In Our Water
When you consider that we LIVED there, (ate, drank & sleep) with an open tank for the drinking and cooking water, slogging through the mud during the rainy season; could we really avoid exposure?
The veterans who were physically present at Phuoc Vinh Groundwater Zero are, undoubtedly, the most likely to show high level body-burdens of the compounds, even today. Why haven’t we tested the veterans who were subjected to the heaviest and most continuous contamination? Thousands of these soldiers can indeed be found today, through service organizations and the various grassroots networks addressing this issue.
Establishing a group of veterans subjected to high levels of exposure, by evidence of Dioxin (2378 TCDD) testing, and THEN studying these epidemiologically will get at the truth of the matter. The results of blood or tissue analysis of these veterans of Ground Zero will definitively show very high levels of exposure. An additional survey of the medical histories of deceased veterans of Phuoc Vinh will provide STARTLING data.
A year ago I was diagnosed with actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition and a cancerous spot (squamous-cell carcinoma) was surgically removed. Whether my skin condition is linked to the thirteen months, I spent in Phuoc Vinh and surrounding areas remains to be seen…
Agent Orange, named after the color of the stripe on the barrels in which the defoliant sprayed by American forces during the Vietnam War was stored, contained tetrachlorodibenzop dioxin (known as TCDD), one of the most poisonous chemicals ever made by man.
The following is an Agent Orange study done by Gregg Knowlton:
The following photos are from “fold3” a collection of original military records
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My Vietnam Experience 
My unit, the 31st Engineer Battalion, ran the water purification plant down at the river. Remember the Kool Aid flavored “bug juice” we all drank to disguise the taste of the water? Beer was probably the safest thing to drink.
That may be one of the reasons so much beer was drank by so many…
And I drank my share of it !
I told those MP’s the beer was medicinal.
I was in the 31st combat engineer Battalion June 1969 and ran a D-7 bulldozer I cleared alot of dirt and jungle there.
don i was 31st. A co. drove the D-7 armored cabbed in68-69 gary armyengineer67@gmail.com we called it rocket alley..
27th Maint Battalion, 1st Cav, Phuoc Vinh, 1970. Bruce Harris
Bruce. I also had a deep squamous cancer removed from forearm. Deep, took 10 stitches.
On Sat, Jun 25, 2022, 2:47 PM My Vietnam Experience < comment-reply@wordpress.com> wrote:
I served with the 1st Aviation Brigade(air traffic controllers) at Phouc Vinh 67-68.We were told there was no way we were ever exposed to Agent Orange or any other toxins.What should I do now.Since my return home I have experienced symptoms that I thought were normal (drug use,failed marriage,isolation,etc) but have not reported any to VA.I made 2 unsuccessful attempt to be seen by the VA soon after discharge but gave up and have had no contact with the VA since. My youngest son was born with defect.
Check out DAV (Disabled American Veterans) for help with a claim.
http://www.dav.org/
I didn’t use them, but I know vets that did and they can help you…
Welcome Home!
i live in phuoc vinh vn, so if you use to live in phuoc vinh can you show me some photo about phuoc vinh ( market, school etc) .
i like to collect photo about phuoc vinh
thanks a lots.
Hon Son, here is my post on Phuoc Vinh Village: https://usastruck.com/2009/07/28/phuoc-vinh-village/
Rob
send me your email as I have several pictures of Phouc Vinh taken in 1967-68 My email is cejj3@charter.net I tried to send a photo but could not figure out how to do it but if I have your email I can send photos
Charles, my email address is: usastruck@yahoo.com
I also was in phuoc vinh, can you send photos.
https://usastruck.com/2009/09/24/phuoc-vinh-airfield/
Paul; things have really changed my brother. I gave up years ago when the VA doctors would not even recognize paralysis, scars, and other problems. I went back two years ago and re-applied with the help of a VSO. They are free groups that will help you with your claims. I am now listed as a 100% Permanent DAV with all the benefits that come with that. Don’t give up. You deserved care and recognition. Fight like we did in the Cav; everyday was a challenge but we came home to nothing. Now is our chance to be seen, heard and cared for. Good luck Paul.My prayers are with you.
Thanks Brother,I will.
I’m sorry for all you, vets…
Agent Orange was a fatal mistake many people are still suffering.
Ps: Rob, my best wishes to you.
Jesus, your concern is much appreciated…
I have been trying to piece together my fathers life upon being drafted into Vietnam and the aftermath that followed. I ordered his separation documents ( DD form 214) and found out he was a mail clerk, like yourself. However, I do not know where to obtain documenaton on the location(s) he served at. He was exposed to agent orange, and I was hoping to research the amount of dioxin dropped in the areas he was stationed. Do you have any advice on how I may obtain this information? Also, do you know any books published, or where I may obtain information regarding what the station of a mail cerk entitled?
thank you.
I spent the final months of my thirteen-month tour as the mail clerk for Charlie Troop 1/9th. Prior to that I was in the bush with the Charlie Troop Blues which ended with an injury. I feel most of my exposure to Agent Orange was while in the jungle with the Blues. https://usastruck.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/charlie-troop-blues/
Maybe someone with more knowledge than I on how to obtain that information will come across your comment and be able to help you. I wish you the best…
hi Lindsey, I was at phouc vinh from 1970 to the time we all pulled out and went to bien hoa. Our mail clerk was sp4 glenn onaga (sp?). is this your dad? contact me either or ok?
Hi John, Thank you for posting a reply. My fathers name was Donald Carlson, he was from Illinois. Can you tell me, what does “sp4” mean?
Hi Lindsey, I’m sorry for your loss. Unfortunately for me I had problems since Vietnam too. Mild at first (headaches/skin problems) then in 1976 a large mass developed on my sacrum. It had arisen many times then go away. I went to VA Portland and they surgically removed it and I thought it was done and gone. However, the skin problems vesicles on my hands continue. In 1988 I started to have breathing problems. By 2/89 I had full blown pneumonia. It nearly killed me. I had a chest film taken in my office and there was a huge mass in my right olung. ( I was a Chiropractor) well, in 1/89 surgury was performed to removed and they took out the middle lobe of my right lung. Well in doing that they separate both shoulders, tore 4 thoracic discs and damaged several more. I then had spinal cord damage. Oh I had three broken ribs in the left chest and a major staph infection as well. They did a 4 level laminectomies at T-7-10 in 12/89. I was needless to say out of practice forever. I’ve had 7 masses removed since then with 4 removed from the spine last year (2010). Still crushing headaches lasting at least 3 days some as long as 5days causing neausea and vomiting as well as occuring more frequently (appx 1xwk now). I also have type II diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, neurological problems (tingling/numness). The last couple of months problems with my entire GI tract and kidney problems. My white blood cell count (WBC count) has always 10% above maximum nomal or much higher. Always high lymphocyte count and eosinophil count way above maximum normal. Plus other high and low blood findings.I filed a multi levelled claim with VA in 8/11 and they assigned a Dr. in 11/11. I was excited at first thinking who would know what all the medical problems caused by agent orange where. Well I was totally wrong. I’ve been under private insurance for 23 years for the numerous problems I’ve had since Vietnam. Right now after a year of multiple doctors, tests and assesments there is NOTHING wrong with me!!!!! Wow! I was shocked! The x-ray department said they found nothing on my x-rays! I’m an expert in radiology and the just happened to miss the back part of 4 vertebra missing, right middle lobe of my lung missing and severe osteoporosis of my left femur and ilium amongst several other findings.I’ve had 3 different MD’s since June and the latest says he doesn’t believe that Agent Orange caused any type of health problems. He says most all Vietnam Veterans are healthy and and just a few of you have claimed these kind of problems. He has no idea how close he came to getting knocked out!!!! Makes my blood boil! Waiting for the formal denial now. Their problem with me is apparently I’m and expert in all their fields. I didn’t know that until the last 12 months. their negligence, lack of simple ability and just out in out malpractice is astonishing! I’m fearful about how many they have killed and are killing right now including myself! Its criminal fratracide not to mention what has happened to our families! Sorry to have talked your ear off. One other thing that I never see mentioned is that agent orange is a mixture of defolients and at Phouc Vinh mixed with diesel fuel as a spreader sticker. The diesel fuel is mixed with the orange to make it stick to things (including us) much better and repel rain from washing it away. When I was there the whole area smelled like diesel all the time and when it rained the water would bead up and just run off everything including the dirt. I found this out in the 1990’s. Finally, a sp4 is a rank its also known as a corporal or an E-4. I was a sgt. E-5. Does any of this sound familiar? John
Thank you for sharing your experiance. I am now thinking of things I had never considered before regarding my fathers health had he lived through his cancer. I believe this to be an absurd question but I have to ask it, did the government ever disclose any harmful affects of agent orange ,or any of the herbacides sprayed, before your enlistment to Vietnman, during, or after it?
