Combat Photo
 | UH-1Es
HUEYS working GUNS in Section. This photo is taken from the Crew Chiefs view of two Hueys working GUNS together, Vietnam 1968.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-27 |  | ROOF TOP MEDEVAC HUE TET 68
Official USMC photo of a wounded( lower left leg) Marine being helped ( while under fire) down from a roof top in HUE City TET 68. This is the "BROTHERHOOD" at work.
Comment by: Greg Buchanan on Apr 14, 2007 06:12 PM
This looks a lot like it was taken at the Hue University.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | "SEMPER FIDELIS" "He Ain"t Heavy , He"s My Brother!"
All Popasmoke Aircrews saw this scene over and over again. No mater how Dangerous it was, no matter how exhausted they were, Popasmoke Aircrews, Ground Marines & Navy Corpsman always assisted each other to help make the MEDEVAC happen. You might say, we have experienced "SEMPER FIDELIS" first hand. Photo enhanced by John P. Dullighan, HMM-165s Boeing Tech Rep & Popasmoke member.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | The BROTHERHOOD
These Marines are heavily engaged with the NVA and yet they stop everything to comfort a wounded BROTHER MARINE!
This is Bravo company marines 1/3, 1st platoon treating wounded on July 5 or 6, 1968 ,east southeast of Con Tien , the 2 marines in the upper right hand corner of the picture are Lt Thomas Keppen, kia July 7 ,68 and myself " Jake" on radio, I was wounded July 7 with the Lt. Jake chris jakelsky
Photo By SSgt. Donnie Shearer USMC Combat Photographer, in 1968 during operation Thor. The marines are 1-3 in a battle with NVA Rangers north of Quang Tri. The man who was shot was standing next to Donnie Shearer who was having a shootout with an NVA , his M-2 carbine with folding stock is in the left background. Donnie Shearer [donnieshearer@themadpiper.com]
Comment by: Bruce S. Lewy on Apr 22, 2008 06:30 PM
This was taken during fighting in the Dai Do area on the banks of the Cua Viet. Men are from B Co. 1/3.
Lt. Tom Keppen in background, KIA 7 July 1968
Comment by: jerry keppen on Nov 11, 2009 10:02 AM
Thank you for posting this photo. Photo's are all i have of my uncle Tom as i never got to meet him. Thank you also to those that have served or continue to serve so admirably for me. Happy Veterens day
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | Med Evac Vietnam TET 68
Every Squadron saw a lot of this while flying Med Evac in Nam.
It was an everyday thing in the Spring of 1968 ( TET 68)
It was just something we all got used to.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | Hue Tet 68 too many MEDEVACS
Tet 68 caused us all to see too many of our "Brother Marines" in pain from wounds recieved while in direct combat with the NVA. Hue was just awful with the type of house to house , street by street, one wall to another fighting. It was strange for helicopter aircrew as we could be in Khe Sanh and Hue on the same day. Both battles were equally fierce but completely different. Khe Sanh and its Hills were mostly defensive while Hue was all offensive.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | GRUNTS "The Brotherhood"
This is what the Aircrews saw in every zone. The Grunts were hanging in there for all the y were worth during TET 68. We MARINES were a BROTHERHOOD to be proud of!
Photograph by SSgt. Donnie Shearer, 1968 3rd, Mar. Div. Combat Photo
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | Never too much ammo
An M-60 machine gunner and his assistant provide cover fire in the streets of Hue during TET 68. As the photo clearly shows the assistant gunner carried every round he could. Everyone knew that you never wanted to be out of ammo.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | Khe Sanh "Always Prepared"
It seemed like every time I had to stay the night at Khe Sanh for Medevac or due to bad weather the Base was on Full Alert and it was "for sure man" going to be overun by 20,000 fully armed NVA. Well thank GOD it never happened, but it was taken very seriously by everyone!
Comment by: Charles Wood on Jun 17, 2008 11:25 AM
The young marine top left photo facing camera was my best friend Lcpl Bill W.Luke 3/26 . Wounded at Khe Sanh early 1968. He passed away a few years back of some god forsaken cancer that the doctors said was found only in south-east asia. Was killed there and he didnt even know it. I miss him. Thank you for posting the photo.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | USMC KIAs VIETNAM
This is a photo of Marines under Heavy NVA gun fire in HUE durring TET 68 getting a Brother "KIA" Marine to the rear. Many Marines risked thier lives to get thier KIA BROTHER MARINES to the Medevac zone so they could get home to thier families.(USMC photo)
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | BROTHERS UNDER ENEMY FIRE!
