Showing 61 items
matching united states. air force
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Book - Luftwaffe Camouflage & Markings, 1935-45, Vol 1, K.A.Merrick
... United States Air force... United States Air force Pacific Theatre The book ...The book is a biographical coverage of the American 90th Bomb Group and its service during World War two. The book covers their active operations, inside thoughts about the group, and the commanders who commanded it. it is primarily structured as a narrative with accompanying photography.The front is a Black cover with a picture of a German twin turbine bomber. The back is a yellow cover with illustrations of the side of German aircraft.non-fictionThe book is a biographical coverage of the American 90th Bomb Group and its service during World War two. The book covers their active operations, inside thoughts about the group, and the commanders who commanded it. it is primarily structured as a narrative with accompanying photography.second world war, world war two, air bombing, united states air force, pacific theatre -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (item) - F- 86F Sabre Parts Breakdown, Operational Supplement Technical Manual Illustrated Parts Breakdown USAF Series F-86F Aircraft
... United States Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Air Force Operational Supplement ...United States Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (item) - USAF Sabre Overhaul - Wiring, US Sabre Overhaul Manual Wiring Data
... United States Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Air Force US Sabre Overhaul Manual ...United States Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Document (Item) - USAF aircraft markings, USAF Aircraft Markings 2/8/63 Conspicuity Marking USAF Aircraft
... United States Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Air Force USAF Aircraft Markings 2 ...United States Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Document (Item) - Ejection seat - advanced concept, Advanced Concept Ejection Seat Aces II
... United States Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Air Force Advanced Concept ...United States Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - USAF N-1 compass system operating instructions, U.S.A.F. Type N-1 Compass System (Magnetic Slaved, Directional Gyro Stabilized Compass System) Operation Instructions
... United States Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Air Force U.S.A.F. Type N-1 ...United States Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - USAAF C47 training manuals, Pilot Training Manual for the C-47
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force Pilot Training ...United States Army Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Drawing (Item) - Republic P-43 Lancer drawings, P-43 Lancer A56
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force P-43 Lancer A56 ...United States Army Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - USAAF fuel servicing trailers, Handbook of Instructions Type F-1 Fuel Servicing Trailer
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force Handbook ...United States Army Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Collection) - USAAF part indexes, AAF Numerical Part Number Index for Property Classification
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force AAF Numerical Part ...United States Army Air ForceVolume 5 and 6Full lists ( Volume 5 & 6 of 9 ) of all USAAF aviation parts -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - USAAF part indexes, Index of Technical Instructions and Information
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force Index of Technical ...United States Army Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - USAAF part indexes, AAF Numerical Part Number Index for Property Classification Volume 3 of 9
... United States Army Air Force... Moorabbin melbourne United States Army Air Force AAF Numerical Part ...United States Army Air Force -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - Aviation Machinist'S Mate 3
... of the Air Force. Published 15/4/1960. AFM 51-40 Vol. 2. United.... United States Air Force Air Navigation Manual for Training Level ...Description: 300 pages. Published by the Department of the Air Force. Published 15/4/1960. AFM 51-40 Vol. 2. United States Air Force Air Navigation Manual for Training Level of Importance: World. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, C.1968
... credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.... States Air Force. Flying Cross Alan Reed Black and White photo ...CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Squadron leader Alan R Reed distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as and RD-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 24 August 1968. On that date, he flew his aircraft repeatedly through intense hostile ground fire to obtain complete photographic coverage of the target. In addition, he voluntarily remained in that hostile environment for as long as fuel would allow, to act as a spotter and to pass firing corrections to friendly artillery. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Reed reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.Black and White photo in black and white frame of SQN LDR Alan Reed receiving a citation to accompany Distinguished Flying Cross 21 /08 /1968. with supporting info.flying cross, alan reed -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, C.2015
