
Email: Greenberet5th(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: 5th Group - A Camps in II Corps and III Corps
Comments: I saw the pictures which brought back a flood of memories. Someday, I would love nothing more than to return and see the Country as it is today and maybe, just maybe, see some of the friends I made In Country. Great site. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Date: Sunday April 6, 2003 - 01:18PM
Name: Jim McDermott
Email: chasecrewj(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: 25 Dec 1965- 8 Jan 1967 Pleiku
Comments: like the site
Date: Thursday May 22, 2003 - 01:48AM
Name: Mel Cooper
Email: ashau1969(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Comments: Hey Greg, great site. Are you ready to do it again. I'm working on another trip to Vietnam in late March of 2004. E-mail me back and I will give you my phone number. It would be great to hear from you. Take care.
Mel Cooper
Date: Tuesday June 10, 2003 - 01:49PM
Name: Jay Marion
Email: the-refuge(KILL_SPAMMERS)comcast.net
Location: 66-67, 1st Cav; 67-68, 25th Div; 71-72 101st
Comments:

Not bad.... I just wish there were more to see. I went back to Nam 04/03 and am interested in seeing much more. Next time I go back it will be for 6-8 weeks.

VIETNAM JOURNEYS REPLIES: JAY MARION HAS EMAILED ME WITH SOME OF HIS IMPRESSIONS AND EXPERIENCES ON HIS RETURN TRIP TO VIETNAM IN APRIL 2003. I HAVE CREATED A PAGE TO POST THESE REFLECTIONS AND URGE ANY OTHER VETS WITH RECENT RETURN - TO - VIETNAM - EXPERIENCES TO CHECK THIS PAGE OUT AND CONTACT ME THROUGH THIS PAGE. PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK BELOW:

Returning Veteran's Experiences
Date: Saturday June 14, 2003 - 02:20PM
Name: Al Sanders
Email: bishop178(KILL_SPAMMERS)myexcel.com
Location: 188th MP Co. Siagon, And LBJ at Long Binh July 1966-Dec 1977
Homepage: http://www.excelir.com/bishop178
Comments: I would love to hear from any of the Vets
Please e-mail me, I will reply. God bless and keep each of you and your families.
Date: Monday July 14, 2003 - 07:01PM
Name: MIKE MAAR
Email: MGMAAR(KILL_SPAMMERS)AOL.COM
Location: 1966-1967, 196TH LRRP DET.
Homepage: http://THEMARS.COM
Comments: SEEN YOUR ADD IN THE HARLEY MAGAZINE.
Date: Tuesday July 15, 2003 - 11:36PM
Name: DAN ALLEN
Email: allend510(KILL_SPAMMERS)MSN.COM
Location: YES / 1971 / CHULAI & DANANG
Comments: THANKS FOR YOUR EFFORTS HERE.
Date: Tuesday July 22, 2003 - 01:29PM
Name: Gary Goeckel
Email: wggoeckel(KILL_SPAMMERS)epix.net
Location: Yes, 69-70, I Corps FSB Bastogne, QL547 The valley
Homepage: http://www.deltaraiders.com
Comments: What great photos of Bastogne from 1996. Spent many nights there with D/2/501 inf. Just found your whole story of Hamburger Hill Hike wonderful. Joined 101st on June 18, 1969, 20 days after Hamburger Hill.
Date: Wednesday August 13, 2003 - 09:02PM
Name: colin
Email: Captian_Pierce(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Comments: i find this site very ineresting exspecailly with the relics of Hamburger Hill in Nam even though i wasn't born at the time of this war but i have decide that this war was a waste of american lives and too her allies.I personally don't get it why does the Americam government go to war every 10 - 25 years...welll thats my opinion from an australian who has respect for the fallen men and women of the allied countries.
Date: Monday August 18, 2003 - 12:47PM
Name: I.Michael Kaplan
Email: imk10(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: yes 1964-1967 Pleiku,Nha Trang Ashau Valley,Dung Ho, EOD
Comments: This was very interesting like a lot of guys who served in country besides being wounded physically I have always felt that the guy who went there never came home I was diagnosed with severe and chronic PTSD in 1995 and I am still struggling trying to find some answers. I am being treated by the VA and am 100% service connected and although i have not found the answers and still have not found my place i appreciate things like this it assists in helping me to understand what went on in retrospect. Thank you for your insight, pics and perspective. Great job Thanks again
Date: Wednesday August 20, 2003 - 12:15PM
Name: MICHAEL W. JUNEAU
Email: Mju1056499.(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: yes, 68-69 dong tam 9th inf.
Comments: i am looking for someone or a place where i might be able to buy things from vietnam. i am looking for the staw hat the workers wore in the field and other items. can your site help me.

Vietnam Journeys replies:

Thanks, Michael, for stopping by. Those hats are called a "nung la". The best place to find these kinds of items is at:

http://www.sampan.com/newweb1s278.htm

This site is run by an ex-25th Infantry grunt and he is a real straight shooter. He supplied all the uniforms and so on worn by the NVA/VC in the Mel Gibson movie, "We Were Soldiers". He gets all his items directly from authentic sources in Vietnam.
Date: Friday September 5, 2003 - 01:40PM
Name: DAVID BEETS
Email: MUAYTHAI2(KILL_SPAMMERS)AOL.COM
Comments: ¢ ||M WRITTING TO YOU FROM PORTSMOUTH ENGLAND. I'VE JUST LOGGED ON TO YOUR WEB PAGE & THINK ITS GREAT MYSELF & 3 FRIENDS ARE VERY INTRESTED IN MACV 5th SPECIAL FORCES & THE 101st AIRBOURNE. CAN YOU HELP US FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WAR. IF YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS OR EVEN YOURSELFS CAN SEND ME MORE INFO OR WEB SITES I WOULD BE VERY GREATFUL. WITH THE UPMOST RESPECT MR DAVID BEETS
Date: Sunday September 28, 2003 - 07:44AM
Name: robert wayne reeter
Email: navtanyeoc(KILL_SPAMMERS)bellsouth.net
Location: tan ann,dongha.lengvie.khe sanh.camlo quaingtri 67-68
Comments: would like contact any one with 5sfg or seabees with 5sfg out side wire before seige an,during.
Date: Friday October 17, 2003 - 01:48PM
Name: Deacon
Location: 1967-1968
Comments: God help us all make it home to you.
Date: Sunday October 26, 2003 - 08:28AM
Name: Will Alleckson
Email: will.alleckson(KILL_SPAMMERS)verizon.ne
Location: yes, Aug 69-Oct70, Con thien / Qunag Tri
Comments: I didn't take many pictures during my tour and seeing the places I was at and reading about them puts a lot in perspective.
Thanks for your pictures and stories.
Will
Date: Thursday October 30, 2003 - 09:20AM
Name: Skip Faulkner
Email: lsfaulkner(KILL_SPAMMERS)earthlink.net
Location: RECON 1/506th (Airborne) , 101 Abn nov-68-69
Comments: My recon team was fortunate enough to be pulling bunker guard at FSB Berchesgarden during the entire fight for 987. I had a perfect view of the battle. Later in July, 69, I was on a recon team that was inserted on 987 to see if the NVA
came back. Our seven day mission lasted only three days because the NVA had returned in force, and I saw many of them, in clean uniforms carrying new ak's and rpg-7 launchers beating the brush looking for us. Since we carried willie petes and time fused claymores, we were able to successfully break contact and get extracted. That was my first LRRP mission, and I was to lead fourteen more in the A shau before we moved up to Mai Loc near the DMZ, before I deros'ed in nov.
Believe me, you comment about the A Shau's reputation as a scary place is really, really true.
Date: Friday October 31, 2003 - 06:08PM
Name: David Gustavsen
Email: gustavsen(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Binh Thuy & Can Tho 70-71 HHC 34thEngr GP 69th ENGR BN
Comments: I have been back to Nam four times. 73, 74, 90&2003. With each trip I see maney changes For the good.They can have the same things over there now we have here.Not much trace of are old bases any more. In Can Tho the old Army Air Field is now a park with a small zoo. The ferry from Mytho to Vinh Long has been replaced with a brand new bridge.It makes the trip from Saigon much faster.It is such a beautiful Country. I plan to back agine.
Date: Tuesday November 4, 2003 - 05:08PM
Name: Thomas G. Rampton
Location: Yes, Camp Evans and Ashau Valley
Homepage: http://www.blacktail-enterprises.com
Comments: A fascinating site! I read the part about the Ashau, and climbing Hamburger Hill.

I journey to Vietnam too, but I haven't gotten into the back country or to the Ashau. I've done bicycle trips from Hanoi to Saigon. I wrote and photographed a book, Vietnam in the Absence of War, about the first two of these, plus my "free" trip.

In the section about my trip 30 years ago, there are no bloody war stories. There are photos and observations.

This winter, I'll be in Vietnam again, scouting out a later trip to national parks in the north. This time, I plan to get to the Ashau. Not to relive the war--which never should have happened--but because it's a beautiful place.

I was interested to read that there is a guesthouse/hotel in Aloui!

Tom Rampton rampton(KILL_SPAMMERS)blacktail-enterprises.com
Date: Friday November 7, 2003 - 08:28AM
Name: CPL J V ZIKARAS
Email: Zikaras1(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: USMC 3/9 LIMA CO 2357294
Comments: GOOD TO SEE THE ROCKPILE AGAIN. IT LOOKS SMALLER THAN I REMEMBER. I WAS THERE THE DAY THE 175S BLEW UP. HOPE YOU DOG FACES OF THE US ARMY REMEMBER ME SAVING YOUR ASS.
SEMPER FI
CPL Z
Date: Sunday November 9, 2003 - 05:09AM
Name: Martin Lehotay
Email: pipmammy(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: yes 64 65 Bien Hoa with 118th Air mbl lt
Comments: enjoyed the site very much it was cool to go back and see a little of the old stomping ground. Keep up the good work. If you get a chance check out bandit32(KILL_SPAMMERS)gorilla.com I think you will like it
Date: Tuesday November 25, 2003 - 04:45PM
Name: Stan Helton
Email: SHelton(KILL_SPAMMERS)brenntag.com
Comments: Read your article on Hamburger Hill and thought it was fascinating. I am not a veteran but it has been my desire to visit Vietnam someday and visit Ia Drang , Dak To, and Ap Bia mountain battle sites. Your article was great, must have been quite a feeling to stand on top of Hamburger Hill and reflect on the struggle that went on there.
Date: Tuesday November 25, 2003 - 05:28PM
Name: Steven R Maxwell
Email: tantosavi(KILL_SPAMMERS)juno.com
Location: 1967-1968 Rockpile
Comments: I was in the Charlie company 1bat 4 Marines.

I have never talked to anyone from NAM BEFORE. LOOKING FOR ANY PME WHO KNEW ME THEN.

VIETNAM JOURNEYS REPLIES:

Thanks for visiting my website, www.vietnamjourneys.com and leaving your
comments in the GuestBook. I hope some of the photos I have on my site
are familiar to you.