A Marine crawls to the rescue of a badly wounded BROTHER MARINE , 1967.
(Catherine Leroy)
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | Marines in heavy combat against a hard corps North Vietnamese
unit in the sand dunes north of Dong Ha near the border between the two countries. Cpl. Rufus Patterson, throwing the grenade, and Sgt. Anthony (Tony) Carter, seated of the 1st. Bn. 3rd. Marines of the 3rd. Marine Division return fire as the North Vietnamese deliver intense fire against the Marines. This battle lasted 5 days and cost the enemy over 1000 killed. The unidentified Marine in the background was shot and medivaced just minutes after this picture was taken, and Anthony Carter was killed a month later. Rufus Patterson retired from the Marines as a Master Gunnery Sergeant Official US Marine Corps Photo by Donnie L. Shearer
The Man sitting down is Sgt. Anthony Hartman and the man in the background throwing grenades is Tony Carter who was shot about 20 minutes later, med evacked and died later. Photograph by SSgt. Donnie Shearer, USMC//Donnie Shearer [themadpiper@verizon.net]
Comment by: Eddie Edison on Aug 15, 2006 07:02 AM
when was this picture taken?
Comment by: John Keating on Feb 15, 2009 02:22 PM
The way it was.....proud of all of these guys and their sacrifices. Actually... think Viet Nam is a better place today because of our intervention. But that doesn't replace our personal or human losses.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | "This is the way our BROTHER MARINES came to us"
Wounded Marines being evacuated from the fiercest fighting in Hue. There were so many more wounded than could adequately be cared for, the wounded Marine in the foreground was zipped into a body bag while still, clinically alive. Photo by Stars & Stripes John Olson "This is the way our BROTHER MARINES came to us, in large groups, broken, bleeding and in need of help. All Aircrews saw this sight over and over during TET 68."
In the picture the wounded marine laying on the tank was shot next to me on the citadel wall in hue city Feb. 1968, he belongs to Delta Co 1-5. The NVA sniper was just probably 20 feet away from us when he opened up with his AK-47, the wounded Marine in the picture stood up a little too high exposing his back at an angle to enemy fire, the sniper was just a little higher up ground than we were, I believe the marine was hit with one shot, then he begun to scream! I'll never forget that scream. We got some shots off but then that sniper hastily tossed grenades at us, luckily his grenades landed and exploded just short of falling into the small cramped area were we were crouched down, we finally managed to silence that sniper after throwing grenades and shooting with out lifting our heads up, then it got real quiet except for the ''clicking'' sounds of magazines being inserted into M-16's and AK-47's. The wounded marine was unconscious and some of the guys pulled him to the rear with other wounded grunts that's the last time I saw him, and I hope he made it home alive. Any way that's what I remember and I'm not sure what day it was, I believe it was Valentine's Day. From PFC Pedro Homdus 1 -5 Delta Co. M-60 team. GEANNAH916@aol.com I ran across the photo #3873; I'm the man holding James Blaine KIA 02-15-68 James as in Charlie Co. like the rest of us on the tank. From the left Jim Beals (Holding the bottle), me Richard Schlagel, Jim Rice (with bandaged face), Dennis Ommert (who is behind Rice) and Clifford Dyes. Jim Beals and I were standing next to James when he was shot. People Magazine found us and took our stories. April 29 1985 Vol.23 No.17 starting on page 94. Semper Fi Rich // RichardSchlagel@aol.com
Comment by: chris giordano on Mar 13, 2006 07:20 PM
This scene must have been repeated many times in 1967-1968. We, Kilo 3/1, looked eeriely similar on the Cua Viet in January 1968.
Comment by: Shannon Z Kolnsberg on Mar 25, 2006 10:51 AM
The picture has my dad Donald Lee Kolnsberg in it. He is holding the Marine at the front of the tanke. he has a "toy" octopus or something tie dto the front of his helmet. Please advise when this picture was taken and where it was posted.
