Phil. Liberty Bridge Today, Quang Nam, Vietnam WarSpecter 64 subscribers Subscribe 57 5.2K views 3 years ago We visit the remnants of a bridge formerly constructed by US Marines in an area of high. There were 28 of us We built our camp from scratch replaced the runway and-started with the rest of the base hospital-chow hall I extended for 6 month leaving in December of 68. We had perimitter watch every other night on Brovo and Alpha sector. We were young, dumb and lived on borrowed time. read more 44 He volunteered for a mission at An Hoa for the search, recovery, and repair of a C-130. 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). Finally, my image of An Hoa can be put to rest after seeing all the changes to the former combat base. I took it from the 2/11 chow hall ( I was with 1st Force Recon) That night the orphanaged was mortared and overrun with casualties and wounded who were brought to our BAS. We were near the BAS. Liberty Bridge is long gone There in 2000. Click on Members Stories for a feel of our guys lives. It crosses the Monongahela River and intersects Interstate 579 (the Crosstown Boulevard) at its northern terminus. Even if you try to access that area from N.E. from Nov 69 to Aug 70. When was the Liberty Bridge built in Pittsburgh? Lived in a tent and used tents to store rations for the mess hall as well as C-rats. Liberty Bridge is just off the right edge. He even fought off an attack of two NVA soldiers before he himself was wounded. I was in Vietnam in from April 1968-April 1969 with the USMC. The Liberty Bridge is a steel cantilever bridge and was constructed as the missing link between downtown Pittsburgh and the Liberty Tunnel, which had been constructed four years earlier in 1924 as a link to the South Hills. One time a few of the nurses walked through our area and I just stood there and gawked. Wed pull bunker duty and convoy runs to/from Da Nang over Liberty Bridge. I am happy you made it out. Drop me an email on namwartravel@gmail.com, I spent nearly a year at the Liberty Bridge , Phu- Loc (6) area . " It was attacked again on the morning of March 19th, setting the stage for Rays heroic actions that would ultimately punctuate his life. Janes Graham, a very bold and capable leader. I got to Vietnam in May 1969, to a little town called An Hoa, and went to the Liberty Bridge. I do remember the monkey but he got mad and ran off to Amtracs across the road. I was in Hue around Jan. 2 of 2010 and it was rainy there. The. The Antenna Valley is located across the pass to the west from the Que Son Valley. It underwent several changes but was finally destroyed when the North Vietnamese were victorious over the South. 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. They thought some guy was to get General Discharge for drugs when MACV canceled the Did you also read the Hue article here on the website? A docent who was familiar with the history of the air craft told me that the plane had been flown of An Hoa at the same time period that I was flown out of An Hoa! Just two weeks later he was part of a mission to protect Liberty Bridge, a strategic supply artery across the Thu Bon River connecting An Hoa to Da Nang. Heres an aerial view I found on YouTube. I dont know about the hospital building between An hoa and the bridge. On 10 September, 1965 the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment LtCol. She had a jeep willy pulling a trailer to bring the goods out in the morning and bring the unsold back home in the afternoon. The bullets tore into his body, and shook him like a rag doll and threw him to the ground. As the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltrated the camps barbed wire perimeter, a 24-year old corpsman named Bobby Ray charged into the melee to render emergency aid to the mounting casualties. The bridge opened on March 27, 1928, following a 5-mile (8.0 km) vehicle parade from the southern suburbs. Liberty Bridge/Clearance below Participated in many combat operations. I was a Artillery Scout/Sgt attached to 3/5 July 69 to July 70. Intro MCB 4 - Ken Walden 1967 DaNang Vietnam Deployment Camp Hoover Liberty Bridge wyotexas USA Ron Reel 2.37K subscribers Subscribe 402 views 1 year ago MCB 4 - Ken Walden 1967 DaNang. The last RPG hit behind me just as I was diving into a bunker. beginning in 1966. He had been an NVA machine gun leader and had spoken about the number of Marines he had killed. It was in 1968 while at Long Beach that Ray learned of the Tet Offensive and the growing challenges in Vietnam. The battle raged for five hours, during which the Marines threw back four attack waves. Alligator lake was over the small ridge to the southeast near Go Noi island. on 29 March and Hill 55 eventually became the Command Post of the 9th Marine Regiment. The only officer alive in the fight had us retreat to some high ground behind us where we began our attack. Denny Curtin 60 mortars. 