AB 1968

We got air cover from Udorn? Bill Buchsbaum, CMSGT, USAF Retired -- BillBSATX email. When I arrived at 9th Division in June, I was further shocked to learn that I was going to a mechanized battalion, rather than be assigned to one of the battalions in the Delta where I could use my light infantry and Ranger school experience.

I would like permission to list some of your comments and name in my narrative regarding this fragging. Dos anybody have pictures of the O2 hooch and party room? According to the VC 5th Division official history, the 3rd Battalion, 5th VC Regiment was supported by the Bien Hoa Sapper Company; its mission was to overrun the compound, which was defended by about 15 ARVN soldiers and a smattering of MACV advisers.

Text - TDY to Nha Trang Vietnam for several months in 67 for 02A acceptance inspections.

Peterson USAF 23rd TASS was an OV 10 pilot Nail 89 at Danang and NKP 69-73. I'm looking for any pictures or stories anyone has to share about him. My sister and I are the only direct family left. My mom and his parents are all gone now. We never got the chance to meet him before he went down. About fifty airman with two HH43B Helicopter crews to activate Det 3 38th ARRS, We began from a bare base concept with a Major Base Commander, three MSgts and three TSgts to activate the base support for the base I was NCOIC of Logistics,Supply,Fuels,Traffic Management, Procurement and Ariel Port. I have some photos of the base during this time, the build up began about the time I rotated. WORKED IN PERSONNEL AT IN AND OUT PROCESSING. ALSO WORKED AT NKP RADIO AND THE BASE LIBARARY. AM LOOKING FOR TWO MEDICAL PERSONNEL, DAVID AND ROGER SESSIONS, AND ALSO SSGT KINCHEN. WALKED ALL OVER THE STUFF AND DID NOT EVEN KNOW IT. EVEN GOT VERIFIABLE PICTURES. THIS PROBLEM IS MORE WELL KNOWN THEN YOU MAY THINK. I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED THOUGH, WHY BOB HOPE WAS NEVER AFFECTED. I DROVE HIM AROUND FOR HIS 1966 USO CHRISTMAS SHOW. Guest 23-Feb-2018 21:22 Larry Blackburn Invert 73-74. Russ Gilroy it is good to find you. I have pics posted on my FB of NKP and our crew. As an AP augmentee I didn't get shot but was worried about the Thai guard sitting below us stoned with a weapon pointed upward. Do you remember the hooch we had. It was next to some Red Horse troops. If you can contact me through NKP FB page. Guest 21-Feb-2018 23:01 Joe Escobar 23rd TASS 1969-1970. Previously asked about the date of the Base Red Alert just before the Bob Hope Show. However I forgot to indicate the year. If anyone can confirm the exact dates please advice me at usaf1each aol. On one incident we received a few bursts of small arms fire from the tree line. I got a small ricochet of something in my left upper thigh. Nothing at all major and it was dismissed when looked at. In 2009 that small piece had developed calcification about the size of a large marble and the VA finally removed it. It was like sitting on a rock in the church pew. Any body else aware of any sapper or small arms fire during the 73-74 period there at NKP I would be interest in hearing from you. Trying to find good photo of where Invert was on base. Have a claim for prostrate cancer and need as much info and photos that I can get hold of for my VA claim. Anyone else there at NKP that might be able to help would be greatly appreciated. Contact me at trgilroy yahoo. I worked multichannel and had two Flash Presidence messages on Pres Ford's desk within 5 minutes. One day, rather than kill myself, I started reading the Bible. Just finished 35 years as a Lutheran-Christian minister. Like an aerobics instructor who gets healthier just by doing his job, I was able to function only because God has been very near. But I find myself now on permanent disability due to PTSD that began in those 12 months. Still, I am thankful for finding my calling in life. Also I have dealt with Type 2 diabetes and a serious AFib; may be related to Agent Orange. We lived at Camp Tarbox on the perimeter, walked along a defoliated path to work at USSAG on the perimeter. Got plenty of exposure to Agent Orange and Dioxin. I'm not emotionally healthy enough to seek benefits just now. Maybe if I get better emotionally, I'll try. I live every day with memories of what we did three levels above top secret. Kenneth Talarico 04-Sep-2017 07:44 My name is Ken Talarico I was stationed at NKP Jul 67 - Jun 68 with the 456th MMS. Would love to hear from anyone who was there during that time period. I am also looking for any information on Richard Herbetis. My e-mail address is ktalarico1 hotmail. Just wondering if the Edward Miller - NKP 69-70 whose name appears on the posted NKP Map Base Shuttle Bus was also with the 23TASS as a radio operator. Phillips was a radio operator at the same time. Would both of you or either one of you mind contacting me at usaf1each aol. Can anyone confirm the exact date of the pre-Christams base alert where 4 sappers infiltrated the perimeter and blew up the ammo dump? How about the actual date of the Bob Hope Show in '69? Guest 10-Jul-2017 20:40 Elmer Thurman I was stationed at NKP July 68, through May 70. I worked in arrow repair and the crash recovery team. Many of the incidents talked about here I also witness or was part of the cleanup operation which we were involved in as part of the crash recovery team. Don't remember all the names but would like to here from any of my buddy's that were in arrow repair during that time. I don't spell names good but a few I remember but will probably spell wrong is Tom May, Steve Wyatt, Robert Anderson I believe, John Malone from Chicago I believe. TSAG or MSag Gilbert I believe and many more. If you or someone that knows you may contact me at eltf10 yahoo. Jim Johnson 29-Jan-2017 19:57 Thanks for all these great memories I was at NKP from 1974 - 1975 in base base fuels. I also was at Utapao from 1971 - 1973 in LOX. Having some health issues and was just denied an AO claim, like most of us. If anyone has pictures or maps or can send me in the right direction of the fuel tank farm. By memory I believe that area was treated with herbicides to keep that area open. Any help is appreciated. Patricia Lorette Phillips 18-Jan-2017 18:59 Looking for anyone who may have served with my father who retired as Lt. His DD214 states he served in the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron TASS in Thailand; Saigon, Pleiku, and Da Nang, Vietnam. He passed away last week on January 10, 2017. Any information would be truly appreciated by the family. Patricia Lorette Phillips pphillips1963 msn. NKP also had the usual rainy season vegetation problems, but heavy use of herbicides kept the growth under control in the fenced areas. The book can be purchased www. I too am having health problems but after hearing all the problems most of you are having I have not yet applied for VA comp. Guest 21-Oct-2016 04:29 SSGT WHARTON: I was assigned to Invert radar site on the perimeter of NKP, barracks located located across the street next to Red Devil Inn 72-73. My AO claim was denied by VA. VFW is now my advocate, however, VFW said it may take up to 4 years to be resolved. Anybody have any suggestions? Guest 17-Oct-2016 13:10 Thanks for all the memories and the pictures of NKP. I was there from April 71 thur April 72 with the 21st SOS. First to Tom Hall yes I knew your father inlaw Decker. Wayne Brudent I don't remember you but we need to get together because I too am having trouble filing an A. Anybody who was stationed there from April 71 to April 72 pleas contact me. Looking for anyone around that time. Van Scott, Larry Coleman, Sam Flemming. Anyone else who might have flow with these Jolly Greens during trips to the CIA delivering water and staying awhile in Udorn. Proof of Night Flights that our Jolly's flew every night twice a night. Guest 26-Jul-2016 14:45 First thing I want to say to you guys and gals that served our country in this war is thank you. And how happy I am that you did , my father Richard Knox a staff Sargent with the af was there 70 to 71. Was with the strategic air command. He always talked about the people and the culture never about what occurred there. I can remember when he came home what happened we were kept separate from the other people. Also when he passed away 02 I tried to get all his medals and ribbons but there was some I couldn't use because of no proof of medal. He had a Purple Heart but I couldn't find any info on that so I couldn't have him given that honor. Second, if you completed your visit before March 1966, you are SOL as the only herbicides used were commercial. The American Ambassador gave permission to use Tactical Herbicides in March 1966 on the perimeter and on base only. The translation of that is the on-base side of the perimeter. That permission was withdrawn in April 1972. The fact is NKP had two different perimeters during that time. Thanks to Red Horse, the berm and defensive fortifications were added beginning in October 1968 and completed in March 1969. What does this mean? It means if your visit was in any part between those two dates you were sprayed! The entire Air Base was less than one kilometer wide! After the permission was withdrawn, only if you worked or slept in the contaminated areas, or used contaminated equipment, do you have a claim. Likewise, the bomb dump is a contaminated area. Use the aerial photos taken in 1967 and in 1972 to see the difference. Look at Google Earth today to see that trees or much of anything, do not grow in the contaminated areas. Guest 10-Jun-2016 16:56 This base wasn't supposed to exsist. Y'all know that, right? Because any information I can get