David DePodesta, a 69-year-old veteran who lost sight in his right eye due to enemy shrapnel while serving with the Marines in Vietnam in 1969, was fortunate that he did pay attention to the list as it grew. I believe I have bladder cancer as a result of exposure to AO. Note: As many of you probably know many of the guys that were there with us are no longer with us. What a great touch to a horrible time!!!!! We spent many hours weekly on the permimeter road recovering M113 and M706 APC broken or mired in mud. Originally built by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII, it was rebuilt by the United States Air Force and used during the Vietnam War by both the USAF and the South Vietnamese Air Force. Charlie Hansen was a major when he was sent to navigate C-123s at Phan Rang Air Base in 1971. Nakhon Phanom was a front line base during the Secret War yet you dont mention it. 500 meters is measure from base perimeter fence. The GI that was in charge also got burned real bad and was sent to Clark AFB dont know if he ever lived or not!! Refine Your Search Vietnam Phan Rang Air Base 1969 stock footage and images - Showing 1 to 6 of 13247 results Sort by: (1) Sea of Japan (1) Seaoul Korea Kimpo Airfield (1) Seattle Washington USA (9) Senai New Guinea (2) Sendai Japan (1) Stationed at Ubon RTAFB Thaiand, early 70s during the Vietnam war. Please share. Thank you for your comment and your service. I worked the Hot Pad just above this ramp and loaded C-130s on 5060. I was billeted at a small camp near Udorn belonging to a pole linemen company. I always noticed that the ground between the interior and exterior fence line virtually had little if any vegetation. Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. My boots on the Ground on a recovery in country has no documentation as it was done under the cover of night to recover a aircraft that had an engine failure. My sons father is a Brewster but to young to been in Vietnam. My husband James Corwin Page was stationed there with the Idaho 116th engineer battalion somewhere between (1966-69). On the reverse is a map titled U.S. We were also not supplies with jungle clothing , ammo and proper medical supplies. Started at UTapao in73. I was at Phan Rang in 1966 1967. I was stationed at Utapao May 68 to Jan 69. Didnt happen. Air Force Special Service Division Recreation. I was stationed in namphong Thailand from 1973 to 1974 I was attached to the airwing and we supported the war from there. Thank you, I was stationed at Phan Rang AB, RVN 1966-67 as an Mobile Tower Air Traffic Controller. My father Joe Burch was at Phan Rang from June 1967 to May 1968. Any number of clues that you may have may trigger a better question or answer. Hmm still classified? I was stationed at Phan Rang AB Oct 67 to Oct 68. [13] The crew of the latter aircraft were not recovered during the war and were posted as missing in action; however the wreckage of their Canberra was finally located in April 2009 and their remains returned to Australia. I was TDY to Utapoa NKP Tahki 72-73. Any type of work other than my assigned AFAC. During my stay the C-123 aircraft that sprayed the base, landed and were located just a stones throw from our flight line. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Any duty on or very near the base perimeter might also qualify.Good luck and God Bless. we were within feet of the perimeter not yards, Was TDY in May of 72 to Takhli from Holloway AFB. Looking for maps, testimonies on verification of being spayed with Agent Orange, or any help possible to prove my case. I was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron that had AC-47D Spooky gunships at various bases, including Nha Trang and later Phan Rang. Ive been sick ever since, skin issues, Parkinson, 29 orthopedic surgeries almost every joint, gut issues etc Its been a good run, proud to have served with you Marines. (USAF photo, via B.E.S. Phan Rang AB Air Base, RVN On 26 January , 1969 a sapper, mortar, and rocket attack was launched against Phan Rang AB. I was also told if I get cancer I qualify anyone have any information please contact me. Maybe stole is too specific. Ha. If this statement were true, then AF soldiers who were on those planes would meet the boots on the ground test, which is the defining test for the Nehmer class members. Why did the Air Force