Hours and hours of boredom, punctuated by seconds of sheer panic, ( A phrase I heard at Goodfellow, proven out). Remembering days on the beach at Cam Rahn in the winter when it was nice and warm with a cool bottle of Mateus wine enjoying a day off during the Viet Nam conflict, with those occasional runs over to Khorat to see the sights and take a break, while working with the best guys in the USAF!.

I was in the 6987th after going through MAFAC 1 and MAFAC 2....spent some time at Ft. Ord Hospital so got to restart. Have heard from a few guys over the years. Would love to hear from more.

I am listed at another entry but the email address has changed from djolly@gerbertechnology.com to deljolly@flash.net

Glad to be out, but wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Spent all my time at Yokota but went down to SEA (Monkey Mountain) a few times as punishment. Most memorable incident of mine was running 3AD Commander off the road at Misawa. Spent a year there in 1962. You guys have probably seen my statue.

My stint in the USAFSS was four of the best years of my life. I was privileged to live in Monterey, then San Angelo, then Maryland, and finally, NKP and Ramasun. And all of us know, first-hand, exactly how the military intelligence community operates. Or doesn't operate. I recognize some names on the list - hi, folks!

I was a 202 assigned to the 6924th OLAA monkey mountain as a Iron Horse operator and voice comminication link with the Apple, Comfy Gator and the Olympic Torch. After Vietnam I went to NKP and work S&W for the Olympic Torch and Comfy Gator. It's nice to have a web site to remember and see name I vaguely remembered.

It was an exhilerating but a sad time. I flew over 40 missions while at Kadena, and then our orders were curtailed so that the Air Force could send us for one year (our last year) to NKP, Thailand.

Wyco...I forgot to mention earlier I was a 203MD, former Combat Apple backender, also numerous TDY's to Cam Ranh. I was in Baker Flight at Kadena. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me. Anyone remember the name of the Tsgt that walked the floor at Torii Station smoking cigars all the time. I think his first name was Dan.

It was great to come across your site today. I haven't heard from anyone in almost 30 years. I didn't know any sites existed pertaining to the old 6990th. I will visit often to see what's up. Thanks for the memories (as foggy as they may be).

I hated Okinawa (except for the scuba diving & archery range) but really enjoyed NKP and would not mind revisiting someday.

Great site! Always wondered when someone would build a site like this. I remember our work with great pride. I also remember the fine group of individuals I served with starting at DLIWC, to Goodfellow, Homestead, Fairchild, Travis, Clark and then to NKP. Thanks for your work on the site, and for rewiring some old, frayed memories.

Hey Wyco, please list me as having been with both the 6990th and the 6908th...thanks.

Can't believe it has been almost 30 years!

My brother, Bob, was with the 6990th Security Squadron in Nam. I was a Marine with Bravo Btty. 1/11 1st Marine Div. March-68 April-69. He tried to explain to me just what it was you "wing walkers" did over there in that crap hole and for the most part it sounded rough. Us grunts appreciated you guys keeping a eye on us. Bob and I have some really fun talks about who had it the worst. He tells me stories about hot chow, your own bunk... what is up with that? All I remember is C-rats and a lot of mud. Keep up the good work on your site, I'll pass the word. Bob's e-mail is ram2474@columbus.rr.com. He will have shit fit when he finds out I gave it to you. If you got time check out a "man's" web site : www.sgtgrit.com. Hit the Marine Bullshit Page link and then the 1st Marine Div. There is a pic of myself and my old gun unit. Take care. Semper Fi Brother. Welcome Home. (Sgt) Tom Missus

Hi Steve: Please note my new email address. I see the website is coming along just fine. I think the need for photos and more photos will be a constant request. I marked my 26th year with Huntington National Bank (Columbus, Ohio). It's amazing to think that late next year I turn 55 and am eligible for early retirement. Can't think that way. Much too young at heart and spirit. Hope your well. Keep up the good job. Bob Missus

6924th, 4/66 - 4/68. 6990th 75-78. That's it for the S.E.A. experience..

Did a short tour in Oki in 71-73, then off to Tarbox for a year. Went to Osan for 5 months, then to Shulinkou for 3 years. Back to Kadena for 6+ years 77-84, then off to San Antonio, Panama, and back to San Antonio to finish up 26 years in USAFSS/ESC/AIA. Decided to take a left at the Y in the road and retired in Udorn Thailand in 1996 with my wife who I married in 1973. Life is good in Udorn, if it's meant for you. Despite being 100000 miles away, I still run into folks who I worked with 20+ years ago.....they're in search of a golden Singha. Boneman

Want to hear from those that USAFSS let get away.

After nearly 30 years, I suppose our lust for nostalgia is overtaking us in middle-age. Have re-established contacts with friends with whom I was sure I would never lose contact. El Paso, Goodfellow, Kadena and NKP seem like such distant places now...but talking with Terry Iverson and Mike Olsen make the memories as distinct as if I lived them yesterday. The truly frustrating aspect of this site is that more people have not yet found it. Would love to talk with Paul Ferris and Tom bernard. WORMS is an acronym I haven't recalled for a very long time. I found myself attending college in Omaha, NE after my discharge, playing guitar and singing in a restuarant bar called the Golden Apple (can't seem to avoid apples, combat or otherwise) part-time to supplement the VA educational benefits. One night Col. Throckmorton walks in with his wife )stationed no doubt at Offutt AFB, HQ of SAC) and waits int he bar for his table. I begin to sing Graham Nash's "Military Madness", dedicating it to the fighting men of the 6990th! He calmly pays his check and he and his wife leave without eating. I was disappointed that we never had the chance to reminisce! Great site, Wyco! We should do lunch again soon!

