I was there from January 1969-February 1970. I was in SVC BTRY 8th Bn 4th ARTY. I drove a truck delivering ammo, supplies to four fire bases along the DMZ every day. We did have a big battle 12/26/1970. I delivered I also delivered diesel fuel and water to Con Thien, Charlie 2, Rock Pile and Camp Carroll. I helped move C Battery 8 inch guns to Con Thien around 10/1969, it was a hell. My first trip from Dong Ha to the Rockpile, 2 Marines were killed in an APC carrier 2 vehicles ahead of me. We had 175 mm guns at the Rockpile and my Army artillery unit was attached to the 3rd Marine Division. I remember when the Marines pulled out and an Army unit I think the 5 Infantry Division came in to replace them. They got there asses shot up bad. We got a hell of a lot of rocket and mortars attacks the whole time I was there. I am still having nightmares about Vietnam. I am proud of serving my country.
I went through the rockpile on my way to vandergriff. The number of guns in the pile were awesome. The highway leading up to rockpile was littered with wrecks in the ditch. Reminders of what the truck drivers faced. Nothing but admiration for them. I became embroiled in a firefight when a convoy of trucks came under attack not far from the perimeter of rockpile. A quad50 mounted on a 6x that accompanied the convoy was key to our survival.
We Sure Thank All of You Sir for All that you did. We are Proud We lost my Uncle Sgt Coley Leon Andrews 12 19 66 Crew Chief Casper Aviation Platoon 173rd ABN. Volunteer Second tour. So Others May Live
As one who surveyed this area {survey team 2nd bat 94th arty 66/67} most of this footage is from a small base just to the so east of the rock pile as you see it in the back ground, I would date this footage in the summer of 67, as was mentioned all of us carried the m-14 up until just before the hill fights {881 & 861}. My mos 82c, Welcome Home Brothers
Hi ! I have wondered over what sort of place the rockpile really was. I have heard from various sources that it was used as an observation&communications post and that there were a lot of radio apparature and signals stuff over there. I was also told that the top could only be reached by helicopter. Do you happen to know about the history of this particular place ?
1000. Respect. My uncle. Served. As my father Both. Really. Enjoyed giving. Hippie. Types hair cuts with pocket knife. That knife is onenof my most precioussed possessions. I keep it in safe. Along with my memory s. Any one who. Disrespects. A. Vet. Best under stand. That's. Hank bill. Will find its way. To. them !!!!My hand will be guided by my uncle an. Father. They live on thru me
I remember 881 & 861, that's when we found out the m16 sucked, I wasn't in that fight, but at the time I was at 3rd Marine division Hq intelligence and saw video and pics of marines who were killed trying to clear the weapon, it was terrible. They fixed the problems later, but it didn't help those Marines.
That's the rockpile and razorback ridge, served there from July 66 thur Sept, 66 with second platoon Delta 1/4 we were the first ones there and broke the ground next to the Razorback We carried the M14 until we left there and were sent back to Phu Bai to regroup and they gave us the M16s in Oct 66 This film had to be made after we left there. at the end of Sept, 66
I was with 3/4 there in 1968 January 30th. Didn't make the full tour, got shot twice on the hills above Khe Shan. Spent the rest of my tour in Japan and Okinawa. Welcome home to all.
My unit stood guard around the rockpile in August 69. I was with India company 3/9 3rd Marine Division. Remembering what happened so many years ago. Still in Vietnam 😫😫😫😫
Ummmm, what about the men who actually fought for "our" freedom in the Revolutionary War? These guys we're fighting for other people's freedom... This was just big war games. I love the Vietnam War and think it is the coolest war that was fought, but come on. It was a shit show fought over another countries freedom, not America's.
@@Nobody-dc8dp BS. Those brave soldiers were fighting for America. Vietnam was part of the policy of containment, which worked. The Soviet Union, our mortal foe, collapsed for having to defend its empire against resistance from anti-Communist forces, like South Vietnam and South Korea, we supported.
@@MyRobertallen you guys came to vietnam to invade that western guy, vietnam was under French colonial rule for 100 years Japanese and american for 20 years
Holy Crap! I think I see my father. S/SGT W.R. (Dick) Rowell in the background second from left on that M48. He spent some time at the Chu Lai, Rock Pile and Camp Carrol in 65 into 66. He was maintenance H&S Co with tank battalion. I remember him telling me about being filmed while he was there. My Father retired a MGySGT 2191 in 1986 after 33 years in the Corp. One tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam.
@666MikeRochip I served with your dad for several years, off and on beginning early 71, from the time I was a PFC and he was GySgt through MGySgt. His nickname was, "Three Fingers" and of course you know why. LOL He was an outstanding Marine, and a very great guy. I have many fond memories of him. I recall when he retired, around 1986, out of 1st Tanks. Later, when he worked at CamPen as a civilian, he stopped by to see me in 29Palms, when his work sent him there a few times. I heard he later moved to TN, where he lived till he passed away. I believe his wife/your mom was named Betty?
I was at hills 327, 55, 65, An Hoa, Liberty bridge.....in country from Oct 22 1968 (my 19th birthday) until June 1970. I think of those times and those Marines every day...and night. And Larry Duke who gave his life there. I’m 69 but it’s fresh in my mind. I love the Corps to this day and I’m proud of my service. People...civilian pussy types...say that they recognize our sacrifice. To me, it was an honor to serve. I volunteered . I wanted to be there. If I could serve with devil dogs in a combat zone again, I’d kiss the family goodby and be on a chopper tomorrow. Dave Heitman Sgt., USMC Semper Fidelis
Great footage, I've never seen this, I do recall that area. Some comments say sometime between Oct 66 and into 67, some say looks like into Summer of 67. I remember that we, 3/3/3, came into Quang Tri in Oct. 66 and that does look like the Rockpile in the background and Punchbowl in the foreground. And.....seen in the footage is use of the 106 recoilless rifle which was not used a lot until this time in this area, so if I remember correctly this was maybe Spring to Summer of 67. I left in April 67.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
Seeing that Razorback gives me the Willy’s..... I was there with A 4/3 in February 1970 during Dewey Canyon 2. We had near 50 percent casualties in our company. I was medevaced off the Razorback. My respect to the Marines who were there in 67/68. It was a different war then.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
You were in ALPHA 4th battalion 3rd Marine regiment? Even though the Marine Corps has three infantry battalions per infantry regiment and Alpha company is always in the first battalion?
A best friend from high school won the 1972 DOD Combat Cameraman of The Year. He may have known more about this video...unfortunately Wes (Emmet) Dempster (Air Force) passed away in 2015. There has always been a lack of credits with these films...good luck.
My best guess is Con Thien during Operation Buffalo before Prairie, Hastings and Mutters ridge. Some gave all...All gave some. Thank you all who served.🇺🇸
Uh, Op. Buffalo? Hastings was in July '66, Buffalo was in "67, I was on Hastings, Praire's, came right after Hasting.E/2/1 1st Mar Div, '66-'67, and you?
This is on the DMZ for sure. Not on the Rockpile. The Rockpile is in the background in one of the scenes. Not Gio Lihn fire base either. Maybe Dong Ha. In 1966 I was in USMC and fought in this area.
I was with the first marine division, 1st marine combat engineer battalion da nang in 68 and I was there for only 4 months before I was medvac out for injuries...the marine corps has taken good care of me ever since, I retired at 20 with a 100% disability,I was one of the lucky ones to come home ....thank you Jesus...OOHARH...
That is the Payable Area near the Rockpile. Obviously taken around 1966 as you can see the Grunts have M14s and 3.5 inch rocket launchers. We occupied three positions around the Rockpile and the Payable site was north of the Rockpile, east of the Razorback and looked out on Mutter's Ridge. I was there from May to September 1967.
