“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” In this issue: A Short History of the 35TFW To Seek Maintenance Award American Airman (Press Release) Inspection Keeps Spooky Flying Bobcats Chew Charlie Phan Rang Conducts 1st Officer Dining-In Phan Rang Memories by Larry Theurer: The Movie Theater - The Burning Tent Camp Spooky Halts Attack on Camp AF Med Team Helps Check Epidemic NCO’s Heroic Deeds Save 42 Pilots Spookies, Gunships Hold Off VC Attack on Defense Group Sorry ‘bout That (Cartoon) Happiness is...’Project Father’ Robrucha In Vietnam (cartoon) Bombs Make VC Think Red Horse Helps Build Church 2015 Reunion Information Phan Rang Staff Members

Page 1 The Phan Rang AB News No. 71

“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” TH A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 13 BOMB SQUADRON (The Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Center, USAF, Maxwell AFB, AL.)

Organized as on 14 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 29 Mar 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (16 Oct 1936) with 104th Aero Squadron which was organized on 25 Aug 1917, redesignated 13th Squadron on 14 Mar 1921, redesignated 13th Attack Squadron on 25 Jan 1923, inactivated on 27 Jun 1924, and activated on 1 Nov 1929. Redesignated: 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 15 Sep 1939; 13th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 28 Sep 1942; 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 25 May 1943; 13th Bombardment Squadron, Light, Night Intruder, on 25 Jun 1951; 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical, on 1 Oct 1955. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 15 Jan 1968. Activated on 8 Feb 1969. Redesignated on 1 Jul 1973. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1973. Redesignated 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical, on 30 Sep 1973.

CAMPAIGNS (Continued). Vietnam: Advisory; Defense; Air; Air Offensive; Air Offensive, Phase II; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII; Cease-Fire.

ASSIGNMENTS. 13th Aero Squadron: Unkn, 14 Jun 1917-Jun 1918; 2d Pursuit Group, Jun-Dec 1918; unkn, Dec 1918-29 Mar 1919. 104th Aero (later, 13th Attack) Squadron: Unkn, 25 Aug 1917-Aug 1918; V Corps Observation Group, Aug-Dec 1918; unkn, Dec 1918-1 Jul 1919; Army Surveillance (later, 1st Surveillance; 3d Attack) Group, 1 Jul 1919-27 Jun 1924. 3d Attack Group, 1 Nov 1929 to consolidation in 1936. Consolidated Squadron: 3d Attack (later, Bombardment) Group, from 1936 consolidation (attached to 3d Bombardment Wing, Tactical, 13 Aug 1956-24 Oct 1957); 3d Bombardment Wing, Tactical, 25 Oct 1957 (attached to 41st Air Division, 1 Sep 1963-7 Jan 1964); 41st Air Division, 8 Jan 1964; , c. 10 Apr 1964 (attached to 405th Fighter Wing, 10 Apr 1964-17 Nov 1964); 405th Fighter Wing, 18 Nov 1964-15 Jan 1968 (attached to 2d Air Division, 5 Aug-3 Nov 1964, 17 Feb-21 Jun 1965; attached to 6252d Tactical Fighter Wing, 16 Aug-16 Oct 1965, 16 Dec 1965-17 Feb 1966; attached to 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, 17 Apr-17 Jun 1966, 14 Aug-13 Oct 1966, 12 Dec 1966-11 Feb 1967, 11 Apr-8 Jun 1967, 1 Aug-26 Sep 1967, 21 Nov 1967-15 Jan 1968). 15th Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Feb 1969; , 15 Sep 1970 (attached to 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 Sep-30 Oct 1970); 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 31 Oct 1970; 405th Fighter Wing, c. 24 Dec 1972-30 Sep 1973.

STATIONS. 13th Aero Squadron: Camp Kelly, Tex, 14 Jun 1917; , Ohio, 8 Jul 1917; Garden City, NY, 1 Nov-3 Dec'1917; St Maixent, France, 1 Jan 1918; Issoudun, France, 27 Jan 1918 - (detachment at Meucon, France, 6 Apr-c. 11 May 1918, and Haussimont, France, c. 11 May-c. 24 Jun 1918); Colombey-les-Belles, France, 5 Jun 1918; Toul, France, 28 Jun 1918; Belrain, France, 23 Sep 1918; Souilly, France, 23 Sep 1918; Colombey-les-Belles, France, 16 Dec 1918; port of embarkation, 6 Feb-3 Mar 1919; Garden City, NY, 13-29 Mar 1919. 104th Aero (later, 13th Attack) Squadron: , Tex, 25 Aug 1917; Garden City, NY, 4-22 Nov 1917; Winchester, England, 8 Dec 1917; Upavon, England, 24 Dec 1917 (detachments at Salisbury

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” and Andover, England, to 6 Jun 1918, and at Yatesbury, England, to 9 Jul 1918); Netheravon, England, 24 Mar 1918; Salisbury, England, 6 Jun 1918; Winchester, England, 10-18 Jul 1918; St Maixent, France, 22 Jul 1918; Epiez, France, 4 Aug 1918; Luxeuil-les-Bains, France, 8 Aug 1918; Souilly, France, 8 Sep 1918; Foucaucourt, France, 20 Sep 1918; Parois, France, 4 Nov 1918 (flight operated from Barricourt, France, 10 Nov 1918-unkn); Belrain, France, 30 Nov 1918; Colombey- les-Belles, France, 14 Jan 1919; St Denis de Pile, France, 29 Jan 1919; Libourne, France, 3 Feb 1919; , France, 10-18 Apr 1919; Roosevelt Field, NY, c. 28 Apr 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 1 May 1919; Ft Bliss, Tex, c. 15 May 1919; Kelly Field, Tex, Jun 1919; Ft Bliss, Tex, 6 Nov 1919 (flight operated from Marfa, Tex, 5 Nov 1919-3 Sep 1920; Post Field, Okla,-10 Sep-4 Nov 1920; Marfa, Tex, 17 Nov 1920-Jun 1921); Kelly Field, Tex, 2 Jul 1921-27 Jun 1924. Langley Field, Va, 1 Nov 1929; Ft Crockett, Tex, 17 Nov 1929; Barksdale Field, La, 27 Feb 1935 to 1936 consolidation.

