The
Original Members
of the
2nd Civil Affairs Company Fort Gordon, Georgia - 16 Sep 1966 |
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Original Photo Size 20.5" x 10" - split into two pictures because of scanner bed limitations |
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Photograph Courtesy of
Paul A. Lessard
CAPT AG - Adjutant 1966-1967
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SP4
Thomas
Riggle |
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PVT
Clifford Kip
Mathison
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PVT
Robert
Roeper |
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1-LT
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PVT
Ronald
Melton |
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There were an additional 3 Officers and 26 Enlisted Men
who joined the unit after 16 Sep 1966 and
who did deploy with the Main Body in November 1966.
Some 17 year old soldiers in the picture above did not deploy with us
because they were 'non-deployable' until they were 18 years old as per DOD Regulations
Light Gray Background indicates known Deceased After RVN Service |
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Everybody Left Their Heart
in San Francisco
Going Across the Pond
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Troop Ship
U.S.N.S. Gordon |
2nd CA Main Body
Going Ashore
at Vung Tau |
One of two USAF C-123s
airlifted the Main Body from
Vung Tau to Bien Hoa AFB |
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The
Second Increment
of the
2nd Civil Affairs Company
Arrived at Vung Tau, RVN on 22 March 1967
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Photography Courtesy of
Donald R. Kunego
SP4 1967-1968
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PVT
Dennis
Dirks |
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2
CA
Guidon |
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35 of the 49 Second Increment PVT (E2) and PFC (E3) were Regular Army - three year volunteers |
Medic Thomas James Daniels was KIA on 17 Sep 67
(Vietnam Wall 26-E, Line 82)
after being transferred from the 2nd CA into
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment in II-CTZ |
Light Gray Background indicates know Deceased After RVN Service |
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Spacious State Room
for the
Second Increment
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Rick Parent and Don Reyes
note
their images in the mirrors
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Before the 2nd Increment
arrived in RVN,
there was a pleasure stop at
Subic Bay in the Philippines ! |
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March 22, 1967
The Second Increment
coming ashore at Vung Tau
from the troop ship
U.S.N.S. General William Weigle |
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Vietnam
Plantation Base Camp
Long Binh
1966
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GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM !
November 20, 1966
The Advance Party's first image of the Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
The BOQ Tent of the 9th Transportation Company (Airborne)
Good Living in 1966
The 2nd Civil Affairs Headquarters Building would be built to the right in a few weeks |
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The Equipment Ship arrived on December 4, 1966
a few days before the first troop ship arrived.
The first 13 Team AA - Platoon Headquarters deployed on 14 and 15 Dec 1966.
We had extra M-151 Jeeps and M-37 3/4 Ton Trucks
awaiting the arrival of the Second Increment Officers
for activation of the 15th - 22nd Platoons in July and August of 1967.
Note - the lush Green Vegetation before the expansion of
the 90th Replacement Battalion and the 3rd Ordnance Battation's Ammunition Depot
One of these Jeeps was stolen by a U.S Army Major from the G-5 at II-FFV
before the Lockable Gate and the Motor Pool Maintenance Building were completed. |
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The Main Body's
Day One 'In-Country'
December 6, 1966
- - -
Plantation Base Camp
Before Any Buildings
just
Bare Ground and Tents |
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The Boat Trip was Dry !
but
Bartender Hal Lynch
found some Class VI rations |
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K P Detail - 'Day One' in-country
Dishes - LT Schneider (R)
Utensils - CPT Lessard (C)
Drying - CPT Church (L) |
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The Water Buffalo
Faithful Service until the very last day
The One and the Only - Water Trailer |
Plantation Base Camp
Construction Projects
Dec 1966 - Mar 1967
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Before any building, there was the FIRST BUNKER
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In the beginning, there was nothing, then there was something.
From a seed a tree grows,
one sand bag at a time - started before the hiring of day laborers ! |
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A few months later. |
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The Bunker survived TET,
improved with a lookout,
other positions were added.
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Christmas Day Morning - 1966 |
THE BAR at the CAPTAIN'S CLUB
in the back of the G.P. Tent in the 2CA Tent City - before any Buildings.
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( L - R )
Michael Glynn, Thomas 'Del' Watkins, Joseph Frankoski, (S-3) Major Edward Saunders,
Paul Lessard, Stuart Slingerland, M.D., Ralph Polce (in Uniform), and Bill Massey - bare back.
note the
Buffet Table w/ some C-Rats, the Imersion Heater Dishwasher and 'the 'Class VI' Bar' (R)
'Good Living' from Nov 66 thu Jan 67
Yes, there once was a time before buildings and
the DEW DROP INN (the 1967 name for O-Club) . |
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LTC James S. Conklin
was shocked at the failure of other units at the Plantation
to build permanent housing for their Enlisted Men !
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He ordered the immediate construction of Aluminum Hooches
first for Enlisted Men and then for the NCOs.
BOQs, Offices and Motor Pool Maintenance Buildings would follow later.
The WABTOC Lumber Kit would not be wasted on tent frames or wooden floors.
LTC Conklin was a 'Mustang' and wanted The Men out of the mud before the monsoon hit !
The Adams Huts
The first EM Barracks was completed on 5 Jan 1967
just 30 days after the arrival of the Main Body
and the second EM Barracks was completed just two days later on 7 Jan 1967.
When the Company was stood down, there were three Adams Huts for the NCOs and EMs.
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Concrete Foundation
Anderson, Paul Menard,
Ingwaldson and 1SGT Morlan
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Aluminum Frame
for the
EM and NCO Hooches
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Finishing the Roof
and with pink insulation.
