I remember only two attacks I arrived in July of 70 - there was an attack in September of maybe 4-6 rockets and then a much larger attack in November - I was on top of a refueling rig refueling the rig at about 1 am I think around the middle of November - I remember several dorms were hit. Bob Ganus

I got there in september I think that you are right Bob.the one in November had about 17 122s if I remember right I also was guarding the the airport gate Gary Knight security police.

I was a fuels specialist at Bien Hoa from July of 1970 to July of 1971, and I certainly recall the attack in November of 1970. It came at about 05:45. The ground floors of the barracks had concrete slabs leaned against the walls, but to protect residents of the upper story in the barracks, bunkers were placed near the barracks. Those of us on the ground floor just laid on the floor, but the upstairs troops ran for the bunkers. One rocket landed at the entrance of a bunker by the aircraft maintenance squadron barracks just as a crowd was pressing in. I was told 11 men died there, and five died of wounds over the next few days. Can't verify; just flight line grapevine. After the attack, a major on the alert pad reportedly said we'd known they were setting up rockets the previous evening, but the bureaucracy wouldn't permit bombing the hillside until it was cleared. Never happened, and men died while papers sat on desks.

Bob - I believe I remember you, along with Estes, Chuck Boyden, CMSgt Pope and MSgt Coble. Didn't you wear glasses?
- Dave Proulx

We received about 30 to 36 rounds a night, from knov 1970 to 1971. Lee Redoux

I to remeber that we were under attack at list 3 to 4 times a night. you knew and could tell the 122mm rockets coming in just by the noise or sound of them.I was there from 1970-71 at Bein Hos Aie Base. I was with Det5 APS air cagro loading and off loading any thing needed for combat even send some of our brothers home in coffins.But yes i will never forgetthose sound of the 122rockets made by Russian.

I was there close to the dorms that were hit by the 122 rockets. Our Sq. Had just move closer the air cargo area in was Nov 18 1970.I will naver forget that day we came close to death frag all over us luckly for stone walls around the area.The area that got hit was the top of the dorm. One dorm away from our dorm.

I was sleeping in one of the barracks that night on the lower floor. I'm a sound sleeper, and by the time i woke up, there were 3 guys from the 2nd floor beneath my bunk. We weren't allowed to go to the bunkers due to the fact that mamasans previously planted anti-personal devices in them. I recall there being more rockets that night. Time has a way of interfering with my memory, but i thought there were closer to 40 hits that night. Our barrack was lightly riddled with shrapnel, and the one next door received heavier damage. I heard from others that a guy a few barracks away jumped out the 2nd story and landed on a bicycle, breaking his leg, and he got a purple heart.

Yes those were the days of pain we went trouth as young Airman in Combet. this memberings will go away. i have been hunted by this Attacks. Speicaly when we were loading Air Crafts And we could not run any where.We were even Shot at night from the village there at Bien Hoa.During one night Rockets hit all our area that time we were all chilly that one hit so close that it threw me to the bickwall that was by the door Hurt my neck and friend recvied a cut on his forehead and a Purple heart me not a thing.

From January 21, 1970 to December 16, 1970 a total of 113 122mm rockets impacted Bien Hoa AB; 4 mortars; and there was one successful sapper attack with VC on base. I was a Personnel Specialist and worked in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office (CBPO) and was only a few barracks away from where the airmen were killed, fifteen by my count. As bad as the November 17th attack, 36 rockets that morning, the one mortar attack and three rocket attacks of May 3rd and 4th definitely shook everyone up.

