I would like to create a shadow box for my uncle as a Christmas gift. I am a retired 22-year Navy Chief myself so I am familiar with putting a shadow box together. Army lingo is totally foreign to me.

I have his DD214 with all of his awards.

He was "7/1 Air Cav USARV"

His MOS was 67N20. He was also a door gunner on a Huey.

I have most of his medals. I can purchase the other ones.

He is missing his wings. I have a name tag of his with a picture of his wings. My question is if you warrant wearing the wings, if you are a gunner, do you wear the M60 as well?

I have a patch of his, (attached s a picture of it so it can be identified) but I would rather find an emblem/patch for his div/unit/company he was attached to.

Also, I getting him some T-shirts and hats. (other than the generic "Vietnam Veteran")

I just need to suggestions so I can move forward with this. This is LONG overdue.

Thanks in advance

SOS. My dad is being laid to rest on Monday. One of the ribbons we have isn't correct and we can't get the correct one in time. We need the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with date bar attachment. Does anyone in SOUTH FLORIDA have one we can use? I will buy you a new one. I know this is a long shot but taking every shot I have. Thank you.

Alpha & Delta Company move off Hill 1030 and head northwest before switching directions and moving due east. At 816086, Alpha Company discovers an empty North Vietnamese Army (NVA) position consisting of at least 10 foxholes and one bunker. Estimated to be less than one week old. It is apparent that the NVA had at least partially occupied the Hill 1030 area prior to the 3-12 Infantry's arrival. The two companies continue patrolling and head west towards Hill 935. The units stop near a small stream short of the base of the hill and establish a Night Defensive Position (NDP) at 814092. At 2204 hours, a listening post (LP) on the 125 meters out from the south side of the perimeter reported hearing 12-20 rounds of automatic weapons fire and movement. An hour later, a Delta Company LP on the southeast side of the perimeter reported more movement, estimated to be 50 meters away from the LP position. No further findings are reported in the log, and the rest of the evening passes uneventfully.

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Map Summary - 3-12 Infantry 11/28/68

Thursday, November 28th, 1968. A quiet day in the Central Highlands. Here's what the battalion log says for activity.

"3/12 INF - Today ran a total of four reconnaissance patrols and 20 SRP (Short Range Patrols). Today no enemy contact was made only findings as listed in item 70 daily log. Closed 2400 hours. 28 Nov. David E Fried - Major."

Item 70 from the Daily Journal - Co B CO reported that his SRP #6 found what appeared to be a B40 Rocket Launcher or carrier at YB 932197. Found on a trail complex. "

I know this is a long shot but has anybody here or have family that served with the 101st airborne, 502nd regiment, 2nd battalion, bravo company around April-June of 1968. If so please DM me.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for any historical information, photographs, or documentaries about Huyen Do Luong in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. This area doesn’t seem to be widely covered in most resources I’ve checked so far.

I understand it wasn’t a major battleground like Khe Sanh or Hue, but I believe it might have had strategic significance given its location in north-central Vietnam and proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

If anyone has access to U.S. military archives, personal collections, or even recommendations on where I can search for relevant materials (e.g., National Archives, Vietnam War veteran groups, etc.), I’d greatly appreciate it!

Thank you for your time and any help you can provide.

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17 Days with Bravo Company 

Daily Summary of events

December 1st - Bravo Company patrol finds body of NVA soldier KIA by arty 4-5 days previously at 816086.

December 2nd - Bravo Company discovers a large empty NVA complex outside their night defensive position (NDP) at in the vicinity 821083. Bamboo is still green. At least three large hootches, 12 bunkers with bamboo matting, 19 spider holes, two mortar positions and multiple trenches. A large bomb crater in the middle of the complex destroyed additional structures. Later at 819085 a high speed access trail is discovered running north-south. Bravo Arty Forward Observer (FO) discovers fuse canister for rocket. 20 additional NVA structures or bunkers are discovered. Torn ammo pouches, used first aid dressing and torn up Chou Hoi leaflets are also discovered. Ambush Patrols and LPs are sent out after establishing an NDP at 809092.

December 3d - At 801088 Bravo Company discovers 17 incomplete foxholes, three bunkers, one kitchen and sleeping quarters for over 100 individuals. Footprints are found on a high speed trail. A ruck sack with warm rice in a canister with a spoon was found, as well as an NVA officer's belt buckle. Bravo reports hearing small arms fire and mortar fire to the southeast. Later, at 797084, Bravo finds another empty North Vietnamese Army (NVA) complex. Over 100 bunker positions, rocket components, ammo crates. The area had been hit heavily by 81mm mortar fire. Five graves are found along with several bodies. A large trail running west-southwest is also discovered. Bravo Company establishes a semi-permanent perimeter on the site of the NVA complex. Ambush Patrols are sent out to the north and south.