Ingwaldson, Morris, Filbert
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Cook Out celebrating the Completion of the Base Camp Construction Project
January 1967
The first two Enlisted Barracks were completed on 5 Jan 1967 and 7 Jan 1967.
The Main Body had been "in-country" for just one month.
( L - R )
Dick Ingwaldson, James Anderson, James Christmon, Chris Phoenix,
Clifton Taylor, Max Morris, Dan Hanzely,
standing
Ron Melton, Larry Filbert, SSG Richard Chapman
from the William G. Unger Collection |
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PRIVACY FENCE in Vietnam
Before it became popular stateside.
Designed and built by Base Camp Construction Foreman SP4 Larry Filbert (R)
and in the picture are
Clifton Taylor, Paul Menard, James Anderson and SSG James Green (L-R)
from the William G. Unger Collection
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WABTOC Kit
California's Finest Red Wood
already 1,000 years old.
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Headquarters Building
Completed
12 February 1967 |
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Late Spring
1967 |
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Senior Officers & NCOs
without
an Engineering License
should not design sidewalks !
Please note,
the Guide Wire from the pole
for decapitation of the
occupant of BOQ Room #101 |
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Additional Sand Bag Protection
for the
New Ammunition Bunker
near the
Headquarters Building
to make it
" RPG Proof "
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O F F L I M I T S
to
Officers
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The EM Club
for the 2nd Civil Affairs and the 9th Transporation (Abn)
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Entertainers |
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Projection Booth |
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1960s Drive-In Movie
without
Cars or Girls
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Excrement
was burned every day
by
Shit Burner (Abn)
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Shit Burner (Abn)
with
Bill Unger and Don Reyes
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Shit Burner (Abn)
'hand carried' his Briefcase
into Plantation every day.
Every night, he carried his Briefcase out on a metal stake
'All the Way' home, Sir.
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WHAM Flag
Win the Hearts and Minds
1-LT Dennis Santillo
11th AA Platoon
11th Armored Cavalry
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The Motto on the
2nd Civil Affairs Company
Headquarters Building Sign
" SEAL THE VICTORY " |
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Company Headquarters
Staffs and Specialty Teams
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Company Commanders
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LTC James S. Conklin
First CO of 2nd CA
1966-1967 |
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LTC David E. Wade
CO
1967-1968
The only CO
to serve a full year tour.
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Company Badge
Yellow Field & Red Stripes
design derived from
ARVN Flag
authorized by
Major Charles R. Kelly
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Major Charles R. Kelly
CO
1968 |
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LTC John F. Shannon
CO
1969 |
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LTC Harold V. Madden
Commanding Officer, 2nd Civil Affairs Company
Visiting a Platoon with the 11th Cavalry near Snoul, Cambodia - 1970
Pouch under right forearm has $ 10,000 for Soladium Payments to Cambodian Civilians
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1970
Commander and Headquarters Staff
LT Richey, CPT Harris, MD, MAJ Dauber (XO), CPT Hull (S-1)
LT Tenzer, MAJ Manzo (S-3), LTC Mullins (CO), LT Fraser, LT Shelton (S-4)
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Company Commander and Platoon Leaders - 16 Feb 1971 |
Rear Row |
LTC Mullins |
LT Prud'homme |
Cpt Dolder |
Cpt Arkovich |
Cpt Cold |
Cpt Stefaniak |
Cpt Bush |
CO, 2CA |
5th Plt |
1st Plt |
4th Plt |
12th Plt |
9th Plt |
7th Plt |
Front Row |
Cpt Bethard |
Cpt Onstot |
LT Lalli |
Cpt Krueger |
Cpt Barnes |
LT Babcock |
LT Murphy |
3rd Plt |
10th Plt |
6th Plt |
2nd Plt |
5th Plt |
11th Plt |
8th Plt |
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Executive Officers
(XO)
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MAJ Edward J. Saunders (L)
1966-67
decorated and promoted (LTC)
by BG Lekson (R)
- - - - - -
Next assignment for
the new LTC Saunders was
CO of the Civil Affairs School
at Fort Gordon - Dec 1967 |
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MAJ Warren Buckingham
1968-69 |
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MAJ Robert A. Wolff
1969 |
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First Sergeants
(1SGT)
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1SGT Ervin Morlan
1966-67
Future SGM |
1SGT John M. Harrison
1968-69 |
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William L. Timmons
The Last First Sergeant
1971
Previously served in the 2CA as
PSGT 8th Plt, Tay Ninh, 1967-68 |
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Administration
(S-1)
Adjutants and members of the staff
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CPT Paul A. Lessard
The First Adjutant
1966-67 |
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1-LT CPT Glen L. Snow
1967 |
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Admin Section and Mail Room
Original HQ Building - 1967
( Front to Rear )
SP4 Dennis L. Pierce, SP5 James C. 'Andy' Anderson,
SP4 Don Reyes - inside the Mail Room
and
SP4 Tommy Pearson (from Phuoc Vinh) at window |
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SP5 Max Morris
Admin Specialist
TDY Duty Station at II-FFV S-1 |
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CPT Jerry D. Ritter
Adjutant S-1
1967-1968 |
CPT Jerry D. Ritter
Adjutant's Office
Bullet Hole in DEROS Board
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CPT Jerry D. Ritter (L)
MAJ Charles R. Kelly (R)
visiting the 5th AA Platoon
at Dong Tam |
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CPT Jerry D. Ritter (L-R)
S-1 Team Meeting at BOQ
with Specialists
Reyes, Martin and Pierce |
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CPT Albert H. Jolly
Adjutant S-1
1969-1970 |
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SP4 Alnis G. Grants
Admin Specialist
1969-1970 |
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CPT David F. Hull, Jr. (L)
Adjutant S-1
1970-1971 |
SP4 Ed Thompson
Admin Specialist
1970 |
SFC Charles E. Clark
First Sergeant
1970 |
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SP4 Ed Thompson
at the Headquarters Bldg
with Bunting for the
Change of Command Ceremony
July 4, 1970 |
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SP4 Richard Bridges
1970-71
Note - the Rotary Phone
much improved from
Bell Crank Field Phones
WD-1 Wire and
#22 Switchboards |
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The S-1 Team
SP4 Sommers. SP4 Christon, CPT Hull, SP4 Kleinschmidt, SP4 Bridges
Inspecting an Unusual Package from the Mail Room,
a Care Package from home,
Real American Food - a stateside Sausage
Beats the Mess Hall Chow and C-Rats - Any Day !
