The Mighty Ninth

Strive To Reach The Summit


Last additions - Dennis L Dauphin
OD-posn.jpg
OD-posn.jpgConstruction timeBuilding the firebase at LZ OD. Note the red and white-banded aiming stakes for the guns.Mar 28, 2008
LZ-OD-Air.jpg
LZ-OD-Air.jpgCatch-all shotThis photo captures the entire firebase known as LZ Olive Drab (OD) along with the protective hill in the background that flanked LZ Montezuma/FSB Bronco. Over that hill is the South China Sea.Mar 28, 2008
Inside_Conex2.JPG
Inside_Conex2.JPGA Peek OutsideOne of the "windows" cut out of the CONEX-FDC provides an excellent view of the rice paddies leading to LZ Montezuma. Note the decorative light fixtures used in the FDC. The wooden window casing doesn't quite match the welder's cut, but it was close enough.Mar 28, 2008
CopterInside.jpg
CopterInside.jpgHelo Pilot's ViewThe controls of the helo as the pilot and co-pilot sees them. Note that side panels were added to the pilot's seats to protect against enemy fire.Mar 28, 2008
Collimnator.jpg
Collimnator.jpgCollimnator replaces Aiming Stakes"High Tech" arrives in Vietnam. The brand new tool called a "collimnator" provides a gunner with a superior tool replacing the red & white banded aiming stakes. Only problem was that Ft Sill hadn't counted on the 110% humidity and the sight glasses fogging up. Stakes were still needed. Also, protective boxes had to be constructed.Mar 28, 2008
CommoWire.jpg
CommoWire.jpgFun jobThe commo guys had to run wire all over the place. Here some of it is exposed.Mar 28, 2008
TamKy-Goodbye.jpg
TamKy-Goodbye.jpgThe Final DaysRushing around to take pictures of "my guys" before catching a chopper and meeting my "Freedom Bird" home. Some of the last photos of cannoneers of A/2/9 taken before going home.
Here I bid farewell to PFC Doug Wigginton, Sp4 Ed Selent, and Sp4 Ron Hammond. Late October, 1967.
Mar 26, 2008
Working_Crew.jpg
Working_Crew.jpgStreets of SaigonAnother culture shock...the "coolies" working on this culvert repair job include women! Note the "staw boss" standing to the right of the truck. Some things never change...even halfway across the world.Mar 26, 2008
TamKyClouds4.jpg
TamKyClouds4.jpgThe Final DaysStrange view from a firebase. We definitely took the "high ground".Mar 25, 2008
TamKyClouds3.jpg
TamKyClouds3.jpgThe Final DaysMy last RSOP...way up in the clouds.Mar 25, 2008
TamKyClouds2.jpg
TamKyClouds2.jpgThe Final DaysWorking above the clouds...hard to believe.Mar 25, 2008
TamKy5.jpg
TamKy5.jpgThe Final DaysSetting up shop way up in the mountains.Mar 25, 2008
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