pleiku vietnam army base

Staff Sergeant John A. Jakovac 50th Infantry Regiment Missing . Trips into town were always exciting because you never knew who would be there or what would be going on. My primary duties were aircraft radio and communications repair and maintenance, said retired Staff Sgt. Endicott, Judy G. (1999) Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995; USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995. It is a work in progress so if your base is not listed, please inform the website owner to get it added. Today, the facility has been redeveloped as Pleiku Airport. For over 30 years, our annual reunions draw Pleiku veterans of all ranks, job positions and lengths of service from coast to coast for a few days of remembrance, socializing and a chance to visit with both old and new found friends. Our association is open to personnel of all military branches stationed in the Pleiku area. South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu deplanes followed by Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky. President Thieu shakes hands with RVN officers and reviews RVN troops. The VNAF 1141st Observation Squadron moved to Pleiku from Da Nang Air Base in January 1965, and a detachment of Douglas A-1 Skyraiders from Bien Hoa Air Base resided there for close air support capability. [7]:253. Pleiku Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam. The MAAG wanted the air field to be operational as a top priority by 1 July 1962. Unfortunately for the South Vietnamese, the commander of the region, General Phm Vn Ph, misinterpreted this order and directed an immediately evacuation of both cities. VIETNAM Pleiku AB Map. Accident Summary: HOVERING OVER LZ VOTH MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK TREES. more Color guard lined up as jeep moves past them. The attack on Camp Holloway occurred during the early hours of February 7, 1965, in the early stages of the Viet Tea, coffee, handicrafts, timber, and upland rice are the main products of the region. Jim Shingleton was among 28 Soldiers that left Fort Ord, California, on Dec. 23, 1966, and arrived the next day, Christmas Eve, in Vietnam. 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs. Mr. Cook served with the 1st Infantry Division, 2-16th Infantry, as a 1st Lieutenant in the Long Binh area of Vietnam. Camp Enari (also known as Dragon Mountain Base Camp and Hensel Airfield) is a former U.S. Army base east of Pleiku in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The museum is, JBLE- Eustis will conduct an Active Shooter Exercise Nov. 8. The APO for Pleiku was APO San Francisco, 96318. Pleiku Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam. The VC forces also attacked nearby . General Peers being decorated at the change of command of 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, South Vietnam. A visit by South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky and others to Pleiku Air Base in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Ukrainian Tribute Growout is a great opportunity for tomato lovers to get their hands on some unique and delicious varieties. Life on the base - Pleiku. [2]:81 In 1962 a detachment of Farm Gate B-26 Invaders began operations from Pleiku AB and by February 1963 this had grown to six B-26s and one C-47. No FEAR Act, An official website of the United States government, Pleiku departure; 50 years later, veterans recall memories, The 633rd Combat Support Group headquarters at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. To the many Army and Marine veterans whose units surrounded Pleiku Air Base and often provided needed protection for our base throughout the years, and for whom we in-turn provided combat air support during their ground operations; if you have no formal unit reunions or gatherings, we welcome your membership should you wish to join us. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star (posthumously) in Vietnam, who was killed in action on 2 December 1966. Camp Enari (also known as Dragon Mountain Base Camp and Hensel Airfield) is a former U.S. Army base east of Pleiku in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. According to retired Senior Master Sgt. At Pleiku airfield sixty-four aircraft were abandoned with little effort to destroy them before evacuating and large quantities of fuel and ordnance were left behind undamaged and ready for the PAVN to use. Red Dust Everywhere. Lieutenant Colonel Richard L. Harris, 16 December 1965-13 July 1966. The squadron was reassigned to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in early 1967, engaging in special operations primarily in Laos. Today, the