Consolidated Squadron: Barksdale Field, La, from 1936 consolidation; Savannah, Ga, 10 Oct 1940-19 Jan 1942; Brisbane, Australia, 25 Feb 1942; Charters Towers, Australia, 10 Mar 1942 (detachment operated from Del Monte, Mindanao, 12714 Apr 1942); Port Moresby, New Guinea, c. 10 Jan 1943; Dobodura, New Guinea, c. 23 May 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 1 Feb 1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, c. 21 May 1944; Dulag, Leyte, 20 Nov 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 30 Dec 1944; Okinawa, c. 7 Aug 1945; Atsugi, Japan, c. 10 Oct 1945; Johnson AB, Japan, 10 Mar 1950; Iwakuni, Japan, 2 Jul 1950; Kunsan, Korea, c. 15 Aug 1951; Johnson AB, Japan, 2 Oct 1954; Yokota AB, Japan, 17 Nov 1960; Clark AB, Philippines, 10 Apr 1964-15 Jan 1968 (deployed at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam, 5 Aug-3 Nov 1964, 17 Feb-16 May 1965; Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam, 16 May-21 Jun 1965; Danang AB, Vietnam, 16 Aug-16 Oct 1965, 16 Dec 1965-17 Feb 1966, 17 Apr- 17 Jun 1966 [operated from Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam, 15-22 May 1966], 14 Aug-9 Oct 1966; Phan Rang AB, Vietnam, 10 Oct-13 Oct 1966, 12 Dec 1966-11 Feb 1967, 11 Apr-8 Jun 1967, 1 Aug-26 Sep 1967, 21 Nov 1967-15 Jan 1968). MacDill AFB, Fla, 8 Feb 1969-15 Sep 1970; Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, 28 Sep 1970-c. 24 Dec 1972; Clark AB, Philippines, c. 24 Dec 1972-30 Sep 1973.

COMMANDERS. 13th Aero Squadron: Capt Maxwell Kirby, 14 Jun 1917; 1st Lt. Charles T Trowbridge, 18 Sep 1917; 1st Lt Raymond C Sunborn, 26 Jan 1918; 1st Lt Hugh 0 Ellis, 19 Mar 1918; Capt Charles J Biddle, 24 Jun 1918; 1st Lt Dickinson Este, 24 Oct 1918-unkn. 104th Aero (later, 13th Attack) Squadron: Lt B L Corson, 25 Aug 1917; 1st Lt Edward A Waters, 25 Sep 1917; 1st Lt J M Rhodes, 17 Jun 1918; 1st Lt Edward A Waters, 2 Jul 1918; 1st Lt (later, Capt) Clearton H Reynolds, 22 Jul 1918-unkn; Capt William R Holcombe, Aug 1919; Capt Dogan H Arthur, Nov 1919; 1st Lt Lloyd L Harvey, Mar 1921-unkn. Consolidated Squadron: Unkn, 16 Oct 1936-Jan 1942; Capt James Orr, Jan 1942; Maj Herman F Lowery, 2 Apr 1942; Maj Alexander G Evanoff, 25 May 1942; Capt (later, Maj) Harold V Maull, 25 Nov 1942; Capt (later, Maj) David M Conley, 4 May 1943; Capt (later, Maj) Arthur Small, 13 Oct 1943; Capt Theodore G Fitch, 21 Dec 1943; Capt (later, Maj) Alfred E Baucam, 4 Mar 1944; Capt Richard L Walker, 31 Aug 1944; Capt-(later, Maj) Donald L MacLellan, 23 Mar 1945; Capt Melville W Fisher, 12 Sep 1945; Capt Howard W Knudsen, 19 Nov 1945; 1st Lt John W Bryden, 27 Dec 1945; Capt F M McMullen, 28 Mar 1946; Capt W F Maughan, 1 Jul 1946; Maj Arnold P Burris, 28 Aug 1946; Maj T J Price, 21 Apr 1947; Lt Col J P Crocker, 22 Sep 1947; Maj C H Gross, 21 Jun 1948; Maj (later, Lt Col) Robert E Jarrell, 12

Page 3 The Phan Rang AB News No. 71

“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” May 1949; Maj (later, Lt Col Walter S King, 17 Oct 1950; Maj John J Davis, 21 Feb 1951; Lt Col Joseph H Belser, 1 Mar 1951; Maj (later, Lt Col) Alvin R Fortney, 14 Dec 1951; Maj (later, Lt Col) Estes B Sherrill, Jul 1952; Maj Vincent R LaBerge, Nov 1952; Lt Col David W Allerdice, 1953; Lt Col Stanley D Kline, (by Jul) 1953; Lt Col Richard D Salter, (by Dec) 1953; Maj John E Rees, 16 Jan 1954; Maj Edward F Taylor, 1 Jul 1954; Maj John E Rees, 9 Jul 1954; Maj Edward F Taylor, 16 Aug 1954; Lt Col Robert A Sedgwick, 22 Aug 1954; Lt Col Arthur Small, 1 Mar 1955; Lt Col William D Miner, 8 Apr 1955; Lt Col Marcus H Worde, 14 Jun 1955; Maj Howard W Ice, 14 May 1958; Lt Col Richard A Christenson, 9 Jun 1959; Maj (later, Lt Col) William W Sams, 20 Aug 1960; Lt Col Donals A Luttrell, Aug 1963; Lt Col Billy A McLeod, Oct 1963; Maj Howard F O'Neal, 26 Sep 1964; Maj Billy J Gregory, 2 May 1965; Maj Floren B Nelson, 4 Jul 1965; Lt Col William J Amos, 19 Jan 1966; Lt Col George W Cap, 13 Feb 1967-15 - Jan 1968. Unkn, 8 Feb-22 Apr 1969; Lt Col Raul R Pitt, 23 Apr 1969; Lt Col Edward K Matthews, 1 Aug 1971-12 Apr 1972; unkn (apparently not manned except with perhaps "record" personnel), 12 Apr 1972-30 Sep 1973.

AIRCRAFT. 13th Aero Squadron: Spad XIII, 1918. 104th Aero (later, 13th Attack) Squadron: SaImson 2, 1918; DH-4, 1919-1922; XB-1A, 1921-1922; GAX (GA-1), 1922-1923; DH-4, 1923- 1924. A-3, 1929-1934; A-12, 1934-1936; A-17, 1936. Consolidated Squadron: A-17, 1936-1939; in addition to B-18, included B-12 during period 1939-1941; A-20, 1941, 1944-1945; B-25, 1942- 1944; A (later, B)-26, 1945-1956; B-57, 1956-1968. B-57, 1969-1972.

Word War II. When war came to the nation in December 1941, the Reapers embarked on an accelerated training program while also engaged in anti-submarine patrols against German U- boats along the Atlantic coast. Because every ranking and experienced man from the unit was pulled and assigned overseas to train other units, the Reapers were left without personnel and planes. When the unit arrived in Australia in January 1942, they were still without airplanes. While waiting for aircraft, the Reapers learned there were 24 brand new B-25s sitting on the ramp in nearby Melbourne, but the planes were earmarked for the Dutch. Soon after, 24 Reaper pilots arrived in Melbourne, presented a confused Officer of the Day with an authorization letter, and nonchalantly flew away with the airplanes before anyone realized the mistake. The Reapers used those planes, and later A- 20s, to attack bridges, transports, airfields, troop installations, seaplanes, docks, warehouses and enemy targets. At the end of the war, the squadron had earned four Distinguished Unit Citations for actions over the Philippine Island, Papua and New Guinea, and also took home the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. From the end of World War II to 1950, the 13 BS remained in Japan as part of the Army of Occupation.

