Photo Gallery - Quan Loi, Song Be & Nui Ba Rah 1969-70

Many thanks to Ralph Constantine who recently sent his photos.  He wrote, "I arrived in Vietnam on the 4th of July 1969.  Shortly after I was sent to HHB 6/27th Arty at Quan Loi.  I was part of the Commo platoon and worked directly for E-7 Garrett and mostly with E-5 Caldwell.  I pulled guard duty and worked as a switchboard operator (Hay Maker).  When E-4 Tucker went home I got his job on the water truck an did that for quite awhile - maybe six months.  I worked for a short time in the "TALK" which led me to the job as a radioman at the relay station on Nui Ba Rah.  I remember very little of our move to Phu Loi and shortly after I went home."  I think you will enjoy his photos.  Click Here to view

QuanLoi.Org Adds Historical Quan Loi Vietnam Videos to Website
In 1966 Michael Chalifoux, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, was only in Quan Loi for a month when his aunt  in Pennsylvania sent him a Super-8 movie camera.  Over the next 7+ months Mike shot film in and around Quan Loi, including the Frenchmen's Swimming Pool, the airstrip with all types of aircraft, the nearby Montangard Village, and An Loc to list just a few.  His film shows Quan Loi (L Z Andy) in its early days as an airstrip. 

The 40+ minutes of film was copied to DVD.  For ease of viewing on the website the video was edited into six smaller videos.  Mike was interviewed during a Skype call and his comments were added to the videos.  All six videos were uploaded to youtube.com and then embedded on pages on the website.  You can view them all by clicking here.  Thank you Mike for sharing your film with us.

Lai Khe to Quan Loi - 1966 - 1967"
In this fine addition to the website Leonard Mulholland provides us with his memories and photos of Alpha Battery while located at Lai Khe in late 1966; the move to Quan Loi in January 1967, as well as photos of life at Quan Loi .  In all there are 109 excellent photos to view.  Leonard would have had many more photos to include except a fire in his home destroyed them in 1983.  With the help of a good friend he was able to save these photos included here.  Many thanks for sharing them with us, Leonard!  Click here to view.

Charlie Battery Medic Remembers His Vietnam Service
David Hastings was an accountant with a Master's Degree when he was drafted in June, 1965.  Naturally, the Army took his extensive education into account when they decided to send him to the Medic Training Center, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas to train be be a medic.  David recalls his days with Charlie Battery 6/27th Artillery in Vietnam and includes a number of photos of Charlie Battery at Phouc Vinh.  Click here to read "Doc Hastings Remembers."

Jan Maclaga's Vietnam Photos 1969 - 1970"
If you served in Alpha Battery at Quan Loi you should enjoy seeing Jan's photos from October 1969 of the Battery at Quan Loi.  In four galleries, Jan provides us with 97 photos including a special section on one of the USO shows at 1st Cav Hqtrs Quan Loi.  Also included are 37 photos taken at FSB Burkett in 1970  and a gallery of "Friends and Comrades"  - a few of which we could use your help in identifying.  Click here to see them.

"The Saga of the Quan Loi Queen"
Chances are, if you were at Quan Loi on November 17-18, 1969, and you had a camera, you took photos of a C-130 that was hit by a rocket on the Quan Loi Airstrip.    I took several photos as did Jan Maclaga, Dennis Camp, Glen Russell and Jim McLain of that damaged aircraft.  I'm sure there are many more squirreled away in closets and attics of Quan Loi Veterans.   That battered C-130 was a "curiosity" of the war. All of us knew that the plane was severely damaged from that rocket and it would remain on the side of the airstrip for several months until a crew was finally sent in with a new wing and other parts to repair her.  I doubt that any of us knew that the twenty-one year old USAF Loadmaster of the Queen, Norm Thomas, was killed that day from rocket shrapnel.  It is time we honor his memory.