Combat Apple - 71 Missions Chinese Linguist

Did TDY time in Cam Ranh while stationed at 6990th. 1972 went to Nakhon Phanom for a year. Vietnam was hot dusty I flew at night loved the days in the sun. I was there the night V.C. blew up the ammo dump. Herky Hill left standing.

Did TDY time in Cam Ranh while stationed at 6990th. 1972 went to Nakhon Phanom for a year. Vietnam was hot dusty I flew at night loved the days in the sun. I was there the night V.C. blew up the ammo dump. Herky Hill left standing.

Anyone from DaNang 67-68, Taiwan 68-69, Okinawa: would like to hear from you.

GOT TO DANANG IN LATE '66 AND LEFT IN JAN 68. WORKED IN VP(VOICE PROCESSING). WE PROCESSED THE TAKE FROM THE SILVER DAWN, COMMANDO LANCE MISSIONS THAT WOULD DROP THEIR STUFF WITH US ALMOST DAILY. TRANSCRIPTION WAS MY BAG AS A CHINESE 203. WAS A GOOD MISSION, HOT AND HEAVY. WORKED WITH A BUNCH OF GOOD PEOPLE. FIRST OF ALL, NORM PARLOW, BILLY DANIELS, RON DAVEY, OL'SPICKERMAN, AND MANY OTHERS. DANANG'S FIRST ROCKET ATTACK (140MM) CAME 28 FEB 67, 15 MAR 67, AND THE BIGGIE ON 15 JULY. HOPE YOU ALL REMEMBER. AS I SAID, IT WAS A GOOD MISSION. WE DID A GOOD JOB, AT LEAST I THINK SO ANYWAY. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL.

Served at NKP just long enough to close it down and move to Ramasun Station as the 6924th. Closed that one down too. That's how I spent my first year or two in USAFSS, opening and closing bases. Also managed to make CAT III in there somewhere.

It was different in that we were in the business of saving lives more than taking them.

Nice to check out your site. I was a 20371-4 (Vietnamese). Started out with the 6925th Det 2 (Da Nang AFB and Monkey Mountain)in 1965. Later, we changed into the 6924th. Won the Presidential Unit Citation. Ended up at "Main Base" in Da Nang from late '66 to '67. We had some wild and crazy times at both locations. I still remember the night in '67 that the V.C. dropped a rocket into the 500 pound bomb dump down the street and blew up EVERYTHING.

Hi everyone, am here with Don May & family who is visiting from Maine. Give a shout!

I was A 306 at 6950 SG RAF Chicksands, Just stoped by to say hi and look at guest book.

I was a 202 working at Danang AFB and Tansonnhut AFB. At Saigon I worked with the Army's Radio Research Group.

Some thoughts upon leaving Da Nang, 1969 Good-bye Heart-friends, bloodied-brothers;all gone to inhabit the sweet valleys & soft meadows of Death. Now at last you all possess that peace for which free men all yearn. As we gaze upon the vast sea, where we fought, or behold in awe the immense heavens, from which we fell, or survey the spreading blessing of the earth, where we warred, ---even as WE: sailors, airmen, soldiers, warriors fall--- we pray that our last sacrifice will enlighten others; we pray for them to treat all other men just as they, themselves want to be treated: Leave us freedom Leave us peace Leave us righteousness Leave us LIFE!! ( & please, dear God, no more war!! )

M20351-2 (Chinese) IFEL Yale 1955. First posting to Det. 2 6922nd RGM on "The Rock", Pyaeng Yong Do, Korea. Later volunteered for the 6053rd Radio Flight Mobile out of Kimpo, flying in the back of C-47s older than I was. Discharged from Ft. Meade, returned to college (Michigan) got an AB and a JD, went back to Yale as an instructor for a couple of months, and was snagged by the CIA recruiter. Spent 25 years with them, about half overseas. Retired 1989, worked for TWA in London for almost 4 years. Now happily retired, still showing off in the (awful)local Chinese restaurants.

Brings back a lot of memories, good and bad.

I miss flying in the "Side-winder", Tail #139.

I've got more place pictures from Oshkosh if needed.

I'm happy that my good friend Russ Metz (entry # 203) told me about this site. It's truly amazing how after 30 years the details of this significant time in my life are still so vivid. I am very interested in hearing from anyone who was at Kadena from 1967 to 1969, especially if they recognize my name. Thanks for the opportunity to find old friends!

Another note: anyone also serve in the 6916th at Rhein Mein? This is such a great idea; we should probably have a similar site. John Greene xibec@hotmail.com

Man, I feel so good just clicking on here for the first time. I did not serve in VietNam, but volunteered to go in 1966 when I was stationed at the 6916th Security Squadron out of Rhein Main. We flew missions in the Baltic, Black Sea and off the Caspian into Teheran. They took some guys out of the Alaska detachment. Studied Russian at Syracuse. Looking back, the guys in the USAFSS were the greatest bunch of guys I've had the pleasure of working with and knowing in my life. Best of luck to all of you.

I was a chiling with "Bluesky" - I believe the first EC-47 platform out of Kimpo Korea. It was the 6053 RFM, Det. #2 of the 6922 RGM at Osan, Korea. I spent six months on PY-DO- then flew from Oct 56- Apr 58 before returning to NSA. I read the PWGers site daily. I would like to see this site expanded to get "old-timers" like me listed- and fill in the glossary because the terminology has changed so much since 1954 we have no clue what your labels mean. I will check back. Thanks for the site and the effort. RCD

Thank you for allowing me to contact people I knew overseas. Though our job seemed innocent still it is not one that can be shared adequately with others who didn't chitao. It has been many years yet much of what I felt then my body remembers.