I had just arrived Bien Hoa Oct 18, 1970 and was an Air Force E-3 admin specialist, assigned to the billeting office. I worked the overnight shift so had just got back to the barracks, hit the rack, and was going to sleep when I heard the first rocket hit. It woke me up but sounded far off. Then a few seconds went by and another one hit-much closer..they were walking them in..then boom! Sounded like one came right down on top of us. Some guys got under their bunks, I stayed put and silently prayed it would stop. We were getting pounded, then suddenly it was over. It seemed longer but I don't think it lasted more than 6-7 minutes. I walked outside after the siren stopped and wandered in kind of daze. People running all over the place. I saw a crowd of GIs bunched up and walked over to see what was going on. There was a tech sergeant with a garden hose, he was spraying down an area in front of a barracks. There was blood on the ground and he was cleaning up. We all just stood there, staring at the sarge, and suddenly he turned away and vomited. Someone yelled out "that's it you guys get outta here, go back to your barracks.." and we all walked off. I returned to my barracks. I have a copy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper dated Nov. 19, 1970. The attack is noted in a small paragraph on the front page. Attack was Tuesday Nov. 17th. The article indicates between 25-30 107mm rockets hit Bien Hoa Air Base that morning (not 122s) and a U.S. Command spokesman said that "casualties were light." I had a friend who was a SP (Security Police) and he caught a piece of shrapnel in the buttocks and did receive the Purple Heart. We heard stories of more wounded and KIA as well, but that was not reported by S&S and I cannot confirm or deny those rumors. If anyone wants a copy of the Stars and stripes article I'm happy to email it you. My email address is scottdowntown@yahoo.com

Gary did you happen to know Craig Bargy? He was SP and was at Bien Hoa for the November attack also.. I think his DEROS was in December..have searched for him on line but no luck..I think he was from NY. Also do you have any photos of Bien Hoa during your time there? I was only there from Oct. 18 to Nov. 27, 1970--then got orders for Tan Son Nhut. I don't have a single photo from Bien Hoa. Thank you,

Scott

I'm not sure, but I do know that Nov. 17 th we took 28 rounds!

Yes I like to have a copy of that!my email is grayfran@lincolntown.org My name is Frank Gray and I was there I trying to connect with guys for the 3Rd SPS 1969-70. any one that remembers me drop me a line .Thanks.

Here you go guys... below is the official USAF record.

From "Airbase Defense in the Republic if Vietnam 1961-1973"

Attacks on Bien Hoa Airbase:

STO = standoff (rocket or mortar)

01/21 0456 STO 8
02/11 0029 STO 4
02/27 2359 STO 6 US KIA 0, WIA 4
04/01 0620 STO 5
04/04 0005 STO 2
05/03 0140 STO 6
05/03 0609 STO 4 US KIA 0, WIA 5
05/03 1806 STO 7 US KIA 0, WIA 23
05/04 0605 STO 3
05/06 2105 STO 6
06/11 0653 STO 2
06/25 1104 STO 1
11/17 0518 STO 28 US KIA 3, US WIA 23 RVN KIA 2,RVN WIA 11
12/16 2018 STO 1

So the answer is... in the year 1970 at Bien Hoa Airbase there were 14 seperate rocket or mortar attacks on 12 different days, a total of 83 incomimg rounds that resulted in 55 GIs wounded and 3 GIs killed (1 US Army and 2 USAF).

FYI: I was an USAF, E-3(later E-4)with the 834th Air Division as a mission controller at Rocket Alley ALCE ("Airlift Control Element" in the 2nd level control room on the east ramp. We (the 834th AD) owned and all the C-7s, C-123s and C-130s in Vietnam and we at Rocket Alley ALCE sent them coming and going all day).

I too was at Bien Hoa on 11/17/70, when the rockets came in. I ran to the bunker on the left of my barracks, the bunker to the right of my barracks is the one that took a direct hit at the enrtance killing Adkins, Carter and Stecker and wounding many others. When the incoming stopped and the sirens quieted some of us went over to the carnage where the screaming was coming from. The dead were covered-up and wounded were all over and there was a lot of blood every where. The NCO's and AP's started yelling at us to get away and to not take any photos. Even though they hosed off the scene, for the next several days we could see bits of flesh and muscle tissue spattered on different barracks walls some distance away. I never wrote home about this or any other rockets attacks as to not worry my family.

Now a bit of chastising regarding an earlier posting on this feed by a combat wannabee named "Moreman." Moreman posted several pathetic lies about his experience which really angers me.

Moreman falsely states in many misspellings: "I to remeber that we were under attack at list 3 to 4 times a night. you knew and could tell the 122mm rockets coming in just by the noise or sound of them.I was there from 1970-71 at Bein Hos Aie Base." REALLY...UNDER ATTACK 3-4 TIMES A NIGHT???

