An interesting perspective on your duties back then, Banpaeng. You're right, there were other places in the Udon area that made more sense than trying to rush the flightline but the sappers were going for the propaganda effect of blowing up some high perormance jet fighters of the era and failed.

Anyone interested in reading about Air America's role in Laos should read "Across the Mekong" by Charlie Davis, ex-Air America (and US Marine) chopper pilot. Charlie was based in Udon and relates his experiences in Laos in dropping Laotian troops, equipment and rescues of downed airmen. Also includes his remembrances of life in Udon and the air base during the mid-sixties.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/096396 ... e&n=283155

Appreciated Farang, but I'm actully looking for them in hardcover. Thanks anyway.

Ray, I have a small library. Mostly about the Vietnam war, but have expanded into the Laos war. I do have both Air America and the Ravens. Another excellent read is Tragic Mountains http://www.thingsasian.com/article/books/book_review03.htm

Anyway, if you can wait until March (on my next visit) you're welcome to check out a book or two. Of course I'll have to make you out a library card first

Looks like we have 2 threads on the same topic running concurrently here - and getting interesting. Mayby Admin can merge the two --- Possible??

Banpeang when you get here remind me to introduce you to my friend Dale, he worked in the tank farms too, it would be an interesting conversation to listen to.

Yep would enjoy that Ray. Looking forward to getting there one of these days.

Polehawk and BP, I want to say that the night in question was Sep 30, 1972. I and my crew at work in the GCA unit would receive 2 months tax free pay as a result. They figured the sappers used the ditch behind the unit to gain access to the flightline and the one sapper blew himself up in the revetment abeam our GCA unit. The Marines had flown a Chinook up from Nam Phong and cornered him in the revetment. I remember also, come daybreak, they had us evacuate the GCA while they inspected it for charges that may have been left behind.

Thanks for filling in the blanks Bill. Heard many stories but did not really know why the guy did not blow up plane.

Back during that time to many rumors flew that you could pick your story if you wanted to. One of the good things about working in the tank farm or the train depot was not having to go to the base. Also had a private gate by going in and out the tank farm gate. The few time they did close the gates we still had access and egress.