Photo #4582
Seabee Bunker at Khe Sanh
When the situation at Khe Sanh started getting really bad but before the hill fighting, the Seabees built this bunker inside the perimeter, actually inside the living area pretty much in the middle of the base. Once complete, the structure was completely covered with dirt several feet thick, the envy of just about everybody there with any survival instincts. Don't recall who actually got to live there. Wasn't us. Taken while with HMM-163.
I was with MCB-11 detachment at Khe Sanh and I believe the bunker was built as a Battalion Aid Station or for the Air Force. Believe the Air Force. It's been a long time. Joel West [ joelwest@fultoniron.net ] Khe Sanh Runway Crew EO-2 USNMCB-11 Alpha Company
From: WJJ069@aol.com , Date: Dec 26, 2005 4:04 PM
Hi, I was with MCB #4 (Delta Co.) in Khe Sanh approx. 12/66-5/67 and we built this bunker ...actually there were two identical bunkers right near each other. At the time we were told one was going to be a "Comm. Center", and one an "Aid/Medical station". 12x12 mahogany beams and smaller ,,,,and a few different rows of mahogany planks on edge & dirt on top ..... I'm guessing, but I'd imagine at least 4-5' thick. While we (MCB #4) were at Khe Sanh, we built quite a few 16x32 huts; a few 4-holers; runway matting repair, the two bunkers ...and am not sure what else. I've asked before, to various sites, but never did hear if either or both of the bunkers lasted until '68? At the time they seemed impressive ... but after reading later about the penetration capability of the rockets ....I'm not so sure. Appreciate any photos you can send... Ward Jarvis Bul2 MCB #4, Owego, NY
Comment by: James E. Majerik on Nov 4, 2007 11:23 AM
This is one of the two bunkers that the Air Force used. I was there in early April 1968 working with the aerial delivery team resupplying the base. At that time the pelvis bone of an elephant decorated the top of the bunker and over the entrance there was a sign that read " Khe Sanh Rat Patrol". This bunker was called the "Khe Sanh Hilton" because of its luxurious accommodations.
The bunker next door was also used by the Air Force. We were instructed that their activities were top secret and they did not exist. I have some 8 mm movies that I took while at Khe Sanh I hope to make ccd images that I can post for all to see. Jim Majerik
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Image viewed 1757 times since 2006-02-07 |
Posted by hugh smith on 2005-12-27; Last Modified on 2008-01-14
Size: 47.55 KB, Dimensions: 664x480Categories: Vietnam, Marine Squadrons, HMM-163
Average Picture Rating: 5.50 (2 Votes)
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