704 791 2768. Semper Fi marine, Hi Jonas, regarding the hospital, I read on another site that the hospital was located just south of the compound near a lake,if that helps. The 2,040' "Liberty" bridge built by CB 4 over the Song Thu Bon river in 1967. First impressions are forged early in Marine units and those who served alongside Ray took note of his dedication and great humility. 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. Not sure why that worked. On March 19, 1969, a battalion-size enemy force stormed the Marine outpost . According to Garcia, "we were transitioning from Hill 37, An Hoa to Hill 51, on an operation to Liberty Bridge". 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. The following year, Bobby Rayor as he is better known to us today, David Robert Raywas posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Elements of the 3rd Marine Division were the first Marine units that operated in the vicintiy of Hill 55 beginning in 1965 We landed at the bottom and walked up a path to the top where we caught another chopper and headed back to An Hoa. I am very happy you made it out. and take off for parts unknownprobably Marble Mountainthats where we convoyed to that same dayI believe There are groupd travels but they tend to only stay at one location for maximum a day. A women saving food. This complex of temples were being built over the course of almost 1000 years. Then sent to Delta battery hill 65. See so many orphans killed after we treated their smiling faces will forever be in my mind, Where you there when they fragged 2/11s surgeons jeep. According to some accounts it was here at the western perimeter, that PFC Dan Bullock was killed in 1969 during an attack on the base, making him the youngest American casualty of the war. 3/1 comm. I do have some specifics, but you understand my hesitancy, considering the length of time and the fog of war effects on my memory.. I know he was stationed at An Hoa in 1967. You are ALL truly HEROS!! What Was The Significance Of The American Victory At The Battle Of Saratoga In October 1777. The reason you were moved around so much was probably that you were very good at your job (2531) and could be trusted! other accounts have the event at a smaller outpost a bit north west near the river. I was there with you. [2]:209 It was decided that a bridge would be built to shorten the route. I recall referring to the lake where the German hospital was located as Spider lake. I didnt start learning english until 6th grade. I was there from Oct 76 to Mar 68 An Hoa and Phu Bai untill med evacked out of country. He blamed the Doc. From April to September 1967 Seabees of MCB 4 built a 2,040 "Liberty bridge" (T Do bridge, now is Giao Thy bridge) over the Thu Bn river for this purpose. I was short by that time. Thanks again, Hello Mike. Rock Hill SC Could you be him? Not a word was said. The base was located south of the Thu Bon river which marked the southern border of what was called the Arizona Territory. 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 36th Regiment. . My memory is bad and getting worse the older i get. Cpl. And thank you for sharing a piece of your story. . Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions about the base and surrounding areas. Forever in my mind, I as with you Dr. Faust that day with Dr. Donald Turner DDS. Harvey Wade. Thank you for your insightful comment. On December 13th, a Friday, we left for the mountains to begin Operation Taylor Common. In less than 30 minutes, 1st platoon practically disappeared. We were the guys that you may have seen changing the big ass tubes on those big ass guns you talked about. All the area operation data has been unclassified and easy to Google. Thank you for your comment Michael. Went back in 2000, nothing leftat all. I looked in one of your tanks,as you were in the road facing the Que son Mts. 