Candy and Kids

Cute, small child we had given chocolate candy to … wearing much of it on her face. Another child, perhaps the brother, looks on in the background of an open storefront somewhere near an airbase where we landed – Vietnam 1972. These kids did not have to wear much of any clothing in the warm temperatures. They didn’t seem too happy with blank stares on their faces … don’t know if we scared them, or if maybe they were already impacted by the wartime at that young age.

Con Son POWs

The men wearing purple shirts and white bandanas were just a few of a plane load of North Vietnamese POWS we were loading from the infamous detention camp on the small island of Con Son off the southern tip of South Vietnam - 1973.  There were reports of torture and confinement of prisoners in tiger cages … all this supposedly validated by a visiting US Congressional delegation. It was near the end of US involvement in the war and these lucky prisoners were being freed as part of prisoner exchanges. Our destination was a remote dirt airfield near Hue, just south of the DMZ where the men were to be freed. Needless to say they were most elated as the South Vietnamese guards in green look on.

C-130 JATO

Cargo groundcrew girls clowning at left side paratrooper door (aft of the wing) of the C-130 … Saigon 1972. An interesting detail of the aircraft is revealed here with the four mounts at left side of photo that were for a JATO (Jet Assisted Takeoff) system. Four small jets (actually I think more like rockets) could be attached to these mounts on both sides of aircraft. The jets would be ignited for a short time during takeoff, propelling the C-130 into the air in a very short distance … supposedly in as little as a few hundred feet which is incredible. The JATO was rarely used and was the cause of a few accidents during tests. There was also another configuration where jets could be used in reverse to allow aircraft to land and stop in a very short distance. It was reported that in 1980 a plan was in place to use a JATO equipped C-130 for rescue of the Iranian hostages … takeoff and landing to be done on a soccer field … yikes!

Control Tower with Character

Not saying too much, but this was one of the more architecturally interesting airfield control towers I remember … something more than a colorless monolith. Location was the very much rundown, and largely abandoned airfield in Ban Me Thout, Central Highlands, Vietnam – 1972. Surprisingly I’ve had no luck finding another picture of this tower on the web in an effort to get more info. Regardless, this tower had a bit of multicolor earth-tone style with some tile work and modest decorative trim. The prominent “ELEV – 1759” in photo indicated the elevation of the airfield … something very important to pilots in calibrating their altimeters although it was generally conveyed in a more sophisticated manner … a mis-calibrated altimeter could easily cause an aircraft to fly into a mountain in IFR (low visibility) weather. FYI – varying barometric pressure is very important to pilots setting their altimeters below 18,000 feet, above which a standard setting is always 29.92. Note this was in days before GPS and other more sophisticated avionics. The elevation of 1759 was indicative of this highland area … not far away was the Vietnam coastal plain close to sea level. Although this altitude is not excessive, thinner air makes for reduced engine performance, and therefore influences takeoff calculations.

Monsoon Rains

People on bicycles and on foot scrambling for cover under open marketplace. Blinding rain and deafening noise from the metal roofs were very common during the afternoon thunderstorms or almost anytime during monsoon season. I don’t recall where this was in 1972 … possibly the Philippines which really gets clobbered by the rain. Also puzzled by yellowish, tower-like structure behind the shed. These downpours could last for hours. By the look of empty racks of bottles maybe the folks didn't mind waiting if the beer was flowing.

Ban Me Thuot Depression

In terms of airports the one we flew into at Ban Me Thuot, Vietnam in 1972 was one of the worst. The entire place was falling apart with crumbling buildings and semi-paved surfaces … it appeared to be mostly abandoned with few signs of life … no idea why we had to land there. It was also a dismal, overcast day adding to the scene of absolute depression. Located in the Central Highlands it was a place of many intense battles throughout the war … spent large caliber brass casings littered the ground in several places. The tail of a Vietnamese C-7 Caribou frames the photo in which our navigator Joe can be seen walking about the rubble. Although too small to read in the left side of the picture, the word PEACE! was painted on the white fence in red.