deny for 50 plus years that we were sprayed. Im a granddaughter whos grandfather served in a recon unit in Udorn, Thailand in 1961. Iwas stationed in Udorn 67-68,diagnosed with blood cancer, July 2021, doctor says could be caused by exposure to Agent Orange, looking for best way to file a claim, any suggestions? He never talked much about his time there but my mom remembers him telling her he was never more scared in his life than when he was stationed at Udorn. I live in Bangkok and would like to meet a Vietnam Vet for a conversation. I was sent to Tan Son Nhut Air Base to work on RF-4C and RB-57s. 135. have filed for AO exposure. Many of the comments Ive read here are extremely disturbing. One of the men started to run the best he could toward herhe was her fiance she had waited 6 years for!!!! Agent Orange was used May 1970. I was tdy all over Thailand, I dont have any pictures or anything that I can provide evidence of AO, I cant even remember the camp name. Not sure if agent orange services in water. I was in the 48th AML (10 Avn Div., helicopters) which was attached to the 101st. we have H.R. Was lucky. I was very fortunate to serve with a great bunch of guys in mms. I am servic connected from a non combat injury. Any help will be appreciated. But, NOTHING WAS EVER PLANTED ON THAT OPEN FIELD FROM 11/1968 TO 11/1969!!!!! Does anyone know or remember how clean the camp was from weeds.} I was in the 1131 SAS, Det 10 (MACV) but visited most of the RVNAF controlled air bases including PRG (Happy Valley, I remember the sign.) Yes they would send you to Vietnam on Christmas. The VA asked for a buddy letter to prove my assignment. Ive been trying to research what army inf units were in thailand at that time and where they were stationed. Due to an injury, was later assigned to Civic Action as an adult English instructor with Phan Rang citizens. Most of hi records were blacked out. My father SMSGT Gene Rocheleau was stationed at Korat AFB from June 1967 to April 1968. He passed away on 08/06/2020. 75 from perimeter fence and required to sleep to be in shape to work 7 days/week.. If so, any luck? A few of the first names I remember are, TEX, stephen, and burt , and denis . Thank everyone for your service. sp 4 Army stationed at Camp Friendship (Korat) 1967. My Dad is a Vietnam Vet, he didnt see action, however he spent lots of time with the wounded while he was in the hospital ill. Walt, your father or even you should consider joining our Phan Rang AB FB group and he might even be able to reconnect with some old friends and we also have an annual reunion. I didnt know what it was back then. 877-222-8387, TDD (Hearing Impaired) Stationed in 31st Field Hospital Korat 65-66. The location of the dwellings were 30 to 60 feet from the perimeter where all brush and greenery had been spayed with agent orange. I applied for AO service connection, but was denied because I was not stationed on the perimeter of the bases. I was in Phase inspection in the 614th squadron. Years ago I enrolled in the Pennsylvania vets agent orange program (I assumed there was no exposure in Thailand but was TDY with the 366th MMS in Da Nang for a short period in 70, but again, I dont believe I had exposure to AO in that setting either). Served 809th Eng Bn, 16th Domp Truck comp, NAkon Phanom (NKP) 1969 -1970). Served in utapao in 1966. This lack of concern and out right lies by the Gov. I served at Ubon RTAFB 1969-1970. One source of help is the Facebook group Agent Orange in Thailand. Served at Ubon Aug. 1971 to Aug. 1972 and Korat Jan. 1973 to June, 1973. Can I use this blog as apiece of evidence to support his claim? 120th TFS F-100 Phan Rang Air Base 1968.jpg 746 503; 82 KB. I have a claim in for agent orange exposure. I have heart disease and Parkinsons. fibromyalgia, heart decease quadruple bypass Would like to correspond with anyone that was there during that time period. there was a sattahip underwater cable that was blown up during my year there and all communications from that were rerouted thru warin ics. Never a smoker! Thanks. Other branches of the U.S. military also made their way to Thailand, which the map indicates. Please note that there are various VA Websites that discuss the numerous side effects of being exposed to Agent Orang, one of which is: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp. Just to