Subject: "Monster" trucks of the 319th TC in Vietnam.

I was pleased to have a visit from George Fletcher today. George slept right across the walkway from me in Vietnam. He also drove a truck as I did. We have kept in touch since our return in 1969. George gave me a copy of his computer disc with snapshot photos from our time in the war. The photos look worn and small but have provided lots of memories. The one I noticed most today was a rare look at one of the 319th's Monster truck rigs. It is in the bottom right hand corner of the attachment. George is the shirtless soldier getting a real sunburn. I believe the 319th Transportation Company was the only company in our Group which used the monsters. I don't know why we were chosen but here are the main memories I have of them: In the photo George is standing by his 5-ton cargo belonging to the 319th. Just off his left elbow are the dual rear axles of the truck. Now here is where the monster begins. Hooked behind the cargo truck is a "dolly converter" with independent axles and a connection platform. The platform accepted the connecting pin from the 40 foot trailer behind the dolly. This meant to the driver that he had 2 swivel points behind him instead of 1 if he were towing a trailer designed for his cargo truck. It meant backing up was impossible for more that a few feet. It meant that his engine was pulling a much heavier load than it was designed to pull. It meant the truck speeds were slower. It meant he had many more flat tires to repair. George and a handful of others in our company drove the monsters regularly. I only drove them a few times and really did not enjoy it! But our commanders knew the rigs provided extra hauling capability and used some of them throughout our tour in the war. They hauled mainly or only ammunition. As we supplied infantry units, the monsters were kept busy each day. They were huge and slow targets for our enemy. Of course their cargo was highly explosive and we drove to very dangerous remote bases in the country. Photos of the monster rigs are very rare today. I was glad that George had kept his and made it available for us old drivers to talk about. I also pray George nor any of the other 319th TC drivers will ever have to drive one again!