He goes on to say: "Yes those were the days of pain we went trouth as young Airman in Combet. this memberings will go away. i have been hunted by this Attacks. Speicaly when we were loading Air Crafts And we could not run any where.We were even Shot at night from the village there at Bien Hoa.During one night Rockets hit all our area that time we were all chilly that one hit so close that it threw me to the bickwall that was by the door Hurt my neck and friend recvied a cut on his forehead and a Purple heart me not a thing." SO YOU ARE STILL HAUNTED BY ROCKET ATTACKS THAT NEVER HAPPEND? YOU WERE SHOT AT FROM THE VILLAGE? FYI moreman THE BIEN HOA "VILLAGE WAS" NO WHERE NEAR THE CARGO RAMPS.

I am sure Moreman has told these lies for decades to his family and friends down at the tavern. SHAME ON YOU MOREMAN!!! AND SHAME ON YOU "lredoux." You said: 30 to 60 rounds a night????? Both of you are disgrace to the men who fought the enemy directly on the regular basis and died,were wounded or just came home with PTSD. You are even more of a disgrace to us REMFs who came home and told the truth about how fortunate we were to be in the rear with the gear.
************************************
moreman
10/07/11
replied to: lredoux
Replied To: We received about 30 to 36 rounds a night, from knov 1970 to 1971. ...
I to remeber that we were under attack at list 3 to 4 times a night. you knew and could tell the 122mm rockets coming in just by the noise or sound of them.I was there from 1970-71 at Bein Hos Aie Base. I was with Det5 APS air cagro loading and off loading any thing needed for combat even send some of our brothers home in coffins.But yes i will never forgetthose sound of the 122rockets made by Russian.


moreman
11/02/11
replied to: BGANUS
Replied To: I remember only two attacks I arrived in July of 70 - there was an...
I was there close to the dorms that were hit by the 122 rockets. Our Sq. Had just move closer the air cargo area in was Nov 18 1970.I will naver forget that day we came close to death frag all over us luckly for stone walls around the area.The area that got hit was the top of the dorm. One dorm away from our dorm.

moreman
01/04/12
replied to: Craig22
Replied To: I was sleeping in one of the barracks that night on the lower floor...
Yes those were the days of pain we went trouth as young Airman in Combet. this memberings will go away. i have been hunted by this Attacks. Speicaly when we were loading Air Crafts And we could not run any where.We were even Shot at night from the village there at Bien Hoa.During one night Rockets hit all our area that time we were all chilly that one hit so close that it threw me to the bickwall that was by the door Hurt my neck and friend recvied a cut on his forehead and a Purple heart me not a thing.

GIVE ME YOUR ADDRESS moreman AND YOUR INCOUNTRY DATES AND I WILL SEND AN ABSTRACT OF "ALL" THE ATTACKS YOU SUFFERED THROUGH IN 70-71AT BIEN HOA, IN FACT I WILL EVEN SEND YOU A STORE BOUGHT PURPLE HEART FOR YOU TO WEAR TO YOUR NEXT VFW MEETING. THEN I WILL CALL YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER TO INTERVIEW YOU.

RIP to all my friends and comrades who died in Vietnam and "WELCOME HOME" to the rest of you!

Attacks on Bien Hoa Airbase:

STO = standoff (rocket or mortar)

01/21 0456 STO 8
02/11 0029 STO 4
02/27 2359 STO 6 US KIA 0, WIA 4
04/01 0620 STO 5
04/04 0005 STO 2
05/03 0140 STO 6
05/03 0609 STO 4 US KIA 0, WIA 5
05/03 1806 STO 7 US KIA 0, WIA 23
05/04 0605 STO 3
05/06 2105 STO 6
06/11 0653 STO 2
06/25 1104 STO 1
11/17 0518 STO 28 US KIA 3, US WIA 23 RVN KIA 2,RVN WIA 11
12/16 2018 STO 1

So the answer is... in the year 1970 at Bien Hoa Airbase there were 14 seperate rocket or mortar attacks on 12 different days, a total of 83 incomimg rounds that resulted in 55 GIs wounded and 3 GIs killed (1 US Army and 2 USAF).