name a few.VA denied me twice plus two appeals. Afghanistan Hat Pins; Air Force; Air Force 2022 Phan Rang Reunion Products; Air Force Caps; Air Force Patches; Air Force Pins . The VA has turned down my claim now three times. The Phan Rang Air Base collection is part of our User Contributed I was a weapons mechanic working on the 20MM cannon on the F-105,F-4C,F-4D,F-4E and a little on the AC-130 gunship. I Visited sites at Khon Kaen, Korat and Bangkok. Stationed at Udorn 11/68 thru 11/69 432MMS. I am a Vietnam vet 68-69 and asking for a friend of mine who was in Udorn from 71-72. he was in Vietnam for one week in Bien Hoa at the end of April 71 and he is looking for anyone who may have possibly been there as well. He was denied for the cancer drugs he needed. I was first denied by the VA, but quickly GRANTED a VA Disability when the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation required a higher level review. 15 January 1968 If you have any, I would love to see them. There may be, I just havent heard of any. The long story was that airfield became operational on March 15, 1966. Flying backseater in an F4D he became Missing-InAction & has not been recovered for slightly over 48 years. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. went up Route 1, heloed to the mountains as a door gunner, worked on the sue16, loaded the bombs, etc. Marines were secuity for the 9th marines out of danang and those that left from okinawa. Served at Korat RTAFB from late January 68 til 17 November 68 . My primary posts were: The MARS hill (it was devoid of any high grass for about 30 to 50 yards down from the fence line. We further reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to George Air Force Base, California; Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, 1997 "CHUCK" YEAGER Retired March 1, 1975 . 1996-67, I think. My next to last post was the Fuel Depot on the far side of the base. I was stationed at udon Royal Thai airbase from September 1975 to February 1976. He was denied. To Lidia Seitz #300. My last post was at the CIA ramp guarding barrel and a C-123. Hi Bob, I also was part of that deployment and was a 462 (bomb loader) at the time. Through 1975 and Stationed at Ramasun Station I continued to monitor the Khmer Rouge and the Slaughter of innocence.The Genocide.From Ramasun we continued to monitor the events that happened, the Fall of Saigon and the Mayaguez incident. He now has memory problems. I was a t-28 crew chief at udorn 1967-1968.I spent several months in civilian dress & ID at Vientiane Laos supporting missions over Ho Chi Minh trail.If anyone that was there is still around,I would like to speak with them. It was under construction and began use shortly thereafter. We were housed in the old Army compound, Camp Friendship where they used Chemicals to eliminate all the weeds around the Hooches and perimeter. I worked at the AGE shop. I know of no four sappers ever being killed by a augmentee. Please share. USAF 35th Air Police Squadron, Phan Rang, Vietnam TDY to the 3rd APS at Bin Ha Airfield (end of January 1968 - mid March 1968) During the month of February, 1968 North Vietnamese Army regulars aided by 'irregulars' (Viet Cong) attempted to take over or destroy the Air Base at Bin Halocated in the II he came hone, and finally retired after 28 years, in 1979. 6 long. During my time there I was an aircraft electrician on the F-105 and EB-66. I served 30 days as an Air Police Augmentee. He was fighting with the VA about he could not prove he left the base while performing his duties. I finally caught up with our Rosegarden group about a year ago and attended my first reunion in May of 2022. The other manned by Mike Herbert and Bob Carver on 3 Nov 1970 disappeared without trace and were not recovered for 39 years in 2009 and their remains were returned to be buried in their home towns. SSG E6, NCOIC KHON KAEN. I am fully disabled now to due my back injuries. from mid 69 to mid 70 worked in the base photo lab doing recon photo . My best friend was Robert Bob Cook who worked in the Instruments Shop. My above comment forgot to mention my unit was with the 56th Field Maintenance Squadron (OPERATION RANCH HAND) NKP. We had to work with the thai police who carried weapons and we could not. The Environmental Impact of Agent Orange hot SPOTS At least two-thirds of the