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Brown Water Navy in Vietnam

PTF (Fast Patrol Boat "Nasty" Class), PG (Ashville Class Patrol Gunboat), and PBR (River Patrol Boat) (Sketch by John Charles Roach, NHHC L-File)

2012 marks the beginning of commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration has launched a website (www.vietnamwar50th.com) which has information on the anniversary, and on the war itself. The website is a work in progress, and features an expansive interactive timeline of the war, featuring images and reference material. The Naval Historical Foundation will also be taking steps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. We are planning a major announcement soon on new Vietnam exhibit construction at the Cold War Gallery. We’re also planning to do a series of stories throughout the year on the Navy’s role in the war, and we want to begin the series with a number of stories on the “Brown Water Navy.”

Late last year, we heard from a number of our NHF Members about the History Channel’s 2011 documentary Vietnam in HD. These Members, veterans of the war, were concerned that the documentary did not provide adequate coverage of the Brown Water Navy. During the War, sailors of the U.S. Navy braved over 3,000 nautical miles of perilous rivers and canals threading the landscape of Vietnam. The River Patrol Force was established on 18 December 1965, and for the remaining years of the war, Navy patrol boats were a common sight on the waters of Vietnam. Their mission was broad and covered a number of contingencies. The infrastructure of Vietnam was devoid of superhighways and sophisticated rail systems, thus waterways served as a primary means of transportation. Control of the waterways was crucial. The primary mission of the River Patrol Force was to intercept and interdict Communist supplies being smuggled from the North. Additionally, they delivered and supported land forces (including Navy SEALs) and engaged North Vietnamese forces ashore with onboard weaponry.

The sailors who served in the Brown Water Navy endured unique forms of hardship and danger. Small craft such as PBR’s (River Patrol Boats, see sketch above) made their way deep into inland waterways, surrounded on both sides by impenetrable jungle. Gunfire could erupt from the dense forests along the shore at any time, often from cleverly concealed enemy positions just yards away. These lightly armored patrol boats  were built for speed, and offered little protection to their crews. Vietnamese sampans and small craft were intercepted on a daily basis and search for contraband materials – always a tense and potentially dangerous situation.

Sailors of the Brown Water Navy also battled the natural environment of Vietnam, enduring punishing heat and pounding monsoons. They contended with shallow, narrow waterways, whose constantly changing waters overflowed and flooded during the monsoon season. And of course, like all who serve, they spent many a lonely day, thinking about a home on the other side of the world.

To whet your appetite on the topic, we’d like to begin with this 30 minute documentary, “River Patrol.”  This  1967 U.S. Navy documentary gives a sense of the hardships endured by sailors of the Brown Water Navy. It follows  PBR’s and UH-1B Seawolf helicopters operating from USS Harnett County (LST 821) in the area of the Co Chien River.

 

We’re working closely with several of the veterans of the Brown Water Navy, and plan to highlight different aspects of their experiences throughout the year. Stay tuned for more stories in the months to come. In the meantime, please visit the Virtual Exhibit we’ve posted online at www.usnavymuseum.org, entitled Vietnam War Afloat and Ashore.

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247 Comments

  1. Robert J malinovsky

    In Jan/Feb 1964, SEAL Team One and UDT Team 13 were attached to MAACV (later it was MAC) they were part of “black ops Studies and Observation Group (original SOG). Two old, wooden, Captains Gigs were obtained from the USS Weiss, a barge that served as dock and housing for team one and certain MACVSOG members was fixed in the Saigon River. These two boats were fitted with hand mounted 50 cal machine guns and deployed throughout the Delta to insert/extract recon teams. self designated “River Assault Team One (RAT1) mostly referred to as “floating coffins”. I think if you are going to talk about the history of the Brown Water Navy….this piece needs to be mentioned some how. Black Ops was sensitive, few records or written history exists or is denied. My guess though is that if you were to search out the ship logs of the USS Weiss you may see log entries to validate this…I am interested in accurate reporting (where it is possible) so to me the BW Navy was born in 1964 not 1967…just sayin’……..I also do not want to be contacted about this further…check it out you’ll see

    • Kevin Wright

      Hello,
      My dad, Lt. Com. David Wright, served in the Mekong Delta during 1966 and 1967. He left some writings about his experience during his service in Vietnam. I was wondering if any of you had served with my dad. He passed away in May of 2004.

    • Chance Rosson

      Just wondering if any one on here knew Michael Rosson. He was brown water navy. YN2

    • My uncle Joseph E. Kuhn BM3 served i the Brown water navy in Vietnam on the following units.
      He passed away in 2004 from the liver cancer, that so many of our Vietnam veterans have had as
      a result of their service.
      USS Samuel B. Roberts DD-823 from 4/1965 to 4/1966
      USS Neusses ABP-40 1966
      He also served on several Staab boats 1966-1968
      Navel Patrol Boat #41 from 8/1968 till 8/1970

      Just looking for anyone who had served with him, and maybe you remember him.
      I have two pictures of him when he was on the Staab Boats.
      Thank You, Sincerely: Jospeh P. Thomas at [email protected]

  2. i am thoroughly disgusted with your portrayal of your version of the brown water navy. there is no mention of the sailors who served on tango boats or the squadrons that they served in . for instance squadron 91,92,31,32,etc. i was a boat captain in t-132-4. we inserted and retracted army all over the delta. among other things my boat could accomplish was to land dust offs in the middle of firefights to dust off wounded. my boat was constantly in the canals patrolling and setting ambushes. myboat spent more time in the bush than , the grunts that we supported. i and my crew was in nam from april 15 69until april 15 70. i now know what it feels like to be a bastard step child unwanted and neglected

    • admin

      We’re truly sorry you feel that way. The aim was not to offend anyone, or to belittle the brave service of Vietnam veterans. Would you be interested in collaborating with us on a story to talk more about the experience of tango boat sailors? We have have access to Vietnam photography that could be used to accompany the story. Please do let us know if you might be interested, we welcome your input. We’ve collaborated with other Vietnam veterans on stories, and we’d be pleased to do so with you. And again, our apologies that the story upset you.

      • My wife’s cousin Terry D Mason was Kia on 9/1969 serving as a Navy radio man on TF-117-22 13 squadron wanted to know if any one knew him ?

        • william reddan

          i knew terry mason from having worked on the radios of his boat tango 22. They had been in dong tam for overhaul and were ready to pull out the next day when he was on watch at night and got hit with an incoming. I remember him because he was such a good natured happy guy and after all these years it still bothers me that he had to get it like he did. dong tam got hit almost everyday but that night only one round came in and i remember it because i was standing watch on my repair barge on the pier next to his boat. i know they tried hard to save him but he got hit bad. Just remember us old sailors remeber those guys that didnt make it back even after all these years

          • James Lake

            Thank you Mr.Redden,
            I am James wife I was five years old when he was killed I remember it like it was yesterday.we heard his body was pretty bad.I am close with one of his brothers.thank you for your service

        • Mr. Lake, I am part of the VUMMF, Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument Fund, a 501c3 that built and maintains the Monument located on the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. I am furiously working to recruit people and funds to maintain a monument that contains the names of nearly 50 of my friends killed in Vietnam. I am a retired SEAL working for the Naval Special Warfare Command. I am engaged in numerous presentations in this effort and would like to speak with you at your convenience. Please see V/R Chuck Chaldekas – Contact info: W619-437-9628 C619-895-3096

        • I went through training with Terry at Vallejo, California. I was on board Z-132-1 tied outboard of him earlier and left for a night patrol. When we returned in the morning we saw what had happened. An incoming mortar had hit his boat near where he was standing watch. He was a good sailor.

          My sincere condolences
          Larry Krueck Rivron 13

        • Dennis Moshopoulos

          Terry’s boat T-22 and our boat T-21 were sister boats. We almost always worked together. Terry and our radioman went to radio school together. His name was Gil Reyna. He died years ago in a motorcycle accident. They were good friends. He was good person, broke my heart when he died. Till this day I prayed for Terry and family. We had some good conversations about the war and our lives.

        • Dennis Moshopoulos

          Terry was on t-22, i was on t-21 riv. Sq.13 our boats worked a lot together. He was good friends with our radioman Gil Reyna. I remember one day Terry and I was talking and said his parents wrote him.That they were worried about him to accept Jesus into his life. To pray or something similar to that. Terry kind of shook that off. I told Terry don’t knock your parents they worried about you.I told him I pray every day and I know I’m a sinner. I know we have a good chance of dying here. I told it doesn’t hurt to pray to God. He was surprised I said that since I had a fowl mouth. Not all the time.Terry was killed two weeks later from a 82 mm mortar.

      • Robert Colombo

        While the PBR’s were one part of the Navy’s efforts in the Delta,how can the Mobile Riverine Force ,working with the 9th Infantry out of Dong Tam be ignored? Certainly the MRF was a major joint Navy/Army effort to stabilize the Delta by neutralizing the Vietnam Cong and NVA activity in that region.
        Ltjg Robert Colombo
        Plank Holder RivDiv 92

      • Brenda Ennis

        my husband was a tango boat sailor his name is joseph j. ennis he was wounded on april 4th 1968 he was a boat engineer and 30 caliber gunner. he was on armored troop carrier 92-2
        in support of the army along the song ba lai river in mekong delta. look up the video about him.
        go to Petty officer Joseph J. Ennis on utube. anyone knowing him please contact me because
        i have a letter from a man who was there the day he was wounded saying he was supposed to get the medal of honor but only got the navy cross. and purple heart..that day went down in history as the worst day ever in the history of those boats. 4 killed and 89 wounded. there was a leutenant collins and a peter suverel no witnesses know of. so if you can help please contact me

        • My adopted brother is Spc4 Robert Ranges jr 9th infantry. 47thBrigade. Echo co. He died that day when they dropped the ramp in front of a 50cal. MG pit hidden in the jungle. Every man on his boat was chewed up like hamburger . If anyone knew Bobby or had a picture of him I’d appreciate hearing from you.

    • I was on the USS COOK ILL TELL YOU THIS TO SERVE ABOARD THOSE APD SHIPS IS PURE D HELL HE WAS A DAM GOOD MAN YOU HAVE TO BE PROUD OF HIM.

  3. Jake M. Wolfe

    Radarman 3rd Class USS Hunterdon County LST 838 CIC (September 1968 – August 1969). Worked closely with the River Divisions and Seawolf Units that were assigned in rotation to Hunterdon County primarily on the Bassac during this period, sometimes priviledged to work with the boats on patrol with the PRC-10 strapped on – Ti-Ti Canals only – of course – flashback=(Humdrum – Humdrum this is Cobra 5 – our patrol firing on hostiles XR 293 764 how copy over?) -yep -I was “that guy”. Thank you so much for the Video – I’m still shivering from goosebumps and flashbacks. 44 years ago – How quickly it passes!

