GUESTBOOK
SELECTIONS FROM THE BATTLE OF KONTUM GUESTBOOK
As of December 8th 2025, there are 611 entries in the Guest Book which began on March 26th, 2002, that is 23 years that the website Guest Book has been up. In a Word Document there are 137 pages with a word count of 58,886.
I have gone through the Gest Book and selected some that I think are most meaningful to me. There are many worthy entries that I did not include but they are available for anyone to read on the Battle of Kontum website.
If it were not for George S. Williams, the webmaster of my website, there would not be a website which would be a great loss for all of us. Thank you, George!
"TO THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR IT, LIFE HAS A FLAVOR THAT THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW!" This was the maxim of the Vietnam soldier and those of us who served fully understand it. I fought the NVA in the infantry near the Cambodian border with the 25th Infantry Division out of Tay Ninh and then was rotated to Long Binh to work with soldiers suffering from combat fatigue. My Combat Infantryman's Badge allowed soldiers to feel comfortable talking with me. I chronicled my experiences into a memoir titled "Courage on the Mountain" which is a free read for Amazon Prime members. It has received over 900 five-star reviews and been read by thousands of our brother and sister veterans. As I said, it is a free read and I would be honored if you chose to view the introduction on Amazon and even more so if you decide to read it. I'm sure that you'll find it captivating. I'm glad that you made it home! May God Bless! Courage on the Mountain- Courage on the Mountain
George Alan Reischling <greischling@hotmail.com>Rutledge, Tennessee United States - Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 16:53:42 (EDT)
Kudos to Jack and all the contributors to his excellent web site. In January 1972, I was a young Infantry Captain on my second tour in Vietnam (first was with a rifle battalion in the 101st) and assigned as the Deputy District Senior Advisor Dakto District, Kontum Province. My assignment as DDSA was personally directed by Mr. John Paul Vann, Commander SRAG/II Corps, who, concerned over an imminent major NVA attack in the near future, wanted the District defenses improved and local forces' training intensified to better meet the expected offensive. The major NVA attacks in late April throughout Dakto District resulted in the defeat of the 22nd ARVN Division at Dakto/Tan Canh and the loss of a number of our district hamlets and forced the evacuation of Dakto District Hq. The District Chief, LTC Lo Van Bao, led the compound survivors on an E&E route for four days until picked up by Chinooks and flown to Kontum City. Under protest, my boss and I were ordered to Kontum City and not allowed to stay with our counterparts on the E&E, but I soon reunited with Bao and assigned as his counterpart advisor in mid-May 1972. LTC Bao and I were tasked by the Kontum Province Chief with organizing the surviving Dakto District and Kontum District RF/PF soldiers and units into one Territorial force. This territorial force was comprised of 8 Regional Force Companies and 25 PF Platoons and tasked with the defense of Kontum City proper and the area south and southeast of the city's airport. Like the ARVN units of the 23rd Division in northern and eastern Kontum, for several weeks in late May and early June, we successfully defended against the NVA's two main attacks conducted by several Sapper units, a full strength NVA Regiment augmented with T-54 tanks, and continuous indirect fires. Bao was a magnificent and fearless leader who commanded from the front throughout the battle. We were always involved in the fight side by side, including a time when both he and I personally engaged and destroyed an enemy T-54 tank. It was both an exciting and scary time to be an advisor with a front row seat to the action. Following the defeat and retreat of the NVA in June-July, I became part of the drawdown in personnel and left Kontum in late July. I would very much appreciate any direct contact from my US comrades assigned either in Dakto or Kontum, before, during, or after the Battle of Kontum. .
Colonel (Ret) US Army Richard Cassidy <cassinbangkok@gmail.com>Alexandria, Virginia USA - Friday, January 31, 2025 at 13:43:42 (EST)
Jack,
I stumbled on you when I was doing some research on John Duffy. When I saw John on the news getting the Medal of Honor for his involvement in the Central Highlands in 1972, I looked him up because I was in the Central Highlands then. In search of John Duffy, I found that you had done research on the Battle of KonTum. I contact you now because of my special interest in what you have documented.
I was an Air Force advisor to the Vietnamese 0-1 pilots located in Pleiku during the 1972 offensive. In brief I flew every day and have many memories including directing air strikes on the "rock pile", dodging the almost daily B52 strikes, attending briefings for John Paul Van, and a memory of talking with an American advisor on the ground in a bunker that was getting overrun. It turns out it was John Duffy. I thought I was the last one to talk with him. He sure sounded like it was going to be his last. I also remember being in the air when John Paul launched a ground convey from Plieku to Kontum. They got stopped at the rock pile with heavy "incoming". The American ground commanders' displeasure (putting it mildly) over the radio to John Paul in his helicopter was a classic. He did not appreciate being told to lead a convey when the rock pile was still very much alive. Although I did not know how any NVA could still be alive on that hill outside Kontum. It had been bombed to the point there was no vegetation - B52's, every air to ground weapon by US fighters and some Vietnamese fighters. It was a rock pile.
More about the Central Highlands offensive - there was an ex-marine (Tom Coles) who came back to this area as a civilian medic to help the Montagnards after he left the marines. The Montagnards were the natives of this area. He had spent 6 months with them when they rescued him from the North Vietnamese who had captured him many years before. He learned their language while being with them.
When the air war became too dangerous, he found his way to Plieku where I met him. This was after the offensive started and that area was regularly hit with B52 strikes. I would take him up in my back seat occasionally to see what he could do to help the Montagnards. One of those trips we were up near Ben Het where Tom thought there were Montagnards hole up for safety. Ben Het was a fire base camp northwest of Kontum on the Tri border. That spring it was surrounded and cut off from all support. The helicopter's landing zone was immediately hit with rockets when a helicopter tried to land. The weather was generally overcast, and air drop attempts mostly missed the base camp. I had Tom in my back seat one day when the weather was clear over Ben Het. There was an 0-2 FAC in the air who I knew. I asked him to watch me. We landed on the PSP runway outside the Ben Het camp. Tom jumped out and ran into the camp. He was concerned about the Montagnards who were there seeking safety. I knew from intel reports that many of those in the camp were suffering from malaria. I gave Tom a mirror and told him to flash me when he came out. I took off. I got his flash. I landed; he ran out with an infant baby girl in his arms. The Montagnard mother gave it to him. The baby was sick and going to die without help. What a sacrifice. It still haunts me as to one of the tragedies of war.
My last flight was over Ben Het. It had been overrun. I could see the survivors running for safety. Another sad day but it was my last.
I left a message last week to John Duffy on his mobile phone just to say I am happy now to know that I was not the last one to talk with him.
I would like to learn more from your research work about those who were involved in the "Battle of Kontum". Especially the ground commander that tried to lead the ground convoy to Kontum and also to find Tom Coles (he was known as "Red Beard" to the Montagnards). Tom's story needs to be told.
I flew F-102's out of pilot training in Okinawa and Korea from 1969 to 1971. I went to Vietnam in October '71 as an O-2 FAC in Pleiku. They took the 0-2's out of Plieku sometime in early '72. I stayed to be an advisor to the Vietnamese 0-1 FAC squadron. I resigned from the Air Force in October of '72 when I got back from Viet Nam. I had opportunities in the civilian world that I thought were the best for my family. Looking back, my Air Force experience changed me mostly for the better.
As a side note the 0-1 Vietnamese squadron commander, Major Minh, called me from Atlanta after 20 years in a Viet Nam "reconditioning camp". I felt bad to learn of his treatment just for being associated with the Americans. He was not bitter and grateful to be in the US. Also, as a side note, I retrieved a fellow Vietnamese pilot from a Vietnamese refugee place in Alabama. He was a boat survivor. He shared a bedroom with my 10-year-old son for a year.
Well, this was not so brief. I do not think I have ever talked about this that I just shared to you with others. I found it is easy now I guess because it is to someone who knows about that offensive in the Central Highlands.
Prospect, KY USA - Saturday, August 06, 2022 at 20:04:25 (EDT)
Jack,
Thank you for your service and welcome home.
And, thank you for your outstanding website and the information about the Battle of Kontum.
I appreciate your permission to use/or adapt from the site Map A of the Kontum region and positions on Rocket Ridge. I am writing a second edition of Red Markers, Close Air Support for the Vietnamese Airborne, 1962-1975. Elements of the Airborne were on Rocket Ridge and fought during the early stages of the battle. This map will help illustrate my narrative.
Thanks again,
Gary Willis
Red Marker 18
Manvel, TX United States - Thursday, June 09, 2022 at 14:16:18 (EDT)
Jack
It was an honor to meet you at the 119 AHC Reunion personally. Then, to win your book (THUNDER), I have so much respect for you all that fought in Vietnam! After reading your book, I could fill in so many blanks that my father, my (HERO) Calvin Bohannon, went through as crew chief as a young man, the pressures of the last-minute decision-making you all had to make is so remarkable. I thank God every day for bringing you all back home and for the (HEROS) our country lost.
Again I thank you all for your SERVICE! YOU ALL ARE LOVED THANK YOU !
Sincerely James...
Dayton, TX. Chambers - Tuesday, May 03, 2022 at 12:08:54 (EDT)
Thank you for this site.
