Đà Nàng AB attack, 1 Jul 1965: Conclusions
23rd ABG (MAAG)/AP

CONCLUSIONS:

On 1 July 1965, Đà Nàng Air Base was attacked by mortars and a sapper squad of NVA and VC.  That base attack resulted in the death of SSgt Terance K. Jensen (Silver Star), the wounding of one (1) USAF and two (2) USMC, destruction of six (6) aircraft, and damage to three (3) aircraft; one (1) NVA/VC POW, and one (1) NVA/VC KIA.

There are witnesses and participants in the 1 July 1965 attack who recognized A1C Al Handy’s actions as valor, but never had a platform to tell what they saw. Many apparently were never interviewed by OSI, and it may be that OSI did not file an official report. Today, some are members of the Vietnam Security Police Association, participated in that action, and now have a voice that will be heard.

As you know, during the Vietnam War on 1 July 1965, Đà Nàng AB received a stand-off mortar and sapper attack during which TSgt Jensen was the first Air Policeman of the war to be killed in action. His heroic actions saved the lives of at least twenty-five air crew members taking shelter in a bunker during that attack, for which he was awarded the Silver Star.

For years, rumors alleged that a TDY airman was at Đà Nàng AB with TSgt Jensen at the moment of attack, and either participated in the defense of the base and flight line with honor, or without honor. No one seemed to know who that airman was. However, I received an email from Albert Handy (A1C) who stated that he is the airman that was with TSgt Jensen when he was KIA.

Statements support that SSgt Jensen's action set in motion defensive action by himself, A1C Handy, a few flight line personnel, and the USMC which led to the sappers breaking off their attack.

Although Albert Handy, and an NCO, reported that Handy’s actions on 1 July 1965 may have resulted in his nomination for a BSM w/V, no acknowledgements of his actions have ever been received by him. Without A1C Albert Hendy’s actions, at the direction of TSgt Jensen, there would likely be an additional twenty-five names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. today.

I am requesting that VSPA use its influence officially and informally to request the United States Air Force review the Đà Nàng AB attack of 1 July 1965, including after-action and OSI reports if any, and consider the merits of whether Mr. Handy should receive an award or citation for his actions. I believe that is permissible in the interest of justice.