DFAS Indianapolis, They have copies of every Army service members pay records. The pay records are more accurate than personnel records. The records record our location and date of pay change. There is no cost, just takes a couple of months to copy and send.
sp4 is a specialist 4th class. In the beginning (of time probably) there was E1 = buck private, E2 = private, E3 = private first class, E4 = corporal, E5 = sargent, etc etc. all these ranks were infantry designations – at its essence thats what the army is – infantry. starting some time later (than the beginning of time), as technologies were introduced more and more into the army, a parallel set of enlisted ranks emerged. These were intended to designate people of an equivalent rank to the infantry designation, but to show they were on the technology end of the new army than the infantry side of the business. So were the beginnings of the “specialist” ranks. These specialist ranks begin after basic training and the next level of training coined AIT for Advanced Infantry Training even though many of the schools that people attend are now more towards technology than infantry per se. As such the designations for privates (E1,E2 and E3 remain the same). however instead of becoming a two-stripper “corporal” – used in the infantry and related fields, the graduate from a technology school is designated a Specialist 4th class or simply Spec 4 (= sp4). further promotions along the parallel ladder can be Spec 5 (= sergant), Spec 6 (= staff sargent). etc. hopefully this will be long winded enough to answer your question.
@Paul Adler, actually AIT referred to Advanced Individual Training.
I was also at Phuoc Vinh mid 69 to Mar 71. The mailman for our unti, HHC/Co B, 227th AHB, was the most protected and worried about person we had. Everyone was always asking about the mail, “Where’s Durda?” Durda was his last name, don’t remember his first.
I was there Aug ’69-Aug ’70 with “C” Co.,228ASHB. I have been diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). Could that possibly be from exposure to Agent Orange ? Does anybody know ?
John, our mailman for the 15th. Med name was woods I think he had a brother that was in nam too at the same time. He had a little army issue moped that was kind of neat.
I recall, 1st SGT Herder asking me if I was holding back his mail, because he didn’t get any for awhile.
Now why would I have possibly done something like that…
It actually was a very powerful position!
Should anyone that was based there contact the VA for a conseltation and possible side affects of agent orange? I was there on and off for a while.
Dave, your best bet is contact a Veterans Service Officer with DAV http://www.dav.org/ and discuss it with them…
I down loaded all of the agent orange spray maps and looked at the spraying for the years I was there. I was a heavy crane operator so traveled all over. Seems that I managed to work in about 75% of the areas that were sprayed.
Yep, gonna make an appointment.
Hi. i was at Phouc Vinh in early 1971 for two months. I was a cook with 15TH. Med. 1St. Cav. We were on standown getting ready to go down to Bien Hoa. Even though i was a cook, me and everyone else were working 17 hours a day tearing down the hooches and burning them. The Arvin soliders could not wait till we left. We almost got into a fight with them. We took quite a few rockets before we left. I’m guessing the VC wanted to give us a going away present. A man named Tom from Guam and myself took the flag off commo. I was was in a state of shock when a couple a years ago i found out that Phouc Vinh was ground zero for agent orange. I to went to Sidney for R&R. What a blast. Does any body remember the Checker Club up on King’s Cross.
Hi Malcolm, I was also there in Jan.- Mar. with the 8th combat engineers. I came to your unit to watch movies once and a while. I was trying to locate where we were at on the base. I went back to the base in 2014 and rode around on the air strip and other places. If you can tell me where the 15th med. was at, I could get an idea where I was. Thanks. Evon Towne
Evon, 15th Med was right along the bunker line. There was a small Arvin compound right in the middle of ours. There was also a Rigger Platoon hooked up with us. On the other side of us there was parked Cobra gunships. I do remember the movies at night sitting on helicopter blades. The movies were set up where the VC couldn’t see the light from the movies. I also remember with good clarity the rocket attacks we had to put up with before going down to Bein Hoa. Welcome home brother.
Thanks Malcolm, where were you in relation to the runway at Phuoc Vinh? Evon
Evon, sorry i can’t remember where the runway was, all i remember is getting off a C130 and catching a ride on a army mule to 15th. Med. What a shock to the system. As you know you didn’t wonder to far from your unit especially at night.
Thanks Malcolm, I know things are hard to remember without pictures to jog the memory.
Evon, your welcome Google Phouc Vinh or Phouc Ven there is a lot of pictures of Phouc Vinh there. I hope that helps. Feel free to email anytime you like.
Yes, Sidney was great!
https://usastruck.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/rr-in-sydney/
Welcome Home Malcolm…
When I arrived in PV of June 70, I was a 62F30 crane operator. The unit did not have any cranes so I was given the position as motor pool clerk. I had done that job in Germany as they did not have a crane either. I was in PV for a week when the first sergeant came around and asked who I was. Armstrong, you come with me. So we headed to a chopper pad with my gear and landed in Phuoc Binh. Top went to get the mail and I stayed at the pad to take a pee. About ten minutes latter we headed to Bu Dop. When we arrived no one would talk to me, show me where to sleep, nothing. My first night on guard duty someone turned all the claymores around so they would hit the guard post. Then most of my gear was stolen. On the way out of there I could only find a seat in the back of a duce and a half. The truck was shot at and hit in convoy. When we ended up, I think Song Be the same type of things went on. Vehicles throttles rigged, gear stolen, no one talking to me. This went on for 4-5 months. Finally someone came into the motor pool smoking a joint. He said: Aren’t you going to turn me in. I said, No, why. Then he started laughing. You aren’t a NARC. No I replied.
It seems that the new company clerk and been to Phuoc Binh 2 days before I got there. He turned in two soldiers for smoking pot and was returned to Phuoc Vinh to testify. I, motor pool “clerk’ was sent to Bu Dop and everyone thought that “I” was the “clerk” that had turned in the guys. It was hell for the months I was there.
After I found out the whole story I requested a transfer to the 557LE which was granted. I got attached to another unit of the 31st and for the next 3-4 months got no mail of pay. Finally a Lt. showed up, asked who I was and stated he was my platoon leader. He had my mail and pay with him. Soon after that the rest of my platoon showed up to do a bridge project. Things improved after that. I somehow have been kind of a loner ever since.
Was a pilot in phouc vinh in 69 and remember getting wet when the spray drifted over the base .Drank a lot of bug juice. Had left upper lung removed for larg cell tumor in 09. Doctors were baffled because my medical history showed no smoking or parents second hand smoke. No work history around carcinogens .No family history of any cancers. The VA has given me a 0 percent disability and acknowledged it’s connection to Agent Orange. However if you are not dying of cancer you are just fine.But wait maybe I do have it and it’s too small to see right now. Have neuropathy in feet and hands and a va doctor ruled out all autoimmune diseases.So that leaves agent orange,good luck proving it. And those were his exact words
Yes, I am convinced that most of us that spent time in that area have Agent Orange related illnesses…
I was there 2/67 to 2/68 595th sig Co. I was immediately given disability for agent orange 5 years ago but have been battling for my ptsd – go figure, all they had to do was look at the casualties for our platoon in PV after that I did a second tour in Phu Loi due to casualties there. both places we got the crap shelled out of us. i helped put up the signal tower in PV, houches were next to 167th aviation co so we got what missed them! Then there was convoy duty each month except fot 3 mos when they couldn’t hold Thunder Road. We always got hit in the convoy.