All of us at Quan Loi relied on the crews of the C-130s, C-7A Caribous and choppers who flew in mail, supplies and provided us safe transportation.  Quan Loi would have been a whole lot worse without them.  Thanks to the pilot of the Quan Loi Queen that November day, Lou Hari, we can now learn the complete story of that sad incident and what eventually happened to the Quan Loi Queen.  I think you will find it one of the most interesting stories to be added to the site.  Click Here to read it.

"Present at the End" - Photos of Bravo & Charlie Btrys and the Stand Down
Roger Garner had the "pleasure" to serve in two 6/27th Batteries - Bravo and Charlie - in 1971.  His photo collection brings us snaps of FSB Wade, Snuffy, Haymaker and a number of FSBs whose names he does not recall.  Roger was present at the end of the 6/27th Battalion's time in Vietnam when they stood down at Phu Loi in late October 1971.  Click here to view his photo collection and read his memory of his tour.

Quan Loi - 1968 Photos By Roy Maldonado
It is always a pleasure to add a Cannon King's photos to the website.  Although Roy Maldonado freely admitted that to many years had passed and he remembers few of the names of fellow soldiers in his photos he still wanted to share them with the hope that many you would help add the names to those not identified.  If you recognize anyone send us an email with the photo number and who as in the photo.  In the meantime - just enjoy the photos by clicking here.

"From The Heart" - A Story For Memorial Day - by Roger Mallory
It's interesting how, as we live our daily lives some 40 years after our tours of duty in Vietnam, it's the ordinary things in life that can suddenly catch our attention, and before we realize, they spark a memory and we find ourselves back in a point in time just as if it was yesterday.  So it is with Roger Mallory's new story, "From The Heart", a memory of a duty assignment he had after returning from his extended Vietnam service tour in 1970.  As it turns out, it's a fitting story for Memorial Day this year.  Click Here to read it.

John McCaw served in Vietnam with A Co. 1/18th Inf, 1st. Inf. Div. from Oct. '66 to Oct. '67.  During his tour he and his unit operated around Quan Loi from April thru July '67.  During this time he took several photos of the "big gun", recently arrived (January 1967) at Quan Loi.  In addition he snapped photos of the Frenchman's Swimming Pool at one of the times that G.I.s, including John, were allowed to swim in the pool.  His photos are a great addition to the history of Quan Loi and Alpha Battery.  Thanks for sharing them with us John!  Click Here to view.

Out of habit I periodically search the net for anything new concerning Quan Loi.  A few days ago to my surprise I came across a video on You-Tube from Ralph Roberts who served with S2, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry in Quan Loi.  While there Ralph had tried out a new 8mm Kodak camera in 1969.  Having recently found that 40 year old film, Ralph decided to have it digitized and soon added it to his You-Tube page.  He graciously allowed us to include his video on a page in this website.  The quality is good and the narration is interesting.   It is the only video of Quan Loi I have come across.  I think you will enjoy it.  Click Here to view

Gary Korovich served with ABtry 6/27th Arty during a period when the guns were mobile. first in deployment into the field in support of the Cambodian invasion with stops at Ft Defiance and FSB Burkett and eventually to Loc Ninh and then Bu Dop.  With over 50 photos, Gary's gallery has provided us with a wide array of images from each of these locations from 1970.  Many thanks Gary for sharing your photos with us.  Click Here to view.

Glen Russell's Vietnam Tour Photos - 1969-70
The first of three photo galleries to be added to the website this month, Glen Russell's Vietnam photos cover a wide gambit of service with the 6/27th Artillery.  In this gallery you will find photos of of the Quan Loi/An Loc area as well as several FSBs Glen took while TDY with the 11thACR.  There is a gallery on Nui Ba Rah and various photos of aircraft and weapons.  With over 90 photos it is an interesting trip back to 1969-70 Vietnam.  See it Here

There's a Right Time For Everything - Lessons Learned
In his story "Incoming", Ken Wright, Charlie Battery, remembers with help from his former gun crew members, that it is not wise to prepare for a move of the guns too early.  You might save a little time in the morning but it can lead to some hair-raising consequences.  Check it out Here.