I don't know if you are aware but there is a website devoted to C/1/4
which you should look into and possibly find some old buddies. Check it
out at: http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/4657/
Date: Thursday December 11, 2003 - 11:41PM
Name: J.D.
Email: LJOHN124(KILL_SPAMMERS)AOL.COM
Location: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, IICORPS, 69-70, 155TH/ 442 TRANSPORTATION CO.
Comments: LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS FROM MY UNIT. ALSO LOOKING FOR ANSWERS TRYING TO FIT IN. THINK ABUT GOING BACK. BUT A BUDDY WHO IS MARRIED TO A VIETNAMIES GOES BACK ONCE IN A WHILE SAYS THEY DONT WANT VETS THERE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. ANYWAY IF ANY ONE HAS BEEN THERE RECENTLY AND CAN GIVE ME INFO FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME.
Date: Wednesday December 17, 2003 - 09:07AM
Name: Liz Mata
Email: lmata4(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: My father, Leonel Mata, 101st ABN Co C, 3rd BN 187 INF. 3rd BDE
Comments: Dear Greg,
I came across your website yesterday and got hooked into your story. I think you did a wonderful job on your site. I am always interested in hearing other's stories and learning new things about the Vietnam war.
My father served in Vietnam on Hamburger Hill. His name is Leonel Mata. He was 101st Airborne CO. C 3rd BN 187 INF. 3rd BDE. He received awards, although I'm not sure what all of them are, but I do know that he has the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was drafted in 1968 and was in the infamous battle on Hamburger Hill, May 10th through 20th. He is also mentioned in the book "Hamburger Hill" by Samuel Zaffiri, whose name I noticed on your website. I've heard so many stories from my father throughout the years and it never ceases to amaze me what he and so many others had to endure. I was wondering if it was possible to post his name somewhere on your site, perhaps in the guest book, just incase anyone recognizes his name and would like to contact him? He has not yet seen your website because he does not currently have internet access but I will show him what I've printed out. He loves getting information on all things related to the war. As you mentioned on your website, some veterans do not have the opportunity to make that long journey back to Vietnam so the detail of your diary is important and appreciated.
Thank you for making your story accessible to not only veterans but their families as well.
Sincerely, Liz Mata

Vietnam Journeys replies:

Liz,
Thank you for the story of your father. As I've said in the past, it is always extremely interesting to talk with actual combat vets of the major battles of Vietnam. That is compounded by having actually stood where they stood, albeit decades later, in places like Hamburger Hill, Con Thien, Khe Sanh, Lang Vei and so on. Should you father see this website and want to post a bit of his experience at Hamburger Hill I would be happy to accomodate him. I have just re-read the passages in the Samual Zaffiri book that related to your father and I found it interesting to post at this page.

Thank you,

Greg Taylor
Date: Friday January 16, 2004 - 08:21PM
Name: Richard Jerome Jasmine
Email: richard_jasmine(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail
Location: 1967 DMZ
Homepage:
Comments: HMM-163 Pilot
Date: Thursday February 19, 2004 - 11:29AM
Name: Ray Stepanic
Email: Ray.stepanic(KILL_SPAMMERS)kp.org
Location: 12/66-01/68 From Ca Lu to Gio Linh India Co. 3/9
Comments: Although I was a jarhead humping the Leatherneck Square, I appreciate and found very interesting your return trips to Hamburger Hill. As you have seen, because of the terrian, the men that fought their way up those hills paid a terrible price, a price that the government has always justified as making sense. I was fortunate to particiapte in a few good ass whippin's to know that the truth of battle is hardly ever written as it happened. I'm sure Hamburger Hill is one of those misguided tales. Again I really enjoyed your words and hope you realize how fortunate you are to walk those hallowed battlefields. Sincerly yours, Ray
Date: Sunday March 7, 2004 - 04:58PM
Name: Spec 4, Eric Glaude
Email: eglaude(KILL_SPAMMERS)juno.com
Location: No. Weapon's Pl, Co. B, 2/502, 101st ABN: '61-'64
Comments: God blessed me with a leg injury that forced in out before I could re-up. My Unit was hit hard early in '65. There is an account of it in About Face" by Col. Hackworth and Julie Sherman, Published, 1989.

The sight is impressive. I have never been to Vietnam. I would like to go if anyone such as yourself will be returning anytime in the future.
Thanks for the presentation.
Eric
Date: Saturday March 27, 2004 - 04:34PM
Name: Maj. James G. Miles , U.S. Army Special Forces Ret.
Email: greenberet_1(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: 1962 Song Mao, 66-67 Tan Chau , 70-71 Chi-Lang/Nha Trang
Comments: Maj. J.G. Miles USAF Ret. Served in following units: 508th ARCT Ft Campbell 54-55, 11th Abn Div Ft Campbell/Germany 55-58, 101st Abn Div Ft Campbell 58-60, 1st SFGA Okinawa/Vietnam 60-62 (TDY to Song Mao Vietnam Feb-Jul 62, Inf OCS Ft Benning Oct 62 - Mar 63, 10th SFGA Bad Tolz Germany 64-66, 5th SFGA D Co Tan Chau IV Corp CO A-428, Adv to Thai 13th RCT Udron 68-70, Sr Advisor ARVN 42nd Ranger Gp Chi-Lang Aug 70 - Jan 71, Opn Officer Special Mission Advisory Gp SMAG Jan-Aug 71, SF Slot J-34 Sect COMUSMACTHAI 71-73, Final Assignment: Sr Advisor RTA 13th RCT Udorn Jan - Oct 73, Retired 1 Nov 73. Presently residing 2006 Windy Point, Schertz, Texas 78154.
Date: Tuesday April 6, 2004 - 07:13AM
Name: Jim Baldwin
Email: jimbaldwin(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: CCN...RT Python & RT Rattler...1971-72
Comments: Just thought I would stop by and take a peak.
Date: Wednesday April 14, 2004 - 06:38AM
Name: ROBERT (SANDMAN6) FASS
Email: FASSPROSPERITY(KILL_SPAMMERS)AOL.COM
Location: VIETNAM '65 (OFF & ON) THRU '72-173RD ABN (ATTACHED) 5TH SFG
Comments: GOOD SITE--AM LOKING FOR 'YARD CROSSBOW & OTHER ARTICLES! SANDMAN6
Date: Wednesday April 21, 2004 - 12:58PM
Name: Steve Sequeira
Email: workfades(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Comments: You have a nice site here! I was just surfin' the web and came up on your site. The photos you have here are great! I am 24 and am interested in the time period, and your site provides some good info and great pics. Keep up the good work!

