Hi Gary,
I'm glad you found one of the cameras, at least.
I cant believe that place is still locked up! What are they doing, secret military experiments, or something?
If you go to Ft Campbell anything Vietnam related would be good. How far are you from Kentucky, then?
Thanks Gary. For all your help.
Joe.

Hi Gary,
Those kinds of distances over there are nothing to you guys,I guess. Your continent is so spread out! Where I come from in this quaint little country of mine those kinds of distances are enormous!
I really dont want to put you out, my friend. I'd be interested in anything you can get hold of. A few years back I read a lot of books on the 101st & 82nd during WWII. Any photos of military equipment such as vehicles, uniforms, equipment, etc, etc, I would be interested in.
Drop me a line whenever you can get there.
All the very best to you & really thanks a lot for all your help.
Joe.

That's great Gary!
Any photos would be greatly appreciated. I've got so many kits here that they will last at least another 10 years of modelling so I can definitely wait until the summer!
How many guys in an M110 crew? Officially & in Vietnam. Were crews stretched thin in Vietnam whilst dug in to semi permanent positions?
Also, whist in a semi permanent position, would the drivers hatch on the M110 have been closed whist firing? Every photo I've seen shows copious amounts of dust! Would the dust be a problem to the vehicle if the hatch was left open?
Joe.

I have not been to the 101st Museum in many years, and last time I was there it was mostly dedicated to WWII stuff. But I'm sure they've added a lot of Vietnam and Gulf War stuff by now. They way to tell is how the Service Clubs and EM Clubs are named down there. When I was stationed there they all were named after WWII battles the 101st was involved in (like Bastogne). Story went down there that they could not build a new beer hall unless they had a battle to name it after!
gary

I have not been to the 101st Museum in many years, and last time I was there it was mostly dedicated to WWII stuff. But I'm sure they've added a lot of Vietnam and Gulf War stuff by now. They way to tell is how the Service Clubs and EM Clubs are named down there. When I was stationed there they all were named after WWII battles the 101st was involved in (like Bastogne). Story went down there that they could not build a new beer hall unless they had a battle to name it after!
gary[/quot

I deployed with 5th Group out of Fort Campbell a few years ago. Afraid things have changed quite a bit with the service clubs on bases. From what I see, there are no longer separate EM and NCO clubs (anyone remember the Dragon Club at Bragg?) but more or less just clubs. The only ones I know of on Campbell are Froggie's, an absolute hole in the wall, (and not in the good way) and the Dawg House, which primarily sells hot dogs and beer but I believe used to be the NCO club.
With all of the used car lots offering zero down on cars to anyone with an ID card and a pulse, gone are the days of being stuck on the base unless you could borrow your buddy's car. It takes a truly dedicated barracks rat to stay on the base these days. You'll like the 101st Museum. Hell, you can spend half an hour just looking at the revisions of their patch over the years. If you drive off toward the airfield you'll see a C-47 you can get good photos of.
When in Bragg don't forget the Spec Ops museum down near Hay Street. Back in the early 80's you wouldn't send anyone to that area of town without a gun, but Fayetteville has turned the Hay Street area around quite nicely.

...was there ever a problem with rust on the vehicles in Vietnam?

A few years back I took a drive thru Campbell, and went past the old Clarksville Naval Base. Looked like it was jam packed with SF guys. Is that the new home of the 5th SF Group?
gary

Hi Mike,
Always great to hear from you! I haven't heard from you in a while.
Thanks for the info. This is a great help.
Would the driver be wearing an M1 helmet or would he wear the issue tankers helmet?
Also, you mentioned steel or plywood. What would the steel be? Would it be PSP or steel runway planking or some such material?
Thanks again my friend.
Joe.

An occasional rust stain from a bolt head on a panel or a headlight guard is fine. Much more than that is too much in my opinion. I think rust on military vehicles in service is usually way overdone.

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...was there ever a problem with rust on the vehicles in Vietnam?

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Not really. Most of the vehicles by that time (M113, M109, LVTP5/7, M551, etc.) had alluminum alloy hulls. Also, soldiers (or at least their NCOs) are pretty serious about maintaining their vehicles so they work when needed. Rust keeps things from working properly, so you keep your vehicle maintained so that it doesn't occur. In the long run, your life and the lives of others depend upon it.

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A few years back I took a drive thru Campbell, and went past the old Clarksville Naval Base. Looked like it was jam packed with SF guys. Is that the new home of the 5th SF Group?
gary

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5th Group is squarely in the middle of the post, but never have I seen SF dudes treated with such disdain on a post. Everything is Eagle this and All American that. Tradition is a great thing, but these poor guys are like redheaded stepchildren. Still at times what goes around comes around. The base rules have surpassed the point of ridiculousness. Not talking on a cell phone while driving only makes sense, but to not walk while you're on one? And the whole reflective belt thing. Makes sense too right? But in the gym? Come on!
Anyway, you know that everyone has to wear an Army PT uniform during PT. UNLESS the whole unit or team wears the same thing. So one ODA got the brilliant idea to wear hot pink team shirts while running around the post. That coupled with the fact that most SF dudes favor the Ranger panties, it makes for quite a sight. And there's nothing anyone can do about it! Funny thing is, no one ever gives them crap about their shorts OR their shirts.

A lot of these diversions probably belong in one of the other forums below, but it sure is funny to think about some of the silly things we must endure for those few moments of absolute terror we all live for.

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Hi Mike,
Always great to hear from you! I haven't heard from you in a while.
Thanks for the info. This is a great help.
Would the driver be wearing an M1 helmet or would he wear the issue tankers helmet?
Also, you mentioned steel or plywood. What would the steel be? Would it be PSP or steel runway planking or some such material?
Thanks again my friend.
Joe.

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I'm here always watching from my secure observation area!!!! Hey, my brothers Gary and Gino are taking good care of your question....but I will fill in where I can.

As far as the plate, PSP would work.....dring the rainy season especially they would need something under the track area.

I forget on the helmet....I think so!!!.

I'll be back in my bunker when needed!!

Rounds Complete!!