as to what and why y'all were there. I would really love to know. It's about a family member, and I'll give contact information. I even have a picture that was taken there and the bottom wasn't removed from June 26th 1969. SSGT WHARTON 23-May-2016 22:09 Det5 621st TCS Invert NKP 1972--1973, Material Control and Managed Red Devil Inn, SSGT Wharton, looking for anyone stationed at Invert 72-73. I have filed claim with VA for Agent Orange exposure including aierial photo showing Invert and perimeter of base. I developed prostate cancer, VA requested further proof of the location of Invert near the perimeter. Anybody out there who can verify location of Invert with proxcimity to base perimeter. Trying to help my dad get some information. His memory isn't doing good and the VA don't want to help him. I was told I would need information about deployments to prove the agent orange exposure. His name is James C. Semper Fi Ron McMasters 03-Apr-2016 20:50 I am deeply saddened by the death of Dave Kinchen, my former Monterey roommate and friend at NKP. He posted a comment back in 2013 and I just found out he died on June 3, 2015. I'm betting the lymphoma he referenced was related to his death and I'm sure the VA is still denying claims for defoliant-related medical issues for non-SPs. So typical since it was the VA themselves who posted the notice of potential exposure that originally got my attention. Of course, my claim was denied because they said I was not an SP. That is so convenient of the VA and I consider them responsible for many a death including a wonderful guy, David G, Kinchen from Slidell, La. He was so funny without even trying. A subsequent formation was never had in the 9 months we were there. McMasters 02-Apr-2016 17:31 not a clue on the roster. I recall they just picked folks from our unit. I remember a guy named AJ Harrison I think his first name is Alfred who was in the 6908th and I recall he did augmentee duty for a bit. If you can find him on a people search, perhaps he can help. My inbound trip to NKP was by way of jungle survival at Clark AB, RP, so we didn't stop anywhere - it was a straight-in flight. We landed and everyone was told to get on the bus for in-processing except two of us who were told we had to go with the guy who met us and took us to Tarbox to in-process separately. That's where I met 1st Sgt Schmitiberg however his name was spelled and the commander whose name eludes me. Those two spent their entire tours wasted. I can verify walking the perimeter path virtually everyday from Tarbox for the 14 months I was there. I also remember the night the Lao commies stole the perimeter fence wire - the Thais used all their ammo and the SPs refused to give them more because they weren't hitting anything. I had been walking to work a mid when that happened. That was my first close-up experience with a klong. It was not to be my last, but that would entail another very different story. I still have the NKP welcome booklet with the OV-10 on the cover. It has the map of the entire base including the USSAG building. Russ Keys 31-Mar-2016 16:14 Russ Keys. NKP 56th Base Supply 1974-1975 and sp augmentee Augee doggie. Sent records request to VA for duty rosters from 56SPS and 56 Supply and they came back with my APRs which had no mention of augmentee duty. Does anybody remember what the rosters looked like or how we even got tagged for the duty? At least we got to wear cool camo. I am having a similar problem. I was a Security Police Augmentee. I pulled duty on the North tower on April 29th 1975 from 12 midnight until 2am. My AFSC was 70250. So the VA denied my claim because my AFSC didn't require me to be on the perimeter. I was an intelligence clerk. I was often on the flightline daily. Its hard to come by the paperwork showing that I was a Security Police Augmentee. Also, flying to NKP, we had a layover in Danang. We got off the plane and went to the cafeteria on the flight line but Its hard proving this. You have any suggestions ron McMasters 24-Mar-2016 23:57 Ron McMasters here. Just found this site by accident. That's right, but just like lots of you guys, I lived at Camp Tarbox and walked the perimeter every day to USSAG building. Looking virtually everywhere on net and it's like we didn't exist. Guest 14-Mar-2016 09:45 In March 1974 went to the NKP Base Hospital for Rash and Diarrhea. Later pimples and cysts started to develop on my skin. Before being exposed on arrival to NKP our C5A taxied to the end of the runway where the assault helicopters were parked. There cordoned off with red and black tap written the black words top secret was a Bell 47 with spray booms and a black tank with white skull and cross bones. This bird was spraying the northern side of NKP perimeter on February and March of 1974. The first cavalry detachment sent through the sprayed area and brought back yellow powder on themselves. They would dust themselves on us at the hooches, clubs and chow line. I had Agent Orange exposure and numerous diseases that come with it. My buddy assigned to NKP was told Dioxin was sprayed the most during Vietnam War. Neal david gibson 20-Jan-2016 11:21 I was stationed at NKP from May'69 to May'70. I worked at TFA and i have diabetes. I have been trying for 8 years now to get the VA to accknowleage exp. Jones 06-Jan-2016 16:24 Michael Jones, stationed NKP, 23rd TASS, 67 and 68, engine shop. TDY to Nha Trang Vietnam for several months in 67 for 02A acceptance inspections. Two crew chief's there from the 23rd as well along with a World Airways contractor. One of the crew chiefs we called AJ, he built slot cars which were big at the time. I am fighting the VA after surviving cancer. If anyone remembers me or if you two 23 TASS guys are out there please contact me. I played football and worked POL. My hootch was in 56 supply down from the post office. Some buddies I remember are Brown, L. Would love to hear from any of you guys. Email or phone, jaaywright gmail. Earl S Wright 06-Jan-2016 04:00 This site has been so helpful to me and I am so glad I found it. Coodoos to those who set it up and all those who contributed pics and comments. I was in the club when the grenade exploded and Sgt. Waddle was severely injured. My PTSD claim has been consistently denied because of lack of verification in identifying this stressor. I would like permission to list some of your comments and name in my narrative regarding this fragging. If you approve, please email me at jaaywright gmail. Your help is greatly appreciated! Guest 31-Dec-2015 17:34 My father, Jerry Stephan NAIL 57, was at NKP from Jan '68 until? He has a great story of getting shot at air-to-air one night I am assuming over the trail. No other american aircraft in the area. He unloaded all of his WP's in the general direction of the fire. He came back with a bullet hole in one of the vertical stabilizers, O-2. I have it hanging on my wall. Kristina 27-Dec-2015 21:14 My dad, Arnie McLaughlin red hair, from Ohio , was stationed there in 1969 as a mechanic. Seeing these pictures makes it a little more real for me. He remembers being out one night and seeing a scorpion. He killed it with a can of WD40. His name is embroidered on the front. Was this coat something a lot of soldiers bought? Gary Richardson 02-Dec-2015 17:26 I was at NKP from June to November 1966 with the 603 Air Commandos Sq. We had the A26. If any one out there was in this group please contact me. I was a MMS who cross trained to the flight line to load bomb. I have type 2 diabetes and have been trying for 5 years to get the VA to accknowledge exp. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hard to find anyone else. You may have been our boss. We were all E-3's at the time.. Jim Riggin, Jim Somerville, Jake Meseko, Don Perdue. Nail Radio Tech 20-Oct-2015 01:45 Nail Radio maintenence 100, 99 and till 1971 Feb Radio 69 Interesting pics but at thr dates some would have gotten you in trouble as this flight line was closed Due to the nature of the missions. CIA used this site to supply Laos and other places. Some of the Planes were early drones even though a pilot for safety was required to prentice loss of the plane. Also if memory serves me right the listening post for all of SEAs monitoring of enemy combatants was in the dirt burm. Guest 18-Sep-2015 21:12 Just found this site, excellent photo's. Nail 69 in May 70-June 71. Thunder you crazy SOB, hope you are still alive. Ran the Nail Hole for 6 months and they shut us down for a month as we made more money than the OClub. Beer 15 cents, Johnny Walker Black 25 cents.... Did so well they made me a Flight Commander.... Tommy Duckett one of my best friends there, bless his soul, played basketball together. Congrats to you all. I was an E4 Air Force Sergeant. I was attached to 56 Speacial Op's Squadron. I pulled duty as an Security Police Augmentee and was on the perimeter during the fall of Saigon. I have been trying for years to get those records and find someone who was stationed there at that time. The VA seems not to be able to find those records. Can some one help me G. Johnson 13-Aug-2015 17:07 MSgt G. I was in Aircrew Life Support. Lived in Sunnyvale dale. Signed-up for Flare-Kicker to earn some extra cash to send home to wife and kid. Any group reunions -etc.?? Or share some photos. Thanks Rick Robinson 07-Jul-2015 00:52 Was at Invert and then Civic Action, NKP 72-73. We had a sapper s , don't know numbers, the lights went out, the sirens went on, everybody tried to find a hole and some Lieutenant with lots of testosterone got himself shot, not fatal or so I heard, sapper s did not make it, or so I heard. Tough place to attack, special ops central, more miniguns than m16s. My most outstanding lesson from those days and later came from the weather posts for aircrew. We got different weather to post whenever we had an arclight. A decade later I read a small bit in the NYT about how charlie wired into our weather teletype and he knew from the special weather teletype when the Buffs were coming. I sure do wish we had done those guys better. And I too have a host of cancers, permanent atrial fibrillation at age 38, and assorted diseases they tell me are likely from the DDT in the trucks and the Orange on the Perimeter adjacent to us. He passed away in 1989 and I would like to gain a little insight into what he did while stationed at NKP. I was too young to ask when he passed and he did not tell my mother in detail what he did. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for your time bill renfro 14-Nov-2014 02:10 Well been long time I put in a comment. Always hoping I would run across a picture of our pet monkey at invert radar site back I 1970. Pretty sure her name was Susie. When I was there some one had thrown a live round in officers club. My group had just left and we just sit down to play cards in Red Devils Inn when we heard the explosion. I enjoyed playing solfball shortstop and flag football. Only one I have ran across that I new for sure was Terry Dunlap. Terry if you see this I lost your email. Really loved the duty even though its 12 on and 12 off. I remeber Sing Hi beer and Dog burgers?? Some told me that the thai held the beef and water buffalo as sacred. Gil Castillo 17-Jul-2014 03:04 Does anyone remember the codes we used on the radio that were bogus but funny? Something like, that's a 11-67 which would mean The hell if I know. Ruben Encinas 21-Jun-2014 05:51 Ruben Encinas, assigned to Det 25, 10th Weather Squadron Jan -Nov 1969. I was working as the weather observer in the control tower when that aircraft burned at the end of the runway. Had to provide all weather details that I observed fog and rain to the accident investigation. David Englen 02-Jun-2014 02:02 David Englen. The O club stole a band from the NCO club so when the band started we put negative tilt on our height finder radar and hit all the guitar amps with 2 megawatts of RF. Cleared out the O club pretty fast. Base commander was NOT happy. Was the senior controller on Tiger Flight. Flight Chief was MSgt Jim Rossiter - great person. I was the escort for Jerry Coyle when his remains were flown home after the Mayaguez. I went from his funeral to Jacksonville, FL to attend the funeral of Mike Lane same incident. I retired in 88. Gil Castillo 09-May-2014 21:01 Was there 70-71 I remember when the IFE's in flight emergencies were declared. We'd climb to the top of the revetments to watch the wounded bird come in They'd drop their ordinance just outside of the perimeter. They would kind of twinkle as they caught the sunlight. The explosions would spread out and cover a pretty big area. We really couldn't hear the explosions from the boomlets, but that was not the case with the 500 lb bombs. First we'd see the which sent out a shock wave, bending trees as it raced away from the blast. We'd then hear the explosion and not to far after that we'd feel the shock wave. If the IFE was in the early morning the shock wave was more pronounced because of the low lying fog. One F4 came in with no front landing gear and it went down the runway like it was doing a wheelie. The tail hook grabbed hold of the arresting cable and I thought they worked like on an aircraft carrier, but it just paid out, flapping behind the F4, slowing it down some, till the arresting gear kind of bungeed the plane to a stop, slamming the nose down. The pilots got out and ran to the edge of the running and a little further. Pedro came and dumped some foam on the plane, but that didn't do anything to stop the willy pete that ignited a rocket under the plane. We had all turned to walk away when the plane exploded figuring it was over, but the cleanup. I had heard it was WP that set off a rocket and supposedly killed some people on and near the F4. Most of the time it was just a job there at NKP, but it could get exciting real fast. Guest 22-Apr-2014 06:00 Manny Herrera I was at NKP from Sept 68 to Sept 69. Ho Chi Minh died the same day I left. I worked in POL on the flight line. I was a witness to the A1E at the end of the runway that was on fire in 69'. It was fully armed. The pilot was struggling to get his straps off. A fire truck approached but backed away because of the fire and the fully armed plane. Shortly, a jolly green showed up and hovered above the plane. Some pararescue guy cut the pilots straps off and tossed him into the chopper and made a fast retreat. A few minutes later the white phosphorous bombs went off, next the napalm went off. It was like watching a 4th of July fireworks show until the 500lb went off and the shockwave made us get back further even though we were about a city block away. Hope the pilot made it out OK. Guest 07-Apr-2014 16:33 Looking for anyone who knew my father, USAF SSG Paul M. Flowers III, crew chief. Do not know the aircraft. He was from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Served at NKP July 1968 - July 1969. He died in 1983. I am his son, Eric P. Flowers Chief Warrant Officer 2 United States Army. I can be emailed at epf617 gmail. Sandra Reynolds 25-Mar-2014 18:39 My husband Gordon D. He was a Airborne Radio Repairman. I am looking for anyone who may have known him at the time. He suffered for years with tremors, A-Fib, Peripheral Neuropathy and applied to VA after being diagnosed with soft tissue cancer. I am trying to establish his exposure to defoliant during that time. He has passed now and it has been difficult working with the VA. Guest 03-Mar-2014 00:39 Bob Eberly? Anyone else know him or us? We want to get together for old times. We flew a black bra on a flag pole on our hanger. Robert Jones 26-Feb-2014 21:10 I was station at NKP Sept 70 to Sept 71, at the Dispensary, If anyone was station there at that time please email, I am also looking for Bill Fair who was a Pharmacy Tech, I was station will Tom Beck, Charlie Vickers, Rodney Cooper, Don Alford, John Middlewood, Sgt Romanaski spelling and others Robert E Martin 21-Feb-2014 02:13 Sgt Robert Martin nic.. Was with 456th MMS from Mar 72 till 73. Weapons loader on OV-10, A1, and whatever else came in. TDY in Danang for 5 months loading F-4s and the great OV-10then in 73 sent to Ubon. Loaded my first Lazor guided and TV guided bombs.... Made many friends and enjoyed many women in Thailand... Jon Ohman 09-Jan-2014 11:43 Great site. Lots of good photographs. Was an EC-47 Crew Chief with the 362nd TEWS at Pleiku and later DaNang. Remember having to evacuate the squadron aircraft from DaNang to bases in Thailand in 1971 under threat of an impending typhoon. My aircraft blew a main tire on landing at NKP. I of course had to stay with the broken bird to repair the tire while everyone else who landed there disappeared in a flash for the off-base gin joints. The next day when the tire was replaced took all night waiting for a spare , I was sitting in the cockpit finalizing my paperwork when I was greeted by the aircrew and news that the typhoon unexpectedly veered North... Just before TO, the AC Commander looked back at me and announced that the aircraft was two bodies in excess of weight limits and wanted to know if I was willing to stay at NKP and be picked-up on a transit flight back to DaNang the next day. Needless to say my response was in the affirmative and myself and a volunteer engine trooper were off the flightline before the aircraft could even taxi to the runway. We were supposed to be picked up the following day, but as it turned out... I remember well the scary rides we took coming and going from the airbase and downtown NKP. I also have fond memories of the downtown 'Playboy Club', but beyond that... I don't remember much at all. Maybe it's better that way. Anyway, thanks for the site. Eugene Howard 17-Dec-2013 22:06 To all the horses that rode with me and the 556th, no other can match the job that was done by the RED HORSE. Time has taken its toll on all of us, but it can never take away the time we had. Remember me Eugene Howard, I am also fighting Diabetes but my Heart is full of good people and good times. Drop a note on the RED HORSE PAGE. Dudley Redhead 15-Dec-2013 22:24 I was just looking at this great site that I found. The photos bring back many memories. Now I have diabetes, and heart issue from Agent Orange. VA denied any responibilty. I would like to say thank you to all that served and protected over there. Someone may even remember me, my name is very distinctive Dudley Redhead dbredhead1 comcast. Guest 26-Nov-2013 00:28 Hi. Hope somebody could help me. I am searching for any information about my dad. I do not have much to go on but I know he was a dog handler in the army and was stationed in Singapore after WWII. His dog was a German Sbepherd called Pilot and he was a keen footballer. I do not have specicic dates as unfortunateley he passed away in 1984. I would dearly love to hear from anyone who knew him. Especially people who were dog handlers themselves as he has passed his love of dogs to me. He was from the stockport area. I would really appreciate anyone who could help me. Many thanks maria Guest 27-Oct-2013 02:34 Dennis Wood... We were there on the OV-10 from 69-70. Jim Riggin, Jim Somerville, Don Purdue, Jake Meceko.. Can't remember the others.. Not sure if I remeber you, but there were oly about 25 of us in the 23rd Tass. I was turned down from the va, but they told me