Kontum will always bring vivid memories of combat offloads from a C-130 for nights on end. I flew a shuttle (25 day tour in country) as the loadmaster with the crew that was lost. Then returned from CCK with my regular crew and we flew the Pleiku - Kontum shuttles until that night when our missions were switched and we took their Hi-level airdrop. My good friend, David Wagner was the flight enginer that was killed that terrible night. Never understood why they switched the missions.
Thank you for recording the history that few other than those that were there will care about.
PEORIA, AZ United States - Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 22:54:44 (EDT)
Hi Jack,
I bought your book a couple of years ago. My grandson, 12 year old Jackson, just read it with great interest. He is giving a report on it in his homeschool plus class tomorrow.
Thank you for your work,
Vernon Gwaltney (Math at JTCC)
CHESAPEAKE, VA United States - Monday, February 28, 2022 at 21:33:58 (EST)
My father, Larry Brassell, passed away 2 weeks ago. I believe this page reunited him with many of the men he fought and flew with in Vietnam. These relationships meant the world to him, thank you. To all of you who served so bravely and selflessly, we are forever in your debt and we will remember you to our children for generations to come. I love you, Daddy.
Laura Beale <lebrassell@hotmail.com>Birmingham, AL United States - Friday, November 19, 2021 at 17:10:58 (EST)
My father is Col Rhotenberry, really missing him and I am so interested in reading all about his time spent in Vietnam. So many things I never knew.......
Janet Johnson <jljohnson@live.com>Rockport, TX USA - Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 13:22:38 (EDT)
Hello Jack,
I'm writing to you from rainy, windy Port St Joe... Hope all is well with you.
I read your book “THUNDER: Stories From the First Tour” last month, thinking that I could finish it quick, in a few days and give it to Binh. I was so wrong! It was not easy reading about what your family had to go through especially when Jean accepted to share your life...I had to stop, and picked it up a couple times. Your book is poignant in its simplicity; it's the truth, that's all.
Growing up in the 50's-60's in Saigon, South Viet Nam, my parents gave us a very sheltered life. We read books, newspapers in French, and listened to French and English music. We were told we shouldn't be concerned, until one day our lives were turned upside down with the Communists at our door steps... I left Vietnam one day before the Communists marched into Saigon, on the 29th of April 1975.
I didn't read books, documentaries about the Viet Nam War until I came to the USA. Your book is the first one I read about a true testimony of an Army Officer with two tours in Viet Nam. Some places that you mentioned, I've never heard of!
Thank you, Jack, for educating me about what the Americans had come to achieve in my beloved country and the tolls young men and women had to pay over there and back home.
I'm forever indebted to all the service men and women that had come to help us fight the Communists. Thanks to you all, the South Vietnamese had enjoyed 20 years of Peace with Democracy and Human Rights!
I salute you, Lt. Col. Heslin
Port St Joe, Florida USA - Monday, September 28, 2020 at 18:01:18 (EDT)
I have requested that you add Roy Sudeck to your list of people involved in the Battle of Kontum. Roy was involved with the Tow Missile Team in 1972 as C&C commander. Thomas McKenna wrote of Roy’s contribution in his book, Kontum: The Battle to Save South Vietnam. Please update your list of those involved. Roy cannot request this for himself as he unfortunately passed a saw in 2012 of cancer. Thanks.
Gayle Sudeck <gcsudeck@gmail.com>Marietta , GA USA - Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 10:31:23 (EDT)
LTC (R) James (Bill) Bricker, a senior member of Team 33 in Kontum, and his wife both passed away late in 2017. They will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery with military honors at 0900, Monday, 25 March, 2019. If you are interested in attending please contact me, George Bricker, at 703-624-1604, gebricker@gmail.com, or report to the Arlington administration building not later than 0830. A reception will follow at the Fort Myer Officer's Club. I am Bill's eldest son and met many of the Team 33 members at the reunion in 2008. I do not have all of the team members contact info. Please spread the word. Best regards, George Bricker
George Bricker <gebricker@gmail.com>CLIFTON, VA US - Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 21:50:21 (EDT)
Thanks Jack!
I just watched your video. It was excellent. And your book is great. I'm not a great writer, but want to write a 5 star review so it may take a few days. However, I did leave the below comment on the video website:
Thank you Mr. Dixon for your platform and excellent coverage. And to Jack Heslin (Lt. Col Ret.) Thank you for finally telling your 1st Tour amazing story. Not many know of the heroics and sacrifices of the SOG group during the Vietnam War. I was very fortunate to find your www.thebattleofkontum.com website soon after you put it online in 2002. I was a young Grunt in 1972 during that 1972 battle and for years had wondered the whole scope of what I had been involved in and who had survived. You Jack, helped me piece together many things that had been unsettling for years. And I very much appreciate your dedication to history and setting the record straight. All these years that I have known you, you never would talk about your 1st Tour so I never pushed. I am truly in awe of SOG missions and your personal exploits and bravery. I can see now why the U.S. Army put you into your position in 1972 in Military Region II. It was a very smart decision as your experience surely contributed greatly to defeating the almost three NVA divisions attacking Kontum in 1972. I read your book, “Thunder - Stories From The First Tour,” in one night. Couldn't put it down. Thank you Jack and your lovely wife Jean. Y'all are the embodiment of true patriotic Americans!
William B. Page
Bay Minette, AL
1st Cav Div (AMBL) 1971-'72
B Co. 2/5th Cav MR III
D Co 1/12th Cav 1972 (OPCON to MR II - SRAG/John Paul Vann
Bay Minette, AL USA - Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 17:38:34 (EDT)
I took part in that battle at several points. I was the fire team lead on the recovery of Minor Role's (JPV) body . The lead slick pilot was Cpt Bob Botnen. Fred Suttle was a good friend and I helped unload his body from his aircraft at Holloway . I was with H/10th Cav as a cobra AC.OH-6 crews - Cpt Powell & Sp4 Pesce were killed during the recon nw of Kontum in the early days of the fight. Lt's Kuntzler and Wilcoxen were killed shortly after that in virtually the same area NE of the city. We lost a lot of good people and were proud of our participation .
Larry W. Richards <lrichards@cobaltventures.com>La Grange, Kentucky United States - Saturday, May 05, 2018 at 12:41:25 (EDT)
Hi Mr. Heslin,
My name is Bill Fowler. I am writing an article about Captain Jim Stein. We were close friends in high school. My sister runs a small town newspaper in Lehi, Utah. Jim (and the rest of you Nam pilots) never received the credit due to you by the U.S. and I wanted to call Jim's heroics to the attention of young people in Lehi. Most of our classmates have very high regard for him.
I found a ton of information online on your site. Thanks for all the work you have done to "set the record straight." Most of us back here in the U.S. never knew much about Kontum. Very informative and insightful. Keep up the good work. I will tell Jim I used your information and gained great insight into that critical battle.
Lehi, Utah USA - Monday, April 23, 2018 at 15:56:33 (EDT)
I nursed at Pat Smiths' Minh Quy hospital in 1969. Special times, special people.Being a British civilian, my stories show the humanitarian side of conflict. We were all very grateful for the support and kindness shown to such centres of healing. Thank you. My Vietnam stories - your stories - can be found in Always the Children - amazon.com
Anne Watts <annewatts67@aol.com>BANBURY, Oxon., Oxfordshire United Kingdom - Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 04:32:16 (EDT)
Awesome site, great information. As a Member of North Carolina Vietnam Veterans, Inc. we have as one of our missions to teach the real Vietnam War and the men and Women who were there. We have an established course in 2500+high schools nationwide called "The Lessons of Vietnam" this web site will be one of our recommended sites. It would also be great to have Jack Heslin to tell the story of this site on NCVVI's live streaming show so more people could know the great works available on the War in South East Asia
North Carolina Vietnam Veterans, Inc.
Raleigh, NC USA - Tuesday, February 07, 2017 at 12:44:59 (EST)
I served as a MAT team leader with the Regional Forces/Popular Forces in 68/69. I interviewed General Ba at our COUNTERPARTS reunion in Las Vegas several years ago before he died. The article can be found at Vietamericanvets.com and searching for "The Hero of Kontum refutes Neil Sheehan."
Sheehan's book about Vann is a dishonest book shortchanging the South Vietnamese Army in every aspect and ignoring their many accomplishments as the War progressed. It is true that the war was a battle for hearts and minds which was won by the CORDs program in Vietnam but Sheehan was instrumental, along with David Halberstam of influencing (losing) the hearts and minds of those back in America which eventually led to the abandonment of our South Vietnamese allies by congress.
John Paul Vann: American Hero
Jacksonville, Illinois USA - Wednesday, January 04, 2017 at 23:08:08 (EST)
Jack, the most haunting memory I have is the runs we made to Doctor Smith's hospital in Kontum (don't think it was her original hospital) delivering medical supplies and picking up patients. The Montagnard kids there, the look on their faces. Haunts me to this day Jack, the look on those kids faces. Flew in and out of there in our white painted dustoff helicopter, until we lost the great experiment (we had six and lost all of them), and ended up poaching other US aviation unit's green birds as replacements, since medevac had priority. Once again, my unit was the 237th Medical Detachment based out of An Son (Lane AAF).