Thanks
Date: Friday April 23, 2004 - 11:32PM
Name: ken thomas
Email: kennyt21452002(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: may 1967 1968 dec 1968 nov 1969
Comments: nothing short of outstanding ,wonderful .
ken thomas ex 2nd battalion Royal Australian regiment
Date: Saturday April 24, 2004 - 11:06PM
Name: Dick Turner
Email: tdickturner(KILL_SPAMMERS)webtv.net
Location: 1964-66 Pleiku Province 1968-70 Dong Ha
Comments: Reading your site especially the photos brought
back some vivid memories for me.
Dick
Date: Thursday April 29, 2004 - 07:47AM
Name: Gary Shirley
Email: dshirley1(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: Yes Dec.68-Dec.69
Comments: Great site
Date: Saturday May 1, 2004 - 03:16PM
Name: Robert F. Head
Email: rhead(KILL_SPAMMERS)ec.rr.com
Location: 66-67,Pleiku,SF's Mike Force,68,Bao-Loc, PRU Adv. 69, Ban-Methout , SF-SOG-CCS R
Comments: Your diary brings back a lot of old memory's
Date: Wednesday May 12, 2004 - 09:54PM
Name: Ty Luck
Email: Ty Luck (KILL_SPAMMERS) sbc global net
Location: yes camron bay
Comments: pbr 1st attack flotila squadron, 65,66,67
Date: Sunday May 16, 2004 - 03:04PM
Name: steve chamberlain
Comments: im a brit,interested in the vietnam war so fell on ure site.wonderful photos my man ,fantastic,keep up the good work i will b back .thanx steve.
Date: Thursday May 20, 2004 - 01:53AM
Name: Tom Bartel
Email: tomcrystal4(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Viet Vet 1 St Sign. Bat. Phulam !967 Phu Bia 1968
Comments: Thank you for this site. I have often wonder what Nam is like today.
Date: Monday May 31, 2004 - 11:20PM
Name: john p. clingan
Email: jocling7(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: 1966, cu chi, 25th inf. div. 2/27 wolfhounds
Comments: what is cu chi like now. i remember the tunnels and war zone c, ho bo and boi loi woods.
Date: Friday June 4, 2004 - 11:19AM
Name: Ollie Olsson
Email: ollieusmc(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: Sgt, USMC, Dong Ha and Northern I Corps Apr68-May69 FLSG-Bravo Ration Plt
Comments: I enjoyed your site, you did quite a job on it. Someday I would like to go back, and visit the Nam, Northern I Corp mostly.

Thanks again for your site, and welcome home also.

SEMPER FI, OLLIE OLSSON
Date: Sunday June 6, 2004 - 01:59AM
Name: Ron Owens (Big O)
Email: adventure4u(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: MACV-SOG CCN 68-69
Comments: Contact me please - I would like to know who you are as I, plus three others just returned -