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Operations
(S-3)
Operations Officers and members of the staff
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Major Herbert Whitehead
Operations Officer - 1966
Previous 11th Abn, 187th Arty
1945 Jump in the Philippines
1950 Jump into NORTH Korea
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MAJ Dudley Coleman
Operations Officer
1967
'Always a Great Listener, then
asked a few Great Questions'
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MAJ William C. Massey
Operations Officer
1967
- - -
He was U.S. Army Reservist
Civil Affairs Branch Captain
who volunteered for
Active Duty and RVN
He served 2 tours - 1966-68
Platoon Leader, S-3 and XO |
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CPT Peter A. Maurek
Operations Officer
1968-69 |
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SGT ???
Operations NCO
1968 |
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SFC Robert G. Gulley
Operations NCO
1969-1970
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SP4 James W. Cobb
Operations Specialist
1969-1970 |
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ARVN Sergeant Tuwar
Operations Translator
1969-1970 |
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1-LT Richard G. Graham
Asst Operations Officer
March 1970
Author of the book - WOUNDED |
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Captain Chuck Gilmer
Operations Officer
July 70 - Dec-70 |
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Supply
(S-4)
Supply Officers and members of the staff
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1-LT Joseph M. Napp
2-LT Charles D. Hooks, SSGT William G. Johnson
SP4 Clifton W. Taylor - Communications
SP4 Ronald R. Melton - Food Service
SP4 Thomas Riggle - Supply
SP4 Christopher Phoenix - Vehicle Maintenance
1966-1967
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The First Two Men assigned into the 2nd Civil Affairs in May 1966 were
SSG Ronald K. Grubbs
promoted to SFC in Summer of 1966 and again later
in September 1966, he was transferred out and promoted to Warrant Officer - (WO-1)
Mister Grubbs, a few years later, he retired as Chief Warrant Officer 4 - (CWO-4).
PFC-SP4 Larry J. Filbert
the first Supply Clerk Typist and Second Man assigned into the unit
if we had it stateside, Larry typed the requisitions.
In Vietnam, he was the Plantation Base Camp Construction Foreman.
He designed everything and
and with some help from the Men of HHD Detachment, Larry built it !!! |
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The Key Members
of the
S-4 Team at Fort Gordon
in late May 1966.
Initially SSG and later SFC
Ronald K. Grubbs
and
Pvt-SP4 Larry J. Filbert
Outstanding Soldiers. |
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SFC Ronald K. Grubbs
The First Man
assigned into the 2nd CA.
The Smartest Decision
the US Army every made !
And again later in 1966,
Promoted to Warrant Officer. |
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SP4 Larry J. Filbert
as a
Member of the Advance Party
The First Man 'Off the Plane'
Sorry LTC,
the Stewardess directed
Larry to be the First Person
to De-Plane. |
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SP4 Clifton Taylor
May 1966 - Nov 1967
The Only Original Team Member
to have completed a full tour +.
And a very, very fine person ! |
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SSG William G. Johnson
Supply Sergeant
Late 1966-67
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SP4 Thomas Riggle
Admin Specialist
1967
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The Company's Supply Building was completed on 19 Feb 1967
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Motor Maintenance Team (Prov) |
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SP4 Christopher J. Phoenix
Team Leader
Acting Motor Sergeant
Maintenance & Motor Pool
At one time, our only mechanic !
Aug 1966 - Nov 67 |
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SP4 Thomas R. Slusher
Vehicle Maintenance
Ready to go as 'Security'
on a Supply Convoy |
SP4 Richard J. Parent
Vehicle Maintenance
Motor Pool 1967-68 |
SP4 Harold M. Tarrant
Parts Specialist
Motor Pool 1967-68 |
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3rd Plt PSG Ron Gorman
was impaled into the barb wire
while signalling
his ARVN Jeep Driver
to drive over the Oil Change Pit.
The ARVN driver accelerated
and did not hit the brakes !
PSG Ron Gorman had
5+ Broken Vertabrae |
Size of the Hole
in the
Motor Pool
Maintenance Building |
Look from the Ramp
and
Oil Change Pit |
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Food Service Team (Prov) |
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Chef Ronald R. Melton
1966-67
Volunteered to deploy with
"his friends" in 2nd CA
after Mess Team was disbanded |
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Supply - 1967-1971 |
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1-LT Charles Douglas Hooks
S-4 (Sep 67 - Nov 67)
Joe Napp's first and last order
to a friend and successor
" Sit down, job is yours "
and my last official duty
photo of a good friend.