facility has been redeveloped as Pleiku Airport, In January 1962, the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group in Vietnam requested the Department of Defense contract construction agent, the U.S. Navy Officer in Charge of Construction RVN (OICC), to design and construct a 6,000-foot (1,800m) runway at Pleiku. It was seized by the Vietnam Peoples Army in March. As North Vietnamese infiltration increased within and along the Laotian and Cambodian borders the importance of Pleiku Air Base increased, and base facilities were expanded and improved by American Army and Air Force civil engineering units. However, the situation significantly escalated since 6 February 1965, the VC attacked the U.S. compound in Pleiku, leaving eight Americans dead and . President Johnson orders immediate reprisals as 49 US Navy jets attack North Vietnam. Three miles outside of the city the US maintain a base called Camp Galloway. The remaining photos are within the. At Pleiku, it was the operational flying component of the 663d. Thompson would later retire as a chief master sergeant. The primary mission of Pleiku Air Base was forward air controller missions coordinated with the South Vietnamese and also as a base for United States special operations forces (initially called Air Commando units) in the South Vietnamese Central Highlands. [2]:275, In late 1964 a detachment of two Kaman HH-43 Huskie (B variants) were stationed at the base for rescue and local search and rescue. (Courtesy Photo), U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bill Thompson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, poses with his ramp patrol vehicle at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Oct. 1967. . Fierce fighting continued for three more days but by 14 March the situation was hopeless. It also doe, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTdsCRoH2E, http://189thahc.org/welcome_to_pleiku_photos.html. The 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Pleiku on 1 January 1966 from Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon, where it had operated since 1963. Batumi Adjar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Del Rio Texas Laughlin Air Force Base USA, U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base Thailand. [8]:176, The 9th Air Commando Squadron was activated at Pleiku on 25 January 1967 flying special operations missions using modified C-47s and O-2B Skymasters. [1]:66. [10], In late October 1967, some of the 604th Air Commando Squadron Combat Dragon A-37A Dragonflys moved to the base from Bien Hoa AB to perform armed and visual reconnaissance missions and night interdiction flights in the Tiger Hound operational area over southeastern Laos. Thanks VetFriends. He began by picking up an ace of spades playing card. Here is a small selection of photos from our Archive. By Staff Sgt. The day Ban Me Thuot fell, President Thieu called an emergency high level meeting at Cam Ranh Bay. These aircraft were equipped with various electronic warfare components. 5-7 oz Orange, mid season). Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database. 1967 Viet-Cong forces attacked the perimeter and overran the South Vietnamese army outpost. Major General William R. Peers and General Charles P. stone in a jeep as they troop the line. The former base facility has been torn down and a few streets remain, the land now being used for agriculture; none of the former base buildings remain. Nha Trang Air Base is a military airfield in Vietnam, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) northwest of Nha Trang in Khnh Ha Province. Contact Us | Click to Report BROKEN LINKS or Photos or Comment. An unaltered photocopy of your Report of Separation DD-214 WD AGO or NGB22 along with any military-issued document establishing your service at Pleiku Vietnam Allied Base. [12][11] During the stay at Pleiku, the squadron maintained a forward SAR alert unit at Da Nang Air Base from 1 April 1968 1 September 1969. No aircraft were lost in the air, but three A-37s at Pleiku were destroyed by 122mm rockets on 11 March when the PAVN rocketed the airfield. ZA 18-35 2km W Catecka Airfield Village - Tea Plantation. During this meeting Thieu made the decision to attempt an orderly withdrawal from the Central Highlands around Kontum and Pleiku in order to conserve forces and regroup for a counter-attack. ZA 184-903 PLEI KLENG Airfield. Thank you for the generous documents and photographs I have received thus far. In January 1965 the 62nd Wing and a detachment of the 516th Fighter Squadron moved to Nha Trang Air Base. Ill never forget my experience out there, and Airmen in the 633rd now should take the time to understand where they came from. Pleiku Air Base History. Privacy Policy | Links A sign in Vietnamese reads ' Plei Chi' the huts of Montagnard village. With so many varieties available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your climate and taste preferences. Other units stationed at Camp Enari included: Hensel Airfield was named after WO-1 Ernest Hensel a 10th Cavalry helicopter gunship pilot who was killed in action on 17 February 1967.