I was a Chinese 203. Went to Yale 64-65. Spent a year and a half on Ona Point, Okinawa, then to Monkey Mt. outside of Danang. Left Vietnam in 10/67, just before Tet. I remember seeing Danang Airbase getting rocketed as we watched from atop Monkey Mt.I have fond memories of my time as a 203. I enjoyed the work and the people I met. I've suggested to both my daughters that they consider a stint in the military but they wouldn't be caught dead in it. Well, to each his/her own. C'est la vie, c'est la guerre.I'd love to hear from anyone else that I knew then. I'll pass the word on the site. I've often wished that such a web site was available. My thanks to Paul Tuiller who told me about it.

Vietnamese Language Class 6N-71 (El Paso, Mar-Nov 71) is attempting to contact all former class members, possibly for a 30-year reunion. We have reached about half so far, including some of the Army section. If anyone can help, please email any information you might have. To see the list of members we are still searching for, visit our class website at http://www.geocities.com/class6n on the "Seeking" page. We have placed password protection on the "Class Roster" page that contains addresses and phone numbers. If any of you want to view that page, send me an email. Thanks. Rick Francona http://www.francona.com

If I calculated this right, I am visitor #203 to a site for 203's. The number 203 keeps coming up at various points in my life, not the least of which was as a 203-2 from April 1967 at Yokota to April 1969 at Kadena, with TDY's to Korat, Danang and Clark thrown in for good measure. In retrospect, it was a wonderful time. Unfortunately, at the time I didn't appreciate just how unique an experience it would turn out to be. But that's life, isn't it? I still maintain some contact with a few 203's from way back then: Greg Spiritosanto, Doug Gabosch and Worth "Buz" Busbee, so I'll let them know about this site. I think it's a great idea and I applaud the originator of it. One last thing before I sign off for today: a couple of months ago I was flying over Danang and into the Gulf. The sky and the clouds still look the same. It was all very familiar. Some things you never forget.

Being a 203 is like belonging to a special fraternity of guys thrown together from every part of the United States and being trained to speak that needed language, then put into the field to perform whatever function was necessary. My glass of 5N graduated two 203's that went to Vietnam. We graduated a bunch of others that went to Ram Sun, Thailand, NKP,Thailand, Okinawa, and parts in-between. For those of you not on this list, like Argo, Noggle, Bowser, and the like, let's hear from you have these twenty-five plus years. Our experiences from Casual after Basic, Language School, Fort Meade, MD, and SEA are experiences to be shared.

Those days seem to have left quite an impression on a lot of people. We don't like to think of it, and at the same time never want to forget. DLIEC in 1973 for MD, then off to Goodfellow and survival schools. 6908th at NKP 6/74 to 9/75. Back to DLIWC for MA and back to Goodfellow again! Then to 6944th Offutt 11/76 till hung it up in 7/78. Lots of fond memories, and some scarry ones too being young and wet behind the ears. The RC's keep some of the memories alive as they fly around the area each day still going strong! They still play a lot of Crash and Dash! Gee, 20+ years already, where has the time gone? Have lost track of everyone. Guess I got off into my own world and didn't give much thought to any of it. The documentaries of the Fall of Saigon and the Mayaguez Affair that have aired recently must have touched a nerve somewhere...

I check the new listings very frequently, and since no one else wanted to be the number 200 entry over the weekend, I decided I would take it. Great site and I've been hearing from lots of old friends.

Korean War, Served in 15th RSM (Later 29th)1951 to 1953. Based on Yontan AB above Red Beach. 15 mile from Kadena. Primarily DF but startted as Intcep OP Not sure if this is the right place. Below us, back then, on the lower ridge, was the Army (ASA) They copied us for a month believing it was a Russian Net. Lots of laughs. Hope there are still some around from the old days

Mel Saltz (formerly of the 6994th) told me about this web site. I was an Intell Analyst & briefing officer (AFSC = E 8054) with 7AF (at Tan Son Nhut) and 7/13AF (at Udorn) from 1965-66. Had the honor of working with members of the 6499th, the ASA unit stationed near Udorn, NSA "representatives" in Saigon & Bangkok, CAS/Air America officials in Udorn and Vientiane, and US Embassy officials & the Air Attache office in Vientiane. It was a fascinating time which led to some very interesting experiences. Unfortunately, the latter also included the July 29, 1966 shootdown (by a MiG-21 near the border of Laos & NVN) of the EC-47 based at Udorn known as "Dogpatch 2." Until that time, it was the largest (8 deaths which initially were listed as "MIA") air loss of the war. My partner, 1LT (later promoted to LTC) Vincent A. Chiarello, was aboard that flight as an observer. I have had several articles published about that incident. I would be pleased to add one or two of those newspaper articles to this web site if there is interest. I also would be most interested in hearing from anyone who served in the field of intelligence and who was stationed at TSN, Udorn or NKP (Thailand) during 1965-67. Thank you! -- Ira Cooperman

Cool site, guys. When's the next WORMS party?

It wasn't a very well thought out war, but the friendships formed by our common experiences will always be special and well thought out.