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CPT Joseph Marino
Supply Officer
1969-1970 |
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SP 6 Thomas Blume
Assistant Supply Sergeant 1970-71 |
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Public Health Team (NA)
based out of the
2nd CA's Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
working with the
61st Medical Dispensary
CPT Stuart Slingerland (1966-67)
CPT Derick P. Pasternak, SP7 Frank H. Turnbull (1969-70)
CPT Parker F. Harris (1970-71)
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Stuart Slingerland, MD
Captain
1966-1967 |
Derick P. Pasternak, MD
Captain
1969-1970 | Parker F. Harris, MD
Captain
1970-1971 |
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SP7 Frank H. Turnbull
Combat Medic
Medical Specialist
Linguist
several local languages |
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Civilian Supply Team (BE)
based out of the
2nd CA's Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
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USAID Supplies
at the 2nd CA Warehouse
SP4 John Giordano (L) and
SP4 John Berkman (R)
circa 1969 |
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SGT Michael Lydick
1970
Note - the Rotary Dial Phone !
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SP4 William T. Sears
1970
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Civilian Supply & Transport Team (BB)
based out of the
2nd CA's Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
2-LT Don W. Ellen,
SP7 Oswald Kinat, SP4 John Giordano, SP4 Ken Eckhardt
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SP7 Oswald 'Ozzie' Kinat
at Long Binh 1969 | |
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Automotive Maintenance Team (DA)
based out of the
2nd CA's Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
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Motor Sergeant - SSG Jerry L. Burns (L)
Mechanic - PFC William A. Avant (R)
1969
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PFC Dale R. Vernon
Mechanic 1969 |
SP4 Daniel Caldwell
Mechanic 1969 |
PFC William A. Avant, Jr.
Mechanic 1969 |
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CPT Ellsworth Peter Rowinski
Maintenance Officer
1969-1970
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Maintenance Record Clerk
1970
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SP4 Larry Locke
Changing a Flat Tire
1970 |
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SP4 Lee Jackson
1968-69
The Under-Vehicle Work Pit
in the Maintenance Shop
much upgraded since 1967
with a two-tone paint job |
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Mrs. Ring
9th Trans Co Mess Hall
1966
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Mrs. Ring
Fam Cai Nhan (? sp)
BOQ Housekeeper 66-67
originally from Kien Hoa
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Mrs. "Li" Tien Park
TPark25@yahoo.com
NCO-EM Housekeeper 66-67 |
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T E T 1 9 6 8
Before the VC and NVA began their assault on
II-FFV Headquarters from
Ho Nai and the Widow's Village ( family housing for the ARVN KIA )
the VC and NVA
EXECUTED up to a hundred
Innocent Base Camp Day Workers, Women and Children
because
they "would warn" the Americans of the VC-NVA's pending attacks
and
the VC wanted to " Win the Hearts and Minds " of these Vietnamese
not at the Ballot Box of a Free Election
but rather by showing them that
their political power came out the barrel of a gun !
Truly, an
Unknown Lady from Ho Nai
gave a 15 Minute Early Warning to LRP from the 199th Infantry Brigade
May the hundreds who died in cross-fire batlle in the two villages,
Rest in Peace !
The 21st and 22nd Platoons as well as HHD of the 2nd Civil Affairs Company
Buried the Dead.
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War is Ugly and Horrible Beyond Belief.
Please read below and you will learn ' THE REST OF THE STORY '
and, " What would you have done ? ", after you read below. |
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"During the 1968 Tet Offensive, the North Vietnamese targeted training camps for South Vietnamese Soldiers (ARVN). One of those camps was located in an area known as Go Vap, north side of the South Vietnamese Capital of Saigon. The Go Vap Armor Camp was under the command of Lt. Col. Nguyen Tuan. His armor unit was charged with protecting Saigon and Gia Dinh Province.
"Colonel Tuan was not alone in the camp when it was overcome by a group of Viet Cong. Col. Tuan was there, with his wife, his 6 children and his 80-year-old mother.
"Nguyen Van Lem, who was also known as VC-NVA Captain Bay Lop, was the leader of the sabotage unit sent to the Go Vap Armor Camp during the Tet cease fire. The saboteurs took control of the camp.
"Bay Lop, and his fellow Viet Cong, wanted Col. Tuan to show them how to drive tanks. Naturally, Col. Tuan refused. As a result of his refusal, Col. Tuan was beheaded.
"When the South Vietnamese Troops retook the training camp, they were stunned at what they found. VC-NVA Captain Bay Lop had not stopped with the murder of Col. Tuan. The soldiers also found the bodies of Col. Tuan’s wife, six children and his mother. Out of the six children, only a 10-year-old boy, who was seriously injured, survived.
"The boy that survived the massacre. They shot him *** in the arm, leg, skull and thought he was dead.
"Bay Lop was later captured and executed by General Nguyen Ngoc Loan and the image was captured by Eddie Adams.
"At that time, General Loan was told by the CIA attaché who the prisoner was and what he had done to Col. Tuan and his family. General Loan told the American Press Corps afterward that had Bay Lop maintained his VC-NVA Military Uniform, he would have been treated as a POW. However, since he had changed his clothes and disguised himself as a civilian, General Loan did what he felt he had to do to a criminal and a murderer in a fog of war.
"I know that the American public saw the execution as barbaric and never forgave General Loan for such act. However, even as a Middle Schooler back then, I remembered Gen. Loan was alway in the front line with his men, going door to door, block by block driving out the VCs and bringing stability back to Saigon.
