Bill Patterson - Supplying the Fire Base Near Lai Khe, Vietnam 1969

Bill Patterson - Supplying the Fire Base near Lai Khe, Vietnam 1969.

The attached photo shows a fire base (where artillery was set in an open field, sometimes in a protective circle of earth mound and manned by a small team of our soldiers). This photo was taken by one of our drivers in the 319th Transportation Company, Army Reservists activated and based at Long Binh, September 1968-August 1969. My truck was loaded with probably projectiles at Long Binh and I was told to leave the convoy headed for Lai Khe (as I remember) and deliver my load to the fire base near the main road we traveled. I was the only truck to supply the fire base on that day. Knowing being different in the military usually leads to undesirable results, I was apprehensive. As our convoy left Long Binh far behind, we entered a large cleared area and I was somehow directed to or recognized the fire base. I peeled off the main road and the convoy continued toward its destination. I noticed the ground was very flat and the fire base was protected by piled up red dirt surrounding the base except for an opening large enough for a vehicle to pass through. Inside the near-circle were small artillery pieces, a few tents, a forklift, a few small vehicles such as jeeps and 3/4 ton trucks, armored personnel carriers and enough men to support the base. But my main memory was that the piled up dirt created a bowl effect and the entire interior was filled with rain water about two feet deep. The vehicles' activity had created a red muddy water on top and soft mud underneath. There was no shade from the near 100 degree heat. I also noticed this small garrison contained the only Americans for several miles in all directions. I felt very lonely! I was directed to the middle of this mud lake. I knew I would become stuck with the heavy load and I did. Somehow the forklift unloaded my cargo. I was told my job was done but to wait for the convoy to pass by on its way back to Long Binh as the road was not secure for "free-flow" as we called it (traveling alone and/or unescorted by armed protective vehicles). I was towed out of the mud by some vehicle and I tried and found my truck would again move on its own power. While waiting I watched the men work. Most wore no shirts in the direct sun. I knew this was not good but they seemed to prefer it. I felt this must be one of the worst places to be in the country because of its isolation, lack of facilities, the guns' noise and the danger. One of the men told me they were worried about being overrun by the enemy that night. I seem to remember he also said the base HAD been overrun in the recent past and we had reclaimed it afterwards. I suddenly felt weak in the knees and started straining my eyes and ears for the convoy's return! As the sun began to set, the convoy FINALLY appeared and I raced to join it. My truck was empty and fast, much to my pleasure! We returned to Long Binh, leaving the fire base to its destiny which I never learned of. I pray those good soldiers made it home safely as I did.....