James Brian O'Keeffe <brianokeeffe@att.net>- Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 14:04:12 (EDT)
Brings backs many memories, as I served as a medic with the 237th Med. Det. (RA), which was stationed on the coast at An Son (Lane AAF). The 237th was a 6 aircraft Dustoff unit, mainly supporting the ROK's Tiger and Whitehorse Divisions, but we had a bird or aircraft sited at the Holloway army hospital. Remember well the night John Paul Vann's body was recovered. Nevertheless, having served a combat tour with the 25th Infantry Division (1968-69), and been in big fights during that time, the Battle of Kontum and the Easter Offensive were epic in comparison. Best regards.
James Brian O'Keeffe <brianokeeffe@att.net>Upper Arlington, OH USA - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 18:31:31 (EDT)
Bill ReederJack Heslin - The Scribe
I am the author of the Battle of Kontum website. Bill Reeder's book "Through the Valley My Captivity in Vietnam" is an amazing story of courage and endurance in the face of incredible challenges to body and soul. I have always believed that out of "hot fire" comes good steel and I believe Bill's journey and that of his fellow prisoners was a journey through a white hot fire which seared their souls and shaped them for life. His story is a gift to all of us who served in the Vietnam War. His story is an example to all of us on how to overcome intense physical pain and darkness of the spirit that we may face in our lives. His hope and Faith carried him through the darkest of times. I strongly recommend Bill's book to all.
- Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 18:56:14 (EDT)
I was with HQ Company 1st of the 505th 82nd Airborne just one of the T.O.W. Missile teams from the 82nd that was sent to Vietnam to stop the North Vietnamese (Russian) movement of Tanks to the South. We were attached to the 3rd Brigade 1st Air Calvary Division and some of us (me included) were attached to the ARVEN’s in Kontum as well.
If any one out there was with the 82nd please contact me. Jesse Hall
Palm Coast , FL USA - Monday, March 07, 2016 at 06:32:06 (EST)
In your introduction you stated that 'by 1972, the largest battles fought in Vietnam were not well known, or understood, by the majority of the American population. Perhaps people just wanted the war to be over,.....'
You have no idea how much truth is in that
statement for me. I cannot believe it myself, nor can I believe how closely I dodged that bullet. You see, I worked on CH-47 Chinooks with 68th ASHC and was among those in the 52nd CAB at Camp Holloway that stood down, just a days before. Once I left Pleiku I had no clue at all what went on there or 18 miles away. That was about 44 years ago, and until just now I was completely oblivious to the fact that anything like that even happened.
this is just so mind boggling to me; having a hard time wrapping my head around it. How close I was to being in the middle of it. Thanks for all your hard work.
- Tuesday, February 09, 2016 at 22:47:05 (EST)
Wonderful stuff!!!
Thank-you so much, Jack.
I was a CE with the 170th. AHC-'70-'71. Flew guns and slicks. "BUC 9"-The Mercenary Buccaneer. Worked for FOB II Kontum-real pro's!!!!
TX - Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 14:27:44 (EST)
My rifle unit D Co. 17th Infantry was attached to the 1st Aviation in Camp Holloway Plieku during the April 1972 battle of Kontum and mortar attack on Camp Holloway. Our rifle unit was to offer security with Out Post (OP) positions in the surrounding area and roving patrols out in the field. Our rear area in Camp Holloway received countless mortar attacks during the Kontum battle. I would like to note that Chinese mercenaries and Montagnards were working the bunker line as our US Infantry company were in the field in Out Post with mortar teams and grunts patrolling the bush. I believe our company was perhaps the only infantry units still in that area which was unknown to many. Thanks to John Paul Vann and other aviators who prevented the fall of Kontum and Camp Holloway with countless air strikes of which I witnessed we owe them our lives. Our unit lost three of our comrades SSG Henson, Sgt. Davis, & Sp4 McLaren. Thank you for documenting this historical event, it is much appreciated by those who were there. - Richard Alaniz
Richard Alaniz <richalaniz@hotmail.com>Las Cruces, New Mexico - Monday, December 14, 2015 at 05:26:39 (EST)
I was with the 57th from June 71 - June 72, Gladiator 29. Flew flight lead on the SOG FOB missions and experienced the NVA's advance into II Corp and attacks on Kontum. Interesting reading.
Bob Stillwell (MAJ, USA Ret.) <Stillwell_bob48@yahoo.com>Jackson, Missouri USA - Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 14:54:14 (EST)
I would like to first thank you on the job you did on this site. If I had not stumbled across it I would not have found some of my friends that were officers at that time. I was there with the CH-47 Detachment of the the 180th. I was also on that Chinook that was shot down at Fire Base 5 in April 72. Yes I thought that I and the four other crew members were not going to make it out of there but I am grateful for those that tried including (God Rest His Soul) Mr. Vaughn. I want to give you more detail but I am in Saudi Arabia and it is late. Perhaps if you read this I am hoping that you contact me for more on this event in Kontum. I need to contact those Officers that you have listed in the 180th Det. Again Thanks and hope to hear from you real soon.
Joseph J. Quichocho
1SG US ARMY (RET)
Yona, Island of Guam USA - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 16:01:56 (EST)
Jack, By the way Jack, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) has issued a call for photos to obtain a photo to match with every one of the 58,272 names on the Wall on our National Mall. Now they have also launched a fund drive to raise the money they need to build an Education Center near the Wall. For more information check out this link.
Thanks for all you are doing to help market my book “KONTUM: The Battle To Save South Vietnam”.
Here is a link to the online flyer for my book which is almost exactly what is on the dust jacket:
View Online Flyer
Those interested in purchasing the book online can visit the Amazon.com website:
Buy at Amazon.com
Jack, I really appreciate all you have already done to promote this book.
Tom McKenna - Senior Adviser to 44th ARVN Regiment during the Battle of Kontum
Vermont USA - Friday, August 19, 2011 at 16:16:46 (EDT)
Jack: I Would Like to Thank You For Your Effort's Into Writing This Book And The Credence It Give's To All Involved .
My Only Regret Is Not Being Able To See It To Its End For All Of
The Friends Lost , As I was Grounded By Enemy Fire On May 27th,
Evacuated Home By 67th Evac.
A Salute To You and All Involved , With Pride I remain In Service
To You And The United States Of America.
Served With The " Gladiators " 57th AHC 17th AVN Group , As A
Crew Member / Door Gunner .
Caledonia, M.N. USA - Friday, January 31, 2014 at 21:40:48 (EST)
Hi Mr. Jack, I'm Chau T. Ly, son of former Genaral Ly Tong Ba. It was a great honor to meet you during your visit to California with my dad. Thank you for everything you do for the people of Vietnam. There is no word or expression to thank you enough!
Ly Tong Chau <Emailchauly@gmail.com>Temecula, Caifornia USA - Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 02:15:50 (EST)
On 5 Jun 72 I was a very green Signal Corps LT when I reported to the II Corps G1 in Nha Trang. I had arrived the day before (Sunday) and was told by the major that picked me up at the airfield that I was going to be the local installation telephone officer and live in a nice villa on the beach. As I waited that Monday morning for the G1 to complete his phone call I heard him say "I have a new Signal Corps lieutenant in my office right now. Will he do?" The next day I got off a Huey in Kontum (near the old tennis courts) and wandered around until I found the basement TOC for MACV Team 33. I walked down the steps, turned left and bumped into COL Rhotenberry-- "Who the hell are you?" "Sir, I'm your new signal officer. I was told I'm replacing CAPT Hall." Wrong thing for me to say...the hurt of his loss was too fresh, too raw for his friends and I was a reminder of what happened. CPT Hall was highly respected and well liked by the entire team. The nature of his wounds seemed to add to the somber mood I found that morning. But as we moved through summer, many of those that served with CPT Hall rotated back home and the mood gradually changed. I heard that he made it back to Brooke Army Medical Center but no news after that. Although I never met CPT Hall he had a tremendous impact on my life. I knew I could never replace him in the eyes of MACV Team 33 (nor did I want to) but still I worked hard to live up to the standard he set. I was your typical dumb lieutenant but thanks to the care and feeding I got from MAJ Burch, LTC Bricker and the ever present shadow of CPT Hall, we all made it through to the Cease Fire the next year. I even did a stint as the Deputy Advisor to the 44th Regt at FB November. As I close in on my final retirement, after 45 years with the Army and Navy, I wanted to tell the members of MACV Team 33 (Jun 72-Feb 73) they had a profound impact on my life and career and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to serve with soldiers of such character and heart. Thank you all.
Patrick Faver <faverp@aol.com>- Wednesday, November 06, 2013 at 20:04:50 (EST)
Tow Team Missile Vet Passes Away -
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that Roy Sudeck, a member of the 1972 Battle of Kontum Tow Missile Team passed away on Nov. 16, 2013. Roy's burial was held at Arlington on Feb. 4, 2013.
- Friday, February 15, 2013 at 22:12:07 (EST)
What a great, well run, researched website/book. Its amazing. Thank you for your service to our country and to the web.
Ray <Raymyat@gmail.com>Detroit, MI USA - Friday, October 19, 2012 at 16:18:45 (EDT)
Jack,
Thank you for your presentation at the VHPA reunion. I was also very happy to hear your comments of the work of the CH47 crews during this battle, not that the effort of ALL of the helicopter crews was nothing short of wonderous. The forward controller Rick Vycital spoke of the 47 crew that was picking up panicking civilians; it was sad to say that was my crew. We did our best to save lives, however, in the panic some were lost. We tried our best to save as many as possible. So again thanks for your time and service for all of us that were there.
