For those of you who may think this is a picture about nothing you may be right. Although there was a time back in 1967-1971 that this little strip of land was known as Dong Ba Thin, home of the 92nd Assault Helicopter Company and the cows in the background are grazing on what's left of the flight line. This is the one side of the base, the larger one on the Cam Rahn Bay side of HWY 1 and below is the side I was stationed on the smaller side. I spent close to 6 months in this location before being restationed to Camp Holloway in Pleiku with the 3rd AHC. Hopefully I will visit Pleiku on my next trip to Vietnam and maybe my friend Tom Han from Los Angeles and formerly of Pleiku will come with me and show me the sites. I heard that most of Pleiku city was destroyed in 1975 upon the take over by the North and with fierce fighting near the center of town most of it was demolished.
Notice the mountains in the rear, when I traveled by train through this area last September 2005 the train goes behind those mountains and reappears further up the coast near Nha Trang. Beautiful train travel in Vietnam
56 comments:
Recognized the airstrip on my last trip through in Dec 06. I didn't remember the name of the company there, but you may have given me a lift a few times when I was at A-502 up the road in Dien Khanh. My last night on my tour in RVN was spent as some Aviation Battalion just outside Cam Ranh, where an OCS classmate named Levy was the adjutant. We had a subdetachment at Soui Dau, which is now an industrial free zone.
This was the home of the 243rd Assault Support Helicopter Company (Freight trains) Chinooks. The finest unit in Vietnam.
research information before 1967..I was with "C" Company 65th Engineer Btln and we were "TDY" from the 25th Div in Hawaii..We constructed the first airfield in Dong Ba Thin..We bivouced across the street in squad tents nex to the Vietnamese Special Forces camp.
I was there from Sept. 1965- Dec 1965..
I too was in C Company 65th Engr. Bn at Don Ba Thin. I recall the name Herb Godfrey but can't recall which platoon he was assigned.
Arnold Ear Cheal then 1st LT
I was with the 18th Eng Bde, in 1969. I was a photographer assigned to the PIO. I have many photographs of Dong Ba Thin from the ground and the air. I'll have to pull them out of storage and take a look.
Posted earlier today, found 35mm slides of 1969 to 1970 of Dong Ba Thin. If you would like a copy I will provide them at no charge for my brothers in arms. email me at: robertsj164@yahoo.com
I was also with the 18th engineer brigade hdqrs co. From 1966-67. Prior to that I spent 3years in pforzheim germany. I'm getting to the age now where my memory is not so good. Wish I could remember some of my comrades names.
I was in the 92nd for just a couple of weeks (July 1969) before being assigned to HHC 10th Avn Bn also at Dong Ba Thin. I was the legal clerk; never did work in my MOS (petroleum storage specialist). email: earpgun@comcast.net
Welcome home brothers, Don# Bah Thin 69 with 608th.
I was stationed in Dong Ba Thin during 1970-1971 at the 608th Transportation Company. I supplied aircraft parts.
I left there January 1970, airframe specialist.
I was at the 183rd RAC, at the other end of DBT's Airstrip, across from 608th, in all of 1968, as both also an Airframe Repairman 68G20 and a Public Info Specialist 71Q20. While on Guard Duty, we watched 10th Air Bn. Hueys (10 to 12) get satchel charged during TET, but the rest if the time was "mild".
I was with 18th Engineer Brigade HHC Feb 70 to Jan 71--worked in personnel. Spc 5 John Rieman
I was in dong BA Thin 1965-1966 with the 1st av Brigsde from fort Campbell Ky as a medic,SP/I Jackson.
Worked in the Engineering and Plans Section of the 18th Engineer Bde. as a structural engineer and construction inspector. Remembered that Cpt Ballard was a pretty good volleyball player. Was there from Dec 69 to Dec 70. 1 Lt Stephen Johnson. Any others that were attached to EPS?
I was stationed in headquarters co 18th Engineer bed from 1966-67. Worked in food service.
I was at the 608th from May through November '68.
my father was Ronald a coleman he was a helicopter pilot there in 1967.. if anyone has any other pictures they would like to share please email at marshall.gerlaugh@gmail.com.. thank you
I was with First Single Corp. housed at Dong-Ba-Thin,has we build a receiver site north of the air field to back up Nan-Trang. Then we moved south of Dong-Ba-Thin to build a transmitter site. I was station there 20 months but took leave back to the USA for Christmas.
My name is Byron Pharr I was with the 608th in 69,my mos was 68g20 airframe repairman.
My name is Ray Duran. Our Hq unit was Co D, 36 Sig Bn, right next to the bay. I was there Sep 68 - Dec 68, then on to Phan Thiet about 90 miles SW Jan 69 - Apr 70. Anyone remember Dodge City just before entering the 92nd AHC Hq?
My name is Frank Milledge and I was with the HHC 18th eng. bde from 1967 to 1968. Yes I do remember Dodge City.