Correct ,James. .At that period that was probably the 3rd bn, 3rd Marines holding down that position. The fact that they still had M-14s means that this footage was probably shot before April 67, roughly when the changeover happened. I was in E 2/3 and we were at that position for a brief period in March 67. 3/3 had a horrible couple of months in Jan/Feb 67. In two separate incidents, a misplaced 750 lb bomb and a 155 short round, Mike co 3/3 lost about 70 "friendly fire" KIA's. From this unfortunate situation, they got their Viet Nam nickname. "medieval Mike". Yeah that sounds cruel, but war is cruel. .
Definitely the Rockpile, Razorback, and Mutters Ridge. I was stationed there from Jan 67 to Feb 68. First in Lima Co. 60 mortors and then in S-3 H&S Co. I have official military topo maps of the area if anyone is interested and would like a copy. I was next to Maj. Wawrzyniak when he was wounded in an ambush by NVA on Route 9 between the Roackpile and Cam Lo bridge. Semper Fi
There is some confusion in remarks here concerning Dong Ha. Dong Ha village was near the town of Quang Tri. Dong Ha mountain (a different place entirely) was where FSB Fuller was and looked down on the Rockpile. It was roughly west of Con Thien (A4) and north northwest of Camp Carol. The Rockpile and Camp Carol were easily seen from the top of Dong Ha mtn. My company A 1-11th Infantry pulled security on Fuller for the battery of 105 howitzers there, 2 or 3 times in '69 and '70. Our platoon 2nd A 1-11 reinforced Capt. Blunt's company (Bravo?) when Fuller came under siege at the end of the monsoon spring '70. Sappers were stopped at the wire, but the chopper pad and several bunkers were destroyed by incoming. The following year ('71) in the wake of Lom Son 719 Fuller was over run and fell to the NVA.
The tracked vehicles are Ontos. They mounted six 106 mm manually loaded M40 recoilless rifles as its main armament, which could be fired in rapid succession against single targets to guarantee a kill.
Rock pile - Dong Ha Mountain wasn't a FSB until 1968. I would say it was the beginning of the Rock Pile Build to hold Rt 9 from Dong Ha to Cam Lo to Khe Shan.
My father, Sgt Paul Ehline, served there as an 0848. 67, 68, 69. He just died from Agent Orange-related cancer. Can someone please help me track down his men. I want to get his unit history for my family records and invite you to his memorial at Lytle Creek gun range on 8-15-20. Leathernecks M/C is his escort. He served at Rock Pile, JJ Caroll, DMZ, Da Nang, Gio Linh, Contien, CAMLO, 3d Marines, 13th MarDiv, G Battery 3d Btn, 5th Mardiv FMF.
Jonathan you are spot on with ahat you say. I was with 8th Bn 4 ARTY at the Rock pile, Charlie 2 and Con Thien. Also i was on the hospital ship USS Repose. Life was hell back then for sure when the Marines pulled out.
East of the rock pile. Probably fall of '67 at the start of the monsoon season - lots of mud around. Still carrying M-14's so not '68. Possibly could be the fall of '66, but I was there then through and after operation Hastings and there weren't that many large Marine positions so near the rock pile in '66. Semper Fi Brothers
@@Ruggz1515 I guess you could say I was in the old corps, came in at Parris Island in 57. I was weaned on the M1. I loved that weapon, always fired expert with it. I was on Okinawa if I remember right about 61 when we were issued the M14, hated that weapon. Carried it to Vietnam in66, it was inferior to the ak47 and we thought the M16 was a joke.
Rock Pile. My Father was there in 1966 towards the end of his first tour in Vietnam. All of this footage was set up for the cameraman when the enemy was known not to be in the area.
I was stationed at the rockpile in 67 with the marines, India co. 3/3. The razor back ridge is to the left front facing north. Its the sharp ridge line with those white marks(arty and 106's impact marks). . The hill with the antenna's on top is the rockpile itself with five recon on top. The base stradled Hwy #9 as a dirt road then. Most of the video is shot facing northwards. The rolling hills with a high mountains in the background is facing south. I ran patrols to that mountain top from those hills. I waqs also there in 1969 with kilo 3/9 and lz stud was later on towards Laos on Hwy 9 later named Vandergrift Combat base.
One shot is 2 clicks east of the Rockpile Another shot the end of the paved Rt. 9. I was with A Trp.3/5 Cav.9 Inf.Div. in Nov. 1970. doin recon just west of Rockpile. It's seems a few shoots are taken there.The Rockpile a freak of nature seems a pile of rocks, stacked by aliens this whole area is spooky, overpowering awe and beauty. This was an important outpost. The Rockpile hide 100's of NVA
I showed this to my dad who was at Con Thien, Dong Ha, Gio Linh, Camp JJ Carroll, and the Rock Pile in 1966-67 with the 1/40 Field Artillery and he said the hills in the background are definitely the Rock Pile.
Late '66. Using M14's. M16's not released to the field, yet. Probably Camp Carroll. Looking mostly North. Rockpile to camera left (west). Dong Ha Mt's to the straight ahead. Hwy 9 in the Valley to the right (east of Dong Ha mtns.) Headed towards Cam Lo. Was there with 3rd Plt G 2/4 6/67 to 7/68. S/F.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
They are in the valley just north of the Rockpile about 2 clicks, (2 km), and about 1 km east of the Razorback. Dong Ha Mountain, (Firebase Fuller) is about 4 km behind them, (to the east - northeast), at Grid YD 019593. Mutter’s Ridge is also nearby, about 3 km north of their position. The film is obviously staged for ‘someone’ or ‘some purpose’. To say they’re close to the DMZ is a matter of perspective. They’re about 9 km south of the DMZ. When I was there, our area of operation was north from the Rockpile to the N Vietnam border and west to the Laotian border.
You got your shit straight. I got to Rockpile 3\12\67. 106mm recoilless rifle plt. I was with Mike 3-3 on 881s late April. After 50 yrs...mine eyes can weep. May all'y'all find Peace.//// This video is pre March '67. They carry M-14s rather than 16s, they have 3.5mm rocket launchers rather than LAWS, they wear those suck ass cotton utilities instead of the nylon. Some of the footage is looking N.to the Rockpile and some with the Razorback to the West looking at the Rockpile to the South. I love this area more than my original home in Pgh, Pa. May whatever god you cherish hold you close as a corpsman tonight... Blessed are the survivors... we live to grieve the fallen... SemperFi mine brothers.
I was at Camp Carroll in 67. We covered Dong Ha. That's not real descriptive. DH was in Quang Tri and it was a large area. DH was not that large. Cal Lu, Cam Lo and other villages all around, Rockpile also.That looks like the Rockpile in the distance and I agree with. with Corpsman, that's the punchbowl. Fuller was still there when I got there.
Semper Fi brother...I spent time at Rockpile in '68 radio relay back to CTF Alpha, BLT 79.6 in ops with 4th Marines and then 26 Marines when they off loaded from Khe Sahn..the rocky hill in the short distance is Rockpile but the ground photos are no where near Dong Ha....Dong Ha is off the Cua Viet and south of Meisi Tai and Dong Ha positioned the perimeter with quad 50's not 60's in exposed positions...
That is the Rockpile. I was with 12th Arty and RP was a Targeting point. Our 4.2 Mortar battery was at CaLu. I can only speculate on the position, but it looks staged to me. I do not remember any high grass around CaLu. I have pics of it. Not the same place.
My first was 68 with a 3 month in-country extension and then back in the latter part of 69..first with 4th Marines and 26 Marines and then back over with 7th...missed being in-country for Tet but sure as hell didn't miss being in-country for Dai Do...