Comment by: John Wear on Aug 25, 2006 09:19 AM
I was a Marine tank commander involved in the fighting in Hue City during the Tet "celebration" in Feb of 1968. While this photo is not of my tank, we did carry an un-Godly amount of WIA Marine grunts out of harm's was during the month-long battle for control of the city. I believe that this specific tank had been part of the 1st Tank Batallion that was fighting on the north side of the Perfume River attempting to recapture The Citidel during the final phase of the battle. I had a copy of the "original" Life magazine article that this photo appeared in way back when. We also have this image posted on the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association webstite (www.usmcvta.org) as well.
Not that long ago the mother of one of these WIA Marines in this amazing photo contacted me via email and thanked me profusely for saving the life of her son. Evidnetly she recognized him as one of these hapless Marines. While I thanked her for the kind words I did correct her that it was not my tank in the picture. She told me that it did not matter that this photo was not of my tank. She knew in ther heart that my tank had helped a lot of Marines make it home. That is one of the many things that "Semper Fidelis" is all about.
Semper Fidelis,
John Wear
New Hope, PA
Sgt 3rd Tank Bn
RVN '68 - '69
Comment by: Billy Singing Bear on Sep 25, 2007 05:32 PM
The end of a bad day
Comment by: Steve Haylock on Jan 8, 2008 11:26 PM
There are two photographs with Marines on tanks during the battle of Hue that was published. One of them has a black Marine with a M-16 with the bayonet attached.
Can anyone tell me what happened to him and is this the same tank? Was he killed by a sniper before this famous pic was taken?
I believe both pics were snapped by John.
Comment by: Van Scheurich on Jun 23, 2008 04:34 PM
As a member of 3/1, 67-68, grunt, gunner, this method of getting the wounded out was alot better than dragging our sorry asses through mud, bambo or whatever, but it had its dis-advantages also. I wish the politicians would have kept themselves out of this one and let us do the dirty work without "any strings attached", if you know what I mean? Please visit the www.3onevet.com website for members of the 3/1 RVN members.
Comment by: Dave Faraca on Aug 16, 2008 04:53 PM
Went to high school with James Blaine in Spokane, Wa. A good person with a big heart!
Comment by: Al Billings on Nov 19, 2008 01:27 AM
Jim Beals, who is holding the bottle in this photo, had the bottle shot out of his hand by a sniper or stray bullet moments after this shot was taken. He wound up taking minor shrapnel from it. Thank you for your service, Uncle Jim. I'm glad you made it home from this day and the war.
Comment by: gary leirmoe on Oct 15, 2009 07:05 AM
Tried to forget my time over there for years.Didn't work.These pictures bring back tears,but also warm feelings for the brotherhood and respect we had for each other.Maybe someday I'll be able to talk & act like a normal person
Comment by: Alex Villalva on Nov 25, 2009 11:17 AM
Does anyone have a point of contact for two Marines shown in the foreground of this iconic photo: Corpsman Richard Schlagel (holding PFC James Blaine), or Jim Beals (holding the drip bottle)?
I am conducting some historical research on this photo, and would invite contacting either man to inquire about this battle in Hue, and photo.
Kind Thanks,
Alex Villalva
Vietnam War historian and researcher
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-25 |  | HMM-263 aircraft down in zone
The aircraft was from HMM263, downed on 9/16/66, Mutters Ridge. The grunt
outfit was Delta, 1/4. The crew chief was Ron Luks (azcerteng@aol.com)
Posted by User Deleted on 2010-07-24 |  | The ASHAU Valley was the Scariest
Medevac Cover fire in the Elephant grass of Ashau Valley just outside of the provincial capital of Hoa in the Arizona territory, 21 miles southeast of MMAF, 1967. I was a Crew Chief on two tours, one with HMM-363s UH-34Ds (67-68) and again with HML-367s UH-1E Huey Gunships (69). I think the ASHU Valley was the Scariest place in all of NAM, it always gave me the creeps!
Comment by: ED MILI on Nov 24, 2006 03:01 PM
i was there in 68-69 with the 101st. I agree, it was the scariest place I encountered during my 3 tours. I spent one tour with the 1st air cav in Tay Ninh, 1 with the 101st in the Ashau and 1 with the 11th armord cav in Cambodia and the Mekong. God bless you George, Ed Mili SFC US Army
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-18 |  | Unknown HML-167 Crew Chief in action
This photo of a HML-167 crew chief laying down cover fire was taken sometime in early 1970. Photo by Allen Hartwig.