... and training United States Air Force (USAF) pilots and navigators to go... exchange officer flying RF4C Phantoms and training United States ...AVM Alan Reed AO, Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, June - November 1968. I was an Australian exchange officer flying RF4C Phantoms and training United States Air Force (USAF) pilots and navigators to go to Vietnam. I felt I needed some Vietnam experience if I were to do my job as an instructor. I managed to persuade both the US and Australian Governments to let me go the the war. I claim to be one of the few people 'invited' to the war because, for protocol reasons. the USAF could not order me to go. I was on exchange with the USAF from 1967 to 1970. My job was to fly reconnaissance missions in South and North Vietnam. My navigator was from North Carolina so we named our aircraft the 'Carolina Kangaroo'. All up, I flew 100 missions in Vietnam. Service number 052363 RAAF, 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron USAFBlack and white photo of Alan Reed Sqdr Ldr Pilot at the N.V.V.M. 2015 with supporting info.pilot, alan reed -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model, HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), 2004 (Approximate)
... by a United States Air Force aircraft, resulting in two killed..., the destroyer was attacked by a United States Air Force aircraft ...A ship model with ratio of 1:200 of HMAS Hobart (DDG39). The highest part is in black, main body is grey and bottom of the ship is peprika. The ship is on a white stand and kept in glassShip model, 1:200 HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) HMAS Hobart was Charles F Adams class, guided missle destroyer commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1965. In march 1967, Hobart become the first RAN combat shiip deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. This marked the start of consistent in six-month deployments to the warzone, which continued until late 1971; Hobart was redeployed in 19620 and 1970 During 1968, the destroyer was attacked by a United States Air Force aircraft, resulting in two killed and eight wounded among ship's crew. Hobart was awarded a US Navy Commendation for her 1967 service with the United States 7th Fleet.model, model - combat ship, hmas hobart -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Coloured Print of Boeing B.17F Flying Fortress, Day Shift
... Group, United States 8th Air Force leave vapour trails... Fortresses of the 91st Bombardment Group, United States 8th Air Force ...A rectangular Coloured Print of a group of Boeing B.17F's Boeing B.17F Flying Fortresses of the 91st Bombardment Group, United States 8th Air Force leave vapour trails in the morning sky as they head eastward from their base at Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, England, May 1943. The foreground aircraft, 229536 (LL-A) of the 401st Bomb SQN. is named "Mary Ruth"- Memories of mobile. Behind her is "Stric Nine, 229475 (OR-R) of the 322nd Bomb SQN. Power Plant: Four Wright R1820-97 nine cylinder air cooled radial engines. Each turbo-supercharged. Dimensions: Span 103ft 9in, Length: 74ft 9in, Height: 19ft 1in. -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Flag, 173rd Airborne Brigade (US)
173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965, the Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and a battery from New Zealand (161Royal NZ Artillery) were attached to the Brigade -- making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war. Initially headquartered in Bien Hoa, the Brigade operated in the four provinces around Saigon. (Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Phuoc Long & Phuoc Tuy), but (in its roll as a "Fire Brigade") also went to the Central Highlands (Pleiku / Kontum) to fight Viet Cong. The 173d also conducted constant operations against the southern stronghold of the VC Main Force in the legendary Iron Triangle in War Zone D. The brigade was organized as a balanced airborne combat force consisting of two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, a support battalion, an engineer company, a cavalry troop, an armour company, and a headquarters company. Upon activation, it became the first and only separate airborne brigade in the United States Army. This was the beginning of a long series of "Firsts" for the Brigade. On 5 May 1965, it became the first US Army ground combat unit committed to the war in South Vietnam, where further organizational changes were to take place. Australians attached to the Brigade were: 1st Battalion, of the Royal Australian Regiment (I RAR) and support troops of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (1Troop), 105 Field Battery Royal Australian Artillery, 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 3 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 161 Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Australian Army Air Corps, 1st Australian Logistical Support Company. The Brigade's two infantry battalions, the First Battalion of the 503' Infantry (1/503`d) and the Second Battalion, of the 503`d Infantry (2/503`) and the attached Australians of 1 RAR constituted the infantrymen available to the Brigade. Their mission was to protect the Bien Hoa Air Base and to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. This was in fact the first operational ground force formed under the ANZUS Defence Treaty. ANZUS was a mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. In 1965 the spirit of this treaty appeared as 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) a tri-national brigade. The only such tri-national fighting force formed during the Vietnam War. On deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, 1 Troop A Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was part of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade combat group. Flag, two colours divided vertically, hoist half mid blue, fly half red. Badge of 173rd Airborne Brigade (730 x 490 mm) in centreflag, 173rd airborne, south vietnam -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Sidgwick and Jackson, Vietnam, the war in the air : a pictorial history of the U.S. air forces in the Vietnam War, Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines, 1985
