U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield
VietnamVeterans Accounts of Their Life, Work, and Memories of U-Tapao
Carol L. Reinhart
History 600
Professor Cooper
December 15, 2003
Foreword
The U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield was one of the largest air bases in South East Asia during the Vietnam War. It was an indispensable asset to the air war due to its location and size. However, very little information exists on the base itself. My father was one of the many people to serve at U-Tapao during the Vietnam War. I felt this personal dimension of the base could be a promising angle to approach for a research project.
The research found in this paper is a compilation of facts, opinions, and memories. The veterans who submitted information gave it on a purely volunteer basis, and although many of the memories are accurate as verified by both other group members, and published documents, there is always the possibility of human error. Whenever possible, details were confirmed, or supplemented through books and valid websites. This is merely a scratch on the surface of what persons stationed on bases such as U-Tapao experienced during the Vietnam War.
In this paper, several different aspects of the base and its personnel are addressed. I found it important to first explain the history of the draft, and how evolved. The draft or enlistment was the first step for these young people. Therefore, it is significant to the history of any person who served in Vietnam, regardless of their base and its location. Aside from the portion focused on the draft, details apply specifically to the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield. Approximately one half of the paper consists of a description of the base, specific details pertaining to buildings and their purposes. Living quarters, work schedules, the planes that were stationed on the base,and the feeling of security personnel felt on the base are also addressed. The remainder of the paper focuses on the human element of history, memories, and experiences. Ranging from free time activities, to the perceptions of the Thai people, various aspects of the life of the average GI are the focus of this portion of research. This area has barely been touched through over two months of research. The stories that were obtained from the veterans could not all be included, and many areas of interest were simply too broad to be included in a paper of such short length. Topics that are included are those which had the most information volunteered.
The final portion of the paper includes my personal reflections and opinions of doing this research. Although not every topic could be included in this paper, I was exposedto the group daily, which allowed my own perceptions to form from the human interaction aspect of these veterans on a continuum, as opposed to a snapshot received from reading a book or a paper. Welcome to the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield.
The Draft
In 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act. This created the United State's first peacetime draft. This also created the Selective Service System. From 1948-1973, men were drafted for service into the military when voluntary enlistment could not fill vacancies. 1973 marked the end of the draft, and the beginning of an all-voluntary military. The requirement of mandatory registration was suspended in April of 1975, however President Carter reinstated the requirement in 1980.[1]
Prior to the implementation of the draft-lottery system, the draft process was radically different. All men classified as 1A, ages 18 ˝ through 26, could be called for duty. Local draft boards called the oldest first, but this system created great uncertainty, as you were equally eligible the entire period you were within the draft pool. School deferments were also different before 1971, when Congress passed improvements to the draft. Before 1971, any full-time student who could show they were making reasonable progress towards a degree could obtain a deferment until graduation.[2]
On December 1st, 1969, the first draft lottery drawing since 1942 was held at the Selective Service National Headquarters in WashingtonD.C. This draft lottery drawing was to determine the draftees for the coming year, 1970. Eligible draft registrants were those born between January 1st, 1944, and December 31st , 1950. Congressman Alexander Pirnie, a Republican of New York state, drew the first of 366 capsules from the large glass container in which they were contained. The first capsule contained the date September 14 th, and all men born on that date between 1944 and 1950 were assigned a draft number of 1. The drawing continued until all birth dates were assigned a number.[3] From the 1969 draft lottery, the highest number called was 195; all draft numbers below were calledfor possible induction into the military.[4] In the July 1st , 1970 draft lottery, the highest number called was 125.[5] The August 5th, 1971 lottery called through number 95[6], and the final draft lottery of Vietnamthat was held on February 2 nd, 1972, and although conducted for men who could be called in 1973 was never used.[7]
Not every branch of the military drafted, only two drafted during Vietnam. These two branches were the US Army, and the US Marines. This means every man and woman stationed at U-Tapao voluntarily enlisted for service in the United States Air Force (USAF). It is important to note, however, that there were non-Air Force persons stationed at U-Tapao.
One USAF enlistee, recalled several aspects of the drafting process. He enlisted in the USAF in January of 1971. While waiting at the local induction center for his name to be called, approximately 30 young draftees were called to line up by the wall. A man selected every other man in line, and told him that he was in the Army. Another man told the remaining men they were in the Marines. Assignments to these branches were as simple as that in certain circumstances. The same veteran also recalled several men who enlisted in the Air Force and after one or two weeks were discharged for several "excuses" for not staying in. These men were turned over to the Army instead of being sent home. "They sort of shot themselves in their own foot", as this veteran stated.[8]
There were many reasons why people were in the Air Force. One veteran responded that he was commissioned through the ROTC.[9] Another explained that his decision to enlist was not in response to the draft. He said, "I would have enlisted anyway, every male and some of the women in my family served in WWII and Korea. I had no choice and no desire not to serve."[10] One other veteran enlisted right after graduation from high school.[11] The vast majority of veterans who enlisted said their reason was due to the draft, or the lottery system. One man said his chances of being drafted were 50/50, so he chose to enlist.[12] Many people knew they would be drafted eventually, and therefore decided to enlist and have a choice. For many, the options became enlist and choose a branch, or wait and be drafted.