X-203-dash one,sent to RVN to find anything interesting up north.Arr DaNang JA67,bitterly cold & rainy,came in on C130 fm CamRanhBay,around 2300. seems like we were herded in like cattle,to some kind of big tent. Got assigned to a half-tent/half-hootch which we had to wade out to,& settle in for the duration: hard to string up mosquitonetting in the dark. Do you remember your first look at the mess-hall -no, mess-tent in RVN? & how to make your mess kit work? We finally got the barracks(the brass actually called then dorms)built,& we all moved south. a real MessHall was built, but the night before it was to open, there was a katyusha attack, which blew up an F4 & dropped it through the roof of our beautiful MessHall. We didn't know where to report for awhile,seems everyone thot we were Air Police, but we finally found the squadron.Took the bus out for our shifts, & made do. Those of us who were armed w MC88s usually had to wait for the "Commandos" to land with their "Lances",& then it got very busy! Those must have been the busuist days of my life; even with rocket-attacks it was easy to sleep. The days went on & on. Walked over to the PX near town a lot, got haircuts from th Mama Sans there,& bought two seikos there before I figured out not to take my hands out ofmy pockets in the presence of street-urchins.Those kids could run real fast!One time I took the bus to the PX,& didn't get of in tim, & ended up "down town" in DaNang! I had civvies on, with an Air force ID card, & was sure I'd be taken for some kind of spy, & imprisoned,at best. But it all turned out well, as I got off the bus at the YMCA, went in & had a burger & a"coka".Had a scheme all figured out by thetime the bus came back, & I spent a lot of time in town after that:Young, Dumb & Full of Fun I was, never realizing the dangers. Went into a colorful-looking bar on the corner one block from the USAID/COORDS building, never forget it was the PhuongR HoangF, but they didn't use the same spelling, exactly. First timee I'd seen B-girls in real life. They swarmed me! Sat me down & had me buy each of them "Saigon Tea".They brought rice & stuffed crab, & entertained me for quite a few hours, for about 500-"P", always asking regularly, "Are you horney?". I wasn't. A few months later this bar was the hangout of quite a few GIs,due to the fact that one of the Dash-4s had a friend connected with the American Consulate in DaNang, & had connections we could use to get ourselves employed by the State Dept as SafeHand couriers in & among the facilities & Army, Navy,Marine & AirForce facilities dountown.Besides the bennies, it paid in Green.So the select few of us had our 'JOB' on site, & also worked the days we could as "civilians". I still have my permission papers signed by Maj Ardissana & Gen Westmoreland. "Working downtown" had other advantages also; some of us were asked to work as English teachers at the Phan Trau Trinh high school, teaching VietNamese & Chinese residents.This "job" was cool 'cause we'd get to meet real people, & even get invited into their homes. Real VietNamese food, real native drinks, & real dysentery. Took us awhile to learn ro always have a BaMuiBa with local food: the formaldehyde in the beer would kill the "little nasties". Well, it could turn into a book, & if I could learn how to get back in to my notes after I log off, I'll add more.I was a lucky guy,& I appreciate all the guys with whom I served. I'll try to remember names, & C U L.I HELPED TRAIN FIGHTER PILOTS,1967

Neat to see another sight for us ole Crypto guyzngals me a 202 at Meade (6970th) for standard hitch at NSA A816 with big Bennie and Mary during 1972's then to Clark (6922)until spring. What do 1974. What do I miss most about those years can be summed up in four words.....My pals my job. Hey, I could have said....the women and my pals. ha Anyhoooo best to all from this ole USAFSSman. God bless...c ya!

RUSSIAN LINGUIST 60-68,DA NANG 66-67,INT IN KNOWING WHAT AWARDS & COMMENDATIONS 6924 RCVD DURING MY TOUR. HARD TO FIND OUT THAT STUFF WHEN THE SQUAD "DIDN'T EXIST "

Was a Combat Apple BEEP 71-73 out of Kadena with trips to Cam Ranh Bay and NKP. I haven't seen too many names that I remember, so please let me know if you remember me! Thanks

I was a 301X3 AMT( I don't think we were called AMT's then??-- what did they call us -- I know!! --" Hey you-- get back here and fix this...") aboard the missions on the 135's out of Kadena. Like you, I was a single termer. You 203's think you have a hard time connecting up with old friends, remember there usually was only two of us on board, compared to all of you backenders (what the heck did theycall the maintenance techs? "midshipmen"?? -- just kidding ??. The old times are among my fondest memories. I was in the 6990th from May 70 to July of 71-- I flew 25 or so missions.

Good site! I can remember those days at Det 2 and Det 3, 6994th SS, like it was yesterday. Looking forward to visiting often. Does anybody that was at Det 2 at DaNang,RVN, remember the French doll and the plastic Daffy Duck that resided in Mike Senn's room?

Wakkani & Misawa are hardly SEA but closest I got. Getting late today but I'll be back.

Thanks to Rick Francona for telling me about this site. Looking for any pix from Cam Ranh around 71-72, especially mission 130s and Herky Hill. barracks. Chilings: Did you know there's a MAFAC site? It's based around the fourth class (?1968?), but open to all MAFACers. When I find the URL again, I"ll post it here.

Great to see some familiar names from what, 25+ years ago? Hey, anybody remember the name of the guy who drooled on the watersol while he napped as we made our way down to the Gulf on the Combat Apple in '73 or '74? Remember? He woke up and the pad was all stuck to his face? And what flight was it that held the record for eating the most tacos at Charlie's Tacos in Koza? We all ought to get together some time and have a beer or two. Drop me a line when you get a chance. I was an MB at Kadena '73-'74 and at Osan in "Skivvy-Nine" '74-'75. BTW I've got some vintage pics of RC-135 and of some of the guys (and their wives) at the Kadena base's carnival. How do I post them?

Was a Chinese Mandarin 203 in 6924th. Unfortunately there when we lost a guy during rocket attack in April of 1970. Too many rocket attacks, not enough beer.

Outstanding site.. I need some help from the "Mandarin Mafia" trying to locate some old friends. I have been trying to get an address on SMSgt Patrick E. McGovern, Mandarin 203 last reported working for NSA. My primo flight Cryppie Thomas P (Scottie) Carpenter when I worked day shop at the 6922nd. Also some first termers... John H.(Jack) Skinner, and Bill Shollar both Mandarin 203's, and Dave Robles, Russ Scranton, and Bob Wotring all Thai 203's, that made life interesting at Clark.

