I spent two tours with the 56th SPS (Air Commando) at a remote site
called Nakhon Phanom on the Thai-Laos border. The base was highly
secretive being the headquarters of Task Force Alpha
,
the underground command center directing Arc
Light
bombing of the Hô Chi Minh trail. Also, Operation
Igloo White
, which planted sensors on the Hô Chi Minh trail.
The 46th Special Forces used NKP as a launching pad for MACV Sog teams
crossing the borders. Also Air America
used NKP as a base
to supply the various hill tribes throughout the area. We were harassed
by the NVA with rocket/mortar attacks and occasional probes on the base
perimeter which left a number of dead and wounded. My point is that
the people who were based in Thailand deserve the same respect as our
brothers who served in Vietnam.
(Editors Note: Ken we really appreciate your
writing and reminding us of our brothers other than in Nam.)