    • Ed Turnbull RD 2

      Apparently you replaced me on the Hunterdon County. I left it a day or so before it was hit. Do you know if any radarman were wounded?

      • Ken Delfino

        I was with RivDiv 533, boat captain of PBR 151 attached to the Hunterdon when I was medevaced on 26JUL1968. Ran into Captain Fred several years later in CA. You had to have been on ship’s crew when I we were attached to you. Glad you made it back!

          • I was on the Hunterdon County from July, 69 to August 70. We have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/257441141688/ Lot’s of guys from the 838 reminiscing about our time on the rivers of the Mekong Delta. Please come join us. Our Captain from the time you were on board even joined us for a while before he died a few years back.

        • J David Choat

          Curious as to whether you knew my father, John Choat who was a boat captain in 533 at the same time (I believe). Looking for info on his Vietnam service.

          • Thomas Guillou

            My Dad knew your father, dad was with 533. Hotel patrol 112 boat

        • I was on the Hunterdon County from July, 69 to August 70. We have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/257441141688/ Lot’s of guys from the 838 reminiscing about our time on the rivers of the Mekong Delta. Please come join us. Our Captain from the time you were on board even joined us for a while before he died a few years back.

      • I was on the Hunterdon County from July, 69 to August 70. We have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/257441141688/ Lot’s of guys from the 838 reminiscing about our time on the rivers of the Mekong Delta. Please come join us. Our Captain from the time you were on board even joined us for a while before he died a few years back.

    • Jake M. Wolfe,

      I was on the Hunterdon County from July, 69 to August 70. We have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/257441141688/ Lot’s of guys from the 838 reminiscing about our time on the rivers of the Mekong Delta. Please come join us. Our Captain from the time you were on board even joined us for a while before he died a few years back.

  4. waylon walton

    my father served on tango 91 -13 from sept 67 through 68 . i never read anything about the tangos either . while i understand the glamour of other units and boats , the tangos were very important to the delta front . ps hope my pops doesnt see this because he doesnt care about recognition , he cares only about the fact that he did his job and just wishes friends he had were still alive and with their familys

  5. kenneth gamble em2

    served aboard lst762 operation market time in support of ten wpb and game warden

    • ken gamble

      This was in early 1965 and in late 1965 supported PBR’s

  6. david sizemore

    was on yfbn 17 jan -june 1967 also at long exyen angian provence

  7. Jack Barwick

    I agree with Mr Siebern concerning the portrayal of the “Brown Water” navy in Vietnam. I served in River Division 112 and was in the Long An province engagement when Chief Bannister was killed as the B40 rocket hit the coxswains flat. The PBR guys are due all the credit they receive, however, they now wear the same Vietnam Craft Combat Crewman as we do. I guess we can continue to eat the crumbs that fall from the masters (Naval Historical Foundation) table.

  8. Bill Potter

    i was on r-1 on the grand canal up by Cambodia Dec. of 69 to Oct 70 riv ron 13 and 15
    i lost a lot of good friends on stab and alpha boats. yes we had pbr, tango, stabs and monitor,
    the brown water navy was not only pbr boats

    • Ron Stockbauer

      Wow 44 years ago today I left Travis…I served at first on a Alpha boat at Song Ong Doc…later on a Tango boat on the Grand Canal…
      ..spend some time(repairs) in Dong Tam. The last several months after our boat were turned over to the Vietnam navy, was in Binh Thuy…anyone get to spend some pre or post R&R time at the Hotel President in Saigon?

        • Richard Lindner

          I was on the Cleveland that moved that RivDiv to Song On Doc. Later, when in-country at Moc Hua, received one of the survivors. Looked through everything, but no photos of that move.

        • Patt shelley

          Hey I served with you at sod until you went home. I am Patt shelley bm3.

          • Paul C. Daiute

            Shelly,
            I think I served with you at SOD Oct 1970 am I remembering right? Do you remember Pip, Davis, and Porky. I replaced Doc Beaver for awhile then came back to relieve Doc Barker and stayed until end of May. I was part of the crew when the base was towed up river. I ended up at the old French outpost at Ca Mau where we got hit again with rockets. I was there the night they brought in the five burned babies. That was the night the Army boat took rocket hits and they brought the crew member to me that had the femoral artery severed, he had bled out before I could get to him. Porky burned out a 50 ca. barrel that night. We had to shoot down our own parachute flares that the wind blew and held over our position. Chief Patanaud was the CNCO for the base then.
            Bac Xe Daiute, Sin Loi

          • larry salisbury

            yep loomis and I were beside porky on quarter deck I could light acig off the 60 was there from oct to end of june, sals

        • Paul C. Daiute HM3

          Dave,
          Did you know me at Song Ong Doc? I was one of the corpsmen stationed there in 1970, I was there Oct to may.
          Doc Daiute

          • ralph [doug ] robertson

            Hay doc IT’s porky[don’t go by that name now days] Doug Robertson ,glad to see you made it out alive ,hope your doing well.

          • Hey Paul its Sam Ferrentino I was boat captain of the mini dry dock that history forgets, I may have been a ahole but on 15 Feb 1970 I save all your asses

          • larry salisbury

            if same doc when I was there how do you get ahold of porky if same doc you were from Cleveland its sals

      • Wayne Palmer

        I was a gunner on a PBR, River Division 572. We were sent to Song Ong Doc in September 1969. I was there until my year was up, May 23, 1970. I remember the ASPBs on Song Ong Doc. Specifically I remember a Boat Captain on one of the ASPBs named Lane. He was a Gunner’s Mate if I recall correctly. Loved those ASPBs. They were a fighting machine and I felt more confident when they were around, on ambush with us.

    • Richard Lindner

      I have a few pictures of “heavies,” the Grand Canal, and Ap Bac village.
      Do not see paper clip so do not know how to add them.

    • Ben Phillips

      Hey Bill,
      I was on Zippo 4 and Tango 48 in 69 thru 70. My boat captain was Frank Jones. I guess why there is more attention on the PBRS is that they were fast, not like the rag boats. Rag boats had to fight it out where they were because they had no other choice. There were times that I wished I was on something that could get up and go, but s you know just turning around in some of those canals was a challening.
      Phillydog

    • Joseph P.Thomas

      Seeking any information on my uncle, Joseph E.Kuhn, USN He served in the brown river navy. He was there 1967,68,69. He passed away 9 years ago. I am not sure which unit he served in. Two tours were in the delta, and one up north. thank you if anyone remember him.

      • Bud Wilson

        Note : His DD214 paper will tell you everything you want to know. Also what river sec or riv div was he in during this time.
        Look up TF116 Gamewardens / Vietnam will get you on the
        right trail

        • Richard Lindner

          My DD214 just states “served in Vietnam on or after Aug 1964” and I was up river at Moc Hua.

      • jim

        Hi..i was in river section 535 in 67/68 stationed at Binh Thuy in the delta..I do not remember that name,but if you get back to me i just might know the person that would have known him..

  9. Wade Knapp

    Please don’t forget the LCVP’s either. My father drove these from the USS Point Defiance, LSD 31 from ’67-’68 and spent considerable time up the rivers inserting and retrieving SEAL teams and Marines, as well as patrolling the rivers. Those guys drove antiquated un-armored boats with very small 3 man crews doing the same things as the faster boats, yet you never hear their story. He too seeks no recognition, but I’d like to see him and the other LCVP drivers get a little.

    • Nancy Graham

      Sounds like what my husband did. Hand gun and M14 were all they carried in their 19 foot Boston Whaler. You never hear these stories.

      • William Clark

        Was a radioman on lsd31 in 71and spent much time myself and coxwain were sent out many times on an lcvp to take care of marines needs on rivers and beaches

  10. Joe Criscione

    I liked the collection of information for Brownwater Navy but was disappointed in the coverage of LCU, YFU operations in I corp. There was also many LCM8’s and 6 boats that ran the Cua Viet River from Cua Viet to Dong Ha with supplies and mine sweeper operations in the mornings. Myself being on LCU 1499 was one of many boats making supply runs all over I corp. The LCU’s were largely responsible for most of the supplies brought up river in Hue, Dong Ha, Chu Lai and Sa Huynh. I had a movie camera on the 1499 and took movies of the river and boats. Also have many photos if you are interested. I know there is a lot to tell and much information to cover with such a subject but the boats of I corp were forgotten for their contribution to the war effort. Most attentions was given to the Delta. Thanks for the Brownwater article and what it was in Vietnam.

    • Larry Melvin

      I served on mike 8 boat for awhile running ammo&supplys up theCuaViet river and then went to mike6 boat,sweeping for mines.I was their 68&69.

      • ALAN FUJISAWA

        Larry, just read your article LCU-1499 were you stationed in Danang Lighterage was there in 1969-1970 on the YFU 52 and YFU 72

      • Barney

        Served out of Danang, i core, lcu, don’t remember the number could have been 1499, was blown up on loading ramp in cuz viet, morning of march 10, 1968, we were fighting a fire on the ramp and boom, I was unconscious for days, don’t remember details, but always wondered what happened, if you remember anything about that event I would love to connect with you

    • Bill Anwander

      Joe i was in Dong Ha working the ramp in 68 driving an R.T. You sent me a video some years ago and I lost touch with you. I have watched the video many times with family and I want to thank you again not only for the video, but for running the river bringing us supplies. Also I hardly ever see anything mentioned about the crew that worked the ramps. Thanks again Bill

      • Bob Wise

        I was a Hospital Corpsman on the Cua Viet River from mid-March 1968 to mid-June 1968. Mostly was on the Night patrol. Remember the Mini-Tet with fondness.

        • Rick Stallings

          Hello Bob,
          sounds like you were also a March 68 replacement at Cua Viet? Do you remember the name of the Hospital Corpsman nicked named ‘Tiny’ ??

          • Robert Wise

            Sure do. Tiny was who ai reported too. The SeaBees were just finished with the corpsman’s hooch. It was nice. I think I got there around mid-April 68 because I got there right before mini- TET. I came from the Naval Hospital in DaNang (Operating Room
            Tech 8483). I remember the big bunker (loved that bunker). SeaBees had a python as a mascot. I jumped in the bunker and landed on top of her. Scared me way more then the rockets. Bob

      • charles brown

        i was with the 403rd trans co..my platoon was helping with beach clearance at the ramp…was there august 68 to april 69. Not much said about us !!!!