December 4th - Bravo continues to occupy and reinforce the NDP at 797084. Normal patrols are conducted. Negative findings.

December 5th - Bravo continues to occupy and reinforce the NDP at 797084. Normal patrols are conducted. Negative findings. Ambush Patrol established at 801087. Status 107 enlisted men and four officers.

December 6th - Bravo continues to occupy and reinforce the NDP at 797084. Normal patrols are conducted. Negative findings. Ambush Patrol established at 796080. Status 98 enlisted men and four officers.

December 7th -  Bravo continues to occupy and reinforce the NDP at 797084. Normal patrols are conducted. Negative findings. 

December 8th - Bravo Company is lifted from its NDP at 797084 and brought several kilometers to the west, where it eventually joins with Charlie Company. The two elements establish an NDP at 771088. Bravo Company status is 96 enlisted and four officers. Charlie Company status 109 enlisted and five officers.

December 9th - Bravo & Charlie Company move to 769098 and establish a new NDP. Ambush Patrols are sent out to 772103 (Bravo) and 765095 (Charlie).  Bravo Company status is 96 enlisted and four officers. Charlie Company status 109 enlisted and five officers

December 10th - Bravo Company moves out of the NDP at 1030 hours and heads northeast toward Hill 890. At 1130 hours, they are engaged by a large NVA element. Enemy sniper fire from multiple positions is followed up by mortar fire. At least one man is KIA and three WIA in the initial engagement. A Bravo Company element encounters a well dug-in enemy force in foxholes with overhead cover. It takes several hours for Bravo Company to break contact and link up with Charlie Company. The wounded from the initial engagement, including PFC John Nishimura, are finally evacuated at 1600. At approximately 1800 hours, additional casualties are suffered and a new dustoff request is called in at 1820. PFC Nishimura would succumb to his wounds on April 4th, 1968. SGT Ronald Sandmann, SP4 Robert Larson and PFC Robert Campbell are reported MIA from the morning contact.

December 11th - Bravo Company begins moving back to the contact site on December 10th. At 1255 the lead element spots two NVA running across a trail and takes them under fire. One KIA, one WIA and escaped. By 1335, Bravo was receiving intense small arms fire and 60mm mortars. At 1350, Bravo is able to break contact. Four friendly WIA and unknown NVA casualties. The NVA position consisted of several large bunkers connected by a trench system. Air strikes are called in the enemy position as Bravo returns to its NDP from December 10th. At 1400, Bravo spotted a tunnel at 773106. Cider 15, a USAF Forward Air Controller, calls in airstrikes consisting of napalm and 750lb bombs before clearing the airspace so friendly artillery from the battalion firebase can continue to pound the target. Bravo is unable to recover the three MIA from December 10th. Bravo Company status 88 enlisted men and four officers.

December 12th - At 0635 hours, the joint Bravo & Charlie Company NDP receives five rounds of incoming mortar fire. One round lands within the perimeter and four rounds impact outside. No casualties. Bravo Company once again moves against the NVA positions on Hill 890. No enemy contact is reported, but the body of one of the MIA soldiers from December 10th is recovered. Bravo Company status is 92 enlisted and five officers. Charlie Company status 103 enlisted and five officers.

December 13th - Bravo & Charlie Company once again push towards the site of the December 10th contact. At 1050, Charlie Company discovers a bunker and the remaining two MIA Bravo Company soldiers. Both are KIA. Charlie Company continues clearing the area and begins to receive sporadic sniper fire, resulting in one soldier WIA with a shoulder wound. The wounded and recovered KIA are evacuated from the field, and Charlie company continues pushing north, with Bravo Company in a trail position. Both companies continue to receive sporadic sniper fire as they clear the area. The companies established a new NDP at 772108. Bravo Company status is 90 enlisted and five officers. Charlie Company status 104 enlisted and five officers.

December 14th -  At 0840, a Charlie Company listening post reports heavy movement to the west of the NDP. The LP spots a 60mm mortar position and takes it under fire using an M-79 grenade launcher and small arms. A patrol element from Charlie Company moves out to the southwest and is almost immediately taken under sniper fire. The patrol breaks contact and returns to the NDP. Charlie continues to take contact and push through NVA positions. One soldier, SP4 Lloyd Slack, is killed by a sniper. Bravo Company discovers mortar positions on a nearby hill and makes contact with additional NVA elements, suffering one WIA. After evacuating the WIA and KIA, the two companies join once again and establish an NDP at 774113. At 1755, NVA mortars impact in/around the B Co position. No casualties are reported. Bravo Company status is 85 enlisted and four officers. Charlie Company status 102 enlisted and five officers. 