Mesa, Arizona United States of America - Monday, August 06, 2012 at 17:16:12 (EDT)
Added August 6, 2012- In reference to my posting of July 31st last, I have been in touch with former SFC Hieu in France, and he informs me that CPT Nguyen Thanh Long, an ARVN officer assigned to the Province S-3 CPT Duong, with whom Hieu was in touch, and now has lost contact. CPT Long was last known to be in Hawaii. If any of the visitors to the site know this man or his whereabouts, we would like for him to recontact us. Thanks for your support of all of us who were there in 1972!
Richard Montgomery <Prontomonty@aol.com>- Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 08:54:28 (EDT)
Jack, you won't remember me, I ordered your book some time ago. I am a Citadel classmate of Joe Eubanks. We spent 4 years together in college and several months sharing a tank at Armor School. He was a loyal friend, the kind of friend I hope I am. You should know that on the anniversary of his death my classmates paid a tribute to him on our Citadel Class of 69 website. We toasted his life that day and remembering him brought both happiness and sadness. Please know that as I re-read your book, your dedication and personal message to me make it one of my prized possessions. I don't think a week goes by that I don't think of Joe. My classmates and I miss him at every Reunion and he is honored for his courage and sacrifice. I was stationed at the III Corps TOC and left Viet Nam to come home just prior to the Battle of Kontum. Most of my Intel Detachment ended up being deployed to the battle. To this day I feel a sense of guilt for not being there. I knew a few helicopter pilots from the 11th Cav and the 1st Air Cav. and a good friend of mine, Frank Carriola was an instructor in country. In my opinion you guys were the bravest of the brave. I don't know how you faced the danger and horror every day. I will never forget.
Thank you for your tribute to Captain Joseph W. Eubanks, Citadel Class of 1969.
Fondly,
Joel Kipphut,
USA - Monday, June 18, 2012 at 15:45:39 (EDT)
Dear Mr. Heslin:
A few weeks ago, I had heard the name, Captain Raymond H. Dobbins, from my father's subordinate. While I searched online for the name, Captain Raymond H. Dobbins, it led me to your website, "The Battle of Kontum". If you know Mr. Dobbins, then would you please forward this email to him?
I'm sincerely grateful and thankful for your services in Vietnam. With all of my respect and gratitude, I salute you.
Sincerely,
Thang Nguyen
Dear Mr. Heslin and Mr. McKenna:
Thank you for your valuable time trying to help me get in contact with Mr. Dobbins.
Yesterday, I was finally able to talk with Mr. Dobbins via phone and now, we're exchanging some emails and will keep in touch. This is truly a great healing medicine for our family. In addition, it's an indescribable feeling when I received your reply message, and was finally able to talk with Mr. Dobbins. I mean I'm so happy that there are people who do care! It's worthy for my close cousin to continue to serve this wonderful country, and I do approve his courage of willing to sacrifice his life for this great nation if needed. He's currently serving as a colonel in the U.S Army. He graduated from West Point in the class of 1986, and will attend the US Army War College in the fall.
Again, I thank you for everything, especially for your service and scarifies in Vietnam far away from your loved ones.
Best regards and sincerely,
Thang Nguyen
- Friday, May 25, 2012 at 11:09:04 (EDT)
Jack- thanks for the great work on the website and for the conversation we had about my father, COL John Todd. I really appreciated some of the stories and memories you provided about your time working with him during the battle. If anyone who served with him or my brother, 1LT John "Andre" Todd would like to contact me, email is provided below.
Thanks again and God Bless-
Bill Todd, MAJ USA (Ret)
Delta Junction, Alaska USA - Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 19:40:43 (EDT)
As the last Advisor to leave Tan Canh, I enjoyed your web site. I was too busy in country to make many notes and cannot add too much to your site. I was the Senior Advisor to the Regt Commander of the 42nd Regt. We had only one Bn at Tan Canh and one at FSB 5 and one at FSB 6. Then 22nd Div Hq was in Quin Non and moved to our area only a couple of days prior to our battle. Enjoyed your site.
Ray Dobbins <tylermarray@yahoo.com>- Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 18:10:09 (EDT)
Jack, just to add to info, I was with 8th APSq Mobility team. We had teams alternating time spent in Kontum. Our job was to unload aircraft when we were re-supplying ammo, food, etc. for combat support during the Easter offensive. I know not too many people knew Air Force personel were on the ground there, however, I would like to personally thank all Huey crews. We were getting hit hard on the air strip one day, and they hit the ammo a C-130 had just unloaded. We were getting hit from everywhere. I was in a bunker close to the terminal, and all the exploding ammo. I left the bunker to find a safer place for us guys. I slid in a fox hole, there were 2 cobra pilots that were waiting to be picked up. They told me it wasn't good to be on the ground at this time. They were surprised to see American Air Force personel there. The Huey came in, heard my story about the air force being there. They brought another Huey in right behind us to get the rest of us which nobody knew about. Thank You all.
Steve (big willie) Williams <stevedonnawilliams@att.net>Corona, CA USA - Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 20:20:16 (EDT)
Amazing time capsule! I was on the province advisory team 41 as the phung hoang advisor and deputy S2 advisor. Knew Col Bachinski well, and agree with author Mckenna's assessment of him. Flew as the province observer nearly every day from Jan 72 to Jan 73. Dr. Pat Smith saved my life when I went into anaphlactic shock after eating fried grasshoppers! Was on the chopper when Col Brownlee disappeared, and we plucked his captain and the interpreter from a nearby FSB where they had fled. I gave the captain a pair of my fatigues since his were in shreds. Col Brownlee is most certainly in the bottom of the stream near his listening site that was overrun. My boss and I debriefed the captain, and he said that as they were fleeing their site, Col Brownlee could not keep up wading through the stream, and ordered the captain and interpreter to keep going, not to wait for him. Later, when I was in Pleiku, I picked up a used set of fatigues, and they turned out to have BG Wear's name and rank on them! I also knew Cpt Jack Finch very well. We went on to Ft. Huachuca, Intel School, and were across the hall from each other at the BOQ! Later, we met again at Inscom in Arlington, VA, as I was the liaison officer for the Intel school to Inscom. Jack and I worked out many B52 strikes in the 23rd's bunker in Kontum. Have spiraled in to Dak To many times, and attended briefings at Tanh Canh, 23rd's FOB nearly every day for the entire year 72. Richard L. Montgomery, LTC, USA, ret. prontomonty@aol.com
PS: Just picked up Col Mckenna's book yesterday. Awesome! Can't put it down! Thanks!!
Richard Montgomery <prontomonty@aol.com>Tucson, AZ USA - Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 10:21:20 (EDT)
Sorry!! I know you get a lot of these requests but I’m trying to reach Robert “Bob” McDonald, CPT once the XO for the 57th AHC. We were in action involving a shot down med evac in the pass just north of Pleiku… very bad weather. He covered me with a cobra gun team – great job. The whole hospital was on the helipad cheering when we landed with the whole crew – can’t recall how many, but there was a bunch. I would like to see and talk with my old friend Bob again – we also shared a few drinks at Camp Holloway. Thanks for your help.
Sam Slaughter <sslaughter@tampabay.rr.com >Tampa , Florida - Friday, July 29, 2011 at 22:08:18 (EDT)
Wonderful site!
khaled.orens@gmail.com
London, UK - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:51:43 (EDT)
Sunday April 17, 2011
To all American VN vets, you are my brothers-in-arms. I wish to take this opportunity to express my profound thanks to you all for your selfless help to protect freedom and democracy for the Republic of Viet Nam (RVN), my birth country. Regardless of what the misled, misinformed or ignorant people think or say, in my mind, a former Vietnamese fighter pilot who had fought along with you against the evil North Vietnamese Communists since the mid-fifties, the U.S. military had performed admirably, fought valiantly. In compliance with the Paris Agreement, the last U.S. combat troops left Viet Nam in March 1973. The RVN continued to fight courageously until the U.S. politicians cut military supply to the RVN to the bone. While the RVN was fighting a life and death war with ammunition on quota, the Soviet Union and Red China quadrupled their military aid to our enemy, the North Vietnamese Communists. The imbalance of power clearly favored the Communists and that was the cause of the collapse of the RVN in April 1975. The U.S. military had nothing to do with the fall of the RVN nor was it defeated by the North Vietnamese Communists as the bold-faced Communists shamelessly claimed. In fact, the North Vietnamese Communists were ready to surrender had the U.S. continued the Xmas bombing in 1972 for a few more days. Unfortunately, the U.S. politicians and the liberal, biased news media at the time turned an imminent military victory into a political defeat, not the U.S. military. God bless you all.
Hoi B. Tran
Cerritos, CA US - Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 22:02:40 (EDT)
This is the best resource I've seen, describing what happened in this pivitol battle. I was a SP/4 MP with the 560th MP Company (Roadrunners) assigned to the Pleiku area during the battle and this website helps me put together what I saw & experienced during this period. I encourage all who were there to share their stories, no matter what part they played, and bring the mosaic of history together for future generations.
