Photo Gallery

We hope you enjoy our Vietnam Veteran's photo gallery – it's made-up entirely from submissions by members and visitors. If you have a picture you would like to submit, send it with caption information to GW Preasident. [ Click on a thumbnail image for close-up view. Navigate through the pages using the text links at the bottom of each page. ]

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Photos submitted by: Jim Bandy USS Tutuila ARG 4 1969-1970.

Osborne, Bandy, headed for R&R Floater left behind. Tutuila ARG-4 Lift 100
An Thoi Base PCF's docked. Crew from PCF.
Just unloaded our LCM. No#200. POW Camp An Thoi.
Roger Osborne. Sn Bandy Na Bhe. The Nest.
Tied to the TUT. tut at work
     

Photos submitted by: Don Basallion

STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam
STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam
STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam
STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam
STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam Warning Sign Ski Boat on a Big River
STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam STABS in Nha Be and Dong Tam
     

Photos submitted by: Jere Beery

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GM3, Dave Otto inspects a recoilless rifle hit in the bow after a firefight. This picture gives you some idea how narrow some of the canals were we patroled. Believe it or not, this is a fairly wide one. The two men in the run-about are members of SEAL Team Two. SM3, Beery steers the lead boat of Bravo Patrol on the Bassac River, RVN, 1967.
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This is the boat we were on the night we were ambushed at Cu Lao May Island. The 60 boat took two B-40 rockets that night. The 60 boat was also one of the fastest boats in the River Section. This is how the boat looked the next day. See the after 50 cal. mount armor plate after taking direct hit from RPG. Bravo Patrol Officer, LT. Richard Godbehere sits on the bow of the #28 boat, a Mark-I PBR. This boat would later be sunk in the sourthern end of Ti Ti Canal by VC recoilless rifle fire.
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Mark-II PBR shoots up VC bunker. It was very common for the PBR units to shoot up just about anything. Number 37 boat had literally hundreds of shrapnel holes in her aft end. SEAL Team Two blows up a VC barricade with 80 pounds of C-4. I took the picture way too soon, the explosion went a great deal higher.
 March 1, 1968...
View full story here »
     

STAB boats and personnel from StabRon 20 in Vietnam.
Images submitted by: Carl "Ed" Bihl

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Crew of Racing Danger 09
The Crew was BM1 Dale Goff (at the wheel), EN3 Carl Bihl (shirtless), GMG3 William Hudson (on bow), SN Sylvester Sassnett (on port side) and an unidentified Patrol Officer. Can any of you help identify the Patrol officer?
STAB boats and personnel from StabRon 20 in Vietnam. STAB boats and personnel from StabRon 20 in Vietnam.
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STAB boats and personnel from StabRon 20 in Vietnam.
 

The following images submitted by: Larry Bissonnette

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US Navy PAO photos
A collection of over 60 images from the US Navy Public Affairs speaking tour through the Pacific Northwest in 1970.
Look for Lt. Bissonnett, CO of RD-593 in the pictures with Adm Zumwalt.
View collection »
ARMED HUEY HELICOPTER UH-1B
Light Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE (HAL-3), the first armed helicopter squadron commissioned in the U.S. Navy, operates in South Vietnam supporting the Navy's Operation Game Warden forces. Flying heavily armed UH-lB "Huey" helicopters, the Navy pilots, nicknamed "Seawolves", team with river patrol boats (PBRs) in the Mekong Delta to prevent Viet Cong movement of men and supplies on the inland waterways and canals that lace the area...more »
OV-1OA "BRONCO"
Light Attack Squadron FOUR (VAL-4), headquartered at Binh Thuy in the heart of the Mekong Delta, flies and maintains OV-1OA "Bronco" aircraft in support of Operation Game Warden patrols. A second detachment located in Vung Tau patrols the Rung Sat Special Zone southeast of Saigon... more »
Angels in Olive Drab
Photo contributed by Jim Dickson who says "I don't have any background on this photo but a lot of us owe our lives to these 'Angels in Olive Drab'." If you have any information on this photo, email The Webmaster
       
 

The following images submitted by: Don Blankenship

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Do you know?
Don Blankenship (Back Row Center Behind Flag) wants to know the name and River Division of the Patrol Officer (Tall Officer to the right of photo). Photo was taken on the Vam Co Dong River during Operation Giant Slingshot, probably in April 1969. I believe the River Division is 591. Don Blankenship was a member of the crew of A-111-3 working with the River Division from the USS Harnett County (LST-821).

UPDATE: The Tall Officer is James Oke Shannon, of River Division 592. Identified by Don Rowe.

   
 

Photos submitted by: Bob Bopp and Doug Cates

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Bob Bopp (512) Today NZ PD & His Glock 17 (photographed with Bob's PD Sgt Paddy Hannon) Bob Bopp GMG3 with PF/RF on Canal. Had major firefight after this. Bob Bopp & I believe Malvosic at Bien Thuy with dogs.
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512 MKI Bassac River off Harnett County Unknown 512 guy and MKI lift. PF&RF Long Xuan. They killed this gal after interview.
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Lon Xuan locals out to get Phyops packs.
     