Don’t give up on the PTSD claim; keep pressing.
Welcome Home Skip…
I was there also, after TET we went thru about 150-160 rocket and mortor attacks.
skip you were radio relay I was with 595th 3/67 to 10/68. there were 6 of us who ran crypto teletype next door to radio relay. you are correct about agent orange and the men lost. Walking the halls of the VA to get compensated is a night mare. I was one of the guys wounded during tet of 68. Do you remember the hooch we converted to a beer hall. We always had 1st div guys and then the 101st down afew beers with us. Perry Sgt E-5
Welcome Home Darrell…
Thanks for the info and encouragement about Agent Orange and PTSD claims.Last month I went to the VA hosp.and registered.I have also hooked up with DAV and they are helping me file claims for Agent Orange exposure and PTSD.Last week I had an appt.with VA physician assistant for Agent Orange screening.I have an appt in July for PTSD screening.I have been surprised at all the help and consideration I have received by the VA.It seems our brothers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have aroused a new concern for the Viet Nam vet.Thank you younger brothers and welcome home.I have received the most help and guidance from the DAV.Their counselers are trained and certified and all volunteers.They have worked to help many vets navigate thru the process.They know how the system works and how to work it.The DAV does this because they care not because it’s their job.I suggest any Viet Nam vet get registered with VA and contact their local DAV chapter.I thank all my brothers on this site for your help and encouragement.
Yes indeed, the DAV is the route to go for VA claim assistance…
I was there march 70 to march 71. Our area on base was in an old rubber plantation. When I came there the trees had leaves, one year later they were bare.
What unit were you with?
Welcome Home Carl…
E Btry, 82nd FA (Divarty Aviation Section) I was a Bird Dog Pilot. See my post in Phuoc Vinh UFO discussion
I was in Phouc Vinh in 1965 ….121st Signal Battalion 1st Infantry Div….I believe the rubber plantation was owned by Michillan Goodyear ….but that is just hear say ….but your right ….it was green when we got there and brown when I left
Welcome Home Daniel…
My husband was in Phuoc Vinh. We can not find it on a map. Can anyone tell us exactly where it is on a map? Thanks!
About thirty miles north of Saigon…
I was at PV from 11/68-10/69 w/ the 1st Cav Div Arty and had felt the spray of AO on my face many times.
Go to the “15th Field Artillery Regiment” website for great info on AO and where and how much was sprayed. PV was hit the hardest 68-70. PV recieved 10 times more concentration then a farmer would spray roundup.
I have been in contact w/ 4 old buddies from PV and 3 of the 4 have AO problems. One had his first son born in 1970 w/ Spina Bifada but was never compensated because it was not on the list untill after his sons death. One guy has Diabetis, Parkinson, COPD, prostrate cancer and recieves 50%, another recieves 90% for prostrate cancer and Diabetis. I recieve 30% for PTSD but tried to get it 15 years ago and didn’t get it till 3 years ago after they decided to recognise all MOS’s. They said my MOS was not a combat MOS.
I have had several problems that I believe could be AO but none are cancerous so no comp. I have had prostrate problems for 15 years, ruptured colon for no apparant reason, neuropathy at 50 degrees or less, golf ball size tumors removed from back and shoulder and skin problems on my feet and hands.
Welcome Home !!!
Yes, the big thing is whether or not the health condition is on the so-called AO list. I feel the list should be expanded with more conditions, but you know as well as I; ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BUCK!’
Welcome Home Don…
I was in Phouc Vihn 67-68 with the 595th Sig Co.(white platoon). We had the 204 ft tower and all communications. I was S/Sgt e-6. I have had open heart surgery, diabetes., ptsd, and neraphty. Next week I will have mt bladder removed because of cancer. I am 100% disabled and do use the VA . Everyone should file a claim, because they caused us all of the problems.
Jim Davis
I was there 2/68 just before Tet until we moved our base camp north in Sept-68, We ran patrols out of PV, I was with D-2/506th, 101st Abn. Inf.
You could see the C-123’s or C-130’s spraying overhead almost daily.
Our water supply was a pond by the PV chopper pad between our 506th area and the 3/187th’s area,
I used the DAV as my claim rep, they got me a 60% disability, part for Agent Orange, part for PTSD and part for tremmers in my hands.
It is what it is, my best therapy is being a ” born again christian”.
God Bless all of you Vets, if you don’t know the Lord, find a good bible believing church and try it. There is nothing better, then knowing the Lord.
Welcome Home Bob & God Bless…
With the help of our local DAV,I filed my claim 1/15/13 and received a request for more info from the VA 1/30/13.About a month ago I got a letter from VA saying they are reviewing my claim for PTSD and prostate cancer.A fellow Nam vet I know just received his first check after waiting 13 months.I was an Army air traffic controller with 338th ASD Phouc Vinh Jan 68-Nov 68.Would like to hear from any PV ATCs that served with me.
Welcome Home Paul…
Bob, I was right there with you. I met you years ago. You were from Appleton. John Walker, medic.
I was at Phuoc Vinh in 1970 with the 27!th Maintenance Bat. Ist Cav Div and would like to know if any of my friends are on his site.
We will find out.
Welcome Home Bruce…
Bruce did you know any guys named Denton, Dick Selesti from upper state NY, Robert Hudson from VA or WVA, a small guy name tilton (tunnel rat) a guy named Aki or Gary Rankin (he had a monkey name Sam) and a blonde guy named James Parkinson. My name is Frank Kent
Hi Frank. I didn’t know those guys in Phuoc Vinh during my time there. I had my own monkey which we called the Funky Monkey.. Welcome home.
Welcome Home Bruce…
Thanks Bruce for the reply; I know guys coming in and out a lot in 60 and 70 being re-allocated to one unit and then another. These where some great guys I lost contact with there. Robert Hudson did visit my family upon his return but the others gone in the wind. Welcome Home Bruce. This USASTRUCK guy has it going on; Bless his efforts. All I can really say to others is that if you are still trying to get your well deserve VA benefits don’t give up. Get a VSO group to help you and hang in. We all deserve it and recognition as a great group of men. Whatever your job was it was hard then and now.Bless All and join the VVA. I have not been able to bring myself to attend a 1st Cav Reunion yet but perhaps someday for all of us.
Hi Bruce I was at 27 mt bn feb69 until oct70. My name is Keith white . I worked in armament section. I would like to hear from you . I remember you saying your father hated canned laughter on movies. Time flies !!!
Hi Keith. I remember you. We shared the same hooch and you had your own room. I remember you were a Spec 5. A good guy to the newbies.
I was at Phouc Vinh from 9/66 to 8/67 with 1st Bde, 1st Infantry. In September of 2011, I filed claims through the VA for type ll diabetes and ischemic heart disease. After over 600 days, May of 2013 to be exact, I received word that my claim had been approved. Just wanted to let you all know that the wheels turn very slowly. I wish all you guys the best of luck.
Welcome Home L.B…
I did follow through on my AO claim and prostrate cancer. I ended treatment last Dec. 14th. Did guided IMRT treatments and so far am good. I let the VFW assist me and I got 100% disability until 6 months after treatment as well as all the back pay to the initial claim date. I am now at 20% for residuals. I also filled for PTSD and am now 70% disabled for that. So ended up at 80% disabled. I never knew I had the PTSD issue until I met the VFW rep and he said: “Have you eve been tested…… PTSD. Never knew it showed so bad. Anyways, If any of you do have to file a claim I highly recommend a service rep. I know I appreciated mine.