Korean War. When North Korea invaded the south in 1950, the squadron, Flying A and B-26s, conducted interdiction missions during daylight raids on enemy troops and lines. On June 25, 1951, the squadron was redesignated the 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light-Night Intruders) to reflect the unit’s “Hoot Owl” night missions. Following the end of the , the 13th remained forward deployed to , Korea until ordered to Johnson Air Base, Japan,

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” in 1954 to begin conversion to the B-57. On October 1, 1955, the unit was redesigned the 13th Bombardment Squadron Tactical.

Vietnam War. The 13th had continued to maintain a few B-57s and aircrews on rotational alert in Korea, while the remainder of the squadron participated in exercises in Japan, Okinawa, and elsewhere. The alert commitment at Kunsan AB, Korea, was finally dropped on 2 Apr 1964.

Eight days later the 13th moved to Clark AB, Philippines, where it became part of Thirteenth Air Force.

On 17 Apr the last of the squadron's B-57s arrived at Clark AB, where the squadron (and its sister squadron, the 8th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical) became part of the mobile strike force of Thirteenth Air Force's 405th Fighter Wing. The two squadrons were attached to the 405th Wing for operational control until Nov 1964, at which time they were assigned as components of the wing.

After moving to the Philippines the 13th entered into training and exercises aimed at keeping it proficient in bombardment and gunnery. From 19 to 31 May the 13th played host to No. 2 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, whose Canberra bombers were deployed at Clark AB from Malaya. Beginning in May 1964 the 13th also furnished a few aircraft and crews to support combat operations in Southeast Asia.

Based at Tan Son Nhut, and not under the 13th's control, the deployed crews flew 119 combat support missions by 30 Jun 1964.

Following the Gulf of Tonkin incident of 2 Aug 1964 the 13th and its sister squadron--the 8th-- alternated in deploying to Southeast Asia to maintain alert for combat strikes, although for some time only reconnaissance missions were actually flown. Initially both squadrons deployed on 5 Aug 1964 as ADVON-1, 405th Fighter Wing, with the 13th' commander in charge.

ADVON-1 came under operational control of 2d Air Division while in SEA. On 22 Oct 1964 one- half of the crews of the 8th/13th Squadrons returned to Clark AB to start a personnel rotation program whereby half of each squadron operated at Clark under the 405th Fighter Wing while the other half operated at Bien Hoa AB under the 2d Air Division. All personnel alternated between the two locations. The half of the 8th/13th Squadrons at Clark continued required training and performed such exercise participation as was levied upon them.

On 1 Nov 1964 an enemy mortar attack against Bien Hoa AB destroyed 5 B-57s of the 8th/13th Squadrons and damaged several more. Two days later the crews of the two deployed squadrons were reduced to 4 per squadron, with a like number of B-57s. By late Dec 1964, however, the crews and planes in SEA had increased once more to about 8 crews and B-57s per squadron.

Page 5 The Phan Rang AB News No. 71

“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” The 8th/13th Squadrons continued maintaining a limited number of their planes and crews at Bien Hoa until 17 Feb 1965, on which date the 13th's commander, Major O'Neal, led a flight of 4 B-47s to SEA to augment existing forces there. Until 19 Feb 1965 the B-57s in SEA continued to be used in a reconnaissance role, although constantly prepared for strike missions. This situation changed on 19 Feb when the ADVON-1 forces began flying strikes.

The initial strike was directed against a suspected Viet Cong guerilla concentration about 50 miles from Bien Hoa.

More B-57s and crews moved to Bien Hoa on 20 Feb and still more on 23 Feb, leaving only a few of the 13th's planes and crews at Clark AB. Combat missions became frequent. Late in Apr the 13th began flying night missions over North Vietnam in addition to its daytime strikes. The few planes and men remaining at Clark AB devoted their efforts to training replacement crews.

From 19 Feb through 15 May 1965 the 13th Squadron dropped about 2,500 tons of bombs, 600 flares and 750 cans of incendigel, and expended about 200,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition. A tremendous explosion at Bien Hoa on 16 May destroyed 10 B-57s (6 of the 13th Squadron; 4 of the 8th Squadron) and killed 13 men (7 of the 13th Squadron; 6 of the 8th Squadron). Large numbers of aircraft and many people of other units at the base were also destroyed/killed, and the base was rendered unusable. B-57s returning to the base from strike missions were directed to Tan Son Nhut AB, and other B-57s were also directed to that base.

Personnel of ADVON-1 were transported to Tan Son Nhut by buses that same day.

More aircraft and crews moved from Clark AB to Tan Son Nhut on 21 May to build up the AEVON-1 strength, and by late May combat operations were back to normal. On 21 Jun 1965 the 13th's crews returned to Clark AB and were replaced by crews of the 8th Squadron, starting a unit rotation procedure that was to continue for the next 2-1/2 years.

When at Clark AB, the 13th trained for combat and carried out such exercise participation as was levied by higher headquarters. While the 13th was at Clark AB the 8th Squadron was flying combat in SEA. When the 13th returned to SEA, the 8th returned to Clark AB to train for its next tour of combat. In all cases, when the squadrons were at Clark AB they came under their parent unit, the 405th Fighter Wing. While in- SEA, however, they were attached for control to other organizations. The l3th's tours of combat in Southeast Asia from Jun 1965 until Jan 1968 were as follows:

DEPLOYMENT BASE TIME PERIOD OF DEPLOYMENT CONTROLLING ORGANIZATION Danang AB 16 Aug-16 Oct 1965 6252d Tac Ftr Wing Danang AB 16 Dec 1965-17 Feb 1966 6252d Tac Ftr Wing Danang AB 17 Apr-17 Jun 1966 35th Tac Ftr Wing Danang AB 14 Aug-9 Oct 1966 35th Tac Ftr Wing Phan Rang AB 10-13 Oct 1966 35th Tac Ftr Wing

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Phan Rang AB 12 Dec 1966-11 Feb 1967 35th Tac Ftr Wing Phan Rang AB 11 Apr-8 Jun 1967 35th Tac Ftr Wing Phan Rang AB 1 Aug-26 Sep 1967 35th Tac Ftr Wing Phan Rang AB 21 Nov 1967-15 Jan 1968 35th Tac Ftr Wing

Because of political problems in the nearby city of Danang, the 13th operated from 15 to 22 May 1966 at Bien Hoa AB, but then returned to Danang.

Both day and night missions were flown. Low altitude strikes in North Vietnam were numerous when the squadron operated from Danang. From Phan Rang AB, however, the 13th concentrated on enemy-held areas of , except that by Apr 1967 night missions over North Vietnam and Laos were once again being flown, and rather frequently. On 9 May 1967 the B-57s began carrying their own flares in addition to bomb loads. Thus the crews flew reconnaissance, dropped flares, then bombed targets by the light of the flares. These missions came to be called "Doom Pussy" missions after a book by that title, written by Elaine Shepard about early B-57 operations in SEA. The squadron variously flew road reconnaissance, interdiction, close air support, direct ground support, convoy cover, escort, and other types of missions as required.