Interesting photos - my main interest is aircraft and their use militarily post-war. Just took some shots last month at Mildenhall of the RC-135S. Keep up the good work

Very nice. A few names I recognize. Hello to Hagland and K.C. I was a proud Dogger at the 6990th from 78 to 83.

At Phu Cat Dec 70 to Nov 71 then last three weeks in country at Da Nang after Phu Cat ops closed down (was closure NCOIC). AMS/IRO, 109 missions as 292X1. It was my only shot at going "Airborne" during 22 year career. Enjoyed every minute of it and enjoy the site. Keep it going.

Ex-203/MD- Looking for this conection for 30 years- will call again- great job guys!!

I was a Vietnamese 208 at the 6922nd ESS from July 1982 to Jan. 1991. I really enjoyed my stay in the Philippines. There was alot of good times and a few really "bad" times there all of which will leave it's permanent mark on me. I will never experience anything like that again in my life. E-mail me if you served with me would be glad to hear from you. Take care all.

I visited your site about 20 minutes ago. Now I want to know if there are any one left from the 1962 COMM. Group that worked in the Control Tower or the CERAP. Looking for some of the old, and I mean old buddies that use to cruise the island looking for anything? I spent time in Seoul Korea in the GCA unit in 1968 also. Are there any of you X-Air Traffic Controllers that have any sense left? I can't say about me. Good Luck fellows, we all needed it when we left the military life on Okinawa.

Made a great bunch of friends and learned alot about myself.

This site really brings back memories -- some good, some not so good, but all worth keeping. I can almost feel the humidity, bed sheets the consistency of vegetable oil, the gentle whoosh of the F-4s as they pass over my hooch, the CH-53s delicately stirring the air (and the dust). Ah, those were the days ...

Chinese Linguist at 6987Th from 1963 1965. Indiana university training. Fond memories. Second Daughter born in Taiwan. Originally from Cocoa Florida. Lost all photos, paintings, memoirs, etc. Looking for Doug Allen, John E Leonard, David Suing, Boyd Worley, Alsobrook, Tom Ford, David Underwood, and Dave Trickett. And any other I can't recall from memory. (Former classmates at I.U. at Bloomington)

I'm floored. I will write another email to register and add some comments

WoW...It was nice to find this site and share memories...after the long silence and fading of the years. After language school at El Paso/Ft. Bliss/Biggs Fld/DLISW, whatever you want to call it...went to Goodfellow/San Angelo/Goatroping country...then Alt. chamber,water survival @ Homestead...then winter survival/Special Interrogation @Fairchild AFB; then NSA as NVN translator(great place); then to NKP 2 years...Charlie Thomas's crew...remember living downtown NKP, riding baht bus to camp; riding bike to hooch and then to TFA. Where is Bob Walters, Dave Wolters, Pete Estrem, Ed VerBunker, glad we didn't take offer to work over in Laos in trailer on landline tap! Also remember catching big rice bugs with flashlite, mashing them and eating them with rice(Teelock's idea of good time), fuck-you lizards(BRRRRRPHUCKOOOOO!!!), the humidity, taking boat to bungalow during rainy season, swimming in Mekong during water festival, dumping buckets of water on Generals from TFA blast wall during Songkram; getting small, samlo races, great massage parlors(oh to have one of those now!) helping steal General's staff car plates with stars, finding sensor outside perimeter hooch with pop up plastic weed inside with mic, Shindig bar,NCO club baht towel girls, getting my neck cracked there and at barber shop. Cheap thai food...jeez what we pay now!....learnin Thai at the Univ of Marland extension...eating the hottest pickled peppers known to man(habaneros got nothin' on thais. Doing bongs and playing cards(beat drinking Mekong whisky with formaldehyde in it...getting shot down...monkeys running loose...bruce lee movies after standing for king and national anthem, rice wine,worms punch and parties, chasing parachute flares during raids, peeing in bunkers, thai kick boxing, kobe steak, fighting fish,walking into klang at night because lilies made it look solid(big mistake)...i have 8mm movies I need to convert and post as mpegs, also will scan some jpegs...Where's everybody else!!!!

nice to know we all felt the same about the missions performed. don't want to do it again, but would not take anything for the experiences during those years.

I was sitting at my computer one recent afternoon visiting with James Fulgham, a dear friend and a buddy from "those" years. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come when he asked if I was ready to take a trip back in time. He gave me the address to this web site and told me to be sure I was sitting down. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw the pictures of the RC135s and scrolled down the list of names. It has been 27 years since we left Kadena headed back home to our families and friends and the hopeless task of trying to make sense of what we had just experienced. Like my vision, my memories had blurred over the years. When I saw those pictures and read those names the memories came back as vivid as when they had first happened. One particularly vivid memory was when some of us were TDY at NKP. We had taken the baht bus to town and proceeded to get "small". I will never forget the excitement when we offered the pedicab drivers five bucks to the first one back to the bus stop. There was an incredibly awesome display of competitive spirit as the drivers pedalled their hearts out for that five bucks. Street vendors were nearly ran over and their wares were scattered to the wind. I can't even remember who won but it was a blast. A spectacular end to an evening of escape from the reality of our chore at hand.

I did Chinese at Yale, IFEL, in 1964/65 with the Tharp crew. Spent summmer of 65 at Goodbuddy, and took off for T'aiwan in the fall of 65 and didn't come home until the spring of 68. Probably the most interesting time of my life. I've been watching this site for awhile and decided to jump in when I saw the guestbook entry from Ed Anderson who sounds a lot like a guy who split the cost of an apartment in downtown T'ai Pei with me and a couple of other G.I.'s. Good site. Thanks.