      • charles brown

        was with the 403rd trans.. our platoon did alot of the beach clearance at the ramp 1968-1969

    • Ed Stoddard

      I agree – it’s offensive that there’s little or no reporting of the cargo haulers, I was on YFU-77 (Army) – 70-71 – 329th Heavy Boat, Danang, and we moved many thousands of tons of cargo – notably arty shells and black powder and food from Danang to Tan My, Chu Lai, Hue and Quang Tri. We weren’t as colorful as the Swift boats … but we hauled everybody’s ammo. Find me – and 12,000 others on Vietnam Veterans Only.com

    • Bill Anwander

      Joe, hope your doing well. Some years ago you sent me a video from your LCU on the perfume river. I was an R.T Driver up in Dong Ha in 68, so I know our paths must have crossed. Thanks for the video and hope to hear from you again soon. Bill Anwander

    • Joe
      My name is Guy Smith and I was on LCU 1614 I have no pictures, names of crew all my pictures were lost during my transfer to the USS Rupertus DD851. My address is 611 West Sierra way Spokane Wa.99208. Not very handy with the computer but would love to hear from you. Thanks Guy

    • You are so right, they never had much to say about the I corp, I was on the you 12 feb 28 ,67. We were blown completely out of the water,, death and injuries involved, nothing was said about it.. we had 110 ton of willy peter on board,,,I guess that was the way the reporters wanted it ,,, ALL DELTA

  11. Lenton Tony Ganey

    I was in River Division 592 out of Nha Be in 68 and 69. Life was never going to be the same after that experience. I sure miss those guys I served with, I can still see the smile and grins on their faces, We would lay our C rations on the engine heat exchanger pipes to get a hot meal. We were just doing our duty by being there and hopefully we saved some American lives by our actions.

    • Karen Giammatteo

      Hi, did you happen to know my uncle, Donald McCown? He served around that same time and was a First Class in the Navy at the time and also became a Chief while in Nam. I think they may have called him Mac – or Chief McCown – hard to know really. I have heard the stories many times – don’t remember all of them – but he loved his River Division 592. He just passed away a few months ago and I just got done cleaning out his belongings and found several River Division 592 things he kept. He as a real pack rat. I have some real stories about him if you are interested or knew him – let me know. Wishing you all the best and thanks for fighting for us.

      • Lenton Tony Ganey

        If he was at Nha Be in 68 or 69 I probably met your uncle. Some of the names are beginning to fade with time. I’m glad he made it back home, I am sorry to hear of his passing. All I kept was my black beret and photographs that I took. My email address is [email protected].

      • Hi Karen – Knew your Uncle well – I was the senior patrol officer (LtJg Dan Parshall) serving with Mac in Nha Be and Go Dau Ha – remember one night when we had enemy movement outside our 52 man base camp which was only 4 miles from Cambodia – I ordered two of our PBR’s to lay down firing just out side our perimeter fence in the middle of the night with no time to advise everyone – Mac along with everyone in the camp hit the ground when firing commenced – boy when Mac scared/ mad but He understood – we had a beer together the next morning.

    • Rowland Hoke

      I was with 592 from March 69 to March 70. Served as gunner with Boat Capt Bera
      Rowland Hoke

      • Lenton Tony Ganey

        Bera was my boat Captain, Mark Pape was the engineman and Wallace was the Gunners Mate. Do you know if Bera is still around, I’ve talked to Pape but have not heard from Bera or Wallace since 1969. You can email me at [email protected]. Shapeless 71 was our call sign at Nha Be when I left.

        • Ana Wallace

          I hope this makes it to you, I see that this comment was made 3 years ago, but do you remember the first name of the “Wallace” you are referring to? I am trying to find information about my father, Ronald Wallace.

          • Tony Ganey

            The Wallace I new was a black man and a GM3. I think he came from Cherryville.

    • Rowland Hoke

      I was in River Division 592 from March of 69 to March of 70 as a 3rd class gunners mate later a 2nd.
      Was at Nha Be for a few months then moved the whole Division to Go Da Ha.Boat Captain was Bera.
      Rowland email is [email protected]

    • Rowland Hoke

      Tony: I was a gunners mate in 592 from March of 69 to March 70
      Boat Captain was Bera and did many patrols with a CPO on the Boston Whaler
      Was on patrol the night we lost Lt Smith
      Rowland Hoke

      • Reva

        Not sure you will see this but I believe my husband was the same Lt Smith you were referring to. Philip Smith from Austin,Texas.
        Seems he was assigned to River Division 592 if so from August 1968 to the tragic day or night of August 13 1969 . Perhaps you or someone can confirm . Be nice to hear stories about him .

  12. Leah Wheeler

    My father Ronald Wheeler served as a gunners mate on the brown river. Was in the White Elephant Division. He served from 65 to 70. He was on a boat with Zumwalt III. I am looking for anyone that knew him during that time and possibly served with him. He was one of the boats that went up the river to bring back the downed pilots. Please contact me if you have any information. Thank you in advance for the help. My dad is not doing well health wise and he wants to reconnect with his old shipmates if I can find any that is.

  13. Lillian Simons

    Anyone serve onboard USS Bennington 1968-1970. If you remember a crew member by the name of Craig Simons. Please let me know. We are trying to prove he was on river patrol boat off coast of Vietnam. He is now suffering from PTSD, diabetes, lung cancer, cold, turrets, and sleep apnea. We are trying to get comp and benefits for him more than 10% for hearing loss. Please contact asap. Thank you,
    Lillian Simons

    • Lillian – I’m just seeing this now (September 2020). Not sure if its the same person or not but the gentleman that was aboard USS BENNINGTON CVS-20 was named Les Simons. He was in the Supply Department with me (S-1 Division). I do remember that he volunteered to go ashore. I can be reached at: [email protected]. I’m actually the historian for the USS BENNINGTON Association/PACT. I reside in North Carolina.

    • Lillian – Curious as to whether or not we were talking about the same individual. Don’t recall but don’t believe I ever heard back from you. Years ago someone mentioned that Les Simons was residing in Arizona. If you should receive this, please let me know one way or the other. My email address is [email protected]

      Thanks in advance,
      Joseph Pires
      “Former” SK3, USS BENNINGTON Historian, 1965-1969
      Calabash, NC

    • Joseph Pires

      Lillian – would you please email me? My email address is: [email protected]

      Status of Craig Simons (shipmate from the Supply Department S-1 Division), USS BENNINGTON CVS-20.

  14. Kenneth A Rhodes EN1 USN

    I was in Da Nang I corp 1969-1970 YFU 72 I believe we have all been forgotten for the support of the Army Marines there has been way two many years past over 44years and we should all stand up together . After15 yrs in the navy last year nt to ships reunion for the USS Hassayampa was nice seeing old frends

    • Alan Fujisawa

      Rhodes, Trying to remember the name but maybe you might remember me Fujisawa Alan I was a QM-3 I only was on the YFU-72 couple months I came from the YFU-52. My memory is not to good? I was there 69-70

    • Ed Stoddard

      I was the next shift – YFU 77 –70/71 329th Heavy Boat, Danang. Thanks for leaving the deck jackets – we needed them during the cold season.

    • Alan Fujisawa

      Rhodes, read your message about being on the YFU-72 1969-1970 did you have a mustache? Do you remember an asian guy coming on the boat? I was only on board about 2-3 months. Any way name is Alan Fujisawa was a QM-3. Trying to communicate with vets that were stationed there. I was on the YFU-52 before the YFU-72. My e-mail is [email protected]. Pls anyone that was on LCU/YFU at Literate Div. DaNang

  15. I served in 1/70 to 1/71 riversection 541 in the Mekong Delta,looking for shipmate, who served that time. thank you.

  16. LARRY PINK

    None of us really went to war for recognition, I know I didn’t,I wanted to serve and get my pink butt back asap. .No Heros for this old country boy…My pops did that in ww2 fighting in 13 major battles under Patton,

    What gets me is the hard time we as veterans are receiving in applying for agent orange disabilities, I have been told the ship I was on qualified but they cant prove I was on the ship??dd214 useless. Am I a veteran or Vietnam era veteran,. Do I Need boots on ground in Vietnam or not, Its so screwed up the blue water navy thinks they are brown and vice versa, Rules are changed daily to meet the situations and situations.

    All I got to say there is thousands who just gave up on something they earned not deserved,,,Everyone who was given a campaign medal should automatically get medical and dental work free, If nothing else, if nothing else.

    Do you all realize only 30 percent of v veterans are all that’s left alive…I n closing, how can everything in our upper respiratory system be associated with agent orange?/But everything below the waste doesn’t count, where in the hell does everything that had agent orange go, God forbid, have we lost all common sense in our country?
    I have had 7 major operations, died 3 times and being told I had the wrong cancer, COLON, Wrong peripheral neuropathy, and wrong tias and strokes,conjestive hear failure and don’t qualify, because of WHAT EVER THEY WANT TO SAY, It will be over soon, GOD BLESS AMERICA,,20 different diseases

  17. Pingback: UNCLE SAMS SON IN LAW??AGENT ORANGE AND CANCER | meanlittleboy2

  18. Luis Arenas

    seems to be one forgotten unit that begun duty in the rivers in 1965. that was MINRON-11 Detachment alpha. Wooden boats with crew of 5, which mine swept the rivers with drag chains on the banks of rivers, subjected to all kinds of small arms and rocket fire, plus clay more mines. the unit consisted of one hundred sailors, all rates and one CO. By 1967 we had approx. 26% casualties. The unit was awarded the PUC, NUC, and MUC between 1966 and 1967. WOODEN BOATS, MEN OF IRON.

    • Fred Birchmore

      Thanks for running gauntlet interference for us, Luis, but unfortunately the morning sweeps couldn’t clear aside all the trouble. Before I made that Cua Viet-Dong Ha run, 11/67, I and the other three ship-based LCM boat officers were assured by ComPhibronFive that the river would be swept of mines before our little convoy started up, but that floaters and snipers could still be expected. We were admonished to NOT return shore fire unless (1) we could clearly identify the individual, on the riverbank, firing at us and (2) we requested and received specific radio permission to fire a weapon. (the UDT guy’s M-16 + my sidearm. The 50s wouldn’t depress) All I could do without prior authorization was shoot at “floating mines” which would be slipped into the river by “fishermen” right after you guys had swept past with your chains. So what did I do when the black boats hove to upstream across and under my bow and ran lines below and fouled my starboard screw? …I do not officially remember details, except that the radio didn’t seem to be working…..What a hellish river. I had signed up for the bluewater Navy. My cover is off to you and all true brownwaters for your endurance.

      • John Daily

        I was boat captain 67- 68 Cua Viet , to Dong Ha . Id was Negotiate 24 was Mortar attack 00:10 June 9th my last patrol just about where the Quang Tre , Dong Ha , Cua Viet rivers meet . My best friend Gerry Miller died in my arms , he was my relief , some say it was Negotiate 23 but was not ! Love you guys be safe . John Daily BM-3

        • Frederick Birchmore

          That’s about where they jumped us – came from the north bank just past that island before the Cua Viet curve.