so-called "Rainbow herbicides" used during the war, a total of 20 million gallons, contained the Dioxin-contaminated phenoxy herbicide 2,4,5-T. I was stationed at RTAFB Nam Phong from June or July, 1972-April 1973. Then again in 74 75 for 8 months at Utapao for the cambodian air lift.I joined the navy in 76 and started having sever head aches that resulted in nerological problems.Brain damage. The majority of the fuel can from Bangkok in 3170 gallon trucks. We were taken by a truck. We (expeditionary elements of Task Force Delta) had NOTHING when we arrived there in the spring of 72..no food (other than C-Rats) and no sleeping quarters other than our sea bags to prop up up against in one of the four wooden structures along the aircraft parking apron. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was used to defoliate the thick jungle in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone. If you were stationed at Takhli or Korat, you were exposed to agent orange. Includes excellent aerial views of the base via helicopter. I am 75 years old and not sure how much time I have left. If anyone has any information regarding this it would be greatly appreciated. Phan Rang Air Base By Maj. Donald A. Haas, Corps of Engineers, United States Army One of the main American operational air bases in Vietnam is at Phan Rang. Does anyone have any information on a Joseph Burton or a Charles Edward Drumm?? After the initial four months, I responded to numerous if Sac alerts throughout the year. Of course you would have trouble finding that information in the physicians reports submitted to Congress on A O since that paragraph was stricken by CONGRESS from the report. I was stationed at Korat from Jan 1975 to June 1975. President, I have been compensated for the COPD, but the VA has denied my AO claim stating I must prove Boots on the ground in Vietnam as no AO claims for Thailand. My Cavalry Squadron, 2-1 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armd Div, was moved from the Central Highlands, Pleiku, 4th Infantry Division, to Ninh Thuan Province, in Feb/Mar 1969, to provide security for Engineer Work Parties to open up Highway 1 & repair the highway, rebuild bridges and repair the rail line, from Phan Rang AB, to Siagon, so that supply convoys could move from Phan Rang AB to Siagon. Regardless no records indicated that was attached to the security forces. The whole camp was defoliated to build the camp. I did have Prostate Cancer, thinking to apply to VA again, but was too busy, that 20% got me free medical care, took my prostate out, too large for radiation, as well as all the above, so prostate was cut out, and other trips to the ER, here and elsewhere, always went back to my VA PCP at VA McClellan Park, and she set me up for followup appointments for PT, GI, etc. On March 8, 1966, the 315th ACW, TC was organized and stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. Project Hornet. Id like to know if I qualify to be a voting member of the VFW Salute, Great blog and great info. September 24, 2019 at 10:58 pm Servidor del sitio web? Id like to know more details if possible. 2. collections that include Unit He worked as supply clerk for 809th infantry division, a construction detachment. The set, however,has a significant limitation: It was printed in 1960 and thus predates the arrival of most American military personnel to Thailand. I was stationed at Clark AB for 2 years and was there at the end of the conflict (we called it a WAR) and as a switchboard operator had the priviledge of helping the POWs call home!!! Phan Rang Air Base, 1965-1970 militaryvideocom 40.7K subscribers 52K views 15 years ago Like This Movie Trailer? did anyone ever go to Green Hill Site in Thailand. I was in the 417TFS. My husband also worked in Korat for about 9 months. Im asking for help in this matter. I was an F-4D crew chief at Union RTAFB from 1972-1973. I was in the 35th SPS from Sleeping on the old army cots with air mattresses was not comfortable. When I asked my local VA about this they said they knew noting about it and would not test me for exposure. long live the memories of the forgoten. I know we were exposed to Agent Orange several times. Iv been trying to get VA benefits for myself since my husband has passed away 2 1/2 years go.VA has repeatedly denied me. The set is held by the Geography and Map Division butdoes not appear in thelibrarys onlinecatalog a not so uncommon reality given the scope of the divisions some 5.5 million items. 