This is a good idea. Originally an MA, I was in the second fam class and arrived in Yokota in Jan 1967 as an MV. In the 6988th I flew north as an MA and out of Danang as an MV, also out of Udorn and Korat with project Rivet Top. I returned to Asia in 1972 after Cambodian School, where I flew out of Kadena as an MV/MA. TDY to Korat (Colleege Eye) and to Ubon, Det 3, 6994th, finally as an M? (Cambodian). PCS to Ubon in 1974 and flew the last mission over Cambodia 15 May 1974. I retired in Athens, Greece (6916th) 1 Oct 1979. Other Assignments in my career included 6912th (Bingen and Berlin), 6989th (Misawa), HQ, USAFSS (only 6 mos.), and 6985th (Eilson).

A well done site! I enlisted in AF in 64, went to Yale for Mandarin, flew out of the 6988th at Yokota til 69 (TDYs to DaNang and CRB) last year as a Chinese AMS (yes, Ken Hopkins taught me every thing he knew!), went to GAFB as an instructor in the 202 school and from there went to OTS. Went back to 88th as Msn Mgt Officer in '71, closed 88th and went to 08th as flight commander. Back to Ft Fumble in '73 and from there as Ops Officer at 85th in Eielson in '77. In '81 went to DM AZ as the first det cmdr of Det 2, EST in support of Compass Call training. From there came to HQ ESC/DOSL and then as Chief of DOST/CSET Team Chief. Retired as a major in 86 with 22 years, 0 months and 0 days. Enjoyed almost every minute of it

First time...using boss's computer. He'll pass on e-mail. looking for familiar names....Gary Ayers, Bary Hoffman, tons of others...do they remember, too?

I was TDY to Monkey Mountain, Danang, to help set up ground site in late 1964. My permanent station was 6987th Shu Lin Kou. Left there in early 1965. Have not heard from any of the guys since leaving Taiwan. Look forward to hearing.

Good site, but I'm amazed at how few names I recognize. Hope more folks from my vintage ('64 - '68) and units (6924th, 6988th, primarily) visit. I was an MD (formerly Dash 4) Using the email directory, I did contact one guy I hadn't been in contact with since I got out in '68. Keep up the good work!

Just found your site. More later

Felt a surge of elation when I found a site specific to 203's. I was 20351, a shift supervisor at Det. 4 of the 6922nd Security Wing. I was a Mandarin Lingy there at the ASA's Ramasun Station, outside of Udorn, Thailand. What a wonderful tour of duty that was. I loved the entire 10 months I was there. Had a little bungalow in Udorn for me and my "teelock." Was really torn when it came time to leave. Many fond and a few not so fond memories from my time in SEA. Prior to my time in Thailand, I spent a year at Onna Point, Okinawa. Thought it was beautiful, but too damn hot and humid! Stayed drunk much of my off duty time, being a member of the "Charlie Flight Chuggers." The thing I remember most about Oki was the stench of Ishekawa, especially when leaving a bar in the morning, after the sun had a chance to hit those steaming benjo ditches! Many fond memories of my time at DLI. Was a member of the inaugaral Mandarin class there in Dr. Tharpe's program. The prior classes had been at Yale. At first, I felt a little cheated I wouldn't be going to Yale. That feeling changed after a short time in Monterey. Loved every minute of it. Graduated 2nd in my class, after an Airman Medders. Great guy! Roommate's name was Rodney Holland. Also a great guy. Made many friends there, but haven't heard from any of them since. Would be great to hear from anyone. I would like to put in a plug here for my web site, Viet-REMF. It's motto is: Honoring all those who served "In the rear with the gear" Many photos of Thailand and Ramasun Station there. Also many stories contributed by other "REMF's" My wartime memoirs, "No Hero's Welcome", are there as well. I've been told by more than a few that it's a very good read. Hope some will stop by and check it out. Lastly, I want to congratulate the web master of the 203 Locator. Great idea you had in establishing this site! It's well organized and already has excellent content. Keep up the good work!

Pleasant surprise.I hope everyone is doing fine and the years have treated everyone well.Would enjoy hearing from anyone . The best to everyone choke di

202 with the 6918th Dawg Flt(70-72) and 6922nd(72-74) day shop. Worked some URC53 comms with Combat Apple and sent predicts to the Apple crews. Looking for information on SMSgt Pat McGovern,MSgt Greenland, Jack Skinner, Bill Shollar, Thomas "Scottie" Carpenter (Mandarin 203's) and Dave Robles, Bob Wotring, and Russ Scranton (Thai 203's). Best regards to a unique group of individuals, at a unique time of our lives.

I'm one of Bob Tharp's products out of IFEL in '56. After tours on P-Y-Do, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Okinawa, complained to USAFSS personnel weenies that everywhere they sent me was an island. They fixed that and sent me to Danang in late '67. It was a tour I'll always remember - Dog Patch, China Beach, rocket attacks, living in a tent, barracks finally being built, moving into barracks, barracks taking a direct hit during the '68 Tet offensive, stuffed in the bunker and wondering when they were going to issue us weapons (probably a good thing they didn't), Puff the Magic Dragon saving our asses, etc., etc. But most of all, I remember the comradrie. You've got a great site. I'll return often.