"Gen. Loan was a loyal comrade, devoted supporter, confidant and good friend of Gen. Nguyen Cao Ky. Both the Generals were thorns in the eyes of General Westmoreland and President Johnson. In light of such feeling compounded by the American public’s outrage over the picture, the American administration put a lot of pressure to force Gen. Loan to resign. A battle wound and then a subsequent leg amputation ended the General’s military career.
"Oh, Yes and years later, that 'sole surviving son' *** became Rear Admiral
(**) Huan Nguyen in the U.S. Navy.
Thought you may enjoy a little piece of history.
From the Private Correspondence from a Very Good and Very Fine AMERICAN - T.D. Tran.
Who happened to be born in 1956 and raised in Saigon and came to the USA in 1972.
And the T.D. Tran Family were personal friends of the South Vietnamese Familes involved.
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" Now you know THE REST OF THE STORY " ! |
The phtase at the end of every 'Closing Comments' at the end of Every Saturday's Radio Broadcast
from the late, great, radio commentator PAUL HARVEY (1918-2009) (on the air - 1951-2008). |
xx
The Memories of our First Year
xx
Getting to RVN
and
Getting Setup at the Plantation Base Camp, Long Binh
aa
People, Places and Things
xx |
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Easy Living on the troop ship U.S.N.S. GORDON
on a nice 30 day, first class cruise, across ' the Pond '
with time to contemplate and plan future careers - military and civilian
CEO Cusumano
Colonel Weiskopf, Colonel Lynch and LTC Snow
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James D. Weiskopf |
Gary M. Cusumano
Harold C. Lynch |
Glen L. Snow |
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1SGT Ervin J. Morlan
properly
The Last Man off the Boat.
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Photos in the
Company Headquarters Area
Long Binh |
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Ron Schneider and Joe Napp (L-R)
Christmas Day 1966
Two Guys from New Jersey
we reported for Active Duty at Fort Lee, Virginia on the same day,
we went through Officer s' Basic together and had first unit assignments in Virginia,
shared an off-base house trailer in Augusta, GA while the 2nd CA was forming up,
our neighbors and trailer park sponsors were Hal Lynch and his wife,
served together in the 2nd CA in Georgia and RVN,
DEROS on the same plane, got discharged at the same time in California
stayed one day in San Francisco before flying home to New Jersey. |
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1966 Christmas Eve R&R Events
LTC James S. Conklin 'stood down' the 2nd CA for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
for a special 'Christmas Day Meal' after a week of C-Rats to have extra food for Christmas.
Check out 'The Sunburn on the Neck and on the Arm' on Joe Napp (L)
'these special sunburn gifts' were earned during the Advance Party's November Arrival.
The 'fun work' was reinforcing Concertina Wire on the Highway 1A1 while
the Real Work was filling the Sand Bags for the floors and walls for the Perimeter Bunkers.
All before the troopship came in and before 'Daily Hire Women' were allowed into base camp.
( the 552nd MP Company Tents and Mess Hall are in the near background )
( 93rd Evacuation Hospital's 'Metal Roof Buildings' are beyond the far tree line )
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2-LT Dwight L. Young
Plantation Base Tent City
December 1966
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2-LT Dwight Young
stopped by for a visit in 1967
brought his own Snacks
C-Rats
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1-LT Ron Schneider
DEW DROP INN
Long Binh
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1-LT Chris Provenzano (L)
1-LT Charles D. Hooks (R)
DEW DROP INN
Long Binh
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Unknown LT (L)
CPT Ralph Polce (C)
CPT William Massey (R)
DEW DROP INN
Long Binh
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Man does not live
by bread alone !
Creamed Chipped Beef
the Army's famous S-O-S
is not a substitute
for a
great steak !
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Chef Ron Melton
Doctor Slingerland (plaid shirt)
2-LT James 'Red' Jones |
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Chef-in-Training
MOS - Barbeque Specialist
XO - MAJ Edward Saunders |
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Louis A. Stein (R)
never play cards with
Charles D. Hooks (L).
Deuce in Tennis may be OK
but do not bet a month's pay
with a Pair of Deuces.
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CPT Lewis G. Abney (R)
playing Bridge
in deep contemplation
2 Hearts and Minds
or
One More Beer ?
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Glen Snow (L)
Ron Schneider (R)
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( L - R )
Pat Garrity, Ralph Polce,
Joe Napp, Paul Lessard,
and Gary Cusumano
circa Jan 67 |
( L - R )
LT Richard Sanders - ?
John Martin, Dudley Coleman
White Shirt - Dick Church - ?
Plaid - Bill Massey ?
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( L - R )
Pat Garrity, Glen Snow,
Gary Cusumano, Joe Napp
Ralph Polce (L-R)
circa Jan 67
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" Koos, listen to Uncle Ralph "
from my Survival 101 Class
at Jungle Warfare School
'Two Beers prevent Dehydration'
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1-LT Harold C. Lynch
4th Platoon
1966-67
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XO Camouflage
Major Charles R. Kelly
could be either a
serious 'hard ass'
or a
prankster
but
some Junior Officer
certainly lost
at least bottle of
Chivas Regal Scotch
to get this picture ! |
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LTC David Wade's Quarters,
a gift from the USAF,
already painted in
"2nd CA Camouflage"
which was truly used
as an
Aiming Pointed
for
122 mm Rockets
during the
1968 TET Attacks.
It was certainly repainted
after TET 1968 and
after LTC Wade's PH |
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xx
After the First Year " In-Country "
aa
People, Places and Things
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The New Headquarters Building
circa 1968
located at the bottom of the original HQ parking lot
Supply Building on the left and the Old Headquarters Building on the right
a view toward the South-East looking at the 90th Replacement Battalion in background. |
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New Underground Command Post
near the Company Headquarters Building
xxx
A very PATRIOTIC Shovel - painted Red, White and Blue
was used to dig out the new underground Command Post.
