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In-Country Vietnam
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Topic starter
The entire sub-unit for the operation of the base at Soc Trang flew from Okinawa by C-130s in less than five days into a field 3,000 feet long with jury-rigged navigational aids. The next day HMM-362 arrived from USS Princeton, during an all day procession of lifts, with all its equipment and personnel from about 20 miles off the coast. In the lift from the ship, 362 were assisted by HMM-261, the squadron regularly assigned to Princeton as part of the Special Landing Force, 7th Fleet.
Source: History of Marine Aviation
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-05 21:41
How about posting the History of Marine Aviation's URL and we could see the text in it's entirety, instead of a few lines.
Posted : 2003-09-06 07:34
Topic starter
U.S. Marine Corps Aviation: 1912 To the Present
by Peter B. Mersky
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-06 08:00
Soc Trang
George,
Were the initial operations flown out of Soc Trang armed?
Also, I read something about the "Golf Course" , could you explain.
Posted : 2003-09-06 09:33
Topic starter
Good question Tom
At first only the Crew Chief ( no gunner) and Co-Pilot were equipped with the old Grease gun. The Co-Pilot provided cover fire from the left side of the aircraft whenever possible.
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-06 12:10
Could you identify the "sub-unit", including the date?
Still wondering if there is a URL for the source you cited, 'Source: History of Marine Aviation' and if not, is there one for 'U.S. Marine Corps Aviation: 1912 To the Present by Peter B. Mersky'.
It would appear that some information, that could have been attached, would make for an informative read.
Posted : 2003-09-06 14:48
History of Marine Aviation
Correct title is: "U.S.Marine Corps Aviation", by MajGen John P. Condon. It is a booklet (now out of print) published by GPO for the Navy. The Naval Aviation History Office has it online at: Marine Aviation.
The "subunit" (18 Officers and 193 enlisted) was part of MABS-16, under LtCol William W. Eldridge. (Marines and Helicopters, 1962-1973, p.29). They arrived at Soc Trang on 9 Apr 1962.
Posted : 2003-09-06 15:29
Topic starter
Tom Denton
Thanks for the timely answer
I got my information via email from a USMC Vietnam Vet 100% DAV emailer pal in Europe, We were discussing ( his question) how HMM-362 got ashore as he had supplied me with a DOD photo of LtCol Clapp arriving at Soc Trang via C-130 not by UH-34D.
He regularly has trouble receiving my emails, but has not experienced any trouble reading the NOTAM Board, so I posted the information he provided hoping someone that was there( Soc Trang) would come to us with the information he was seeking.
YOU did, THANKS.
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-06 16:02
Soc Trang
Hi George, the first weapons we had other than our m-1 and side-arm was the grease gun and a 9mm German Schmeisser. As you fired the grease gun you could follow the rounds with your eyes but the German sub-machine gun had much better fire power but don't touch the magazine or it would probably jam. The m-60 came after we got to Danang in Oct 62.
Posted : 2003-09-06 16:06
Topic starter
Joe
Thanks for all your wonderful photos you so kindly gave us at the Pensacola Reunion and for this important information.
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-06 16:18
Topic starter
Link for History of Marine Aviation / Vietnam
Sent to us by a friend, thanks Janet
http://www.acepilots.com/usmc/hist17.html
George T. Curtis (RIP. 9/17/2005)
Posted : 2003-09-15 21:57