x

According to the Air Force records on Nov 17, 1970 there were 28 rounds that hit Buen Hoa. There were 3 US personnel KIA, 23 WIA and 2 RVN killed and 11 WIA. No NVA/VC casualties listed. The Air Force kept pretty good records of attacks and the best place to find this information is to google "AIR BASE DEFENSE IN THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
1961 - 1973" It was published by "OFFICE OF AIR FORCE HISTORY UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON, D.C., 1979"

You tell him Smitty7071. I was there in the 303rd MMS from April through Nov 1970. Air evacted back to the world because I got hurt. Moreman sure must not have been at the same Bien Hoa we were.

Dave I to remember 2 10-99's When I was there in 70 and 71.


Allan Fonseca

Hey Smitty,

I haven't been to this site since my post back in Nov. 2012, but wondering if you happen to have any photos from the 11/17/70 attack? I'm trying to write down my memories from my VN experience--was also at TSN for 10+ months--and would like to include some pics--not writing a book or anything, just for my own reference.(my email is scottdowntown@yahoo.com)

RIP to the guys we lost at Bien Hoa that morning..and God Bless America!


Dennis Eugene Stecker

SP4 - E4 - Army - Selective Service
1st AVN BDE
His tour began on May 28, 1970
Casualty was on Nov 17, 1970
In BIEN HOA, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR

Body was recovered
Panel 06W - Line 66

___________________________

Joseph Carter, Jr.

SGT - E4 - Air Force - Regular
His tour began on May 24, 1970
Casualty was on Nov 17, 1970
In BIEN HOA, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered

Panel 06W - Line 65

_________________________

Kenneth Dale Adkins

SGT - E-4 Air Force-Regular

His tour began on Feb 6, 1970
Casualty was on Nov 17, 1970
In BIEN HOA, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered

Panel 06W - Line 65

Does anyone recall the attack that occurred between 70-71 involving the base theater at Bien Hoa. Patton was playing and most all military personnel were required to attend the showing and we had one hell of an attack that one evening.
I was blown/pushed into the concrete base wall of the building. Had minor damage to left leg, left arm, shoulder and got a small cut in my eyebrow. Not hurt bad at all just shook the hell out of me. Got basic medical check up treated for minor stuff.
Back in the late 90's I registered with the local VA hospital. Filled out the questionnaire to receive medical treatment. Told them all that I could recall. Seems my medical records for that period could not be found.
I was air cargo specialist Det 5. We handled the barrels of Agent Orange either storage or for air shipment. I understand that the ground water at Bien Hoa is contaminated for over a thousand years. The same water that everyone stationed there, was in the food that was prepared, we drank it and bathed in.
My Viet Nam Tour was worth a million bucks in experience but I wouldn't want another pennies worth.

Does anyone remember Allan Fonseca of the 3rd SPS/

Am curious about anyone who was killed Oct 18, 1971. Does anyone remember names of KIA or wounded? I was the First Sergeant of Bien Hoa AB at that time...Thanks.

I asked this question many times. There is an Air Policeman who kept records 1968-1969. He counted 119, so I put that number in my V.A. disability claim. I had also been in attacks at other in country sites. The Air Force came back and informed the V.A. that I was mistaken... They said it was only 117 mortar rounds. ( Well it only takes one to kill or wound you. I had two extremely close issues but no wounds to speak of... We didn't count scratches or harm to ones self hitting the ground or accidents running for a bunker or ditch. I got the credit I needed. Unfortunately it was the Agent Orange that got me in the long run... Records show 90,000 gallons of defoliant was spilled at Bien Hoa in three spills.. Bien Hoa has 100 times the toxic exposure as any other place in the Country. It causes diabetes as well as cancer. I am now paralyzed from it. If you served at Bien Hoa you have several claims for VA Benefits. {PTSD & CRDS}

I too was in the 303rd MMS from May 70 to May 71 as an A-37 bomb loader. I trained in LA with one of the KIA prior to arriving in country. Smitty is Right on. My son was born the night after the attack back in the States. Some people like to lie!