ReBars being tied for the concrete floor; Lally Columns and Roof now in place.
Four men with shirts off working and five men watching.
In the hole - at left = Dennis Pierce; and ?
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xx
Possibly a rehearsal for the Vietnamese version of the movie
ELEPHANT WALK
but
without the actress Elizabeth Taylor
or
The Water Buffalo (R) may have been
the NVA's Local Building Inspector or a VC Infiltrator
who was being escorted by 2nd CA Captain Eugene J. Doll (C)
on a tour of the Plantation Base Camp.
They were greeted by
2nd Civil Affairs Company Adjutant Captain Jerry D. Ritter (L).
Next stop - the slaughter house ?
A fresh Steak is always better than C-Rats.
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xxx
1968 Bunker Enlargement Project at the Plantation BOQ Area
xxx
MAJ Charles R. Kelly (XO) leading an 'all-officer' sand bag placement team
xxxx
Standing (L-R):
CPT Jerry Wall, LT Harry Field, LT Ruhl Russell, LT Bobby Chandler, CPT James Krider,
LT Joseph Siwy, MAJ William Massey (S-3), MAJ Charles Kelly (XO), LT Charles Wray
Back Row: LT James Smith and LT David Geis and Kneeling in Front: LT Harry Strahl
photograph above from the collection of
Captain Jerry D. Ritter
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L - R
SP4 George Millwood, SP4 David Kleinschmidt,
SP4 Kenneth Jones and SSG Lawrence Way
in the Mess Hall of the 9th Transportation Company (Abn)
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L - C - R
LT Alan White, LT Mark Fraser, MAJ Peter Dauber,
LTC Curtis Brewer,
MAJ Paul Manzo, LT Michael Richey, LT David Hull, LT Robert Prud'homme
in the Mess Hall of the 9th Transportation Company (Abn) |
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Members of the Unit in Company Area
Plantation Base Camp
Long Binh
xx |
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SP4 Paul A. Menard
Long Binh
1967
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SP4 James Tillotson
visiting Long Binh
1967
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SP4 Raymond S. Rodriguez
brought his vehicle in
for maintenance and
catching up on some Zzzz
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Dan Hanzely and Bill Unger
two beers to celebrate the
New EM Barracks - January 67
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James 'Irish' Barron (L)
and Alex Rohr (R) ???
The mind is
the second thing to go !
Please Help, the Names
circa 1967
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SP4 Eribello 'Ed' Ponce, MP
coming back from meal at
9th Trans Mess Hall
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SP5 Nolan Wells
with male monkey
called, what else but
CHARLIE
1967 |
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Donaciano Reyes, Jr
promotion from PFC to SP4
the new SP4 Rank
'pinned over' PFC Wings
on his right sleeve.
ARCOM - 17 Months in 2 CA |
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Tom Slusher
Enjoying Time-Off 1967 |
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SP4 Dennis Weaver
at the Plantation
circa 1968 |
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Neil G. Alvarez, Larry J. Blocker, Clarence Johnson, John H. Giordano, Daniel J. Caldwell
circa 1969
Platoon Members outside the Visiting EM Barracks - the Plantation Base Camp |
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Edwin J. Comrie, Richard Coulson (seated), John H. Giordano, Larry J. Blocker, Jose R. Rivera
circa 1969
Platoon Members outside the Visiting EM Barracks - the Plantation Base Camp |
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SP5 Kenneth Stout
Driver - Company CO
1969-1970
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SP4 Bill Sommers
and 'GERTIE' helping with
her internal GPS navigation
and early warning screeches |
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SP4 John D. Pennington
Motor Pool Mechanic 1969-70
Note Tree and Grass between
EM Barracks # 2 and # 3
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Everett Turner
Water Buffalo - Water Trailer
Rinso Soap to wash the clothes
1969-1970
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SP5 Peter Rothman
1970 |
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SP5 Danny Chisolm
1970 |
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SP5 Gary Bruce Smith
1970-71
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SP4 Andre Christon
1970-71
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SP4 Ric Bridges
1970-71
Company Clerk
Going to the Mess Hall
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SP4 David Kleinschmidt
1970
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SP4 Andy Christon
Mail Specialist
with Mascot 'GERTIE'
and
The "Last Man" in 2nd CA |
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Officers in Company Area
Plantation Base Camp
Long Binh
xx
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New 2-LTs Reporting for Duty - July 4, 1967
recent graduates from the U.S. Army's Civil Affairs School at Fort Gordon
( L - R )
Jack M. Lotker, Frederick C. D'Amico, Harry B. Field III, Ratomir 'Roy' Bruk, ??? Elliott |
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It isn't a Foxhole !
It is the CO's House Trailer
Long Binh
LTC Robert W. Gruen - 1971
the last CO of the unit
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Hamlet in 1966
Lest, we forget.
There was and is a whole "different world" outside of the base camps.
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On the Road
Visits to Platoons and Towns
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LTC Robert W. Gruen
local public relations
Enjoying a beer, Cheers !
