Concrete bunker built by the French during the 1950s. At the time I was there we had the NVA come on our radio net and tell us they would have complete control of Liberty Bridge and our CO told us we were surrounded by 5000 NVA Regulars. When was the Liberty Bridge built in Pittsburgh? The bridge, in the heart of Quang Nam province about 25 miles southwest of DaNang, was built by the . Done. He served as a platoon leader and was wounded on July 4, 1967 by a mortar. I remember that like yesterday. AN HOA, Vietnam - Liberty Bridge straddles a bend of the Phu Bon river where the flat, brown water ends at the edge of shoulder-high grass that stretches toward the distant horizon and the tall black mountains that run all the way to Laos. . Where is the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh? Could you be him? I went in as a private and got out as a staff sergeant. Monte Fairchild. My mom had a vendor shed on the north side of Liberty Bridge selling soft drinks and souvenirs during the period. Didnt realize until today the toll it took on the kids. These were the first official combat units that were sent to Vietnam. I was there March69 when Phu -loc 6 was over run. We did a Medcap at the orphanage the day before. The last RPG hit behind me just as I was diving into a bunker. 68-69. To look back on Rays life in 1966 most would say he was destined for great things. Liberty Bridge South side of Liberty Bridge view directly north to Charlie Ridge and Hill 37. Samper Fi ! This bridge had been a prime target. Thomas Krex served with 4 a at fire base Ross 1969 to 1970 was at Jan 6th sapper attack, was sign pearl chest, was on berm watch during fire fight. He requested transfer to the Field Medical Service School (FMSS) in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and after graduating on June 25, 1968, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) destined for Vietnam. The An Hoa Basin, as it was in 69, will always be with me. Thanks again, Lucky me. I took it from the 2/11 chow hall ( I was with 1st Force Recon) First impressions are forged early in Marine units and those who served alongside Ray took note of his dedication and great humility. Why an orphanage? I was a radio relay operator at An Hoa in fall of 69,we were next to the air traffic control tower.I remember those 175mm guns.The mess hall served peanut butter,jelly, bread,and warm goofy grape kool aid every evening! I am glad you made it out. The 8th of March 1965 US Marines landed on the beaches of Da Nang. Mar67 to Apr68. The I watched the firefight from our trench line. Mostly we were on perimeter duty at night and road sweeps during the morning. Thanks for your comment. A piece of hot metal went right through my kneecap and left a big hole, which is still there today. SF. Then the entire hedgerow came alive with NVA fire. He kept coming and kept coming, making like he was drinking from the can, and he wouldnt put it down. My mom kept bringing them out until the last day we were there. By autumn of 1968, when Vietnamese requirements reached their peak, world-wide Seabee strength had grown to more than 26,000 men, serving in 21 full-strength Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, 2. During my tour of Vietnam, my world revolved around the lives and actions of the forty-seven men in a Marine infantry platoon. That all changed on the afternoon of June 2nd. I was a rifleman. 344 Liberty Bridge/Total length I really learned something and I am thankful you shared a part of your story. The Antenna Valley is located across the pass to the west from the Que Son Valley. 2nd Marine Brigade. Chuck, I was Squadleader/ Gunner in 60 mortars then. The bridge had been sought by motorists for two decades and on opening day, March 27, 1928, a mile-long procession of cars were present to mark the event. Hill 41. Semper Fi to every Marine who served with 2/5 at An Hoa. BUMED Archives. If any of you Marine were with me in 1969, please contact me. "Earlier that night, they hit the compound just across the river," Mitchell explained. Sources: 'He'll never be forgotten': Marine killed 50 years ago in Vietnam is Im so sorry. " I think we called it the Rocket Capital of the World, lol. Vietnam (way remote N.W. life-and-death struggles. 