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! Semper Fi. Semper Fi John, I was with F 2/11, and assigned to M 3/5 from Aug 68 until the end of Aug 69. Hi Leslie. Jim Parker from Memphis TN. Terry's unit provided security for Liberty Bridge over the Song Thu Bon River, northeast of An Hoa Combat Base. The guy in front of me jumped out and hit something, and I got peppered in my knee, head, side, arm and leg. I was on gate duty with another guy. Because us being Americans would Never, Ever do something like that! A women saving food. Still alive at 77. and was wounded on July 4, 1967 by a mortar. I am happy you made it out. Im so sorry. Built at An Hoa-21 Miles SW of Da Nang by MCB-4 Liberty Bridge MCB-4 - seabee-rvn Photo Sharing About SmugMug Browse Photos Prints & Gifts Terms Privacy Contact Owner Log In 2023 SmugMug, Inc. If you want to share more, please contact me on namwartravel@gmail.com. Two machine guns on the left tore into 1st platoon. I didnt know if there were any caualties and didnt know why. Overall we really recommend a visit to this old base. As a USNavy physician, I was assigned as Battalion Surgeon for 2/5 and arrived at An Hoa Combat Base July 26, 1970, three weeks after finishing my internship. 24 days and a wake up. Did you know 3/1 comm plt. I dont know how An Hoa compared to other places in Vietnam Posted by Dave at 6:38 PM. About a third of the temples are still standing in various condition. Vivid image in my mind. Bulkeley, John. A man sent to take her and her family to resettlement, again. I believe one Monk was killed. About traveling there. I remembered trying to talk to the solders but didnt do well. Time has taken its toll as well as the war. But I can only say, it was more than enough for me. [1] On the night of 21 November 1968, a PAVN/VC battalion attacked the base. I was wounded May 16, 1969 at An Hoa combat base by the rocket attack and, unfortunately, your brother must have been the KIA I never knew. Most of these photos were taken while on patrol in the An Hoa Valley, which we called "Happy Valley", in Qung Nam Province. He almost didnt survive that battle and earned his Purple Heart that night his name is Darrel McMaster. Wade. I was surprised by how many civilians with chickens and pigs got on with us! Iv talked with some of the Marines I was with but most have Passed on. Mort Hurt here. Primary Location During Vietnam: Da Nang, Vietnam, Story Themes: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1st Marines, An Hoa Valley, Combat, Da Nang, David Tabaka, Marines, Quang Nam Province, Saint Paul, St Paul, A Twin Cities PBS initiative in collaboration with the MN PBS Stations, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1st Marines, An Hoa Valley, Combat, Da Nang, David Tabaka, Marines, Quang Nam Province, Saint Paul, St Paul, Terms and Conditions for Submitting Your Story. Several of his classmates from Corps School had already deployed to theater with Marine units and Ray too wanted to do his part. Required fields are marked *. A man sent to take her and her family to resettlement, again. Third platoon. First Force Recon. AnHoa served as a jump off point for regions fought over from 66-71. We left An Hoa for Phu Bai on 16 January 1968. He was stationed at An Hoa when he was wounded by mortar on July 4, 1967. You actually have to walk across the old American (secret, CIA) air-strip there after you get off the bus and walk North 500 meters to downtown tourist area. Background [ edit] If I ever get there, I hope I can figure out about where my bunker was. Im sorry Collyn but I didnt know your father. I think of An Hoa every day of my life want to say SEMPER FI to all who served there. Nice to see a post from you on An Hoa, Took a swim to cool off while on sand bag duty. In all, as of mid-summer 1969, the Wing inventory totalled about 225 helicopters and 250 fixed wing aircraft. Over time the need also grew for more permanent presence in order to pacify these areas. [2]:41 On 20 April 1966 the Marines returned to An Ha on Operation Georgia, the 12th Marines reestablished a firebase while the 3rd Battalion 9th Marines provided security, the base would become permanent at this time as the Marines sought to pacify the area. Vietnam; Lao, China border area. Rupnik, E.J. I went through four operations while I was in Vietnam, including the Durham Peak and Pipestone Canyon operations. It was built to get tanks into Arizona Territory and was attacked and burned multiple times. I remember going up to Hue in December to visit a buddy and at that time the city was untouched and beautiful. In 1966, this small hill was the dominant terrain You Marines stopped them cold before the NVA could prep the battle space near DaNang before TET. There was all so 9 Marines hit by the rocket. first of 1968 went to Hill 55 until pulled off for Hue. Golden Bridge, also known as the Giant Hand Bridge is located on the top of Nui Chua Mountain, Ba Na Hills, Da Nang. 