Gary Overby <garyoverby@sbcglobal.net>Tracy, CA USA - Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 21:57:27 (EST)
The CH-47 that went down on FSB-D was carrying one of my loads to help me finish up for the day. CW2 Zutter volunteer to remain in the area, after being released, and carry a load from my mission. The soldier that jumped from the A/C was a VNAF pilot (can't remember his name) assigned to our detachment for training, and he did break his leg. The air crew was on FSB-D for 5 days and only survived because of the bravery and tenacity displayed by you and the men of the 2nd AB. Thank you for taking such good care of our crew. Tom Kerr CWO4 US Army Retired
Herbert T. (Tom) Kerr- Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 14:22:14 (EDT)
Dear Sir,
I almost broke into tears while reading your account of this particular battle in 1972, during which I was one of the officers from the Vietnamese 2nd Airborne Battalion, defending Hill 421. It still seems like yesterday when that Chinook CH-47 helicopter showed up to resupply us, exposing its huge vulnerable belly. And that's for sure; it went down under heavy fire. One American Service man, as I recall, jumped out of the ship and broke his leg but we were all glad the whole crew came out safe... On behalf of me and my family, we thank you for your courage and sacrifice in the attempt to preserve our freedom, although it was a futile one.
Respectfully
Thanh Nguyen
Ex ARVN 2nd Airborne Battalion
AZ - Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 18:01:33 (EDT)
I was a Cobra pilot with the 57th AHC in 1972. We laagered at Tan Cahn and Dak To II in April. We flew support for FSB Charlie, Hotel, Delta and Ben Het. Spent many days and some nights flying missions during the Battle for Kontum. I'll never forget flying over Kontum at night, watching the city burn.
Greg Donovan- Friday, October 08, 2010 at 03:47:26 (EDT)
Hello Jack,
I hope you do not mind my contacting you. I have been very busy lately with the launch of my book. The whole thing has been deeply moving for me, and I am happy to report that the British public are responding to my tribute to the Vietnam veterans.
About time.
ALWAYS THE CHILDREN BY Anne Watts - published by Simon & Schuster ,has been out for 2 weeks and is receiving strong reviews. It can be ordered on Amazon.co.uk and takes 4 to 5 days to arrive. I want as many of you men as possible to read it - and feel proud. Dont let the cover put you off - it is meant to attract the nostalgia market over here. Between the covers is the story you will recognise.
Enjoy, spread the word, and I want a critique when you have read it.
I have been interviewed on Radio and TV. Much of the interest lies in the childhood experience (you'll understand when you read it) and then the Vietnam section. People have no idea of what actually happens to soldiers in conflict, and I have tried, through the amazing little vignettes I write about, to show the humanity that comes to the fore, despite the darkest of scenarios. I also point out that the same heartbreakingly touching heroism will be found in Iraq and Afghanistan today - and God knows where tomorrow and in the future.
I want this to be my salute to you brave young men who went through what you endured all those years ago.
The response here is touching. But I want it to be so on your side of the Atlantic also.
Anne watts
- Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 18:11:26 (EDT)
Thanks for a great site, Jack. You and I shared many experiences on joint missions in 1967-1968 when you were Blue One and I was Crocodile Six of the 119th AHC flying in the Central Highlands and "elsewhere," and later when you were Gator Three with the same unit. I appreciate your contributions to the army and to its history! Thanks for your service. Will visit your site again soon. Best wishes to you and yours. Don, MAA (retired)
Don Martin <croc-6@suddenlink.net>Seminole, Oklahoma USA - Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 11:54:53 (EST)
In the Battle of Kontum, the A1 pilot that was mentioned :"Late in the afternoon of May 27th, a VNAF A1-E was shot down 2km southwest of the city. The pilot parachuted safely and was picked up by a helicopter operating in the area." was me, i served in the 530 fighter squadron in Pleiku air base from 71 to the end of the war.If somebody knows the helicopter crewmembers please pass me the info,i like to say thanks to them again .Thuy.
Thuy tien Nguyen <thuytam123@yahoo.com>Sugarland , Texas USA - Thursday, December 03, 2009 at 07:24:09 (PST)
My brother, Lt Ronald Doughtie died with John P Vann on 6/9/72 towards the end of the Easter offensive. I have received some emails from folks who knew my brother but would any emails from those that knew him. Thank you.
Welcome home guy!
Tallahassee, FL USA - Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 08:49:49 (PST)
Wow, I missed the map page evidently but...what a gold mine! Thank you so much. Nowhere else (on the web) is there any info on these ARVN Rocket Ridge FSB's other than general descriptions, e.g., Andrade. To come across an original doc like this is just gold. Forgive me for pressing my advantage but is there any chance you know anything of ARVN FSB's November and/or Lam Son north of Kontum? I have found ZERO on these locs after much searching. I'm honored to cross paths with a principal. I was a garden-variety grunt in I Corps in 1970. For 39 years I've read histories of the conflict just trying in my own mind to understand how such a noble endeavor could've gone so wrong. I've been particularly intrigued by the tale of John Vann and thus my interest in '72 II Corps and Kontum. Thanks again for taking the time to contribute your invaluable experience to the record.
Bill Kindred <bill.kindred@comcast.net >USA - Friday, September 04, 2009 at 19:58:11 (PDT)
A very welcome and valuable website. Thanks to all who've put it together. Was in Viet Nam in '72, but never in MR II or Kontum. One of my best friends ever, Tim Conry, was KIA there in '72, with the Pink Panthers. I miss him to this day. A lot.
Very happy to see the 'set the record straight' effort. Our high school and college students are being spoon-fed myth and hallucinations about Viet Nam (and Laos, and Cambodia). Whole country still doesn't have a clue as to what went on, why, when, where, etc. News media was and is ignorant to a repugnant degree. Without contributions of Viet Nam veterans themselves, the real, honest history -warts and all- would be forever buried under layers upon layers of gossip, rumor, invented facts, etc.
God bless all.
Bill Laurie
Mesa, Arizona USA - Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 12:11:56 (PDT)
Dave,
wow that's great. I couldn't believe it when I found and read your story. I never knew any of that. I didn't know much about when he was in the army, actually I think that's all I knew that he was in the army. He always told me he would tell me more about it "When I get older" haha. But yeah I'm actually at work right now and I don't have an e-mail account so I will have to set one up when I am at home. Thank you for responding to my message, and writing that story. I'm glad I read it!
Reading, PA USA - Friday, December 26, 2008 at 13:08:17 (PST)
Kelsey, feel free to e mail me and we can get in touch if you like. I flew with your dad almost every day after he joined our platoon and I owe him my life for the courage he showed the day we got shot down.
Dave
Saratoga, NY USA - Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 15:20:21 (PST)
My dad is William Chlebowski, he was on the plane with Joe Eubanks I believe. He passed away when I was 17 and I happened to stumble across this now, 3 years later. It was interesting to read about all of this, I didn't know about a lot of it.
KelseyReading, PA USa - Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 00:31:41 (PST)
I am very interested in your site. I was a nurse at Pat Smiths' hospital in Kontum 1969/1970. I had to leave following a tough bout of fallcipirum malaria. I was determined to return but in early March 1972, the US Embassy in Singapore very strongly advised me not to travel to the highlands as the security situation was deteriorating. I was so distressed at the time. Now I understand why.
Anne Watts <annewatts67@aol.com>London, United Kingdom - Friday, December 05, 2008 at 06:10:03 (PST)
Subject: Bob "Lobo" Lobodzinski
I wanted to let you all know of the passing of my father, Bob "Lobo" Lobodzinski a helicopter pilot during the battle of Kontum. He died on Monday afternoon, after a week-long hospital stay due to a severe infection received during treatments for pain in his spine. As I understand it, today there is a tribute to him taking place at Ft. Rucker, from which we'll receive the flag, and he is to be buried on the 31st, at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery with the usual honors.
Like the rest of you, I'm sure, he never talked much about his work overseas, but I know he was very excited to have heard from you and was looking forward to future reunions.
This means that it falls to you gentlemen just that much more to preserve the legacy that you have created. He will be missed.
Mark Lobodzinski
- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 14:12:19 (PDT)
To Jack Heslin, one of my dearest American friends from the Vietnam War mainly in the heroic battle of Kontum in 1972 where the 23rd ARVN Division alone supported by the US Air Forces, US Army helicopters and advisors destroyed 3 NVA Communists divisions. Thank you Jack for telling the story of the Battle of Kontum on your web site and for the true remarks about me in your book “Reflections From the Web”.. I remember some American advisors were critical of Gen. Ba during the Battle of Kontum for not being aggressive enough, for not going out to attack the enemy. I think Gen. Ba knew his troops better than the Americans did and he played to the strength of his soldiers in letting them fight from defensive positions. Gen Ly Tong Ba, 23rd ARVN Div Commander, Battle of Kontum 1972
Gen Ly Tong BaLas Vegas, NV USA - Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 08:03:37 (PDT)
General Ba left Jack two voice messages, available to listen to as mp3 audio files.
General Ba Goes to Washington, DC
This is an outstanding overview of a crucial, yet largely forgotten battle of the Vietnam War. Kudos to Jack Heslin for his excellent work in researching, organizing and presenting this information. I learned a great deal.
Scott Swett
Webmaster: WinterSoldier.com and SwiftVets.com.
Author: To Set The Record Straight: How Swift Boat Veterans, POWs and the New Media Defeated John Kerry.
Falls Church, Virginia USA - Wednesday, September 03, 2008 at 08:19:40 (PDT)
My Father is Captain Dolph Todd. I know that he wasn't mentioned in this story but one time. I've never known my father very well. I was hoping that if you check this often, if there is anyway I can get more info on his time in the Army and in Vietnam I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me with any information you may have or where I could find out more. Thank you so much. This is a great story and helps enlighten those of us who were not yet born to find out what went on, at least in a small part of the Vietnam war.