Photos submitted by: Charles Brooks

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The following images were submitted by: David Brown (STAB).

3 Dead on the Grand Canal David Brown, Bien Thuy, 1970 An Long
Captured VC Floating Base, Mekong 1970 Friendly
Melvin Underwood & Crew Mike boat Grand Canal Padgett
 
Stab Cockpit Watertaxi An Long  
   

The following images were submitted by: Ron Bridgman

Boat hit with recoiless rifle in July 1967 near Nha Be PBR 114 hauled out for repairs after recoiless rifle hit in July 1969 (I think) near Nha Be Boat hit with recoiless rifle in July 1967 near Nha Be
Results of a mortar attack at Nha Be in July of 1967 Results of a mortar attack at Nha Be in Jul of 67 PBR 114 hauled out for repairs after recoiless rifle hit in July 1969(?) near Nha Be

STABs images submitted by: Bennie Bryan

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Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14
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Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14
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Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14
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Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14
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Racing Danger 14 Racing Danger 14
 

Photos submitted by: Gerald O. Busic.

The following images were all taken between June 1968 and May 1969.

Click for closeup 40 MM Cannon Aboard USS Garrett County
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After a passing shower in the delta
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AKL-28 makes the turn on river
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Bridge of USS Garrett County LST-786 with Green Light - Helo.jpg
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Captain escorts round-eyes through the wire.jpg
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Captain with three round-eyes.jpg
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Children happy to see crew members from the USS Garrett County
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Children in orphanage with Gerald O Busic EN-3.jpg
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Coastal Village in Mekong Delta.jpg
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Coming into Saigon.jpg
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Courtyard - View from helo.jpg
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Crew member of LST-786 inspect puppy.jpg
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Crew members of the USS Garrett County LST-786 enjoy a beer.jpg
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Crew members of the USS Garrett County LST-786 looking at sh.jpg
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Crew of PBR 138 interview possible VC along side of USS Garr.jpg
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Elements of Task Force 117.jpg
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Engineman Spathe and Brown check hull of PBR being hoisted a.jpg
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Flight Quarters on deck of USS Garrett County.jpg
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Garrett County crew members at General Quarters
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Gerald O Busic EN-3 at NCO Club in Vihn Long Vietnam 1968
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Gerald O Busic EN-3 resting on deck of USS Garrett County LS
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Gerald O. Busic EN-3 at orphanage in Vietnam 1968
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Getting ready for battle at dusk in the delta
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Grass huts below - Vihn Long area
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H-23 Raven on Garrett County LST-786
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H-23 Raven on the deck of USS Garrett County LST-786
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HAL-3 crew member looks like he's ready to jump before it la
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HAL-3 crewmembers loading rockets
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HAL-3 Det 4 supplies on USS Garrett County LST-786
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HAL-3 door gunner's weapons at the ready
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HAL-3 helo lauching from deck of USS Garrett County LST-786
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HAL-3 Seawolve fire power ready to fly
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HAL-3 Seawolve UH-1B landing on USS Garrett County LST-786
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Heavy traffic in Saigon - 1968
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Helo repair at night aided by Garrett County LST-786 spot li
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Helo view of church
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In Coming
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Interview of possible VC taking place on PBR 138 along side
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LCDR James W Shelton, the Captain of USS Garrett County LST-
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Loading Rockets
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Looking at the Mobile Riverine Forces from the bow of LST-78
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LST-1169 at anchor
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MEDCAP Civic Action Program conducted by HAL-3 flight surgeo
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Mekong Delta air view
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Mess Deck on the USS Garrett County LST-786
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Mobile Riverine Forces
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Monitor with mother ship
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Motar used for shore bombardment
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MRF at anchor in Delta
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MRF Ship
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On deck of LST-786
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On the Saigon River
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Orphanage in Delta - Vietnamese Nun at door
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Orphanage run by French Nuns
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Packed taxi !
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PBR along side USS Garrett County LST-786
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PBR being hoisted aboard USS Garrett County LST-786
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PBR coming along side USS Garrett County LST-786
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PBR Engineman working on GM 6V-53 engines along side USS Garrett Co.
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PBR's at dusk in Vietnam
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PBR's guard South Vietnamese outpost
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Primative but home - Vietnam
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R & R at a South Vienamese Coastal Group
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RAG BOATS South Vietnam Navy
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Rearming the rocket pods - deck of USS Garrett County LST-78
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Rice patties beyond the village
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River banks of Vihn Long
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Rocket Pod Container
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Roomy Taxi on the streets of Saigon
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Round-eyes come to visit
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Saigon from the river - USS Garrett County LST-786 has been
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Saigon from the river
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Seawolve # 304 landing along side # 314 on USS Garrett Count
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Seawolve # 314 landing on deck of USS Garrett County LST-786
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Seawolve # 315 leaves the USS Garrett County LST-786 - Mobil
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Sewolve # 301 landing on the deck USS Garrett County LST-786
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Sewolve # 310 resting on deck of USS Garrett County LST-786
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Shy monkey
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Small boats
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Some times the rockets were heavy
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South Vietnam Ranger awaits next battle
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South Vietnamese children at the Coastal Group
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South Vietnamese Navy Ship
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South Vietnamese Ranger is in awl of the MRF
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Sunset - Vietnam
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Talking about the mission - Helo #13911 on deck of LST-786
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Task Force 117 make thier way to battle
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The Green Fleet - Task Force 117
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Two Zippos light up a suspected VC barge
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UH-34 landing along side HAL-3 helo # 314
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UH-34 Sea Horse
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USS Brule AKL-28 delivered fleet freight to LST-786 on 19 Se
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USS GARRETT COUNTY LST-786 from helo.
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USS GARRETT COUNTY LST-786 VIetnam 1968
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USS GARRETT COUNTY LST-786 with PBR's in the Vietnam Delta A
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USS GARRETT COUNTY LST-786, sign is telling you - Do Not Lit
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USS GARRETT COUNTY LST-786, Vietnam, 1968
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USS Whitfield County LST-1169, supply ship of Mobile River
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Vietnamese School at the Coastal Group Village
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View from the orphanage court yard
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View from the road - Vietnam
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View from USS Garrett County LST-786 on Saigon River
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View of Out Post at intersection of canal and river in Mekon
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Views from helo in the Vihn Long area
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Vihn Long ship yard
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Will you take me home
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Wire -Close up
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Yard work even in Vietnam