that if I can show them proof of where I lived and worked. I was the personnel technician for the 40th arrs at nkp 1971 to 1972. It has been long time and while I was stn there I played softball for the base team. I would appreciate it very much if you ccan provide the info about location of perimenters to tiger village and also fight line where helicopters were staged in the area behind 40th arrs squadron. I was at NKP 70-71 working as a crew chief on an A-1H. I kick myself in the butt for not taking more pictures instead of rocking to the Spontaneous Spaces at the Shindig or the Young Stones at the King Diamond. I also spent time in Korat after cross training to munitions. Both tours were filled with great times. I am currently going over a book I'm writing and would like to know if I could use some of your photos and if so, how I would go about getting that permission. I mention the PSP taxiway and runway and other things at NKP such as the revetment area. Your photos would be great to show some of the things I try to explain. Thanks for your web site, go through it often to go back to that great place and the great people. There were two reported SAM launches and one hit. All 14 crewmembers died in the crash. On 31 Mar 72, Spectre 22 was hit by a 57mm gun while attacking a truck. All 15 crewmembers were recovered safely; 13 by Jolly Greens and 2 by Air America. Steel Tiger took a terrible toll. The most heavily defended area with AAA and SAM's the world had ever seen. The courage shown by those aircrew was hard to imagine. We will NEVER forget. I miss you, my brother. SO much good memories. Have you gotten in touch with Bill E. I replied to your email. My magic jack went out and can't make ld calls. We have a lot to catch up on. You use to make me laugh man! You have the weirdest and coolest sense of humor. I hope you still have it. I laugh so hard when I saw that expression and never forgot that. George Brackett 11-Mar-2013 17:21 June Amore - Saw your message. I was stationed at NKP 72 - 74. Took my discharge at Travis and moved back to Thailand in Nov 1974 and stayed until 1983. I moved to Sabah, East Malaysia then on to Singapore. Work dryed up in the late 80's so I ended up in Venezuela then Panama. I am currently living in Freeport, Bahamas with my Wife Filipina and daughter. Contact me at gmbrackett aol. Like the comment from Steve Voltzke I have suffered with cancer, NonHodgkins Lymphoma, and am working on a claim through the VA. As I recall Camp Tarbox was on the perimeter fence opposite the airfield and towards the main road. Don't know if that helps Steve, but you can see that small group of hooches Camp Tarbox right against the perimeter in NKPAireal51972 and NKPAireal3. My email is davidkinchen att. I remember the club fragging well, I was called on to help with human patients. I was short at that time and don't remember your name, I'm sure I would recognize your face. I now have a daughter and son-in-law who are MD's. Maybe I helped with their choice. I remember cobra bites on patrol dogs I was called in on those and a lot of good people and friends in air rescue. I returned home and received no respect for my service. The Air Force actually mailed me a medal I had been put in for. I, however, am proud I served and I agree with you; in retrospect NKP was a learning experience. My name is Rodney Cooper former 20 yr old SSgt Vet Tech at NKP email is rodneydcooper hotmail. Aircraft 673 a A-26 crashing and burning at the end of the runway in front of the A-26 sq, those were not good memories some better ones Bob Hope show, midnight chow, Airmen s club , great times downtown, guys i worked with and shared those Hooches pit viper found in rafters. I was Medical Officer of the Day MOD and the Triage Officer on the night of the NCO club fragging. There were 4-5 other MD's at NKP that year, all with only Internship training. I had trained in Internal Medicine. We had no surgeon and no surgical capability. We did what we could and air-evaced survivors to Udorn. That was a traumatic experience for me and I think of it often as one of my reasons for leaving direct patient care medicine upon my leaving the Air Force. I wonder if anyone remembers the head-on bus collision, the T-bone collision involving a Jeep-multiple leg and other fractures. These incidents still trouble me. I did the best I could but had not had adequate training or experience before that year. I would like to hear from anyone with some more information. All-in-all, NKP was a great experience, but mostly in retrospect. Guest 01-Jan-2013 19:27 Ken Nims, Security Police at NKP 70-71. I was the alternate security controller and worked in the little hut just inside RAPCON area. Does anyone remember the guy who had the pet mongoose that followed him to work everyday. My Thai interpreter, Sup and I used to give the mongoose crackers from our C-Rats when he would come in and beg. I have many good and bad memories of NKP. Feel free to contact me nimsken yahoo. Thanks for the great pics. My pics of NKP were destroyed by fire. Many memories of course of my time there. One you may enjoy. While having lunch at the NCO club with several of the base top NCOs, someone stole my staff car I had left the keys inside Obviously he could not get far on this small base and the SPs soon tracked him down with no damage to the staff car. I let him off with no punishment. Had to admire his chutzpah even though I would not tell him that. Hope someone can recall the incident and post here. My thanks go out to all the hard-working enlisted men at NKP who supported the mission so well. Would like to hear from any Nail FACs at the time. Steve Umland 11-Oct-2012 00:19 Arrived NKP right out of school at Lowry AFB Denver, Colorado. Arrived NKP Nov 1969 to Oct 1970. Task Force Alpha as a 20650. Had just turned 20, first assignment, so really didn't realize how special the assignment at TFA was. Learned a lot about life, me, downtown, Bangkok, Chang Mai. Only people I remember was SSGT Nusspickel, John Moen and Russel Troge. Was there to see the Bob Hope show X-mas 1969. Left and went to 67 Recon Tech Grp at Yokota AB Japan and then ended my service with the 548th Recon Grp, Hickam AFB Hawaii. Really interesting working with F-4's out of Udorn, SR-71, U2 and satallite photography. Had just left NKP and helped do PI on POW camp at 67th in Japan. Pictures of TFA compound sure bring back memories. I have posted photos from NKP, including me sitting at my PI light table in TFA, on my facebook page. Just look up Steve Umland 28-Sep-2012 06:04 On the 4th day, we decided the walls were good and installed the window air conditioners from every other office of the HQ 56th SOW. On the 5th and 6th days we had a BBQ to end all BBQ's to christen our new bar. From thenceforth, we had scouts who would summon us out to the porch to cheer our aircrew's takeoffs and landings. Not unlike the scenes from Tora, Tora, Tora, but a lot more inebriated and a lot less Asian looking. Remember how we used to cheer the Stingers as they flew over the outdoor theater just when the movie plot thickened? And remember how Hamm's and Oly cans could not be thrown high enough to drive off the guardian aircraft? Next time I will relate the tale of how to remove the 56th SPS sign in front of the squadron HQ the one spelled out in beautiful white rope and display it in front of the 1987th Comm Sq buildings until the next guard mount. Once upon a time in '71, our Sq Cmdr, LTC P. Using the box van used to ferry shift changes to and fro from TFA on the first day, the plywood was summarily requisitioned and put to use. On the second day it was nailed to the interior walls of the hootch bar and painted black. On the third day, the portrait painter from downtown was summoned to paint his masterpieces on the walls using our large collection of Playboy Centerfolds as his subjects. Frank G Anderson 09-Sep-2012 08:48 9 September 2012 Frank Anderson in Korat here. My Thai wife of many years still remembers a Sgt. Jim Young who dropped by Korat for a visit or two. Does anyone know what might have become of him and how to get hold of him to make sure he is still Young but perhaps not young? Thanks, and all the best. Back to clark then back to stateside. THose 2 trips got me an early out,so NKP didnt suck after all. Would love to make contact. Back to clark then back to stateside. THose 2 trips got me an early out,so NKP didnt suck after all. Would love to make contact. PHIL FREEMAN 28-Aug-2012 00:42 WAS AT NKP IN 1969, CREW CHIEF ON A-1s. E-MODEL WITH THE 1ST. DON'T REMEMBER TOO MANY NAMES AFTER ALL THIS TIME. I SAW THE BOB HOPE SHOW THAT YEAR AT NKP. WHAT A GREAT SHOW THAT WAS. LATER IN 1971 WENT BACK TO CAM Ranh BAY AND FLEW CARIBOUs AS A LOADMASTER THAT YEAR. I TOOK MANY SLIDES WHILE AT NKP, BUT STORED AWAY IN SOME BOX AND HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THEM FOR YEARS. THANKS FOR THE GREAT WEBSITE. Guest 14-Aug-2012 15:14 EddyDuvall aol. Was at NKP 64-65, with det 5 invert radar sqdn maintance. MCC desk, and crew chief swing shift. Some great memories, and some bad ones too. Came home, few yrs later in Alaska. The AF, picked the tallest mountains, in the most loney places to build the radar sites. But in all, a great 20 years, for me. Guest 10-Jul-2012 19:11 Mike Givens I was part of the first USAF team at NKP in 1964. My team put up two radar sets on the apron of the PSP runway. Funny story, when it statrted getting dark on our day of arrival we asked where do we sleep? NCOIC said, see those mounds of green over there.. For the nexts month we slept in gtents and ate delicious 5in1 rations. I swear some had 1945 