Some veterans recalled receiving their draft notice soon after enlisting. Two veterans received their draft notice while in basic training.[13] One of these veterans remarked, in reference to receiving his U.S. Army draft notice, "Fortunately, I was already spoken for!"[14]
Despite the reason for enlistment in the Air Force, whether it be personal choice, family tradition, or choosing a military branch, one comment from a veteran put the draft in a clear perspective, "Back in the 60's and early 70's, the draft was a part of life for ever young male."[15]
History Of The Base
The U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield is located on the southern coast of Thailand, right on the Gulf of Thailand. It is located approximately 120 miles south of Bangkok, Thailand's capitol, and 30 miles east of Sattahip. U-Tapao, which was home to more than 7,000, began as a Thai Naval base in 1960. Major American buildup at U-Tapao began in mid-1965, when the construction of its 11,500-foot runway began. KC-135 Stratotankers began operating out of U-Tapao in August of 1966, with the official arrival of B-52 Stratofortresses following in April of 1967.[16]
U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield[17]
What The Base Included: Buildings, and Recreation
As facilities were built, military personnel had access to different living quarters, clubs and recreational activities. The base also contained important buildings for the operations of the base. Some of these were[18]:
NCO/Airmen Quarters
Officer Quarters
Crew Quarters
Several Dining Halls/Cafeterias
Officers Club
NCO Club
Airmen's Club
USO
Base Theater
Bowling Alley
Miniature Golf/Driving Range
BaseBeach
Gym
Sports Field
Library
Clothing Sales
Chapel
Hospital
Finance
Personnel
Legal Office
Post Office
Education Office
Mars Station
Security Police
U-Tapao Airfield is a very large base; therefore, two shuttles ran throughout the base to assist personnel in moving from location to location. A veteran speaking of the shuttles joked how, "those Thai drivers didn't always come to a complete stop every time you were getting on or off… but the driver would slow down somewhat. I think they got paid per lap around the base."[21] To travel off the base, there were commercial buses, or taxis.[22] Baht buses, which were small covered pick-up trucks, were common modes of transportation. Several veterans commented on the fact these buses were not always safe, and you should never ride alone at night in one.
U-Tapao had many recreational activities. The base beach had boating, water skiing, deep-sea fishing, archery, horseshoes, and basketball courts available. There was also snorkeling and scuba diving available through the Diving Club.[23] The gymnasium held basketball courts, and a weight lifting room, while also providing various classes such as judo and karate.[24] There were two base theaters, one was indoor and air-conditioned, and the other was a larger, outdoor theater on the beach. A larger indoor theater was completed in 1972.[25]
In all, there were four clubs on U-Tapao, the Officers Club, the NCO club, the Airmen's club, and the USO. The Officers Club was for commissioned officers, second lieutenant through general, only. The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officers) Club was open to enlisted personnel who had some supervisory capacity on the base. This included those who were levels E-4 through E-9 on the pay grade. The Airmen's Club was for all enlisted men below the E-4 pay grade. Finally, the USO (United Service Organization) was open to everyone.[26] The USO was open 24 hours a day except on Mondays when the club would close for several hours after 11 p.m. There were lounges, free stationary, musical instruments and soundproof rooms, cards, ping-pong tables, pool tables, and TV rooms. There was also a snack bar and a pizza bar.[27] While the other clubs served alcohol and put on a sort of floor show, the USO did not serve alcohol.[28]
Living Quarters
There were also several different living quarters on U-Tapao. The officer quarters were located near the middle of the base, and the crew quarters were located just south on the base from the officers' quarters. The majority of the NCO/Airmen's quarters were located on the southwest corner of the base. Additional NCO/Airmen's quarters were located on the northeast section of the base, near the main gate. Two main styles of NCO/Airmen's quarters were built at U-Tapao, the dormitories that are known as barracks, and the hooches. Later, pre-fabricated barracks were flown from the United States to U-Tapao. These were two story, open bay barracks. Common bathrooms were located halfway down each side. Each half was sectioned into six separate rooms by the use of lockers and office partitions, with three people to each section.[29] These pre-fabricated barracks were similar to the original three-story barracks in many respects.
The barracks were concrete buildings, built three stories high. The hallways consisted of wooden partitions, with openings at the top and bottom. Doorways were spread out down the hallways, although there were no actual doors in the openings. Each large room was divided into cubicles, using lockers as makeshift walls. Each cubical was large enough to house six people, community bathrooms and shower areas were located at each end of the hall. One veteran who lived in the concrete barracks explained how the bunk beds and lockers were placed in one part of the room, while the rest of the room served as a sitting area. Here they would have their couch, tables, refrigerators and whatever other furniture was in the room. This allowed for a quieter sleeping area, as people were often on different sleeping and working schedules.[30] An estimate of the size of one cubical s recalled to be approximately 20 feet by 20 feet.[31] Although the barracks were louder, and housed significantly more people than a single hooch, there were benefits. As one veteran said, "we lived six men to a cube at U-T. Wasn't that bad. We became close real fast… got to know people."[32] Another remarked after describing his barracks, "life was good though."[33]
The hooches were quite different, and those who lived in the hooches generally seemed to enjoy their living arrangement quite a bit. A hooch was simply a wood framed, screened house with a tin roof. Hooches could house between six and eight people comfortably, and within the hooch, lockers often served as the only interior walls. There was separate hooch with the shower and bathroom facilities. One veteran who lived in a hooch told how they pushed all eight of their beds and lockers to one end of the hooch, and built a bar at the other end.[34] Another veteran said, "I liked living in the hooches better, especially for day sleeping since we were only a few compared to a bunch of people going in and out and several house girls and house boys chatting and clammering about."[35]
The unmentioned Airmen's quarters for GI's stationed at U-Tapao were bungalows and houses off base. Although the significant proportion of military personnel lived on base, there were several veterans who mentioned either actually living off the base, or renting a bungalow with several other GI's to visit on their free time. Some of the hooches were very close to the runways, and with the constant takeoffs and landings, the noise was found unbearable to live with. One veteran explained how the close proximity of his hooch to the runway lead to him moving to a bungalow near PattayaBeach and riding a contract bus to the base each day.[36] Often, the houses and bungalows would also have a woman, similar to the house maids on base, who helped keep the men's living environment clean.