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 was a rifleman. Really looking for tower above HQ bunker. Say, trying to confirm the name of the CO for 2/5. Have any thoughts/advice on that? When the attack began at 22:00, Marine tank and artillery crews on the perimeter began direct fire against the advancing PAVN/VC, using Beehive anti-personnel rounds. My best friend wound up at Khe Sahn during TET and over the years we had our share of alcohol talking about who had it worst. He would die, but would be awarded a posthumous MOH. Welcome Home Brother !! The bridge was the part of the MSR from DaNang. or nature. In his junior year he left school to join the Navy, enlisting on March 23, 1966. Never saw a hospital. 8,945 views. 1st Marine Division Operations There was a visible sign of better times in Quang Nam province when, on 30 March, the 825-foot Seabee-constructed Liberty Bridge was opened across the Thu Bon river just south of Dai Loc. The sector was near an enemy base camp area with dense foliage, covered in booby. I do remember one guy at Mike Battery . The doctors and nurses would regularly eat in the 5th Marines mess hall. I know Like Harris.SF. Respectfully, Jon. Service: Navy. is there organized travel available to an hoa, liberty bridge area or go noi island. Not a nice place slept with flack jacket and helmet all the time ! Harvey Watson was killed there. Marine PFC Dan Bullock, the youngest American serviceman killed in action in the Vietnam War died at An Ha on 7 June 1969. For those of us in the Navy Medical Department these individuals are symbols of service and sacrifice in the most trying moments of our history and standard-bearers for what one Medal of Honor recipient later described as acts of true spirit [and] determination. The base is abandoned and has reverted to jungle. I was at An Hoa 69 70, attached to 2/11 Hq, field radio operator. Does anyone recall 1st Lt Paul Bertolozzi of Echo 2/5 KIA 8/2/67 while on the road sweep and know any details of the incident? As his tour in Vietnam came to a close Ray requested an extension which was granted on March 4, 1969. First Force Recon. Fuentes, Gidget. He is my Stoic Hero. If any of you Marine were with me in 1969, please contact me. I remember being shot at alot and also having a sense of purpose. North of the river are also located Hill 65 and Hill 37 in Dai Loc, the remnants of the Victory Bridge are just a few kilometers north east of the base. 46 KIA says it all. We swept the Que Son Valley with other Marines from 1/5 for a week, but made very little contact with the NVA. BUMED Archives. Your email address will not be published. Harvey 3/5, Operation Meade River was right out side the wire surrounding Hill 55, 7th Marine Regiment Headquarters. Surpassing it in every way was the very real Liberty Bridge across the Thu Bon River 80 miles south of Da Nang. US body count: 852 killed. I thought it was Jameson. Then the entire hedgerow came alive with NVA fire. [2]:93 On 6 July 5 Marine Battalions launched Operation Macon around the An Ha area, the operation continued into October resulting in 24 Marines and 380 VC killed. I returned home sept 6. [1], An Ha was located southeast of a major Vietcong (VC)/People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) base area known as the Arizona Territory across the Vu Gia River. The book is replete with battle maps, seldom-seen photos, an array of. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 378719a7422dbf16a653a31d0524fb9a2058ed47_2023-04-20T10:09:12. I have pictures before and after. Where is the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh? I was attached at the last moment to serve as Fox 2/5s 81FO. So proud of my Pop. Monte Fairchild. 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. I ended up in Hue City, where I got hit for the third time during my tour of duty. More Comments The Liberty Bridge, completed in 1928, connects downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Liberty Tunnels and the South Hills neighborhoods beyond. Airlifted off the An Hoa airfield matting runway by Air Force C-130s to Phu Bai while with Hotel Co. 2/5 1st MarDiv in Jan 68. I have a neighbor who fought with the Marines near An Hoa in 69. I went through four operations while I was in Vietnam, including the Durham Peak and Pipestone. 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 do remember him. I am sorry for his passing. The road is still there so possible to travel along. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "af98acf6452e90a09f2cbde13b3e267d" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The runway is in decent condition and is possible to drive on. there then went to LZ Baldy LZ Ross and LZ Ryder you could only get there my chopper. Thank you. I was a Scout Sergeant with various batterys in 2/11 attached out to 3/5. Bob, thank you for the kind words. I really learned something and I am thankful you shared a part of your story. This disambiguation page lists articles about roads and streets with the same name. The Antenna Valley is located across the pass to the west from the Que Son Valley. Her bomb shelter, her livestock, her food stock was destroyed. We had people from the villages who would come into our compound during the daytime, and they would clean our shoes and clothes, and make our beds. There was a stone monument built at the spot. 69. Semper Fi to every Marine who served with 2/5 at An Hoa. If an internal link led you here, you may wish . Paul Conrad Sr. This includes, but not limited to: The Arizona, The Phu Lacs, Liberty Bridge, Duc Duc, Antenna Valley, The Indian Country, Go Noi Island, Dodge City, Henderson Hill, Mau Chanh and the Que Son Mountains of South Vietnam. 1969, a Marine combat base at Phu Loc 6 near An Hoa, A Portrait of HM2 Bobby Ray, Heroic Doc of Liberty Bridge, Strategic New one of the KIA ( Gunny, Floyd Keffe) . 1/5 Third Platoon, USMC An Hoa Base, as A Grunt Marine, from October 1968 to November 1969. Remember to check out the Hue City article on this website also, you might recognize a few places. Only 25 kilometers west of Hoi An it is a half day trip for those who are interested in discovering a legendary US Marine Corps base. It was February 13, 1968. had a Xeon light and 90 mm after seeing how small hot and with the mud Thats the reason DaNang saw light fighting during TET of early 1968. One of them I knew. After boot camp and Corps School in San Diego, Ray received orders for the USS Haven (AH-12)then moored in Long Beach, Calif., and serving as a station hospital. Driving around these areas will give you a good idea of how the war was fought in this very strategic part of the country. David Ray Medal of Honor Citation. Was part of the LSU (Logistics Support Unit). That base came under heavy fire. Marine sources listed 21 dead PAVN/VC in the area.[4]. we shared the chow hall when it was in one piece ! KIA May 10, 1969 at Liberty Bridge. Today, if you visit any Navy medical command you will find Rays portrait proudly exhibited among the 28 pictures of hospital corpsmen, physicians and dentists who have each been awarded the Medal of Honor. Chuck, I should know you. Theyd chew right through the tins. Lao you will be stopped by the Lao police/army from that area? Im hoping to write a book about some of the area you patrolled in around An Hoa and the Que Son Valley if this Covid-19 crap ever tamps down. DURING Vietnam War. The Liberty Bridge was constructed over a period of 12 months by Taylor and Murphy Construction Co. of Asheville, N.C., designed by bridge architect Miquel Rosales of Boston, and engineered by Schlaich Bergermann. Thomas Murry Frew Jr. The Battalion worked at the Da Nang Air Base and Con Thien. Concrete bunker built by the French during the 1950s. Did we meet during the time between your arrival and my departure from An Hoi ? You can NOT get into Vietnam right now. Me and a Sgt. It was an honor to be taken in by grunts like you ,dont regret one minute of our time together. Beautiful country Laos. There will be a few places you remember there as well. The second Vietnam deployment was to Da Nang in March 1967. I was a 2nd Lt, 2nd Platoon Commander, Bravo Co, 1st Tks at An Hoa from Setpember 1968 until April 1969. i was on hill 65 when the orphanage was attacked. Arrived An Hoa november 7th 1967, assign to 81s H&S 2/5, First Marine I remember meeting was Sgt Jerdo . Their goal was to first overrun, then annihilate the fledgling base. I became a Cobra pilot and retired as a LtCol in 94. Ha! If you read this message, I would like to talk more about the FSCC. Decimal coordinates: 15.787721 108.077795. Young orphans killed laying out on the front of the temple. Dr Donald Turner DDS and I. I have a pictures of that Medcap. Yaa, way remote. I ran the 2/5 Battalion Aid Station, and I got to do some medcaps in the surrounding villages. I enjoy hanging-out with Hill-Tribe people) but people say you can NOT because the Lao Government wont allow it because it is still a sensitive area because of the Hmong fighters even today, 2021. During Tet 69, my battery split, with two guns staying put near Da Nang and the other two with me, XO, at An Hoa Combat Base.