        • I HONOR ALL YOU BRAVE SAILORS THE HEAT THE SNAKES THE LIVING CONDITIONS AND THE ANXIETY AND FEAR OF WHETHER YOU WILL EVER SEE YOU MOTHER AND FATHER AGAIN THE WORRY YOUR PARENT ENDURED PLEASE PRAY FOR THE 3 APD SHIP ASSULT PERSONELL DESTROYER / LATER DESIGNATION CHANGED TO LANDING PERSONELL PREDOMINANCE ASSULT CONTROL I SERVED ABOARD THE USS COOK FROM 65/69 WE RECO THE LANDING AREA FOR THE FIRST MARINES LANDING IN DA NANG MARCH 65 STEVE WATERMAN SERVED ONBOARD IN THE SUMMER OF 69 OF UDT 13 WE HAD SEVERAL AMBUSHES WHEN S WATERMAN WAS ONBOARD HIS BOOK JUST A SAILOR CHEATS THE ENTIRE SHIP’ CREW HE SAID THE SAILORS DIDNT DUE MUCH WE SAVE HIS ASS IN A FIRE FIGHT WHEN HIS M16 BLEW UP WITH WATER AND SAVE HIS BUDDY WHO HIT THE USS COOK RECEIVED THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBONS AND OTHER MEDALS AND AWARDS THE COOK LOST OTHER SAILORS THEY LOST THEIR LIVES FOR NOTHING THE US LOST THE WAR THE OTHER 2 APD/ LPR WAS THE USS DICHSHANGLE AND THE USS WEISS WHICH WAS INCORRECTLY LITERARYLY EXPANDED ON LARRY WILLIAMS SERVED ONBOARD IN 69 HE WAS WITH UDT 13 I HAVE TO MENTIONED STEVE NASH WHO SAVED THE ENTIRE TEAM UDT 13 TEAM IN JULY IN AN AMBUSH OFF OF THE USS COOK APD/ LPR 130 THERE ARE TO MUCH TO MANY OPS TO MANY MILES TO MANY STORMS TO MANY HARDSHIPS… AND TO MANY SAILORS WHO SUFFERED

      • Ed Stoddard

        That brings back a memory – I was the Bosn on the YFU 77 (70-71) (329th Heavy Boat, Danang – Army), and on our trips up the Qua Viet to Quang Tri my job was to shoot anything floating in the river in case it was a dandy little homemade mine. So I shot Coke cans and coconuts. Which reminds me, these were always long trips because we were under orders to run at low revs so as not to trigger acoustical mines.

        • Ed Stoddard,

          Yeah, that was standard operating procedure for all river craft. I was on LST 838 USS Hunterdon County in the Mekong Delta.

          Mostly we shot at flotsam and were particularly vigilant for two articles floating downstream parallel to each other and a certain distance apart as each bunch of vegetable material could have a bomb and they would be attached to each other by a wire that would snag on the anchor chain and then the river current would guide the bombs toward the ship and the length of the wire was calculated to come as close to the engine rooms as possible- boom, boom, explosion on both port and starboard.

          Fortunately that never happened but one day there was what looked like a sapper’s snorkel sticking out of the water and coming towards us on the current.

          We shot the shit out of that thing that when it got closer was the top foot of the handle to a mop whose strands were waterlogged and made it float vertically. :-)

  19. Dave Pratt

    BWN->Dong Tam –> Song Ong Doc 70
    AO trying to confirm Boots-O-Gound WTF
    Looking into Payroll “MPC” records possibility
    BM3 Boats

  20. Alan Dahl

    NavSupAct Saigon Det CatLo Jul 68 – Feb 70
    ComNavForV (CCOS) Mar 70 – Dec 70

    This was a very important and meaningful life experience. There are many groups that should be included and recognized for their contributions in Nam. This includes all the combat, cargo, and support vessels, air crews, and bases that supported the guys in the field and rivers. Another group that is ignored on many of the sites is the US Coast Guard and their WPBs. Also, many of the Army units were on the water units, deployed with the Riverine forces or hauling supplies and patrolling the rivers/harbors. We were all there to do a job and we did it damn well.

    • Capt Robert M Silva

      Finally someone from Cat Lo. Served ther from Jan 67- Aug 68. Might you remember the PBR Unit number? I forgot them. Maybe they were gone by the time you arrived

    • Richard Davis

      I was at CatLo Dec. 69 to Dec 70 as an engineman and worked in the engine shop. my name is Richard Davis from Missouri and rebuilt engines, ran the dyno. and went on LCU trips to deliver supplies to the sea bees. I was also a scuba diver and did underwater hull inspections, under water propeller changes and tied bouys to sunken boats in the river to the gulf at Vung Tau to keep our boats from hitting them to prevent damage. If you remember me please contact me at [email protected] Thanks for your service and welcome home.

  21. My uncle was in the Navy swift boats in cat-lo Ron g. Wait is doing well,living in washington,state. If anyone recognize the name and what division he may have been in,or maybe even knew him.they took seals in and out.in the cat-local area,if you remember Ron you can mail me if you would like. Thanks for your service !!!
    Dave wait [email protected] Ron would like to hear from friends that he knew during that time.

  22. Dale (Skip) Pierce

    I was a gunners mate with the Cua Viet River patrol. on LCPL,s 1968 & 69 God Bless them all. I will for ever miss them all.
    Skip

    • Carla Hudson

      Were you in division 592? If so do you remember Tommy Tucker? Tommy is my uncle and he is trying to connect with a man named Skip that was with him in 1968 & 1969.

      • Claudette price

        Hi, I am skips wife, found your post today. He says tommy was like his brother and I have a picture of skip, tommy and densmore. Where can we go to get these 2connected?

  23. Bob Wise

    I was a Hospital Corpsman assigned from NSAH DaNang to the river boats on the Cua Viet River. Patrolled from mouth of river to Dong Ha. I was there from April 68 until July 68. Last part of my tour. Was there during the mini Tet offensive in May of 68, mainly on night patrol. Can’t remember any names but I remember a guy called Red was our gunner. Sure that narrows it down.

    • Dale "Skip" Pierce

      Bob I bet we now each other. I would hang out sometime’s at the hospital bunker. I was on the LCPL’s the night crew.
      Skip

      • Bob Wise

        Skip, I got there right after the SeaBees had built a new “home” for the Corpsman. The first night I was there we had a rocket attack. I jumped into a bunker and landed on Queenie. She was their mascot, about a 6 foot long python. Needless to say, I went backwards at a fast pace. Gave the Seabees a good laugh. Were you around for the Mini-Tet in May of 68? Remember the helicopter that crashed right in front our hooch? I called that copter in, they all died. Hard thought for me.

  24. PETER CONSTANCIA

    I, as a Marine tdy to the group/ squadron patroling the Hue’ river in April of 1968. I served as the boats forward observer scout for about three weeks. Would some one tell me what group I served with. thank you

    • MJS

      River Division(ex-Section) 521 patrolled the Perfume (Hue) River. Also patrolled Cau Hai bay to the South and Street Without Joy area to the North.
      They were based on PBR Mobile Base 1 just north of Tan My. They started patrol operations the first week of January 1968. You must have replaced Deacon!

    • I was with P.B.R river section 521 stationed in tan my just south of Hue when the 68 Tet started. I was actually inroute to Hue for a night patrol when all hell broke loose.

  25. Guy Smith

    On LCU1614 1969 cruised all the rivers around Da Nang I find it impossible to find information about the river boats. Just a blip here and there.

    • royce timberlake

      Could not agree with you more. When you hear,read or see any documentaries on Riverine Forces in VN they are primarily about the PBRs and Swift Boats along with other rivercarft that were involved frequently with combat operations. I served on YFU 57 from 1970 to 1971 out of Nha Be VN. I would have given almost anything to have served on a PBR or Swift boat. At least if you ran into trouble you had speed on your side and Navy Seawolve Hueys on standby for assistance. My boat had a top speed of 11 knots when not carrying a load of supplies up some unknown river. The more weight we carried the slower we sailed. With a heavy load, ammo, food, equipment, replacement troops for fire support- bases or just about anything we could be making a top speed of 5 knots. That’s why we called our kind of boat SMTs (slow moving targets). NO armor,except the pilot house, on the boat. We sailed with the knowledge that if we were to run into a serious ambush we would all be dead. There be no rescue, we could not run.The only choice would have been to fight until you were killed. The VC would take no prisoners. I still have nightmares about the times we almost sank when sailing in open seas, not a good idea when your bow is a 20ft wide landing ramp. Our boat was almost torn to pieces in mildly rough open seas. We required rescue on several assingments. I discovered later, doing research, that the boat I was on was built inn 1943 and had participated in the invasion of Normandy, June 6th 1944. We sailed that old boat from near the Cambodian coast all the way around the southern tip of South VN up to Camh Ran Bay and God knows how many river missions. No one talks about our kind of service and how many YFUs and LCU never made it back from their missions. Just sunk with all hands, usually crews of 9-11 sailors. If you want to go down in the history books you have to have been flashier than the craft we served on, not just plain old workhorses. We should be know as the forgotten sailors.

      • Bill Anwander

        Yeah I remember unloading L.C.Us up in Dong HA in 68. You Guys had some Big Ones. If I remember wright we tried to get your cargo off before the sun went down. Sometimes I would catch a ride with you guys to Danang for in country R&R. TAKE CARE

      • 521 received the Presidential Metorious unit two times for escorting you guys up the Perfume river for putting our boats between you and the ambushes from the jungle.

  26. Fred Birchmore

    67 and 68. Da Nang, DMZ. I was boat officer on a .30 cal armed LCPL (Captain’s gig rig, USS Fort Marion LSD-22). BGC etc. Captained the LCVP for UDT SUROPS, under shore fire. Took Mike 8s for the gauntlet run up the Cua Viet/Bo Dieu to Dong Ha, extracting 3rd Marines+ artillery on November 16, 1967. Got ambushed at the big bend.That’s the day I still remember, every day and on bad nights.

        • Yes! I was Gunnery and 2nd Division Deck Officer when not in the boats. Supervised about 35 terrific guys. Gunner Lamagro, Adams, Bass, Risenhauer, , Lt Pedersen was 1st LT, preceding Lt Edgar A (Asshole) Dowling. Also was in charge of the gig, which Capt Williams insisted we arm with MGs fore and aft, The fore got ripped overboard by the sling during a terrifying hoistout in high seas. I also had helo deck duty and port welldeck ops when I wasn’t being banged around the welldeck myself. Lt Kern tried to shanghai me into the Snipes for awhile but I plead manic claustophobia and thus remained topside and wetside. Was more or less aboard til January 69.

