On the bottom right you can see the approach lights of the Pleiku Air Base. Without the persistence and dedication of founding members John Riley and John Pike of the 633rd Air Base Wing (Motor Pool), the Pleiku Air Base Association would not exist, we thank and remember them for the organization they created in which so many Pleiku veterans have participated. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Aka: "The Stadium" ZA 204-214 LZ OUTRIDER also ZA 200-170 26km SSW Pleiku ZA 218-342 PZ MUSTANG III ( PZ = Troop Pick-up Zone ) Jarhead03 2,171 4 Sep 21, 2011 #2 (Courtesy Photo), U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bill Thompson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, poses with his ramp patrol vehicle at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Oct. 1967. [2] In December 1962 Pleiku Air Base was activated by the RVNAF as Air Base 62 and in March 1964 Air Base 62 became the RVNAF 62nd Tactical Wing. . Viet Cong troops attack a helicopter base at Camp Halloway. Vietnam War map: Corps to corps (1968) - Click Americana This was the second in a series of retaliations launched because of communist attacks on US. SP/4 Glenn Fannin enjoying a little off duty time, rare, in a traditional . The RVNAF established the 72d Tactical Wing at the base with the 530th Fighter Squadron equipped with A-1 Skyraiders, along with two UH-1H helicopter assault squadrons (229th, 235th) and the 118th Liaison Squadron, with Cessna O-2A, U-17 forward air controller/light reconnaissance aircraft. Pleiku Air Base History. But much of time we would just hang at the fire station on off days because thats where the action was.. During the conflict in Vietnam, U.S. Army Engineers played a significant role in support of U.S. and allied forces, both in construction and in combat. 4 PLEIKU AIR BASE Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images PLEIKU, VIETNAM Reunion information you'd like to share Relive & share the memories of your service time with your brothers & sisters in arms today. Abandoned US military bases in Vietnam - Abandoned Spaces According to Collins, while the 633rd was at Pleiku, they engaged in many community relations activities, including the Security Police Squadrons efforts to help construct the Montagnard, the indigenous tribe in the area, Police Academy. It was established by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. The war ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973 and the unification of Vietnam under Communist control 2 years later. The base was jointly used for both RVNAF and USAF air activities, but never reached the saturation and population proportions of the major air bases of the coastal lowlands. Pleiku, Vietnam Topographical Map - Battle Archives Vietnam War home movies 170th AHC Bikinis & Buccaneers Pleiku Camp Holloway 1967-68 Vietnam War home movies 170th AHC Bikinis & Buccaneers Pleiku Camp Holloway 1967-68 Go to vintagefilmarsenal.com to purchase a full-length 1hr, 40min. It was a joint-service base, with units from the Army, Navy, Marines stationed there as well as the Air Force, which operated and maintained the base. The attack killed nine U.S. servicemen and wounded 128 others which led to the sending of conventional American combat forces to Vietnam. The former base facility has been torn down and a few streets remain, the land now being used for agriculture; a few of the former base buildings remain in use. RVNAF air strikes destroyed five PAVN tanks but during one strike, a bomb accidentally hit ARVN sector headquarters severely disrupting communications. Pleiku Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam. Thanks VetFriends. People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces - Wikipedia The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star (posthumously) in Vietnam, who was killed in action on 2 December 1966. (AP Photo) The squadron was reassigned to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in early 1967, engaging in special operations primarily in Laos. After the seizure of the base by the North Vietnamese in 1975, the captured South Vietnamese military aircraft were either destroyed or flown out to other airfields and Pleiku Air Base was abandoned, apparently remaining so for many years. Maps of Heavily Sprayed Areas and Dioxin Hot Spots - The Aspen Institute II Corps Command named it Pleime Campaign with a slightly different starting date of 20 October instead of 23 October consisted of three operations. U.S. air strikes in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. During this meeting Thieu made the decision to attempt an orderly withdrawal from the Central Highlands around Kontum and Pleiku in order to conserve forces and regroup for a counter-attack. The VNAF 1141st Observation Squadron moved to Pleiku from Da Nang Air Base in January 1965, and a detachment of Douglas A-1 Skyraiders from Bien Hoa Air Base resided there for close air support capability. The CSG supported multiple units on Pleiku, including the 1st and 9th Air Commando Squadrons and the U.S. Armys 4th Infantry Division. [2]:273 VNAF air strikes destroyed five NVA tanks but during one strike, a bomb accidentally hit ARVN sector headquarters severely disrupting communications. It was established by the South Vietnamese Air Force (SVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. It is now a Vietnamese Army base and the most you will be able to do is drive or walk by the entrance gates and will not see anything that is familiar. Eight US soldiers were killed and as many as 100 were wounded. [13]:216, Pleiku AB was one of the 2 operating bases of the RVNAF 6th Air Division, the other being Ph Ct Air Base.