Airmen's Barracks
Hooch Area[37] Inside of Hooch[38]
House Girls
House girls or hooch girls were a part of every GI's experience at U-Tapao. Generally, the position was held by women, although there are several mentions of house boys as well. The house girls were comparable to a mom for the guys. She cleaned the rooms, made beds, exchanged linens, acted as an alarm clock in the mornings, did laundry, and shined boots. She would also help the GI's learn to speak Thai, and ensure their experience in Thailand was enjoyable. A house girl was paid $5 to $6 per person each month, and usually took care of two rooms or hooches. This meant a house girl made anywhere from $40-$80 per month depending on how many men lived in each room. This was very good money given Thailand at this time as the average annual wage in Thailand was only $200.[39] One veteran recalled his house girl bringing her two sons to work occasionally. He also remembered his house girl always trying to set him up with some young girl she knew.[40] While not every house girl could be trusted, and usually the house boys were not trusted at all, a veteran recalls that his house girl was extremely trustworthy and even had access to his locker. "I liked the Thai people a lot," he stated, "but they were very poor and would pilfer items for money or their needs." Whenever possible, he would give his house girl extra supplies he did not need, especially things her husband could use.[41] One of the veterans who was in the Army said that although he did not know if it was consistent across the base, but all of the hooch girls in the three Army hooches were married or the girlfriend of Thai Marines stationed at U-Tapao. The marines would stop by the hooches during the day to see their wives or girlfriends.[42]
Security on the Base
The overall feeling of security at U-Tapao was high. There was not a single response indicating a strong doubt in the security on the base. As a part of the Welcome In-Brief to U-Tapao, GI's were told that it was okay to go off the base, but there is always a risk so they should be careful. They were cautioned to stay with another GI, and never stray from their group. As they reported to each smaller division, they were told the same, to stay with a member of their squadron, or their shop. "The feeling was if the association was closer the chance of being left to fend for yourself would be less."[43] Several veterans commented on communist activity in the U-Tapao area. Although their overall feeling of security was not compromised, the known terrorist activities caused occasional briefings to be more aware of what was going on around them, especially when traveling off the base.[44] A friend of one veteran was shot at as the two approached U-Tapao's main gate. That incident was blamed on, "communist influence from up North."[45] There was also an explosion in the bomb dump area on the base. This was called an accident, but according to one veteran, everyone he knew felt that it was actually an attack. Other than the immediate excitement the incident caused, nothing on the base changed afterwards.[46]
A veteran explained that he believed the feeling of security GI's stationed at U-Tapao experienced allowed them to move more freely, and be friendlier with the Thai people than the GI's in Vietnam could have ever expected. These people trusted their Thai hosts, and lived a more realistic experience in Thailand.[47] The most potentially dangerous places were not on the base, which some believed was the prime target in Thailand with its large number of B-52 bombers, but off-base.[48] Even then, the danger was not extremely great. "The baht bus driver might try to rob you, but only if you were drunk and alone. Same as New Jersey except we don't have baht buses."[49]
The most serious security threat on the base came from sappers. Security was always on the alert for this threat. Sappers were men, women, or children who would sneak onto the base with concealed explosives. They often tried to reach a strategic spot, such as a flight line, to detonate their charges. Sapper attacks were similar to current bombings happening in the Middle East.[50] The sapper attack on U-Tapao was on January 10 th, 1972. The Bangkok Post printed an article about the attack on January 11th, 1972. It reported that two communist terrorists breached base security around 8:00 p.m. while a diversion drew the attention of two guard houses on either side of the hole which was cut in the security fence. Engine No. 7 on one B-52 was damaged to the extent it needed to be replaced, but the damage to two other B-52's was minimal, and the planes were ready to fly by noon the next day. One terrorist was killedon the base, a Vietnamese, and the other escaped.[51] In response to this attack at U-Tapao, the National Executive Council (NEC) ordered all air bases in Thailand to go on 24-hour alert. The NEC also determined that although security at U-Tapao was as good as possible, the attack on the base was a lesson that there are always improvements that can be made in the wake of such an incident.[52]
Assignments And Work Schedules On The Base
Some of the major units stationed at U-Tapao were the 635th Combat Support Group, 307thStrategic Wing (SAC), 1985th Communications Squadron, 11thUSAFHospital, 17th Air Division, and the 310th Strategic Wing.[53] With over 7,000 men and women working on the base, there were many assignments to fill. Listed below is a combination of units, sub-units, shops, and specific jobs that veterans were assigned to at U-Tapao:[54]
1985th Communications Squadron
307th MMS Pre-Load
4258 Avionics and Electronics Maintenance Squadron (AEMS)
461 Munitions Maintenance Specialist
635th
Security Police Squadron
Aerospace Photo Systems Repairman
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Air Traffic Controller
B-52 Assistant Crew Chief
B-52 Navigator
Bombing and Navigation Systems Technician
Director of Flight and Ground Safety
Doppler Radar Systems and Navigation Computer Systems Repair
Electronic Countermeasure Shop (ECM)
Ground Radio Communications Equipment Repairman
Environmental Systems Technician
Heavy Weapons 81 mm Mortar Crew
K-9 Supervisor
