In Rememberance
A1C Bernard Francis Ford
35th Security Police Squadron,
Phan Rang Air Base, SVN
5 July 1967

I am looking for information regarding the death of my Uncle, Bernard Francis Ford, 35th SPS, who along with his K-9 German Shephard (name unknown) was killed while on perimeter patrol at Phan Rang on July 5, 1967. I appreciate any information including the name of his dog.

Thank you,
Linda Hughes Juarez

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I wanted to update you on my search for answers regarding Bernie Ford. Thanks to you for sending me in the right direction, I have been in contact with several exceptional guys.  Carl Adams and Gene Campbell have been able to answer most of my questions.  They have been able to put to rest any thought that Bernie's death was self inflicted.  Gene was able to tell me exactly how Bernie died.  My family and I are most grateful for all the help you and all the others who served our country so bravely have been able to provide.

I was in Chicago last week and visited Bernie's grave.  I placed an American Flag on his grave and told him that he is still remembered with affection by those who served with him.

I hope this finds you and your well.

Thanks again.
Linda

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Donald deMeurers
Friend and fellow k9 handler in RVN

I'll always remember you and that night 40 years ago. We shared our lives, our cube and even soda from your own refridge. Your life and death has changed my life. Rest In Peace, Bernie. You are not forgotten.

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A1C Ford -- Jack Jobes, Panther Flight , 35 SPS, Phan Rang, 67-68, Sat, Jul 05 2008, 9:32 PDT (adsl-75-2-209-62.dsl.mrdnct.sbcglobal.net/75.2.209.62)
I remember vividly A1C Fords death... if I remember correctly it was in the Juliet area of Phan Rang... I was in a tower several posts from his K9 area when I heard the shot. The tower closest to him tried to contact him and when there was no reply a SAT jeep responded to the area. At the time I have to admit the pucker factor was high cause I didn't know if it was a probe or what. They found him shot from an accidental weapon discharge. What I remember most is they had to get some other handlers to get control of his dog before anyone could get to him. It wouldn't let anyone near him. Remember how we had to have an empty chamber in our weapons but when the shot rang out and A1C Ford didn't answer you could hear rounds being chambered all along the Juliet posts. Must admit gives me chills and some tears as I remember it..will need to talk to my PTSD counselor on my appointment on Monday about it. Well hope all my brothers had a great 4th and hope we got a few more left in us..Welcome home guys.

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Author: Sam Lewis, Bft. Security , 35th SPS, PR 67-68
Author Host/IP: pool-151-199-7-43.ROA.east.verizon.net / 151.199.7.43
Subject: Re: A1C Ford
In reply to: Jack Jobes, Panther Flight, 35th SPS, Phan Rang, 67-68's message, " A1C Ford " on Sat, Jul 05 2008, 9: 32: 17 PDT

I remember that night too brother. B Flt. Security which I waa a part of , was releived by you guys Panther Flt. at 8 PM , we hadn't been off duty long , and I had RSAT that night . I had just settled in at the RSAT hut at CSC when we were called out to the scene to help secure the area not knowing at the time what had happened. As you said nobody could get near the body till the dog had been secured by K9 and it took a while to do that .

I coresponded with Bernard Ford's neice a year or so ago when she was trying to find out exactly how he was killed and I helped her contact some of those handlers who were on duty with him. She and the rest of the family were not sure it might have been suicide but other handlers assured her it was an accidental discharge. It was determined that Airman Ford had a chambered round and the weapon accidently went off when his dog lunged for some reason with the round passing through his head killing him instantly .

She was very appreciative of that after all these years not knowing .

I have a pic his niece sent me of him and his dog at PR before his death if you would like to see it. Sam

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Author: Sam Lewis, Bft. Security , 35th SPS, PR 67-68
Author Host/IP: pool-151-199-7-43.ROA.east.verizon.net / 151.199.7.43
Subject: Re: A1C Ford
In reply to: Sam Lewis, Bft. Security , 35th SPS, PR 67-68 's message, " Re: A1C Ford " on Sat, Jul 05 2008, 17: 23: 46 PDT

41 years ago today, WOW !

Bernard Ford A1C - E4 - Air Force - Regular

Length of service 14 years
Casualty was on Jul 5, 1967
In NINH THUAN, SOUTH VIETNAM (Phan Rang)
NON-HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ACCIDENTAL HOMICIDE
Body was recovered

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