The following images submitted by: Paul Cagle

click for close-up image GMG3 Paul W. Cagle at Tra Cu - Click for closeup
GMG3 Paul Cagle manning mini-gun
on SEAL Mike Boat out of My Tho October 1967.
GMG1 Hubert Eugene Belcher, River Division 532. KIA 31 March 1969 near Tra Cu. GMG3 Paul W. Cagle at Tra Cu This picture was taken in late March of 69 just before I was shot in the head on a night ambush north of Tra Cu (Hell On Earth) on the Vam Co Dong River. I was shot on the right side of my head and lost my right eye. I owe my life to Boat Captain Jack Niles and Chief Michael Bailey whose quick response got me on a chopper and on an operating table. Thanks Guys.
EN3 Robert Blais - Click for closeup June of 1968 in My Tho - Click for closeup
River Division 532 EN3 Robert Blais one week before KIA Boat Crew-PBR-139 River Division 532 Taken in June of 1968 in My Tho. From left to right, SN Carl Gerkin GMG3 Paul Cagle( the meanest one ) GMG3 Roy Taylor- and Boat Captain "Wild Bill", BM1 William Akin. Spooky Canal in the Mekong Delta
GMG3 Paul W. Cagle Come On High Tide - Click for closeup
GMG3 Paul W. Cagle River Division 532 (8/67-4/69) Somebody Screwed Up Come On High Tide. New River Boat
River Division 532 - Click for closeup image Paul W. Cagle Purple Heart - click for closeup
River Division 532
Left to Right -Love, Porter, Laratta, Boydstun
Submitted by Paul Cagle courtesy of Chief David Clouse
 "I finally received my three Purple Hearts in February of 1998 from Congressman Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Took only 29 years. I do not know what happened to my hair, but it decided to leave right after I got back from Vietnam. On my right is my wife. We will be married 33 years this coming July, if she keeps me."
Paul W. Cagle
PBR 139 of Riv. Sec. 532 being hauled aboard the U. S. S. Hunterdon County, LST 838 for repairs 0n 03APR68.
"Wild Bill" Akin - Click for closeup image River Division 532 - Click for closeup image GMG2 Ron Laratta - Click for closeup image
River Division 532 "Wild Bill" Akin, Boat Captain of PBR-139.
Submitted by Paul Cagle courtesy of Chief David Clouse
River Division 532
Hoopaugh (KIA), Ray Walker, Waucasey, Luckett (KIA )
Submitted by Paul Cagle courtesy of Chief David Clouse
River Division 532
GMG2 Ron Laratta
Submitted by Paul Cagle courtesy of Chief David Clouse
Rodney "Weasel" Morgan and Boat Captain Moss, River Division 532. PBR Base My Tho September 1967. LCDR George Steffencavage CO of Riv. Div. 532 from 3/68 to 3/69. He was a hard charger and kick ass CO. Passed away in 1989. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetary. Photo courtesy of Chief David Clouse.
A memorial:
To Ray Walker, Boat Captain of PBR 40 of River Division 532 who died on 9-9-2003.
Ray Walker on Helm. David Clouse, Patrol Officer, Seated. Ron Laratta on forward guns. Taken aboard PBR 40 around October 1968.
Captured weapons on Display in My Tho. Entrance to My Tho Compound Picture taken after TET 1968 by Chief David Clouse
     
 

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