KC-135A Aircraft Crew Chief
OMS Tanker Phase Inspection Team
POL 631X0
Training NCO for TSC-54 Satellite Communications Station
Almost every job on the base ran on a schedule of 12 hours on duty, and 12 hours off duty. Shifts generally began at 7:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. Official work schedules consisted of 60 hours of work per week, however the nature of certain jobs sometimes meant that more than 60 hours would be workedgiven the demand of the base. Some shops were able to maintain a schedule of working two-day shifts, with 24 hours off, then working two-night shifts with another 24 hour off period. Since this was not a legal schedule, the schedule went back to 12 hours on and 12 hours off when the workload was heavy.[55] Almost all assignments on the base were tailored around the support of the bombing missions that flew out of U-Tapao each day. While repairing radar, loading bombs, and refueling planes were not the assignments that received praise and honors, they were essential to the war effort. Not a single plane could have flown its mission without the ground support it received at bases like U-Tapao. U-Tapao was a major staging base for B-52's during Operation Linebacker II, an operation, which helped bring the Vietnamese to the negotiation table in 1973.
The Planes Of U-Tapao
U-Tapao was home to several different planes during the Vietnam War. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress was the most numerous of the planes, however, KC-135 Stratotankers, U-2's, C-130's, and Navy P-3 Orions all flew out of U-Tapao at some point. Although there were no SR-71'sstationed at U-Tapao, at least one made a brief stay on the base for maintenance purposes.[56]
In July of 1948, the U.S. Air Force contracted Boeing to build a two long-range heavy bombers. The contract the Air Force gave Boeing was for a turboprop engine plane, however Boeing preferred jet engines, and decided to go ahead and attempt a design for a heavy bomber using jet engines. The design for the B-52 with eight jet engines was presented in October of 1948, and made its first flight on April 15th , 1952. Between 1952 and 1962, eight different B-52's have been built by Boeing. They are named B-52A through H. The B-52H is the only model that is still operational today. It was the B-52B that was the first model made for production, and joined the U.S Air Force's Strategic Air Command in June of 1955.[57]
The Air Force received its first KC-135 Stratotanker in 1957, and in 1965, the Air Force received its final KC-135. In total, Boeing built 732 tankers, and approximately 550 of these are still in use.[58] The primary purpose of the KC-135 is mid-air refueling. It refuels Air Force, Navy, and Marine planes, as well as the planes of our allies. The use of this plane during the Vietnam War changed the way the air war was fought, as long-range bomb targets became within reach.[59]
The U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft became operational in the early 1960's. This plane was designed and built by the Lockheed Company. The current version of the U-2 is 40% larger than the original design, and can carry four times as much payload weight than before. During Vietnam, the U-2 served as a spy-plane for battlefield surveillance, targeting, and damage assessment due to battles.[60]
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules began its service with the U.S. Air Force in June of 1959. In total, the Air Force received 135 C-130's. The originally the C-130 Hercules was to be an assault transport, however the plane was modified to serve many other purposes. These included special operations (low-level attacks), close air support, and search and rescue.[61]
Lockheed received a contract from the U.S. Navy in February of 1959. The P-3 Orion was to be developed to replace the P-2 Neptune. By 1962, the P-3 was ready for use. This land-based plane is a long-range anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft, and is still presently used although the design has been through three major updates since 1959.[62]
The Buff
The B-52 Stratofortress was an extremely important plane to those stationed at U-Tapao. On average, there were approximately 50 B-52's on the base at a time.[63] The planes was commonly referred to as the "Buff's", which stood for various things depending on who you asked. Generally, Buff stood for "Big Ugly Flying F***er", and a slight variation, "Big Ugly Fat F***er*.[64] One veteran said the Buff was known in the polite circles as the, "Big Ugly Fat Fellow."[65] The nickname is attributedby most to the sheer size of the plane, and that it looks like it should not be able to take off.[66] As contracted, the purpose of the B-52 was to perform long-range bombings. The B-52 carried 500, 750, and 1,000 pound bombs. A typical load consisted of 84, 500 pound bombs carried in the bomb bay, and 24, 750 pound bombs on the wing pylons. This meant each B-52 carried 108 bombs on average. If 750 pound bombs were loaded into the bomb bay, a load would consist of 42 bombs. The 1,000 pound bombs would be carried six on each wing.[67] In the later years of the B-52's use, only 500 pound bombs were loaded onto the wings when it was discovered that cracks had begun to form on the plane from the stress of repeated flights, and carrying the 750 pound bombs on the wing pylons.[68] When on bombing runs, the B-52 flew in cells of three, and the cells were named after colors. For example, there could be a Blue cell, and within that cell, the planes would be labeled Blue 1, Blue 2, and Blue 3. Having three planes in each cell meant every target was hit with 324 bombs if the plane was loaded with the typical 108 each, 500 and 750 pound bombs.[69] Thirteen, three plane cells would fly out of U-Tapao every 24 hours, and on average, each operational B-52 flew once in every 24 hour period.[70] The typical bombing mission lasted from two to four hours. When the B-52 returned from a mission, within the first hour the plane would have its oil checked, be refueled, and then be re-loaded with its weaponry. The drag-chute would also be loaded and then the Crew Chief would begin the post-flight inspection, which took approximately four hours.[71]