On 17 Jun 1967, three days late, the 13th observed its 50th anniversary with an aircraft fly-over at Clark AB, a squadron open house and a formal dining-in ceremony for the officers.

On 15 Jan 1968 the squadron flew its 1,000th combat sortie of its final tour of combat, and was then inactivated. All personnel, aircraft, and equipment shifted to the 8th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical, which was itself reassigned from the 405th Fighter Wing to the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Only a little more than a year later the 13th was brought out of retirement, this time assigned to 's 15th Tactical Fighter Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla. The wing's mission was to provide replacement training for combat aircrews and maintenance personnel. The 13th's mission was related, but different, for it was charged with becoming proficient in a new model of the Canberra--the B-57G--and to develop tactics, techniques and operations in the aircraft and its associated equipment. The "G" model was an electronic bomber with a highly sophisticated weapon system including radar for precise navigation, a low-level television sensor and an infrared sensor for precise pinpointing of targets, day or night, and a computer that provided bombing solutions. The squadron was to train for deployment to Southeast Asia as a unit.

Personnel of the squadron underwent training at MacDill AFB and at a number of other locations. The unit's first commander was assigned on 23 Apr 1969, over two months after the squadron's activation. Since B-57G aircraft were not yet available, the 13th flew B-57Cs belonging to the 's 4424th Combat Crew Training Squadron, the unit which conducted B-57 combat crew training.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

Graduates of the 4424th Squadron's B-57 course joined the 13th Squadron on 14 Jul, 11 Aug, 9 Sep, 15 Oct, 11 Nov and 5 Dec 1969. Once they joined the 13th, the graduates of the COTS course either commenced operational flying in the borrowed B-57Cs or attended schools. Flight crews attended special courses at the Westinghouse Technical Training Center, Baltimore, Md.; basic survival school at Fairchild AFB, Wash; water survival school at Homestead AFB, Fla; and air-to-ground operations school at Eglin AFB, Fla. Maintenance personnel attended schools at Hill AFB, Utah, while life support personnel were trained at Kirtland AFB, NM. A B-57G flight simulator arrived at MacDill AFB in mid-Dec 1969 and was soon put into operation. By 31 Dec 1969 the squadron was nearly up to its authorized strength.

B-57G aircraft began arriving for the 13th Squadron on 26 May 1970, and the borrowed B-57Cs were returned to the 4424th Squadron. All authorized aircraft were on hand by Aug 1970, by which time the 13th had received orders for movement to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand. Intensive training was carried out, particularly during long-range cruise control missions, to prepare the aircrews for their long journey to the other side of the world.

Effective 15 Sep 1970 the 13th Squadron was transferred from Tactical Air Command to Pacific Air Forces, and simultaneously came under operational control of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon. The phased movement began on 14 Sep. The B-57s flew to SEA by way of Alaska, the Aleutians, Midway, Wake, , Okinawa, and the Philippines under the nickname Coronet Condor.

They arrived at Ubon on 28, 29 and 30 Sep. Meanwhile, C-141s and C-130s airlifted the remainder of the squadron's personnel and equipment and began arriving at Ubon on 16 Sep. By 30 Sep the deployment was completed and on 17 Oct 1970 the 13th flew its first armed combat mission with B-57Gs. The squadron's mission was to perform night reconnaissance and strikes, primarily against enemy lines of communication. Finally, on 31 Oct 1970, the 13th was formally assigned to the 8th Wing.

From 17 Oct 1970 to 10 Apr 1972 the 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical, utilized its specialized B-57s for night strikes. While details of operations may not yet be disclosed, it may be assumed that the squadron performed well above the norm, for it earned a Presidential Unit Citation and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" for its combat performance.

In late Nov 1971 the 13th was alerted for redeployment, but the next month word came that the squadron would remain in Thailand at least through mid-May 1972. In Feb 1972, however, the squadron was again alerted for return to the US. On 30 Mar 1972 North Vietnam launched an invasion of South Vietnam and the war, which had been dwindling, became intensive once more.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Nevertheless, on 12 Apr most, if not all, of the personnel and equipment of the 13th departed Ubon for Forbes AFB, Kansas. The squadron itself, reduced to paper-unit. status, remained at Ubon.

During its tour with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing the 13th had destroyed 2,652 and damaged another 50 enemy supply vehicles, and had also destroyed or damaged numerous boats, gun sites, and other targets.

Although the 13th remained assigned to the 8th Wing at Ubon until c. 24 Dec 1972, it was not remanned or equipped, and did not contribute to the combat of the wing for its final 8 months.* By PACAF direction, the squadron moved on c. 24 Dec 1972 to Clark AB, Philippines, where it was assigned to the 405th Fighter Wing. At Clark, the 13th remained in an unmanned status, although on 1 Jul 1973 it was redesignated 13th Fighter Squadron.** Finally, on 30 Sep 1973, the 13th was inactivated and simultaneously redesignated 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical.

EMBLEM.*** Description. Against a dark blue field a white skeleton mowing with a yellow scythe with a reddened blade. Significance. Unknown. Approved by Secretary of War, 14 Feb 1924.

*An AFOUA with Combat "V Device earned by the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing for the period 18 Dec 1972-15 Aug 1973 would have been shared with the 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical, for the period 18-c. 24 Dec 1972, had the 13th been manned and equipped. Since the squadron was not manned and did not contribute to the meritorious service for which the wing was cited, it is not entitled to share in the award.

**The proper designation of this squadron from 1 Oct 1955 to 1 Jul 1973 was 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical. Administrative errors in USAF, TAC, , 15th Tactical Fighter Wing, PACAF, and 8th Tactical Fighter Wing correspondence, directives, and orders, variously carried the squadron as 13th Bombardment Squadron; 13th Bombardment Squadron (Tactical); and 13th Bombardment Tactical Squadron. A11 of these erroneous designations really apply to the 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical.