Posted by Allyn Hinton on 2010-07-14 |  | Corpsman TOO busy
United States Marines injured during operation 'Starlight', near Chu Lai. Batang Peninsula, 1965. Starlite was one of the most successful amphibious operations by the Marines . In August 1965, three Marine Corps battalions overran the 1st Vietcong Regiment and, during the course of a 6 day period, killed over 600 Vietcong soldiers with the loss of 51 Marines and over 200 wounded.
http://www.vietnampix.com/fire9a.htm
Comment by: Davis JC QM3 on May 18, 2006 03:40 PM
I found your site by accident!
My memory is not great with names but I remember most palces. Mid March 1966 As qmsn aboard Uss Monmouth County LST 1032 beached in Dung Quai Bay and Chui Lai brought amo and supplies to bases. throughout the delta and coast. I always thought I never did enough for our MARINES
Remakable pic. Sorry for your losses
OOOOOOOOOOOOORAH!
Peace be with you all.
I take my wife to Paris Island to visit the sand fleas and colors twice a year.
Her Dad was an anfib sailor in WW11. Buried him at Arlington in April 20,2005 Saved thirteen wounded marines / He was awarded Two purples Silver Star, Navy cross
Thanks again JD
Comment by: Jim Haynes on Jul 9, 2006 12:36 PM
corpsmen are the best. i have scars to prove it.
thanks for a great site.
Semper Fi: Jp Haynes g-2-7- chu-lai 1965
Comment by: Johnny P Price on Jun 23, 2008 01:01 PM
I was with 1/7 during operation StarLight. 0353 Ontos, anti-tanks. The best memories I remember are combat units in battle and you fly boys coming to our rescue. God Bless you and God Bless America.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-13 |  | Insertion 1/19/"68
The Marine facing me was later KIA with a wound in the upper left shoulder. The valiant effort to save him was in vain but not because we didn"t try.
I had to faciliate their egress from YT-6 from the side hatch as the grass in the Valley was to thick and the ramp would not lower. On extraction, I went in with ramp down but that is another story... It was a "three on a match" kind of deal. I have always wanted to talk to Tim Timmons about that day but so far I have not been able make the breakthrough... It was a sermon he gave the following Sunday that had a profound effect on my affect from that day forward...
Posted by Chuck Nowotny on 2010-07-03 |  | Purple Fox Recon Insert
As Marines board his CH-46, lst Lt. Walt Wise, of HMM-364, takes a few moments to contemplate the mission ahead. Shortly, he will be flying the Recon Marines into an LZ somewhere in I Corps.
Submitted by: Steve Farley - 19980413
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2010-06-29 |  | Cover Fire
The Grunts always tried to give as much cover fire as possible for the medivacs
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-27 |  | U.S. Armys 1stLT Longgear MEDEVAC out of Khe Sanh
U.S. Army 1stLT Longgear , one of 14 survivors of assault on Lang Vei by 11 NVA PT-76 TANKS on 6 FEb 68. The U. S. ARMY Special Forces Camp was west of Khe Sanh. He is being MEDEVACED out of Khe Sanh on Feb 7th after being rescued by Marine Corps Helicopters from Khe Sanh. WIDE WORLD Photo.
I recently accquired a AP wirephoto negative of this photo of Lt. Longgrear and became interested in the background of the photo and the individual in it. Do you know if Lt. Longgrear is still alive or anything about him? Your website is fascinating. I was also in the Marines and in some helicopter squadrons myself as a crewchief and first mech. I was in from 1975-1979. Great website. Best Regards, Dennis Valdepena // Natureboy [antonio56@cox.net]
read on a military web site that you asked if the troop in the pic was still alive. It was a pic of me being escorted to the aid station at Khe Sahn 7 Feb 68 after our excape from Lang Vei SF camp that was overrun by Russian tanks.