C-7 Caribou Saigon

A pair of twin engine Vietnamese C-7 Caribou cargo planes sitting on ramp in Saigon – 1972. Behind the nearest aircraft is a fork lift carrying a metal pallet on which are four Vietnam flag draped caskets … assume these must have been war dead. Next to the pallet are two small children dressed in white … one sitting on some sort of scooter. Never saw anything quite like this before or after WRT the children although it must have sadly been a very common occurrence. Photo taken out the right cockpit window looking back over the wing of the C-130. The C-7 was smaller than the C-123 Provider and even smaller than the C-130 Hercules in the tactical airlift aircraft hierarchy.

Saigon Lambro 550

Two tree-wheeled Lambro 550 vehicles waiting for GI fares in Saigon – 1972. I know these cheap public transportation noise and pollution makers had nick names but can’t remember what … reminds me a bit of the old jitney buses in Atlantic City. A trip in one of these could sometimes rival a thrilling amusement park ride especially in congested downtown traffic. A little research shows they were Italian made with tiny 9hp, 198cc engines, and did get 45mpg. Appears steering and controls inside cab of this 4-speed was similar to a motorcycle. Thank goodness top speed was only 35mph.

Brickyard in Taiwan

Brickworks in Taichung, Taiwan – 1971. Very interesting industry and building … did not look inside but wish I had gone up the precarious stairs on the left for a quick peek. Bicycles, railed dollies loaded with red bricks, and common 3-wheeled motorized carts are hint of the manual labor involved in the operation. Everyone wearing wide straw hats for protection from the heat and sun. Brick and concrete structures were very common in the area.

C130 Cargo Bay Passengers

Loadmaster in back of C-130 referring to cargo manual loading charts -  SEA 1972. Note the red nylon web seats that could be rigged to accommodate up to 90 soldiers … this was “first class” C-130 type seating reserved for US troops. Often when transporting ARVN soldiers there was nothing more than metal cargo pallets where as many as 300 troops were packed into the cargo area standing or sitting on the floor. At least late in the Vietnam war it appears many of the ARVN troops we carried were very young teens, many wearing only sandals, but sporting a shinny new M16 rifle … uncontrolable chain reaction air-sickness was common during these bumpy flights and the cargo area was not a good place to be. Occasionally tempted to don standby oxygen masks in cockpit as smells wafted up from cargo area … loadmaster(s) who were somewhat required to remain in cargo area with troops made their displeasure clearly known over headsets. Fire departments sometimes called out after landing to hose down cargo bay. Yet another reality of the war zone.

Loadmaster and Flight Engineer

Loadmaster Jim (left) and Flight Engineer E.P. (right) … both Sergeants on our C-130 aircrew … Clark Airbase, Philippines 1972. The two were great pals having served together on numerous aircrews over the years besides ours. They had spent many years in Southeast Asia, re-volunteering numerous times preferring the less formal military routine of the combat zone. They knew their aircrew jobs really well. They also were experts in off-base fun spots at even the most remote locations. Jim, a Southern boy, enjoyed chewing tobacco, and E.P. enjoyed his beer for sure. Both great people.

C-130 short final

C-130 on short final approach … SEA 1972. Although not the case here the C-130 was capable of landing on very short, unpaved runways. The large balloon-like tires and mammoth landing gear struts were designed to absorb high impact landings … often referred to as “assault” landings whereby the aircraft would basically be driven into the ground with slight flare at the runway threshold maintaining a fairly steep angle. Full flaps would be used to minimize approach speed. Hard braking and prop-reversal would accompany the touchdown as all prayed with end of runway quickly approaching. I recall a few assault landings with Captain Ed on dirt runways that were well under 3000 feet somewhere in Cambodia … quite a wild ride with clouds of red dust everywhere. Naturally gross weight of aircraft dependent on cargo load was always a major factor in calculating acceptable takeoff and landing distance limits. C-130s have even landed on aircraft carriers … very brave souls.