This book covers US aerial operations from the first entrance of US planes to the evacuation of POW's in 1973Index, ill, maps, p.227.non-fictionThis book covers US aerial operations from the first entrance of US planes to the evacuation of POW's in 1973vietnam war - 1961-1975 - aerial operations - united states, vietnam war - 1961-1975 - history -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Nguyen, Cao Ky, How We Lost The Vietnam War (Copy 1), 2002
A former Air Force pilot and general, Nguyen Cao Ky, born in 1930 was prime minister of the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and vice president from 1967 to 1971. He elped write the constitution of Vietnam and helped oversee the first free elections in that country. Upon the fall of Saigon, Ky and family fled to the United States.The author is a former Prime Minister of South Vietnam.A former Air Force pilot and general, Nguyen Cao Ky, born in 1930 was prime minister of the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and vice president from 1967 to 1971. He elped write the constitution of Vietnam and helped oversee the first free elections in that country. Upon the fall of Saigon, Ky and family fled to the United States.vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- united states, prime ministers -- vietnam -- biography, vietnam -- politics and government -- 1945-1975, nguyen cao ky, fall of saigon, republic of vietnam -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Nguyen, Cao Ky, How We Lost the Vietnam War (Copy 2), 2002
A former Air Force pilot and general, Nguyen Cao Ky, born in 1930 was prime minister of the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and vice president from 1967 to 1971. He elped write the constitution of Vietnam and helped oversee the first free elections in that country. Upon the fall of Saigon, Ky and family fled to the United States.The author is a former Prime Minister of South Vietnam.A former Air Force pilot and general, Nguyen Cao Ky, born in 1930 was prime minister of the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and vice president from 1967 to 1971. He elped write the constitution of Vietnam and helped oversee the first free elections in that country. Upon the fall of Saigon, Ky and family fled to the United States.vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- united states, prime ministers -- vietnam -- biography, vietnam -- politics and government -- 1945-1975, nguyen cao ky, fall of saigon, republic of vietna, republic of vietnam -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, Robson, David, JADE: Forward Air controllers (FACs) in support of the First Australian Task Force (1ATF) in Vietnam
A brief history of FAC aircraft in Vietnam & in particular, The Cessna O-2A.forward air controller, 1st australian task force, cessna o-2a, aerial reconnaissance -- united states, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- aerial operations, american -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia, Aircraft propeller
The Stinson L - 5 Sentinel was a World War 11- era liaison aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces, U.S Army Ground Forces, U>S Marine Corps and the British Royal Air Force. It was produced by the Stinson Division of the Vultee Aircraft Company (Consolidated - Vultee from mid- 1943). Capable of operating from short unimproved airstrips the L - 5 Sentinel delivered personnel, intelligence, and supplies to the front line. On return flights it carried wounded soldiers who were evacuated to rear area field hospitals for treatment. The L - 5 carried a pilot and observer. It had a length of 24.1 feet, wingspan of 34 feet, It had a maximum speed of 130 mph, a cruise speed of 100 mph with a range of 375 miles.The L - 5 was a significant asset to the allied war effort.Wooden propeller from Lycoming engine, with photograph of aircraft. Stinson L 5 Sentinal reconnaissance plane used in Korea and Vietnam. Propeller displayed from a similar plane. -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Memorabilia - Framed Citation for KOREA, 1950 - KOREA - 1953
Four framed pages detailing Citations given to units after the Korean Conflict. Top Left - 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery for Meritorious Service and Heroism Top Right - 77 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force for Meritorious Service and Heroism Bottom Left - 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment for deserved honour and distinction Botton Right - 7th Fleet, United States Navy for Meritorious Servicekorea, korean war, syngman rhee, 16th field regiment royal new zealand artillery, 77 squadron royal australian air force, 3rd battalion royal australian regiment, 7th fleet united states navy, citation -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Leadership group the day before the Battle of Ngok Tavak, 9/05/1968 12:00:00 AM
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Banner - Banner, framed, 11 Co (Nung)
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Captain John White, AATTV, arrives in Vietnam, January 1968, 1/01/1968 12:00:00 AM
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque, Mobile Strike Force Shield
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Sketch of Battle Map, Ngok Tavak, Mary 1968
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Annotated hand-drawn map of the fort at Ngok Tavak, 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, john white, battle map -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Savage, David, Through the wire: action with the SAS in Borneo and the Special Forces in Vietnam. (Copy 2)
The United States Special Forces, the Green Berets were often regarded as the elite of the American forces and their mobile strike force, the "Mike Force' , was considered the elite of these.The United States Special Forces, the Green Berets were often regarded as the elite of the American forces and their mobile strike force, the "Mike Force' , was considered the elite of these.australia. army. australian army training team, vietnam, special air service regiment (australian army), united states. army. special forces, green berets, mike force, the montagnards