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SSG James Green - Opns NCO
visiting Bien Hoa
1966
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Senior PFC William G. Unger (R)
explaining the privileges
and consequences of RANK
to newly promoted 1966
PFC Stanislaw Lukasik (L) |
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Stan Lukasik and Bill Unger
Meeting again 2016,
Long Time since 1967 |
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Promotions
and
Medal Ceremonies
xx
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William G. Unger
promoted to SP5 by
LTC David E. Wade |
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1SGT Ervin Morlan (C)
awarded medals by
LTC David Wade (L)
BG Lekson (R) |
SP4 Christopher Phoenix (L)
awarded ARCOM medal by
LTC David Wade (cropped out)
BG Lekson (R)
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MAJ Edward Saunders (XO) (C)
awarded medals by
LTC David Wade (L)
BG Lekson (R)
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LTC John F. Shannon (L)
awarding medals to
SFC Robert Williams (C)
SP7 Oswald Kinat (R) |
SP7 Ozwald Kinat |
LTC Robert W. Gruen (L)
awarding medal to
MAJ Peter F. Dauber (R) |
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SSG Ronald Gorman
was awarded his Medals
after being released from a
Hospital in the USA |
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LTC Daniel Wardrop congratulating Joseph E. Siwy on his promotion to Captain
SSG Clayton R. Shaw observing at the right.
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LTC Griffith congratulating CPT John Vassallo and 1-LT Clarence O. Miller
March 5, 1969 |
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The Bronze Star Medal
is being awarded to
Sergeant James "Larry" Ramey
by the 2nd CA Commander
LTC Robert W. Gruen
early summer 1971 |
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..
The 2nd Civil Affairs Company
an assembly of the available Officers and NCOs
at the New Headquarters Building
Plantation Base, Long Binh
15 March 1969
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Rear |
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LT
Wellman |
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Major
Glenwood
Cooper |
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SSG
Gerald
Ripley |
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SSG
Clayton
Shaw |
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L-R |
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SP-7
Oswald
Kinat |
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The Picture Above has been split into Three Pictures Below ( L-C-R )
Hopefully, some faces can be identified and names add above. |
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xx
CHANGE OF COMMAND Ceremonies
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Change of Command
July 4, 1970 LTC Madden to LTC Brewer | |
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Change of Command
May 1971
LTC Mullins to LTC Gruen
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LTC Robert W Gruen (L)
General ?? (C) LTC Thomas Mullins (R) |
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LTC Robert W. Gruen (R)
accepting the 2nd Civil Affairs Guidon |
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Please, notice
the Monument in Memory of Charles Leroy Baldwin
Captain KIA
in the picture at the right. |
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Unit Citations
U.S. Army's Meritorious Unit Citation - three awards
and the
Republic of Vietnam's Civil Action Medal - First Class
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LTG Julian Ewell (II-FFV)
and
ARVN MG Pham Cao Ching
awarding the
Republic of Vietnam's
Civil Action Medal
to
2nd Civil Affairs Company
for meritorious service
1968 - 1969
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What about recognition
for the Men and
the worked performed
in 1966-1967
and in 1970-1971 ?
If we were not Valorous,
were we at least Meritorious ?
Too Late Now
No RVN and No ARVN. |
The Platoons and the Teams of the 2nd Civil Affairs Company
were often individually recognized when they were attached to other units.
Please report awards to your platoons and teams.
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American Women
The Nurses, the Red Cross Volunteers and the USO Entertainers
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Nurses
In their early 20s
EVALUATING
Who can be Saved !
and
Who can not !
thus
Who must be Comforted ! |
Surgical Nurses
and Doctors
12 Hour Shifts,
6 Days a Week
So you think your job
was rough ? |
Nursing
There is a Good Part
Overseeing
the
Recovery |
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The
American Women
They did not
have to be there
but
they were there ! |
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Red Cross Volunteers
aka
Donut Dollies
at the
Plantation Camp in 1966 |
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USO Shows
Joy Wilkerson and
Playboy Bunny Friends
1966 |
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American Forces Network Vietnam
the Nightly Weather Forecaster
Barbara Bobbie Oberhansky
Everyone waited for
Her Forcecast of the weather
" Way Up Here in Hue " |
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THANK YOU to All
for
just being there for us !
- - - -
For those few minutes to write that post card they sent home
when I could not write one myself (JMN - 25 Dec 66).
- - - -
For the few seconds to give that injection - after what seemed to be an eternity,
For the hours of monitoring vital signs or standing-by for a whole day,
For the many visits during a week,
For the few minutes of just talking and hearing a female voice.
- - - -
Some truly Great Women stayed even longer than our one year tours !
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Sharon Ann Lane
1-LT U.S. Army Nurse Corps
xxx
was KIA on 6 June 1969
when 122 mm Rockets hit the 312th Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai
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and
xxx
7 American Nurses died while on active duty in Vietnam
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as well as
59 American Women
who were
American Red Cross Volunteers,
Journalists on assignments,
U.S. Government Agency Employees
or
Orphanage Volunteers
who were executed when they were held as
Prisoners of War
American Women who died in Vietnam and in Laos
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DEROS
The Greatest Day of Every Tour
Date Eligible for Return from Overseas Station
xx
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1SGT John H. Harrison (L) saying
Thank You and Good Bye
to some of the Second Increment Men in the Truck (L-R)
SP4 Vincent Miller, SP4 Robert Walsh, ?, SP4 Thomas Varner, SP4 Eddie Borrego
and to
SSGT James Penn (R)
next stop 90th Replacement Battalion - picture below |
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The 90th Replacement Battalion in Long Binh - 1969
and
the greatest words you will ever hear from a loud speaker.
- - - - -
" ATTENTION in the compound.