I believe it's the rock pile on highway 9.Mike 3/9 was there in 67' -68 after the monsoon , started operation(can't remember name) 3rd platoon was on point we walked into a horse shoe ambush.When pulled back we had about a dozen left , I was scared shitless.I remember doing mine sweeps on highway 9 and reactionary forces and our ambushes and operations.
I was there 67 - 68 USMC with 11th Engineers out of Dong Ha. Been all over that place. From Khe Sanh to Gio Linh down to Da Nang...and other places we were not able to mention at that time. These videos are much better than mine....
This is the Oct.'66- Battalion (rein) position at the Rockpile. The tank & 106 positions were oriented towards Mutter's Ridge, where they were used to support 3/4's attack along the ridge- hills 400 and 484 during Op. Prairie. Tragically, 2 tank rounds resulted in the deaths of several of the 3/4 Marines, including, Capt. James Carroll on Oct 5th. It appears from the info clip fragment in the film that the date was either 9 or 19 Oct. So it is either 2d Bn/9th Mar or their replacement Bn from 3d Marines. I don't recall exact date we pulled off that position.
i was with 3/9 in sept 67 after Con Thien we moved to Dong Ha and shortly after to the rockpile. I could not swear this is the rockpile especially from one on the 4 op's surrounding the base. If you were on the op's you would have a great view of the camp which was big and had a very big mess hall and Army 175mm! At the entrance to the rockpile, on I think was rt 9, was a large red sign you couldn't miss! Funny no picture of that!
My company (India Company 3/9 3rd Mar Division ) stood lines at the rock pile. I saw Puff workout with the mini guns. What a show!!! We were sent out on patrols and found bodies and pieces of bodies and blood trails. Remember this just like it was yesterday
I joined C/1/9 at the end of 1965. Dong Ho a well built area then, my tent was on the back row next to Marble Mountain. In 13 month I think I only spent 4-5 days there. The rest of my time was in the hospital on in the bush.
3/4 MARINES LIMA CO, 1966-67 DMZ AND OTHER ...... I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS FROM 3/3 HERE IN SPOKANE ,WA. AND HOUSTON,TX. SEMPERFI ..........THEY ARE OUR HERO'S NOW.
This was a hill manned by "M" 3/3 east of the Rock Pile & Razorback it's call sign was "Payable" It was moved closer to the Rock Pile in early 67, within sight from the new Payable. We used to watch the NVA patrol that hill after we left it.
The red clay would make it seem like Dong Ha but Dong Ha was near a village and the coast. The road looks like Hwy9 which would have led to the Rock Pile but I don't remember seeing a Mountain shaped like the one directly in front of the fire base. Also there seems to be antenna atop one of the mountains. Very early scenes by the time I got there in 1968 most of the foliage was gone.
I served with the 1st 83rd Artillery on 8" and 175's in the AShau Valley and I was at FSB Blaze, FSB Bastogne, Gia Le., FSB Sally, FSB Nancy, FSB Barbara, FSB Veghel and on two Indian Raids. From June 1969- June 1970.
Thurston Nix - Hey there Marine. I was a FO with 1/4 Bravo company in September of 1966. On the 16 of Sept both B and D company got surrounded by both North Vietnam regulars and some Chinese regulars just south of the DMZ perhaps you were there.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
@@mikecappy488 My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know him?
The helicopter says Marines on the side. They have no unit patches .The marines never had unit patches on their shoulders like the Army. Plus , you can see some of the Marines wearing light grey belts on trousers which the Marines always wore at the time.
Been there done all of that, 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Division. Was at Dong Ha Mountain in June of 1969, same year at the Rock Pile in July of the same year. Was on Mutters Ridge in March.
My father, Sgt Paul Ehline, served there as an 0848. 67, 68, 69. He just died from Agent Orange-related cancer. Can someone please help me track down his men. I want to get his unit history for my family records and invite you to his memorial at Lytle Creek gun range on 8-15-20. Leathernecks M/C is his escort. He served at Rock Pile, JJ Caroll, DMZ, Da Nang, Gio Linh, Contien, CAMLO, 3d Marines, 13th MarDiv, G Battery 3d Btn, 5th Mardiv FMF.
Looks like the Rockpile, not sure where in relation to route 9, maybe Nth-West side, had a walk around there in 93, very dangerous, lots of UXB. God bless all our Vets & Thankyou for your service.
It is the Rockpile in the background I say it is a defensive position just off Rout 9 looks as though they are trying to determine or lay in fields of fire for night defense. Most likely the start up of taking Route ( to Khe Shan.
Suggest the caption be changed to remove Dong Ha Mountain. That came later and is far to the east. FSB Fuller was built there and 105's were lifted in by chopper. The pictured area is west of Khe Sanh in the Vietnamese Cordillera as other vets have noted. The Rockpile (abrupt rock outcroppings) show in the distance. Was there on an artillery raid c. Dec. 1970 with 108th Artillery Group.
Yes that would be very near the rockpile as if you look at :54 the large mountain or the right is where FSB (firebase) Fuller was. I was in that area in 69 and 70 with the 101st airborne after the marines moved south and we took over
Yep Rockpile and Razorback area. And this would have to be 65/66, cause these grunts have got M14's. The Corps changed to the M16 in 67 . During the dry season that red mud turned into fine red dust and it was everywhere and got into everything. A vehicle truck/jeep etc would kick up the dust and it coated everything, you, your fatigues, your hair, your helmet and didn't taste very good. I think I have a few things with the dust still in it.
Definitely not Stud, as Stud became known as VCB - Vandergrift Combat Base, which was just a little farther south from where this pic was taken. I think some of it was taken a few score yards to the east of the Rockpile near "Margaret's Tit, aka Little Rockpile." And, Some appears taken just west of the Rockpile, because I see The Razorback quite clearly as well. Dong Ha Mountain, aka FSB Fuller was a little NorthEast of Margaret's Tit. (I knew that area well. -Gunny T sends
never was at the rock pile but in central highlands south of there m-48 tanks and apc did a good job of holding real estate around LZ mederith, Lz. Action, LZ albany, LZ X-ray hwy ql-19 to 1st cav. HHC. ANKHE 4th inf. div. 1/10 armored 1st plt. 1969.
Truth is the first casualty of any war, the NVA/VC did some daring attacks, they scared us, and killed us, and I know for a fact, that we scared them, and killed them, don't let your kids, or grand kids get into the us military, the politicians use them like cannon fodder.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
about a klik north of the Rockpile in the Punchbowl just off of route 9. this is some PIO staged shit.the're probably thinking about shooting the camera man.
After reading some of the other location comments I agree the area could have been around the Rockpile but again, were the Marines north in 1966? I went into 'Nam in 9/66 entering at Chu Lai and the Marine presence in that area was still strong. Don't know. Scary country regardless.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
That's Razorback in background Rockpile 3/3 I was there Oct66-Sept67 also the one Marine had a 3.5 Bazooka we had those at the beginning of our arrival at Rockpile in Oct 66
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know him?
I was at the Rock Pile in October 1966. In fact I was wounded (1st time) on 19 September 1966 at the Rock Pile during a mortar attack. I can verify these are Marines by the khaki belts and no patches on the uniforms and use of M-14 rifles. There was no Army units there yet and the Army wore black belts and still wore unit patches and sometimes white name tags. I can't identify the Marine units. An infantry unit reinforced with Ontos and armor. I was with the 4th Marine Regiment, which was not this unit as these Marines were wearing helmets. The 4th Marines had eschewed helmets and we mostly wore soft cover in the field and on combat operations. And ... that is clearly the Rock Pile in the background. There are things you don't forget, and that prominent terrain anomaly is clearly unforgettable. Also clearly this was a staged video shoot. It said this was shot by an Air Force cameraman. Most likely a Marine of Navy cameraman. If there had been hostile activities ongoing at the time, there would be no video and the Air Force guy would most likely be found in the deepest, darkest part of a fighting position. (Note: Marines have 'fighting holes or positions' as opposed to the Army's vernacular of 'fox holes'. No slight to the US Army intended ... the Air Force, maybe).