  27. Ed Hover

    After two 11 month tours on Destroyers providing gunfire support from off of Hanoi to Sea Float was transferred to Naval Advisory Group Binh Thuey. Was senior enlisted at IV corps operation center Worked when Ltcdr Graham and Radm Mathews in charge of advisory group Spent time at Rach Soi with Riv Div, flew missions with 82-57th medavac out of Binh Thuey at night Got to meet Duffel bag working Rach SoI area To everyone who was there at any time, you have my highest respect

  28. Michael Gregory

    I was an RMSN aboard the YRBM-16 and later the 20from June of 1970 through April of 1971. While we were a support facility and not charged with engaging the enemy were not “in the rear with the gear”. We were anchored 2 kilometers downstream of Cambodia in the Mekong river at Tanh Chau and later at Chau Doc on the Bassac river. We had no on board propulsion system and were unable to maneuver. We were a big fat sitting duck.
    As a radioman my duties were inboard. the rest of my life was as exposed as anyone else and inboard was not a safe place to be if the barge got mined. YRBMs seem forgotten.

  29. Kent Seifarth

    NSAs are largely represented as “in the rear with the gear”. I spent the last eleven months of my enlistment at NSA Chu lai I Corp. I was a BM3 assigned to the boat division, which was made up of 3 LCM 6s converted to service pusher boats, used in landing LSTs at the ramp. One LCM8 which was use at the base as a water taxi for the Marine track group on the island that bordered one side of the harbor. When they were replaced by the Americal division the duty continued, as well as with the ARVN when they took over the fire base on the island. The 8 boat was also detached for a number of off base dutys. The main “harbor” security force were 3 MK5 radar picket boats which were armed with twin 50s amidship, and at times with an unmounted m60. A converted LCVP with a single 30. A sclmmer with post mount for a 60. The crews on each of these boats were switched on a rotational basis, sometimes staying together sometimes not. Every one got they’re turn on different boats. While Chu Lai was considered relatively secure, each of these duty assignments had their hazards. Being stuck between two LSTs on a 6 boat, while under a rocket attack without being able to take any kind of cover was cause for some strong rectal contractions. The eight boat came under fire on operations away from Chu Lai. The MK 5s and LCVP patrolled the harbor and lower Trulong river, made boat stops boardings, and searches, delt with sappers, mines, and the rare shot from the shore. This was a daily/nightly job that most of the boat division lived with. I also did a blue water tour on the USS Sproston DD 577 a can out of pearl. I know the U.S.N. Did its part in many ways that will never be told

    • Ed Stoddard

      YFU 77, 1970-1971(Army) — hauled max loads to Chu Lai many times from Danang. That was a busy place.

  30. in loving memory of my husband, johnny ray center who served his country in vietnam1963. a fine man in service to his fellow man and his country. rip.

  31. david davis

    I was a BM3 on the Uss Cabildo LSD 16 in the years of 1968 and 1969. I was a fifty Caliber machine gun specialist. We were in volved in rescue missions and and transporting PBR’s and other land and water vessels. We were hit on The Bausic River. We stored body bags on our flight deck and in our freezers.

  32. I was with River Section 522 at Ben Tra our boats 62 and 64 were ambushed in a canal near Ben Tra.Lot of time has gone buy since that day Oct. 25,1967.The rest of my Navy days spent hospitals.Not all were that lucky and one does not forget
    those faces of good friends.

    • Hank Ramey

      Please contact me. I would love to talk to you. My father, Jimmy Ramey was the captain of PBR 64 in River Section 522. His boat was sunk in that ambush on October 25, 1967. I am curious if you knew my dad. Sincerely, Hank Ramey 770-378-2661 cell or DM me on Facebook.

  33. Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and
    I am waiting for your further post thank you once again.

  34. kenneth simons

    Trying to find information on seal team ambushed in 1970 near district town kien binh . I was at kien binh with army engineers and myself and a specialist 6 medic recovered a boston whaler and five navy seals all killed. I would appreciate info. as to names and rank of those seals. The action was in the stars and strips, any next of kin or person with direct knowledge, any and all info. would be appreciated.

  35. I was in country 1970 Danang on repair barge we repaired pcfs and pbrs. Then we moved to Cat Lo. Can any one tell me the name or number of this unit?

  36. roy tierce

    servered with river boat section 543 on cuaviet river in i corp 67 and 68. try to located bm1 willie frey. we ran lead boat cover boat duty on so many patrols. i was first man abd lcu 62 when she was sunk at mouth of cua viet. all crew was dead except one man. his leg was severed above knee. applied tournequit and put on med evac. hope he msade it.

  37. Fred Feinhandler

    i was stationed on jc lst 846. we based out vung tau. we were mothrtship to the pbr.i was with here from n0vember 66 to june 67. we also two sea wolf uh-1bs for addition fire support.

  38. Rick Boutcher

    I served as RM3 on board Alpha Boat A-91-3 assigned to MRF River Division 91 from Aug 1968 to Dec 1969. Boat Captain was BM2 Jeff Chandlier, 50 gunner was GM3 Roger Hillard, 20 mm gunner was GM3 Willie Brown, Engineman was EM3 Duke Hamilton and we had a EM striker we called PC (Pecker Checker) as he had dropped out of Corpsman school. A-91-3 was turned over to the South Vietnamese in December of 1969 as part of the Vietmanization Program.

    I was given orders to the USS Chevalier DD805 out of San Diego. Wow want to talk about being the black sheep of the family and totally ostracized. Was not received well at all and after the Captain of the Chevalier (Cdr Greenwalgh) had to call his crew to quarters to give medals, citations and ribbons that had followed me from the MRF that had to do with my conduct and professionalism under enemy fire during point blank fire fights on the river, I was called to Captain Greewalgh ‘s cabin where he told me he was not very happy about having to call his crew to quarters to award medals and such to someone who was not really part of his crew. He wanted to know if there were anymore following. I told him I did not know. But when the Naval Unit Citation and Presidential Unit Citation arrived he called me to his cabin and just handed them to me and sent me on my way. I spent my last 5 months of my four year hitch in the Navy on board the USS Chevalier and man it was horrible. When I was offered a $10,000 dollar bonus to ship over along with advancement to E5 I politely told the XO what he could do with it and took the three month early out which was based upon my two tours in Nam. I have a friend Jerry Weston who the Radioman on A-91-7 and he had similar experiences on the Destroyer he was ordered to after the MRF. Was wondering how many other Mobile Riverine Force River Rats were treated the same way.

    • MJS

      Rick,
      I had orders to the USS Intrepid CV(S)11 after my 18 tour on PBR’s. I was treated about the same. The Captain just about threw my Bronze Star at me during the Award Ceremony and refused to read all the citation. He later got his Bronze Star (without a V) for sailing a desk in Washington D.C.. This idiot later ran the carrier aground on the way to Quonset Point, R.I. He should stayed sailing his desk.The Crew was just about as bad from FN’s to Lt(jg) Walsh in A Division. Useless Master-at -Arms would stand in the crow line looking to give out haircut chits according to their standards but they spent thousand of dollars decorating the mess hall in a Cowboy Decoration. (They did get an award for this but the food still sucked.)

  39. Pingback: Pete McCloskey, Marine war hero featured in "Leading from the Front," shares stories with fellow vets | St George News

  40. Richard Lindner

    After my DEROS I was aboard the USS Hooper out of Long Beach. The crew was put together to award me something. Afterwards I filled out a “chit” for BUPERS to send further stuff to my home address. I do not know what I have nor how many many, I was not a hero like they are today. I was treated well by the crew. My problems occurred afterwards as a civilian. I was told I could not register to finish my last year at MSU. (You are a dope addict and baby killer) When applying for jobs my application was torn up after it was noted I served “in-country.” Finally I started to lie about my military time and was able to find a job.

  41. Bill Anwander

    I have a question and I hope some one can answer it. I served up in Dong Ha in 68 on the Cau Viet driving R.Ts and Super 20s , Spent 8mo. there and 4mo. in Danang. Do the men who spent all that time have the Honor of calling themselves Brown Water Navy. We don’t here much about the guys on the ramps. Any input would be helpful. Thankyou Bill

      • Bill Anwander

        Do you have any information that confirms your answer, or is it an opinion if so I would like to know. Thanks Bill

    • Alan Dahl

      NavSupAct Saigon Det CatLo Jul 68 – Feb 70
      ComNavForV (CCOS) Mar 70 – Dec 70

      I believe any and all Navy personnel who served in-country were part of the Brown Water Navy. Admittedly, many who served on the rivers had it worse than those on the bases, but we all worked together round the clock doing whatever we were assigned and making sure we were supporting those in harms way. We had jobs to do and we did them damn well.

      • Bill Anwander

        Thank you for your input Alan. I did catch rides on some of the LCU Boats back and forth from Dong Ha to Danang but most of the time i was working on the Ramp unloading them. Thanks again. Bill Anwander

  42. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your publish is just great and that i can suppose you are an expert on this subject.

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    to stay up to date with approaching post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  43. Richard Marquette

    I’m trying to find out what I can about Martin A Ellis. He retired in 1973 after 24 years as a Lt. Cmdr. I do not know his rank in 1967-68 when he was assigned to River Patrol Force. He passed away Feb. 2013. Thank you Richard

  44. Paul C. Daiute

    Larry,
    I’m sorry but the Va is doing a good job with the determination of illnesses as a result of exposure to agent orange. There is a lot of scientific study that has been done and there is a good list of cancers that are associated with agent orange. If you don’t receive a disability for your colon cancer there is a good reason for it, sorry to say.
    Paul C. Daiute Independent duty Corpsman ATSB Song Ong Doc and Ca Mau 1970

    • Rose Wnorowski Lelinko

      My brother, Vincent Wnorowski was in Song Ong Doc on October 20, 1970. He was from NJ. Our family called him “Skip” but y’all might have called him “Ski” Wondering if you knew him? [email protected]

      • James Morrissett

        I served with Ski. RivDiv 572 and I believe we were together in RPG62. He was a very good man and friend. I have forgotten most of the guys that we served with. You are welcome to respond if you are interested. My wife has email. It’s [email protected].

  45. Jacqueline M. Shealy Joyce

    How can I find a vet who served on the boats in nam sometime from 1968 to who knows. I would really like to find him. HELP

  46. ken gamble

    Guys go to you tube and type in Gator Navy by ken gamble. I wrote the song and did a video about the brown water navy. The pictures are from 1964-65 that our xo took.

  47. Bill Newcomb

    Navy Seawolves HAL-3 Binh Thuy Vietnam 69/70
    Best to all @ Binh Thuy on both sides of the road.