Air Rescue Nakon Phanom

Two Sikorsky “Jolly Green Giant” helicopters (HH-[5]3[EF}) on alert at Nakom Phanom (NKP) Airbase in far Northeast Thailand on the Mekong River border with Laos (1972). NKP was very close in air distance to North Vietnam and therefore logical location for staging air rescue operations for downed crewmembers in enemy territory. Rescue crews could be scrambled for immediate takeoff where time was of the essence. All aircrewmembers were trained in techniques to guide rescue aircraft to their downed location using small portable radios and less sophisticated signaling devices (hopefully not giving away their location to the enemy at the same time). Photo also shows typical wooden airbase structure with corrugated metal roof raised off ground with concrete blocks, and having few windows. Also notice ground cart in far left of photo … auxiliary carts of this type were commonly used to provide backup electricity and compressed air to aircraft. This appears to be an electrical power cart that was probably used to help guarantee fast start of the cocked and loaded Jolly Green in an emergency response.

Flight Suit 1972 Saigon

My flight suit hanging on metal locker in BOQ in Saigon. Usually carried at least two or three suits as it was imperative they be washed every day if at all possible after being soaked with sweat during a day of flying. Cockpits were like ovens without AC when parked on red hot tarmacs of Southeast Asia. Flight suits were made of the flame retardant material Nomex … very unpleasant and itchy especially in the heat ... they tended to get more comfortable after a zillion washings when they lost half their bulk and became softer. Some pilots preferred older gray cotton flight suits if they could be had. In any case all the zippered pockets, flaps and Velcro were great. Muted war-zone patches and insignia on suit include my 1^st Lieutenant bars, 345^th TAS (Tactical Airlift Squadron ) patch, and name tag with pilot's wings. Little plastic container on leg held hard rubber ear plugs which were not very effective around the jet engines … what was that you said? White plastic spoon in arm pocket was for my Maypo.

Green Spot in Jakarta

As I recall our C-130 crew was fortunate to fly into Jakarta, Indonesia three times (1972). This was a favorite trip as we usually had better part of a day to explore the city via wild cab rides on the two day layover. Good restaurants and cool late evening outdoor Mongolian Barbecue complimented by beer and Mai Tai’s. Pictured is old wooden beverage cart featuring Green Spot … a non-carbonated orange soft drink from the 1930s now sold mainly in Asia. Business was good in the midday heat just south of the equator. The metal bottom of the cart was a literal “ice box” to keep the soda somewhat cold. A few patrons competing for a bit of shade on right of cart while smoke rising to left of cart from something on the grille.

T-33 in Borneo

A two-seated Lockheed T-33 USAF jet trainer. Known as the Shooting Star, this aircraft was first built in 1948 and used for advanced UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) until the early 60’s. Even in 1972 when picture was taken the plane was considered old, although I believe some are still in service today with private owners. Location of photo is at airbase in Kuching … a large city in Eastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo. A real mystery as to why a T-33 would be there at that time. Our C-130 crew spent the night in Kuching on our way to Jakarta … I vividly remember staying off base in town where we were a real curiosity to the locals. I kept expecting to see “The Wild Man From Borneo” for those who remember the character from one of the old “Little Rascal” episodes.

To market we go

When not drinking beer or smoking cigarettes we occasionally had to eat. Here is one of the many busy open air market places where the brave could go on a culinary adventure … 1971 unknown location. Actually did not buy much here at the market given our delicate Western stomachs … opting instead to buy Americanized stuff at the airbase exchange. Doubt there were any health inspectors in the vicinity, or care to speculate what the wet spot on the ground in the photo might be. Appears young boy on right side of photo couldn't decide which way he wanted the stripes to go :-)

Grandfather on bike

What appears to be a grandfather in Sunday finest suit chauffeuring grandson on a well-seasoned, single-speed bicycle … the vehicle of choice for most common folks who could not afford cars. Looks as though child is calling for a left turn; perhaps they are on the way to a birthday party with nicely wrapped present in front basket. Older wooden building in background in of need repair had typical clay tiled roof. About 1971 somewhere in Taiwan.

Young kid in Taiwan

Well here I am standing outside our rented house in Taichung, Taiwan sporting polyester of the early 70’s, skinny as can be, and pushing the limits of Air Force hair length. Our house was oddly across the street from a miniature golf course that no one ever used. A small rice patty in background seemed out of place in this mostly residential area. Construction was mainly plain, unattractive, two story concrete buildings … many were surrounded by high concrete walls with locked metal gates … first story windows barred. Needless to say theft was an issue here as we only spent about one week a month here when not flying in Vietnam. Hey dude, check out that wristwatch band.