3. your physician can state your illnesses, like chf, diabetes, PTSD, tinnitus, any of the presumptive illnesses on the VA forms or in a letter. Are there any records from there? Stationed at Udorn 11/69 9/70. This site brings back a lot of memories. This pic is looking from the north to south. It wasnt a us base then. He worked as a computer repairman for a large computer which he has said for many years was within feet of the boundary. I imagine my father, Maj/LtCol Paul Lindsay Smith flew in and out of that base. Your military records show which contracted airlines took you there and return. There is no record of my TDY. Someone with more rank and better pay than me always seemed to say the paper work was filed. I worked in the ECM shop. without consent. Waiting to hear outcome of his claim. Returned on a 30-year non-disclosure for witness to Genocide. Now and then a troop who been at Phan Rang more than two or three months would hear his wife or girl friend start crying. bang pla thailand. I would be happy to help you with that. The VA report turned me down because According to the report, just because you stopped by to get gas, it doesnt mean boots on the ground. I think some of the reviewers like to insult and degrade people even though they are seen as ignorant by people who were there and actually served. info on my precise site and barracks locations? I was stationed in Northeast Thailand from July 69 to July 70 as a USAFSS Ditty Bopper detached to the U.S. Armys 7th RRFS, at Ramasun Station, north of Udorn RTAFB. I was TDY with a squadron of F-105s to Korat Thailand from McConnell AFB which the 355TFW was stationed in Wichita Kansas, around the FY64-65 time frame. I the Va has told me they cna find no records of my assignment to security as a Agumentee Im diabetic have neuropathy stomach issues and severe hearing loss va has given me 30% but denied my exposure to AO as they claim i was a Photographer. I was a crew chief on EB 66 ECM aircraft. I remember the Klong with its sickening smell. Donald Raymond Sandve? My husband served with the USAF from November 1966-October 1967 and was stationed at Takhli. He was a USAF pilot but served as Ops Officer there. My dad, Chuck Preus, was there in 1965-66. Charlie has so many of the same issues. I want to be independent. Simply google namphong.com and take a stroll down memory lane. I have to prove that he was exposed to Agent Orange and Im not sure how to go about doing that. I am at this site because I believe his cancer may have been caused by agent orange and need to know how to proceed. Am I eligible for VA benefits? The content of all comments is released into the public domain unless clearly stated otherwise. VA wants to deny my claim of exposure to Agent Orange present there and my exposure being the cause of this disease and disability. I remember that the bone yard was next to a fence and possibly dead jungle foliage.Its been a long time since that time and age has made the memory a little foggy. They paid the locals to keep their fields low. also in Thai Land for LINEBACKER II.during that time frame for the Year. Information on the sheets is in both English and Thai. Then again in 74 75 for 8 months at Utapao for the cambodian air lift.I joined the navy in 76 and started having sever head aches that resulted in nerological problems and brain damage. She referred me to see a Neurologist (Nerve Specialist) the following day and, she too knew what I had, even going so far to order laboratory tests and a CT Scanall coming back positive as being Parkinsons Disease. Required fields are indicated with an * asterisk. I ask to get out and the only MOS was vehicle maint. Not so Silent Partner: Thailands Role in Covert Operations . Sgt. Needless to say everyone who was asleep that day was outside on the deck before the fragments started to fall. The base was surrounded by jungle. Air America supported us with aircraft and civilian pilots on our classified mission. Any number of clues that you may have may trigger a better question or answer. We could be more helpful to your search if you could provide us more information, such as; 4.The VA doctor then has to look at all these illnesses at