by David Summerfield (RIP) (SMSgt, Ret), LM 186
© 2006

Tet 1968: Every VSPA member knows of the valor and heroics of the 377th SPS while defending Tan Son Nhut Air Base at the infamous O51 Bunker. David Summerfield (RIP), SMSgt, Ret., VSPA Life Member 186, submitted the following:

I saw somewhere that you were looking for pictures of SPs who lost their life in combat or Line of Duty in RVN. This is a picture of Charles Hebron who was assigned to me when I was NCOIC of the 377th SPS detachment at Vũng Tàu. This is shortly before he went on R&R in Hawaii, to be with his wife. He came back on 31 Jan 1968, and was killed that night in the 051 bunker on the night of 31 Jan 68. I really liked this kid and still think about him often.

Regards,
Dave Summerfield, SMSgt USAF, ret LM # 186

Bình Thủy Air Base. KIA Memorial Dedication. MSgt Summerfield, 1968: 01 Bình Thủy Air Base. KIA Memorial Dedication. MSgt Summerfield, 1968: 02 Bình Thủy Air Base. KIA Memorial Dedication, Honor Guard. MSgt Summerfield, 1968: 03

For those who are not familiar with the Tet battle, a few photos are included below. The period of the TET OFFENSIVE is recorded as being from January 31 to March 31, 1968.

Tan Son Nhut Air Base: The NVA/VC attacked with four infantry battalions and a sapper battalion, their losses being 962 killed and 9 prisoners taken. The US losses were 19 US Army killed, 75 wounded, USAF losses 4 killed, 11 wounded, ARVN losses were 32 killed and 79 wounded. damage inflicted was 13 aircraft damaged.

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VSPA member Frank Ybarbo returned to Saigon in December 1998 and photographed O51 Bunker:

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O51 Bunker, above, viewed from almost the same angle
as the day the bunker was recaptured, but 30 years later.
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The Wall rubbing for Charles Hebron.
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Tan Son Nhut, Tet1968 Stories: