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Guys,
First, thanks for your service! My Dad was at the Quang Tri (Ai Tu) base from October 1967 to September 1968 (I posted some footage on YouTube from his time there). I’ve always been interested in the history behind the base but I’m having trouble understanding some things. I would really appreciate any vets that could shed light on some of my questions. Thanks in advance.
A little background: Dad told me he arrived at Quang Tri in Oct. 1967. He was part of MAG 36 at Phu Bai and they were looking for volunteers to establish the Quang Tri base. So, he went up on a CH-46 with some other Marines as part of MAG 36 Forward which was eventually integrated into Prov MAG 39. He said the SeaBees had already done some work on the new base but there was not much there and maybe 100 guys were there, initially.
Questions:
1)Why did the Marines establish a base at Ai Tu when Dong Ha was only 3 miles away. Why not simply add-on to what they already had at Dong Ha? My guess is that the U.S. didn’t know the NVA had artillery capable of reaching Dong Ha. After the ammo dump hit in Sept. 1967, they decided to build something out of the NVA’s range. Then again, why not close Dong Ha and move everything to Ai Tu?
2)Why was PMAG 39 established at Ai Tu in April 1968? The reports I read on this issue simply said the Marines needed more support near the DMZ. Is there anything more to add to this? I know Ai Tu (and Dong Ha) were supporting Khe Sanh during Tet. However, given that the U.S. abandoned Khe Sanh and furthermore that the Khe Sanh siege was over by April 16, 1968, why establish a new MAG? Also, why did the NVA not attack Dong Ha and Ai Tu knowing that these fixed bases were supplying Khe Sanh?
3)Why was Ai Tu closed? I think it was closed in Sept. or Oct. of 1969 but I’m not sure. In any event, why was it closed? Which units or base picked up the responsibilities of Ai Tu when it was shut? Maybe there were just fewer missions in Northern SVN, I’m not sure.
4)I believe Dad was part of H&MS 39. I can find very little on the internet about this group. Has anyone ever heard of it and know approximately how many Marines were with that group.
Thanks again,
Tom
Posted : 2010-01-18 15:31
2)Why was PMAG 39 established at Ai Tu in April 1968? The reports I read on this issue simply said the Marines needed more support near the DMZ. Is there anything more to add to this? I know Ai Tu (and Dong Ha) were supporting Khe Sanh during Tet. However, given that the U.S. abandoned Khe Sanh and furthermore that the Khe Sanh siege was over by April 16, 1968, why establish a new MAG? Also, why did the NVA not attack Dong Ha and Ai Tu knowing that these fixed bases were supplying Khe Sanh?
PMAG-39 was activated to provide helo support to 3d Marine Division and to lessen the area MAG-36 had to cover.
4)I believe Dad was part of H&MS 39. I can find very little on the internet about this group. Has anyone ever heard of it and know approximately how many Marines were with that group.
H&MS-39 activated 16 Apr 68 and deactivated 25 Oct 69 (cadre status from 18 Oct). Average monthly strength went from 23 officers/390 enlisted in Apr 68 to 33 officers/550 enlisted in Oct 69. There were also 1 or 2 Medical officers and 10-15 enlisted USN.
Posted : 2010-01-18 19:26
Topic starter
OK, thanks for that info. I had no idea there were that many Marines with H&MS 39 and that there were Navy men with the group. I really appreciate the info as I'm trying to construct a narrative for younger family members to remember the history and sacrifice of the Marines in Vietnam. Thank you.
Posted : 2010-01-19 00:14