Claire Janine Todd <FireAngelx24@aol.com>Round Rock, Texas USA - Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 22:47:40 (PST)
Your site is very interesting to me. I will come back and read more when I have time. My father was an officer in ARVN. I always admire brave soldiers, and I believe you're one of them. Thank you very much for your hard working of providing great details of the battle of Kontum. I've read many great stories about the battle in Vietnamese version, and now, your story is in American version. Many American war heroes are from West Point. What a great school with a great tradition! Big admiration is always for great soldiers who dedicate the most for their country.
Matthew Nguyen, a Senior Project Engineer, and a Georgia Tech graduate with highest honor.
LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA USA - Monday, October 01, 2007 at 14:50:51 (PDT)
Hi Jack: First, thank you for the great site. I arrived second tour in June 1972 and was fortunate to be assigned as the first replacement to the first TOW team (hawks claw) as operations officer and A/C. We had big shoes to fill from the original team and went on to kill our share of tanks, trucks, tow jeeps, etc. Thanks to the first heat diffusers installed on the aircraft exhaust, we survived 2 SA-7 firings. Ceasefire in Jan 73 was a celebration, however I had the honors of being selected to fly for the Peace Team for the last 60 days. I left on the second to last flight out on Mar 28. It was my distinct honor to serve in this "nobel cause" with the finest soldiers I have ever known. All the best,
Terry C. Gannon, Col (Ret) USA
Palm Coast, Florida USA - Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 04:00:14 (PDT)
This offensive was four years in preparation, and the North Vietnamese lost an estimated 60,000 in these battles. This gave our Vietnamese allies three years before the final offensive which toppled the South Vietnamese government.
John J Duffy <johnjduffy@aol.com>Santa Cruz, CA USA - Friday, April 20, 2007 at 17:45:20 (PDT)
[ View a Stars and Stripes article about John Duffy's account of this battle ]
Wonderful site...I stumbled upon it while googling information on Joe Eubanks. Joe was a friend and classmate of mine (The Citadel 1969 I last saw him in April 1972 when he landed next to my hooch and one of the flourescent light bulbs fell and exploded on my desk due to vibrations from the rotors. I went out to chew out the pilot and there was Joe grinning. We had a great time in the O club that night. Several weeks later I rotated out and heard of his death about 6 months later. I still think of him almost every day. As the quote goes "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."
L.G. 572nd MI Det. (II Corps RED) "spook"
Colorado - Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 11:46:47 (PST)
On reading through this site, I found a reference to my grandfather, LTC Norbert Gannon. It seems that he was interviewed on The Battle of Kontum. I am researching for a school project, and would like to find more information on my grandfather, and his involvement in the war. If anyone knew him personally, or has information on him, please send me and email at Gannon705@hotmail.com. Any information you have to offer will be greatly appreciated.
Dillon Gannon <Gannon705@hotmail.com>Camp Lejeune, N.C U.S.A - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 09:09:13 (PST)
Truly fantatic site. Brilliant work!!!!!
Theodore <father_crilly_uk@priest.com>Glasgow, Scotland - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 16:38:13 (PDT)
I have commented before about my husband , Lt.Ronald Doughtie, however, Ron was in Nam prior to 72 with Vann. He was a Sgt. in 67-68 with the First Cav., he was there for over a year plus and he really never did go into what he was doing....he went in Feb. of 67 and came home in July of 68..?? anyone know of him back then ???
Kaye Doughtie Ralston <kralston@chesco.org.>Parkesburg, PA chester - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 11:16:28 (PDT)
Your article sent shivers up my spine and brought back too many buried memories. As an Air Traffic Controller at Holloway Twr, during that time, the missions to Kontum were all to frightful. An additional note on the C-130 dropping 155mm pallets at Kontum, I was in the second C-130 loaded with class A explosives. We were on final, getting ready to push the pallets out the back door, when the pilot got the word that the C-130 you mentioned got shot down. Now after all these years, I finally got to hear the rest of the story. Great work!
Michael Waite <michael_waite@live.com>Flower Mound, TX US - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 20:01:49 (PDT)
I am working on a TV documentary on almost 500 years of US military history (obviously an overview) and your web site has provided valuable perspective on the role (both strengths and weaknesses) of the ARVN, late in the war.... and the incredible courage of American advisors. Thank you.
Bill McCune <mccunetv@aol.com>Phoenix, Arizona U.S.A. - Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 13:50:58 (PST)
I was senior advisor to the ARVN 44th Infantry Regiment in Kontum until I was wounded and evacuated on 31 May 72. This website is a major contribution to the history of the Vietnam War and a great place to exchange information and experiences.
Tom McKenna <tpmckenna@verizon.net>Montpelier, VT USA - Monday, January 10, 2005 at 08:59:23 (PST)
Well, dad, your site has done it again. I am sitting in an internet cafe in Poland and find myself trying to control my emotions and pride. I have seen this site from its inception and I never cease to be humbled and proud to visit it. You have done a truly fantastic thing (as well as, of course, Mr. Williams the webmaster). I also want to thank all of the people who have visited this site because, as healing, helpful and cathartic as it may be for each of you, it has been equally so for my father. We're all on this journey together. Thanks all and welcome home.
joe heslin <joeheslin1@yahoo.com>rybnik, poland - Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 07:26:48 (PDT)
This is a great site done by person who was there, it helps me understand more into what took place then. I am interested in the Indochina conflic, things happened all around Vietnam including Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. We were saved from communist invasion after everybody fell in '75 by the war you fought in Vietnam, thank you.
Pramut Jira <pramut@yahoo.com>Bangkok, Thailand - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 12:44:36 (PDT)
Jack, what a great pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife Jean at the VHPA reunion in Dallas. I also got to meet Jim Stein and finally thank him after 32 years for rescuing me from Tan Canh/Dak To on 24 April 72. Larry Brassell was another one with us during those times that I was glad to meet. I anticipate adding to the website "Memories" section very soon in a post that corresponds with Jim Stein's "Flying John Paul Vann" post. Your website has allowed me to finally put many pieces of the puzzle together that I was missing. Thanks a million!
William B. Page <wpage@cox-internet.com>Lafayette, LA. - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 17:20:01 (PDT)
Thank you for telling the tale. Fred Suttle was my father's cousin. I've heard quite a bit about him but unfortunatley he died before I was born(1974) I've lately been trying to collect more information about Fred. Thank you again for everything.
Brian Suttle <bsuttle@cox.net>
Newport News, Va USA - Friday, May 14, 2004 at 06:51:12 (PDT)
Jack, you have done an excellent job with this site, it brought to light the story of "A Bright Shining Lie." I was with you Dec 67 through Oct 68 while we both were in the 119th AHC. All of the points on the map bring back memories, we made assaults on most of those points along Rocket Ridge while they were pristine hilltops. Rocket ridge is a memory that has been frozen in my mind. I remember hours of flight out of FOB-II, Dak To, Kontum, Polei Klang, firebase milehigh, Big Mama, and the "county line" and points West. I hope to see you this year in July at the VHPA and the unit reunion following the VHPA. Dave
Dave "BABY HUEY" Weissinger <huey519@aol.com>
Annona, TX USA - Monday, March 15, 2004 at 14:59:54 (PST)
Jack, I am in awe of this website and the work you have done to capture the history of this important battle. I haven't begun to digest it all but will do so in the coming days. My father was BGEN John Hill. He retired a MGEN after serving as Deputy Commander, III Corps and Fort Hood in 1978, the year I followed him in graduating from the U.S. Military Academy. He then moved to Austin, TX, where he went to law school and established a private practice in the suburbs. He passed away in 1999, sadly from brain cancer. Although an ignoble way to end his life, he knew he had lived a full one and achieved much. I miss him a lot
My father didn't speak a lot about his experiences in Vietnam. I know he hated the war and those in power who entangled us in it but he also loved being a soldier and knew he did it better than most. To this day, many who served with him remain close family friends.
Thank you for this effort to educate new generations about the Vietnam War from a soldier's perspective. Rob Hill
Rob Hill <robrtmhill@bellsouth.net>
USA - Monday, November 17, 2003 at 06:20:36 (PST)
Jack, while idling away at the computer today, I did a search on my name to see what evidence I might have left in traveling through the web. Imagine my surprise when I found the link to the May 23, 1972 newspaper article "Fliers Keep On Trucking Over Highway 14" on your web site - The Battle of Kontum. There I was, 31 years ago, frozen in time, one night when we took a Stars and Stripes reporter along with us. How strange....
Jack, I can't tell you what chord your site strikes in me. How fascinating it was to be able to see it again but through so many different lenses. It is the same feeling I had after reading Neil Sheehan's book, "A Bright and Shining Lie." All those pieces started to fit into a whole. But this, your web site, is much more personal.
Thank you for the effort, for hosting so much information, for bringing so many people together, for remembering.
Mel
Mel Hughes <mellh_50@yahoo.com>
Chattanooga, Tennessee USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 05:29:21 (PDT)
[ View Mel Hughes' Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, thank you so much for everything, I served with the 10th CAV out of Pleiku during the battle of Kontum. I was to young to understand just what was going on at that time and for thirty two years I have been trying to sort it all out, now I understand what was going on at that time. I was there when we took out the NVA tanks. Thanks again, this means a lot to me.
