KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Memorial Day (Vietnam Deaths)

Listed below, in 2 sections, are the 27 men, of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing (and its sub units) who died during the time that I was assigned to that wing in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.

A much larger number of the 12TFW died after I left Vietnam. I chose to recognize the ones below, who were assigned to the 12 TFW, at Cam Rahn Bay, when I was.

Memory fades since 1965/66. It is probable that I had some contact with any number of these men; however, there was one who I knew from before we went to Vietnam. He was SSgt Oley Adams, who is shown in the 17 June 1966 report. Oley was assigned to the 12 AEMS, as I was. I knew him to be a hard-working Avionics Technician and had a sense of humor. I best remember him for his penchant for playing the card game “pinochle”. Sometimes, it is the little things we remember.

Before we went to Vietnam, if there was any break time in between fixing aircraft/equipment Oley would have a pinochle game going (or spades). I guess I thought that was over when we went to Vietnam; however, he soon had a little table set up in his tent… and even after a very long day on the flightline… he had that game going.

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

A follow up to my post... One of the recurring acronyms is CAS, which is Close Air Support to help the Army or Marines when they are in trouble. KIA is killed in action. MIS is missing in action.

Dat Quach Loc: California

Thank you very much for your service in VN and my deep, heart-felt appreciation to those who did not make it back. God Bless America and our soldiers.

Craig Meyer Loc: Sparks, NV

Thanks, Kilroy. May we all never forget. Thanks for your service over there, and bless 'em ALL!
C

lbrande

I was lucky. I got my number 14 in September, IIRC, but since I was in College and in AFROTC, I had a 1D draft card. I just served 16 yrs in the USANG.

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Thanks, for your replies, to Dat Quach, Craig Meyer, & Ibrande.

Hereford Loc: Palm Coast, FL

Loved your post. I was in Viet Nam 1971-1972 at Pleiku with a facility at Dak To also. Recognize all the locations where these airmen lost their lives.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

A wonderful tribute. I was on the first attack carrier in the Tonkin Gulf in 1964. In 1965 we lost 19 pilots over Vietnam. Unfortunately I don’t remember their names, but I think about them often, especially on Memorial Day.
I think about how their lives were cut so short, and how senseless war is.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Thank you for your service, Killroy and your tribute to those who died.

ronsipus Loc: Mission Viejo, CA

Thank you!! I was in Ankhe, Central Highlands, 1969 and I frequently think about those who were not privileged as I to return to our wonderful country. Many would be sad about what they see has transpired here but they gave all and we must always remember their sacrifice.

jessandcheryl

I was in three Helicopter Maintenance Schools, in Ft Rucker, in late 65. I had graduated with high marks and we were sitting in a group, awaiting orders at to where we were going. I was singled out and asked if I would like to change my MOS and go to work in S-3, base operations, there in Ft Rucker. After thinking about it I took the job. The next day, all of my classmates went to Vietnam. I know of a few who didn't make it back. Two of my brothers went there, and both came back with a lot of problems, mentally. It was a hard place, being in mortars on the front line. Our government dumped Agent Orange all over them, and one of my brothers died of Agent Orange related cancer and an age much younger than he should have. He also had terrible nightmares his entire life. He was only 17 when he went over, yet half of his hair was white when he returned one year later. You could never get him to talk about Vietnam. It was too painful. These are the things I remember on Memorial Day. God bless the boys who went and never returned. Many more died after returning. There were a lot more casualties than the 58,000 names on the wall.

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Thanks for your responses to Hereford, Fredrick, Earnest Botello, ronsipus, and jessandcheryl.

John3 Loc: Virginia

Thank you for your post. Also, thank you for your service and for remembering those fallen heroes.

Phan Rang 1968-1969

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Thank you for your reply and your service

lerrad Loc: Marietta, GA /Suches, GA

I am a vet. Was trained as a field radio operator but never made it to Viet Nam