Was in viet nam in 67-68 with the BIG RED ONE 1st. 2nd inf. In phouch vin.I am trying to find out if i was exposed to agent orange. Mabe someone can help me thanks
Yes, without a doubt!
Welcome Home Charles…
PTSD its a bad thing if anyone was over there(viet nan) you should understand what it is and what i am going through flash backs, temper changes,not being able to get real close to anyone,very hard to show emotions, don’t like being around a lot of people. I am going for help through the VA but i will say it is very hard to foget and go through.I was with the Big Red one in 67-68 in the 1st bal. 2nd inf. Unit in phouch-vinh.just trying to get better thanks.
I don’tunderstand our country they send us over seas tell us we are at war , tell us to kill the enemey,and then the ones that make it back you no they tell us to foget what happen and go on with your life, but it dosen’t work way.Then you ask your country for HELP and they say i can’t thank you to our country.t
I was in the Big Red One Phouc Vinh 1967. Had surgery for Pan Can March 2013. No history of cancer in family. I believe orange caused my cancer. I was in the first of the second. May God bless are brothers in arms and those we have lost.
Kent…what outfit……..
Served in Vietnam in 1967-68 with the BIG RED 1 1,st bal. 2nd inf. Bravo company looking for anyone who served with me. They can’t seam to find my records Charles Joseph R eis Jr. Us52687503 thank you.
Was in vietnam in 67-68 bravo company 1st bal 2nd inf. Looking for anyone who was there with me they can not find my records can you help me thanks
Like I was never there what do I do????
Charlie, hope you get this…….I was a medic with 2nd platoon bravo co 1/2 from about dec 67 to june of 68…….came over fronm alpha co…..what platoo were you with………Jim Eldredge……..
Was with the second platton do you remember anyone, they lost my records and i am loking for someone who was there with me can you give me any names?
Jim also i was the raido operator for a second louy don’t remember his name, but he came right from rotc and wanted to be a real hero he got trasferd out of our company after 2 months do you rememer his name?
Don’t remember that 2nd Lt at all…….again what was that timeline in bravo company 2nd platoon…….Oh by the by call sign Dracula Bravo Mike 1-6 was me….2nd platoon medic bravo company……..Do you not remember any of the incidents I mentioned above……all took place in the timeline you gave me for when you were with bravo…….
Did we find any records of charles joseph reis jr. Vietnam 1967-68 bravo company 1st bal. 2nd inf.
I helped build Camp Weber at Phuoc Vinh in Nov, 1965 and lived there (when not on ops) until October 1966. Guys in the 1st Bn. 26th Inf. wanted the Army to use that “defoliage Stuff'”, not knowing of course. Recently I started recieving comp from the VA for PTSD but still have to prove that I was exposed to Agent Orange (sent the imformation they asked for) even though a VA doctor has “suggested” that my lunge troubles “may be” caused by Agent Orange. What more can I do?
Carl, continue to appeal your claim with the VA and provide as much documentation as possible to support your case. Don’t give up! Welcome Home…
Carl I was there 1966-1967 A co. 1/26th but I do not remember being asked. The again pvts. really weren’t asked much of anything. I too suffer from agent orange.
Carl, what type of documentation does the VA say they will accept?
Bill. You need to have a medical diagnosis of one of various conditions accepted by the VA as caused by Agent orange. You have to been stationed in the areas A-O was used (All of Vietnam is one) and in the time frame you
were there is included (You were) This is the bare minimum. In my case, I submitted a claim including diagnosis, my orders sending me to the unit in PV and orders sending me back to the states. I composed a narrative statement of my military history and vietnam experience, what I did and where I was and went. I included a map of the sprayed areas of vietnam with PV highlighted. I sent some quotes from this site’s (Phuoc Vinh Ground Zero -thanks to blog ownerBob Struck) information. My claim was granted. 100% disability, no questions asked. If you think you qualify, even if not, find a “Veteran’s Service Officer” or “V.S.O.” These are VA certified agents who can help you with the paperwork and getting you through the system. They cannot charge you for their services. VFW or American Legion and other groups have them. My County actually employs one. (This is best, because they are full time, paid VSOs and really know all the ins and outs…from helping you make the claim, to fixing problems that come up, to making sure all other peripheral stuff that needs taking care of, especially when your claim is accepted and the processes that occur after acceptance.) Good Luck!
Thanks, Carl.
Istemic heart disease is caused by Agent Orange! My husband almost died at 53! 5 bypasses & 14 years still living with a boat load of meds. Thank you USA Government!
Reblogged this on 31stengineerbattalionvets.
Still looking for my records was with the big red 11st bal 2nd inf in 67-68 anyone there remember me being there with them get back to me please thanks!!
Charlie…..I was 2nd platoon medic bravo company black scarfs from dec 67 to june 68 came over from alpha company…….Jim Eldredge
I was C Co 326 Med Bn from December 67 until November 68. In Phouc Vinh until August-September. the guy worried about actinic keratosis/squamous ca has to be in his 60’s or 70’s therefore sun exposure(the cause) only represents a little over 1% lifetime exposure.
I Personally don’t remember any thing about agent orange. The Air Force guys might know
Jim, i was a radio operator with bravo co. 2 nd platoon i was there sept 67- sept 68 glad to see you made it home god bless you thanks
Charlie, what months were you in the field with 2nd platoon…….if you were an RTO in the platoon you would have been with the command post with one more RTO, Platoon Leader, Platoon Seargent and me Doc……also had two docs for a while me and another named Keno…..were you at BuDop Dec 67 or iron triangle/trapezoid area about March 68 ? I don’t remember your name………do you remember what happened the times I mentioned ?
Jim we lost a medic around that time he was a 32yr old professor wha was a book writer who wanted to write a book on the american g.i he got killed only two months in country just maybe you replaced him?
That was in July of 67 Ribera…before I got there and you also you said sept 67 to sept 68…….You didn’t answer my questions (pretty easy if you were there….understand, there are a lot of wannabes and I’ve been burnt in the past on other sites……also we moved out of Phouc Vinh in late 67 moved to where?…..you should know by your dates of service with dracula…..again I was 2nd platoon medic and don’t remember your name but then again I don’t remember many names……how about a machine gunner kid from Wisconsin do you know his name…..you were an RTO then here’s an easy question……whose call sign was Dracula Bravo Mike 1-6……….what color was the 1/2 on bravo’s “black scarfs” Understand these all are not hard question and for me to even vouch for you I have to know for sure……where is your DD214? you should easily know what happend in Dec 67 even if you weren’t in the field….and also iron triangle/ trapezoid area in march of 68 (especially 2nd platoon) Again you would have been with the command post of platoon as an RTO….my last name is Eldredge what was other medics name that also was with platoon for a while, actually there when I came over from alpha co. in Dec 68……according to you this all falls within your timeline…..except Ribera Kia July 67……..what happened to battalion surgeon in Nov 67 another easy question…….please respond so I can verify………..
Jim,here is a ? For you do you remember getting hit by bees in the jungle it was alful. I tell people thhis story they think i am crazy
Actually yes, Jan 68……on a company size patrol I believe)……it was on my birthday.(21) and not with 2nd platoon( on standown) I went on patrol with another platoon whose medic was sick or for some reason not available (I think bees were on a hillside)…………but the other questions you should know……
Jim don’t remember a lot of things , but what i do remember is white was the a swer to the black scarf ?andi blievewe moved to quan loi my machine gun op.was from n.y and he carried am-50 do you rememer him.
