Category: Special Forces
The clandestine Naval air squadron VO-67 honored after years shrouded in secrecy
For over 30 years, members of the VO-67 could not talk about their role in the Vietnam War. Now, as they prepare to get the presidential unit citation they find the recognition bittersweet. In late 1967, the members of naval anti-submarine patrol units got orders to report for a special operation. The 300 officers and enlisted men were formed into squadron VO-67, given modified P-2V5 Neptune patrol planes and sent to Thailand under top-secret orders. It was not lost on anyone that there were no submarines there. The unit was soon known as the "Ghost Squadron," since it didn't exist.
by dallasnews :: 2008-05-19 :: Special Forces
Long-range reconnaissance team
Like many young men in the 1960s, Fredrick Joel Ransbottom's life was abruptly disrupted when his military draft number was called. He honored his obligation to his country and signed up for service. He went to Army Officers' Candidate School, and from there he shipped to Vietnam and led a newly formed long-range reconnaissance team. He was in charge of men occupying 3 outposts in the northern sector of the country. At first their mission was to travel in small teams within enemy territory to monitor the movement of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) troops and later to protect the American special forces camp.
by edmondsun :: 2006-08-08 :: Special Forces
Purple Heart Medal - Color stands for sacrifice
Article no longer available from the original source.
During the Vietnam War, Oscar Draper was an expert at sneaking around behind enemy lines to destroy anything that could be used to fight against U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Draper came face-to-face with the enemy's firepower during his two tours in Vietnam as a member of the Army's 1st Cavalry Division (Airborne). He was injured twice in the line of duty, making him a two-time Purple Heart recipient and the owner of countless other medals for his bravery on the battlefield. The Purple Heart was created by Gen. George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, as a way to recognize the meritorious action of Soldiers. His order, however, was lost for 190 years.
by al :: 2006-08-05 :: Special Forces
An elite stealth unit in the Vietnam War jungles
The attitude, well, they can't help it. They're the best, and they know it. They're LRRPs, the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols, an elite stealth unit that spent most of the Vietnam War creeping through the jungle, spying on enemy positions. 60 Vietnam War-era LRRPs reunited in the biggest LRRP reunion since the 1st Cavalry Division's LRRP unit was formed in 1966. LRRP status let them get away with everything: "We got in fights, we tore up clubs, we ran around with long hair. And people left us be. Because we did the stuff others wouldn't do." Every man has a harrowing story of near-death, barely escaped, "it's a miracle that I ----ing survived."
by courier-journal :: 2006-07-17 :: Special Forces
Strategic Marine Corps base battered in a 77-day siege
Two former Marines and a retired Army colonel nicknamed "Bulldog" sat around a table, reminiscing about their service at Khe Sanh in the Vietnam War. Khe Sanh was a strategic Marine Corps base close to the border separating South Vietnam and North Vietnam when it was battered in a 77-day siege by enemy forces. The base, manned by some 6,000 Marines and assorted other American forces, was surrounded by more than 20,000 North Vietnamese Army troops. "It was an unbelievable experience," said David C. "Bulldog" Smith underwent the entire siege while a major at Khe Sanh. "We were attacked by rockets, mortars, howitzers -- by everything.
by leatherneck :: 2006-07-03 :: Battles and Soldiers