Vietnam War Photos

                Ken B,  me,  Steve B.                            G Company,  2nd Batt,  9th Marine Regiment.    3rd Mar Div.   1969 

The Rockpile,  I Corps

LZ Stud / Vandegrift Combat Base.      I Corps.  This was an Army 175.

A photo taken  by a journalist - the only one I ever recall encountering in the bush - on a desolate mountain top north of the A Shau Valley. I am included in the photo. During Operation Dewey Canyon.         Golf Company  2/9 

     Me, at Vandegrift Combat base

     Industrial strength herbicides:    2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) 

     Insertion behind the lines.

                     These mean a lot!

 Churches and pagodas were made of masonry - ironically, providing better cover and safety.

   2 / 9 Base. Dong Ha, just south of  the DMZ. 

KIAs sometimes had to be plucked out of the jungle via cables.

   Short timers Calendar. Starting at 100 days left. 

  Marine Corps Recruit Depot - San Diego

Rice paddy dikes saved lives during ambushes. They were often mined by the NVA and VC. This picture explains why very few photos exist that were taken by combat troops while in the field - it was impossible to carry even a small pocket camera. They had the life expectancy of about two days. Water and mud immersions were near daily facts of life.

Spraying Agent Orange and other powerful military grade herbicides. The I Corps was one of the most heavily sprayed areas. Grunts in these locations drank it, ate it, walked through it, breathed it, slept in it, and lived in it - 24 / 7.