Paul
//
longgrearp@aol.com
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-15 |  | Hue TET 68, Flame Tank Working Out
Marine flame-thrower tank (dragon) firing a load of napalm in to a house that is full of NVA soldiers that have been firing a B-40 rockets, RPG's and sniping at grunts. This action was during the NVA's Tet Offensive and the subsequent US Marine Corps liberation of Hue City, January 1968.
photo contributed by:
Former Cpl. USMC Alexander Kandic
Fox Co -Weapons Platoon
2nd Battalion 5th Marines
Comment by: DAVID KOMOROWSKI on Mar 22, 2006 09:46 PM
MEMORIES USMC
Posted by Admin on 2010-05-25 |  | TET HUE 68 THE WALL
Photo by John Olson of Stars & Stripes showing Marines hanging in there with all they have to get the wounded out
Posted by Admin on 2010-05-25 |  | MEDEVAC M-60 TOO HOT to work!
When you are sitting in the Medevac zone and the M60 machine gunner is not surppressing the incoming enemy fire because he has burnt up his M60 barrel, that is a "HOT" zone.Kind of gives you the Pucker Factor feeling. Photo enhanced by John P. Dullighan, Popasmoke member.
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-07 |  | Phu Bai, UH-34D, 67
Troop Lift
Posted by A.R. Tafoya on 2010-04-06 |  | Thank God for Corpsman and Medics
Larry Burrows photo Oct 1966
I just wanted to let you know the man hurt in this photo is my father (Stan Walker). A grenade exploded near his head and shrapnel metal pierced his skull, back, and arms. He had to walk almost five miles on foot out of the bush to a huey landing zone where they air lifted him out to USS Repose Hospital Ship. There they performed surgery and put a plaster plate the size of a silver dollar in his head. He earned two purple hearts throughout his tour of duty. This photo was first published in Life magazine on February 26, 1971. Since then we have found it in Life: The Vietnam Experience, and U.S. News October 11, 1993. Anyways I just thought you should know that being you published his picture on your website. My name is Justin Walker and if your interested in more information please email me at jwalker6@bak.rr.com or by phone at (661) 706-3883.....................Justin Walker // Justin Walker [mailto:jwalker6@bak.rr.com] Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 1:43 AM
Who was the Corpsman in this picture. Doc Mac // John McElligott [ohs@nxs.net]
Comment by: HM2 James Petra on Apr 22, 2006 08:59 PM
Corrections to USS Repose
Corpsman HMM363 65-66 (Comments updated and edited by Moderator 4/22/06)
Comment by: Van Scheurich on Apr 10, 2007 02:19 PM
I can relate to this picture since I was wounded in the head near the Cua Viet River, 3Feb68, 3rdBn, 1st Marines, medivaced to the USS Sanctuary and they did a great job keeping me alive. The Navy is definetly one of the greatest branches of the service.
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-01 |  | American Flag flying high over the WALL in HUE TET 68
This photo show the WALL in HUE City TAT 68 and the FLAG flying high for all to see. (USMC file footage)
Photo enhanced by John Dullighan
Comment by: selwyn h taitt on Mar 27, 2006 02:13 PM
I was there to see the flag fly that day; one beautiful sight. We were all yelling. sgt taitt, delta1/5
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-25 |  | Hue , TET 68, the WALL & Medevacs
This MEDEVAC zone was "HELL"
This is a great photo of the MEDEVAC zone on our side of the wall in HUE in early TET 68.
The tree that would eventually fly our American Flag shown in earlier photos (in this series of photos) is clearly evident here.
this photo shows just how dangerous the MEDEVAC zone was
John Olson photo
Stars 7 Stripes
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-22 |  | USS NEW JERSEY Vietnam and more
The USS New Jersey provided excellent Fire Support for many other operations after September 1968. Photo enhanced by John P. Dillighan. The USS New Jersy also provided Fire Support for the 22 MAU (HMM-261) in Beirut 83-84.
I personally used fire support in 1966 on a search and destroy mission from the New Jersey, quite a show. Enjoyed your site. D.Boundy former G-2/7 // Hog Wash [hogwash@ec.rr.com]
This photo is was taken after 1983 and was provided by the USN PR dept.