Sincerely sp4 John Harden
John Harden <jkharden@comcast.net>
USA - Monday, September 01, 2003 at 20:33:46 (PDT)
Jack, you have spend a lot of time and have done a great job of investigation in getting the facts. I flew B and then H 7/17 during Feb to June 19th 72. Call sign "Scalp Hunter Lead" and flew almost every day. I flew John Paul Vann when his pilots couldn't - rescued more than a few of his advisors as their FSB's were being overrun, Dak To, Tan Canh and Polei Kleng. Jack, out of the nine OH-6's you report as lost, 4 were mine with another picked up and recovered. Let me know if you would like more information to add to the site.
Jim Stein <james.stein4@verizon.net>
USA - Tuesday, August 05, 2003 at 18:40:25 (PDT)
[ View Jim Stein's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, I am so pleased that your friend, my friend and savior Fred Suttle has been remembered in a place where warriors meet. CPT Suttle died in my place. I'm here because of his unselfish action. I will never forget him coming to my hutch and telling me to rest he would take the flight. If I remember correctly it had been 27 straight days of 16-hour days. I was overtired and he knew it. As I said I'm here because of him. A couple of years ago I took my son to the wall not only to see it but too specifically to see, touch, and connect with the hero who saved his dad's life. Thanks "Fred" and thank you for telling the story.
LTC (Ret) Plint Hickman (Blue 32) <mrpilotman@hotmail.com>
Harlan, KY USA - Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 12:10:33 (PDT)
Jack,
I don't mind if you put it in the memories book. I'll check in later. Please send Jim Steins E-Mail address if you have it. I will probably contact him to see if he is going to the reunion at Radcliff in September. I saw Bart Burns E-Mail address on another web page but it is apparently it is old. I am also looking for Craig Smith. He was Scalphunter 15. Bart was the observer with me the day I was shot down and when I went in to Poli Klang. Craig was one of the Lt. that was a scout and the scout shot down by the tank. I'll sign on later and relate some more memories. Thanks for all the hard work you have done. It is providing a lot of information I was not aware of and memories and will hopefully put some of us in tuch with each other.
Larry
Larry Brassell <lbrassel@bellsouth.net>
Gulfport, Ms USA - Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 20:28:59 (PDT)
[ View Larry Brassell's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack, I want to thank you for what I would say is the "best" war story I have ever read. Your depiction of the facts certainly puts a new light on the effort of the ARVN. I worked with the "Big Red 1" and the 1st ARVN and they weren't always as committed as our boys were but they certainly shined in Kontum. Please accept this "SALUTE" as a job well done. I agree with your closing comments as well and pray we are a nation who can remember the
past and never forget those who gave all. So, I'll say good bye for now. Bill Perrot
Bill Perrot <wperrot@spokanenet.net>
USA - Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 10:34:47 (PDT)
Chao Trung Ta Heslin.
Very informative and excellent website of a great battle! The Summer of 1972 was rightly called the "Red Fire Summer", because side by side the American and South Vietnamese soldiers had proved to the Communists and the World that we can fight them at any condition! I also like to refer you to the statue unveiled at Westminster, CA on April 26, 2003 of an American soldier and a Vietnamese soldier as a Memorial to these unsung heroes... I have the great honor of meeting Jack, Jean Heslin and their "kids" in 1977 while attending the University of Rhode Island. Jack had helped my uncle's family resettle in R.I. after their escape from Communist Viet-Nam. After my graduation from U.R.I. I visited the Heslins at Schofield Army Base in Hawaii. Jack knew that I was a former Helicopter Pilot from VNAF and took me to the simulator: I tried this amazing machine for the first time in my life! Back in Viet-Nam, I learned directly from the UH-1 at the 4th division VNAF in the Delta. I had a great time with the Heslins in Hawaii, especially seeing the beautiful island of Oahu. After they moved back to the U.S. I visited with the family a number of times.
I like to thank Jack, Jean for their friendship lasting over a quarter of a century. By this e-mail I also like to thank all the Veterans who served in Viet-Nam. No matter what other people said, please remember that you had made a difference in the lives of 40+ millions South Vietnamese people who couldn't have enjoyed freedom and democracy for two decades (1955-1975) without your sacrifice. Thank you.
Binh Thanh Nguyen hiepan@hotmail.com
S. Windsor, CT
Binh Thanh Nguyen <hiepan@hotmail.com>
South Windsor, CT USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 13:23:34 (PDT)
Jack,
What a site! Thanks for your effort here, laying out the story for all of us. I was one of those Chinook pilots in the 180th, flying out of Camp Holloway. Ammo and rice into the city, refugees out. Seemed nonstop at the time. And our reception of the TOW-equipped B model Hueys at Holloway: "Are you guys lost?" I remember the C-130 running off the runway at Kontum with it's ramp still down - callsign Spare 615 as I remember.....and the mornings we'd fly first sortie into Kontum, wondering what the situation would be, and where the next .51 Cal was.
Anyway, congrats.
Bill Baxley <Baxley428@aol.com>
Damiansville, IL USA - Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 00:37:41 (PDT)
I have the honor of meeting and knowing Col. Jack Heslin, his wife Jean, and his children. I met the Heslins back in 1976 in Wakefield, RI. I was a Vietnameese refugee looking for a new life in America. The Heslins were a pillar of support for a few of us at that critical time. We often visited them at their house and they always received us with open arms. We finally connected twenty two years later in Chesterfield, VA. in May of 2003. We had a drink, told stories, shared our family and good memory.
In the end, it is a blessing that we crossed path in our lifetime. I am glad that I met them, and I am proud of him.
Great web site.
Dai Dau <dai.q.dau@power.alstom.com>
Windsor, CT USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 18:23:52 (PDT)
Great site! Jack, I was an ROTC cadet of yours in 1974-75 at URI. I went into the Marines,did 20years active/reserve service, infantry officer. Retired LtCol.
I always thought you were a SUPERB officer, a great leader, and wondered whatever happened to you. Glad to have found you. Give me an emmail address or call! R/Neil McNulty 757-412-1170.
Neil McNulty <mcnulty1@exis.net>
Virginia Beach, VA USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 15:06:35 (PST)
Sir, It is great honor of you to those, Vietnamese and Americans alike, who fought, suffered or perished in and around Kontum in that bloody summer of Vietnam with your dedicated Web-site to them. I found out about it by chance after I went to my lost hometown of Tan Canh on 11 Nov. last year (2002), more than 30 year from the day I fled it, 24 April 1972. Nothing is the same from the little town once was home to my parents' family, from which I am the eldest son. Tried as I could, I was not able to locate where our house once stood. Upon returned home, I sought in random on Google.com to see what it has about Tan Canh and discovered your site, thebattleofkontum.com. It brings back, fresh to my mind, what I thought buried deep in my heart years ago, all the pains and nightmares I had suffered then. I think I'll be frowned upon by some, even from the spineless and turncoats of your own country, if I say that I thank you very much for what you have done to build this excellent site. Lost lives not forgotten, deeds of heroism remembered, valor fully appreciated, you and your site do justice to people who for a while in 1972 shared a desolate city name Kontum. And yes, my name is Van (Ky) Chuyen, the young 'Viet Sgt.' wrote about by Jacques Leslie's article on Star & Stripes issue of 27 May 1972.
Van (Ky) Chuyen <vanky4896@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:42:06 (PST)
[ View Van Ky Chuyen's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack: What a masterpiece. I have been here for seven hours now tring to absorb all of the information you have on this site. I was the C.O. 57th AHC in Kontum from feb to aug 69. Have some pre battle stories that i will provide you at a later date. I also walked the Kontum runway in October 2001. Also the 57th has a reunion eveery 2 years. Maybe you can come to the next one. Like to talk to you about several other things at a later date. Again thanks for a trip back in time. I was the Adj of the 52nd for a time also.
James "Ted" Kearns <tkearns@pcii.net>
Platteville, WI USA - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 22:23:16 (PST)
Fabulous site !!! Great history recorded and preserved. Congrats.
Owen W Mahony <owenot12@cox.net>
Warwick, RI USA - Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 05:28:57 (PST)
I served with the 1st. Cav, Co. D 1/12th during the Easter Offensive and witnessed many of the events on the excellent website of Jack Heslin. There is not much information I can gather over the years on our unit. I have scanned some declassified documents concerning our unit and the TOW missles we were quickly trained to fire. These documents were "For Eyes Only" and addressed to Gen. Abrams, Vann, etc. We guarded several areas with jeep mountd TOWs that had originally been sent hastily over from the 82nd Airborne Div. Also watched the NVA overrun several firebases from our compound. Not exactly sure where I was, just being a lowly 18yr. old Grunt at the time. We moved a lot during this time. Any links or information anyone may have on D 1/12th at Tan Canh would be appreciated. My hats definitly off to Lt. Col. John G. "Jack" Heslin (Retired). Thanks for the fine job/website.