Respectfully,
Ron Owens
Date: Sunday June 13, 2004 - 02:16PM
Name: James "Trigger" Kadas
Email: kadas3516(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Oct 67 to Dec 69, Dong Ha, Quang Tri, FLSG-B, MTM
Comments: Hope to hear from some of you out there that was with FLC,FLSG-B, Dong Ha. Having a reunion Aug 05 to 08, 2004, In Seattle, WA. Radisson Hotel, 206.244.6000. Hope you can make it. Open to all former FLC members, from I Corps.
Date: Thursday June 17, 2004 - 10:43PM
Name: Charlie Rose
Email: theccroses(KILL_SPAMMERS)comcast.net
Location: 1966-67
Comments: I served with 1/4 3rd Mar Div (Alpha Co). I was a "Doc" (Corpsman). Anyone wishing to talk to me, I welcome dialogue. I stayed in the Reserves but went back Active from 1971 to 1976 at Camp Pendleton and one year in Okinawa (1974) with 3rd Recon Bn. Doc Rose
Date: Friday June 18, 2004 - 02:12AM
Name: Elizardo Sanchez
Email: esardosanchez(KILL_SPAMMERS)juno.com
Location: CAP 66-67/CAP 69-70
Comments: Checked out the entire web-site, great job. One of these days I'll get enoough courage to return to Nam and put a closure on that part of my life. Thanks for making it easier.
Date: Saturday June 19, 2004 - 06:00AM
Name: Sgt.Griffith,J.l.
Email: griffith2529(KILL_SPAMMERS)comcast.net
Comments: Job well done
Date: Saturday June 19, 2004 - 10:04AM
Name: Dave Suereth
Email: ssuereth(KILL_SPAMMERS)blazenet.net
Location: no Marine Corps 58-62
Comments: Interesting site....nicely done
Date: Saturday June 19, 2004 - 03:00PM
Name: GEORGE D. BAKER JR.
Email: sheriffgeorge(KILL_SPAMMERS)comcast.net
Location: 69/70 (1/26thCo.B) (3/5 Co.M)
Comments: HAD A GREAT TIME ON MY TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY IN THE NICE VACATION LAND OF THE NAM!NICE WARM WEATHER/ ALSO WET (MONSOOM), AND THE NICE FIREWORKS AT NIGHT. THE NICE CHOPPER RIDES, AND THE SNAKES AND ROCKAPES, OH AND DON`T FORGET THE LOVELY LEECHES AND ELEPHANT GRASS AND PUNGE STICKS AND ALL THE NICE CAVES AND TUNNELS TO PLAY IN.THE PRETTY MOUNTAINS,BEACHES,JUNGLE,AND DON`T FORGET THE WHORES.OH YEA THE NICE COOL POPCICLES MADE OF OLD RICE PATTY WATER AND COOLAID WITH A PIECE OF BAMBOO IN IT. I HAD SUCH A NICE ADVENTURE. WHIS I COULD GO HELP THE MARINES WITH THE RAGHEADS, BUT I`M TO OLD, AND HAD TO SEND MY SON, WHO`S AT NEW RIVER IN THE AIRWING. WE ALL CAN`T BE GRUNTS! GLAD WHOMEVER IS READING THIS MADE IT BACK, AND HOPE WE DON`T LOSE TO MANY MORE MARINES OR ANY AMERICANS.
Date: Sunday June 20, 2004 - 05:17AM
Name: Carl Anderson
Email: pawluvsgrk(KILL_SPAMMERS)verizon.net
Location: 1965, Chu Lai, USMC
Comments: All I can say "AWSOME"
Date: Monday June 21, 2004 - 05:47PM
Name: Deb Rollins
Email: dkr1148(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: Married to former Marine Viet Nam Vet 66-67 ChuLai 1/5 Combat Eng. wounded Feb.
Comments: Thank you for this website. I have seen my husband go thru many years and nights filled with nightmares but with the help of special doctors at the V.A. and our strong love for eachother and faith in God we have made it so far together.
We also have 2 sons who serve in the Corps.
Semper FI and Welcome Home to All
Date: Thursday June 24, 2004 - 05:59AM
Name: RODGER KOKENSPARGER
Email: rodgerd(KILL_SPAMMERS)accesstoledo.com
Location: SGT,USMC WHISKEY 2/11 1st MarDiv, An Hoa, LZ BALDY
Comments: Found you site through Sgt Grit news letter. Nice job showing the people of VN. Brings back good memories of their beauty. I was with an artillary unit that moved alot because we had 4DUCE mortars. Keep up the good work
Date: Friday June 25, 2004 - 11:04AM
Name: Shawn (philip) j Ott
Email: shanana325(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Pleiku 1969 4th inf 4th combat eng.
Comments: I totally enjoyed the pictures and very interested it the montagnard's i had read that they were hunted down and eather killed or fled to other countrys to servive but i see this is not so .the only difference i see in your pictures is ther form of dress .Has their way of life style changed that much? can you tell me more about them and the way they live today compared to 1969 in the highlands
Date: Monday June 28, 2004 - 06:04PM
Name: Jim Geracimos
Email: jimbo_94044(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 12/68-12/69 USMC An Hoa,Liberty Bridge,Arizonia Trt
Comments: Why cann't I find Phrase Book in catalog I got in mail??
Date: Friday July 2, 2004 - 01:29PM
Name: Gaye Reed
Email: greed(KILL_SPAMMERS)kemiron.com
Location: Husband was not Viet Vet but served in Marines (78-81)
Comments: Great website - interesting and learning experience. Keep up the good work.
Date: Sunday August 8, 2004 - 06:11PM
Name: john clingan
Email: jocling7(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: cu chi, 25th inf. div., 1966
Comments: this is a neat internet site. all of us veterans of the war are getting older and even have grand kids. i was at cu chi, in 1966, tropic lighting, 2bn 27th, wolfhounds. nec aspera terrent, afraid of no difficulties.
Date: Sunday August 22, 2004 - 03:59PM
Name: MARK WESTON
Email: Saintmarks1(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: "E" CO 2/501ST, 101ST AB
Comments: I WAS ON FIREBASE AIRBORNE ON MAY 13, 1969 WHEN IT WAS OVERRUN. I WAS MEDIVACED OUT. I AM LOOKING FOR PHOTOS OF FIREBASE AIRBORNE ESPECIALLY THE UPPER KNOLL AND FIREBASE WHIP. WELCOME HOME TO THOSE WHO MADE IT.
Date: Monday August 23, 2004 - 12:24PM
Name: John Kinder
Email: sfcrvn(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Yes, from Bong Son to The Ashau & Saigon 66-73
Comments: Just found site but will return to look longer.
Date: Tuesday August 24, 2004 - 12:37AM
Name: John
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/xmendaw2000
Comments: Cool site!!
Date: Monday August 30, 2004 - 08:45PM
Date: Saturday December 2, 2006 - 06:47PM
Name: Sue Leslie (Brown)
Email: rsleslie55(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: My dad (Jimmy Brown) Danang, Cam Ranh Bay & Chu Lai
Comments: My dad was a Seabee who served 3 tours in Vietnam. His name was Milton J. Brown or Jimmy to those who knew him. He helped build the runway at Chu Lai, was stationed in Danang during the big TET offensive in 1969. He retired in 1974 after 24 yrs of military service. He began his career in 1950 in the Army in Korea and Japan. He passed away November 12, 1977. If you knew my dad and would like to share a memory or two, email me at rsleslie55(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com. Take care, Sue
Date: Saturday January 27, 2007 - 04:48PM
Name: Ron Swanson
Email: rlswatick(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: yes,12/69to11/70;Binh Thuy
Comments: Was with 524th Eng Det. spent most of time on contact team repairing gen sets at MACV compounds in field all over GREAT SITE welcome home
Date: Sunday January 28, 2007 - 02:19PM
Name: Sgt.Robert O.Croft
Email: croft2229(KILL_SPAMMERS)bellsouth.net
Location: Fox Co.3rd Mar. Div. 68-69/Echo Co.1st Mar. Div.69-70
Comments: I just had to order a tiger beer T-shirt.Great place you have here.I'll be back and I'll spread the word.S/F Robert
Date: Wednesday March 7, 2007 - 03:39PM
Name: Henry Bechtold
Email: henrybechtold(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 572TC Long Binh and points west 1967 - 68
Homepage: http://www.henrybechtold.freewebspace.com/index.html
Comments: Great site. Wonderful photos and stories. A lot of fascinating history. I was back in 2001, 2003 and 2006. Wish I had gone back sooner.
Date: Thursday March 22, 2007 - 06:56AM
Name: Daniel Fath
Email: kajilla(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: No
Comments: Followed a link from Wikipedia to your diary about Hamburger Hill. I realy appreciate the work that you've put into this website, sharing your experiences, images and grace. That painting you did (early morning on the Perfume River) is quite beautiful.