the C&P meeting or have other doctors look at you too. Hope to hear from you. Stationed at Korat and Sattahip 68-69 with 697th Engineers. And yet no mention of any submarines in the War Zone despite sailors having been awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze star. Crew Chief on F-4. Once little more than a provincial airfield, the base expanded to 2350 acres (95 1 hectares) with two 10.000 ft (3048 m) asphalt runways with concrete touchdown pads, parallel taxiways, and a heliport. warin thailand east of the ubon air base. I also was at utapao on tdys in 66 67 68 as ground crew aboard k.c. Im sure there are more than 100 people with problems the VA wont respond to. He is dearly missed. Korat Sept 72 to March 73 working on the Wild Weasels. In case i need to do a subsequent reconsideration. Our rear area base camp was located at Phang Rang. I went through the DAV and they were exceptionally good at helping me get what I deserve. Besides reuniting with old friends and making new ones, our goal is to preserve the stories of our Phan Rang brothers. Looking for anyone who may have served with Jackie Cash USAF, Mechanic Crew Chief 1965-1966 loading and unloading barrels of agent orange and flying spraying missions over nam. The DVA has been tone deaf because I wasnt an SP or CE. Stationed at Korat RTAFB from 1974 1976. Va working on claim currently on appeal. Picked up all supplies for our site this included drums of chemicals usually leaking. Over the years I became Diabetic, have issues with my thyroid, heart. job and believed that, my country and the military would would be I have filed with the VAMC, had an interview, and was told my squamous cell carcinoma was not on the list. First trip to SE Asia was Oct/Nov 1968 in the Coast Guards EC130E CGNR 1414 to survey and monitor LORAN signals transmitted from various USCG sites in Thailand and Vietnam. and Good luck! One in the Marines and one a Navy medic. This is the first I have heard about possible AO exposure in Thailand for some who served there, depending on their MOS / AFSC, or requirements to work perimeters. In response to veterans and their families suffering fromthe effects of Agent Orange, the U.S. government makes a presumption of exposure forthosewho served on land in Vietnam for the purpose of filing a claim with the Veterans Administration. I flew two Spotter missions with USAF O1E pilot Lt. Rainey, flying through the mountain valleys looking for Viet Cong. 8mm movie footage shot by Air Controller Jerry Libes at Phan Rang Air Base in 1971. I was there from ,DEC.72 thru SEPT. 73 . May 11, 2017. VA denied my DIC claim (no boot on the Vietnam land and no evidence of herbicides during duties). I have had bladder cancer. I dont think we ever cleared customs etc. I was turned down for the agent orange list. Stationed at Ubon RTAFB 69/70 ECM repairman was there during the Jan 1970 sapper attackI have developed Ischemic Heart trouble, High Blood Pressure and CLL Leukemia ..have been denied AO claim filled a supplemental claim after the PACT Act Passed into law.just waiting now. Then again Nov 1972-Nov 1973. WelcomeHome. Havent had any currently recognized AO related ailments. There are numerous facebook groups that can help with the dna results and matching. Antenna (Referred to as The Elephant Cage due to its enormous size and thousands of yards around it were emmaculately kept free of any & all vegetation by I suspect was Agent Orange liberal applications from rotar and fixed wing aircraft since sabotage was a constant threat. The proof of my services there was the passport the US Army issued me for that mission. Why dont all the comments show up here? Also in June, Commando Sabre (Misty) was activated using F-100F aircraft as the first Fast FACs over North Vietnam. Reassigned to Korat 02 Oct 1975 till the U.S Even cancelled my C & P appt. My husband (Arthur Maier) and I worked for Philco Ford in Bangkok, Thailand from 1967 to 1969. He was at Pearl Harbor, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. Fowler was our NCOIC. Looking at an agent orange map I See the drift area cover most of the living area. My dad. Worked on the flight line as a Crew Chief on EB-66s tail# 424 We are attempting to research the flight routes taken by Air Force personnel who were stationed at Udorn AFB in the Vietnam War (1968-1972).