"What Did Don Albers See - ABtry Quan Loi 1969" -
                                  Photos by Don Albers
We welcome a small collection of photos from Don Albers, Alpha Battery Commander (Nov69 to May 70).  Don says "he was never much for taking photos", in fact, he says "he's still not", but these photos of the Alpha Firing Btry Area and the Mess Hall at Quan Loi in 1969 are a nice addition to the site.  I think you will find they bring back a lot of memories.  Thanks Don! I think everyone who served under you will agree you were a fine Battery Commander.  Click Here to see.

A Medic Remembers the night of May 12, 1969
Fred Deakins was a medic with the 15th Medical Company at Quan Loi.  He was there the night of May 12, 1969 when the camp and several LZs were attacked.  It is a memory he still can not forget after almost 40 years.  It is a remembrance you also will not forget and we thank Fred for sharing it with us as well as being there to do his job that night.  Click Here to read it.  

Mad Minute
In "Mad Minute" Roger Mallory recalls one of his most interesting experiences  while on temporary duty on Nui Ba Ra.  If you ever pulled guard duty while in VN you probably participated in a Mad Minute just as Roger, however, Roger learned a valuable lesson about his that was unique.  Find his story here..

Reunion Story Triggers Remembrance
While attending the 2008 Branson Reunion Richard Fillerup told a story about rats in Quan Loi that reminded Ken Wright of an encounter with a nest of snakes.  You never new what you would run into in VN Read his story here.

The Numbers System
In his latest story Gary Graham realizes that his Vietnam experience has left subtle changes in his everyday life he has never before thought about.  All of us who served there came away changed in different ways - some with minor changes some with major.  Gary hopes you find "The Numbers System" - numbah one.
 

My First Night at Quan Loi
After a long absence, Roger Mallory shares another memory with us.  This time it's of his first night at Quan Loi at the duty that we all hated to perform, but knew our lives could depend on it - Guard Duty!  His story should bring back a few memories for everyone who spent four hours staring into complete darkness.  You'll find it Here.
 

Headgear - A new story from Gary Graham explores the reactions he has received when he decided to start wearing "Vietnam Veteran" headgear seven years ago.  A fun way to meet fellow veterans?  Interesting reactions? - Find out  when you read Gary's "Headgear".
 

Who We Are  This website was started in October 2002 by John Wavra with much assistance from Jim Hynes and Reed McDonald.  It has since grown to what you see on your screen today.  It would be but a few pages if not for all of the comrades who helped.  I thank each and every one of them for their contributions of photos and/or stories, etc., which have helped to began to tell the story of the 6/27th Artillery in Vietnam.  It is long past time that credit is given to all those who helped.  See them all at Who We Are. There is still much to tell.  Come, join us!  Add your photo or name to those listed on the Who We Are Page by sending your memories and stories to me. Email   Conjuncti Stamus     John Wavra
 

Quan Loi - August 12, 1969 Ground Attack - A Grunt's Perspective
Thomas Mathis was with the A Troop 1/4 Cav on the night of August 12, 1969.  His memory of that night brings a new perspective to what took place when the NVA attacked Quan Loi that night.  It is worth your time.  Click Here to read his account from the new August 12 Start Page.
 

Evan McIntire's Quan Loi Images 1968-69
Most of us stationed in Vietnam took some things for granted - Mail Call, for instance.  Come rain, sleet etc....How did that letter from your wife, sweetheart or whomever get to you in Quan Loi or wherever you were located! With the help of your diligent APO (Army Post Office) staff members, naturally.  Another fellow G.I. just doing his job.  Evan McIntire shares a few photos from his Quan Loi days forty years ago, including shots of the 1st Infantry Division APO and the Quan Loi PX.  Find them here.
 