Thanks The giveaway is the Phalanx (Close In Weapon System)on the left side of the bridge (the white dome-topped cylinder with the barrel facing outboard). Regards Adrian Webster Australia
Comment by: Dennis Mannion on Feb 5, 2008 07:43 AM
Every time I see this picture and the posts that go with it, I KNOW that there is an error. The USS New Jersey did not arrive off the coast of Vietnam until the late in Sept68. I was part of a Naval Gunfire FO team in a small observation post north of the Cua Viet River called Oceanview. Our team was scheduled to use the NJ when she first came onto the gunline 30Sept68, but at the last minute the mission was passed on to an AO. We provided ground comm between the ship & the AO. The comment by D. Boundy G 2/7 is not accurate unless he mistyped the date. He says that he used the NJ in 1966. Absolutely was not possible...unless the rounds from the NJ came from Philadelphia! Dennis Mannion
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-11 |  | VMO-6 Strike
Off USS Duluth LPD-6 Aug 67. Fixed wing strike
Posted by Cecil Smith on 2010-02-27 |  | CH-46s in NAM
A CH-46 comes in for landing under heavy enemy 12.7 fire. This CH-46 picked up 15 Medevacs and took over 30 hits. HML-367 was providing "HOVER COVER" with a UH-1E Huey Gunship. This was the day I realized just how valuable the CH-46 was to the Vietnam War. I had Crewed UH-34Ds for a year in Vietnam and it would have taken three trips to complete this MEDEVAC and valuable Medical Aid time would have been lost for our Brother Marines.I do love the 34s but the Vietnam War had too many large groups of WIA, we needed the 46s.Photo enhanced by John P. Dullighan, HMM-165s Boeing Tech Rep & Popasmoke member.
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-08 |  | TET HUE 68
A lot of street fighting was going on over the walls in HUE in the (TET) Spring of 68. I saw a lot of this while flying as a crew chief (UH-34Ds) with HMM-363s "Lucky Red Lions"
Posted by Admin on 2010-01-27 |  | UH-34D Extract, 66/67
Submitted by Ray Kelley D/1/3
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2010-01-14 |  | NVA "Thousands of EM!"
U.S. Armys MLT "SOG" out of the Phu Bai FOB, supported by UH-1E Huey Gunships from HML-367s "Hover Cover", "Scarface" , was observing NVA coming down across LAOS towards Khe Sanh in 1968. When the "SOG" team was asked how many NVA they had observed , the answer was "Thousands of EM!". This is a clear photo showing the "Rice Bags" used to feed them on the long march down from North Vietnam.
Posted by Admin on 2010-01-04 |  | RECON EXTRACT, 1969
These photos were sent by Capt. Perry Unruh, USMC, Retired, and taken in RVN in 1969 with HML-367, MAG-36, Scarface 45,
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2009-12-28 |  | CH-46A 7 Recon
This is a DOD photo of a Recon Marine ( one of a six man team) about to be inserted by CH-46A. This Recon Marine is armed with both the M-16 and M-79, he is Camoed up and ready to go.Above and to his right you see the extra canteens of water stored by the flight crews.
Posted by Admin on 2009-12-13 |  | "YES" there were tanks in HUE for TET 68
This USMC Tank is giving "HELL" to an NVA sniper team in a building in Hue durring TET 68. The Tanks were a GODSEND to the Marines, providing needed cover fire to get MEDEVAC choppers in and out whenever possible. Pulling MEDEVACs out of HUE could be rough and many POPASMOKE members really hung it all out to accomplish these missions. All squadrons got into the show at HUE and everyone has lasting memories from these exciting flights.
From: John Wear , Dec 10, 2005 4:20 PM
Hello,The photo image of the Zippo tank burning the house in Hue is my tank!!! I will add another shot of the same incident to this email if you want to add it to your site. The name painted on the tank’s gun tube was “Toy U Ahn” which I understand is Vietnamese for “I love you.” When our tank finally got to leave Hue City and move on to Dong Ha, we had a mechanic who knew how to paint signs change the name to “Crispy Critters.” The Tank Commander was Charles West. A few days later, while Charlie was snoopin and poopin around the Hue Stadium, he caught an AK-47 round in the back. He was medevaced and stayed out of country for a month or so. When he came back he took over as TC of the tank again. Charlie has been the Sheriff of several townships in Alabama and is now the Sheriff of Luverne County, AL. The driver was Bradford Goodin. “Goodie” skated being WIA for his entire tour and later became the TC of “Crispy Critters.” When “Goodie’s” first enlistment was over, he shipped over for a welding MOS in “The Wing.” He is one of you “Chick Magnets” from the MAW!!! “Goodie” went on to serve in the USMC for 30 year and retired as a Master Gunnery Sgt. The gunner was John Wear (me) and about three months later, he was promoted to Tank Commander of another Zippo tank, “The Devil’s Disciples.” Wear too skated being WIA for his entire time In-country and when he got out of active duty he went on to college, marriage, kids and a career in retailing and then sales. In 1999 the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association was formed. Wear is the Vice President of the USMC VTA and the national recruiter. Semper Fidelis, John Wear, New Hope, PA, Sgt 3rd Tanks, RVN 1968-1969
Comment by: Nick(Nickugly)Cameron on Jun 12, 2009 10:07 PM
I was a mechanic in Dong Ha in 68-69. And I was ordered to paint over "Crispy Critters" because some congressman, I, don't remember who he was, saw it and was offended by it.....He didn't like "Lickin' Stick" either, but they got a call and skated. and, oh yeah, his favorite was "Napalm sticks to kids"
Posted by Admin on 2009-12-13 |  | facial expression
I saw this same facial expression from many Marines at Con Thien, Khe Sanh and Hue City during TET 68. We all found ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances that we beyond our control.