I will add to others...definetly rockpile looking north. I was with Fox 2/12 105s (with 3/9). I notice no arty in area. Must have been before april 1967. also notice the M-14s. We got our 16s at Khe sahn. when we were at khe sahn. By the way, my brother was at Stud with army combat engineers 1969.
I was with 3/9 in oct 1967 we left con thien and ended up at the rock pile. In don't see rt 9 which cut directly through the base and also don't see 105 &155's. At the entrance to the fire base on the left was a huge red sign and I don't see that. The one picture of the guy standing behind the 106 can't be the base side of the rock pile mountain because he would be pointing directly at the camp. This tells me that this was probably on the north east side of the mountain.
I live in DONG HA, in 2008 I saw a hole 15 meters deep and as wide as a football field (no water). This video is not DONG HA, I think it is 20-25 kilometers from DH
Forgot to mention we were at con Tien in the summer through the middle of oct when we left to go to the rock pile my squad was on the razor back for observation.i was just 19 or 20 at the time felt good about surviving con Tien then got hit hard in ambush on convoy you just never new when it was going to happen,on a beautiful bluebird day about 1oclock in afternoon
Sgt. Long -my 2nd tour in 1967 was Cua Viet, Gio Linh, 2nd platoon Sgt. perimeter, where we extended the concertina to the roadway, and I ended up on the outpost (suicide hill) as tip top alpha until I went home. Got to see the fuel dump and ammo dump explode. The blasts from the ammo dump were really something.
it says film was shot by "Air Force combat camera"... go figure... Marines had their own combat photographers in RVN, occasionally Navy combat photographers... The area looks like authentic 'I' Corps, but it looks like they were being directed for the cameraman. Did you go on the troop ship when Army 4th Div. went over there - I have a buddy who went over there on the ship.
Dong Ha Mountain? If there is a Dong Ha mountain, it sure isn't near the Rockpile, Dong Ha is about 15 miles East of the Rockpile, I did Hastings, FNG, but, I was there, how about you?
3/3/3 was N of rockpile on hill and some base of razorback kilo ? 12 /66 ,built the S rockpile perimeter around 2/67only to be flooded approximately 9/67 we were there dong ha mountain? This area is S of dmz and murders ridge!!!Straddled hi way 9 at bridge!
From 10/67 to 02/68, when I left Dong Ha, everybody wore flak vests. Nobody in this clip has one on. Also I never heard of a towed 105 being in the DMZ. As near as I remember, they were self propelled. This clip probably is west of Carroll, not Dong Ha or Con Tien.
I was at LZ Rockpile Sept 66 with 2/7 1st Mar Div operation Prairie. This is not LZ Rockpile choppers had to touch their wheels on the side of the mountain for loading and offloading.
Thank you all for your service. Can't imagine what it must have been like in that hell hole. Makes me proud to be American. USN 1986-2008
In
Suara
proud being a american because they kill the people that do nothing???
And thank you for your long service.
Bruh, you scrubbed toilets and bulkheads... usn 19buyinghookersinthailand-19fatandbalding ftw
I was there from January 1969-February 1970. I was in SVC BTRY 8th Bn 4th ARTY. I drove a truck delivering ammo, supplies to four fire bases along the DMZ every day. We did have a big battle 12/26/1970. I delivered I also delivered diesel fuel and water to Con Thien, Charlie 2, Rock Pile and Camp Carroll. I helped move C Battery 8 inch guns to Con Thien around 10/1969, it was a hell. My first trip from Dong Ha to the Rockpile, 2 Marines were killed in an APC carrier 2 vehicles ahead of me. We had 175 mm guns at the Rockpile and my Army artillery unit was attached to the 3rd Marine Division. I remember when the Marines pulled out and an Army unit I think the 5 Infantry Division came in to replace them. They got there asses shot up bad. We got a hell of a lot of rocket and mortars attacks the whole time I was there. I am still having nightmares about Vietnam. I am proud of serving my country.
you have my respect
-from Saigon-
Driving a truck in INDIAN COUNTRY IT'S HARD TO FIGHT BACK AND DRIVE AIN'T IT.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE.
I went through the rockpile on my way to vandergriff. The number of guns in the pile were awesome. The highway leading up to rockpile was littered with wrecks in the ditch. Reminders of what the truck drivers faced. Nothing but admiration for them. I became embroiled in a firefight when a convoy of trucks came under attack not far from the perimeter of rockpile. A quad50 mounted on a 6x that accompanied the convoy was key to our survival.
We Sure Thank All of You Sir for All that you did. We are Proud
We lost my Uncle Sgt Coley Leon Andrews 12 19 66 Crew Chief Casper Aviation Platoon 173rd ABN.
Volunteer Second tour.
So Others May Live
Thank you Sir for your service. God Bless
As one who surveyed this area {survey team 2nd bat 94th arty 66/67} most of this footage is from a small base just to the so east of the rock pile as you see it in the back ground, I would date this footage in the summer of 67, as was mentioned all of us carried the m-14 up until just before the hill fights {881 & 861}. My mos 82c, Welcome Home Brothers
Hi ! I have wondered over what sort of place the rockpile really was. I have heard from various sources that it was used as an observation&communications post and that there were a lot of radio apparature and signals stuff over there. I was also told that the top could only be reached by helicopter. Do you happen to know about the history of this particular place ?
Annie Rich Did you guys prefer the M14 at that time?
1000. Respect. My uncle.
Served. As my father
Both. Really. Enjoyed giving. Hippie. Types hair cuts with pocket knife. That knife is onenof my most precioussed possessions.
I keep it in safe. Along with my memory s. Any one who. Disrespects. A. Vet. Best under stand. That's. Hank bill. Will find its way. To. them !!!!My hand will be guided by my uncle an. Father. They live on thru me
I remember 881 & 861, that's when we found out the m16 sucked, I wasn't in that fight, but at the time I was at 3rd Marine division Hq intelligence and saw video and pics of marines who were killed trying to clear the weapon, it was terrible. They fixed the problems later, but it didn't help those Marines.
That's the rockpile and razorback ridge, served there from July 66 thur Sept, 66 with second platoon Delta 1/4 we were the first ones there and broke the ground next to the Razorback We carried the M14 until we left there and were sent back to Phu Bai to regroup and they gave us the M16s in Oct 66 This film had to be made after we left there. at the end of Sept, 66
zzz777771 How did you like the M14s? Did you prefer it over the M16 at that time?
@@Ruggz1515 I did.
@@Ruggz1515 The 14 was a lot like the AK 47. You could throw it in a mud pit, fish it out and fire away. Try that with a M16.
@ 2:43 the cameraman’s title card shows the date as October 1966.
I was with 3/4 there in 1968 January 30th. Didn't make the full tour, got shot twice on the hills above Khe Shan. Spent the rest of my tour in Japan and Okinawa. Welcome home to all.
Roger Wright
My dad was Lima 6 at that time.
My unit stood guard around the rockpile in August 69. I was with India company 3/9 3rd Marine Division. Remembering what happened so many years ago. Still in Vietnam 😫😫😫😫
3/9 India 68
Kilo 3/9/3 68 69 Top Signal hill above LZ stud
Bravest men ever to walk the planet. Valor incarnate. Our pride and joy- thank you SO much for your service. God bless America.
Robert Allen understatement there you
Ummmm, what about the men who actually fought for "our" freedom in the Revolutionary War? These guys we're fighting for other people's freedom...