I was a 202 stationed at the 6987th SS, Shu Lin kou AS, Taiwan from October, 1970 until January 1972 (Charlie Flight). Arrived at the 6990th on Kadena in March 1972 and worked days at first. Went to Dawg Flight and remained there until going back to the world in August 1973. Great memories of both places. Was a great place to have my misspent youth. In Okinawa I lived in the barracks for a short time then got off base housing. Had a great little efficiency about a klik out gate two -- a place called the Ernie Pyle Apartments next to a great restaurant named the Koza Palace Kaikan (Great Kobe Beef!!!). Later moved out closer to Torre Station near Kadena Circle. Loved Okinawa...used to cruise BC street like everybody. Sometimes stopped at one of the restaurants on the other side of Gate Two Street and had Yakasoba in the wee hours of the morning. Bought myself a little Mitsubichi and cruised up and down the island. I studied Japanese at the University of Maryland Far East Division. It came in handy....sorry I didn't keep it up. A buddy of mine with whom I am still in touch use to go with me over to SAC and catch hops to Thailand, Korea and Japan. It was a great experience....Don't keep in touch with anyone else from the 6990th but would like to know what happened to some of the guys from DAWG Flight. There is a great page established for the 6987th that would be interesting to anyone who spent time at Shu Lin Kou. You can find it on the USAFSS Webring. Would be worth a look. Like this page a lot too and will be back. Thanks for setting it up....

nice page,looking for any old budies

Richard C. DeAngelis (message) I served with the 6053 RFM at Kimpo and Osan. Korea, during the years 1956-1958. 6053 was Det. #2 of the 6922RG, a unit of the former USAFSS, now AIA. I flew elint missions on RC-47s, at the time one of the earliest units to do so. I just retired after teaching Chinese history in universities for 38 years. I have been reading the chiling site and the PWGers looking for info on former 6053 crews and the final disposition of the planes. I understand a couple of them were sent to Nam in '64. Can anyone supply me with info on ships that were out of Kimpo and the fin call numbers? I am happy to find this site and hope you can broaden your base of 203s from the Korean era of the '50. RCD

Was always too busy or too drunk to remember.

Just passing regards to old friends. Will be glad to swap stories (?lies?) with others.

Great site!

Great site - brings back memories of the best years of my life - and the best friends

Nice page. Especially interested in those shots of DLI back in 67-69. Co.B. If I can get access to a scanner, I'll send the same shots FROM TODAY. Harry Olsen DLI Chinese Dept. Chair 203MB 1966-1974 Taiwan, PI, Taiwan, Korea tdy (Dawn)

Nice Site - I was 6924th 66-67, 6987th 69-71 - 203XX-2 (MB)

Hey, I have been finding a lot of different sites for us MBs. Was at 6987th 72-74 ( first and only tour as an MB). Changed to MR (HEBE) and spent the rest of enlisted time as MR in Athens and at NSA. Commissioned in 1980 and became 8035. Tours in Alaska (6985), USAFTAWC (FL) and at DIA before finishing up in Bangkok, Thailand as part of Stony Beach POW/MIA team. Uncle Bill said I had too much time in so retired in 94'. Stayed in Bangkok for a year and moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for three years. Evacuated out of there back to Bangkok in 97'. See! The 203 life ruins one forever to live a "normal" life (wife is Chinese from Bangkok). Got a bunch of emails from this site to contact friends. Great, I love it. I would rather be a "ruined 203" than a boring suit-type. Thanks a lot.

A lot has happened since the days of punching holes in the sky. I've lost contact with all but a few. I'm impressed with this website. Things like this make the net worthwhile. Hope to hear from some old friends.

Thanks for the site. Wish you had the energy or time to separate out the non-VietNam guys. I was with the 6912SS in Berlin, Germany. Definitely a draft dodger. Great assignment though. Saw lots of Europe. Hated the AF like most. I think about the days in Berlin every so often. Especially when the lilacs are in bloom. Cried for months every time I'd see a pic of people dancing on the Wall as it came down. Never thought I'd see the day. Hope to get back there some day. Hope this will start to connect some of us.

ROCKET ATTACKS (140MM AND 122MM) ARE A GREAT EXPERIENCE. 15 JULY 67 VET. STILL HAVE MY LETTER SIGNED BY THEN MAJ. ARDISANA THAT ALL MY GOVT PROPERTY WAS DESTROYED THAT NIGHT.

Wow - Blast from the past! Hadn't even thought of an SDU for many years! Really like the site. I wasn't a "true" Nam-ite but did pull TDYs into RVN from Kadena (6927th '62-'63) and Yokota (6988th '63-'64). Our drivers were 6091st Recon. Also flew in and out of Don Muang and other 'undisclosed' places. I was A203X1-2 - flew Bat 10 starting then Bat 3 mostly. Did Goodbuddy ALK/AZK in 1962. It is good that sites like this are here - a place to find some of the greatest, and sharpest, guys in the world!!! Actually I surfed on in from http://users.erols.com/ssfeit/6927rsm.htm another site for "us". Keep up the good work. I will pass the word as I go and will visit again and again (so you guys keep posting here in the guest book). Put me on the email list if you want to. Ron Stockton Derby, KS

I really enjoyed the pictures of good old 135 and 138 out of Kadena. They seem smaller, older, but still are pretty.

Found this site while looking for pics of RC135's to use for a nostalgia postcard to a couple of "war buddies", when what do I find but 134 at Kadena--coldest airplane I ever flew. VIPS was the most interesting job I've ever had, would have liked it as a civilian career.

Was a -2 at Yale '56/'57, Det 2, 6922d RGM - Paeng Nyong Do, Korea '57/'58 (involuntarily extended) HQ, USAFSS Kelly, AFB, TX '59/'60, back to Yale for Intermediate '59/'60, 6987TH RGM Shu Lin K'ou, TaiWan '60/62, Instructor Goodfellow AFB, TX '62/'66. Medically discharged Feb 1966.