All ETS, PCS and Special Leave Personnel in Group 67-xxx
report to Assembly Area xx and be prepared to move out !
and
twelve hours later
" The plane has landed. The Local Time in California is xxx.
- - - - -
normally two hours earlier and one calendar day before the day you left Vietnam
because of the International Date Line and the Time Zones.
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STANDING DOWN
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STANDING DOWN
Summer of 1971
- - - - -
starting on the left, then around the back and to the front
SP5 Joseph S. Mingo (3rd Plt) , SP5 Pierre A. Joly (8th Plt),
SP4 John Paul w/ pipe (11th Plt),
SP4 Dave Watts (HQ) and SP5 James Unkerfer (12th Plt)
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VOLLEY BALL COURT at the Plantation Base Camp in the later years
Facilities and life styles certainly changed since 1966
Rear - Dale R. Vernon, Richard Coulson
Front - Alnis G. Grants and John H. Giordano |
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GOING HOME
x x |
When we were ordered to "STAND DOWN" before our work was completed,
We said " Yes, SIR ! " Saluted and Moved Out.
- - - - - .
Most of us came back alive before the DeActivation
but
our Honored Dead were already home and At Rest with Full Military Honors.
- - - - -
We have pride in knowing that we tried to do our job and to
SEAL the VICTORY
and at the end,
we did not cut and run,
we even sent our equipment home too ! |
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3/4 Ton M-37 Trucks
prepared for departure.
The II-FFV - 2CA
Unit Designations Removed |
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Convoy Made Up and
Ready to Roll
to the Port of Departure.
Next stop U.S.A. |
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The Last Picture of the 2nd Civil Affairs Base Camp Area
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Company Headquarters Building
Summer of 1971
just before unit inactivation on 27 July 1971
Photo from 2-LT Steve A. Dennis
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The brand new and then unoccupied II - Field Force Headquarters - circa 1966-1967
note the brand new 'Low Bunkers' at front perimeter.
The 'Large Building' in the Rear is the Plantation PX
owned and operated by former 2CA 1-LT Harold 'Hal' Lynch and
the front door was guarded by 2CA MP SP4 Eribello 'Ed' Ponce.
The Chopper Pad and 2CA area - are not shown but at right - 200 yards
The Long Binh Ammo Dump was at far horizon. |
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LTC Robert W. Gruen was the Last Commanding Officer of the 2nd Civil Affairs Company.
When he departed the 2nd CA for his next assignment (TRAC),
He took a picture of the Plantation Base Camp as it was in July 1971
Much changed from the "Tent Cities" of November 1966
- - - - -
Need help with locating building in the Aerial Photograph.
Lowest Road in pix (L to R) - 552nd Military Police Company
Second Road up from bottom of pix - 2nd CA HQ, BOQs, Motor Pool and Warehouse
Third Road up from bottom of pix - Three Aluminum Hooches - 2nd CA EM Housing
Big Black Area is the 'newly paved' Helipad.
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Google Image of 2nd CA Base Camp Area - Today |
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Long = 10 . 946 744
Lat = 106 . 870 312
Elevation - 10 Meters
I put "spaces" between numbers above so you can read them.
Use the Period (Dot) but do NOT put the spaces in when you are typing in your numbers
10.946744, (type a comma and then a space bar after comma, and finally) 106.870312
10.946744, 106.870312 |
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In 2017, 2CA Mail Specialist Dick Ingwaldson (1966-67) visited Vietnam and Dick reported
the II-FFV Plantation HQ Buildings Complex and the old PX Bldg were demolished
and those areas are now vacant land (2021) but there is
a new Electrical Generating Station at the old Helipad and 53rd Signal Battalion Areas
but and BUT
The 2021 Google Earth Satellite Image shows
the Original Roads between the 2CA areas still exists:
start at the Stream that was our source for our Drinking Water
which was just below the 552 MP area and
the 552 MP Road that goes left around the corner up to:
the road between 2CA Motor Pool to 2CA HQ and the 9th Trans Mess Hall;
and the road between the 2CA Adam Hut Hooches and the 53rd Signal Area - the Chopper Pad.
The entire area is now 100% Buildings - wall to wall.
Not even space for one blade of grass, much less for one sand bag.
You must look at the 'Shapes of the Roads', then everything falls into place.
JMN - (12 June 2021)
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The Last Man in 2nd Civil Affairs
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SP4 Andre Christon
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On the Last Day when the 2nd Civil Affairs "Stood Down",
there were only a few of us left at the Plantation.
A few Lucky Friends got on the first truck and they were going to fly home,
while other Friends got on the second truck and left for their new units,
then I was alone and waiting for a ride to my next unit.
Suddenly, I realized that
I was the LAST MAN to leave the 2nd Civil Affairs Company
27 July 1971 .
P. S.
Just before my tour ended a few months later,
I borrowed a vehicle and drove back to the Plantation.
The Buildings were exactly as we had left them,
the Office Furniture was still there and the Bunks were in the Adams Huts.
I said GOODBYE to my home - away from home
and then
I got on a plane and I flew home.
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xx
The Greatest Day of My Tour
DEROS Day
Sun Rise
on
September 1, 1967
xx
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..
"California, California Here We Come,
Back, Back Where We Started From ...
- - -
Everyone has a home which is unique and special.
There is no place like home !
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My Father told me ...
the Body Grows Old
while
the Mind Stays Young.
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Joseph M. Napp
1-LT QMC - Supply Officer
Plantation Base Camp 1966-67 |
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Joe Napp and Daughter
Thanksgiving 2020
Covid Beard - No Glasses, Lasik |
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