Jim just wanted to sayi am not a want abee ? Do you remember the firefight we got into where they said there was movement in this village , but when we got there it was just and empty village but all hell broke loose what they did was built a village right in back of the other and hit us in a cross fire we lost a lot of men our captain and a lot of others do you remember?
I don’t remember that particular firefight…..But in Dec of 67 Bravo Delta and Charlie Company were near Bu dop on Hill 172 and were hit with a ground assault…..not a frogetable incident to me…..and in March of 68 neat the Irontriangle/Trapezoid area 2nd platoon bravo company was lead platoon on a patrol I was medic with platoon when we walked into an ambush….fortunately we only had five wounded which I got too and we managed to back out through our own lines after an artillery barrage quite close to us…not forgetable either…you say you were with Bravo 2nd platoon at the time?????? Also our battalion commander Col O’Connor was killed on that operation in March 68 also not forgetable….are you sure you have the right timeline……….Again I WAS 2nd platoon medic at the time of all these incidents hint (I wore sun glasses often)……..Do you remember Lt. Jim our platoon leader in March of 68 (don’t remember his last name)….I never used it………Again where is your DD214 ………Sure you have the right platoon and timeline………Further in Nov 67 our Battalion Surgeon…Captain Gertsel was KIA……on I believe Operation Shendoah………….do you not remember any of this ?????? Oh White was Bravo company color…..
Oh Yes… we did move to Quan Loi around nov 67…….
As far ad my dd214 lost it in a fire sent for it again they say they have no record of me? And it is the wrong time frame i am so sorry it was from jan to jan 67-68 but you had to be there with me
Jim thanks you for your service again sorry for the time frame i do have a question about hill 172 is that the same hill we called the black hill it was around tet when we were at the black hill do you remember that? Also i rember a firefight that we had and we had to call for napom when they droped it , it was so close the heat was so hot and you could see it melting the trees . Never forget that smell and the heat just take care of yourself and god bless
Hill 172 was near BuDop…..that was in Dec 67……The black hill you mention around tet offensive is Black Virgin Mountain….I was there…key in Black Virgin Mountain Vietnam on internet and you will get some pictures….
Please give me an EXACT timeline of when you were with Bravo company 2nd Platoon….had to be there some of it together…..Do remember napalm more than once……Do you remember the French Plantation at Quan Loi and the Pool they had……some of the time when we were in Quan Loi my
forward hole on the perimeter was right in front of big white house…….get back to me ( AGAIN, Please try to give me the exact months you were there…has to be more we both remember…..TRYING TO GET NAME OF PLATOON LEADER……..I had two while with bravo 2nd platoon one good and one not so hot……ALSO AGAIN I WAS WITH BRAVO ONLY FROM LATE DEC 67 TILL JUNE 68….BEFORE THAT I WAS WITH ALPHA (RED 1/2) ON SCARFS…….Medics actually came from Headquarters Company (GOLD 1/2) chat with you soon……What are you doing now are you OK…Please let me know……..I live in Florida…..where are you……I was originally from NY…CAN you remember a time when 2nd platoon had two medics…….Jim Doc Eldredge……PS here is my private e-mail if you care to use it. ataxguy@tampabay.rr.com
Jim i remember being in the frenh resort . Went diving of the ten foot diving board they had in the pool, we were only there for a couple of days do you remember. THE big white house was right in back pool did yougo in the pool? I no i was there in 90th replacement center in feb. Got to bra o company right after tbat in about a week. So the time frame is then from feb untill 362 days later got out three days early (haha).
Jim i am having a problem with PTSD like i said they have no record of me other then that i am ok i am from new jersey,maybe the problem we are having i did not carry the raido for my first six months i started out carring ammo then went to the m79 then went to the raido,so maybe that was how we missed one another
I’m thinking you went home in January 1968…after twelve months…..I only got to Bravo Co in late Dec 1967 only a month before you left Nam…….Was with Alpha before that……..I certainly remember the pool and big white house…I think I said our forward hole on the perimeter was r in front of it……when lights in house were on late at night we would get a few mortars come visit…..VC used house as an aiming stake……….Listen Charlie……I have a picture of me right when I came home in July 68 look the same as I did in Nam with same dark sunglasses on, maybe you’ll recognize me….
MY EMAIL IS ataxguy@tampabay.rr.com send me a private e-mail and I can send you the picture . I also have Bill Hearn’s e-mail….wil send to you privately……He was Bravo Company Commander for part of the time you were in Bravo……maybe he can help……He’s trying to get the name of our platoon leader for me…..If we can contact him, he might remember you better then I do……Our platoon leader also put me in for a medal I never received.(a long story)….So I’d like to contact him too…….Keep your fingers crossed…… AGAIN SEND ME A PRIVATE E-MAIL AND WILL KEEP IN TOUCH ON A REGULAR BASIS……..ataxguy@tampabay.rr.com
If you like I’d give you a call would like to chat for a while……but send number privately to my e-mail this is too open……don’t spread you number all over….not a good idea………
Welcome Home James…
Thanks Truck……….
Just got back from the Indy VA, three years out from vocal cord cancer and another good checkup, have found many Engineers having problems with there health lately.
Dave W.
Good for you Dave…..Loads of Phouc Vinh “tenants” with problems…..
As a former resadent of Phouc Vinh I think this is the most talked about army bases in Vietnam on the web.
Welcome Home Malcolm…
UFOs anyone?
Hey guys, I’m trying to track down stories of UFO sightings
during NAM for a book…. already have over thirty good ones but need
more. What is most likely to convince the authorities are multiple witness
accounts. Please mail to my e-mail… and thanks.
Only thing above my platoon in Nam were snipers in trees once in a while, or monkeys we thought were snipers !!!! Oh, and F U Lizards that might have been from another planet !!!! Who among you remembers them cursing at us ????
Welcome Home Doc…
Thanks again usastruck……………..
Charles hope your doing ok……been awhile…just wanted to say hello…
Did anyone serve with me in HHC 8th Eng Battalion 1st Cav. May 1970 -April 1971.
John Seitz
magnum1425@charter.net
Jhn, was that close to 15th med, was there in 1971 during stand down to Bein Hoa.
Does anybody remember the truck trailer that everybody went to in the afternoon for cold sandwiches and soda pop. Me and a good friend Steve that was with a rigger platoon next to 15th med would ride down on his huge forklift. Of course we pick up hitchhikers along the way.
Malcom,
My memory of Nam has been gone for a long time. The doctors have wanted me to talk about it. I have a vague memory. Maybe I just don’t want to remember. This is why I am trying to reach out to anyone that might of served with me or can remember me.
John, who did you serve with and when? Welcome Home…
I was with HHC during that time. I was in the second 5 ton dump driven by Paul Swanson when the command detonated mine exploded killing Frank Cass and wounding Lt. Gracamo(sp). They were in the first truck..
Did this happen outside of Phuoc Vinh in 1971? I went out with some guys to recover the vehicles. The hole in the road was huge, it took out 3/4 of it and about 12 feet deep.
I served in Phuoc Vinh 1971 with the 8th Engineers. Worked in the motor pool. I was a mechanic.
I was there Jan. to April 1971 with the 8th Engineers as a mechanic. I’m trying to find out where we we’re located on the base. I remember going to the 31st Engineers and the 15th medical, but I can’t remember where we were in relation to the runway. Do you remember?
Served with 13th signal Bn at Phouc Vinh agent orange kidneys shot. Served with Wayne Sot, Doyle Dow, Micheal Schlemer. Two of us are 100%.never saw a leaf on a tree.Larry Thrash
Welcome Home Larry…
Larry when were you there? I served with the 13th signal Bn at Phouc Vinh as well. Mar 1970 to Mar 1971, Having problems with my feet, going to VA now started in May of this year.
