Bình Thủy Air Base

Sgt Gary Bruce Midkiff

by Anthony (Tony) Ralston
(1967-1968)

632nd Security Police Squadron, 8 July 1966

9

 

A1C (E4) Gary Midkiff Killed In Action, Bình Thủy AB, 1968 Offensive: On Feb. 4, 1968 at approximately 2:00 a.m. the TET Offensive became a reality for Bình Thủy AB. The first casualty for the 632nd Security Police Squadron, during the 1968 Offensive, was Sgt Gary Midkiff.
      Gary was assigned to Alpha 2 post, which was the machine gun bunker between the taxiway and runway. This post also was the site of GCA (Ground Control to Aircraft trailer). GCA had two personnel assigned at all times. When the Viet Cong starting shelling the base the first round was directed to the flight line. Upon seeing the mortar flashes, A1C Midkiff left his bunker to alert personnel in GCA trailer of the attack. On his way back after GCA personnel had made the bunker safely, a mortar round hit the top edge of the bunker. The explosion sent shrapnel downward over the entrance as Gary was approaching. Gary took shrapnel in chest fatally injuring him.
      I was assigned Alpha 1 patrol that night. When the alarm sounded Alpha 1 SAT team was still at Central Security Control (CSC). We heard the call from Alpha 2, man was down, and we responded and found Gary wounded. After a short time he died of his wounds before medics got there.
      Gary gave his life for the two individuals in the GCA trailer, which in essence was his job of protecting his post.

 

Official Information

GARY BRUCE MIDKIFF
SGT - Air Force - Regular
22 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jun 07 1945
From MIAMI, OKLAHOMA
Length of service 2 years.
His tour of duty began on Oct 01 1967
Casualty was on Feb 04 1968
in PHONG DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Religion - PROTESTANT
Panel 37E - - Line 25

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