Willing and Able
These pictures were submitted by John Graham, A Battery 63-64 and again 65 to Jun 66. John was one of us "Boat People". He went on to serve until April 1971. Captions to these pictures will be added over time. Thanks to John and to all the other A Battery contributors.
Lt. Tom Gaither, Battery Commander
SGT John Graham, VN 1965
UH1D "Huey" in trail formation
I Think this is a mail run or "C" rations delivery by a UH 34 helicopter.
Last of a Korean war breed that we did not see much of after this.
Looks peaceful enough, doesn't it?
5th Gun Sec, Sgt Haney Chief
"Hilljack" Larry Engardio and John Graham and the house of 105 boxes
Take out the sniper with the 50 cal
"Fire Mission" , Center Adjust, Shell HE, Lot Zulu, Fuse Quick, takes precedence over other affairs. A Btry #3 Gun Section accepts firing instructions from the Fire Direction Center and fires on the enemy. Notice the "Government Issued Ear Protection" of 1965. Good evidence for the VA for you to have for Hearing and Tinnitus claims
Sgt Watson Sec Chief "#3 is Ready"
'
Jim McMullen always had his gear at the ready "STRAC" Trooper and John Graham
#4 Gun Sec Chief Sherman George takes a well deserved break
Middle is Spc 4 Raymond Reynolds ,Right is "Hilljack" Larry Engardio
A Btry Gunner #5 Gun Sgt James Timothy (Tim) Russell
Beginning of a "individually constructed earthen protective device"
Demonstration presented by Sgt John Graham
Here we have the finished, quality checked product
Yet another angle. This one ought to go on the training video!
Nice Job On The Foxhole, Graham!
Camouflaged in "High Gloss Olive Drab". Perhaps an oxymoron even in Vietnam?
Jim McMullen Sans Steel Pot (Untypically out of uniform)
Hey Guys! Good Sniper Target! DUH!
Wonder where Buddha is now?
Friend or Foe? We just did not know!
Notice the Homemade Icebox on the left
Rice Drying House
#5 Gunner Tim Russell and #4 Gunner John Graham
Don't go near that briar patch!
"SHOT, Over"!
Sgt Tim Russell, Gunner #5 Gun
Decker, Engardio, McMullen, Sgt Wilson Yon
It was this, rice paddy crap, solid rock, or jungle rot. Nothing in between.
Ninety-eight pounds of the best Airborne fighting man West Virginia has to offer!
Sgt John Graham, A Battery 1965
1st Brigade (Separate) 101st Airborne Division 2nd Battalion 320th Field Artillery
"The Nomads of Vietnam"
In hindsight, Hell yes! Things were that bad!
Nice Tan Line, Sarge! Too Bad The Mr. America Contest Is 15,000 Miles To The NE!
Darling Mudder, Dearest Fadder, how I hate it here in.... Camp Granada!
VN 1965. Last of the M101A1's. Damn fine artillery piece even when we tried to melt it down with constant fire!
"Charlie" owned the night and we watched for him on our perimeter outposts
Highway 1, one of the very few "paved roads" in Vietnam
Sgt Sherman George
PFC Raymond Reynolds A Btry Gun #4 Vietnam 1965
This Was A Hot Meal, It Was One Of Three That First Year.
Standing Left looking down is James Wine
Cloth Napkins Anyone?
Now, If I can only find some cheese to go with this! Sgt George,
where did you get that bed?
Boat People of the USNS Gen Leroy ElTinge, Cam Ranh Bay, RVN 7/29/65
"Handsome Hilljack" Larry Engardio
The Ultimate Sacrifice For Duty, Honor and Country
Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam 1999 Taken by Peter A. Byrd. Used by permission.
Cam Ranh Bay 1966
Cam Ranh Bay 1966
Navy LST Offloads Us Somewhere Along The Coast Of Vietnam
Cam Ranh Bay 1966
Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam 1999 Taken by Peter A. Byrd. Used by permission.
Chinook relocates an M102 Howitzer for A Battery in 1966. Lack of roads
never stopped us. Our mission was always to "Move, Shoot and Communicate"
In support of our infantry Brothers. "Mission Accomplished"
Sikorsky CH54 brings in another Artillery Piece to A Battery in 1966
as a Cobra Gunship flies support. "Mission Accomplished" yet again!
Specialist 4 Richard Evan