This was just big war games. I love the Vietnam War and think it is the coolest war that was fought, but come on. It was a shit show fought over another countries freedom, not America's.
@@Nobody-dc8dp BS. Those brave soldiers were fighting for America. Vietnam was part of the policy of containment, which worked. The Soviet Union, our mortal foe, collapsed for having to defend its empire against resistance from anti-Communist forces, like South Vietnam and South Korea, we supported.
I was there, for 20 months, last 11 in 3rd Bn 7th Marines. We fought to keep each other alive, and thats about it.
@@MyRobertallen you guys came to vietnam to invade that western guy, vietnam was under French colonial rule for 100 years Japanese and american for 20 years
To all the vets in the comments.
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOUR SACRIFICES WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
shadow mode Oregon state baseball
What ??!?!?!? They kill us cut us head and kill milion of my people in viet nam die their bloody hand ???
Ho Chi Minh won. Go home Yankee
remembered for what? Killing millions of civilians and losing the war?
Do vets even like to hear thank you for your service ? shits a bit goofy.
Holy Crap! I think I see my father. S/SGT W.R. (Dick) Rowell in the background second from left on that M48. He spent some time at the Chu Lai, Rock Pile and Camp Carrol in 65 into 66. He was maintenance H&S Co with tank battalion. I remember him telling me about being filmed while he was there. My Father retired a MGySGT 2191 in 1986 after 33 years in the Corp. One tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam.
@666MikeRochip I served with your dad for several years, off and on beginning early 71, from the time I was a PFC and he was GySgt through MGySgt. His nickname was, "Three Fingers" and of course you know why. LOL He was an outstanding Marine, and a very great guy. I have many fond memories of him. I recall when he retired, around 1986, out of 1st Tanks. Later, when he worked at CamPen as a civilian, he stopped by to see me in 29Palms, when his work sent him there a few times. I heard he later moved to TN, where he lived till he passed away. I believe his wife/your mom was named Betty?
William the below reply, to 666MikeRochip, was meant for you.
I was at hills 327, 55, 65, An Hoa, Liberty bridge.....in country from Oct 22 1968 (my 19th birthday) until June 1970. I think of those times and those Marines every day...and night. And Larry Duke who gave his life there. I’m 69 but it’s fresh in my mind. I love the Corps to this day and I’m proud of my service. People...civilian pussy types...say that they recognize our sacrifice. To me, it was an honor to serve. I volunteered . I wanted to be there. If I could serve with devil dogs in a combat zone again, I’d kiss the family goodby and be on a chopper tomorrow. Dave Heitman Sgt., USMC Semper Fidelis
God Bless You and thank you!
Eileen Heitman oooh fucking rah
Great footage, I've never seen this, I do recall that area. Some comments say sometime between Oct 66 and into 67, some say looks like into Summer of 67. I remember that we, 3/3/3, came into Quang Tri in Oct. 66 and that does look like the Rockpile in the background and Punchbowl in the foreground. And.....seen in the footage is use of the 106 recoilless rifle which was not used a lot until this time in this area, so if I remember correctly this was maybe Spring to Summer of 67. I left in April 67.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
I was there (0311) with India Co. 3-3-3 (66) week before Thanksgiving until (67) medevac to Japan...
So proud USMarines fighting during Vietnam war,thanks for posting the pictures …? (•ARVN veterans) 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇫🇷🇬🇧🙋♀️
khi nào về việt nam chơi đi bác, đất nước giờ thay đổi nhiều rồi
Seeing that Razorback gives me the Willy’s..... I was there with A 4/3 in February 1970 during Dewey Canyon 2. We had near 50 percent casualties in our company. I was medevaced off the Razorback. My respect to the Marines who were there in 67/68. It was a different war then.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
You were in ALPHA 4th battalion 3rd Marine regiment? Even though the Marine Corps has three infantry battalions per infantry regiment and Alpha company is always in the first battalion?
A best friend from high school won the 1972 DOD Combat Cameraman of The Year. He may have known more about this video...unfortunately Wes (Emmet) Dempster (Air Force) passed away in 2015. There has always been a lack of credits with these films...good luck.
Rip all those brave men ,terrible war
My unit India Company 3/9 was at the rockpile. I can remember seeing Puff work out with its miniguns. What a show🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My best guess is Con Thien during Operation Buffalo before Prairie, Hastings and Mutters ridge. Some gave all...All gave some. Thank you all who served.🇺🇸
Uh, Op. Buffalo? Hastings was in July '66, Buffalo was in "67, I was on Hastings, Praire's, came right after Hasting.E/2/1 1st Mar Div, '66-'67, and you?
This is on the DMZ for sure. Not on the Rockpile. The Rockpile is in the background in one of the scenes. Not Gio Lihn fire base either. Maybe Dong Ha. In 1966 I was in USMC and fought in this area.
I was with India 3/3/3 66-67 (Cpl. Morris, V.)
I was with the first marine division, 1st marine combat engineer battalion da nang in 68 and I was there for only 4 months before I was medvac out for injuries...the marine corps has taken good care of me ever since, I retired at 20 with a 100% disability,I was one of the lucky ones to come home ....thank you Jesus...OOHARH...
That is the Payable Area near the Rockpile. Obviously taken around 1966 as you can see the Grunts have M14s and 3.5 inch rocket launchers. We occupied three positions around the Rockpile and the Payable site was north of the Rockpile, east of the Razorback and looked out on Mutter's Ridge. I was there from May to September 1967.
Correct ,James. .At that period that was probably the 3rd bn, 3rd Marines holding down that position. The fact that they still had M-14s means that this footage was probably shot before April 67, roughly when the changeover happened. I was in E 2/3 and we were at that position for a brief period in March 67. 3/3 had a horrible couple of months in Jan/Feb 67. In two separate incidents, a misplaced 750 lb bomb and a 155 short round, Mike co 3/3 lost about 70 "friendly fire" KIA's. From this unfortunate situation, they got their Viet Nam nickname. "medieval Mike". Yeah that sounds cruel, but war is cruel. .
Excuse me it was "medevac Mike"
Definitely the Rockpile, Razorback, and Mutters Ridge. I was stationed there from Jan 67 to Feb 68. First in Lima Co. 60 mortors and then in S-3 H&S Co. I have official military topo maps of the area if anyone is interested and would like a copy. I was next to Maj. Wawrzyniak when he was wounded in an ambush by NVA on Route 9 between the Roackpile and Cam Lo bridge. Semper Fi
My dad served with Maj. Wawrzyniak '66-67 @ Rockple & Razorback.
Sven Höek Hi Sven. Is your dad still alive?
jthernes No. He passed in '08. He was a capt. in 3-3 marines. Check your google messages.
jthernes Did U check your Google message? Did You know my dad?
There is some confusion in remarks here concerning Dong Ha. Dong Ha village was near the town of Quang Tri. Dong Ha mountain (a different place entirely) was where FSB Fuller was and looked down on the Rockpile. It was roughly west of Con Thien (A4) and north northwest of Camp Carol. The Rockpile and Camp Carol were easily seen from the top of Dong Ha mtn. My company A 1-11th Infantry pulled security on Fuller for the battery of 105 howitzers there, 2 or 3 times in '69 and '70. Our platoon 2nd A 1-11 reinforced Capt. Blunt's company (Bravo?) when Fuller came under siege at the end of the monsoon spring '70. Sappers were stopped at the wire, but the chopper pad and several bunkers were destroyed by incoming. The following year ('71) in the wake of Lom Son 719 Fuller was over run and fell to the NVA.
The tracked vehicles are Ontos. They mounted six 106 mm manually loaded M40 recoilless rifles as its main armament, which could be fired in rapid succession against single targets to guarantee a kill.
