| Linked into the text on this page are some of the pictures that my
good friend John Norris took while we were in the Marines together.
John and I met in Memphis, Tennessee while going through Avionics School.
Randy Powers was another close friend (we've lost track of his where abouts)
and the three of us were assigned to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Toward the end of 1969 we were off to Camp Pendleton, California in preparation
for a tour in Vietnam. After a quick stop in Hawaii and a weeks staging
in Okinawa, we found ourselves in Da Nang.
Camp Pendleton has lots of open space and one just can't complain about the chow (you just can't!). Being in the Air Wing of the Marine Corp had it's advantages over being a Grunt (Infantry) and I am not kidding here when I say that we lived in comparative luxury. Here is a view of the area from above and a view to the side which shows what our bunkers looked like. Our job title was Aviation Fire Control Technician (MOS 6234) and we worked on the Litton Computer system that was installed in the Grumman A6-A aka the Intruder see also (Web Link). We also had F-4 Phantoms (Web Link) and Broncos ( Web Link) along hanger row. A variety of additional jobs were assign during my tour, I worked in Supply, and pulled a month of Guard duty (as we all did) and there were always plenty of other acitivities. Getting around the area was something that I didn't do to often, but it was always an adventure, any type of vehicle would pick you up. Hitchhiking was a good way to travel as there was lots to traffic around the Da Nang airbase and no reluctance for a driver to pick you up. Favorite places were the Freedom Hill Exchange and China Beach. One out of country R & R (Rest and Relaxation) trip was offered to all during their tour, Syndey was a popular destination (The Opera House was still under construction). Do you remember when the U.S. went into Cambodia? We had Campus unrest here in the States and the shootings at Kent State occurred. This action did cut the supply line comming down from the North for awhile and the Rocket attacks on Da Nang ceased for several months. Finally I was "short" and I would come back home, reluctantly leaving the beautiful weather and our friendly animals behind. Here are pictures of my close friends, John Norris, Randy Powers, and Greg Scott. Radio broadcast I taped from AFVN News, Da Nang, May, 1970.. |