106mm RR View directly south from a 106mm mounted on a Mule guarding the approach to Liberty Bridge. That area was known to us as Dodge City located about 10-12 miles South of Danang. I remember while serving at An Hoa that 2 nurses were abducted from the Hospital by the VC and when my tour of duty was over in Aug. 69 they had never been found. An Ha base was located southeast of a major Vietcong/People's Army of Vietnam base area known as the Arizona Territory across the Vu Gia River. Liberty Bridge - Wikipedia Background [ edit] Ha! Starting out, the Marines established a stationary defense around the base that reacted to threats and attacks. I was attached at the last moment to serve as Fox 2/5s 81FO. LibertyBridge was not a boring place to be. I think he was attached to one of the grunt companies at the time? First vehicle over the new Liberty Bridge!! - YouTube We have helped, without cost, several veterans and history travelers to find their way around the country. Thanks for posting! [3], The airfield was capable of handling C-7, C-123 and C-130 aircraft. Chuck, I should know you. I know Like Harris.SF. Dont know why I was always sent to odd places, other radio operators mostly got to stay same place the whole tour. I was assigned to H&S 2/5 in An Hoa from July 1967 to December. But my B Battery had been split off from the battalion on arrival in Vietnam and placed in a defensive position near Da Nang. I have heard about the German hospital from others as well. I saw them once in the mess hall. I went through four operations while I was in Vietnam, including the Durham Peak and Pipestone Canyon operations. The CAP Marines and their South Vietnamese Popular Force (PF) counterparts took the PAVN/VC flanks and rear under fire, calling for air and artillery support. 58 captured. On 7 May Company A 1st Battalion 7th Marines relieved one Company from 2/7 Marines and Company K 3/7 Marines was added to the operation. I remember being shot at alot and also having a sense of purpose. GENERAL ORDERS: CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Second Class David Robert Ray (NSN: B-308634), United States Navy . About traveling there. I was attached to Echo Company as the 81 FO. Its been a while and I dont remember the exact dates but those are approximate. Phil. Third platoon. I have a neighbor who fought with the Marines near An Hoa in 69. There is a brick factory here but no memorial. Bob, thank you for the kind words. Liberty Bridge on the Thu Bon river near An Hoa, Vietnam 1968 - spent many a day in and around here in the Arizona Territory Comments More like this Vietnam History Vietnam War Photos American War American Heroes American Patriot Military Photos Military History Airborne Army Non Commissioned Officer Operation Pipestone Canyon was a US Marine Corps, Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) operation that took place on Go Noi Island, Qung Nam Province, lasting from 26 May to 7 November 1969. My father and his crew were awarded the Bronze Star after that. As we got 20 to 30 yards into the paddy Kinh and the other Chieu Hoi had killed a half dozen NVA that had dug spider holes in the rice paddy and hid. I do remember a place that we called the Alamo with a refugee camp near by , but that was it. I believe. The Antenna Valley is located across the pass to the west from the Que Son Valley. . Liberty Bridge MCB-4 - seabee-rvn I can be of help with some suggestions. But I can only say, it was more than enough for me. AnHoa served as a jump off point for regions fought over from 66-71. I was rations. 19-March-69, FSB Phu Loc 6 . E- 2/5 69-71. I was in LSU-1 2\5 . I had been wounded on 27 February at our outpost at My Loc 2. All that remains of the old bridge are pilings. I know Mike Harris.SF. In less than 30 minutes, 1st platoon practically disappeared. Ken Nielsen of the 2/5 (1st Division) recently passed. Good for you! from Aug76-Sept1980. Thank you for you kind comment. Operation Pipestone Canyon - Wikipedia 36th Regiment. The mess tent was kind of toward the end of the runway if I remember correctly and had lots of dust blow through it The NVA had escaped into the Que Son mountains. Heres an aerial view I found on YouTube. 3 MOH (one was a Chaplin, KIA) earned by Marines that were there and 1,000 Marine KIA during that Summer in those battles and Know Body has ever heard of them! This web site brought back old memories. The base was located approximately 28km west of Hi An and 4km west northwest of the M Sn temple complex, near to the Tnh Yn River (Thu Bn River) and the An Ha industrial complex. It was built One morning before lunch, one of the boys (who had been taking out our garbage and cleaning our clothes) was coming into the compound. Simper Fi Leo, I was with F 2/11 1st Mar in the first quater of 69 stationed in An Hoa on the 105s then we went from hill to hill to support the grunts. I wish I could figure out where it was. Lost alot of them also. Vivid image in my mind. Liberty Bridge Today, Quang Nam, Vietnam - YouTube combat narratives are told by those who actually engaged in the. The guy in front of me jumped out and hit something, and I got peppered in my knee, head, side, arm and leg. One of them I knew. Glad to see you are still kicking. One was to a Bhudist orphanage