Yeah; I’m 100 pct (lung cancer) We were in the corner of Phuoc Vinh that was in a rubber plantation. It was green when I got there in Mar 70, but a year later the leaves were gone.
in last part of 1965 I was in the first of second big red one most of area was heavy jungle snakes bugs and heavy rain. are bae camp was the jungle. it tookweeks to clear it. the vc took advantage of the weather and the dark of the night. we were always to see the sun come up.i never talk about Vietnam. idid not even rember how to spell phouk vinh now because of agent orange health reasons I have filed claims with the va this is all new to me . I just got to wait it out. got to go
Good luck with your AO claim; Welcome Home John…
filed my claim in july 2015 at the va in Albany ny got my rating on dec 12 2015 took a lot less time then what I was reading my reward were 60% for prostate radiation residuals. 10% for ptsd and 0% for hearing even if I cant hear whith out my aids .still I am happy the way every thing worked out .stillhave afew more to file for .one will be for hypertension. I hear it could be added to the list at mabey100% with in the next few months.thank you for your welcome it fit well ps got my first checks about a week ago. it will sure help .
Welcome Home John…
I was in Vietnam 10/67-10/68 with the big red one, 1st/2nd inf. In phouch vine.I was relocated after 3 months.Went back for a second tour 5/70-3/71 with team #87 (Macv). Tested negative for agent orange.
Welcome Home Lathan…
I was at Phuoc Vinh Mar 70 – Mar 71 with Ist Cav (E Btry/82 FA) Now I am diagnosed with Lung Cancer. This site, with its info and pics, has helped me establish my VA Claim. Thanks
Carl, I’m glad it has helped…
I was at Phouc Vihn Aug 69-Aug 70. I was in aircraft supply with “C’ Co.,
228th ASHB, 1st Cav. Division. Most of my time was spent in a hanger,
issuing parts. I don’t know if I was exposed to Agent Orange. Am I at
risk for any other medical problems ?
Welcome Home Ronald…
I was a pilot for E Btry 82FA at Phuoc Vinh Mar 70 – Mar 71. We drank it in the water, showered in it, breathed it in the dust….I just went through Chemo and Radiation for lung cancer due to Agent Orange. Get a chest XRAY regularly. That’s what caught mine (in time, I hope!)
I was with the 588th Engr Bn at Tay Ninh (’68), the 26th Engr Bn (Americal) at Chu Lai (’69-69) and the 8the Engr Bn (1st Cav) at Phuoc Vinh. I was a D-7 dozer operator and did a lot of land clearing. I recall C-130s spraying us while land clearing during Operation Horseshow near Quang Ngai. Spent very little time in the rear. I don’t even know who my Captain was in the Americal–I was on LZ Liz or Debbie most of the time. I had my prostate removed in 2007, was diagnoised with Bladder cancer in 2011and had surgery to remove tumors from it. Then I underwent BCG for it. Finally my PSA skyrocketed to 10.4 after being a .1 for almost 10 years. Just completed 40 days of radiation treatment. The war that just keeps on giving…Welcome home guys!
Welcome Home Greg…
I was with the Cav ’70-’71.
What unit?
8th Engr BN.
I was with C/228th Avn Bn, 1st Cav, ’69-’70. I’ve recently been diagnosed with Bullous Lung Disease. Until the Dr. asked me if I had been exposed to Agent Orange I had not even considered that I had been in an area where it was/had been sprayed. Haven’t been to VA yet, but I’m going tomorrow. After reading some of the comments on this site, I’m wondering about other ailments I’ve had over the years.
Welcome Home Bill…
Welcome Home Bill. Go to this webpage for a list of diseases that the VA considers is caused by Agent Orange: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
Thanks, Carl.
Thanks, brother. We were always glad the 1/9th was at Phouc Vinh because when Charlie started lobbing mortars in we knew they were headed your way and not ours. Charlie was pretty good with mortars but not with the 122s and 107s. Those we worried about because Charlie had little idea exactly where they were going onced fired from the “forked stick”. We lost an SFC, who bunked next to me, from a 122 hit the very first month I was there. He was standing in the pay line that I had just left.
Bill I was with the same exact unit that you were. I was there from Aug ’69-Aug ’70. I worked in the hangar issuing parts to repair the Chinooks. What was your job there and exactly when were you there. WELCOME HOME !!!
Thanks for the welcome. We didn’t get too many when we came back, did we? I was the Operations Sergeant from Jul ’69 till Jul ’70. Didn’t get down to the flight line too often. Remember 1SG Bratton? He was my CSM in Hawaii later on. Commander was Maj Bob Lanzotte.
Crimson Tide !!!!! I have CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) from Agent Orange. I’m getting 100% disability. It only took 5 months from applying to receiving. Just a month or two before leaving, I worked at the Motor Pool.
I do remember the Major !!!!! I’m moving to Oro Valley, Az in December (2019). I would like to have a reunion with those from our unit someday (before we pass). I don’t know how to get that started.
Hi, Ron. I believe we’ve corresponded before. I’m receiving compensation for AO caused coronary artery disease, but what’s going to get me first in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which the VA still doesn’t recognize as being AO caused. I’d love to be able to attend a reunion, but that won’t be possible since I’m under hospice care for the IPF. I haven’t been in contact with anyone from the unit except Jerry Kirk who lives in Kansas. Tide 40 out.
228th website – http://228th.org
Bill, I have been trying to find others from our unit and same time frame. You’re the 1st one so far. I would like to have some kind of reunion with
those that are still with us. I lost track of them since 1970. Wouldn’t it
be great to see each other again, after all these years ? Let me know
your thoughts on this. I live in Michigan City, Indiana. Where do you
currently live ? Maybe we could meet sometime.in touch.Crimson Tide !!!
Ron Hyer (hyerforhire48@yahoo.com)
Have you tried the email for Jerry Kirk that I sent to you by email?
Having 2 close friends- one state, one federal-currently working for the VA in claims processing, I would urge any Vietnam veteran to pursue medical issues claims regarding agent orange, if you haven’t already, and can prove service in the affected areas and Phouc Vinh is ground zero, now is the time, even if you have been rejected before. The VA of late is reeling for lack of responsiveness previously, sadly, and has been taken to task. I, myself, have afflictions on the AO list but am blessed with the fact I have had excellent medical insurance throughout my life and did not need the VA. I might add the half-mile desert outside the berm at the Song Be airstrip, LZ buttons, martin, etc, where the Chinooks dropped off and picked up in a cloud of dust was created by weed be gone. Sincerely, Mike Schwartz, Delta Co, 31st Engrs, C A, Phouc Vinh 1969.
Welcome Home Michael…
I was with the 228th. I never thought of it until now, but our Chinooks brought not only life sustaining food, water and ammo, they also brought death in the form of AO infected dust to countless number of comrades. I am so sorry!
Thank you. Could you E-mail the agent Orange information to me at radoss00@msn.com
Ron, I know little more than I have found on this website. I’ve “Googled” around and found a little more. Be sure you include “Phouc Vinh” as well as Agent Orange in each of your searches. Good health to you, and God bless.
I have a map showing how much agent orange was applied to different areas of Vietnam. Phuoc Vinh is in the highest concentration areas. How can I post this on this site?
Carl, only I can post on my site. If you wish, email the info to me, and I will review it. Thank you – usastruck@yahoo.com
I have been looking for this info for so long fighting with VA here.this just the exact thing I need If you can please help me.
Make sure you get a good service officer to help you with your claim…
Allen, if you have a solid DAV in your area they are great with help…..Here in FL in St.Petersburg they are very strong and have helped thousands of vets…….Every Nam vet I talk to recommends I go there before any service officer related to government……Phouc Vinh, Combat Medic, Big Red One
1967-1968…Denied claims numerous times this time I will deal with DAV….