Ralph Porter Joined the Army to Fly
Well, things don't always work out as you plan but Ralph got to fly while he was in the Army anyway.  In "Finally Flying" Ralph remembers how going Artillery got him up in the sky.  It's an interesting story by a dedicated volunteer soldier.

Phuoc Vinh - Charlie Battery - 1969 Photos
William "Bill" Sponseller who served  at Phuoc Vinh has provided us with images of his time with Charlie Battery and some photos of "going home".  Bill joins others from Charlie in our attempt to document the 6/27th Artillery time in Vietnam.  Click Here to check them out - I think you will enjoy seeing them, especially and vintage shot of Norm Wolfinger (See below) in khakis at Ft. Sill.

Maurice McRoberts Remembers Ft. Bliss 1965-1966
When th 6/27th Artillery shipped out from Ft. Bliss, Texas to Vietnam Maurice McRoberts was the only one in his gun section to go as he had four months left of his service obligation and back then the Army needed troops in VN.  Maurice did not have a camera for his short Vietnam tour but he did send us some nice shots of Ft. Bliss, Texas where the 6/27th Artillery trained before shipping out. Click Here to see.

Vietnam Images from Dennis Camp

Headquarters Battery member Dennis Camp - 1969 to 1970, has contributed over fifty photos of HHB at Quan Loi, Baseball Stars at Quan Loi, Bravo Battery at Song Be as well as photos of An Loc and the 6/27th Artillery Civic Action Projects to list a few.  One of Dennis' many duties was to edit the 6/27th Battalion newsletter, "The Cannon-Ear".  Dennis has some new and interesting photos in his galleries.      Click Here to view his them.

Unique Aerial Quan Loi Photo Surfaces
Many thanks to resent visitor to the site who passed on a link to a site of personal photos which contained what seems to be a "one of a kind" aerial photo of the Quan Loi "Frenchman's" Pool Area from around 1965.  I was able to track down the owners of the photo and received permission to include it on the site.  The owner wishes to remain "Anonymous".  Anyone who served at Quan Loi will find it interesting because it was taken before anyone from the U.S. Army arrived to make any changes.  Click Here to view.

Images of Vietnam - 1969
Chuck Clarke had eight and one half months remaining of his service time when he was shipped to Vietnam.   He spent six of those with Alpha Battery on #4 Gun and as a driver for CPT Hoffman working on 6/27th Arty civic action projects including the An Loc Girl/Boy Scout Troop. His remaining time was with Service Battery hauling supplies in convoy up Hwy 13 to the various 6/27th Batteries.  I think you will find his photos interesting, especially his convoy photos.  Check them out.

Map Room Added to the Website
Where the hell was Quan Loi?  Where in the World is the place I was stationed at while with the 6/27th Artillery in Vietnam?  Maps are an absolute necessity in the piecing together of any history and the 6/27th Artillery's is no different.   We have always used maps, but until now there has not been a central place on the website from which to easily access those maps when the need arouse.  I believe that need is now addressed with the addition of a map page for the site.  Now available as a navigational link on the top of each page of the site it should be much easier to view both the maps hosted on this site as well as some of the best Vietnam maps sites on the web.  Explore it here.
 

Jeff Gahagan's Remembering Charlie Battery 1969-70
It has been the policy of this site not to publish photos without the express permission of the owner of those photos.  In January of this year Bill Sponseller forwarded photos sent to him by Jeff Gahagan.  I have attempted to contact Jeff on several instances to obtain permission as has Bill Sponseller and we have had no luck.  It is Bill's belief that Jeff granted permission went he sent the photos to him.  These are interesting as well as quality photos, and after several months of wrestling with the problem of no direct permission, I have relented and decided to share them with you.  Click here to view them. 
 

Ken Wright's Vietnam Videos

A great addition to the site has  recently arrived  from Ken Wright, #1 Gun Chief, Charlie Battery, 1970-71.  Between September 1970 and April 1971 Ken shot 8mm film of Charlie Battery as it moved from Fire Support Base to FSB in Vietnam.  Last year Ken's son transferred this film to VHS video and recently Ken had those tapes transferred to DVD.  Ken was generous to share some of those movies with us. 