Rock pile - Dong Ha Mountain wasn't a FSB until 1968. I would say it was the beginning of the Rock Pile Build to hold Rt 9 from Dong Ha to Cam Lo to Khe Shan.
Seabees nmcb 3
I was at the Rock Pile and Dong Ha in 1966 with 1st battalion 4th Marines
Definitely the Rockpile. Might be area known as "Payable"
3/9 was there late 67 early 68.
My father, Sgt Paul Ehline, served there as an 0848. 67, 68, 69. He just died from Agent Orange-related cancer. Can someone please help me track down his men. I want to get his unit history for my family records and invite you to his memorial at Lytle Creek gun range on 8-15-20. Leathernecks M/C is his escort. He served at Rock Pile, JJ Caroll, DMZ, Da Nang, Gio Linh, Contien, CAMLO, 3d Marines, 13th MarDiv, G Battery 3d Btn, 5th Mardiv FMF.
My brother was at the rock pile between 69+70 if he were here he could tell you. I'm sure this guy is probably right
How can you tell? I thought the rockpile was on top of a mountain with a rocky outcropping? Im not doubting you just curious
@@MichaelEhline aaaaaa
B co 3rd tanks 3 Mardiv this is the payable at rt 9
Jonathan you are spot on with ahat you say. I was with 8th Bn 4 ARTY at the Rock pile, Charlie 2 and Con Thien. Also i was on the hospital ship USS Repose. Life was hell back then for sure when the Marines pulled out.
East of the rock pile. Probably fall of '67 at the start of the monsoon season - lots of mud around. Still carrying M-14's so not '68. Possibly could be the fall of '66, but I was there then through and after operation Hastings and there weren't that many large Marine positions so near the rock pile in '66. Semper Fi Brothers
Looks familiar, I was with 3/4 from Jan66 to Jul67....I agree it is in the fall of 67, still have the M-14..
+Jerry Eaton did you guys like the M14?
@@Ruggz1515 I guess you could say I was in the old corps, came in at Parris Island in 57. I was weaned on the M1. I loved that weapon, always fired expert with it. I was on Okinawa if I remember right about 61 when we were issued the M14, hated that weapon. Carried it to Vietnam in66, it was inferior to the ak47 and we thought the M16 was a joke.
Rock Pile. My Father was there in 1966 towards the end of his first tour in Vietnam. All of this footage was set up for the cameraman when the enemy was known not to be in the area.
I was stationed at the rockpile in 67 with the marines, India co. 3/3. The razor back ridge is to the left front facing north. Its the sharp ridge line with those white marks(arty and 106's impact marks). . The hill with the antenna's on top is the rockpile itself with five recon on top. The base stradled Hwy #9 as a dirt road then. Most of the video is shot facing northwards. The rolling hills with a high mountains in the background is facing south. I ran patrols to that mountain top from those hills. I waqs also there in 1969 with kilo 3/9 and lz stud was later on towards Laos on Hwy 9 later named Vandergrift Combat base.
Đông hà, Quảng Trị, Việt Nam.
One shot is 2 clicks east of the Rockpile Another shot the end of the paved Rt. 9. I was with A Trp.3/5 Cav.9 Inf.Div. in Nov. 1970. doin recon just west of Rockpile. It's seems a few shoots are taken there.The Rockpile a freak of nature seems a pile of rocks, stacked by aliens this whole area is spooky, overpowering awe and beauty. This was an important outpost. The Rockpile hide 100's of NVA
I didn't know that the 9th division was in I Corp I thought they were in 4 Corp the delta
I showed this to my dad who was at Con Thien, Dong Ha, Gio Linh, Camp JJ Carroll, and the Rock Pile in 1966-67 with the 1/40 Field Artillery and he said the hills in the background are definitely the Rock Pile.
Also there were several M48 Tanks based there. That's why my Father was there. He was part of a maintenance team to keep the tanks running and firing.
Late '66. Using M14's. M16's not released to the field, yet. Probably Camp Carroll. Looking mostly North. Rockpile to camera left (west). Dong Ha Mt's to the straight ahead. Hwy 9 in the Valley to the right (east of Dong Ha mtns.) Headed towards Cam Lo. Was there with 3rd Plt G 2/4 6/67 to 7/68. S/F.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
They are in the valley just north of the Rockpile about 2 clicks, (2 km), and about 1 km east of the Razorback. Dong Ha Mountain, (Firebase Fuller) is about 4 km behind them, (to the east - northeast), at Grid YD 019593. Mutter’s Ridge is also nearby, about 3 km north of their position.
The film is obviously staged for ‘someone’ or ‘some purpose’.
To say they’re close to the DMZ is a matter of perspective. They’re about 9 km south of the DMZ. When I was there, our area of operation was north from the Rockpile to the N Vietnam border and west to the Laotian border.
You got your shit straight. I got to Rockpile 3\12\67. 106mm recoilless rifle plt. I was with Mike 3-3 on 881s late April. After 50 yrs...mine eyes can weep. May all'y'all find Peace.//// This video is pre March '67. They carry M-14s rather than 16s, they have 3.5mm rocket launchers rather than LAWS, they wear those suck ass cotton utilities instead of the nylon. Some of the footage is looking N.to the Rockpile and some with the Razorback to the West looking at the Rockpile to the South. I love this area more than my original home in Pgh, Pa. May whatever god you cherish hold you close as a corpsman tonight... Blessed are the survivors... we live to grieve the fallen... SemperFi mine brothers.
I was at Camp Carroll in 67. We covered Dong Ha. That's not real descriptive. DH was in Quang Tri and it was a large area. DH was not that large. Cal Lu, Cam Lo and other villages all around, Rockpile also.That looks like the Rockpile in the distance and I agree with. with Corpsman, that's the punchbowl. Fuller was still there when I got there.
Semper Fi brother...I spent time at Rockpile in '68 radio relay back to CTF Alpha, BLT 79.6 in ops with 4th Marines and then 26 Marines when they off loaded from Khe Sahn..the rocky hill in the short distance is Rockpile but the ground photos are no where near Dong Ha....Dong Ha is off the Cua Viet and south of Meisi Tai and Dong Ha positioned the perimeter with quad 50's not 60's in exposed positions...
Helo looks like HMM364 as HMM363 (smiling jim) used Sikorsky U-34 guppies
That is the Rockpile. I was with 12th Arty and RP was a Targeting point. Our 4.2 Mortar battery was at CaLu. I can only speculate on the position, but it looks staged to me. I do not remember any high grass around CaLu. I have pics of it. Not the same place.
Agreed. Nowhere near Dong Ha or Cam LO Resettlement Village. My tour was Jan 67 to Jan 68.
My first was 68 with a 3 month in-country extension and then back in the latter part of 69..first with 4th Marines and 26 Marines and then back over with 7th...missed being in-country for Tet but sure as hell didn't miss being in-country for Dai Do...
I was on the gun truck with the 446, made quite a few trips to the Rock Pile in 69.
I believe it's the rock pile on highway 9.Mike 3/9 was there in 67' -68 after the monsoon , started operation(can't remember name) 3rd platoon was on point we walked into a horse shoe ambush.When pulled back we had about a dozen left , I was scared shitless.I remember doing mine sweeps on highway 9 and reactionary forces and our ambushes and operations.
I was there 67 - 68 USMC with 11th Engineers out of Dong Ha. Been all over that place. From Khe Sanh to Gio Linh down to Da Nang...and other places we were not able to mention at that time.
These videos are much better than mine....