B-52 on descent, KC-135 in foreground B-52 being loaded[72]
U-2 Landings
An interesting design feature of the U-2's used during Vietnamwas their center line landing gear. When the plane took off, it had outrigger wheels to keep the plane stable as it went down the runway, as well as keep the wings from scraping since they were flexible and heavy with fuel before a mission. As the plane took off, the wheels were designed to fall off, leaving only the landing gear. This created an interesting difficulty in landing, since although the pilots could balance the plane reasonably well, they could not control gusts of wind that could potentially tip the plane on its side. To fix this, an interesting and memorable solution was found. Small trucks, usually El Caminos or Rancheros would wait at the end of the runway when a U-2 approached for landing. As it landed, the truck would race down the runway and a person in the back of the truck would "catch" the wing to help the plane maintain balance as it slowed down and the wheels were reattached to the wings.[73] "Seems like that's the way we always knew the bird was coming back", one veteran recalled, "The El Camino would park at the end of the runway, then all of the sudden fire up and start screaming down the ramp."[74]
Free Time
For every 12 hours of work on the base, there was 12 hours of down time. There were also 24 and 48 hour breaks, which were much needed after a week of hard work in the heat of Thailand. Free time at U-Tapao was spent in many different fashions.
Relaxation was the key to free time for many GI's. Many opportunities on the base existed for those who did not feel like journeying into town. The movie theaters showed movies several times a day, and the clubs were always open for the men and women. Some took advantage of the base beach, which due to pollution was not safe for swimming, to lay out and enjoy the sun. Free time was also spent keeping in contact with loved ones by calling, and writing home.[75] A veteran and four of his friends from his workshop pooled $150 per month to rent a three bedroom bungalow off base, which included a house maid. Since the rotation of days off rarely lined up, so there were never more than two guys there at a time. "Can you imagine how sweet that was after living in a giant crowded barrack all week?" he said.[76]
Not everyone chose to spend their free time on the base. U-Tapao was near several cities. The town of Kilosepwas right outside the main gate, although portions of the town were off limits, at least during certain years that GI's were at U-Tapao. Sattahip was and Pattaya were also close to the base, and these towns were popular locations for shopping, and rest and relaxation resorts. Newland was a town that most was built for the USforces stationed at U-Tapao. The specialties of this town were essentially alcohol, and women.[77]
Kilosep Market PattayaBeach
Newland Entrance
Prostitution
Prostitution in Thailand did not begin with the arrival of U.S.forces and the Vietnam War. The poverty of the country had created a situation where families would sometimes sell their daughters into servitude since they could not support them financially. Drug addictions, alcoholism, and other problems often ensured that women never left the life of prostitution. Prostitution did not, and still does not carry the same stigma in Thailandas it does in other parts of the world.[78] Sexually transmitted diseases ran rampant in the towns like Newland, and GI's in certain squadrons faced disciplinary actions if they contracted an STD three times in their one year tour.[79]
Prostitution existed on another level in Thailand. Many houses and bungalows that could be rented "included" girls in their rent. The understanding was these women were not merely house maids. One veteran recalled that his bungalow he and a friend rented at PattayaBeachfor $35 per person, included two girls. One girl was between 17 and 18 years old, and spoke reasonably clear English that allowed him to learn a bit about her life. Her family was extremely poor, and by living in the bungalow, she avoided being prostitutedto the public. She just had to hope that whoever rented would treat her well.[80]
The Thai People
Land of Smiles" (LOS) is how Thailandis referred to for most of the members of the U-Tapao Alumni Association. It only seems fitting given the people of Thailand. The Thai people were described by almost every veteran as friendly, happy, gentle, and honest people, who always had a smile on their face.[81] Several also attributed the disposition of the Thai people to their religion, Buddhism. The Thai's belief that sometime in this life or the next life, they will have to answer for their misdeeds may play a role in their honestly and respectfulness.[82] "The Thai's were wonderful people. They didn't seem to live beyond their means, but they lived life to the fullest and loved everything."[83] Many veterans recalled how no matter how little a family had to share, they would always share their food and drink with the GI's, and several were invited into the homes of Thai families on holidays such as Christmas. There were of course exceptions; crime was a part of daily life in Thailand. Some said this was just another example of how kind the Thai's were, to stay as happy and welcoming despite the crime and theft that ran through their towns. Not every GI felt the same way towards the Thai people, however a veteran gave his opinion on this. "Those who may have felt they were treated poorly I usually learned were the "Ugly Americans" who often forgot whom the country of Thailand belonged to."[84]
The Water Festival
Many veterans recalled the Water Festival that happened in the spring. The festival is in celebration of the changing of the seasons and the coming of the rain season. The tradition was to sprinkle a few drops of water on the top of your head to symbolize the coming of the rain, and the cheeks were patted with a rice flower to symbolize the rice that would grow from the rain. The Water Festival escalated to another level on the base, with hoses, and buckets of water replacing the drops intended by tradition.