Yes, I was at Bein Hoa during that attack, I dont think we took to manny rockets. and I also try to get a duty roster with the dates I was there, no luck they also lost my records.It funny when your young you think you'll remember all that stuff, wish I had keep a log.

Hey Scott,
I just found this forum and I was @ Bien Hoa from Jan. 21 1970 till Jan 21 1971. The Air Force guys that were kia on Nov 17 were, if I'm not mistaken, from 22nd TASS squadron and lived in the blue 2 story barracks across the street from the base theater. It was the only blue barracks in that entire squadron area and the one on the end of the row of barracks next to the street. I wasn't in 22nd TASS, but I lived in that particular barracks for the 1st 8 months I was there and I was in 3rd FMS squadron. 3rd FMS had to move out of that end of the barracks rows on both sides of the sidewalk to, as the higher ups so aptly put it; facilitate the requisition of living quarters for 22nd TASS personal. We of 3rd Fms just had to go find other arrangements at the other end the barracks area basically on our own. I was irritated that I had to move, but that irritation was short lived when that 122 landed right between the blue barracks and the next one. My previous room in the blue barracks was riddled with shrapnel and the pillow where I had laid my head for 8 months was split completely in two lengthwise and most of the guys that got hurt or killed were still running to the bunker. I am reasonably sure that this was the date of that particular attack and this one happened around 5am, I think because I was up going to the latrine to get water to make coffee. After the all clear was called I went down to the blue barracks and tried to help calm one guy that was still alive but really torn up till the ambulance got there. I knew he lost at least one leg and I always wondered what happened to him. Didn't know his name. I've always thanked God that I had to move out of that barracks.

Hey rvn7071.
I am wondering if you might remember me. I to was an Air Cargo Specialst at Bien Hoa Det.5 I was in outbound cargo. I was there from Nov. 26,1970 to Nov. 26,1971

I was at Bien Hoa from January 1971 to December 1971, work in the terminal. Looking for, if it is available, list of dates for rockets attacks and any thing else I can use to appeal my disability. They have only gave me 30% for my PTSD.

To make it worse they are reducing my AF retirement pay by what they will give me in disability pay. Any help please send it to h85730@yahoo.com. Thanks guys and good to be back in America.

I am not moreman. I am harry Laughman that was station on Bein Hoa from January 1971 to December 1971 If you have a list of attacks for that period I would greatly appreciate it. I am filing an appeal for my PTSD they only gave me 30% and nothing for agent orange. My email is h85730@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Ron Walker 303rd MMS, BB stackers,Jan1970-Oct71.left and went straight to Utopa Thiland.I just left Bien Hoa before those attacks.who is this speaking .I've been looking for others who were there in 303rd MMS.Sorry to hear about deaths.were they part of MMS?I als remember a sgt.Smitty that worked with us.Thanks.

Topcat,ron walker here,jan70-oct70 303rd Bien Hoa mms0461.you sound like someone I remember.I worked bomb dump ,rt driver loading any explosives flight line needed and army munitions.just had prostate cancer from us being sprayed with agent orange,now processing claim for help.what is your first name if possible?also Smitty sounds like Sarg I worked with.I now live in Yulee Fl. first beach in fl.on east coast.Hope you are one of my fellow airman.Thanks

Top cat; this is Ron Walker 303rd MMS,0461, Jan1970-Oct1970 Bomb dump RT fork lift driver loading bombs and any amo,rockets for flight line or army. From Ga. let me know if we worked together.Rocky from NY was a buddy there.Left there and went straight to Utopoa Thailand for a year.God bless.

The guy who lost his legs, was A1C John Simons. We were both in the 19th TASS (originally the 22nd TASS). He did lose both legs. One above the knee and the other below. We both got in country in Dec of 69. Due to rotate back to conus in Dec. I was working midnight shift on the flight line. Dove into one of the revetments. Ran up to the barracks area after the attack. John did make it and now lives in Wyoming. He later became a Psychological Therapist for the VA. Retired now. I was an A1C also. Name was Charlie Allen, but I was known as "Mouse" to everyone. O-1G Bird Dog and O-2A Crew Chief. Just thought I would let you all know.