nearby. A women saving food. Found an old bugle and they sent a chopper to An Hoa to pick me up to play taps at a ceremony for a fallen Marine in Danang. I also recall hearing that after we turned An Hoa over to the ARVNs the VC came right through the orphanage, and attacked the base. E- 2/5 69-71, Your email address will not be published. The only officer alive in the fight had us retreat to some high ground behind us where we began our attack. It is one of the most convenient ways to see one of the large combat bases and understand a bit of how the Marines fought during the war. Flooded Bridge Liberty Bridge was flooded out during the Monsoon Season several times. We would be choppered back to An Hoa while other Marines chased the NVA. Spent 9 mo. [2]:209 It was decided that a bridge would be built to shorten the route. We had two Chieu Hois with us for the Op. Medal of Honor: David Ray. - Camp Comamajo Press From April to September 1967 Seabees of Mobile Construction Battalion 4 built a 2,040 feet (620m) "Liberty bridge" (T Do bridge, now the Giao Thy bridge) over the Thu Bn river. The one Seabee Ican remember had handlebar mustache and was nicknamed Gunsmoke. I served with CHARLIE 1/5 during TET 68-69 i was a machine gunner in the AZ VALLEY IT WAS THE VALLEY OF DEATH. Jack L Murduck kia Two machine guns on the left tore into 1st platoon. 4th Plt was also at An Hoa, We had 10 tanks split between An Hoa and Liberty Bridge. Bill. My dad was there that night Dan bullock was Kia. The force of the explosion knocked me head over heals, and knocked me unconscious. I recall that orphanage which was in front of Bravo Sector where we had a line of bunkers. No rest for the weary! Several of his classmates from Corps School had already deployed to theater with Marine units and Ray too wanted to do his part. Grim Reaper 14 was the ground unit call sign requesting the medevac. A tour of Naval Hospital Long Beach followed. Cant remember his real name but he looked dead on Lee Marven. I have pictures of the before and after. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and sent overseas, where he stayed for more than 15 months (earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart). I never made it back still today after all the years wonder what happened to some of the guys I left behind. I was with Echo also 67-68 Oct to March when evaced out of country. The conversation with the Regimental CO was to the point. We would rotate there from Mortars 3/11, based at Hill 55. One of the last Air Traffic Controllerswatched a CH53 hook up to our control tower (actually a box about 6x6x6 feet) there were 6 or 7 of us at a time at Anhoa with the Airwing3 Air Traffic Controllers and repair/maintenance men for the radar equipment and generatorsNormal cleared to land & cleared to take off stuff plus advise the pilots on which batteries were firing & what direction/grid.Remember the night we were supposed to get over-run.& instead the Also included is a map from J.C. Bowers which shows Mike Company's base camp's location from October '67 to March of '68. The bridge was constantly under attack and was destroyed several times, either by the enemy Terry, Denny and I are standing right where the stage would have been. I served with CHARLIE 1/5 from 68-69 came away with two Purple HEARTS AND LOST A FEW GOOD MARINES THE AZ VALLEY WAS THE VALLEY OF DEATH SEMPER FI GLAD YOU MADE IT BACK. The people on the ship had colorful magazines of naked ladies The Liberty Bridge, completed in 1928, connects downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Liberty Tunnels and the South Hills neighborhoods beyond. Anyone there July 4th 1966 ? Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Anyone remember? Click on Members Stories for a feel of our guys lives. Ears still ringing 3/1 comm plt. Done. The An Hoa Combat Base was first used in January 1966 during Operation Mallard as the Marines needed a firebase in support of the operation. Google Guns of the DMZ for more on my 8/4 Battlion. A couple of months in Vang Viang drinking beer. It was an honor to be taken in by grunts like you ,dont regret one minute of our time together. or nature. I am happy you made it out. Remember helping me pass out malaria pills. Remember the move north quite well. Over the years the base grew and incorporated large Marine units as well as a 1000 meter runway able to take the large C130 transport aircraft. Operation Allen Brook - Wikipedia 1/5 Third Platoon, USMC An Hoa Base, as A Grunt Marine, from October 1968 to November 1969. I love some Marines (my shortfall lol). Chuck, I was Squadleader/ Gunner in 60 mortars then. I was at An Hoa with India Co. 3/5,from 8/68 to 10/68,I transferred to CAP.

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