Water Festival
Water Festival
Views of Vietnam
The emotional charge the Vietnam War caused still remains, however it has greatly diminished in the past 30 years. The events that made the Vietnam War controversial are no longer relevant as they once were. Regardless of the threats that have vanished, and diminishing hostile views of the war, veterans still have mixed emotions of the war. The majority of the veterans state they are now neutral and many feel they were doing their duty by serving in the war. One man said, "I felt I was making a contribution in something worthwhile, and I still feel that way,"[85] and another stated, "I believe that the military has to do what it is told to do, and we did that."[86]
The overwhelming positive feeling of duty, and obligation to serve in the military perhaps reflects the fact that not a single person who served in the USAF was drafted. Enlisting, regardless of the motivation, is still an act of volunteerism. Some veterans explained how did not support the war while they were there, and at least one became an anti-war activist after returning home from his service. Regardless of their history after their service in Thailand, many of the veterans who gave their views of Vietnamfocus on their disappointment of how we fought in Vietnam. The feeling among veterans is the U.S.government did not fully commit itself to winning the war, and it was obvious to those stationed in South East Asia, regardless of whether they were on the battlefield, or on a base in Thailand. Some statements addressed the actions at the beginning of the war, "I thought that we were stopping the spread of communism in that part of the world. Right thing to do. Wrong way to do it. General Westmoreland wanted to use B-52's on Hanoiin 1966. The politicians should have let him. It would have stopped the war and saved about 50,000 American troops."[87] Other statements show the resentment felt towards the politicians in their commitment in Vietnamthroughout the entire war, "I still despise the politicians for allowing so many soldiers to be killed or maimed in Vietnam. We were not allowedto fight to win air power wise. The war should have been either abandoned or fought flat out."[88] Not every veteran could possibly fit the same psychological mold, however one could reasonably assume that although a sense of duty and obligation accompanied military personnel during their service, they at some level resented they way they were forced to fight. That is, they were not allowed to fight to win the Vietnam War.
The U-Tapao Alumni Association
The U-Tapao Alumni Association was formed on October 27th, 2000. The group was formed for people stationed at U-Tapao, and those who passed through, or even knew someone who had been on the base. Currently, the group has 305 members from all over the United Statesand several in Thailand. The site allows for pictures, surveys, and messages to be posted for conversations. Almost 100 messages are posted daily, ranging from comments on the amount of snow that fell the night before around the United States, to current news in Thailand.
Through the group, several U-Tapao reunions have been held. The most recent reunion made a trip to Thailandfor several weeks. A few weeks after the reunion, several group members had the opportunity to participate in a ceremony held in Pattaya. The veterans were able to meet the Princess of Thailand, hold a conversation with her, and all received a gift in appreciation of their participation. The excitement that coursed through the group before and after the event was truly amazing.
Several of the group members live in Thailand, and quite a few are married to Thai women. Other group members have not been back to Thailand since their service at U-Tapao ended, while several veterans make return trips once a year. It is obvious that many of the members in the group still feel a strong tie to Thailandeven after 30 years.
The reasons veterans participate in the group vary greatly. Some veterans who contributed information though personal e-mails have never posted a single message on the board, and simply like to drop in to read occasional posts and look at pictures. Others participate in the group to keep their memories fresh. For some, it is as simple as, "I like being with these guys."[89] Others finally were able to put the war in perspective by participating in the group. "I thought I hated Thailandwhen I was there… but it wasn't Thailandthat I hated. It was the fact that this spoiled young kid from upstate New Yorkwas halfway around the world in the military that I didn'twant to be in and supporting a war I didn't believe in. When I read and talk on this website now I rarely think of the work part and when I do I look through the mature wise eye of today and realize what a great opportunity I was blessed with to serve in that country and at that base."[90]
Personal Reactions and Impressions
My original intent of this paper was to form one cohesive idea that encompassed the average veteran stationed at U-Tapao during the Vietnam War. It became clear this was not feasible for several reasons. First, the veterans were not all the same, and secondly, these veterans are not a representative group of all the people who spent time at U-Tapao.
The first reason, veterans not all being the same, is an understatement. In certain cases, the only similarity between people was that they were both stationed at the same base. The differences between people existed both during the war, and now. Experiences on the base depended greatly on rank, assignment, and even the year that a person lived in Thailand. The level of involvement, and type of people who were serving changed quite a bit from the beginning to the end of the U.S.involvement in the Vietnam War. Even within the same period, the experiences of those serving depended heavily on their assignment, how they lived, and their personal willingness to engage in the Thai experience. The multitude of different experiences by every person ensured that no two veterans are the same.
In addition, veterans are very different now, even if they had similar experiences while stationed at U-Tapao. Some veterans are now married to Thai women. Others have sons or daughters who serve in the military. Several veterans now live in Thailand, quite a few have made a return visit, and the vast majority of veterans will never step foot on Thai soil again. Geographic location, career, age, marriage, and children all ensure that the Vietnamveteran cannot be summed up by one generic description.
The second reason, a non-representative group of veterans, is clear from a simple look at the raw numbers. Over 7,000 GI's were stationed at U-Tapao at one time, with the average stay on the base lasting no longer than one year. This means well over 7,000 GI's were stationed at U-Tapao throughout the entire war, and only approximately 300 belong to the U-Tapao Alumni Association.
The veterans who participate in the U-Tapao Alumni Association do so on a volunteer basis. They willingly talk with other veterans, share their memories, and enjoy discussing their participation in the Vietnam War. A great number of veterans will mention their service, however have no desire to discuss the details of their experience. Asking the same questions of these veterans may yield different responses, and a different reaction to their involvement in the war. There are still the veterans who will not speak at all of their involvement, and certainly their interpretation of the Vietnam War would look drastically different from those who voluntarily join an internet alumni group.
This paper therefore cannot be the complete story of U-Tapao and its veterans. The paper that claims to be the complete story would indeed be miracle. This is only one sliver of the life a GI may have experienced during the Vietnam War.
At times, the research became frustrating. I wanted straightforward answers, if there existssuch a thing. I wanted organized detail, statistics, and picture perfect descriptions. This is nearly impossible when relying on memories that were made 30 years ago. However, I was often surprised by the detail that accompanied many stories. Detail became a double-edged sword. Can a veteran really remember such details so clearly after 30 years? Is this simply a glorified account of an actual event? The group members were very quick to catch mistakes of memory, and I realized that even if amazing, much of the detail offered was reliable.
It is obvious however, the memories and experiences of these veterans on the whole appear very positive. I fully expected this fact to emerge from this research. I first noticed the light-hearted, positive memories of U-Tapao from the stories and experiences of my father. I attributed this to the fact that he was young, energetic, and half a world away from home, combined with the simple fact that he was relatively safe from the dangers of war while in Thailand. There was always danger, but as shown by impressions of security expressed by the group members, almost everyone felt secure at U-Tapao. I believe this greatly effected the perceptions of the war, and the service these men provided at U-Tapao.
Another factor that I attribute to the positive memories is the effect of time. As time passes, people generally remember the more positive and memorable experiences than the minor setbacks and annoyances of daily life. It would be an odd forum if people joined an Alumni group only to complain about their bad memories.
The final factor which I feel may have effected the pool I researched from was the fact the veterans knew I was the daughter of a veteran. There was a sense every so often that information was edited for content with the knowledge there was a visitor on the forum. In addition, I was toldon several occasions that there was a certain level of censorship since I was someone's daughter, and there is always a feeling of protection in that circumstance. I do not believe this factor greatly changed the information I received, on whole the group was very informative and gave me any information they could to help my research.
Without the help of the veterans in the U-Tapao Alumni Association, my research could not have yielded the amount of information contained in this paper. The wonderful resource I found, the human mind, is far richer than any number of books a library can hold on its shelves. History reaches a point where the personal account on a primary level can no longer be used. I was incredibly lucky to have been granted the opportunity to explore this resource, and make a tiny dent in the history of the Vietnamveterans of the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield.
Lottery Numbers for Draft Lottery held on December 1 st, 1969
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
1 |
305 |
86 |
108 |
32 |
330 |
249 |
93 |
111 |
225 |
359 |
19 |
129 |
2 |
159 |
144 |
29 |
271 |
298 |
228 |
350 |
45 |
161 |
125 |
34 |
328 |
3 |
251 |
297 |
267 |
83 |
40 |
301 |
115 |
261 |
49 |
244 |
348 |
157 |
4 |
215 |
210 |
275 |
81 |
276 |
20 |
279 |
145 |
232 |
202 |
266 |
165 |
5 |