I thought that I posted this last week, but I can’t find it here, so, I’ll repost it:
Bill. You need to have a medical diagnosis of one of various conditions accepted by the VA as caused by Agent orange. You have to been stationed in the areas A-O was used (All of Vietnam is one) and in the time frame you
were there is included (You were) This is the bare minimum. In my case, I submitted a claim including diagnosis, my orders sending me to the unit in PV and orders sending me back to the states. I composed a narrative statement of my military history and vietnam experience, what I did and where I was and went. I included a map of the sprayed areas of vietnam with PV highlighted. I sent some quotes from this site’s (Phuoc Vinh Ground Zero -thanks to blog ownerBob Struck) information. My claim was granted. 100% disability, no questions asked. If you think you qualify, even if not, find a “Veteran’s Service Officer” or “V.S.O.” These are VA certified agents who can help you with the paperwork and getting you through the system. They cannot charge you for their services. VFW or American Legion and other groups have them. My County actually employs one. (This is best, because they are full time, paid VSOs and really know all the ins and outs…from helping you make the claim, to fixing problems that come up, to making sure all other peripheral stuff that needs taking care of, especially when your claim is accepted and the processes that occur after acceptance.) Good Luck!
I’d like to add a few things:
This is a list of the conditions accepted by the VA as caused by Agent Orange
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
VSOs can also help your spouse, or beneficiary get through the process if you become incapacitated or you die.
I was in Phouc Vinh 7 months ending April 1971 when Nixon started the withdrawal. 1st Cav HHQ. Lucky duty. Have 70% VA disability for diabetes and neuropathy. Have had a bladder cancer and have polymiositis which I can only blame on agent orange. No family history of any of these. DAV is the best!!!
Welcome Home Lou…
Lou i was at Phouc Vinh to until we went south to Bein Hoa. I was a cook with 15th Med. Do you remember the tractor trailer we use to go in the afternoon for cold pop and sandwiches. My friend Steve from the rigger platoon and me would ride down on his forklift. I miss my friend Tommy from Guam who worked in the communication bunker. Welcome home brother.
I was a bull dozer opoerator. 68/69.pushing back jungle all day long @ phuoc vinh. 31st. Engr. A co. By the end of the day I would be soaking wet from dropping off the leaves of trees. VA won’t even test unless your dying with cancer. I’ve had several operations pancreas, liver,gallbladder, kidneys. G.Gokey.
Get a good service officer to help you with your claim. Welcome home…
The VA must operate differently in different parts of the USA. I was symptomless and the VA had a traveling Vet’s Roadshow visit my small town in Eastern Washington. They encouraged me to go to the VA in Spokane and get an Agent Orange screening. ( I didn’t even have to be registered with the VA.) They discovered lung cancer and now I have 100 pct disability. It’s not just for cancer…but for about a dozen conditions.
Get a good VSO (veterans service officer) they are free. I’m reposting the following from another site: When evaluating a VSO I think it is important first and foremost to make sure that the person holds accreditation by the VA Office of General Counsel. Every accredited VSO will have a letter from the General Counsel in Washington attesting to that fact. Mine is in my top desk drawer and I won’t hesitate to show it to anyone who asks about my credentials; and some do.
Then see what his/her background is; how did he/she come to be where he/she is today? How long have they been where they are now and what did they do before that? Most service organizations hire retired VA personnel when they can, especially former Rating Specialists and DROs. For example, I know one County VSO who spent almost 40 years in VA claims processing before retiring and taking that job. On the other hand if the person has had the VSO job for a year or two and had no prior experience in VA claims processing, you might want to be cautious. That person might still be an excellent VSO, but the odds are he/she is still in the initial learning phase.
That being said, In my case the VSO is a full time employee of my county and is very good. The volunteer with the VFW is very old and can hardly handle the paper work. Then…you can use a lawyer who specializes in filing VA claims.
Good luck, brother
Do you remember where the 31st engineers was located at Phuoc Vinh, North or South of the runway? I was with the 8th engineers close to you guys and I went back to the base 2 years ago.
Evon I just got turned onto this site I was with the 31st engineers company C 69-70 we worked on that airstrip the back of our motor pool was facing the !st Cav’ main Hanger which was hit by a rocket do no if it was south or north WOW that had to be a Trip returning there NICE hope all is well take care.
morgan hhc 31st march 69 march 70…..kc mo 64131
Welcome Home J M…
peaches morgan here trying to locate george smith,,,, he signed on oct ….is the moderator have his info?????????/
he is not on our Charlie Troop 1/9th roster – but if I come up with something, I will let you know…
Phouc Vinh 1970 to 1971 Sgt E-5 HHC 31st Engr. Was in an ambush just outside the base at Phouc Vinh on Feb. 7th 1971. one man kia and one wounded. Returned to ambush site with members of the 1st of the 9th that night that came out to the gate and meant us. One of the members received the silver star for that rescue and the remainder received the bronze star w V.
General Putnam gave the medals to us. Want to know if anyone remembers this?? Always remember Harry Wolfenden who died that night.
I was with the 8th combat engineers located next to the 31st engineers. Someone in your outfit broke down in the evening about this time in 1971 and they came to us to go out to help them because none of you people were available. I volunteered along with another guy from our motor pool. When we were getting ready to go they came and told us that someone from your outfit was going. They got ambushed in a 3/4 ton truck, hit with an RPG rocket in the radiator. I have pictures of the truck. One killed and the other played dead while they took they’re weapons, wallets, watches, and whatever else they could. Close call for me,
Yes, I was in the disabled truck and Wolfenden was KIA and Michael Cole was blown out of his truck by RPG and than shot by VC three times and he layed on the ground. Truck was on fire and he still was able to crawl about 50 yards up a ditch where I found him when we went back to rescue them.. Would like to see PIC of truck. Was a hellish ambush that one never forgets.
Here are two pictures of the truck. I can’t remember where I was located at Phuoc Vinh, whether I was north of the runway or south. I went back to the base in 2014 and rode through the base and runway. I do remember that was on the perimeter not far from the 15 med. battalion. Do you remember where we were?
On Tue, Oct 24, 2017 at 1:00 PM, My Vietnam Experience wrote:
> dpearce0617@gmail.com commented: “Yes, I was in the disabled truck and > Wolfenden was KIA and Michael Cole was blown out of his truck by RPG and > than shot by VC three times and he layed on the ground. Truck was on fire > and he still was able to crawl about 50 yards up a ditch where I found ” >
I was in the TOC for HHC 31st Engrs. It was right next to the runway and the tall tower was between the TOC and the runway.
Welcome Home Donald…
Thanks for the information Don, that helped.
I don’t know what is going on but the above post keeps coming back after being deleated over 20 times from my email.
David, why are you deleting it.
The post notification on my email won’t go away. I have deleted the notification 20 sometime times now and the notification comes back over and over.
I was in Phuoc Vinh from July, 1968 to July 1969. Now that I look back on it ,I remember when I was on guard duty at the wire, looking out and seeing nothing, but burned out trees and bushes. I could see for a half mile.
Now I know why I now have Parkinson’s.
Welcome Home Craig…
Don Bosworth
Aug 28,2018
I was with the 588th, [ latter changed to168th] Combat Engineers in Phuoc Vinh. When I got there in March of 66 the perimeter,an area about a mile out, around the base was nothing but dried up dead foilage and as I recall it stayed that way for the year I was there so we could spot Charlie if he was out there sneaking up on us.’they probably kept spraying it to keep it that way. Our unit built all the wood buildings on the base and the air strip. We couldn’t sleep under a roof until every one on the base had a building to sleep in and a messhall. While I was there we never did build any buildings for ourselves. I guess agent orange got to me because I had prostate cancer which was caught in time before it spread and I had it taken out. The VA has been real good to me so I can’t complain. All in all I was pretty lucky to have made it out alive. I really feel for the guys who didn’t make it and their families back home.