December 15th - Bravo Company is tasked with clearing the area immediately surrounding their NDP. Charlie Company is given the mission of clearing three small knolls to the southeast. Charlie Company discovers an NVA position including bunkers, sleeping quarters and mortar positions. Also discovered are AK-47 ammo, 82mm tail fins, NVA and an NVA entrenching tool, as well as an M-16 rifle, likely taken from the Bravo Company casualties suffered on December 10th. Bravo Company finds a possible rocket position before returning to the NDP at 774113. At 1727 hrs the B Co perimeter was hit again with approximately fourteen 60mm mortars. No casualties are reported. Bravo Company status 87 enlisted and four officers. Charlie Company status 103 enlisted and five officers.

December 16th - Bravo Company remains in position on the NDP. Several small patrols are sent out in the immediate vicinity. Charlie Company moves out to continue searching and destroy operations to the west. At 1350 hours it discovers another large NVA bunker complex and trail system. Numerous fighting and sleeping positions are discovered, as well as burlap bags, straw baskets and mortar fuses and powder. After destroying the NVA positions and material, Charlie Company returns to the shared Bravo Company NDP. Bravo Company status 87 enlisted and four officers. Charlie Company status 108 enlisted and five officers.

December 17th - At 0800, Huey slicks from the 189th Assault Helicopter Company (Ghostrider) begin lifting Delta Company soldiers from the Battalion firebase on Hill 1030 and bringing them to the shared Bravo/Charlie NDP. As the Delta Company soldiers disembark the helicopters, Bravo Company men jump aboard, happy to be headed back to the firebase for a change of scenery and lighter duty. 

Casualty list

Killed in Action

SGT Ronald Sandmann (Dec. 10th - Bravo) https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/45465/RONALD-L-SANDMANN/

SP4 Robert Larson (Dec. 10th - Bravo) https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/29748/ROBERT-J-LARSON/

PFC Robert Campbell (Dec. 10th - Bravo) https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/7638/ROBERT-C-CAMPBELL/

PFC John Nishimura (WIA Dec. 10th, DOW April 4th, 1968 - Bravo) https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/58186/JOHN-NISHIMURA/

SP4 Lloyd Slack (Dec. 14th - Charlie) https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/47872/LLOYD-SLACK/

Wounded in Action (List may be incomplete)

Peter Nannini (Dec. 7th - Charlie)

Derwood Morris (Dec. 10th - Bravo)

Booker Hickman (Dec. 10th - HHC)

Cedric Northrup (Dec. 10th - Bravo)

James T Morris (Dec. 11th - B/6-29 FA)

Earl Heims (Dec.13th - Charlie)

Richard Howard (Dec. 14th - Bravo)

B-57 pilot in the Doom Pussy squadron. First squadron to do night raids into North Viet Nam

Hi!! My grandfather did three tours in Vietnam. This is the only picture I have of him in uniform, and my mom was told he was “brown beret” which I’ve read is brown water forces going extractions, I think. However, I’m trying to place the patches/symbols on his beret, and google is not helpful. He was attached also to USS Howitt and USS Bronstein as well at some point. Thank you for all your help!

His name was Kenneth Mark Muniz he was in 101st Airborne just seeing if anyone served with him and might have some pictures to share , thank you

Hi,

I read a book about a year ago by a Vietnam veteran named Stan Goff who had served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the early 70s before it was deactivated and he was transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division while stateside. The reason I ask this question is that Goff claims that there was heroin usage in his unit which he apparently became dependent on after a medic gave it to him for a badly sprained ankle/leg injury. There are some other stories about dysfunction in the unit that he witnessed that included soldiers killing a civilian. I was curious if anyone knew that its reputation of dysfunction at the time contributed to its deactivation in 1972 or if it was just simple downsizing of the army towards the end of the war. Obviously there is also the Americal Division which was deactivated in the early 70s and I also pondered if its deactivated was partly because of the political firestorm that took over its reputation.

For the record, Goff is a political activist with some pretty strange views that could probably offend quite a few people. His book does not reveal my own politics on any level and that is not something I really want to discuss in this thread if possible.

Thank you.

Let me first preface this question in stating that I am aware that the trail was not simply one long highway but rather a corridor which has many trails within.

My question is how could there be so many bombing campaigns and ordnance dropped on the trail that the VC were able to continue using it? I know they would make trails around obstacles and fork off others in order to pass through but close to four million tons of bombs were dropped on it along with chemicals being dumped all willy nilly.

Not to discredit the VC for rigorously maintaining the trail but it's almost unreal to imagine that there'd be much of anything to maintain with so much destruction.

Were the bombing campaigns spread out too far? Were the bombs themselves just not effective? or were the VC, in fact, absolute machines when it came to maintaining and rerouting?