The Berm-Part 1 of 4

Part 1 takes us from guard-mount (@ 5 pm) to sundown (@ 7 pm).

In this 4-part series, The Berm attempts to re-create the experience of American soldiers who manned the bunkers around their bases at night. These may have been at a remote Landing Zone or Fire Base and manned by infantrymen, artillerymen or combat engineers. More often, these bunkers were at a larger, more permanent and more secure base and manned by technicians, clerks and cooks who had little training in the art of combat. Long Thanh North, where I spent many-a-night on the berm, was such a base.

The story is retold from my personal experiences, but Im sure those who spent a night on the berm will probably find the sights, sounds and feelings quite familiar. For those who have never had the pleasure of such a night, perhaps this will give you a small flavor.

Nearly all the still photographs and sounds used are from war-time Vietnam. Night photography of Vietnam is rare... but of course, there wasnt much to see anyway, except darkness, shadows, the moon and stars and, of course, fireworks.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Vietnam
• War
• Long
• Thanh
• North
• Night
• Bunker
• Artillery
• Firefight
• Marijuana
• Bong

[ky105]

Thanks for posting this. I spent many nights in those LTN bunkers in 1970. Frank, was that Gilliland checking the Claymore?

[borntowander]

I'm not sure if its Gilliland. I tried looking at his name tag on the original photo, but can't quite make it out. I think the photo came from Dick Lindgren.

[1oliverd]

I was there from June '68 to Jan '70. Spent many a night on guard duty on the berm. Was in 56 trans then 303rd trans and a few months in security. wound up working command bunker. Had to call me to get permission for recon fire. Long time ago. Thanks for this posting.

On Google Earth the runway appears to be filled with crops now.

[justDaniel1231]

I was at LTN 71-72 with 1st Cav B Co. 22th ASHB and later with 362nd Avn Co before moving to Phu Loi. I sent some time in those bunkers before I went to flight Plt.

Man this really bring up a lot of old memories. Thanks for the post.

[D40acres48]

Thanks, Brother. I was in Long Binh at 2nd Signal Group HQ from July 1968 until about December 1968. From then until September 1970, I was at LTN, with 2nd Signal's Aviation Detachment. 1st as Maintenance Clerk and part-time Door Gunner, then 6 months full time DG. My last Extension was as the Passenger Co-ordinator for 2nd SG at the Helipad @ Army HQ @ Long Binh. During my stint as Maintenance Clerk, I also spent 40 straight days pulling Guard Duty because I was a Smart-Ass.

[spritz0]

This is FASCINATING!! I'm a Gulf 1 and Bosnia (2X) vet here (Staff Sergeant, Canadian Airborne), but I really appreciate this as I found myself slipping back into night patrol!! My greatest appreciation, as we are all BROS...

[ratrare]

Nice video brother, thanks for sharing. I walked my german shepherd between those bunkers back in 1969. 212th MP Sentry Dog Co, 18th MP Brigade

[PrinceofKona]

it brought back memories

[gzies1]

wow, very interesting. Thanks for the vid, can't wait to see the other 3 parts