In order to expedite download and viewing the video has been split into four parts and set up as Windows  Video Media files.  Two versions of each part were made - one for faster broadband users and one for dial-up users.  The versions are identical but viewing size is smaller for the dial-up user.  Even then, the files range from 42-45 Mbs for broadband and  22-26 Mbs each for dial-up users.  It may require your patience to load and view each part, but I think you will find it worth your time.  Click Here to start viewing.  Thanks again, Ken!!!
 

"North Star Five Niner, Over"

After a long absence, Gary Graham, a frequent past contributor of stories and photos to the site, has finally added a new story, and it's a good one.  An oilfield service company's slogan back home in Oklahoma came to mind every time Alpha Battery FDC received a particular radio message with the call sign "North Star Five Niner, Over" in 1969. In this story Gary takes us through the procedures of a fire mission in FDC.  This you find it interesting.
 

David Peart's Vietnam Photos 1967-68

Recently I received an email with an offer of possible photos of Quan Loi to add to the site.  A quick check of David Peart's Picasa photo album page was enough to convince me that they all would make a good addition.  The former Big Red One Lieutenant's album contains 160 photos from August 1967 to August 1968 of Quan Loi, An Loc, Lai Khe, Phu Loi, Hwy 13 and surrounding countryside as well as other locations in VN.  The album will return you to places you may remember from those times forty years ago.  Rather than duplicate the work David had done with his album I thought it would be fun for you to see the photos in David's original album.  Click Here to see them and learn about David's time in Vietnam.  Thanks David for sharing your photos with us!

History in the Raw
If you are interested in history in the raw, check out some selected U.S. Army documents on a new page of this website.  Many thanks to Ralph Porter who passed on copies of selected 6/27thArty Operational Reports as well as selected 2/11thACR Daily Staff Journals he obtained from the U.S. National Archives.  Copies of documents will be added to this page as they are received by this website if deemed relative to the 6/27thArty Vietnam and/or Quan Loi, etc.  Check out these PDF files here.  If you have copies of documents you received from the National Archives or some other official body you would like to share with this website, please forward copies to the webmaster at the address below.

A History of French Rubber Plantations in Vietnam

Many of us were assigned to duty stations in Vietnam in or near a French rubber plantation.  Ever wonder how these French plantations got their start?  Now you can learn about this period of Vietnam and French colonial history there. A French website (translated here) supplies many of the details in that history.  Thanks to the diligent research and gracious generosity of François Denis FIEVEZ, the publisher, original early photos and documents are reproduced here that tell the story of the plantations including the Quan Loi Terres Rouges Rubber Co.  Check out "The epopee of Rubber" along with lot's of other interesting things on his website.  Click Here to start.

Rod "Pete" Petras' HHB Photos

A new group of eighteen photos from Rod "Pete" Petras is on the site today.  Rod served with HHB from March, 1968 to May, 1969.  The group includes a couple of photos of Phouc Vinh with the remainder of Quan Loi.  Two photos of our fallen brother, Robert Brupbacher are also included in the group and have been linked to his "In Memoriam" page.  Click Here to see them.

Robert Moore's " Views From Gun # 4 - Jan 1969 to March 1970"

Bob Moore served on Gun #4, a 175mm, with Alpha Battery for almost thirteen months.  During his tour he took photos during much of that time.  Here, in nine galleries, Bob shares over 110 of his photos.  The fog of thirty-eight passing years has settled over Bob memory, just as it has over each of ours.  Some soldier's name's are not known and once again we need that "collective memory" we have established here to offer some help.  Let us know if you recognize an unidentified soldier in any of the galleries.  Also included in the photos is a turn in the field that also could use identification.  We think you will enjoy viewing Bob's photos from the past.  Click Here to see them.