I was born in '64, and most of my youth was accompanied by images of Vietnam on the TV news. When the war ended in 1975, my mother breathed a sigh of relief -- she always worried that the war would last long enough for me to be drafted.

I thank you for showing up, I'm grateful that you made it home, and I'm encouraged by what you have done with your experience.

Peace,

Daniel
Date: Friday March 30, 2007 - 12:47PM
Name: Melissa Eddy
Email: erniesmommy(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: no
Comments: Spent most of the workday reading this website.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who has been in combat. I can not imagine the strength and courage it takes.

Take care and God Bless!!
Date: Friday March 30, 2007 - 12:50PM
Name: Bill Culp
Email: culpbill(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 68-69 FO A Co 1/505 82nd Airborne, 71-72 Air Observer/Battery Commander 1/5 1st
Comments: Great site! Places I remember: parrots beak, rubber plantation,Iron Triangle, hobo woods
and the bunkers of Cu Chi. Keep up the great work.
Date: Tuesday April 10, 2007 - 07:04AM
Name: Lisa Gayle McCormick
Comments: I want to say I very much appreciated the care and effort you have taken to educate those who have no true idea of what Vietnam was like then and how it is today. I found your diary very interesting and it gave me a different perspective on its people. I look forward to reading new material in the future. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Lisa Gayle McCormick

P.S. I came across your website while doing research for college; it veered me off of my assignment but I am very glad because it was truly worth it.
Date: Thursday April 26, 2007 - 09:22PM
Name: mike mcclure
Email: mike175sp(KILL_SPAMMERS)msn.com
Location: Camp JJ Carroll 67/68
Comments: I was with the 2nd 94th arty. we shot support for khe sanh,rock pile,and all the other places near there
Date: Tuesday May 8, 2007 - 12:30PM
Name: RANGER Jerry Conners
Email: jconnersn94k(KILL_SPAMMERS)att.net
Location: Yes, 1965-66, Central Highlands
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/d6566mustangs
Comments: The Chinese Bandit Recon LRRP Team 1st Bn (ABN) 8th Cav 1965-66 was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism for their participation in the Battles of the Ia Drang (November 1965) and Nathan Hale (June 1966); conducted the historic FIRST night combat rappel lead by RANGER Lawson; and DOD/MACV directed long range reconnaissance (LRRP) operations lead by 101st RECONDO Grimes along the northern Cambodia and Southern Laos borders in the spring of 1966..."Laying Down FIRST Tracks in the Central Highlands".

RANGER Jerry Conners
Master Parachutist, Special Forces Weapons Expert, 101st RECONDO
Chinese Bandit 13
http://www.geocities.com/d6566mustangs
http://www.geocities.com/d6566mustangs/history ... for more articles on the combat and reconnaissance patrols performed by the Chinese Bandits
Date: Thursday May 10, 2007 - 03:36PM
Name: bob pellicciotti
Email: pelliccio33(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: yes '67-'68 lz crystal, bong son, an khe &there-abouts
Comments: I'm looking for Montagnard bracelet.


Vietnam Journeys replies:

Hi Bob,

Thanks for visiting my website,http://www.vietnamjourneys.com/ and leaving your comments in my Guestbook.

You mentioned that you were looking for Montagnard Bracelets. I can only direct you to one source and that is:

http://www.sampan.com/newweb1s278.htm

The guy that runs this operation is an ex-25th Infantry Wolfhound grunt and has probably made 40 trips back to Vietnam. He arranged all my trips back and is the real deal. All of his items are authentic and I can vouch for him 100%. Just click through a couple of the links to the online catalog and you will see a link for the bracelets.