    • Guy Gibson

      We probably passed in the e.m. club Mike boats L.C.M. 8’s on the river side 69 / 70

  48. Ron Lester

    Anyone serve with LT Minest “Joseph” Foret (tour of duty 7/69 to 7/70) . Trying to find out the name and type of boat that he served on in Vietnam and any stories that you can share about him. Thanks.

    • Aimee Foret-Almazan

      Good evening,
      You’re talking about my grandpa Joe. I didn’t get to hear a lot about his naval career as he passed away in 2005, but I’d love to hear whatever you have to share! Thank you.

  49. Lawrence D Vaughan

    My dad just passed away he never talked about the river boats. I recently found out he has a silver star and 2 bronze starts and a combat action. Pelham frank Vaughan also goes by shorty from texas would anyone know him. They said he was never the same. Please contact me

  50. Lawrence Vaughan

    My dad just passed away he never talked about the river boats. I recently found out he has a silver star and 2 bronze starts and a combat action. Pelham frank Vaughan also goes by shorty from texas would anyone know him. They said he was never the same. Please contact me

  51. SGM Norm Breece (RET)

    I ran many ops off of the PBRs while with E Co 75th Rangers out of Tan An Dec 68-Dec 69. They were close, perhaps at Tan An. My forgetter works overtime these days. My question is about a mission on 25-26 Jun 69. My team was inserted by boat just before dark on the 25th. The boats pulled back out into the river and waited for us to either complete our mission or need their help. Around 1230 hrs, as the boats were on opposite sides of a sharp bend in the river, an enemy shot at the first boat turned and shot at the second. In the confusion, the first fired up the second with their 50s. I pulled my team back to the river and secured the bank as the chief grounded the boat as it took many hits below the water line. We worked very hard on the sailor who was severely wounded and I was able to get an emergency medicac chopper in right away.

    Anyone might know of this mission I would appreciate filling in some details.
    Thanks in advance. RLTW

  52. EN2 Thomas Perkins

    Advisor for S. Vietnamese navy RAG 32 on the Perfume River 1970. Old, slow converted Lcm 6 & LCVP’s.

  53. matt cristino

    i was the only guy, i know of, that painted a big yellow peace sign on a big rock face in danang harbor 1970.

  54. John Schulz

    My Father-in-Law was Charles John Weaver. I am not sure what unit he was with, but I do know that John Kerry was the boat captain. Any information would be of great help. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with any information. He joined SEAL TEAM ONE IN 1964.

  55. Bill Anwander

    Did anyone ever work on the ramps in Dong HA or the Bridge Ramp in Danang during 1968 and early 1969. Love to hear from you. Take Care

    • charles brown

      Hello, i was with the 403rd trans my platoon helped with the offloading at the dong ha ramp…..the navy would load the cargo on our trucks then we would either convoy it or take it to storage at the base in dong ha base…..1968 october to april 1969 .

    • David Herrman

      David Herrman, I worked at Bridge Ramp the latter part of 67, all of 68, and the first part of 69. We had a Lt. Slack for our officer and on Feb. 27, 1969 we had a YFU loaded with dynamite in the first slip which when we got attacked that was where the first rocket landed, killed and injured at lot of Sailors. One of them was SN Thomas Adams from Topeka Ks. and the other was Theodore Spence Hamner 111 from Tuscalusa AL. They were loading a YFU with ammo when the dynamite boat blew up and I was in the office when the office collapsed on top of us. Lost two very good Buddies.

  56. Ed Gumpf

    I was in RD 533 at bien luc appx Aug-Oct 1969, then RD 512 based on YRBM20 from Nov-Mar, then RD 515 from Apr-July. Looking to connect with old boat crewmates!

  57. Jake Satcher

    Looking for anyone that may have known my dad, Norman Satcher. He may have gone by Satch. He would have been there 69-70, and, I believe on LCM 814. He passed away a few weeks ago, and I was just looking for someone that may have known him.

  58. My father was a CPO in Saigon supporting the Brown Water Navy in the computer/data processing field. John Thomas McCawley. Would anyone know the building where he would have worked? I am taking a trip and would like to visit.

  59. Im Sam Ferrentino boat captain of the mini drydock from oct. 1970 till April 1971 my boat crew and I saved all your added on attack at new sod 15 feb. 1970 ..
    It’s seems history forgot to tell it .. History also forgot to tell about the 2 sailors killed on it at the attack at old sod..

  60. Amber

    My father James Carver was in Dong Tam 1967, he’s still going and healthy! Thank you all for your service!

  61. mike mitchell

    In spring of 1969, I was assigned to Navy Small boat school in Saigon to teach Vietnamese Navy seaman basic english and pbr/pcf nomenclature so that they could integrate with US personnel on those boats and eventually take over the boats. There were a handful of civilian teachers and a handful of navy enlisted personnel acting as teachers. The school was run by a Civilian group contracted by the Navy. They used a PCF and a PBR moored on a creek near Saigon, for operational learning. There also a LST nearby. I stayed with they until September 1969. I am trying to find out if there is a reunion group and if school was run under NSA saigon or COMNAVFORV(White Elephant) The officer I reported to was based in COMNAVFOV. Would also like name of civilian contracting group. Thanks.

  62. Alex

    I am looking for anyone who may have served with my grandad: BM2 Verlie “Ted” or “Catfish” Turner. He was from Lampasas, Texas. He was in his mid to late 30’s when he was in Vietnam. He served there from I believe late 1965 or early 1966 until mid to late 1967 when he was wounded and evacuated (at least that is what I have been told). He was assigned to NSA Danang Service Craft Division and spent time in Chu Lai (I have a letter he wrote a family member), serving on LCMs, both the 6 and 8 variant. I also have reason to believe he may have served in a different mission on the LCMs, or been on another type of boat as he stated to family members he went “up the rivers” for days then would come back to larger ship. We know very little about his service there, and he passed away in 1997. He was told his records were destroyed in the fire at the St. Louis repository, however I have reason to believe this may not be the case. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My email is [email protected]

  63. John Cogan

    Got in-country 4 Nov. 1968. Reported and checked in at Camp Ten Sha, Da Nang. Was then assigned to NAVSUPACT Da Nang. Sent to Boat Ops at Literage near “new” annex barracks. Even though I had special training on GM-6V53 engines (PBR’s), they assigned me to NSAD Cua Viet (LCM 8-735). I got on a “U” boat (LCU?) and went up the coast to “catch” my boat in Cua Viet. I was an ENFN (engine-man) at the time and the “snipe” on 735 until it was sapper mined while beached for the night. The 8-boat beside us and a 6-boat tied at the PBR pier got hit that night (21 Feb. 69). A “sapper” (VC/NVA) had come in using re-breathing apparatus (Russian) when we had orders (earlier in the day) to “cease fire” on concussion grenades because divers had been in the water changing a “sweep” boat screw–and they never gave the orders to resume fire on concussion grenades! So, we weren’t throwing grenades!!!! The guy that got killed that night was from the LCM-6 boat, a guy by the name of Tinko (found that out just about a year ago).

    This was not too long after they made us tear down all our “hooches” we had built on the stern of our boats for living quarters. The night we were mined, the rest of the crew were in the hooches on the beach about 100 meters away. I had the watch and just finished checking the bilges on my boat, closed the hatch to the engine room and the “sapper” charge (est. 500 lbs TNT) blew a hole in my boat and the one beside us! I missed getting “it” by about 2-3 seconds!!! Of course I “beat feet”, cause I didn’t know if it was rockets or what! But in a few minutes I realized it was a mine and got back on the boat and assessed the damage. Engine room was flooding! So, I started the engines and started pumping bilges! The water was coming in too fast so we decided to beach it at the sand ramp at he left of the “hard” ramp (near Marine AmTrac base)!

    The next day they pulled it all the way out of the water with a D-7(?) Cat and an AmTrac (Marines). The CB’s came down and welded a soft-patch (size 5′ X 5′) on it and it was towed to DaNang for repairs.

    They sent me back to DaNang (via “U” boat (?) and I came back up on LCM 8-798. I flew the Alaska State flag from the mast of our LCM, under the U. S. A. ensign. The only other thing that stands out in my mind was the mining of YFU-62. We had just passed her (she was headed upriver), on our way back from Dang Ha (16 Jan. 69) when she went up! All those on-board lost their lives!

    It’s strange, but I can’t remember the names of any of the guys that were with me on the boat. But, if I saw their faces I’d know them! All I can remember is that I stayed away from the “dopers” and drank with the “boozers” and most of those on my boat were “dopers”!!! I think another reason too is, we all weren’t together for that long of a period of time. Someone was always getting moved and a new replacement would show up, all except me!

    Because I lost all my pictures and mementos to humidity and typhoons, living in the Philippines 35 years (1980 to 2015), I was wondering if you have any pictures from Cua Viet/Dong Ha (Nov. 68 – Nov. 69 or you might know someone that does? Would appreciate any you could share!

    • Admin

      Wow — that’s quite a story! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us. I’m going to defer the question about the pictures to Dave Winkler, our historian, but of course anybody else is welcome to volunteer any photos they have.

      Best,
      Diana

      • Samuel Swenson (BM-1)

        I was at CuaViet on the LCM-8 824 1968-1969 as a BM2, Was advanced to BM1 and was assigned as the LPO for all the LCM’s and ami barges at Cua Viet. I have some pictures, to busy to take many also lost some to bad weather. Many of the outstanding guys names have faded away but remember the great job they did. I can be reached at
        [email protected]

  64. Samuel Swenson (BM-1)

    I was at Cua Viet from 68-69 as the LPO for the LCM’s boat Div. My Boat was LCM8-824

  65. Dave

    9th Division Army grunt here. Rode the Navy boats several times and was inserted from them into the jungle. Always felt for you guys. At least we had mud to hunker down in. (Slept in it too). You guys were sitting ducks in those canals. You guys had balls that clanked when you walked! Thanks for the breezy rides, and the firepower. Mostly, thanks for picking us up when the op was over.
    Dave
    U.S. Army Infantry 68-70
    9th Infantry Division
    Mekong Delta

  66. W. R. LaFromboise

    anybody out there was in River Division 532 68-70, the Red Dragons. PBR’s.

  67. Paul C. Daiute

    Ralf (Doug, Porky) Robinson of ATSB Song Ong Doc, ATSB Ca Mau, or anyone else who knew me in Nam, Please contact me. [email protected], Paul C. Daiute (ATSB SOD-Ca Mau Oct-May71)

  68. Bernarde Howlett

    While not in the small boats, Tangos or PBR that went up the rivers in the Delta, my ship USS Carronade IFS1 went up both the Ham Luong and the Co Chien and at least one other river while I was aboard from Dec ’65-Aug ’67. We were one of four rocket ships that operated in Vietnam, the others were USS St Francis River LSMR 525; USS White River LSMR 536 and USS Clarion River LSMR 409. all a part of IFSDIV93, homeported in Yokosuka.
    The CARRONADE was 245′ long and abt 35′ wide with a mean draft of 10′. Armed with 8-twin tube 5″ spin-stabilized rocket launchers on our foredeck, qne 5″38 cal. Naval gun and two twin-40mm mounts, one forward and one aft of the superstructure. The rocket launchers fired at about 40 rockets per minute per launcher and, based on the range of the rocket, the warheads were roughly equal to a 3″50 HP shell, a 5″38 shell or an 8″ shell. The shorter the range, the larger the warhead. We and many LST’s are included in the Brown Water Navy and we sometimes anchored overnight in the river within shooting distance of both shores. And I mean rifle shooting distance. We did not receive any fire while up the rivers that I am aware, probably because of the immediate hurt we could put right back. After we had been in ‘Nam for awhile, we seldom used more than two or three launchers at any one shoot as they weren’t needed. Two or three at 40 rounds per was generally enough and if we had to reach out a little further, we had the 5″38.

    I read a spotters report one tme that he liked us rockets ships, because they would call in coordinates on a target and before they could find another target, the first one was obliberated.
    I speak with pride of the work we did while over there and am alongside Chuck Chaldekas, who posted near the start of this comment section, about the VUMMF on the NAB in Coronado. Anybody who wants to help out maintaining the CCB-18, the PTF 104 or the PBR all pedastal mounted or to just come by and visit the Memorial, you are welcome…
    Bernard Howlett GMGSN 64-68

  69. Lawrence Vaughan

    My dad died 2 years ago I just found out he was brown water navy on a river patrol boat…his name was phaleem Frank Vaughan everyone called him shorty would anyone know him? Please send email [email protected]

  70. We have 24UB7021 “Racing Danger 21” was the call sign undergoing restoration here in Oregon. It’s a tribute to all who served in Vietnam. One of the only in-country boats in the US we are aware of.

    Today while prepping for paint, under several layers of paint we found “GMG 3BROWN” stenciled on each side. Boat will likely retain this marking.
    Looking for all members associated with this boat.

    We post updates on the G503.com.

  71. J W DENNISON

    Just lost a classmate last week. He was Brown Water Navy. I don’t have any information on him. How can I find his records, who he served with, rank, etc.

  72. Van

    Thanks to ALL Vietnam Veterans for serving a very noble cause in Vietnam, where I was born. And May God Bless You ALL.

  73. My brother, Guy Nimietz, recently passed away. He was a top gunner on an Alpha Boat that was attached to River Assault Squadron 15 – Mobile Riverine Force Mekong Delta. He served as a combat Nam Vet from September 1968 to August 1969. He participated in numerous combat missions along the Mekong Delta. He also participated in operations conducted during Operation Giant Slingshot and in the U-Minh Forest.Is there anyone out there who knew my brother? Please email [email protected].

  74. Monica Carroll

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  75. Clair Reginald

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  76. Kimberly Hogan

    Hello, I’m doing some research for a project I’m working on to surprise my father. I sure would appreciate any feedback from those who might remember serving with my father during the time period of 68-69 RIVRON 13. I believe he was a radioman during this time period. He doesn’t talk much about it. His name is Melvern S. Hogan. If anyone remembers serving with him please reach out to me. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. Thank you for your service to our country. My father is my hero, and I am positive his experiences with this brave class of heroes is a huge contributing factor that shaped him into the man I will forever look up to.

  77. Kimberly Hogan

    Also, we have pictures from my fathers time with the RIVRON 13 crew that we would be happy to share with anyone interested.

    • John Quinn

      I was stationed with your dad 1966-67 at U.S. Taiwan Defense Command Communications Center in Taipei, Taiwan.

  78. Paul C. daiute

    Larry Salisbury from ATSB SOD and Ca Mau. Contact me aty [email protected] or call me at 207 441 9016.
    Bac Xe Paul Daiute HM3 Sod 70 Ca mau 71

  79. Donald R. Hooper

    My wife’s brother [VN Navy officer] was mortally wounded in an attack on his boat south of Saigon late Nov or very early Dec 1969, and died a couple of weeks later in hospital at Can Tho.. An American Navy officer was fatally wounded in the same attack. Don’t know if this was a VN Navy boat or US. Anyone remember anything about this? Appreciate any help.

    [email protected]

  80. SANFORD WEISSMAN

    hi fellas, I was on the USS WASTENAW COUNTY LST 1166. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ANY ONE WHO LIVES IN THE NEW JERSEY AREA. I NOW LIVE IN LAKEWOOD, NEW JERSEY AND HOPE TO CONTACT ANY ELSE WHO LIVES NEAR ME SO WE CAN CONNECT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF BEING AWAY FROM THE BEST TYPE OF SEA DUTY THAT WE HAD.

  81. Jimmy Lackey Fn

    It’s 50 years today July 20, 2019 on July 20 1969 boarding my flight to Vietnam after watching man stepping on the Moon. Reported for duty aboard USS WhiteRiver LSMR those missions up the Saigon River returning to Camron Bay docking having night watch dropping grenades alnight.
    Before Sunrise pulling out to anchor for the harge bring out the rockets for the next mission up around Icor Met many Riverpatrol Brother while we the Brownwater navy served this country. Welcome Home Family

  82. Pingback: WWII and Vietnam War Roundtables – CC 4th

  83. Janette M Hansen

    Does anyone know Roger Cernius? He was on the river boats 69-70. He was a physicist for the Navy who was sent to stop the VC from intercepting our radio messages and prevent the VC from knowing in advance where our boats would be. He received the Navy’s 2nd highest Civilian award for it. We would like to know more about it. He passes away last week and never said anything about it. Thank you.

  84. Rick Stallings

    Been keeping an eye over the decades on the Vietnam war specifically 1967-1968 and the Brown Water Navy. This page from the Navy History Organization has been really interesting including the fact that there are recent posts (memories, questions etc.) I’ve been writing down notes, web findings etc for the past 40 years and recently posted some photos on Flickr regarding my experiences in “Cua Viet on March 11th, 1968. What I have found very interesting over the decades is that sites, blogs, posts etc. have never mentioned those events on March 11, 1968? The Dong Ha ammo dump explosion managed to get some input but nothing I have seen has ever related to what happened at Cua Viet, including the book “Brown water Black Berets”??

  85. EUGENE SMITH

    I AM LOOKING TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOWS THE WHEREABOUTS OF ONE EM-3 DONALD BUSH 788-79-74 THAT SERVED ABOARD THE YFU-60 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAM. THE LAST LETTER THAT I I RECEIVED FROM HIM WAS DATED BY HIM WA MAY 4 1968. I DO NOT KNOW IF HE WAS KILLED WHILE ON PATROL OR WHAT HAPPEN. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT ONE EM-3 DONALD BUSH 788-79-74 PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT [email protected] HE AND I MET IN BOOT CAMP IN 1965 AT GREAT LAKES COMPANY 772. WE KEPT IN TOUCH UP UNTIL MAY 1968. DO NOT KNOW IF HE WAS KILLED OR WHAT HAPPEN TO HIM MY NAME IS EUGENE H. SMITH PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF YOU CAN HELP ME THANK YOU

    • Barney

      Was injured in a ramp explosion onmarch 10 of 1968, incomming artillery had hit qua viet ramp, i was on an lcu in dong ha, we brought a cat down to qua viet ramp to aid in fire suppression, I was on the ramp when something big blew knocking me unconscious, don’t remember what lcu I was on, but would love info

  86. Gerald "Wes" Weston

    I was on c-91-1 for a couple weeks in 67, then went to A-91-7. Oct.67 to Oct 68.origional B,C was Souder. Later it was R.L. Mayes. Weston, G Rm 3. 20mm was Greg Gass. Raymond Church EN3, cCruthers and McCalister.
    I am a “Plank Owner” of the MRFA. Also a life member of Gamewardens, Pacific Northwest Chapter. . Still keep in touch with some of the MRF guys.
    Hats off to all who served.

  87. Looking for information on Thomas Collins BM1 boat captain division ninety two river assault aspb 92 -2 and control boat 92-1Vietnam Feb 68-69 came under attack Jan 69 chogao canel of gong province with nineteen other assualt graft River squadron nine support operations river 2nd brigade ninth infantry division looking for his daughters who were real young when he passed away I served with mcb1 Seabees Red Beach Danang 66-67 [email protected]

  88. Larry Napier

    John Cogan, like you I don’t remember a lot of names, but I do remember the night when Tinkos LCM6 was zapped. It was used as a mind sweeper. I am Larry Napier BM3 and was on LCM8-865 the night this happen. Few evenings before that happened Tinko and I were talking. He was telling me about his 2 month old son that had been born while he was in Nam, he was so excited about going home to see him. If you or anyone that reads this have any information regarding his son or family please contact me I have pictures. My number is 1-501-253-0456

  89. Glen Carter

    Looking for anyone that knew a cousin of mine (Craig Carter) who I think served in the brown water navy in Vietnam. Family lost touch after he returned and moved to Mexico.
    Thank you all for your Service!!
    Glen Carter
    Chief Diver USN Ret.

  90. Joseph P. Thomas

    Looking for anyone who served with my uncle BM3 Joseph E. Kuhn he served in the Brown Water Navy, from 4/1965 till 8/1970 on the following boats. DD-823 Samuel Roberts 4/65 to 4/66. USS Neuses ABP-40 4/66 to 7/68, and then Navel Patrol Boat #41 from August 1968 till August 1970. He passed away 13 years ago from eating the raw fish in Vietnam which gave him liver cancer.

  91. Cynthia McKendree

    James rufas McKendree LST 1161 USS Vernon County? Anyone know him?

  92. Anyone remember ETN RR Moore from Naval Support at Dong Tam? If so, please let me know. Doug Britton USS Askari (1967-68).

  93. Robert mark Cabe iii

    Anyone knew my father Po1 Robert Cabe jr? He did 3 tours as skipper on PBR on the delta. He passed a couple years ago and I’m a army vet. And would like any info available. Most important to me I have 15 photographs of him and crew and the boats. Some are of dead Kong and graphic. I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THESE PICTURES WITH ANYONE INTERESTED. I can’t find anyone who gives a dam enough to even look at them. My dad was a silver star recipient and 3 purple hearts with 20 years retirement

  94. Ryan Dean.

    My dad, Ralph Dean, was in the mobile riverine force. I know he served somewhere between 67 and 69 and was on the USS Nuces and was a radioman according to his DD214. But, I don’t have any information beyond that. I’d really be interested if anyone served with him or knows how I can get more information. He just passed away recently and did not talk much about his service.

  95. My dad, David Boy, served on the river assault squadron 13 in 1968-1969. He received purple hearts and bronze star for his efforts. If any one has information, I would appreciate it. He passed away this past year and my sister and I are trying to piece together his experiences in Vietnam

  96. any one serve with HONOR B COLE HE IS STILL ALIVE OF REVERINE FORCE 811 I SAW HIM GET HIS PUC FOR 25 FIRE FIGHTS IN THRIVERS WE WERE ABOARD THE COOK APD/LPR 130 THE DUDES WERE PUTTING LSD IN THE SHIPS WATER WE HAD FORCE RECO UDT 11 , 12 AND 13 I SUFFERED LIKE ALL OF YOU BRAVE SAILORS GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. I WOULDNT WISH WHAT I WENT THU WITH ON MY WORSE ENEMY. THE TYPHOONS STORMS SLEEPING OVER C4 FOR 4 YRS

  97. WIMBISH

    any one serve with HONOR B COLE HE IS STILL ALIVE OF REVERINE FORCE 811 I SAW HIM GET HIS PUC FOR 25 FIRE FIGHTS IN THRIVERS WE WERE ABOARD THE COOK APD/LPR 130 THE DUDES WERE PUTTING LSD IN THE SHIPS WATER WE HAD FORCE RECO UDT 11 , 12 AND 13 I SUFFERED LIKE ALL OF YOU BRAVE SAILORS GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. I WOULDNT WISH WHAT I WENT THU WITH ON MY WORSE ENEMY. THE TYPHOONS STORMS SLEEPING OVER C4 FOR 4 YRS GTH IF I ALREADY SAID THAT!

  98. John Louis Green Jr. had a massive heart attack two days ago that pretty much destroyed his heart. He has decided not to be left on life support and has requested that the “plug be pulled later tonight. We spoke to him this afternoon on the phone (he is over 400 miles away) as his wife, son and daughter and other family were with him. You who have served in the Military know what a true hero is and the courage it takes to earn the title. Just the fact that John was a 50 caliber machine gunner in the Brown River Navy on the Mekong Delta entitles him to be called a Hero – anyone who was on those small boats exposed to hostile fire 24/7 deserves the Title of Hero. One day while on patrol word was received that a small unit in the jungle had received heavy fire and casualties. John’s boat and crew were directed to extricate as many wounded as possible. John made some trips into the jungle also receiving hostile fire in the process. Among one of the men he rescued was a soldier who had thrown himself on a grenade. That soldier survived his wounds and was later awarded the Medal of Honor. As those who serve know some medals are awarded for just being in a certain place at the right time and others, well, they are truly earned for something greater than meritorious service. Like so many Viet Nam Vets he had his problems with the VA getting services. He finally did two years ago. And now he is in the last hours of his life an no longer able to fight his last battle. I am honored to know and to love this Great Man and to be his Brother in Law. He now joins his father, Master Chief John Louis, Sr. who floated on a raft in the South Pacific for days before being rescued.
    Leo G. Alvarez, US Army, retired
    [email protected]

  99. I am looking for PBR Sailors that were with me on the Rung sat Special Zone on January 7,1968. Two personnel knew the Rung SAT Special Zone ,myself, Frank Handy SN. and my Boat captain BM-1 Pribnow all the rest of 12 sailors were new in country and were on their first patrol mission into enemy controlled zone. We were on a test fire run of electric fire forward 50’s when we were hit by a very large RPG. I was the rear Gunner of the aft 50 on PBR 737 and the RPG hit the rear 50 of PBR 738 both PBR’s were tied together as the LT. in charge wanted to set parameters on the test fire. Not a good idea to tie the 2 PBR’s on a Free Fire Zone of Enemy controlled area.
    The RPG hit the rear 50 of PBR 738 as I was talking to a sailor on 738 and turned facing Starboard I was blown from from the Port side to the Starboard side. I awoke and I was looking at the Brown Water and Holding the 50 cal. handle of my Aft 50. of PBR 737. After a few well chosen words I opened fire-fired 100 rds. reloaded, fired 100 rds. reloaded and fired 100 rds. into the enemy position reloaded but the boats were moved out of the zone by Pribnow BM-1. I was wounded with Shrapnel in my head-rear-back shoulders-back -legs. Pribnow and LT.moved all the wounded to PBR 738 as it was faster than 737 and facing me told me Handy take this PBR-737 back to NHA BE as I was the only one that knew the RSSZ. I was in a daze and said Yes-Sir,the PBR’s were untied and PBR-738 Sped away.
    I proceeded after PBR-738 and was about to enter the Exit canal with 1 LTJG, 1 BM-2-1 3rd Class Engineman,1 3rd class Gm and me Seaman in charge. The LTJG had a Shrapnel wound in his R. Leg and was in Shell Shock. I turned PBR-737 into the canal-about 3 times the width of the PBR- 2 Class BM drug me out of the Cox Wains Pit and threw me on the Port engine mounts. The BM-2 yelled at me-No F-ing way you’re talking me in that Canal. I screamed at him as he pulled out an area map that is our way out you IDIOT. He Yelled at me Shut the F– Up I am in charge now. I was in Pain and did not fight him.
    Two minutes later an Army Helo flew over and told us we were going the wrong way and lead us back to the Canal. We proceeded to the Medivac Area and BM-2 tied PBR-737 to PBR 738 and I was about to get off when Pribnow BM1 Yelled at me , Handy take that Boat back to NHA BE. I pulled out my 45 Auto placed under the Chin of BM-2 gave him an offer he could not refuse.I told him if he got near the Cox Wains Pit I would shoot him and threw him on the engine mount. He gave me no more problems. I almost fainted twice on the way back but hit my head on the Metal surrounding the Pit and the pain woke me up. Pete Fox Helped me to Sick Bay where the Corpman pulled 13 pieces of Shrapnel from my head and told me -Why aren’t you Dead-Pribnow and the LT. were In Sick Bay and he told me I am putting you in for the MOH and I passed out for 2 days. Yes, I did get a Commendation Medal.
    I did not Ever see the BM-2 Again. The Gm-3 and the ENG-3 became part of my Crew. We went from NHA Be to MY THO and Ended my Tour in Sa Dec closer and closer to Cambodia. We were in MY THO during the TET Offensive and that was One Heck of a 5 and a Half Hour Fire Fight. If Any PBR Sailors remember January 7, 1968 around 10:30 hours on the Rung Sat Special Zone I would like to hear from you. I still have a very VIVID Recollection of the Event. The ENG-3 name was Smyth. The Holy Spirit Kept an Eye on Me.

  100. Mendle Edward Harshman

    There were a lot of ships involved in the brown water navy on the Mekong River, most of them were LST’s providing ammo and supplies. I don’t remember all of them but there were also 4 APB’s that made up a floating base for the Armies 9th infantry division with barrack barges, tug boats to tow them and repair ships for the river boats. The Uss Askaria was one of them. The four APB’s are USS BENEWAH APB-35, USS COLLETON APB-36, USS MERSER APB-41, AND THE USS NEUSSES APB-40. This floating base moved the Army’s 9th infantry division all over the delta for at least two years. They housed the troops with food, hot and cold showers, air conditioning, safe sleeping quarters, medical and hospitals on board. These four ships have many honors and awards for their service in Vietnam. Each ship and barrack barges had a pontoon moored to the ship and at least 20 river boats moored along side of them. There is a lot more but I don’t know it all, but these ships are hardly mentioned along with their crews as far as I know.

    • Joseph P. Thomas

      My uncle Joseph E. Kuhn served on the USS Neusses APB-40 some time between 1966 and 1968. Looking for anyone who may have served with him in the Delta. Thanks [email protected]

  101. mariah

    Hi I’m looking for anyone who would of been on hunterdon between 69 and 71 who served with Tony Miller from Ohio. He wasa frog man brown water… was blown up in 71 or 72 losing his hand

  102. Rhonda Flesher

    Looking for navy viet nam vets who served with Mark Andrew Flesher from Oklahoma 68 to 70’s on…iam his wife and he passed on November 2019.thank you

  103. Myrtie Candy Bartel

    Inquiring about Ron Columbo Navy Seal Team 4 contact information, last information left Vancouver, Washington for Chicago, Illinois via bus

  104. Paul C. Daiute

    SN Loomis of ATSB Song Ong Doc and ATSB Ca Mau!
    Please contact me (Bac Si Daiute for ATSBs, Old and New Song Ong Doc, and ATSB Ca Mau) @ [email protected], or 207 441 9016

  105. Paul C. Daiute

    Any of my Patients that I cared for at ATSBs Old or New Song Ong Doc or ATSB Ca Mau Please call me Bac Si Daiute, at 207 441 9016 or email me at [email protected]. I hope life has been good to you! To all the Brown Water Sailors, Army Navy, and Sea Wolves a Heart felt thank you for what you did!
    Regards, Paul C. Daiute

  106. eldon l landry

    I served with RIVDIV 531 from May 1969 to about Jan 1970 when we turned the Division over to the Vietnamese and I was transferred to RIVDIV 533 for the remainder of my year in Viet Nam. I recall being involved in a huge firefight involving at least 8 of our 10 patrol boats and 2 heavies (we referred to as Monitor & Merrimac) which I believe only operated with us on that 1 patrol. I’m not sure as was wounded during that firefight and went to the field hospital in Tay Nin & on to the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon before returning to the division. I loved the guys I served with and was proud to have served with them. A year the truly changed my life. I CAME AWAY WITH A “DEEP APPRECIATION OF LIFE”. I spent another 6 years in the Navy as reenlisted while there. Never regretted my decision to join the Navy and feel my service made me a much better person.

  107. Richard schliep

    I served on an LST-1123 from Oct 68-Dec 69 and we were in Vietnam Off and On hauling Soldiers,food, and equipment all over Vietnam and then decommissioned LST1123 in Guam Dec69, and 3 mins later went back to Vietnam on Board YRBM-21, but didn’t get my choice for Brown Water Navy Protrol Boats but as a LogRoom Yeoman for Engineering Div but our Facility took care of the River Boat’s for Repairs of all kinds before going on their Missions..Richard Schliep

  108. Jackson L Shutler

    I came home. Many didn’t.
    Every November 1st I have a drink in Keith Duffy’s memory. The last time I saw Keith was as he left the White River. He was walking out the hatch in the passage way as I was walking in from R&R. Keith said nothing, just shook his fist at me.
    I went into CIC and it was then I was told he had been transferred to the Westchester County. The original orders had my name on them, but I was home seeing my son for the first time, so command decided to send Keith as the leading Radarman, not waiting for my return.
    It’s been many years, however I will never forget and will always regret how his transfer began and ended.
    I have a second son now and that’s because of Keith Duffy’s sacrifice. I think of him and see him often as he walked through the hatch on the White River.

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