dates. They finally had Thai carpenters build us hooches tha selpt 6- 8. Home sweet home, The later pictures if the base amaze me. When arrived PSP runway and the only buildings were something the! My team put up two radar sets on the apron of the PSP runway. Funny story, when it statrted getting dark on our day of arrival we asked where do we sleep? NCOIC said, see those mounds of green over there.. For the nexts month we slept in gtents and ate delicious 5in1 rations. I swear some had 1945 dates. They finally had Thai carpenters build us hooches tha selpt 6- 8. Home sweet home, The later pictures if the base amaze me. When arrived PSP runway and the only buildings were something the! Lost my little black book years ago. Getting old and can't remember many names. Was there for Bob Hope, and many other shows, They did't have the pool while I was there, just a flooded space by the barracks. I have some pics of the fight line and remember loading lots of stuff. I just turned 65,i live in central Il, by Peoria. Still have a place in my heart for the HOBO's, Bill 15-Jun-2012 21:12 I was at NKP from Jun 72 to Sep 73. AFSC - 29150; worked at the base switchboard when I first arrived and then when some numbskull in the Comm Center go busted for heroin and lost his clearance, I was moved over there. The comm center was next to the 56th CP and was behind the same bunch of barbed wire and right next to the flight line. I also was assigned to the Invert comm center from time to time. Was also assigned as an SP augmentee. It's been 40 years but I remember it like yesterday. Shannon Bain 29-May-2012 14:43 My name is Shannon Bain. My father was Hartie Lee Coble, Jr. He served at NKP beginning May 14, 1971 with the 554th TAC RECON Squadron. I'm looking for others who also served at NKP with the 554th. He roomed with a TS Brillhart. My brother in law, SGT Virgil Becker died in Mar 72 while serving at NKP. He was 28 and had a heart attack which we think was due to the stress at his job. He told us that he was working 17+ hour shifts and they were really short of help. We are trying to get his name on the Viet Nam wall but have had no success because he was not considered to be in a combat zone when he died. If anyone knew him, would appreciate you contact us. Our e mail address is ldh dslextreme. Msgt Mike Howard, Ret. Went to DaNang with forward operation Group of 10 A1's Stayed 6 mos. Got taxi qualified on A1's at DaNang. Saw a Navy WV2 go down at DaNang. Walked out of the mess hall in gunfighter Village and all hell broke loose. Saw Hero's made and died that day. Am honored to have been there with all of you. Casey Teliczan 15-Apr-2012 01:55 I was at NKP from 74 to 75. I also lived at Camp Tarbox. It was right next to the perimeter. The dog handlers would stop by our hooches while on their rounds. While I was there I wondered how they kept the vegetation cleared. They did not tell us Agent Orange was used. They also would spray great amounts of pesticides. Steve Voltzke 31-Mar-2012 06:22 I was at NKP 73-74 with the 6908th at Camp Tarbox. I have been trying to find some documentation showing just how close to the perimeter Tarbox was. In 03 I had Mantle-cell Lymphoma in my left tonsil and Renal-cell cancer in my left kidney. The VA has denied my claim as I was not a dog handler or Security Police. I tried to explain I LIVED on the perimeter and worked at the Task Force Alpha compound, also near rhe perimeter, and often walked the perimeter road back and forth to work and Tarbox as often we got there before the Shuttle. The VA and I need something showing the proximetry of Tarbox to the perimeter. Any help would be appreciated. There I was denied anything I wanted to re-up for, and was eventually sent home early. Were you a Military Working Dog Handler? I am hearing that only SP Dog Handlers working the base Perimeter are getting any form of Service Connected Disability. VA can't find my Military Medical Records, and they say they have no record of my Thailand Service. Thanks for your service. I am going to try again. If you have any insight into this matter, please E-Mail me at donjcopeland charter. Amy Dorin 29-Mar-2012 16:59 I work for the law firm Goldberg Persky and White. Howell came into contact with during his 20+ yrs of service. Raybert Howell was part of 456MMS weapons loading crew chief of the A-1 aircraft in Nahhon Pahnom RTAFB, Thailand. We are hoping that you remember Mr. Please contact me at adorin gpwlaw. Allen Workman 29-Mar-2012 14:20 Don Copeland I worked 56th SPS 73-74 and am 40% service connected rated by the VA for defoliant exposure resulting in Diabetes with nuropathy in both legs. If you haven't done so already, file a claim through a veterans service organization. The VA admitted using AO at many bases in Thailand in May of 2010. Don Copeland 28-Feb-2012 21:05 Great Work. I arrived at NKP Christmas Eve, 1974. Handled tons of classified and typed plans for Operations Frequent Wind, Eagle Pull, etc. I did not have my 1 year in country for short tour completion. I worked from one end of the flight line to the other digging up the PSP. It was going to be shipped to Clark AB, PI. I also worked all around the flight line removing communications gear from guard towers, etc. At an early age, I developed type II diabetes and Ishemic heart dicease. I was wondering if anyone else had these issues. Any one have any photo's of Agent Orange drums. I recall seeing them on the flight-line and sitting around the base used for trash cans etc. Hootch girls also used them to wash out uniforms in. I recall the ground under the PSP on the flightline being of a jelly like consistency. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks for the great pictures. I never took a photo while at NKP. Just an update from my last post in 2010. Nuthin' to say here 'cuz I said too much in my last posting. Let's just say that I grew up at NKP,only 18 when I got there,I was an 'ol man by the time I went back to the world. Not from the war though,too much....... Shout out to Bob Eades,the official 23rd TASS Indian,feathers not dots! Modest dude says he was there from 70 to 72,was already there about 2 yrs when I got there in 70. Musta' been too many o' them trips down to pops,BOB,but we did raise hell. Still payin' for it,Bobs payin' more than me. Maybe those stories are true an' I was just downtown in my bungolo too much! Just an update from my last post in 2010. Nuthin' to say here 'cuz I said too much in my last posting. Let's just say that I grew up at NKP,only 18 when I got there,I was an 'ol man by the time I went back to the world. Not from the war though,too much....... Shout out to Bob Eades,the official 23rd TASS Indian,feathers not dots! Modest dude says he was there from 70 to 72,was already there about 2 yrs when I got there in 70. Musta' been too many o' them trips down to pops,BOB,but we did raise hell. Still payin' for it,Bobs payin' more than me. Maybe those stories are true an' I was just downtown in my bungolo too much! Guest 07-Jan-2012 05:31 I am the widow of James P McCollum who flew Pony Express at Udorn, then Dust Devils at NKP. He went down in mountains near Khe Sanh May 68. First listed MIA then found remains of the crew identifying only the co-pilot. Anyone know him or anyone who could tell me what all they were doing while stationed there. I have really never heard what they did. Just some rumors, would love to know. Thanks Janet McCollum jangrams9 access4less. Served at invert control Feb. So much of that year is gone from my memory. I was 18 when I arrived, but felt much older by the time I left. Truly one of the most incredible years of my life. Big thanks to all my friends for looking out for me then. If any of you guys remember me, send me an e-mail. As you can see by my e-mail address, it's never far from my heart. I was in radar ops. Some names from then: Mike Heredia Paul Schrumph Larry Luttrell Terry Wellencamp joe chundak 24-Nov-2011 21:35 Oct 73-Oct74 security police it was a good time to be their. Ron McMasters 21-Nov-2011 04:57 Great memories. I lived the best tour of my 26-year career from Aug '74-Sep '75, assigned to the 6908th SS. Remember living at Tarbox with South Vietnamese troops who weren't supposed to be in country. Darned Thai taxi drivers were afraid to go to Tarbox after dark. Used to sit at the PS Beer Bar and watch the MI-8s trolling up and down the Mekong, and the almost constant mortaring of Takek, Laos. OV-10s were my favorite prop aircraft. I recall being at the outdoor theater and while the national anthem played, an F-4 from Udorn flew over and went full AB. Many in attendance turned left and saluted. And a special thanks to the farmer who allowed his water buffalo to wander into the claymore field near Tarbox. We also found it was easy to get the attention of the Super Jollies by taping three tennis ball cannisters together, poking a hole in the closed end, filling the bottom with lighter fluid and jamming a tennis ball down the tube. It turns out that by lighting the bottom, it turns that tube into a mini-mortar, which to our amazement, we had inadvertently pointed at a Jolly. Gunners have not sense of humor and neither would commanders, but they didn't find out it was us. I recall the duck pond and helping in the theft of countless general officer and Col license plates, then throwing them in the duck pond. Finally, I remember the Shindig and how Lam Morrison honest to God, that's what he called himself! Like most, I have many stories of personal stupidity, some of which does not belong on this site. It's a shame I don't have photos from that time - I just happened to be thinking of