***Information furnished by USAFMPC (AFPMSAL) [now AF Mil Pers Cen (DPMSAA)1, Randolph AFB, Tex, 17 Mar 1969.

Campaign Streamers St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Lorraine World War II - American Theater Antisubmarine World War II, Asiatic -Pacific Theater Philippine Islands East Indies Papua Bismarck Archipelago New Guinea Leyte Luzon Southern Philippines Western Pacific Air Offensive, Japan Korean War UN Defensive UN Offensive CCF Intervention First UN Counteroffensive CCF Spring Offensive UN Summer-Fall Offensive Second Korean Winter Korea Summer-Fall, 1952 Third Korean Winter Korea Summer-Fall, 1953 Vietnam (See AFP 900-2). DECORATIONS Distinguished/Presidential Unit Citation (AF) DUC: Philippine Islands, [12-14 Apr] 1942 DUC: Philippine Islands, 11-14 Apr 1942 DUC: Papua, 23 Jul 1942 - 23 Jan 1943 DUC: New Guinea, 17 Aug 1943 DUC: Korea, 27 Jun -31 Jul 1950 DUC: Korea, 22 Apr- 8 Jul 1951 DUC: Korea, 1 May -27 Jun 1953 PUC: Southeast Asia, 10 Oct 1966-10 Apr 1967 PUG: Southeast Asia, 6 Jun 1967-18 Jan 1968 PUG: Southeast Asia, 1 Jan-1 Apr 1971 AF Outstanding Unit Awards With Combat “V”: 19 Feb 1965-19 Feb 1966;

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” 15 Sep-31 Dec 1970; 1 Oct 1971-31 Mar 1972; Regular (Without the Combat “ti”: 1 Jun 1958- 30 Jun 1960; 1 Jul 1960-31 Mar 1962; 5 Aug 1965-31 Mar 1965; 8 Feb 1969-31 Dec 1969. Foreign Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 27 Jun-31 Jul 1950

(This information is from a “Request for Material” by SSgt Kirk W. Minert, 63 FMS MAPJU, Norton AFB, Ca. 26 Sep 75 on AFSHRC Form 0-10. The Remarks block read: The histories of the various bomb wings that the 8BS and 13BS were attached to in SEA are still classified and cannot be released for unofficial purposes. Attached is a short history of the 13th Bomb Sq. Unfortunately no like history of the 8BS was ever prepared, although its combat actions were of a similar nature.)

35TFW To Seek Maintenance Award ( News, February 12, 1969) PHAN RANG—The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Phan Rang AB, current holder of the Daedalian Trophy, has again been selected to represent Seventh Air Force in the Air Force world-wide maintenance contest.

The 35th, commanded by Col. Frank L. Gailer Jr., Arlington, Va., won the large silver cup in the 1967 Daedalian competition. The honor was particularly unique in that this tactical fighter base was then less than two years old.

Col. John R. Diepenbrock, Fernley, Nev.; 35th TFW deputy commander for materiel, explained that the contest is held to promote maintenance effectiveness and efficiency. "Each year," he said, "the Air Force selects the organization having the best maintenance record for the preceding year to receive the Daedalian Maintenance trophy.

"That we have been selected to represent Seventh Air - Force for the second consecutive year," he continued, "is a tremendous compliment to the dedicated hard work and professionalism of our maintenance people.

"No one man stands alone," Colonel Diepenbrock added, as he expressed the belief that close teamwork among load crews, crew chiefs, weapons specialists and the wide variety of technicians in the maintenance shops lay behind the success of the wing's aircraft maintenance record.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

"To be complimented as well," he concluded, "are the men who provide the support functions. from the pilot through the cook. It's teamwork that makes the security guard and administrative clerk. We have it.”

American Airman (Press Release)

PHAN RANG AB, Republic of Vietnam (7AF) YES CAPTAIN U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Richard M. Monahan, Framingham, Mass., center, chats with a Republic of Koran Army officer. A1C Monahan is a liaison agent between local elements of the Korean “White Hose Division” and the 35th Security Police Squadron here, to which he is assigned. (USAF PHOTO)

Inspection Keeps Spooky Flying (Seventh Air Force News, January 23, 1969)

NHA TRANG — Spitting fire from the skies and bathing besieged outposts with the light of two million candlepower flares, the AC-47 Dragonship is more than a plane. The destruction it showers down on enemy forces is the final result of the efforts of scores of men.

Important members of the “Spooky Team" at Nha Trang AB are the men of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron's phase inspection section. All of the 3rd SOS AC-47s, stationed at

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Phan Rang, Bien Hoa, Binh Thuy and Nha Trang, pass through the section after each 100 hours of flying time for inspection, modification and repair.

In order to return the Dragonships to the field as quickly as possible, the inspection is a precision maneuver. Planned two days in advance, each operation is directed by a dock controller and each stop is timed to the minute.

A deck of cards — each card containing a specific step in the inspection process — is used to insure that every inch of the aircraft is checked during the 16 ½ -hour inspection. Hydraulics, propeller, engine, electronics, Flaps Down. A1C Leo D, Anthony, Little Chute, Wis, communications and sheet metal tightens a flap turn buckle on the wing of an AC-47 specialists are allotted Dragonship. specific times to arrive on the job to conduct their part of the inspection. As they work, they check off the completed jobs on the cards relating to their specialties.

"The whole process is precision teamwork," commented Cap. David N. Suban, Gary, Ind., 3rd SOS maintenance officer. "If the inspectors find something wrong, repairs Spooky Shakedown. The torque tube on the wing flap of an AC-47 begin at once, while the Dragonship is checked for cracks and dents by MSgt Joseph H. rest of the Inspection Gaudet (left), Portsmith R.I. and SSgt Johnnie D. Cabe. The check is continues." one of many performed on spooky aircraft after every 100 hours of flying time. Maintenance men play an important part. While the

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” inspection is going on, they are conditioning the aircraft's engines, removing, checking and reinstalling its three 7.62 millimeter miniguns, installing new modifications and repairing any battle damage which may have occurred.

In addition, they clean the aircraft inside and out, remove dents from its metal skin, touch up its paint, and wash its exterior with a special solution to help prevent corrosion.

"Each man on the team is especially skilled in one area of aircraft maintenance," Suban pointed out, "and the quality of their inspections and maintenance has routinely been rated excellent, the highest rating possible.

“I would say,” he concluded “that the planes they work on are the best cared for C-47’s in the Air Force. It’s a combination of skill dedication and experience on the part of a highly motivated team.” Double Checking. After installing a battery in an AC-47, SSgt Johnnie D. Cade, dock chief from Tacoma, Wash., inspects cable connections.

Wheel Work. A1C Charles M. Camp, Magnolia, Ark., replaces bearing on the AC-47 tail wheel during the phase inspection.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Bobcats Chew Charlie (Seventh Air Force News, January 22, 1969) PHAN RANG — "It was the kind of strike that makes being fighter pilot a very satisfying job," commented Maj. Wallace S. Guilford, Evansville, Ind., when he described a recent mission he flew over South Vietnam.

The second pilot on the mission was 1st Lt. Milton R. Sanders, , D.C. Both the F-100 Supersabre pilots are assigned to the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron "Bobcats" here.

"It was barely dawn when we reached the target and contacted the forward air controller (FAC)," continued Major Guilford, "he said that he had sighted some enemy in the area.

"We went right to work. A low, heavy cloud cover in the area made it a bit difficult, but we found a hole to slip through. On our first pass I made a dry run while my wingman came in and dropped two 750 pound bombs. Those two were the ones that did the most damage," he said.

"As soon as we started our runs, some sampans headed for shore and cover but we managed to get four of them anyway."