101 |
214 |
293 |
269 |
364 |
28 |
188 |
54 |
82 |
24 |
310 |
56 |
6 |
224 |
347 |
139 |
253 |
155 |
110 |
327 |
114 |
6 |
87 |
76 |
10 |
7 |
306 |
91 |
122 |
147 |
35 |
85 |
50 |
168 |
8 |
234 |
51 |
12 |
8 |
199 |
181 |
213 |
312 |
321 |
366 |
13 |
48 |
184 |
283 |
97 |
105 |
9 |
194 |
338 |
317 |
219 |
197 |
335 |
277 |
106 |
263 |
342 |
80 |
43 |
10 |
325 |
216 |
323 |
218 |
65 |
206 |
284 |
21 |
71 |
220 |
282 |
41 |
11 |
329 |
150 |
136 |
14 |
37 |
134 |
248 |
324 |
158 |
237 |
46 |
39 |
12 |
221 |
68 |
300 |
346 |
133 |
272 |
15 |
142 |
242 |
72 |
66 |
314 |
13 |
318 |
152 |
259 |
124 |
295 |
69 |
42 |
307 |
175 |
138 |
126 |
163 |
14 |
238 |
4 |
354 |
231 |
178 |
356 |
331 |
198 |
1 |
294 |
127 |
26 |
15 |
17 |
89 |
169 |
273 |
130 |
180 |
332 |
102 |
113 |
171 |
131 |
320 |
16 |
121 |
212 |
166 |
148 |
55 |
274 |
120 |
44 |
207 |
254 |
107 |
96 |
17 |
235 |
189 |
33 |
260 |
112 |
73 |
98 |
154 |
255 |
288 |
143 |
304 |
18 |
140 |
292 |
332 |
90 |
278 |
341 |
190 |
141 |
246 |
5 |
146 |
128 |
19 |
58 |
25 |
200 |
336 |
75 |
104 |
227 |
311 |
177 |
241 |
203 |
240 |
20 |
280 |
302 |
239 |
345 |
183 |
360 |
187 |
344 |
63 |
192 |
185 |
135 |
21 |
186 |
363 |
334 |
62 |
250 |
60 |
27 |
291 |
204 |
243 |
156 |
70 |
22 |
337 |
290 |
265 |
316 |
326 |
247 |
153 |
339 |
160 |
117 |
9 |
53 |
23 |
118 |
57 |
256 |
252 |
319 |
109 |
172 |
116 |
119 |
201 |
182 |
162 |
24 |
59 |
236 |
258 |
2 |
31 |
358 |
23 |
36 |
195 |
196 |
230 |
95 |
25 |
52 |
179 |
343 |
351 |
361 |
137 |
67 |
286 |
149 |
176 |
132 |
84 |
26 |
82 |
365 |
172 |
340 |
357 |
22 |
303 |
245 |
18 |
7 |
309 |
173 |
27 |
355 |
205 |
268 |
74 |
296 |
64 |
289 |
352 |
233 |
264 |
47 |
78 |
28 |
77 |
299 |
223 |
262 |
308 |
222 |
88 |
167 |
257 |
94 |
281 |
123 |
29 |
349 |
285 |
362 |
191 |
226 |
353 |
270 |
61 |
151 |
229 |
99 |
16 |
30 |
164 |
|
217 |
208 |
103 |
209 |
287 |
333 |
305 |
38 |
174 |
3 |
31 |
211 |
|
30 |
|
313 |
|
193 |
11 |
|
79 |
|
100 |
Lottery Numbers for Draft Lottery held on July 1st, 1970
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
1 |
133 |
335 |
14 |
224 |
179 |
65 |
104 |
326 |
283 |
306 |
243 |
347 |
2 |
195 |
354 |
77 |
216 |
96 |
304 |
322 |
102 |
161 |
191 |
205 |
321 |
3 |
336 |
186 |
207 |
297 |
171 |
135 |
30 |
279 |
183 |
134 |
294 |
110 |
4 |
99 |
94 |
117 |
37 |
240 |
42 |
59 |
300 |
231 |
266 |
39 |
305 |
5 |
33 |
97 |
299 |
124 |
301 |
233 |
287 |
64 |
295 |
166 |
286 |
27 |
6 |
285 |
16 |
296 |
312 |
268 |
153 |
164 |
251 |
21 |
78 |
245 |
198 |
7 |
159 |
25 |
141 |
142 |
29 |
169 |
365 |
263 |
265 |
131 |
72 |
162 |
8 |
116 |
127 |
79 |
267 |
105 |
7 |
106 |
49 |
108 |
45 |
119 |
323 |
9 |
53 |
187 |
278 |
223 |
357 |
352 |
1 |
125 |
313 |
302 |
176 |
114 |
10 |
101 |
46 |
150 |
165 |
146 |
76 |
158 |
359 |
130 |
160 |
63 |
204 |
11 |
144 |
227 |
317 |
178 |
293 |
355 |
174 |
230 |
288 |
84 |
123 |
73 |
12 |
152 |
262 |
24 |
89 |
210 |
51 |
257 |
320 |
314 |
70 |
255 |
19 |
13 |
330 |
13 |
241 |
143 |
353 |
342 |
349 |
58 |
238 |
92 |
272 |
151 |
14 |
71 |
260 |
12 |
202 |
40 |
363 |
156 |
103 |
247 |
115 |
11 |
348 |
15 |
75 |
201 |
157 |
182 |
344 |
276 |
273 |
270 |
291 |
310 |
362 |
87 |
16 |
136 |
334 |
258 |
31 |
175 |
229 |
284 |
329 |
139 |
34 |
197 |
41 |
17 |
54 |
345 |
220 |
264 |
212 |
289 |
341 |
343 |
200 |
290 |
6 |
315 |
18 |
185 |
337 |
319 |
138 |
180 |
214 |
90 |
109 |
333 |
340 |
280 |
208 |
19 |
188 |
331 |
189 |
62 |
155 |
163 |
316 |
83 |
228 |
74 |
252 |
249 |
20 |
211 |
20 |
170 |
118 |
242 |
43 |
120 |
69 |
261 |
196 |
98 |
218 |
21 |
129 |
213 |
246 |
8 |
225 |
113 |
356 |
50 |
68 |
5 |
35 |
181 |
22 |
132 |
271 |
269 |
256 |
199 |
307 |
282 |
250 |
88 |
36 |
253 |
194 |
23 |
48 |
351 |
281 |
292 |
222 |
44 |
172 |
10 |
206 |
339 |
193 |
219 |
24 |
177 |
226 |
203 |
244 |
22 |
236 |
360 |
274 |
237 |
149 |
81 |
2 |
25 |
57 |
325 |
298 |
328 |
26 |
327 |
3 |
364 |
107 |
17 |
23 |
361 |
26 |
140 |
86 |
121 |
137 |
148 |
308 |
47 |
91 |
93 |
184 |
52 |
80 |
27 |
173 |
66 |
254 |
235 |
122 |
55 |
85 |
232 |
338 |
318 |
168 |
239 |
28 |
346 |
234 |
95 |
82 |
9 |
215 |
190 |
248 |
309 |
28 |
324 |
128 |
29 |
277 |
|
147 |
111 |
61 |
154 |
4 |
32 |
303 |
259 |
100 |
145 |
30 |
112 |
|
56 |
358 |
209 |
217</ |