UPI photo
Posted by Admin on 2009-10-04 |  | Dong Ha Ammo Dump Takes a Direct Hit
In Sept "67, with Dong Ha combat base under enemy artillery attack, the ammo dump takes another hit. In the foreground can be seen the orange glow of the explosion reflecting on the tail of one of HMM-361"s H-34 aircraft, highlighting the squadron"s Esso Tiger logo. Photo provided by Ron Sabin.
From: "Ward, Phil" , Thursday, December 08, 2005 2:51 PM
I was with 2nd Bn. 3rd Marines and we were somewhere north of Hai Lang and south of Quang Tri along route 1 where the sand used to drift across the road andwe saw the mushroom cloud from the explosion. We thought at first we had finally done it and dropped a nuke on the DMZ. Phil Ward
From: KlarichIns@aol.com , Date: Dec 24, 2005 4:50 PM
The year of the explosion of the dump by the airport was in late summer "1968" not 1967. I also have old newspaper accounts of the hit. Thanks, Steve
Comment by: Jerry Krawczyk on Apr 28, 2006 08:30 AM
Both of you may be right. I was with India 3/3 in September 67 when during the Dink Elections Dong Ha was lit up like a Roman Candle. Had to be about the 3rd as I was hit and medevaced to D Med on 7 Sept 67. Dong Ha was continually mortared and rockteded during the week I was there before being medevaced to the Santuary. Thank God for that. Hated Dong Ha with a passion. There were so many dinks working in the compound, from barbers to hootch girls, that it was no wonder how accurate the rockets and mortars were.
Imagine that Dong Ha took multiple hits in the years the Marines occupied the DMZ. I have some good shots of the ammo explosion from Us. Marine Corps archives and will try to post them.
Comment by: Larry Mason on Nov 2, 2007 09:47 PM
I agree with Klarichins@aol.com. I believe the ammo dump went up in 1968, as I was only in country New Years Eve 1967 and all of 1968 and one month of 1969.
Comment by: Sam Messer on Nov 21, 2008 12:13 AM
The dump at Dong Ha went up numerous times. Sept 3, 67 it went up while I was at Khe Sanh. One of our Seabees got the Bronze Star for rescuing Marines from the dump that day. I have been sent pictures of the dump going up in 68 from Seabees that were there then also. Sam Messer Semper Fi Can Do
Posted by Roger Herman on 2009-09-19 |  | The wall in HUE, TET 68
I pulled a lot of MEDEVACS (too many) from behind this wall. This was a HOT ZONE!
(USMC file footage)
Posted by Admin on 2009-08-27 |  | Doc Gelien"s (KIA) medevac huey after Sapper Attack on MMAF - Oct 1965
Doc Walter Gelien (Tab Hunter"s brother) was killed while standing medevac duty in the early hours on the VMO-2 pad at MMAF. It is assumed that he thought that the individuals running toward him in the darkness were medevac pilots. In fact they were sappers with satchel charges. http://www.popasmoke.com/kia/incidents.php?incident_id=29
Walt Gelien was my uncle, married to my father's (Brian Dicker) sister. I am working on a family history book and would be interested in any photo of Doc that anyone might have. Thank you, Joyce Alyson Dicker aly@whoopzoop.com
You might want to talk to Jim May as he was Doc Geliens' Crew Chief that night . As the story goes that a flip of a coin let Doc sleep aboard the Medivac chopper and Jim got the Line shack bunk. Sorry to say I have lost Jims E-mail Address .Your Uncle was a well respected Corpman and we were proud to have served with him. Kind Regards and Semper Fi Marc Czomba // GunnerM79@aol.com
Comment by: Andrea Palestro on Oct 19, 2006 04:41 AM
Walter Gelien was my grandfather (my mother is his youngest daughter Susie). What a moving and sad picture, though it helps to understand how he died. I would love to hear stories about him if anyone knew him. Thank you.