the SP's who were killed during the Mayaguez rescue attempt. We used to play ball with some of them. God rest their souls. Guest 16-Nov-2011 17:38 The USAFSS units that operated on and from NKP are rarely mentioned or credited with the intelligence reporting that they provided to combat commanders. The 6694th Security Squadron operated EC-47 ARDF Airborne Radio Direction Finding aircraft from the base, providing critical targeting and intelligence data to combat units from 1969 to 1974. I was a member of many of the COMSEC teams and also spent a year there Dec 1973 - Dec 1974 with the 6908th. Some of the SP personnel might remember me -- I was the guy who took a bullet through the shoe while jogging the base perimeter in early '74. Bill Buchsbaum, CMSGT, USAF Retired -- BillBSATX email. Do any SP's remember the Cobra Patrols, where we would go off base into the jungle to interview the locals to see if any suspicious things were going on. Ed Murphy, mentioned below, you and I were also station at Grand Forks just before we went to NKP. If Leroy Starks reads this, please contact me. Do any SP's remember the Cobra Patrols, where we would go off base into the jungle to interview the locals to see if any suspicious things were going on. Ed Murphy, mentioned below, you and I were also station at Grand Forks just before we went to NKP. If Leroy Starks reads this, please contact me. I have a lot of photos that I will have to look for and share with the others that may be interested. Until I found this site, i thought we had been forgotten! Robert Gienger 22-Oct-2011 03:22 Trying to get a hold of some buddies that were with the 56th sps at nkp from 70-71. I remember John Ridley, Steve Gore. One of my roommates was Straub and our houseboy was Tony. Our NCOIC was TSGT Slaughter and he bought a bar downtown. I worked several posts but my last one for several months was guarding the entrance to the MMS area and I always had a Thai guard. My name is Robert Gienger, please e-mail me if you were there My e-mail address is RobertGienger yahoo. Ridley 27-Sep-2011 19:59 I am John Ridley and I was stationed at NKP, May 70 - May 71, 56 SPS. I had two good friends at NKP, Steve Gore and Casper. Does anyone remember the Kings visit to NKP and the F-105 crash? As I remember the F-105 took out one of our Bravo towers and almost killed the Thai guard. At NKP I work mostly Bravo flight. I had a cheesy job, guarding the Jolly Greens. Whenever they left for a mission, I got to ride around with the SAT. Those were the days my friend and like the song said we thought that they would never end. Good memories Ray Buda 20-Sep-2011 16:17 I was stationed at NKP with Det 5, 621st TCS from May 70- Feb 71 then went tothe 621st TCS at Udorn, Feb 71-Dec 71. I worked radar maint and disliked climbing the MPS-11 antenna that was on the Subic tower extension. NLP was my third remote in a row. I was there at NKP when Jack Simpson from radar maint died just a couple days before he was to go back to the states. I was at INVERT when Red Horse built our new building, but the off duty at the Airmans Club eating cheap hot dogs at 7:00am after a 13 hour night shift just to stay cool was to say the least amazing. I remember the Sandy collasping on the runway near the Jolly Green hooch and what a great job they did of helping the pilot as bombs and ammo rounds where going off. As a controller working with Task Force Alpha and other on the base it was without a doubt one of my 20 plus years in the Air Force most memorable years. Thanks to all of you that have contributed to this page and I wish all of you the best in your future Gilbert Castillo 06-Sep-2011 19:20 Gil Castillo... Lewis, I was at NKP from 70-71, in the 1st SOS, I remember early in the tour we were at the hootches having a barbecue when the base went on alert, supposedly some sappers were trying to get past the parimeter, Stingers weren't at the base yet but some 130 gunships went up, but I didn't see them fire on anything. We rode in back of a truck to get back to the base and someone shot off a flare. Our commander crashed on landing and they managed to get him out, but I doubt if he made it, A friend was one of the persons attending him and he said he was pretty burned. Gilbert Castillo 06-Sep-2011 19:20 Gil Castillo... Lewis, I was at NKP from 70-71, in the 1st SOS, I remember early in the tour we were at the hootches having a barbecue when the base went on alert, supposedly some sappers were trying to get past the parimeter, Stingers weren't at the base yet but some 130 gunships went up, but I didn't see them fire on anything. We rode in back of a truck to get back to the base and someone shot off a flare. Our commander crashed on landing and they managed to get him out, but I doubt if he made it, A friend was one of the persons attending him and he said he was pretty burned. Robert Lewis 20-Jul-2011 15:05 Outstanding and historical comments and pictures! I am a Veterans Service Officer with The American Legion in Connecticut and a USAF veteran '72-'76. I am asssiting a client who was at NKP July 69-August '70 in the bomb dump dealing with napalm. Can anyone verify enemy action against the base during this time frame? Robert Lewis 20-Jul-2011 15:05 Outstanding and historical comments and pictures! I am a Veterans Service Officer with The American Legion in Connecticut and a USAF veteran '72-'76. I am asssiting a client who was at NKP July 69-August '70 in the bomb dump dealing with napalm. Can anyone verify enemy action against the base during this time frame? KTS 68-69 07-Jul-2011 23:37 Hey, joe escobar, I was the AP at the main gate when the A1E blew. It rained parts for awhile! Does anyone remember when the outgoing CO went out for one more mission before he went home 1969. He was shot down and butchered before they found him. The strange thing was that he was listed as MIA! Well, I was assigned to Otis AF after NKP and I happened to be hitch-hiking to Woods Hole one Sunday morning when a guy in a pickup gave me a ride. Some how we got to the MIA topic and I told him this story. To my surprise, he told me that he knew of the incident very well. In fact, he was the Base Chaplin at NKP at the time and he was on his way right now to tell a local family that their son was missing! He said he recalled the incident at NKP and looked up the CO's name in the MIA log that morning. He was still listed MIA almost two years later! I asked him why and he stated that if you go KIA your family gets 'X' dollars but if you go MIA your family continues to receive their service benefits just like he was on the job. So he said that in the long run it's better to be MIA. I guess it's a good gig if you know someone who can pull it off! I always wondered why some families fought the government findings when a part of a body was found and the government told them that the guy was no longer considered MIA! Sarge Mark 29-Jun-2011 17:25 SSgt. Mark Eyestone I was crew chief of A-1E 857, during March 71-March 72. In the 1st SOS. Had a lot of fun down town. Love to talk with other Hobos about their time at NKP. Ken Windle, aka Big Dad and Buddha? He was an engine troop on EC-47s at NKP. What a trip down memory lane. I have so many pictures from NKP. I was there with the CCK base Fuels Dirty Dozen. Anyone remeber the perimeter expansion due to the 4 SP's killed overnight in their personel vehicle? Of coure NKP was the agent orange capital of the war. I used to make the generator refueling run out to the resevior. Got shot at several times. I was always told by the dumb ass Lt, and Lt Col it was a mistake by the the Thais. My New Chief was ther less than a week when a frag was rolled into the NCO club game room. He survived,and was airlifted out. Never hear if he survived. There was an e-3 in there that was wounded. He got an atricle 15 instead of a purple heart for being in the NCO Club. Mark Weiner 25-May-2011 07:46 My name is Mark Weiner Sgt. My job was Administration on flight line, both at Udorn, and NKP. One of my friends was Pararescueman Joseph Stanaland, received Air For Cross. Previous to duty in Thailand, I was at the Helicopter School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for 3 years Academic Bldg. That's when I found I was allergic to penicillin. The PJs and medics there saved my ass that day. Where did Jerry Blankenship. My memory is going but I do remember a Steve Blankenship that was there 73-74. Hall 23-Mar-2011 01:00 I was at NKP 1970-71. I was light a line mechanic on the 123's 1st 6 months then phase docks for the balance of my tour. Does anyone remember a story in Stars and Stripes about aircraft 595 C-123 nose gear collapasing after a high speed taxi? Well, I was getting the bird ready for phase docks and and the pilot, crew chief, and navagator took her out for spin. I had taken the pallet loose with the candle box still on it. I was relieved and, well, you can imagine what happeed next. When the pilot put her into reverse engine, the pallet came flying forward and the crew chief had to jump into the cockpit to get out of the way. Man what a mess. Joe Boys 20-Mar-2011 00:49 Thanks for posting this - lots of memories. I was in TUOC 1966-67 and we also flew with Nails aka Puppy Love to take aerial photos for BDA work. We sure were in 'dark ages' compared to technology and gear USAF has today. Old timer - Sep 66-Sep 67. Joe Boys - Again, grrreat photos. If anyone wants to relive old times. I have lods of pics, just don't have the smarts to get thenm on. And a Big Welcome Home to all. If anyone wants to relive old times. I have lods of pics, just don't have the smarts to get thenm on. And a Big Welcome Home