Welcome Home Don…
Welcome home, everyone! George Smith, Hawaii. HHC, 31st Engr Bn (Combat) Hvy Equip Sec., Apr 69 to Mar 70. 62K, grader. Apr to Jun was at Phuoc Vinh, then I got sent up to Song Be for most of my time and then a stint at Quan Loi. TDY with Bravo most of the time.
If you pulled perimeter guard, you may remember Bunker No. 5. It was close to the big bunker at the end of the airstrip. I’ll always remember the big bunker, “VC Birth Control” written on the front. Our line companies were down in the rubber plantation. Our motor pool was next to the perimeter road and our maintenance shop was above us.
Don’t give up the ship with the VA. Get that application in and follow up. Took me from ’99 with my 1st cancer until my 3rd cancer to get approved in 2016 for the 100% disability. First rejection in ’08 for the non-hodgkins in ’99. 2nd cancer, prostate in 2012, 3rd cancer, t-cell lymphoma, diagnoised at the same time. Fortunately, my civilian docs had me covered, and my Stanford specialist is tops in her field. Hard to argue.
We got a different fight on our hands. This is not the time to be a short-timer.
Again, Welcome Home!
Welcome Home George…
George Peaches Morgan here in KC. mo….Wow Happy to hear you are alive…. i cannot find the pic of us the day you were on the running board with m79 and the mine went off behind us…. wallysimba@sbcglobal.net 816 835 0304 are you in Hawaii??? pinapples:):):):):) my web page is wally-tucker.tripod.com made my day….i have talked to Larry Frostman……
Welcome Home James…
mr. struck…. morgan here in kc missouri…..trying to get in touch with george smith….he left a message on here on monday and i would appreciate any help…….816 835 0304….. my blog wally-tucker.tripod.com for your info or to look at also….many thanks in advance
George try and contact me,,, would love to talk…check out my web page shows stuff about me…since we were young…..want to hear your voice…morgan
Peaches morgan. here in kansas city mo…. trying to reach out to George Smith in Hawaii somewhere………….816 835 0304….hhc 31st with you in PV….69 ….get in touch with me if you can….wallysimba@sbcglobal.net
hello …. trying to get contact info on george smith …..was with him 69 79 in phouc vinh peaches 9 7 18 thanks
wally morgan aka peaches in 1969,,,, looking for info on george smith…..above….
does any one have skin cancer i have it same kind, 31 st engr. 68-69
armyengineer67@gmail.com
Yes. I have had one area on my neck cut out and my hands are usually a mess. I was a heavy crane operator for the 557th and was at 20+ different bases in the III Corps.
Dave when were you in phuc vhin my outfit the 31st engineers company c was right next to you motor pool I operated a D-7 69-70
I was there with the 31st in June as we pulled out of Budop, in PV to hear up and headed back up to Song Be. I transferred to the 557 in maybe Sept. as the 31st had no cranes.
Thanks for your service and a shout out hope you and your family have a great thanksgiving PEACE
my name is Mike Kingsley my brother Ron Kingsley and I served in Nam together Ron was in Phuoc Vinh 1965 – 1966 Shortly after coming home he took sick, his insides eaten up, nothing but skin and bones died in 1979. He was Battery D, Ist Battalion 5th Artillery !st Inf Div. I’m trying to find others from his unit my e-mail is mike61847@gmail.com / in was stationed in Tay Ninh and spent 9 days with him and met many of his buddies I would like find out how they are.
Oct. 1, 1966 to Oct. 1 1967 A Co., 1/26th Inf. Div. We had tents to tents with wood sidewalls for troops housing. I think we spent about 20-30 days there in 2-3 days spans during the year based there.
Welcome Home Joe…
On Sat, 6 Jul 2019, 8:57 am My Vietnam Experience, wrote:
> Joe commented: “Oct. 1, 1966 to Oct. 1 1967 A Co., 1/26th Inf. Div. We had > tents to tents with wood sidewalls for troops housing. I think we spent > about 20-30 days there in 2-3 days spans during the year based there.” >
usatruck I want to post some pics to see if I can connect with some guys I served with.
I am the only one who can post photos on my blog. If you want to scan and email photos to me, I will view and post giving credit to you. I can not promise all will get posted. Thank you – usastruck@yahoo.com
Thank You; I have set up a facebook account with some pictures and videos if anyone served at Phuoc Vinh 69 & 70 take a look please and if you see yourself or know someone Hit Me Up. Guys keep working on your claims. I was struck in the neck and have paralysis can’t say enough about a good VSO and guys like usastruck who runs this site.Thanks USASTRUCK for all you do.
God bless you Frank Kent I went flying off a Ten Ton truck leaving the NCO club in phuc Vihn I had to get medevaced to sigon I spent three months in the hospital anyone rember this incident ?????
Sorry buddy but I don’t remember the incident. Trust you came out ok however.
looking for John Kavana and Tom Longo we served together in phuc vihn 69-70 31st combat engineers company C
Hello Donald; I was there those dates but did not know these guys. Good luck on your search. The years are getting by us.
thanks frank welcome home I remember I was on guard duty on a 35 foot tower over look the vills about 80 yards from the tree line when a huey came by and started spraying the tree line I had no idea it was agent orange nice they got us all. I went to hines VA and was tested last month they said all was good and put my name in the registry big deal right, they are still messing with unbelievable thank God for this web site and all the information that was obtained we have to keep up the fight.PEACE MY BROTHERS
Harold Robinson Company C 31st Eng and Ken Piotter 31st Eng Battalion both in phuc vhin 69-70 you guys still on this web site ?????
My husband Tim Hogan was in your unit at the same time.
hello Tim i have not been on this site for a long time, If you have face book go to this site 31st engineer battalion association group John Steven Lough and his group started this site there is going to be a reunion in october i belive at fort leonard wood. I was a bulldozer operator with company C 69-70 and already hooked up with two guys in my unit Jim Rice and Gene Ficker
Reid McQuinn, I was a brand new W-1 out of flight school. MY first assignment was the 162nd AHC at Phuoc Vinh in December of 1966. One of my first missions was a two day project to fly the airfield perimeter fence spraying agent orange along and over the fence. The perimeter bunkers were in close proximity. We sprayed at around 40 or so feet high and at a speed around a few knots. I remember we were told not to spray near the rubber tree plantation, as a rubber tree getting a whiff of the stuff would die
and the government would have to pay not only for the tree but the revenue
that would have been received from all rubber produced during it’s lifetime.
I also went for an agent orange exam at the Albany VA hospital to tell them that I believe the bunkers were also 20 percent occupied during the daytime and if so were occupied and we would have been spraying it on bunkers occupied by US troops. After they did some bloodwork and x-rays, I was sent home. After a period of time I received a letter stating that since agent orange was used onshore and since It was never used offshore I could not have been exposed. I was livid and scheduled an appointment. I met with an
Albnay VA doctor and was told he was the head of environmental service. I believe his name was Doctor Fisher. I explained to him that I was not in the navy and only flew offshore a few times during my 2 1/2 tours in vietnam. I described the stuff to him and he said that was agent orange and that he had had it described to him numerous times. He also said that if you were exposed before the first half of 1967 there was more carcinogen in it than later as they were aware of its danger and changed the process for manufacturing it. I was able to describe the stuff well because normally the pilots did not help the crew chief and gunner clean the helicopter, but they told us that the stuff was so corrosive to “metal” that we had to help. As I remember we thinned the residue with kerosene and cleaned it with stiff bristle scrub brushes. Since we were flying and spraying at just above hover speeds, it was all over the inside of the helicopter and we were never given respirators or told of its possible dangerous effects.
I’m gosh darn proud of what My FAther had to do! if not I would Literally not be hyTiday To Day! I’m am an agent Orange baby!! My Father it took part of His soul!! This I know ❤️
As you should be Heather; Know that your father is respected and cared for by 1000’s of his fellow Vietnam Veterans.