This is the Oct.'66- Battalion (rein) position at the Rockpile. The tank & 106 positions were oriented towards Mutter's Ridge, where they were used to support 3/4's attack along the ridge- hills 400 and 484 during Op. Prairie. Tragically, 2 tank rounds resulted in the deaths of several of the 3/4 Marines, including, Capt. James Carroll on Oct 5th. It appears from the info clip fragment in the film that the date was either 9 or 19 Oct. So it is either 2d Bn/9th Mar or their replacement Bn from 3d Marines. I don't recall exact date we pulled off that position.
i was with 3/9 in sept 67 after Con Thien we moved to Dong Ha and shortly after to the rockpile. I could not swear this is the rockpile especially from one on the 4 op's surrounding the base. If you were on the op's you would have a great view of the camp which was big and had a very big mess hall and Army 175mm! At the entrance to the rockpile, on I think was rt 9, was a large red sign you couldn't miss! Funny no picture of that!
Well it was not shot ON the Rockpile....there was an OP there at some point but I thinking not in this sequence, which looks quite staged to me.
Too many Marines very close
Not usual for bipeds on the 14s
does look staged. I was a grunt US Army 1971 up near DMZ and DaNang
I love the way oz soldiers were treated you need us we dont need you gotta love it
My company (India Company 3/9 3rd Mar Division ) stood lines at the rock pile. I saw Puff workout with the mini guns. What a show!!! We were sent out on patrols and found bodies and pieces of bodies and blood trails. Remember this just like it was yesterday
I joined C/1/9 at the end of 1965. Dong Ho a well built area then, my tent was on the back row next to Marble Mountain. In 13 month I think I only spent 4-5 days there. The rest of my time was in the hospital on in the bush.
3/4 MARINES LIMA CO, 1966-67 DMZ AND OTHER ...... I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS FROM 3/3 HERE IN SPOKANE ,WA. AND HOUSTON,TX. SEMPERFI ..........THEY ARE OUR HERO'S NOW.
need contact from someone in L 3/4, my uncle was with that unit from oct. 67 to KIA on 3/4/68; jeffandteddi@att.net
I was there with 3/9 in January 68. A lot had changed by then but it is definitely the RP.
You can try to check out but you can never leave
This was a hill manned by "M" 3/3 east of the Rock Pile & Razorback it's call sign was "Payable" It was moved closer to the Rock Pile in early 67, within sight from the new Payable. We used to watch the NVA patrol that hill after we left it.
The red clay would make it seem like Dong Ha but Dong Ha was near a village and the coast. The road looks like Hwy9 which would have led to the Rock Pile but I don't remember seeing a Mountain shaped like the one directly in front of the fire base. Also there seems to be antenna atop one of the mountains. Very early scenes by the time I got there in 1968 most of the foliage was gone.
That's the Rockpile.
I served with the 1st 83rd Artillery on 8" and 175's in the AShau Valley and I was at FSB Blaze, FSB Bastogne, Gia Le., FSB Sally, FSB Nancy, FSB Barbara, FSB Veghel and on two Indian Raids. From June 1969- June 1970.
Not Dong Ha mtn-FSB Fuller, i was on fuller may-july69, dong ha mtn was high, steep sided, no vehicles, no roads 250th counter Radar Det F bat
It’s a mix. Rockpile, Vandegrift, early war with M14 rifles and later war with CH-46 helicopters.
I was here in 1966 Thurston Nix D 1/4 WIA 2 mils east on rout 9 sept 14th
Thurston Nix - Hey there Marine. I was a FO with 1/4 Bravo company in September of 1966. On the 16 of Sept both B and D company got surrounded by both North Vietnam regulars and some Chinese regulars just south of the DMZ perhaps you were there.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
@@mikecappy488 My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know him?
@@kinglycaon3627 Sorry, I was with 1st battalion 4th Marines.
The helicopter says Marines on the side. They have no unit patches .The marines never had unit patches on their shoulders like the Army. Plus , you can see some of the Marines wearing light grey belts on trousers which the Marines always wore at the time.
I would say this was early in the war, they are carrying M-14's, B.A.R's and a 3.5 inch Rocket Launcher
we carried m 14 well into 1968
looked like a bazooka..
It was in October 1966.
We had 3.5 rocket launchers in 68 . . . sw of Da Nang 2/27
Been there done all of that, 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Division. Was at Dong Ha Mountain in June of 1969, same year at the Rock Pile in July of the same year. Was on Mutters Ridge in March.
My co worker was at Khesan during the siege. Steve Shinn. Great guy. 0:04
Looks like the first Rockpile perimeter. I was there in oct 66. Has my PTSD nerves humming like a tuning fork
My father, Sgt Paul Ehline, served there as an 0848. 67, 68, 69. He just died from Agent Orange-related cancer. Can someone please help me track down his men. I want to get his unit history for my family records and invite you to his memorial at Lytle Creek gun range on 8-15-20. Leathernecks M/C is his escort. He served at Rock Pile, JJ Caroll, DMZ, Da Nang, Gio Linh, Contien, CAMLO, 3d Marines, 13th MarDiv, G Battery 3d Btn, 5th Mardiv FMF.
It was even more interesting when we switched to the 16s in mid 67. Everyones new m16 Jammed like a M.F. when needed the most. Fox 2/9
Mike Ambra I was with Mike 3/9 68 we called the 16 the Mattel ,what a piece of shit of engineering.....lost bud's because of it.
Albert Hendershot what was your opinion on the M14?
I was there 2/9 G co. & H&S co in 66 that’s definitely the Rock Pile
Cpl RMMenard
@@Ruggz1515 Don't know about him, it worked for me, when I needed it to work.
Mike Ambra. Echo 2/9 67. It was a piece of crap rifle at first.
I wonder how many that has responded being there are actually friends that hasn’t seen each other since war
Looks like the Rockpile, not sure where in relation to route 9, maybe Nth-West side, had a walk around there in 93, very dangerous, lots of UXB.
God bless all our Vets & Thankyou for your service.
It is the Rockpile in the background I say it is a defensive position just off Rout 9 looks as though they are trying to determine or lay in fields of fire for night defense. Most likely the start up of taking Route ( to Khe Shan.
All had m16
Suggest the caption be changed to remove Dong Ha Mountain. That came later and is far to the east. FSB Fuller was built there and 105's were lifted in by chopper. The pictured area is west of Khe Sanh in the Vietnamese Cordillera as other vets have noted. The Rockpile (abrupt rock outcroppings) show in the distance. Was there on an artillery raid c. Dec. 1970 with 108th Artillery Group.
Bloodest zone in Vietnam war.
My father was a special force soldier of NVA, he was in here 1971 : Dong Ha, Con Thien,Doc Mieu, Cua Tung - Cua Viet..
Is he still alive?
Yes that would be very near the rockpile as if you look at :54 the large mountain or the right is where FSB (firebase) Fuller was. I was in that area in 69 and 70 with the 101st airborne after the marines moved south and we took over
That's some good footage. Hats off to the brave men who served in Vietnam.
Yep Rockpile and Razorback area. And this would have to be 65/66, cause these grunts have got M14's. The Corps changed to the M16 in 67 .
During the dry season that red mud turned into fine red dust and it was everywhere and got into everything. A vehicle truck/jeep etc would kick up the dust and it coated everything, you, your fatigues, your hair, your helmet and didn't taste very good. I think I have a few things with the dust still in it.
Looks like a little place out towards the rockpile, hill 223 or some shit, it was a long time ago.
A-1/9 .. M14s were taken from us in early Apr67 .. that sure looks like the Rockpile in background.
Semper Fi alpha bravo 1 9 68-69
What ever it is, it’s staged AF!
1:41 director yelled “action”
Rockpile I was there in 1967/1968 with 1/3.
A good friend of mine was in B 1/3 during the same time period.