William B. Page <wpage@page-kraemer.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 12:05:40 (PST)
[ View William B. Page's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Jack: What a wonderful piece of work. Bill and I just discovered it today and will spend hours digesting the contents. Much love to you and Jean and the kids. Lynda Allanach
Lynda Allanach <lallanach@aol.com>
Fort Worth, TX USA - Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at 12:24:17 (PST)
Jack, I've read, and reread your site, and you are to be congratulated. You've done a tremendous job! But as Bill Reeder says, sometimes things are not quite described accurately, and for years I've tried to find a way to maybe "set the record straight" about a couple of things I've seen in print about the fighting around Ben Het during those early days of May, 1972. But then, no one has ever sought out me or my fellow advisor at Ben Het, Robert C. Sparks, to get an eye witness account. (We had been at Ben Het since early March, 1972. Bob left in mid-June, albeit involuntarily, after being wounded in the stomach by shell fragments. Myself, though hit by fragments from the same artillery round that got Bob, was sent back to Ben Het a week later--on crutches--and stayed until the US advisor effort was finally ended in October, 1972.) I imagine, though, except for those directly involved in the fighting there, the Battle for Ben Het doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. However, as with Bill, those who were there are perhaps entitled to get just a little nit picky about the "details." Ben Het 'n Lovin' it. Mark Truhan in Vermont LTC Armor, USAR (Still serving)
Mark Truhan <Mark Truhan--Patty Swanson >
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 20:30:32 (PDT)
[ View Mark Truhan's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Your site is one of the rare sites that tells something good about the fighting spirit of the ARVN, and in a so convincing manner as it is backed up with documents and first-hand testimonies of someone who had participated directly in the battle. Prior to your two tours in Vietnam, my brother was the chief of staff of the II Corps in Pleiku. His name was Colonel Nguyen Van Hieu. He left Pleiku in June 1966 to become commander of the 22d Infantry Division in Qui Nhon then in August 1969, commander of the 5th Infantry Division. You might have heard of him. Because he was rather low-key, not many people knew about him. I have set up a web site about him, to make him known to the public, Vietnamese as well as American. You are cordially invited to visit it at http://www.generalhieu.com/ . It offers a revealing insight of the ARVN and provides a unique perspective of the Vietnam War.
Tin Nguyen <tinvnguyen@mail.com>
Bronx, NY USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 21:39:15 (PDT)
I enjoyed your website on the Battle of Kontum tremendously. What a great effort! And what an important undertaking. Thanks much for capturing so much of this history. I was particularly impressed with your account of my shootdown at Ben Het on 9 May 72. I was surprised, however, to see me described as running from the aircraft. My back was badly broken with impingement of the spinal cord, and I was wounded in the ankle. I could only barely crawl for most all that day after the crash. The best eye witness to the whole thing was the American advisor at Ben Het, Mark Truhan. Pardon my being so nit picky about some of the details. Again, thanks so much for the effort you are putting into this project. It is much appreciated. Best of luck with this great web page. Bill Reeder
Bill Reeder <William S. Reeder, Jr. >
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 04:58:31 (PDT)
Excellent job journaling the Kontum/Pleiku battles. I was one of the pilots (Gladiator 13)on the 9 May trip to Ben Het with the crates of anti-tank weapons. We were all kissing our behinds good-bye that day, but somehow some of us made it through - thanks to the two gunships that took a beating and paid a price keeping the NVA off us. This episode is, as they say, vividly burned in my mind. I can remember breaking the tree line and seeing the burning T-59 in front of us; flying over the wire and taking fire from inside their perimeter; hovering over the CP while the crates were pushed out; staring at the ground through the windscreen after the RPG exploded on the rise our tail boom was hanging out over (the explosion threw the tail boom high in the air putting us in a nose down attitude for about a second); leveling the aircraft and continuing to sit there as the last two crates were then pushed out; flying out over the destroyed PT-76 and seeing the first Cobra pull in front to cover us only to get laced by a 51 and it's compressor section erupt in flames and them go down; turning to overfly them and seeing them both slumped over the controls; turning again to break over the tree line and hearing the 2nd Cobra getting hit; doing a cyclic climb for altitude and listening for sounds, especially around the tail boom attaching point area, to try to determine if we sustained any critical damage - we didn't, but didn't know for sure what our status was 'til we got to Kontum. WE were lucky!!!!!
John Kujawa <jkujawa@houston.rr.com>
USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 17:17:16 (PDT)
[ View John Kujawa's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Boy did that bring back memories. I am one of 3 AC's assigned to the first Aerial TOW Team and your accounts of the "Battle of Kontom" were right on the money! It's amazing how 30 years can seem like yesterday. Please try and drop by the VHPA mini-reunion in Vegas. I have a cold one waiting for your and any gunship crew who supported us. I retired a W4 after 25 years and still have such memories!
D. Ray Hixson <2airborne@prodigy.net>
Apache Junction, AZ USA - Monday, May 27, 2002 at 18:43:13 (PDT)
I was a pilot with H Trp, 7/17 CAV and had to work through my emotions as I read the history and comments in your guest book. Our unit lost more than just a few good men, one of those was Dallas Nihsen, a good gunner aboard my UH-1 as I flew with H Trp Commander, Major Gibbs, Embalmer 6. I later was sitting on top of a bunker at the Kontum airstrip and watched helplessly as a C130 landed for a hot offload, took a mortar under the wing and subsequently crashed fully loaded during an attempted takeoff. It was then that Rocket Ridge lit up, eventually hitting POL. We cranked, flew to the crash site to make a rescue attempt then made a pass down the runway as POL blazed. It was during that time that our LOH Platoon Leader, Cpt Wayne Finch, was shot down, captured and later died in captivity. Soon after that Cpt Jim Stein, LOH Platoon Commander, was shot in the leg and sent home where the leg was amputated. At about that time Gerald Spradlin and gunner were shot down and killed in a LOH. Many others bear mentioning because of their bravery under intensely difficult circumstance. Unfortunately, I neither know nor remember all of them. But the names of those who gave all they had are on the wall and we must never forget them or why they are there. Thanks for the part each of you played and thanks for the web site. It is very important.
Dennis Watson <denniswatson@bellsouth.net>
Fairhope, AL USA - Friday, May 24, 2002 at 08:04:35 (PDT)
[ View Dennis Watson's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
Hi Jack, came to your web site by Divine Chance while chasing down links. Was absolutely mesmerized by your telling of the events of the 1972 "Easter Offensive" in the Central Highlands. I have been online for many years and have often searched for any information about these events from both official and unofficial sources. I was a participant in many of the actions during those months. Hard to believe that 30 years have passed.... sometimes it seems like yesterday. I was with 2nd Flight Platoon 57th AHC and was CE of UH-1H 69-95020 aka "BROKE-DICK 13". (We were shot down on June 2nd 1972 -- see the Memories Book)
Dave Millard <dmillar1@nycap.rr.com>
USA - Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 10:22:01 (PDT)
[ View Dave Millard's Contribution to the Memories Book ]
I was an advisor to two troops in the 19th Armored Cavalry Squadron that operated from the Man Yang Pass to Bet Het from January 72 through late Aril 72. The M-41 Company was involved in daily fights opening the road north of Kontum for several weeks before Tan Cann. After our advisory team closed out, I worked in the II Corps TOC and was on duty the night Tan Cann was overrun. I saw Colonel Kaplan after he was brought back the next morning and listned to John Paul Vann explain how they were going to destroy the NVA. I ended up the war as an advisor to a tank company of the 21st M-48 Tank Battalion that came back to Pleiku before December 72. Lost 3 counterparts in both regiments, two from their own soldiers. It was the best of times and the worst of times. The soldiers that I fought with were brave men in anyone's army.
Jim Vaughan, USA LTC (Retired) <jim.vaughan@murraystate.edu>
Murray, KY USA - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 18:50:57 (PDT)
As one of many AH1G pilot sent to H Trp, 10th CAV (from C Trp, 16th CAV, in my case)to replace losses from the Easter Offensive, I was pleased to read this detailed history of the campaign. What this history cannot express is the daily fear, excitement, anticipation and relief of the helicopter crews who supported the S. Vietnamese and American soldiers facing the NVA attacks. Well done!
Bob Hesselbein <beaner1138@aol.com>
Madison, WI USA - Saturday, April 06, 2002 at 03:08:16 (PST)
Outstanding piece of work that ranks alongside some of the best that is on the Web. Clear, concise, professionaly presented and a joy to navigate. The clarity of the design is only surpassed by the brevity of the content. Most definitely a website that 'sets the standard' for others to follow. Have to agree with an earlier post, the content should form the basis for a book, one that will be well received by all who have an interest in the professionalism and extraordinary exploits of US servicemen exhibited in what had become an 'unpopular' war. My congratulations on your superb site, it is, without doubt, a tremendous memorial for all those that paid the ultimate price during the battles that you describe.
Mike Ruffle <mike@entrinet.softnet.co.uk>
Manchester, England, UK - Thursday, April 04, 2002 at 13:31:46 (PST)
This was the finest summary and presentation of any War account I have ever read. It should be made into a book. I was a Warrant Officer Aviator with the 189th AHC "Ghostriders" in 1970-71 at Pleiku. The AO you described brought back many memories and should be a "must read" for any one who flew there. I hope to meet you at the next VHPA reunion. Thank you and welcome home.
Ty Simmons <ghostrider2524@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 17:15:30 (PST)
Wow. Simply one of the finest presentations of any battle anywhere on the web. I've linked to you on my site, and I hope it garners you at least a few of the many readers you deserve.
Stephen Green <stephenagreen@earthlink.net>
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 14:19:01 (PST)