[14]. During their time at Pleiku, the 633rd Air Police Squadron defended the base against guerilla forces. President Johnson orders immediate reprisals as 49 US Navy jets attack North Vietnam. Being in Pleiku was a pretty nice gig, except for the bloodshed. The start time is not announced, however, customer ser, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), Fort Eustis Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC), The Army Distributed Learning Program (TADLP), Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. It was captured by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in March 1975 and was abandoned for many years. Photographs of Vietnam by Glenn Fannin - Old Spooks and Spies With the departure of its personnel in late 1969, a small group remained at Pleiku for a short period of time to advise the SVNAF. Brothers-in-Arms, all. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star (posthumously) in Vietnam, who was killed in action on 2 December 1966. Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Fitzgerald 3rd Brigade Missing: 05/31/1967, Recovered: 2/7/1994. [8]:129. Soldiers march past the review stand. The A-1 equipped 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Pleiku on 1 January 1966 from Bien Hoa Air Base where it had operated as part of Farm Gate. An unaltered photocopy of your Report of Separation DD-214 WD AGO or NGB22 along with any military-issued document establishing your service at Pleiku Vietnam Allied Base. pleiku photos on Flickr | Flickr United States 4th Infantry Division change of Command ceremony at camp Enari in Pleiku, South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. President Thieu, Vice President Ky and Commanding General Montagnard II Corps Lieutenant General Vinh Loc salute the troops standing in formation. - Veteran J. Reuter. Tough Vietnam War Photos That Will Stick In Your Mind (48 Pics) - Atchuup Band at the parade. Exposure to Agent Orange by Location - Public Health American Army and Air Force civil engineering units resurfaced and extended to 6000ft (1829 m) runway and the base was jointly used for both VNAF and USAF air activities, but never reached the saturation and population proportions of the major air bases of the coastal lowlands. To download the full size picture right click on the full size picture and select Save Picture As. U.S. Army's B Company, 504th Military Police Battalion Patrolled VIETNAM. The squadron was deployed to Pleiku on 29 February 1968 and arrived at Pleiku AB in March. At Pleiku airfield, the small ARVN garrison came under attack and was forced to defend the control tower, preventing attempts to fly in reinforcements. From May 18 to 26, 1967, Soldiers of 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division fought a series of five battles over a period of nine days in Pleiku province near the Cambodian border. From 1968 - 27 June 1972 the 362d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron flying specially-equipped EC-47s were assigned to Pleiku. As North Vietnamese infiltration increased within and along the Laotian and Cambodian borders the importance of Pleiku Air Base increased, and base facilities were expanded and improved by American Army and Air Force civil engineering units. The squadron also had five 0-2B aircraft that were used for psychological warfare, dropping leaflets and playing recordings in Vietnamese encouraging the enemy to surrender. A girl mills banana leaves. ARVN reinforcements were diverted to Buon Ho, north of the city, far from the battle. Tea, coffee, handicrafts, timber, and upland rice are the main products of the region. Mission Command Analysis of Ia Drang Operation Camp Holloway, Pleiku - Tripadvisor [8]:113 The 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Nakhon Phanom RTAFB in early 1967. Nam Dong, Lang Vei, Dak To, A Shau, Plei Mei - these were just some of the places U.S. Army Special Forces troops fought and died for during their 14-year stay in South Vietnam.. First Special Forces in Vietnam. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star . I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. The commander of the 6th Air Division at Pleiku, BG Pham Ngoc Sang was given forty-eight hours to evacuate the airfield and immediately requested UH-1s, CH-47s, and C-130s to fly RVNAF personnel and their dependants out of Pleiku. With the move to Thailand, the primary Air Force organization at Pleiku was the 633d Combat Support Group, which maintained the base and provided security against frequent Communist mortar attacks, as well as operating the airfield for Army, Navy and Marine aviation units transiting the airfield. The 633rd Special Operations Wing was activated at Pleiku on 15 July 1968. Indeed, the 633rd Combat Support Group placed first in the 7th Air Force Commanders Management Competition for Support Activities October December 1968.. Little did Carter know the impact he made on Michael Moore by shaking his hand in December 1978. US Base at Plieku Attacked - Historycentral . Ban Me Thuot controlled Highways 14 and 21, vital lines of communication from the southern Central Highlands to Saigon and the coast. Douglas A-1G Skyraider drop two Mk.82 bomb on open flat terrain in support of Operation MacArthur in Vietnam. By the next afternoon, over half of Ban Me Thuot was in enemy hands, despite fierce resistance from ARVN defenders. Vietnam maps and locations of US Army firebases Bus travel is available to most cities in Vietnam, including Dalat, Kon Tum and Nha Trang, and there are taxis for local travel. The unit was originally designated as the 633rd Combat Support Group when it was activated at Pleiku in April, 1966. So, it was rare to see a "Puff The Magic Dragon" when it was light enough to take a picture. The RVNAF 817th Combat Squadron equipped with AC-47s deployed alert aircraft to the base. Pleiku 1968 - Vietnam Veterans [12][11] During the stay at Pleiku, the squadron maintained a forward SAR alert unit at Da Nang Air Base from 1 April 1968 1 September 1969. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star (posthumously) in Vietnam, who was killed in action on 2 December 1966. [1]:32 The airfield was completed on 20 June 1962. IV Corps U.S. air strikes in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Pleiku Campaign took place from 23 October to 26 November 1965. Advanced Search | After the seizure of the base by the PAVN in 1975, the captured RVNAF aircraft were either destroyed or flown out to other airfields and Pleiku Air Base was abandoned, apparently remaining so for many years. "A Lot Of Ways To Die": 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division In Vietnam [13], In March 1970 the USAF began handing the base over to the RVNAF and this transfer was completed by the end of 1970. Ill never forget my experience out there, and Airmen in the 633rd now should take the time to understand where they came from. The troops blow up the barracks of US military advisors at Pleiku, killing 8 Americans and wounding 126. Camp Enari is now a Vietnamese military base. One of the initial United States Air Force advisory units in South Vietnam, aircrews of the 1st Air Commando Squadron operated the A-1 Skyraider, flying interdiction along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, but its pilots and planes also flew cover for pilot rescue missions, and it continued to fly close air support missions for U.S. and South Vietnamese ground forces. February 25, 2023 . Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. Pop. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, United States military bases of the Vietnam War. General Peers being decorated at the change of command of 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, South Vietnam. On March 24, 1971, the 633rd Air Base Wing inactivated at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. The large aircraft parking ramp remains but is largely abandoned, along with the jet taxiway which is unused. It is a low acid tomato with a unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly tangy. [2]:81 In 1962 a detachment of Farm Gate B-26 Invaders began operations from Pleiku AB and by February 1963 this had grown to six B-26s and one C-47. President Thieu reviews Montagnard troops. On 1 September 1967, the squadron relocated to Nha Trang Air Base, where unit was being broken up and the pilots were transferred to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. Vietnamkrieg Barett Aufnher ARVN SF PLEIKU Provinz PRU Team 1996-2022 Historycentral.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. Click to Report BROKEN LINKS or Photos or Comment. The soldier was one of more than 100 who were wounded during Viet Cong attacks on two U.S. military compounds at Pleiku, 240 miles north of Saigon. The 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Pleiku on 1 January 1966 from Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon, where it had operated since 1963. On March 15, 1970, the 633rd CSG and Pleiku Air Base was turned over to the former Republic of Vietnam Air Force under the Vietnamization program Operation Corona Harvest. Army Photo RECONNECTING = PRICELESS NOTICE This Display Recognition is available ONLY to authorized recipients who possess orders or authorization form or release documentation that confirms award eligibility. SP4 Haines with an M-60 machine gun. A Military Police officer. [11]:291, On 19 May 1970 a PAVN rocket attack on the base destroyed 1 EC-47 and damaged 2 more. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. III Corps The densely-populated area between Saigon and the Highlands, with 90% of its industry, 7 million people (38% of the population) and the capital city. Original article: THIS IS A FULL Collection of 4 pages of FIRE BASES, AIR FORCE BASES, Naval and Medical, BROWN WATER Naval, and any and all bases DOD during the Vietnam War 1963 to 1975. Pleiku Today - The Snake Platoon On the night of 9 March 1975, the NVA struck the city and Pleiku airfield with artillery, mortars, and rockets. During the construction period, a Viet Cong attack on Pleiku airbase was made on 6 February 1965. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari the first 4th Infantry Division member. That task eventually led to the formation of our Association and the locating of over 550 former officers and enlisted airmen. To the many Army and Marine veterans whose units surrounded Pleiku Air Base and often provided needed protection. I was a strike team leader for "C" flight, 633rd Security Police Squadron, Pleiku AB, the night of 5/6 Jan 1967. Unfortunately for the South Vietnamese, the commander of the region, General Phu, misinterpreted this order and directed an immediately evacuation of both cities. Mesco, Jim (1987) VNAF Republic of Vietnam Air Force 19451975 Squadron/Signal Publications. I first saw a sampling of military chow when Korean War Army veteran Fred Shively (Dec. 1929-Sept. 2017) brought a display to Edison State Community College for a special program. American soldiers do their own laundry, in February 1968 in the Camp Holloway, near Pleiku, during the Vietcong Tet offensive. Military Assistance CommandVietnam MACV placed a 50000-watt AM radio transmitter in Pleiku to broadcast to the northern provinces of South Vietnam. Web Template Donated By Templates In Time - Web Development Donated By davidcdalton.com, 229th/235th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1H, Det B 259th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1H (Medevac). Unfortunately for the South Vietnamese, the commander of the region, General Phm Vn Ph, misinterpreted this order and directed an immediately evacuation of both cities. To the many Army and Marine veterans whose units surrounded Pleiku Air Base and often provided needed protection for our base throughout the years, and for whom we in-turn provided combat air support during their ground operations; if you have no formal unit reunions or gatherings, we welcome your membership should you wish to join us. It also doe, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTdsCRoH2E, http://189thahc.org/welcome_to_pleiku_photos.html. President Thieu talks to a Vietnamese officer. Camp Holloway, Pleiku Vietnam? - VetFriends.com 472.2 RECORDS OF THE MILITARY ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP (MAAG) VIETNAM 1950-64 154 lin. On Feb. 7, 1965, the Viet Cong attacked the U.S. base at Pleiku in the Central Highlands. [6] On 15 September 1965 this detachment was redesignated as Detachment 9, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. 1 Still the radio station was a bare bones. Route 19 from Qui Nhon to Pleiku and Route 14 from Pleiku to Kontum, the Central Highlands' dust will forever fill their nostrils and the thick red mud will stubbornly . 20thEngineers.com - Vietnam The unit was originally designated as the 633rd Combat Support Group when it was activated at Pleiku in April 1966. The city has a hospital, a commercial airfield, and several air bases that are a legacy of its strategic importance during the later stages of the Vietnam War (196575). [6]:113, In mid-1965 Pleiku AB became a forward operating location for four Douglas AC-47 Spooky gunships of B Flight, 4th Air Commando Squadron. Accident Summary: HOVERING OVER LZ VOTH MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK TREES. A large number of soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division lined up on a field. The squadron was equipped with AC-47Ds Tail Code: ER. Ron Chromulak, who served as a 633rd CSG life support supervisor. Commanders of the 20th Engineers in Vietnam. RVN (Republic of Vietnam) soldiers stand in formation at Pleiku Air Base. General William C. Westmoreland pins up a medal onto General Peers. [6]:70 On 16 February 1970 Detachment 9 was moved from Pleiku AB to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Join Your Unit Today Join VetFriends To: Reunite with Unit Buddies Browse Military Units Post Unit Messages Great Discounts & More! The soldiers hold flags. With its diverse units, a wide variety of propeller-driven aircraft operated from the base, along with a large number of helicopters. President Thieu and Vice President Ky walk past lined up schoolgirls. maxhightForP2 = 13222; Pleiku AB about Feb 1968. Pleiku Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam. Pleiku Air Base: Base Map. Pleiku Center for Addicts Source of Dispute - The New York Times