Definitely not Stud, as Stud became known as VCB - Vandergrift Combat Base, which was just a little farther south from where this pic was taken. I think some of it was taken a few score yards to the east of the Rockpile near "Margaret's Tit, aka Little Rockpile." And, Some appears taken just west of the Rockpile, because I see The Razorback quite clearly as well. Dong Ha Mountain, aka FSB Fuller was a little NorthEast of Margaret's Tit. (I knew that area well. -Gunny T sends
Now it's the name Thanks
never was at the rock pile but in central highlands south of there m-48 tanks and apc did a good job of holding real estate around LZ mederith, Lz. Action, LZ albany, LZ X-ray hwy ql-19 to 1st cav. HHC. ANKHE 4th inf. div. 1/10 armored 1st plt. 1969.
Never made it to Dong Ha but that sure looks like the mountains around The Rockpile.
Was in that exact area 7/68 7/69 5th mech infantry div. I was a crewman on a M-88 tank recovery vehicle.
Me too Steve. A company support at Red Devil attatched to 3rd Marine Div. Left out of Fort Carson.
American soldiers and Southern Vietnamese soldiers were truly heroes in Vietnam war.
Truth is the first casualty of any war, the NVA/VC did some daring attacks, they scared us, and killed us, and I know for a fact, that we scared them, and killed them, don't let your kids, or grand kids get into the us military, the politicians use them like cannon fodder.
As others has mentioned this is not photos of Dong Ha Mountain.
my base camp wasn't to far from there, on QL 1
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
When I first arrived in country we had M14's in 1969. I switched to a M16 which I loved and never had any problems with it..
about a klik north of the Rockpile in the Punchbowl just off of route 9. this is some PIO staged shit.the're probably thinking about shooting the camera man.
K
Ya the lt looked stupid pointing out possibilities
Thanks for helping to identify this footage.
After reading some of the other location comments I agree the area could have been around the Rockpile but again, were the Marines north in 1966? I went into 'Nam in 9/66 entering at Chu Lai and the Marine presence in that area was still strong. Don't know. Scary country regardless.
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know my Uncle?
That's Razorback in background Rockpile 3/3 I was there Oct66-Sept67 also the one Marine had a 3.5 Bazooka we had those at the beginning of our arrival at Rockpile in Oct 66
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NW side of the Rockpile, early days pre-helipad on top and M-14 rifles. Some footage appears to Vandegrift Combat Base.
Definitely the Rockpile
Was at Dong Ha Dec. 1967
My Uncle PFC Rifleman Francis William Clark was 3rd division 9th marines 2nd battalion F company in Vietnam he was KIA in Quang Nam saving his fellow Marine brother's lives from a motor shell in 1966. By any chance did you know him?
I was at the Rock Pile in October 1966. In fact I was wounded (1st time) on 19 September 1966 at the Rock Pile during a mortar attack. I can verify these are Marines by the khaki belts and no patches on the uniforms and use of M-14 rifles. There was no Army units there yet and the Army wore black belts and still wore unit patches and sometimes white name tags. I can't identify the Marine units. An infantry unit reinforced with Ontos and armor. I was with the 4th Marine Regiment, which was not this unit as these Marines were wearing helmets. The 4th Marines had eschewed helmets and we mostly wore soft cover in the field and on combat operations.
And ... that is clearly the Rock Pile in the background. There are things you don't forget, and that prominent terrain anomaly is clearly unforgettable. Also clearly this was a staged video shoot.
It said this was shot by an Air Force cameraman. Most likely a Marine of Navy cameraman. If there had been hostile activities ongoing at the time, there would be no video and the Air Force guy would most likely be found in the deepest, darkest part of a fighting position. (Note: Marines have 'fighting holes or positions' as opposed to the Army's vernacular of 'fox holes'. No slight to the US Army intended ... the Air Force, maybe).
Was there in 67 had m-16 by then!
not 68 no m14s in 68 except snipers so mid 67 or earlier.
I will add to others...definetly rockpile looking north. I was with Fox 2/12 105s (with 3/9). I notice no arty in area. Must have been before april 1967. also notice the M-14s. We got our 16s at Khe sahn. when we were at khe sahn. By the way, my brother was at Stud with army combat engineers 1969.
robert jackson I was at stud( Vandergrif) 68 with 11th Eng. and 861 USMC Doc.
I was with 3/12 India Co and HQ Co 105's at Cam Lo also Camp Caroll 66 & 67 looks like the Punch Bowl. by the rock pile Operation Prairie and Hastings
I was with 3/9 in oct 1967 we left con thien and ended up at the rock pile. In don't see rt 9 which cut directly through the base and also don't see 105 &155's. At the entrance to the fire base on the left was a huge red sign and I don't see that. The one picture of the guy standing behind the 106 can't be the base side of the rock pile mountain because he would be pointing directly at the camp. This tells me that this was probably on the north east side of the mountain.
Ken Kall ewe
I live in DONG HA, in 2008 I saw a hole 15 meters deep and as wide as a football field (no water).
This video is not DONG HA, I think it is 20-25 kilometers from DH
Forgot to mention we were at con Tien in the summer through the middle of oct when we left to go to the rock pile my squad was on the razor back for observation.i was just 19 or 20 at the time felt good about surviving con Tien then got hit hard in ambush on convoy you just never new when it was going to happen,on a beautiful bluebird day about 1oclock in afternoon
Welcome home brother I Corp was not a fun area to be in
Really?!
Near DMZ,it's a helluva a hot place🤧
My cousin was on the Rock Pile, he was in Vietnam from 67-68
Semper Fi marines.
Looks like a really dangerous position to defend?
Sgt. Long -my 2nd tour in 1967 was Cua Viet, Gio Linh, 2nd platoon Sgt. perimeter, where we extended the concertina to the roadway, and I ended up on the outpost (suicide hill) as tip top alpha until I went home. Got to see the fuel dump and ammo dump explode. The blasts from the ammo dump were really something.
I am living in Quảng Trị, my family have many peoples die in this war.
Kind of like a staged Hollywood movie scene. Can’t relate, (11 Bravo, 4th ID, central highlands, 66-67)..
it says film was shot by "Air Force combat camera"... go figure... Marines had their own combat photographers in RVN, occasionally Navy combat photographers... The area looks like authentic 'I' Corps, but it looks like they were being directed for the cameraman. Did you go on the troop ship when Army 4th Div. went over there - I have a buddy who went over there on the ship.
I sat at The Rockpile staring west many a day , headed towards Khe Sahn and The Ashua Valley where we had a static station.
Dong Ha Mountain? If there is a Dong Ha mountain, it sure isn't near the Rockpile, Dong Ha is about 15 miles East of the Rockpile, I did Hastings, FNG, but, I was there, how about you?
3/3/3 was N of rockpile on hill and some base of razorback kilo ? 12 /66 ,built the S rockpile perimeter around 2/67only to be flooded approximately 9/67 we were there dong ha mountain? This area is S of dmz and murders ridge!!!Straddled hi way 9 at bridge!
Mudders ridge ai changes things!
From 10/67 to 02/68, when I left Dong Ha, everybody wore flak vests. Nobody in this clip has one on. Also I never heard of a towed 105 being in the DMZ. As near as I remember, they were self propelled. This clip probably is west of Carroll, not Dong Ha or Con Tien.
@rationalthought the 1st/40th battery near the west gate of Dong Ha was a 105 SP.
My country you fall
Blood spilled on this battlefield
THANK YOU ! Sacrifice your youth !
Thank you for this! forever still here ! 👍💓💓
I was at LZ Rockpile Sept 66 with 2/7 1st Mar Div operation Prairie. This is not LZ Rockpile choppers had to touch their wheels on the side of the mountain for loading and offloading.
I spent a couple months at Dong ha. 11 th. Eng. Third Bridge Co. took one convoy to Khesan
There is also M50 Ontos in this clip.