[1]:5219. On Feb. 7, 1965, the Viet Cong attacked the U.S. base at Pleiku in the Central Highlands. This was the second in a series of retaliations launched because of communist attacks on US. A large number of soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division lined up on a field. Exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam Presumed exposure on land in Vietnam, on a vessel operating on the inland waterways of Vietnam, or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as defined in Public Law 116-23 (Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act 2019) between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 [2]:273 Our website is dedicated to the preservation of our memories and experiences in the highlands of II Corp, Pleiku, South Vietnam. NOTICE This Display Recognition is available ONLY to authorized recipients who possess orders or authorization form or release documentation that confirms award eligibility. From 1968 - 27 June 1972 the 362d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron flying specially-equipped EC-47s were assigned to Pleiku. There are 9 soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division Vietnam that have been identified and recovered. ARVN reinforcements were diverted to Buon Ho, north of the city, far from the battle. It was established by the South Vietnamese Air Force (SVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. The 633d was formed from elements of the 14th Special Operations Wing at Nha Trang Air Base and the 1st Special Operations Wing on temporary duty from Hurlburt Field, Florida. About Us | 472.3.1 Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Joint Staff. ZA 182-527 Pleiku Ammo Supply Point Plei Mrong Rd. The following year, the Viet Cong (VC) 409 th Battalion attacked Camp Holloway (an American helicopter base) in Pleiku on February 6, while the VC 30 th Company attacked a South Vietnam Army base on February 7. Early sweet peppers are a great addition to any garden. At Pleiku airfield sixty-four aircraft were abandoned with little effort to destroy them before evacuating and large quantities of fuel and ordnance were left behind undamaged and ready for the enemy to use. With the departure of its personnel in late 1969, a small group remained at Pleiku for a short period of time to advise the SVNAF. [1]:30 They installed 6,000 feet of pierced steel plank (PSP) runway with over-runs, a parallel taxiway, and aprons at a cost of $2.7 million. We have moved to https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vietnamveterans/index.php, The Explosive Storage Area on the east end of the runway, Harvest Delicious Red Tomatoes with Red Rocket in Hot Climates South of Memphis, Tomatoes are a popular and versatile crop that can be grown in many climates, but it is important to choose the right variety for your climate. [2]:263 Pleiku Air Base was then managed by the RVNAF 92nd Base Support Group and the base was used as a staging and emergency airfield. Topographical map of Pleiku, in the central highlands of Vietnam. RVN (Republic of Vietnam) soldiers stand in formation at Pleiku Air Base. 472.3.2 Records of the Office of the Deputy Chief . The Voice of the Army and the People of Vietnam became one of the most powerful radio transmitters in the country. The 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron, code named Farm Gate began operations in South Vietnam in 1961. One of the initial United States Air Force advisory units in South Vietnam, aircrews of the 1st Air Commando Squadron operated the A-1 Skyraider, flying interdiction along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, but its pilots and planes also flew cover for pilot rescue missions, and it continued to fly close air support missions for U.S. and South Vietnamese ground forces. Jarhead03 2,171 4 Sep 21, 2011 #2 However the explosion destroyed a large area including the hooch we shared with the marine cooks. Mikesh, Robert C. (2005) Flying Dragons: The Republic of Vietnam Air Force. The 62d Wing was moved to Nha Trang Air Base in January 1965 where expansion of its air units could be supported more easily, leaving behind a detachment of support aircraft. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Terms & Conditions | 1 Still the radio station was a bare bones. [11]:291, On 19 May 1970 a PAVN rocket attack on the base destroyed 1 EC-47 and damaged 2 more. With the drawdown of United States forces at Pleiku Air Base in the early 1970s, the South Vietnamese Air Force established the 72d Tactical Wing at the base with its own squadron of A-1 Skyraiders (530th FS), along with two Bell UH-1H helicopter assault squadrons (229th, 235th) and the 118th Liaison Squadron, with Cessna O-2A, U-17 forward air controller/light reconnaissance aircraft. Its mission was to assess, train, advise and assist South Vietnamese Air Force personnel in airpower employment, sustainment and force integration. (Courtesy Photo), U.S. Air Force Capt (Dr.) Donald R. Nelson, 633rd Combat Support Group Dispensary, checks an ill Montagnard girl on a visit to Plei Piom village, Republic of Vietnam. Three miles outside of the city the US maintain a base called Camp Galloway. These were on Pleiku AB well into 1968 and possibly beyond. . By early 1968, the area around Pleiku had become a huge cluster of bases. The 633rd Special Operations Wing was activated at Pleiku on 15 July 1968. February 25, 2023 . For its actions at Pleiku Air Base, the wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device and the Republic Of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Army Photo RECONNECTING = PRICELESS Pop. Camp Enari is now a Vietnamese military base. 13. Today, a small airport terminal building has been erected on the pad of one of the former USAF hangars. On the night of 9 March 1975, the PAVN struck the city and Pleiku airfield with artillery, mortars, and rockets. President Thieu and Vice President Ky walk past lined up schoolgirls. Famous Battles In Vietnam Pleiku Units. Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division march. (AP) Although the design had not yet been started, the OICC tasked RMK-BRJ, the construction contractor, to begin work on 19 January. You should also label each packet with the variety name, date, and a brief description (e.g. Join Your Unit Today Join VetFriends To: Reunite with Unit Buddies Browse Military Units Post Unit Messages Great Discounts & More! [6] On 15 September 1965 this detachment was redesignated as Detachment 9, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Last edited on 11 February 2023, at 22:37, "Headquarters MACV Monthly Summary April 1970", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camp_Enari&oldid=1138837841, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 22:37. It was established by the South Vietnamese Air Force SVNAF in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. It is a low acid tomato with a unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly tangy. To the many Army and Marine veterans whose units surrounded Pleiku Air Base and often provided needed protection. The deadline for sending in seeds was October 15th, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved. FAQs - How to Order | In August 1966, led by the 2nd Brigade, the 4th Infantry Division's ("Ivy Division"a play on the Roman numeral IV) headquarters closed in on the central highlands of Vietnam. 11 min ago. You cant change history, but you can learn from it., Ask the Commander 1. Ron Chromulak, who served as a 633rd CSG life support supervisor. Jeep stops and officers at the review stand. ft. 472.3 RECORDS OF HEADQUARTERS OF THE U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND VIETNAM (MACV) 1958-73 2,270 lin. The unit was originally designated as the 633rd Combat Support Group when it was activated at Pleiku in April 1966. Dirt being brought up in a can. [1] Shopping Cart | It was reassigned 1 January 1972 and moved to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.[9]. Location: Pleiku South Vietnam Date: 1968 Duration: 2 min 37 sec Sound: No Color: Color Clip Type: Unedited Language: None Clip: 65675075474 Douglas A-1G Skyraider drop two Mk.82 bomb on open flat terrain in support of Operation MacArthur in Vietnam. JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va - On March 24, 1971, the 633rd Air Base Wing inactivated at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. Click on the picture for the full size view. Camp Enari served as the base for the 4th Infantry Division from September 1966 until February 1968 and from April 1968 until February 1970.[2]. - Veteran J. Reuter. A man comes out of the well. Did anybody keep score? One particular unit in the 633rd CSG, the Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, assisted in the maintenance and sortie generation out of Pleiku. U.S. air strikes in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. 