to all. June Amore 22-Feb-2011 02:11 WOW! It's good to hear from you guys. I got there March 3, 1973, assigned to 23 Tass as crew chief then phase dock. Got in trouble and got sent to 56th OMS AR Shop. Do you flight line guys remember the the BIG MB1 yellow mobile crane that we used to pick up crashed planes? You guys know what I mean. Got back to NKP after the final Cambodia bombing mission in July 1973. Hung out at Sandy Box hotch bar before heading out to my place in town. I'm going to post my NKP pictures as soon as I can upload them on this site. George B, Steve, Where are you guys? NKP was my best tour in my Air Force career retired Nov 1990. June Amore over and out. Big Ed 22-Feb-2011 01:48 Steadman -- I was there 69-70 in the AMS autopilot shop. I remember 2 A1's burning on the runway. One was reportedly a centerline fuel tank filler cap failure that allowed fuel to slosh out on take off roll. The tower told the pilot he was on fire and as he shut it down the loss of airspeed let the flames cover the plane and into the open tank which exploded. Pilot never had a chance. The second was a situation where the pilot got an oil screen debris light on climb out and anticipating an iminent engine failure executed an emergency landing, but in the confusion didn't lower gear and set it down on the centerline tank. Luckily he had time to punch and the extraction system worked. As for the sappers in the wire story, they issued my shift weapons and ammo and loaded us onto stake beds to go to the perimeter. Thai guards had long dealt with the infiltrators and eventually we were sent back to the hooches. They never passed the perimeter or so the story went. Those were the stories. I was working the night the A-1 blew up and watched the 20MM cook off. I loaded on a truck with weapon another night and that's all I know first hand. Guest 29-Jan-2011 06:57 My name is J. I was station at Udorn working at Brigham 1970 to 71. Spent some time at Invert TDY when Invert was short on weapon techs. It seems like yesterday yet, so far away. At sixty two years I realize what my parents meant when they would say that youth is wasted on the young. John Matejov 02-Jan-2011 19:40 I am a retired jarhead of 20 years... I am simply writing this comment to see if anyone out there has any photos of my brother Sgt. Joseph Matejov USAF who was a member of the ill fated crew of Baron-52 shot down over Laos 1973. EC-47 For those who may not be aware, this case is under review. I am seeking a bona fide status change for Joe from KIA to MIA... Guest 05-Dec-2010 16:13 Hello to all. First--to those who served--THANK YOU! My father was stationed at NKP from May 1971-May 1972 and worked at Invert. I think his roommate was named Brill. My father's name was Hartie Lee Coble, Jr. Most of his USAF buddies knew him as Hank. My mother came to visit him in November or December of 1971 before they were married. Her name was Sherry Abercrombie. If anyone out there remembers him or has any pictures of him, I'd be appreciative! My name is Shannon and I can be reached at sss7575 aol. No Matter when you were There I was there '67-'68 detachment 25 10th weather sq. There were still thais flying T28's and we had the Hobos, sandy's, nimrod's, o-1's-o2's c47's etc. This site is a blessing, thanks for those who keep it up. Guest 26-Nov-2010 21:14 Lt. Bill Lawrence Was at NKP 73-74 as Chief of Supply. One of the best assignments of my 28 yrs in USAF. Greatest people I ever served with incl. Went back to NKP 4 years ago and was sad to see nothing left of the base but the runway, control tower, and the base supply loading dock. There's a four lane divided highway to the village now instead of the old two lane road. The pictures are super. I was an OV-10 crew chief on tail 784 for most of my time there,but changed a lot of tires,brakes and those pain in the ass tail pipes on most of the others while 784 was out flyin' war. I gotta' say 784 was about the hottest number in the 23rd!! I'm reading a lot of BS stories that I never saw happen in that year,but then I never heard the Son Tay raid takin off either. I remember the F-4 that crashed and burned on landing IFE and also pickin' up pieces of an A-1 that hit a guard tower on the way in killing the Thai guard in the tower. No F-4's on stand by,mig fly overs,mortar attacks or gooks in the wire though. Butterfly bitch liked to 'mak lub',but gave me a good dose along with about 5 other guys too,including one of the DaNang red tail dudes who came in TDY for awhile. Those guys were ready to party hearty,something that we were very good at doin. Been lookin' for Bennett my hootch mate and brother for that year. Our hootch was just across the road from the chow hall. Oh yeah,the swimmin pool was closed the whole time I was there. Or maybe we just didn't go there cause it was officer country. Left 20 days early due to death in my family. The red cross made a call and I had to bie lao lao,leaving about 5 rolls of film at the px cause of time constraints. Left a lot of stuff downtown in my bungolo,too. Anybody know 'Tdung' who owned my bungolo. I gotta shut up,,,said too much already. Would like to hear from Bennett or McAdams my other hootch partner. Also,Capt Smith an Lt Conrad. The Lt left to fly air America. Man,I could write a book about that year. Bungtee kuhn kin mach mach Singhi,chi 'mai? You can find me in face book. I worked in storage for the 456 MMS. Knew Joe Davidyock,Fred Buffington,Schultz,John Kelly,Jim York,Jim Young. Wonder what they're doing today. Watched the Thai's play checkers at the head shed, drank Coke from the Thai coke stand, saw a lot of A-1's and Jolly Greens head out on a mission. I have over a thousand pictures and slides of NKP and town. Bob Hope show too. I won a raffle ticket in our squadron to sit up front at the Christmas show. Got some good slides of a great show. Worked with some really nice guys and we moved alot of munitions. Look me up on Facebook. I need to scan all these photo memories to share with others. I carried a camera with me to the bombdump almost every day, that's why I have so many. Wish I had the negatives as my photo work is far from the best. Haven't been back to Thailand. Went to Hahn AB Germany my last 15 months in the AF. It was just busy work over there. Should have stayed at NKP another year but you couldn't have convinced me of that back then. Went downtown often to visit Paul and Carol Kelley and family at the Christian Servicemen's Center and all the guys that hung out there. They made a great dinner every Saturday night that gave us a little feeling of being back home. Great times and great friends. Gilbert Castillo 11-Nov-2010 18:34 I was at NKP from 70-71 and at a change of command ceremony as we were standing at parade a couple of migs flew over the ceremony, for a week after a couple of f4's stood on alert at the end of the runway. I also remember the fragging by some Thai who wasn't paid a jackpot the hit and another fragging at the Syndicate bar. Met lots of good people there and a year later too at Korat. First tour worked on A-1's then cross trained to munitions. April 1969-1970 Anyone remember the night me Jim Riggin and Jim Sommerville threw those 2 empty napon containers outside the Officers Club through their club windows? The 2 OV-10 pilots we were with were as drunk as us and threw them right back out another window from inside. There's alot more to this night than I have room for here. Somerville and I then stole the base commanders jeep for a joy ride and left it at the front gate on our way to town that night. I ended up wahing that jeep for a month.. Let me know if this sounds familar. I'm sure we all had some exciting times.. Cant remember names any more,except Sgt Gateous not sure of the spelling worked between SARS in the NCO club. Had two young ladies working for me named Putaluc and butanam not sure of the spelling Would like to here from anyone there at that time. Brought back a lot of memories and places on base I did not remember - guess flying at night and sleeping during the day I missed a few things in my tour. One of the best collection of NKP pictures I have seen. Retired as a Chief LM. Bill Ridge 26-Sep-2010 23:28 Bill Ridge, NKP circa 69-69, O2 Pilot. Dos anybody have pictures of the O2 hooch and party room? In lieu of hitting the head, the guys would piss at the bar then the next day the Thais would come in with the water and hose the area down. I made a cassett tape of one of our missions with Jerry and would like to send it to him. Lloyd 08-Jul-2010 22:28 Lloyd Scheeler... With the 1987 Comm Squad, then last 5 months at NKP, was at the Comm Center off base, 7th?.... Supposed to have caught sappers in the swamp next to the Comm Center I was at. Then in January toward the end of my tour 1975, we were in the village of NKP along the Mekong and the village just across the river got mortared... Anyone remember Dave and Don Coombs, Ozzie Osbourne, Dan Adickes, HooDoo, Steve Burrs, let know... Guest 20-Jun-2010 13:08 Try looking at frag orders for steel tiger area by tchephone issued on those dates to acft. LBJ library or Nat'l archives. Suspect Igloo white may have been involved if spike team was being sent due to sensor activity. Most of this was declassified in the 90's. SoG Rescue attemps may also be gleaned from specific frag orders to 56th ACW acft. Jack 19-Jun-2010 01:29 Would appeciate hearing from anyone who supported or participated in SOG insertions out of NKP in early 1968, especially March. Seeking information regarding loss of SOG Spike Team ASP on March 28, 1968 near Tchepone, Laos. Extraction attempt by 20th HS Pony's was unsuccessful and the team was lost. Team inserted out of NKP. Jack tango 14 16-May-2010 00:41 sgt robert shelton- 56th sps tiger flight- dec 74-dec75-thanks for the memories. It's been a lot of fun conversing with them bringing back fond memrories of often short lived acquaintances. WE have pics we will try to add to sites. I sent this pic to terry dunlap. His response ws hey I almost fell out of my chair one of those guys is me who is the other guy. I responded It's me good buddy. Can you imagine after 39 years and neither one of us remembered each other until that picture. If you were at invert during this time we would love to hear from you. Hope some of you have had similar good experiences with this and the other sites. Things beginning to comeback to me. At invert working as a weapons tech I remember 3 main events happening. I remember the son tay raid. I remember a pilot believed to have been shot down not returning to base seems like a month or so after that raid, not sure. I remember the grenade thrown into the nco club. Oh yes working the night a mig came within 40 miles of our base before being turned around and chased by our scambled fighters. I was at nkp from late aug 1970-1971 working at invert radar aircraft control and warning. Let's hear from others at invert during that time. Worked base patrol,, and Pilferage Control. Over flights from N Viet Nam also happened when I was at NKP. I actually saw a Mig-21 in my 7x50's. We got air cover from Udorn? Bill Renfro 23-Apr-2010 18:08 I guess from things i gathered i must have been at nkp 70-71. Does any one remember the night we were watching an unidentified aircrft coming in from N. I was working that night as radar tech If you were there and remember this you were stationed there at same time and I would like to hear from you. My email is williamcrenfro gmail. Thanks bill renfro 22-Apr-2010 16:36 Kristina Miller , Wow don't know if you ever got a response to your Question about Grenade into club but i was there with some buddies about 30 minutes before the explosion. You sure brought back some memories. First let me say very sorry your dad was injured in that incident. We had made it back to barracks and playing cards when we heard explosion. What we heard later was that a disgrunlled Thai soldier. Maybe well hear from someone else about incident. Guest 19-Apr-2010 02:15 Used Google Earth to look at NKP the other day. Only thing left was the flightline. If you haven't used Google Earth you should try it. All you have to do is download it. Utapao is now an airport and Kunsan, Korea where I was stationed in 1967 has expanded so much I barely recognized it. Ernest Purcell 12-Apr-2010 02:46 Great pics, brought back a lot of memories. Unfortunately, my NKP pics were destroyed in a flooded basement. Was assigned to the 456th MMS, in Storage, Shipping and Recieving. I see an old Ammo Troop friend, left a comment and I want to say hi to Jerry Blankenship. We had some good times at NKP. I Salute and Thank all who Served with me at NKP. Also those who have Served and are Serving our nation. Tom Payne 08-Apr-2010 05:43 Tom Payne 56th SPS helped close NKP, enjoyed the photos and reading the comments. I recall being downtown when a good portion of the town caught on fire. We helped a lot of locals move their belongings all night so they would not lose everything. When we returned to the Base they were in total lockdown. They thought that the town was under a rocket attack because the propane tanks in town kept exploding. Lt Col was George Patterson. He was so looking forward to this kind of thing showing up on the internet. I am trying to collect any information about his unit or anyone that might have known him for his son. I can be reached at shelikestolaugh aol. I was a dog handler but we had no dog section at NKP until I believe April 1969. Never worked dogs at NKP but went to Westover AFB in 1969 and worked dogs there. I worked as a day time doorman at NKP Airmen's Club until I went to work in Town patrol my last 2 months in country Steadman 12-Mar-2010 16:57 I was at NKP, Security Police, May 69- May 70. Sometime during that time an A1E burned on the runway during take off. It was about 0430. The pilot was killed. I was the first on the scene and arrived as things got bad. After pulling my Thai Guard from underneath the jeep, we hightailed it out of there with schrapnel raining around us. Don't know much about it but seemed to be a lot of white phosphorus willie pete. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? Rumor was that the plane was hit by mortar. If anyone knows about this, I would like to be informed via e-mail. Thanks Guest 01-Mar-2010 17:41 I am an accredited Vietnam Veterans of America and American Legion Service Officer and served in the Marine Corps from 1966-70. I am assisting an Air Force veteran whose PTSD claim for VA benefits was denied because of the lack of verification of stressor. The claim was initially handled by another service organization. According to the veteran's statement the incident occurred approximately mid October, 1972 at a civilian movie theatre in Nakhom Phenom. Thai police shot the man. Is there anyone can and would be willing to verify the stressor? The Contol tower did not exist nor the Task force Alpha site. The TUOC was a wooden building with the weather unit in an airstream trailer attached to it. Our observation site was at the end of the runway in a small trailer as was the control tower. If one had the trots it was a short and fast run. I rember to this day stepping off the c130 when I got to NKP and seeing a WWII base with unmarked aircraft. Naked Fanny was a time warp. After My tour there I extended and was a combat wether team member with the 1ST cavalry RVN. Long live our memories!! I was walking in front of C. I had my weapon and radio with me, called in and went between blds. Entrance was dark inside emergency lights on very dim, fixtures hanging from the ceiling, other troops were attending wounded and emergency personnel were on the way. I met another member of my team out front and we searched C. There was a call for blood at the hospital and major choas we were sent back to reg. I was in Det 25th, 10th Weather Squadron as a weather observer AFSC 25251. My duty sites were TUOC, Base Weather Station section, the Control Tower as part of the remote weather observation site and at TFA operating the CPS-9 Weather Radar and Satellite Machine. I took some of these photos including the one of the chow hall - the Commando Inn. I'm standing on the right side of the photo. Other photos of mine include the weather radar and scenes of the flight line taken from the top of the weather radar. Tom Roderick 05-Dec-2009 02:27 Got DDA from basic to NKP in late September 1971 and was there till September 1972. I was at TFA and I was one of two AFSC 99127's that were in SEA. Although I was already 25 at the time I really grew up at NKP. This site is the best I have seen. I have a few pictures of the base and the town, but nothing like these. Thanks to all who have shared their pictures and their memories of a place far far away and a long time ago. I actually enjoyed my time at NKP. I was not exactly a proper troop so I spent most of my off time downtown. Lived pretty much at Johnnys Bungaloo? Being at NKP sure beat dodging rockets at Danang. Guest 22-Oct-2009 19:21 Sgt. I was good to show my Kate some of the sights I experienced while stationed at NKP. Again thanks for some great memories! Flash 30-Aug-2009 02:18 Flash here, Present and Accounted for NKPRTAFB from June 1971 to June 1972. Great place to be. Regarding Frag at the club, we were told it was a first termer hacked at someone over his girl friend. I wouldn't take a million dollars for the experiences there and wouldn't give a plug nickel to be there now. Looks like the latter days were too civilized - It think I saw a paved road in one of the pictures? Guest 29-Aug-2009 21:52 I was there working in the Club when the Frag Grenade was thrown in, I saw the wounded and the ones Killed by the blast, I was shielded from the blast by the thia janitors that were killed, I know there are probably many out there that think they know what happen, however I talked to the Thia General that cme to investigate the incident, this much I know for sure. There were thia Officers that were allowed to play the slot machines that night, and there winings were paid by the club to them via active duty troops that collected the winings for them, that occurred until the nighshift Manager came on duty, then he refused to pay the winnings. Later that night is when the grenade flew by my head and hit the dinning room door and exploded in front of the Bathroom door and behing two Active duty GI's, both of whom died, along with the thia Janitor. Jim Aubuchon 17-Aug-2009 20:39 I was assigned to NKP July 67-Aug 68. I worked with SSgt Kermit Moffett deceased. I am a member of the TLC Brotherhood. Started out with the 56th, later was shifted to the 606th. Still looking for other members of the Civic Action Group out of NKP.

The people of the State of California shall be the plaintiff in the proceeding pof ab__1968 shall be represented by the prime attorney. The reports shall be disclosed upon request to the person and to the district attorney. Lieutenant Barnes and one of his soldiers would be awarded Distinguished Service Crosses for their heroism that day. McMasters 02-Apr-2016 17:31 not a clue on the roster. Musta' been too many o' them custodes down to pops,BOB,but we did raise hell. Anyone remember Dave and Don Coombs, Ozzie Osbourne, Dan Adickes, HooDoo, Steve Burrs, let know. SO much good memories.