My name is Jackie L. Davis (davisj@iecc.edu) and I worked in Brigade Personnel almost all of 1970 with MSG Frisbee and SFC Lewis. I was a SSG and Assistant NCOIC there. My brother, SSG William (Bill) Davis was the NCOIC of the 18th Engineer Brigade Officer's Mess there in Dong Ba Thin. I also remember a John Rieman that worked in my department. If I recall correctly, he had a Master's Degree from Princeton. I would appreciate it if anyone would be willing to share their pictures.
to George gleadow sp5 do you remember if the reciver site was south of the transmitter site, if so I was stationed at the receiver site 1967-68 our call sign was 19 switch. I can,t find any info about any thing. If you know anything my email is fredbell842@outlook.com thanks
I was also there in fall of 65 with C company. I remember the rains filled all the drain ditches and it looked like we were living on a lake. Lots of laughs when someone forgot where a ditch was.
Served in HHC 18th Engineer Brigade from August of 69 to September of 70. I went to Vietnam to build bridges, but I guess they needed a draftsman more than another roustabout, so I ended up in the drafting room. My name is Doug Wynne, and I remember serving with Harry Rutherford, Dennis Bloemker, Dave Almquist, and Terry Schultz. Dave visited with my wife and me in Rockland, MA on his way home, but I have lost all contact with him and never had any with the others. Have lunched with our former supply clerk, Phil Clay a couple of times. He returned to MIT for his doctorate, founded their urban studies department, and retired recently as Vice Chancellor. I linked back up with him when I went to work for the Greater Boston Chamber, and he was on the BOD. Happy to correspond with any who remember my name.
I severed with 18th engineer brigade hhc s4 June 68 medi-vac feb69 spc5 tom clark
Spc5 tom clark after I was med vaced joe Macy was killed I got a letter from one of these guys he was my best friends joe served 18 mos in country when he was killed,he reused for 2 6 month extensions joe Macy sp4 hhc 18 engineer brigade RIP
My unit, the 129th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, a Huey outfit, was also based at Dong Ba Thin during my time with them...March '66-March '67. Max W., Sgt, 2nd platoon 'Bulldogs.'
I was at the receiver site 68-69. I remember George. He and his buddy did a lot of maintenance work around the site when I arrived.
I believe George worked with a guy by the name of Kim.
I was an aircraft tech rep but don't remember if I was with Lockheed or Lear Seagler there. Been a long time and time there ran together. My first base was Bear Cat with Dynalectron Corp. a couple weeks after TET. Mike B.
Forgot to say I remember dodge city to. Tried to make couple times a week
to the post by jack s when did you arrive at the receiver site, I was there from feb 67 to march 68. was the call sine for your com center still 19 switch, do you know anything else about our unit we were attached to na trang communications but what signal group did we come under. Thanks for any info at all that you can post, Fred Bell Went by chuck the M79 go to guy'
I also remember Dodge City, menthol steam helped a lot.
My name is Paul Gomez. I was assigned to HHC, 10th Cmbt Avn Bn, Dong Ba Thin, 1966-67. I worked in Personnel, processing officers in and out of the Bn. My brother was a Huey door gunner assigned to the 48th AHC. I look forward to meeting up with anyone who served at the same time.
I remember you John. We worked with SFC Lewis and MSG Frisbee. I was SSG Jackie Davis. How have you been? Davisj@iecc.edu
Yes I remember you SSG--who could forget MSG Frisbee. The night before I DEROSED we had an alert--I had turned in my weapon the night before so I could get the first transportation out in the morning. Spent several hours in a steel conex before I left. Cam Rahn had also been attacked.
i was there in1969 iwas in the com center in july an aug on aug 7th 69 i was seriously wounded the 6th army hpspitial was blown up i had to go to airforce hospital sent to chelsea naval hosp spent 18 months there my body was torn up with schrapnal they retired me with 100% anybody else remember that night im from ct
Sgt. Kenny Hunicut was hit w/me. 10th Aviation HHC.
DBT was location of our Company HQ, 183rd RAC. Seahorse. O-1, (Bird dog unit)
David Helton,
Does anyone remember Robert Garcia , or Jr. Osborn. 1968-1969 ?
I was with 732Nd signal 1968-1969.
I spent a lot of time in Baloc.
iwas in dbt 278sig 1967 was under attact few times had fire fight right beside us one night watch puff one night for hours in my bunker bottion vc were coming to get us yes I do remember dodge city was there many times
Dave Contino, I was on guard duty that night over on Dong Ba Thin. I remember praying for the guys over there.
robertsj164@yahoo.com I tried to contact you about the pictures but I got a bounce back.
I was Stationed in Dong Ba Thin Nov.1967 to July 31 1968 with the 92nd assault helicopter co.
the stallion group. the attachment was the 618th transportation. We got there on Thanksgiving
day on Nov. 1967. The whole group was from Fort Carson Colo.