1967 Viet-Cong forces attacked the perimeter and overran the South Vietnamese army outpost. During their time at Pleiku, the 633rd Air Police Squadron defended the base against guerilla forces. To download the full size picture right click on the full size picture and select Save Picture As. USAF (United States Air Force) Douglas A-1G Skyraider attack aircraft drop two Mark 82 (Mk.82) high-drag bombs on open flat terrain in support of Operation MacArthur. The city has a hospital, a commercial airfield, and several air bases that are a legacy of its strategic importance during the later stages of the Vietnam War (1965-75). Location: Pleiku South Vietnam Date: 1966, April 23 Duration: 1 min 8 sec Sound: No Color: Color Clip Type: Unedited Language: None Clip: 65675058786 United states A-1E aircraft sin flight and lands at Pleiku air base in Vietnam. 633rd personnel also advised the South Vietnamese in sustaining their own airpower resources and, when necessary, integrate those resources into joint and combined operations with the USAF. The commander of the 6th Air Division at Pleiku was given forty-eight hours to evacuate the airfield and immediately requested UH-1s, CH-47s, and C-130s to fly VNAF personnel and their dependants out of Pleiku. The attack killed nine U.S. servicemen and wounded 128 others which led to the sending of conventional American combat forces to Vietnam. A Vietnamese band plays music at Pleiku airport. It was established by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. The majority supported Johnsons view that this was the time to take action, thus Operation Flaming Dart was approved. Other units stationed at Camp Enari included: Hensel Airfield was named after WO-1 Ernest Hensel a 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Huey helicopter gunship pilot who was killed in action on 17 February 1967. Pleiku 1968 Moderator: JS6768 Share 43 posts 1 2 3 4 5 Next ceje 158 Sep 03, 2011 #1 The Explosive Storage Area on the east end of the runway came under attack by the VC. The 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Pleiku on 1 January 1966 from Bien Hoa Air Base, where it had operated since 1963. Pleiku AB South Vietnam 1966 - 1972. [1]:32 The airfield was completed on 20 June 1962. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. On the airfield, the NVA had destroyed an 0-1, a CH-47, and ten UH-1s, although three damaged Hueys had managed to escape. Dump was located in the southeast corner of the base. Nha Trang Air Base. General Peers shakes hands with soldiers after the change of command of 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, South Vietnam. ZA 202-341 to 351 CATECKA PLEIKU AIRFIELD 10-12km NE Oasis AF ZA 207-345 "THE STADIUM" Along QL19B 6km WSW intersect QL19/QL14 ZA 21-35 Catecka Base Camp - Adj. We had a nice club and had bands come in-GI dudes who were very good rock musicians, working for the USO special services, making their rounds to the different NCO clubs. There was not really a lot to do, but thinking back, watching a movie outdoors in the middle of a monsoon might not qualify as fun but something you never forget, said retired Chief Master Sgt. February 7, 1965 US Base at Plieku Attacked Camp Halloway after attack Viet Cong troops attack a helicopter base at Camp Halloway. Plieku is a market town in the central highlands of Vietnam. In 1974, the RVNAF had the following units assigned to Pleiku Air Base: By the early spring of 1975 North Vietnam realized the time was right to achieve its goal of re-uniting Vietnam under communist rule, and so launched a series of small ground attacks to test U.S. reaction. The People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces Arms (Vietnamese: Binh chng c cng), officially the Special Operation Force Arms or Special Operation Arms, is the elite combat armed service of the People's Army of Vietnam, led by the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army.It is uniquely organized, equipped, and trained with special fighting skills, bravery and heroism, resourcefulness . By the next afternoon, over half of Ban Me Thuot was in enemy hands, despite fierce resistance from ARVN defenders. Military Assistance CommandVietnam MACV placed a 50000-watt AM radio transmitter in Pleiku to broadcast to the northern provinces of South Vietnam. On March 24, 1971, the 633rd Air Base Wing inactivated at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. The city has a hospital a commercial airfield and several air bases that are a legacy of its strategic importance during the later stages of the Vietnam War 196575.