Any questions, please let me know.
Date: Friday May 11, 2007 - 04:12PM
Name: Phil DeLoriea
Email: phil_deloriea(KILL_SPAMMERS)netzero.com
Location: no, was a few years younger than you guys
Homepage:
Comments: Thank you so much for publishing in this way. It is an honor to read this and view your pictures.
Date: Saturday May 19, 2007 - 09:27PM
Name: Dennis M Sheppard
Email: timelegend(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: 12/69-12/70 292nd FS Vinh Long IV Corps
Comments: I hope to go back someday but until then I would like to make contact with anyone who served in Vietnam with the 292nd Finance Section no matter what location and year. Im doing a book on the unit. Also anyone who served in Can-Tho in 1970 who remembers bringing up those big searchlights to the outskirts of Vinh Long so we could hunt a company of VC drop me a line. I did some volunteer duty with the 7/1 CAV and MACV.
Dennis
Date: Sunday June 3, 2007 - 11:36AM
Name: Fred D. Harris
Email: Pictsman(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: Out of Camp Evans 1969 101st Airborn Division 3/187
Comments: What else can I say. Thank you for this.
Date: Sunday June 3, 2007 - 03:53PM
Name: vietnamese student, studying in Germany
Comments: Nice to view your diary. That were very interesting trips. At your trip-time, Vietnam was still poor, but now everything seems to be better. As many vietnamese people, I know well about the history, that was a horrible war, nearly every father is soldiers, we are happy to live in peace.
Date: Tuesday June 19, 2007 - 03:46PM
Name: Bob
Email: cb121(KILL_SPAMMERS)adelphia.net
Location: Seabees MCB 121-Hue,Phu Bai, C-1
Comments: I am looking for anyone who was at sight C-1 that was near the DMZ around 67-68. I was part of the Seabees who built the bunkers there. After all these years I just want to know how they were
Date: Saturday July 7, 2007 - 12:10AM
Name: buzz
Email: 4buzzard(KILL_SPAMMERS)hawaiiantel.com
Location: yaclassof 69 70 71 phu bai hue the valley lz sally eagles nest bastone bermingh
Homepage:
Comments: often wondered what had happened thanks for catching some of the places
Date: Monday July 30, 2007 - 06:17AM
Name: John Laycock
Email: JohnMLaycock(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 25th Infantry Cu Chi RVN Graves Registration
Comments: Visited the Vietnam Veterans Art museum in Chicago. This is a great web site.

Welcome home!

John
Date: Wednesday August 1, 2007 - 11:20AM
Name: Cory Chapman
Email: coryc_az(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: My Father was: Russell Edward Chapman, 101st AB,Ft Cambell Ky
Comments: Thank you for this wonderfull website, As i said above my father, Russel E.Chapman 101st Airborne "screaming eagles" Ft Cambell Ky was in nam 1967/1968. He has passed away now, I guess I am still trying to answer the questions i was never able to ask, or maybe at least understand them ,Thank You again ,God Bless all of you that spent even a minute there. Freedom is far from free.
Date: Wednesday August 1, 2007 - 06:32PM
Name: Francis E. (Skip) Brown
Email: beehive155mm(KILL_SPAMMERS)aol.com
Location: 3rd Prov. 2/12 68-69 Hq 1/11 70.
Comments: Welcome Home. We made it!!!!! Great website. I was with a 155mm Howitzer Battery. We did OPeration Dewey Canyon on FSB Cunningham and Operation Apache Snow on FSB Erskine. Thanks!!!
Date: Saturday August 18, 2007 - 05:51AM
Name: Peter Mill
Email: peter(KILL_SPAMMERS)null.co.za
Location: No
Comments: I was called up (drafted) into the South African Army in 1964 for a nine month period of, then, peace time service. Had I been an American, I would probably have been sent to Vietnam.

Since that time, having Military History as a hobby,I have concentrated on reading any thing & everything I could get on the Vietnam conflict and still use Wikipedia to broaden my knowledge.

Many thanks for a very interesting Website which I shall certainly visit regularly.
Date: Saturday August 18, 2007 - 12:30PM
Name: Charles(Chip)Morgan/ USMCmailman
Email: zz3774(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 4thMarines, 3rdMarDiv.Northern I Corps 1968
Comments:

If you were stationed anywhere in Northern I Corps in 1968 and you got mail, I was the Marine who hand delivered it to all the fun spots.
Khe-Sanh, Camp Carrol, LZ Stud ( later to become Combat Base Vandergrif), Rock pile, Ca-Lu etc.
WELCOME HOME ALL COMBAT VETERANS !

Semper-Fi


Vietnam Journeys replies:

Hi Chip,

Thanks for visiting my website,http://www.vietnamjourneys.com/ and leaving your comments in my Guestbook.

You said you were the mailman for the Marines during your tour in I Corps. I'm sure you did your "deliveries" by chopper rather than door to door with a bag slung over your shoulder!!!

Anyway, I would bet that you have some very interesting stories to tell. Have you ever thought of jotting down what you did and submit it to Vietnam magazine as an article. I read it all the time and it seems that they are always printing articles about what guys did during the war and yours seems like an unusual and vital job. Everyone was happy to see the mail.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Vietnam Journeys

And Chip sent me a reply:


Thanks for the email Greg!

I would love to write down the things that happened to me, however, I was shot in the head (Purple Heart) and I have forgotten many of the things that happened, including my early childhood memories. The Doctors at the VA say I'm lucky that I don't remember!

The only thing I do remember is that in 1968 during Tet it was hand to hand for two days!

