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 Moc Hoa Memorial |
States to arrive. (Did you know that one could purchase cool lager in an upscale jewelry shop? We didn’t either, but a little sleuthing on this warming morn yielded some cold brew, soda and bottled water.) A trip back to the airport to recover our tardy luggage and to pick up our late arriving GSM (Terry was a real trouper in regard to her delayed flight and arrival) brought us to full strength. We then headed south toward our 1st GSM site, Moc Hoa, in the Northern Delta region near the Cambodian Border. We drove through the Cholon District of Saigon and out into the countryside (where the DQS Vets in our group felt more relaxed and more ‘at home’- it was more familiar to us) on Rte 4 (Binh Chanh, Ben Luc, Thu Thua, Tan An & Ben Tranh were along the route). We then turned west on Rte 29 (a basically hard-packed dirt and large rock road) which headed out into a very, very rural area (this along with a threatening afternoon sky led to some uneasiness, mostly about getting there and back before dark, or before morning, and in one piece, on the part of the Vets on board — old habits die hard) on the way to Moc Hoa. Once we were in Moc Hoa (which is only a handful of ‘klicks’ from Cambodia), Ed led a service in remembrance of Terry’s son Richard, which included the reading of Richard’s Silver Star Citation. Tears & hugs were the order of the moment. We trekked (bounced & rattled) our way to My Tho, where we dined and stayed at a very nice riverside hotel, arriving as night fell. One part of our mission was now complete!
*I might mention that it may seem that the delayed luggage and arrival were big problems. But, with the skill of our contacts in-country, pre-trip advice of our tour operator and the purpose of our journey, it was all but forgotten and we were back ‘on track’ with our schedule by early after- noon. We were moving forward! We had a mission to accomplish! It don’t mean nothing!
After breakfasting with a river view, checking out of the hotel and meeting an American couple who made a donation to future OGS trips, we bussed back to Tan Son Nhut on the 20th to board a flight for Hue. We were met at the airport (actually the old Phu Bai airfield) by our next guide and bus and after lunching and checking into our hotel, we toured the historic Citadel located along the Perfume River. Irene was quite a hit with some of the locals, as several had their pictures taken with her. That evening we enjoyed dinner at restaurant in a garden-like setting.
 All ten members of tour
1.2 km north of Ben Hai River, N of DMZ |
The morning of the 21st found us heading north on Rte 1 toward what we knew as the DMZ area. Chatter from the 1/44th Vets picked up as we headed for and entered their old stomping grounds. Along our route lay My Chanh, Quang Tri City, Dong Ha and Gio Linh to name a few. Other sites or roads to sites were noted as we passed them. History was coming more alive for all as our ‘I’ve been here’ or ‘this is where’ reporters shared their knowledge and memories. After passing through Quang Tri City and Dong Ha (where we lunched and checked in to our hotel), we headed on for the new bridge over the Ben Hai River (located in the center of the old DMZ). It felt a bit odd to be crossing this historic (to us) river. Our journey above the old DMZ took us to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, on the coast, in which an entire village lived during a part of the Vietnam War. Those who went down into the tunnel complex can attest that it was not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination. It was well and thoughtfully constructed, including the design of the entrances that offered protection from naval gunfire. We then headed back south and took the opportunity to walk across the old bridge as a gesture to our past. We also crossed Freedom Bridge where a prisoner exchange occurred in 1975. A-5 was over that way and such rang out on the bus throughout this day, as well as the next day. We returned to Dong Ha for dinner. Some, as we had gradually begun doing, ventured out into the city a bit during the evening.
July 22nd found us heading out on Rte 9, after checking out the only building that remains from the US Air Base at Dong Ha (it is a residential area now) where memories and recollections flowed. Along our route lay Cam Lo (where John made good on a pledge to buy Smitty a beer if they were ever there together), Con Thien, Camp Carroll, Hill 250, the Rockpile, Khe Gio Bridge (where DQS’er Mitchell Stout earned the Medal of Honor - March 25, 1970), Ca Lu, the Hairpin,
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