I worked the CRANE Switchboard at the TOC with the 18th Eng Bde for six months, then they sent the unit home, and I transferred up to Camp Haskins with the 45th Eng Gp, where I became a teletype operator, as they needed teletype not switchboard operators. Nice transfer, loved the teletype even though I was trained as a field wireman. I have books of photo's of the 18th HQ someplace, the wife decided she would "scrapbook" my tour so it's all screwed up now, can't find much any more. (SGT J. Ericsson 1970-1977 US Army)
I was sent there after a short stint at Bearcat as an Aircraft Tech Rep with Dynalectron Corp early in 1968. We had a sheet metal shop on wheels where we worked out of. There was a monkey tied up near by and after a few weeks I was able to tame the monkey enough where it would climb on my shoulders and go for a ride. We slept in a tent not far from the front gate. My next assignment was to Qui Nhon I had my head split open at Vong Tau and went to Japan for some time before returning to Nam again. Left Nam October 1969 for assignment in Syracuse, NY at Hancock Field.
Was there Jan 69 -Jan 70. Someone kept a monkey tied outside the sheet metal shop,he was a mean nasty little critter,I hated him and he hated me.
My name is Sp5 Richard Dyer an I was an Air Traffic Controller in the Tower on top of a conix before the US Army built the New(1967-1968)Control Tower. Working in the new A/C tower was very nice. I am now 74 years of age but I still remember working in the tower either by myself or training new controllers from the states.
My Unit was 339th. ASD,(Voice of DBT), we made our own Patch which I have on my Army Vietnam Jacket, an if there is anyone that was there in my unit please send me a haler an let me know how you are doing.
My Email is ndpu07@yahoo.com.. Be glad to hear from you.
Served in a Signal unit that was between Cam Ranh and Dong Ba Thin. 542nd. Signal was a lone company about a mile up a dirt road from Hwy 1. Coming from CRB when you passed thru the check point, then crossed the long Bay bridge you'd come to a TEE in the road. Right to DBT and Left to Soo Chien & the ROK company. Turn right then went a couple hundred feet then left up the dirt road to this company. If you followed this road past our company and kept driving up into the mountains, there was a village of "Mountain Yards" that lived up there. herbrv@yahoo.com
I'm John Mellquist and was the Company Clerk for HHC, 10th CAB at Dong Ba Thin in 1971, was transferred from Co. B, 227th AHB, 1st Air Cav, in III Corp when the Cav colors retired back to CONUS and I still had time on my tour. We flew up the coast to Cam Rahn Bay over the most beautiful pristine coastline I have ever seen. On the drive from the CRB airport out to DBT I was shocked to see what a resort the area appeared to be! Hobie Cats, people water skiing. Where was I really? I soon discovered for myself the gorgeous deserted beaches nearby where I became interested in underwater photography and diving. chevfordy9@gmail.com
I worked DBT Tower 67-68 assigned to the 125th ATC. On paper was worth the 117th and 243rd Aviation Companies. We were billeted with the 339 company that ran the POL and Fire Truck, got our mail through the 183rd Bird Dog Company.
George Applegate got there Feb.8th 1967 as combat eng. they were just forming the 18th Eng brigade and was there for my yr. left Feb 8th 1968. as I remember 18th Was along the bay Aviation was on west side of Hwy 1 some time during my time there sappers came into aviation and placed scathel charges in 12 helicopter only one went off no one saw them come or go.
I arrived in Dong Ba Thin, 1/3/68, HHC 18th Engr Bde. But this entry is not about me, it is about the store Dodge City located there on QL 1.It sold beer, whiskey, tobacco, candy, magazines, etc.. I later became a personnel officer in a Michigan local government office. While interviewing an applicant we discussed our tours of service. His was much later. He shared that he was leaving RVN as the VC were taking over and he and another soldier were pushing south to Cam Rahn to catch a flight or boat ride ot of the county. He noted they were in a rush but saw Dodge City and stopped to buy whisky for the trip home. According to him there was not a person to be seen anywhere and the door was not locked. They took a few extra minutes to fill the back of the vehicle with alcohol and smokes since the VC would get it anyway. As they were leaving the thought struck him, why should they enjoy all the fun contents stacked there wall to wall? As he went out the door, he tossed a grenade into the whiskey section. He said it burned nicely.. I cannot verify the story, or all the details as this discussion took place many years ago but it cheers me to accept it.
I
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I am John Fox and I was an SP5 Air Traffic Controller at Dong Ba Thin 12/67 through 12/68. I was with the 339th ASD, (Voice of DBT) with Richard Dyer. Spent a lot of time in the portable tower on top of the conix and enjoyed the new tower when it was built. A lot of old memories and I still have the patch Richard mentioned in his note. Just wanted to say hi.
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