Pleiku Air Base
633rd Security Police Squadron
Armory Explosion
Airman's Medal
by Robert W. Miles,
633rd SPS, Pleiku
1967

633rd Security Police Squadron, Pleiku - The following concerns the armory explosion incident of July 18, 1967 at Pleiku Air Base.

We had been working the midnight shift as normal. Two people were collecting our munitions and weapons. While standing in line an explosion went off, pushing me back. I no sooner questioned what had happen when the whole armory seemed to blow. I thought I was in a cartoon as I flew back through the doorway. My only thought at that point was to get to safety. However, several guys were calling for help from inside. One guy had a partition laying on his back as he was sprawled across the cleaning table. I tried to get it off but could not. Somehow, he managed to force it off and I was able to drag him out. We pulled another fellow out who could not see and carried him to the latrine to wash out his eyes.

I don't know how long the blasts and fire continued or just how many had to be helped, but I can assure you that it was not a fun time. Going back in after it was over and searching for A1C Robert Edward Pascoe , who was killed in the explosion, was not pleasant either. It was dark and smoky and smelled. Someone managed to find him but I could not continue the search. It was never determined for sure what happened. Most likely someone had straightened the pin on a grenade to make things easier just in case. Or someone had charged a slap flare. Whatever, the ammo can that it was in must have been jostled, setting off the initial explosion, right over cases of M60 ammo and grenades. I can still picture the day.

SO G-1417, 11 September 1967, Hq 7th Air Force, APO San Francisco 96307

4. By direction of the President, each of the following is awarded the Airman's Medal for heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 18 July 1967.

STAFF SERGEANT JOHN J SCOTT JR, AF12450633 (633rd SPS)
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ROBERT W MILES, AF11422032 (633rd SPS)
AIRMAN SECOND CLASS KENNETH B BELL, AF11453920 (633rd SPS)
AIRMAN SECOND CLASS ROBERT D STENDEBACK, AF17701789 (633rd SPS)
AIRMAN THIRD CLASS STEPHEN L CASEY, AF14870349 (633rd SPS)
AIRMAN THIRD CLASS WILLIAM FASTIC JR, AF12743754 (633rd SPS)

FOR THE COMMANDER,

LYNN CLAWSON, Captain, USAF
Administrative Officer

DISTRIBUTION G

CITATION TO ACCO THE AWARD OF

THE AIRMAN'S MEDAL

TO

ROBERT W. MILES

Airman First Class Robert W. Miles distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 July 1967. On that date, Airman Miles rushed to the 633rd Security Police Squadron Armory where numberous secondary and primary explosions had occurred, seriously injuring many Security Policemen. With complete disregard for his own safety, conscious of the fact that another explosion could occur at any moment, Airman Miles made several trips into the affected area and aided the injured airmen to safety. His quick reaction and persistence undoubtedly saved the lives of these individuals. By his courageous action and humaitarian regard for his fellow man, Airman Miles has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.