The FAC reported that the bomb damage for the mission was four enemy structures destroyed and five damaged; six enemy bunkers destroyed and two damaged and four enemy sampans destroyed in addition to the nine enemy soldiers killed.

Phan Rang Conducts 1st Officer Dining-In (Seventh Air Force News, January 22, 1969) PHAN RANG—There are two commanders named Whitehead, and both engage in public relations of sorts.

The Commander Whitehead who is not so well known, Royal Australian Air Force Commander J.A. Whitehead, commander of #2 Squadron (famed for its B-57 Canberra exploits in the ), recently was guest speaker at the 315th Special Operations Wing's first dining-in ceremony here.

Whitehead spoke of the role played by RAAF units in Vietnam, and concluded his talk with an open invitation to the men of the 315th Wing to spend rest and relaxation leaves in his homeland.

Col. John W. Pauly, Albany, N.Y., commander, 315th Special Operations Wing, Phan Rang AB, recently announced that the wing will hold monthly officers dining-in affairs, complete with guest speakers, toasts and traditional full formalities—except that mess dress uniforms will give way to tans with squadron scarves to add a flash of color.

The wing's first dining-in honored both officers departing in January and new officers who had arrived in December.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

Lt. Col. Charles F. Brower III, Petersburg, Va., acting president of the Officers Open Mess, opened the dinner with the traditional toast to the President of the , followed closely by toasts to the Queen of the Commonwealth, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Chief of Staff, .

A toast to Commander Whitehead was proffered by 1st Lt. Edward H. Lederer, Las Vegas, Nev., acting Mr. Vice.

THE MOVIE THEATER – THE BURNING TENT CAMP

I loved the movie theater. Just a stage and a screen and wooden benches on a hill side.

Sometimes the projector would break down but it was still fun. I got a kick out of sitting under my big rubber poncho in pouring rain watching the movie. I was warm and dry in there. It was great.

I remember they would play the national anthem before the movie but they also had this thing where they would play Dixie and all the Southerners would stand up. Then they would play some Northern tune, (name I can’t remember, maybe Yankee Doodle?), and all the Northerners would stand up. I thought it was hilarious but my friend John McCoy who was also from New York would get so mad when the Southerners stood up. I never understood why and would just laugh at him.

Martha Ray came to visit us there and Nancy Sinatra. I always admired both of them for that. No other Americans came during my time there. All the other performers who came that I remember were Australian.

Between our barracks and the movie screen was an encampment of big six man tents. I don’t know who resided there. I passed through it many times to get to the movie. I kind of wished that was our camp instead of the nice barracks we had. I thought it would be cool to send pictures of that home to people saying look how I’m living.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” One day they set the entire camp on fire. I guess no one was living there anymore and the tents were probably infested with vermin. The camp burned for 3 days. It was so cool walking thorough it at night on the way to the movie and seeing all the embers glowing.

Spooky Halts Attack on Camp (Seventh Air Force News, January 22, 1969) NHA TRANG - An AC-47 Dragonship from the 4th Special Operations Squadron here had a major role recently in staving off an enemy attack on a Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) camp, 17 miles north of Ban Me Thuot.

The Nha Trang-based "Spooky" was on a combat aerial patrol when it received contact from a CIDG forward ground controller, who asked for help.

"We arrived on target and saw 15 to 20 enemy mortars impact inside the compound area," said Lt. Col. Reacher M. Tillman, Pakin, IL.

The "Spooky" crew dropped flares to locate the perimeter and then the target area, with its 7.62mm miniguns.

"When the ground controller told us that the enemy had broken contact and retreated to the southwest, we fired upon all their escape routes," explained Tillman.

After the retreat, the AC-47 began dropping flares to support a medical evacuation helicopter which airlifted the wounded to a nearby hospital.

Members of Tillman's crew included 1st Lt. Veneble L. Hammonds, Sherman, Tex., copilot; Capt. Robert J. Covlishaw, Grand Rapids, Mich., navigator; TSgt. Marshall Routledge, Seattle, flight engineer; SSgt. Harry F. Vandendries, Guardena, Calif., loadmaster; TSgt. Gerald A, Cooper, Detroit, Mich., and SSgt. Ernest A. Vanbuskirk, Port Orchard, Wash., gunners.

AF Med Team Helps Check Epidemic (Seventh Air Force News, October 1, 1969)

By TSgt. John B. Mahony

PHAN RANG-Two Air Force physicians recently assisted a Vietnamese public health team to stop an outbreak of bubonic plague in a Montagnard village.

The doctors, Captains Dan M. Spengler and Philip G. George treated plague victims at Barau Du Long District. The primitive village, made up of mud huts with grass thatched roofs, is situated half way between Cam Ranh Bay and Phan Rang City.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Nearly 30 cases of plague developed resulting in 12 deaths. Upon learning of the outbreak, Vietnamese Dr. Doan Trinh, administrator at nearby Ninh Thuan Province Hospital mobilized his public health team and went to the U.S. Air Force Military Provincial Health Assistance Program (MILPHAP), Team 14, that works side-by-side with the hospital staff. The team is one of 27 MILPHAP teams giving medical and surgical care to the Vietnamese people throughout the country.

The combined U.S.-Vietnamese public health team arrived at the stricken village in jeeps and trucks within hours after the first cases were reported. Immediately, a loudspeaker truck explained to the villagers the purpose of the team's visit. The 2,300 natives were asked to proceed to public health stations for immunizations against the disease.

"The people were not reluctant," said

Captain George. "They walked right up, TSgt. Alfredo S. De Leon Jr. discussing epidemic eager to get their shots. I'd estimate we with Vietnamese Nurses. U.S. Air Force Photo were able to inoculate 75 per cent of the by A1C Christopher Boles. villagers. Maybe more. We had to round some of them up from the fields and hills."

Meanwhile, other members of the team were instructing villagers on the cause of the disease and what they could do to stop its spread. Leaflets in Vietnamese described how improved sanitation could control the carriers of the disease: flea covered rats.

The doctors took separate paths as they visited hut after hut treating bed patients stricken with the plague. Working through interpreters, the two surgeons recommended treatment and dispensed drugs.

"Our main effort in this plague problem is public health. The strategy is to lower the number of people that are subjected to the disease and eventually the epidemic dwindles off to nothing," Captain Spengler said.

"These immunizations are part of that overall approach to the problem. These shots will protect the person for approximately six to eight months. The vaccine builds up antibodies which gives immunity to the disease In about a week's time.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” "In a place like this', you never know what is going to come around the corner. Most of the time you don't know how to handle it immediately but if you are alert. you can contribute to the solution and you can learn from the experience."

"And of course, the great appreciation expressed by these people is not the prime motivation, but it sure helps us do a better job," Captain George said with conviction. "I've never been touched with the missionary zeal but I can now understand why people are. I'm just very thankful that I had the chance to come over here and help out."

NCO’s Heroic Deeds Save 42 Pilots - Sergeant Northern Highly Decorated (Seventh Air Force News, September 11, 1968. Other stories about Seageant Steve Northern “Top ‘Combat Saver’ Leaves SEA - Young Rescueman Saves 51 Comrades” “Holds Combat Rescue Record: Can’t Fry Eggs but He Saved 51 Men in War” and “On The Line - Bob Considine” in Phan Rang News 15.)

DA NANG—At age 21, Sgt. Steve M. Northern, Riverside, Calif., stands as one of the most highly decorated pararescuemen in aviation history.

His two years in Vietnam and his heroic deeds have meant life to 42 American pilots.

Sergeant Northern, assigned to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Da Nang AB, has been awarded two Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 15 Air Medals and the Purple Heart flying rescue missions in HH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopters.

When Sergeant Northern enlisted in the Air Force, he decided he wanted to be a pararescueman and while in basic training at Lackland AFB, Tex., after being accepted, his first stop was Eglin AFB, where he went through survival school, medical school, jump school, ranger school plus learning to climb mountains.

He got his first taste of combat duty at Bien Hoa AB where on his first mission, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart.

"We were attempting to assist ground troops who were under attack," related the NCO. "We came in to hover over them and the enemy opened up and raked the whole side of the chopper."

Sergeant Northern's job here is primarily rescue work of downed pilots even when they are susceptible to enemy capture or gun fire. This includes going down the hoist and administering medical aid when necessary.

On one recent mission that earned the young sergeant the Silver Star, he had to go into the jungle and administer aid to a pilot with a broken back.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” "We were the third chopper to go in after him." Sergeant Northern related. "The other two were shot up, and I knew I would have to go to the ground and help him. The downed pilot radioed that he saw `little men in green suits' coming up the hill shooting at him.

"We came in to hover, and the flight engineer lowered me down and at same time was firing his machine gun," he continued. "I was firing my M- 16 rifle on the way down and when I got on the ground and out of the hoist, I went up the hill, and brought the pilot down the mountain. I put him on the penetrator, strapped him in and the crew pulled us up. Reading Jungle Penetrator. Sgt. Steve M. Northern readies the jungle penetrator on an HH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter "If you had been on as many used to pluck downed pilots out of dense undergrowth and rescues as I have and seen the jungles. look on their faces when we pick them up—well, it gives you a great feeling to know you've saved a life," he said when asked why he extended for another year in Vietnam.

Spookies, Gunships Hold Off VC Attack on Defense Group (Seventh Air Force News, September 11, 1968)

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” By TSgt. Johnnie C. Fletcher NHA TRANG - American survivors of a four-day siege at the Duc Lap Irregular Defense Group camp, 12 miles from the Vietnam-Cambodian border, have added the name of "Spooky" to their list of heroes.

Following four straight nights of intense ground attacks and mortar and rocket shelling the small compound, with its Army Special Forces advisors, appears to have won its battle against waves of attacking enemy troops, officials said today.

From the first hours of the battle that began early Thursday evening until the last ground attack Sunday night, "Spookies" - U.S. Air Force AC-47 Dragonships of the 14th Special Operations Wing (SOW) put on one of their biggest defensive shows of the war.

The Spookies, from the 14th's units at Nha Trang, Pleiku, Bien Hoa, Phan Rang and Phu Cat ABs, flew constant cover over the camp from dusk to dawn, providing both illumination and tactical firepower.

"We tried to give them everything they needed to hold off the enemy," said Col. Conrad S. Allman, 14th SOW commander.

When one pilot from Nha Trang asked if he was firing close enough to the enemy troops infiltrating the camp's barb wire, a tired-sounding Special Forces radio operator answered, "Great, we can hear them coming right over our heads. Keep it up."

The Spookies and C-47 Moonshine aircraft received intensive ground' fire the first two nights from enemy .50 and .37-caliber anti-aircraft weapons on the ground in close vicinity to the camp.

Maj. Daniel J. Rehm, Dover, Del., piloted the first Spooky over the camp Thursday night.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” "When we arrived, the buildings in the compound were all on fire and the men were grouped in a blockhouse below the burning operations center," he said.

"I set up a quick orbit of the area and began firing on targets about 200 to 300 meters from the camp," he continued. "Almost immediately we began receiving intense antiaircraft fire from four different points."

A loadmaster on another Nha Trang Dragonship, MSgt. Delmus T. Sinclair, Monroe, La., described the battle as "The heaviest action I've seen since Khe, Sanh, "

"Tracers were flying past us that first night like hornets," he said.

Following the last attack, the defenders passed on their appreciation to the Spooky crews.

"As a result of Charlie seeing three Spookies in the area at once and taking everything the Spooks were dishing out, we think they've decided to pull back," they said, guardedly.

By TSgt. Johnnie C. Fletcher NHA TRANG - American survivors of a four-day siege at the Duc Lap Irregular Defense Group camp, 12 miles from the Vietnam-Cambodian border, have added the name of "Spooky" to their list of heroes.

Following four straight nights of intense ground attacks and mortar and rocket shelling the small compound, with its Army Special Forces advisors, appears to have won its battle against waves of attacking enemy troops, officials said today.

From the first hours of the battle that began early Thursday evening until the last ground attack Sunday night, "Spookies" - U.S. Air Force AC-47 Dragonships of the 14th Special Operations Wing (SOW) put on one of their biggest defensive shows of the war.

The Spookies, from the 14th's units at Nha Trang, Pleiku, Bien Hoa, Phan Rang and Phu Cat ABs, flew constant cover over the camp from dusk to dawn, providing both illumination and tactical firepower.

"We tried to give them everything they needed to hold off the enemy," said Col. Conrad S. Allman, 14th SOW commander.

When one pilot from Nha Trang asked if he was firing close enough to the enemy troops infiltrating the camp's barb wire, a tired-sounding Special Forces radio operator answered, "Great, we can hear them coming right over our heads. Keep it up."

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” The Spookies and C-47 Moonshine aircraft received intensive ground' fire the first two nights from enemy .50 and .37-caliber anti-aircraft weapons on the ground in close vicinity to the camp.

Maj. Daniel J. Rehm, Dover, Del., piloted the first Spooky over the camp Thursday night.

"When we arrived, the buildings in the compound were all on fire and the men were grouped in a blockhouse below the burning operations center," he said.

"I set up a quick orbit of the area and began firing on targets about 200 to 300 meters from the camp," he continued. "Almost immediately we began receiving intense antiaircraft fire from four different points."

A loadmaster on another Nha Trang Dragonship, MSgt. Delmus T. Sinclair, Monroe, La., described the battle as "The heaviest action I've seen since Khe, Sanh, "

"Tracers were flying past us that first night like hornets," he said.

Following the last attack, the defenders passed on their appreciation to the Spooky crews.