I'm from the Cold War Generation. Served as a 203 (Chinese) in Det 2 of 6922 RSM of Ashiya, Japan at P-Y-Do or K-53 Korea in 1956 and 1957. Also served from 1959 to 1961 with 6987th RSM at Shu Lin Kou Air Station on Taiwan. From 1961 to 1963 served with USAF-SSO at SAC Hq, Offutt Air Force base Nebraska. Served with the CIA in Saigon and provinces from 1964 to 1965 as a military intelligence officer. Best to all, Pat McGarvey

Correct the "GOT HERE BY" to read "Bootlegged TEXTA Manual" It wasn't one of the available choices. ;-) Site keeps growing and maturing. Keep up the good work. Since my last visit here (Jan '99), I have set up a web site dedicated to those of us who went through the Chinese and other programs at the Institute of Far Eastern Languages (IFEL) at Yale between 1953 and 1966. It has a total of 3408 names annotated with the class they were in and the language studied.The URL is: http://members.xoom.com/IFEL_1958/ifelhome.htm Caution: If the URL shows up on your screen as a link, the underline in the link is concealing an underline between the "IFEL" and the "1958." If you don't put it in, you will get a 404. Also, upper/lower case counts, too. S.F.

Think about the Buddy's I knew and kinda wonder how many are still around. I was not a linguist. Was a 291 support. Anybody remember the Rachel Welck Movie at Camp DaNang? believe it was in 71. I was there in 65-66 and 71-72 and sometimes the tours blend to gether and memories that I have from the Nam fuse and i dont remember what tour they happened on. Anyway it is great to find this site and i hope I bump into an old Friend..Thanks..D.H.Brown

I found your Web Page very interesting. Great Job. I was in Vietnam 1969-70, Binh Thuy Air Base, 632nd Security Police Sq. Check out my story "Devil Flight" on the Vietnam Security Police Association Web Page. I told it like it was. Have a great one. Wayne D. Dezarn USAF/Retired

Hello Everyone, My father Benjamin Fowler served in Vietnam with the USAFSS Crypto Communications from 64 - 68. I am looking for anyone who remembers him or had served with him. If anyone can be of any help, even minutely please reply. Thank You, Sam Fowler

One of the 202's left over from the great close out (when 6971st was deleted) I worked the night that we found a bad guy targeting you dudes and watched as our guys went from 30,000 to the deck ASAP...also one night in 1971 talked with you from Italy...strange comm events even weird when you talk to habu buds from the heel of the boot...remember Gary Ball or Kevin Berg?? Why do so many 202s/203s/292s retire from the USPS??? I must know 30 in Oregon...MD's/MA's/MB's abound. Where the hell is the gate 2 street taxi when I need one? Do you remember the Readers Digest story about one of Throckmortons commandos when asked during inspection what happened to his name tag replied...sir, yes sir, I memorized it and destroyed it sir...and when someone wrote in the latrine at you know where...busride to Army Post up north...why take two when one will do (regarding excessive use of paper towels)some 203 wrote "for gracious living".heh heh....I also miss the old days anyone remember the typhoons of 1969/1970, I love watching a Honda blowing sideways through the parking lot...how about the Okinawan staff at the chow hall eating spaghetti with chop sticks...and where did Miko go with my shoes? ah yes houseboys, habus, and mamasans...regards Randy.Reilly@Gte.Net

I sat at my computer for several hours as the whole 6994th experience washed over me again as I viewed the photographs and saw many familiar names. Stan Long's comments and Rick Yeh's photos really hit home. Hi to all the dude's who were at NKP, TSN and DaNang. Great times at the Miami Swimming Pool in Saigon and Sawadee Kop to our great Thai friends.

I hope this leads me to friends at 6924th OLAA (Monkey Mountain) and 6908th. I haven't talk to a soul in 26 years. RLA

Chao Cac Anh! My VN class missed the last shipment of 203's to Thailand in September, 1975. My friends in the class before mine were the last to go. In my classroom at Goodfellow we were celebrating the end of training, on the last day, when a Sgt stuck his head in to tell us that our trip was cancelled! We had our letters welcoming us to the 6908th - I still have mine - we had sold our cars and sent the wives home, our stuff was packed and gone, and we were ready, so this came out of the blue. I was definately disappointed since I had volunteered in the first place, and I even dodged getting assigned Spanish to get VN instead. I did well at it, and I looked forward to going. After taht they gave us a lot of options, but none of them ever got us to Thailand. I wouldn't change the way my life has gone, but sometimes I think about what that tour would have been like, so I am glad to find this site and catch up with other former 203's. I found it on a search for "6908th", on Hotbot. I will dig through my old photos and see if there are any you might like to see. Thanks for an excellent site! Drop a line! -Ed

I was in Okinawa from '69 to '71 (pulling TDY's to Cam Ranh) and then Colonel Larson(was that his name?) sent me permanent duty to Danang after promising he would keep me there in Okinawa with my wife and child if I would just extend my service agreement six months. I had three days to pack them up and get them out of there. That's what I remember most about the 6990th, that and the great guys at the 90th who kept the handouts Larson printed to get people to extend 6 months and were nice enough to give them to me just before I left for Vietnam. I sent a copy of those handouts to my congressman and got an early(?) out. For any of you guys who can read this...THANKS!

In December 1972, Mac Heaton, Ray Jones, and myself landed in DaNang. We called the orderly room of Det 2, 6994th Security Squadron, only to be asked "What are you doing here?" Three Vietnamese Linguists and no place to go. They didn't send us home, however, and away we went, to Rocket City. The end of February 1973, following the tense Cease-Fire in January 1973, we headed to Det 3, 6994th Security Squadron. More fun! Tough, yet exciting times, that certainly changed me. I can still hear the incoming rockets and feel my heart pounding in my chest when I hear the Civil Defense Sirens. I have to fight to keep from hitting the ground. Hope to hear from you guys! Can anyone recall the name of the NCO that left DaNang on his Freedom Flight after 12 months at DaNang, only to die of a massive heart attack when he stepped off the Freedom Bird in his home town?