Semper Fi,

Chip (USMCmailman)
Date: Sunday August 19, 2007 - 11:24PM
Name: David Brown
Email: David.Brown9(KILL_SPAMMERS)defence.gov.
Comments: Very informative site. I am currently serving as an Australian Army Engineer (Sapper) and have always been interested in America and also Australias involvement in the war. Even though I was only a young child growing up during the war (Born 1961) I still had an interest as a kid, Uncles sent, news etc.
I visited Vietnam in Sep 06 as part of a tour (lead by a Vet) from Hanoi to Saigon with a few vets from Aust for the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan (1966)and felt a sense of pride visiting these sites that hold great significance for former vets along side a proud current serving soldier. Thank you.

David.Brown9(KILL_SPAMMERS)defence.gov.au

Thank you.
Date: Sunday September 9, 2007 - 01:06PM
Name: J.Holden
Location: 3/187/101 67/68
Comments: Interesting. Thank you
Date: Friday September 28, 2007 - 05:52PM
Name: Steve DePorter
Email: exam(KILL_SPAMMERS)earthlink.net
Location: CO K Rangers, 75th Infantry, 4th Inf Div. - 1969-70
Comments: Ineresting site and thanks...

Prior to VN I was in the 1st SFG in Okinawa during 67-68. After that tour I volunteered for the 75th Rangers in the Central Highlands due to Nha Trang being over run when I arrived in Dec 24, 1968.

Vietnam is always in my mind because 11 Ranger Brothers who are still on patrol during my tour serve as a constant reminder of what war does to honorable people and I also find it unfortunate that my brothers could have made something of their life sort of like something we could all look up to...

A total of 26 of my Ranger Brothers died there. 11 whom I trained or served with me.

God bless our troops around the world.

Suo Sponte - RLTW
Date: Saturday September 29, 2007 - 01:37PM
Name: Charlie Salisbury
Email: salisburyc6(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 1970, 6/31st Inf. 9th Div. 5/7th Cav., 1st Cav
Comments: Great sight, very interesting comments and pictures, sometimes I wish I could go back.... and then.....
Date: Friday January 4, 2008 - 08:36AM
Name: thomas jordan
Email: thomas.jordan73(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 70-71 Long Binh 79th maint co. weapons ptl.
Comments: Very memorable. My wish is always to return to V.N. with my 2 sons.
Date: Friday January 11, 2008 - 07:25AM
Name: Dennis C Partlow,USA (Ret)
Email: partlwdennis(KILL_SPAMMERS)yahoo.com
Location: 67-68 25TH INF DIV CU-CHI
Comments: Got in country in Nov 0f 67 and departed in Oct of 68. MP first job worked POW compound, then ran convoy escorts north.
Date: Sunday February 3, 2008 - 02:42PM
Name: Tom Holleran The Kid
Email: t.holleran(KILL_SPAMMERS)verizon.net
Location: USMC Khe Sanh 1967 to1968 Shore Party
Comments: This is the Kid Shore Party Khe Sanh
Date: Sunday April 6, 2008 - 08:20PM
Name: Bud Erickson
Email: bud_erickson(KILL_SPAMMERS)hotmail.com
Location: 54th Signal Battalion Nha Trang 1969
Comments: The story you are running on the Bank of America Heist is true to a very good degree. I can tell you more, as follows:

Forgetting the date due to the time that has expired...Three soldiers from the 54th Signal Battalion robbed the Nha Trang Branch of the Bank of America...sometime around the middle or fall of 1969.

This was a simple job. As you have said the bank was in a trailer. It was the only building in a square block located in Camp Mc Dermott.

After 5:00 PM the bank would close and a sentry would be posted to walk continuously around the building.

The three guys drove up in front of the bank in a jeep. They waited for the guard to go around to the back side, and as he did they ran up to the front door, and unhinged it with bolt cutters and went in and pulled the door shut behind them, and then the sentry came around and did not know a thing.

Inside they broke into the safe using the bolt cutters, and put $ 300,000 to $ 400,000 in Military Payment certificates into three laundry bags.

Then they waited for the sentry to head to the back side, opened the door, stepped out, put the door back in place, and raced to the jeep, got in and pulled away with the loot before the sentry made it back around.

Two of the looters buried their two bags full of MPC in the 54th Signal Battalion Headquarters Bunker behind sand bags.

The other one took his money downtown Nha Trang and put his laundry bag above the rafters at his girlfriends parents house. On the third day after the crime, some of the money fell out of the laundry bag at the girlfriend's house, and her parents being stunned by this, and afraid of so much money, went to the QC(Vietnamese Military Police) and turned it in and named the looter who brought it. The QCs then called the 272nd MP Company, and they came right to my headquarters at the 54th signal Battalion. I was an adjutant with the unit.

They picked up the fellow who hid his loot in the girlfriend's house, and the story unravelled and the other two were arrested in the 54th Signal Battalion compound, and the two other bags retrieved.

The recovery was a very high percentage, like 99% or so. They had a scheme to sell it for greenbacks at a greatly reduced rate on the black market in Nha Trang.

Naturally the three were subject to a General Courts-Martial and I believe they got 5 years in Leavenworth.

This is the event as I remember it, and also based on the conclusions drawn by the 272nd MP Company.

I can not remember the names of those arrested, but they are probably mentioned in the Staff Duty Officer's Log DA 1594 or MP Records.

I give you this bit of oral history based on my recollections as an officer serving in the battalion headquarters of the unit the robbers were assigned to.

As "Keystone Cops" like that this event is reminiscent of, this is about as close to reality as it comes. I wish I could shed more light on this to help you avoid rumors, but it actually happened.

Regards,

Bud Erickson
Then 1LT Erickson, 54th Signal Battalion, CXamp McDermott, Nha Trang, Vietnam 1969