Veterans Accounts

The writers of the articles that can be accessed from this page are all Vietnam Veterans. The contents of the articles represent their own personal recollections and memories. All of the material belongs to them and is copyright of the respective authors and may not be reproduced without their express consent. Please observe their rights over their own writing, particularly when the memories expressed have been earned at such a cost.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to each of the veterans who have submitted material to this website. To each and every one of these Veterans, thank you gentlemen for your help and for your frankness. Welcome Home!

Delta Mike 2

An extensive series of articles from a two-tour veteran of the 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One. DM2 was the first veteran to contact me and I am indebted to him for the initial trust that he placed in me.

• General Observations - introductions
• VC/NVA PART 1 - introduction to the enemy
• VC/NVA PART 2 - a look at Main Force VC
• VC/NVA PART 3 - further observations on the enemy
• VC/NVA in the Wire - attacks on base camps and NDPs
• US Organisation & Equipment - no wonder they were called Grunts!
• US Infantry Radio Communications - call signs and methods
• US Ambush Patrols - preparation for an ambush
• Air Assault Part 1 - preparations at the PZ
• Air Assault Part 2 - approaching the LZ
• Air Assault Part 3 - at the LZ
• Critters Part 1 - the enemy were not always the biggest problem
• Critters Part 2 - Dopey & Dummy - attacked by NVA lizards
• Uniforms of the ARVN - a brief guided tour
• Ammo Loads - the GI's could never carry enough
• Ammo Loads Part 2 - 'more is better'
• GI Beans and GI Gravy - life in the field
• Friendly Fire - on the receiving end of US friendly fire
• Beans, Incoming & Stuff - general observations
• Highway 13, Thunder Road - providing route security on QL#13
• The Sixth Sense - the development of a combat 'instinct'
• Rubber Plantations - observations on a common terrain feature
• Weapons and Penetration - punching holes through walls in RVN
• Sixth Sense & Other Stuff - answers to questions about NDP's
• Steel Pots and the Poppa-san Squat - trusty GI headgear

John Sandri - 1/4 Cav

A veteran of 1/4th Cavalry, the divisional armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division, John served two tours in RVN.

These pages are dedicated to the memory of SSG Roosevelt Williams, KIA, An Loc, RVN, Oct 1968

• Part 1 - general introduction; M48 and M551; 1/4 Cav Platoon organisation, armaments, ammo, formations and crews.
• Part 2 - operations; the M48; NDPs and Laagers.
• Xa Cat Rubber Plantation Ambush - account of the ambush in which SSG Roosevelt Williams was KIA.
• Part 3 - Rome Plows; Thunder Road; jungle busting and maintenance.
• Conflicting Agendas - a 'war story' that touches upon the decline of morale in 1969.
• Attitude is Everything - the different mental approaches adopted in an attempt simply to get through..
• Life and the Quart of Ice Cream - an account of a mounted night ambush and the 'reward' for a job well done.
• Christmas 1969 - an account of an impromptu Christmas party in War Zone D that provided a period of 'relaxation' and lasting memories for members of the third platoon, Alpha Troop, 1/4 Cavalry.
• Cavalry... Calvary - an account of several incidents that left their scars.
• Driving the M48 - a drivers perspective upon the problems associated with driving this battle tank.

Charles Lee - 159th ASHB

A veteran of the 159th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Charles served one tour.

• The 159th ASHB - initial formation and organisation of the battalion; aircraft maintenance, armament, loads and fuel/flight time; artillery insertions.
• Battalion Headquarters - composition of the Battalion HQ Company, Phu Bai.
• 'The Benning School for Boys' - series of articles from Charles Lee that chronicle his journey to Vietnam and back again with the 101st Airborne Division

Curt Scheibel - 243rd ASHC

A veteran of the 243rd Assault Support Helicopter Company 'Freight Train', Curt served an 18-month tour.

• 243rd ASHC - general background concerning the company and information relating to the operations of the Chinook.

Michael Stewart - 7th Marines

A veteran of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam from Aug/Sept. '66 to late Nov. '67 and was attached primarily to "Mike" Company.

• USMC 81mm Mortar Section - a detailed account of how the mortar section was organised and how it operated in the field.

Michael Pomakis - 7th Marines

A veteran of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam from '66 to '67.

• 81mm Mortar Section Forward Observer - Mike answered numerous questions concerning the role of 'Whiskey India Forward', the 81mm FO for India Company, 3/7.

Warren Atkinson - 9th Marines

A veteran of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, in Vietnam '67-'68

• USMC 81mm Mortar Section - Warren presents an insight into the workings of another USMC mortar section

Thomas Currie - 11th ACR

A veteran of D Company, 1/11 ACR, in Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969.

• 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - a personal view of how 11th ACR, 'Blackhorse', operated in Vietnam during Tom's tour.