"As a result of Charlie seeing three Spookies in the area at once and taking everything the Spooks were dishing out, we think they've decided to pull back," they said, guardedly.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

Happiness is...’Project Father’ (Seventh Air Force News, September 11, 1968)

PHAN RANG—In a continuing civic actions program, members of the 1882nd Communications Squadron, Phan Rang AB, recently presented a truck load of canned milk and firewood to the children of Go Den Orphanage.

According to Capt. Boyce D. McMurphy, Texarkana, Tex., civic actions officer for the squadron, the men have been sponsoring the orphanage for over two years.

As part of Project Father, members of the 1882nd try to develop the void in the lives of

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” the children who have no parents.

Besides providing food and clothing for the children in the orphanage, Project Father also sets up scholarships for the children to better their education.

"It is very rewarding indeed," stated MSgt. Raymond M. Champion, Benton, La., another member of the squadron, "to be able to help these children in our small way."

Bombs Make VC Think (Seventh Air Force News, November 6, 1968)

PHAN RANG — Recently three pilots from the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing at Phan Rang AB "probably gave the enemy something to think about" according to Capt. Ronald G. Swanson, Grand Rapids, Mich., 352d Tactical Fighter Squadron. One of the other pilots on the strike was Maj. Jack E. Wilhite, Lakewood, Colo., of the 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

The F-100 Supersabres were scrambled off the alert pad at Phan Rang and their target was an enemy troop concentration.

The pilots made their passes from all directions to evade heavy ground fire. On his second run, Captain Swanson landed his bombs on an ammunition dump causing "the largest secondary explosion the forward air controller had ever seen. It had a 300-foot fireball and a plume of grey smoke that rose 1,500 feet into the air."

"It was a really good mission," he continued, "we did some real good work and some accurate bombing."

The final bomb damage assessment given by the FAC was nine enemy structures destroyed, ten damaged, two sampans destroyed, two bunkers destroyed, one automatic weapons site silenced and the big secondary explosion.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

Red Horse Helps Build Church (Seventh Air Force News, Oct 23, 1968) PHAN RANG - The 554th Civil Engineering Squadron (RED HORSE) recently took part in a new kind of civic action project.

The squadron, in cooperation with Chap. (Lt. Co.) John E. Pickering Jr., Crowley, La., base chaplain, and Keith E. Kayser of the United Christian Missionary Alliance donated wood for construction of the first Montagnard church in the Phan Rang area. It will be built at Vu Bon Hamlet.

Chaplain Pickering commented, "We supply the wood and give whatever technical advice is necessary, but the actual construction of the church is left to the people themselves. In this way, it gives them a feeling of pride in what they have built."

Mr. Kayser, a veteran of two years Vietnam missionary service, said, "The Montagnards are fiercely independent peop1e. Once they decide to do something, they do it themselves."

Note: The picture in the above article was from Seventh Air Force News, November 6, 1968 and the actual text story was from Seventh Air Force News, Oct 23, 1968. The story originally appeared in Phan Rang News 8.

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” Click on the logo to make your hotel reservations.

Reunion Comments Annette Always great thoughts about the re-union & the friendships made!! Jeremy Can't wait for the next one. Doug It just makes me feel good thinking about that reunion! Joyce Me too, Doug; one of the highlights of my life. John ...our wives are the “Chocks” for our loose wheels. Roger Didn’t we have a good time? Doug I can’t wait to do it all over again Annette Counting down the time to Oct. It will be great again! Jack ... I mentioned in my original Post that there were only slightly more than 20 at the Dayton, Ohio reunion, I only knew three other guys. After a couple days together nobody could leave without dozens of hugs. In San Antonio, I was walking in for breakfast with Mike Granese, who lives near and traveled with me, when a complete stranger asked us if we wanted to join him. It turned out to be Robert Kellington (AKA Bob). Somewhere along the way we met Roger Burchett and his wife, Ina. Jim Kucipeck and his wife Betsy were total strangers until they sat at our table last year in Tucson. Doug Severt and Joyce Sims Severt along with Kirk Minert and his brother Paul have been friends since Dayton. We met Susan Byrnes Matherne and Lou in Dayton. These are only some of the ones who have ended up as Facebook friends. I understand being nervous walking into a crowd of strangers. Trust me! I'm just trying to let you know they won't be strangers for long. Somewhere during the weekend they magically turn in to Brothers and Sisters whom you love. Joseph I got on the plane at Atlanta bound for Tucson an Al Roberson, who I had never met , in a PRAB hat sat next to me and we BS’ed all the way to Arizona then we were picked up at the

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“Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling” airport by Charlie Cafarelli who took me to the hotel after taking us both to lunch. These were both guys that I had never met before but treated me like a brother...And that’s just on the way there...Ain’t none of us strangers....just folks you ain’t met yet. Jim ... I would like to tell you my experience at the last reunion, Tucson, in Oct. of 2014.

I really didn’t know much about the reunion except a few sketchy details that I found on the internet. I wasn’t a member of the Happy Valley group then and knew no one at the reunion. I told my wife about it and said that I wanted to attend. With little or no knowledge about the whole thing we booked a room and a flight to Phoenix with transportation to Tucson. When we arrived in Tucson Doug and Joyce Severt, along with the Rugierio’s, Ken Miller and others were all sitting in the lobby with Phan Rang shirts and hats so I knew that I was in the right place with the right people. I explained my situation and they were most welcoming and told me all the information that I needed.

The rest is history, I met guys and gals that I never knew before, remember I knew no one before going to Tucson. Some guys were there before and after I left Phan Rang. We shared stories about our experiences at Phan Rang and had a few beers (well maybe more than a few)!

If you are thinking about going, do it, you won’t be sorry! If you’re worried about going solo, don’t, a lot of guys did. The wives that did attend enjoyed themselves. It was a cathartic for me to attend as I kept so many of my feelings about my part in Vietnam bottled up for years. Just to talk about our shared experience with other PR vets made me feel so much better!

Go to Charleston, you feel better for it! Note: I’ve created a reunion slideshow from pictures from all of the previous reunions. The show will be shown in Charleston and will also be available on DVD. It’s really a trip down memory lane!

PHAN RANG STAFF MEMBERS Joseph Burkhart: Master of Ceremonies Robert Kellington : Tour Coordinator Jack Anderson : Treasure Lou Ruggerio: Site coordinator /Contract negotiator Douglas Severt: Reunion Coordinator Ed Downey/Barbara Brandt: Ceremonies Christopher Boles : Photographer Bob Tucker: Keeper of the Rolls Mike Maleski : Chaplain FACEBOOK GROUP ADMINISTRATORS Page 28 The Phan Rang AB News No. 71 Douglas Severt, Joseph Burkhart, David McGaughey, Vincent Joseph Miller (Susan Anderson-Miller) and Kirk Minert

...and the 812 members (and counting) of the “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 71 “Stories worth telling”

This newsletter was compiled by Douglas Severt. I’m currently going through all of the Seventh Air Force News papers that were loaned to me by Kirk Minert and making sure that I haven’t missed anything before I send them back to him.

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