Posted by Al Barbour on 2009-07-14 |  | ARVN Recon Insert by UH-34D
This is a DOD photo of a Marine UH-34D inserting ARVN Recon into a zone in 1965(?). I am unable to ID the Squadron ?
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member comments:
ey Wally,
The Squadron in the photo is HMM-362. Next to the arvins head is the "L".
The only squadron with an "L" was HMM-362, YL-??. Hope this helps.
Don Lockwood
(Woody) YL-35
Posted by Admin on 2009-07-08 |  | Rescue Mission On The Vietnam/Laotian Border
On 2 March 1967 a Huey gunship from VMO-2 was shot down west of Khe Sanh, 200 meters from the Vietnam/Laotian border. The aircraft was brought down by .50 cal and .30 cal automatic weapons fire. The crew was rescued by another VMO-2 Huey. Pictured are the two crews. Standing from L to R are Lt. Baccitich and Lt. Nazarian , Lt. Keefe and Capt. Trimble and Cpl. Maddocks (crewchief of the downed a/c). Kneeling L to R are Cpl. Hart (crewchief of the rescue a/c), Cpl. Fugate (gunner of the downed a/c) and Sgt. Myers (gunner of the rescue a/c).
Capt Trimble was Lt Baccitich's copilot
in the rescue chopper and Lt Nazarian went down with Bob Keefe.
Photo submitted by Charlie Maddocks
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2009-06-21 |  | Khe Sanh "Life Underground" TET 68
This is used as a USMC history photo. It was taken by the outstanding photographer " Christian Simonpietri" for Sygma. Christian did all he could to get the emotion of Khe Sanh into his photos. This photo shows just how we were living more underground than above ground. All Helicopter Squadrons made it to Khe Sanh at some point during 68. Thank you Christian for letting us share your photo.
Posted by Admin on 2009-06-19 |  | Aerial View of aftermath of Sapper Attack - VMO-2 area
Sapper Attack - MMAF - Oct 1965 - Walter John Gelien HMC(USN) VMO-2 (KIA); Edward Elliot Graboskey PFC H&MS-16 (KIA); Thomas Patrick Rowland LCPL VMO-2 (KIA)
Posted by Al Barbour on 2009-06-04 |  | USS NEW JERSEY
If you got a chance to see or hear this , you would never forget it! Photo enhanced by John P. Dillighan. The "Jersy" also provided support for the 22 MAU ( HMM-261) Beirut 83-84.
Posted by Admin on 2009-05-20 |  | Incoming Khe Sanh TET 1968
Photo taken by Sam Messer CBMU301 of this heavy barrage of incoming durring TET 68. This was much to comon an occurance! There were periods of time when the helicopters were only allowed to give support when our Fix Wing were working over the NVA ARTY sites. That kept the NVA heads down and we were able to get in and out with less losses.
Posted by Admin on 2009-01-31 |  | HMM-164, YT-23 Crash Site, 11 June 1968
Official USMC photo of crash site of YT-23, 11 June 1968
Posted by Dan Jones on 2009-01-21 |  | "Peace Church"
"Peace Church" became a refuge, and a hospital for U.S. Marines on May 16, 1967. (By Frank Johnston, Courtesy UPI/Corbis-Bettman)
Comment by: Ronald J. Cottman, Jr. HM3 on May 31, 2006 11:27 PM
Thanks for this site. I am the corpsman, wearing glasses tending to the dead and wounded marines in the church. Interestingly, Mike Tripp is sitting in the back rigt next to the alter. Many of us stay in touch every few years. A time we will all remember.
Doc Cottman
Posted by Admin on 2009-01-08 |  | Arclight
This was taken in the mountains and I was told this was the result of Arclight. I welcome any comments.
Posted by Larry South on 2008-12-29 |
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