Chu Lai
Once a quiet, beautiful and secluded beach, Chu Lai today is the site of the Chu Lai International Airport. One of many medium sized airports around the country, serving both domestic and international passengers.
Fifty years ago this was one of the largest U.S. bases in the country, covering the southern I Corps and northern II Corps with air support as well as having large medical facilities to receive wounded for advanced treatments. Over the years the base hosted large units from the U.S. Marine Corps, ARVN units and Army units from the Americal Division.
It all started in the early summer of 1965 when ”Seabees” from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion arrived to start construct a small runway and a base to establish the first presence in the area. Over time, they added to the facilities with both a full size runway, a large helicopter pad as well as a helicopter base.
Please click on pictures for slide show
Thousands of troops from most kinds of available units were stationed here making it not only a fully functional combat base, but a small city.
The base covered a huge area, several kilometers from north to south and about two kilometers wide. Over the years, Bob Hope with guests such as Connie Stevens and Ann-Margaret came to entertain the troops on several occassions through USO arranged shows. We were happy to find the USO area at our visit where these shows took place, very little remains but the foundations of some of the bleachers are still around.
We have also found the helicopter pad with the white ”H” still painted on the ground as well as the medevac helicopters’ red cross. As a passenger arriving at or taking off from the airport one will also see the old hangars.
Visiting the base isn’t done entirely without problems. The People’s Army has facilities all around the area and it is an international airport, making access limited. However, it is possible to get around from the south and up on the east side without trespassing, making it possible to visit parts of the old base. It is also possible to enter from the main road QL1 north of the base towards the Ky ha peninsula.
Overall, this is a well worth visit for the history traveler. Large parts of the base, perhaps half, is outside the army and airport areas making it possible to move around relatively freely discovering the base.
Caution should be exercised though as live ordnance is still found around the base area. As always, our recommendation is to stick to well traveled trails and roads.
JT
How to get there
Chu Lai is located along the main road QL1 around 110 kilometers south of Da Nang and less than 80 kilometers south of Hoi an. It makes for a nice day trip in combination with visiting other war sites or Cham temples along the road.
Was in Chu Lai 1970 abt 7 mths with VMA 214 before being sent off to Iwakuni. Remember the raining of incoming rockets. Was lucky compared to others.
Was there with 5th 46th Americal in 70-71. When in the rear, remembering getting rocketed from Rocket Pocket.
Spent last part of 1966 most of 1967 off loading LST. SPENT A WEEK IN THE HOSPITAL SOME SICKNESS NEVER TOLD WHAT I’M WAS
Involved in initial beach landing October 1964-October 1965 with VMA 225. There was nothing there but open terrain; awaiting the runway of PSP to be installed and later arresting gear.
Mr. McCurry,
Did you know Richard Craig Bram? I’m his oldest son. If you have any information about his and Sgt. Dingwall disappearance please contact me.
Chris-bram@hotmail.com
I went ashore with the Seabees MCB-10 and three divisions of Marines May 7 1965. I took a lot of home movies of the Seabees Training at Camp Pendleton our trip on the LSTs and our time at Chu Lai building the airfield among other things. go to. How to be a combat dentist go to YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtr1JTf62Us&t=337s
a brief history of Vietnam and my experience as a dentist with the Marines and Seabees.
I was stationed at Camp Pendleton in a Marine Dental Clinic for about a year before going to MCB-10. We did see some holes probably leading to the tunnels we were told they were “spider holes”. A VC would hid in them at night an pop out to take a shot at you during the day time. We had not heard about the tunnel systems at that time. I did dentistry for the Marines and Seabees and would go to the villages to treat villagers. There were no dentists with out going to Da Nang. few of the villagers had been more than 10 miles out of their villages.
Deployed to a place they called Chu Lai in mid May 1965 from Iwakuni, Japan on LST 1165 Washoe County. My unit was VMA 225 a Marine A4C Skyhawk Squadron. Aircraft from VMA 225 were the first to land on the half constructed SATS airstrip on June 1, 1965. On You Tube Search Box, type VMA 225. Many Home Movies and Slide Shows. Also on Facebook 1st Marine Air Wing; Chu Lai, RVN.
I was USMC 68-69 in VMA225, VMA121, VMA311, and MAG12 Special Services.
I was in Chu Lai 68-69 USMC, 1ST COMBINED ACTION GROUP
Does anyone recall the location of LZ Gude which was established in early October 1967 by the 11th Aviation Group (attached to the 1st Cvalry Division) on an unidentified island near Chu Lai? It was reported to be “nothing but pine trees and sand.” It was nicknamed “Gilligan’s Island.” I suspect the island was Tam Hai north of the Kỳ Hà peninsula; am I correct?
I landed 7 May 1965 with the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, we were the security for the Base while the Airstrip was being built. Spent time on the Outposts called the Catfishes. Just a beach when we landed.
I also arrived supporting seebees . Hmm161. 1965/1966. Came from kaneohe. Sgt Todd 2009810
FSB4-11 (“Hill 411”) with C 1/44 fall of 1970. Lost C221 on 3 October, went over to LZ Crunch for my last few weeks in country. After 18 months, was ready to go back to the world. Returned October 2017, now a large quarry operation. Manager was told the PAVN had occupied the hill during the American war, was surprised to learn we had been there as well.
Thanks Rick. I should get an article up on 411 as well.
Jonas
Douglas Clunis
July 1967 To July 1968
I was NSAD Chu lai assigned to Mag 12 & Mag 13 as airfield lighting maintenance when the lights went down was John and I who would bring them back on When they were out Marines ran up down the runway lighting smugepots so aircraft could land & take off.John & I also put in the lights for helo pad Americal Division commanding General . John Tipton was from Tenn I was from Mi. We also assisted any place we happened to be where elect asist was needed Perfed to work at night felt saffer
I was in Chu Lai, 132nd Assault Support Helicopter Company from March to October 1968. I was a US Army Spec5 Administrative Clerk assigned to Headquarters Americal Division. Our hooches and our plywood, tin roof office, was right on the China Beach. Only a couple hundred yards from the Chu Lai air strip. Would like to hear from some of those that were there too.
178 ASHC Jan 68 to Jan 69
Been to to any of the Reunions?
I’ve been to four of them.
Did you know Capt. John C. Hurst from Texas, dod July 13, 1968? Thanks
I was in 400th maintence detachment of 132ashc from may of 68 until jan 69. before that I was in 178th ashc.
I was stationed in Chu Lia Vietnam 69-70. 123 Aviation Battalion. When the marine F-4 group was pulled out, we took over there flight line. USARMY.
Dan Markley
I was at Camp Shields in Chu Lai, right on the beach between the Navy POL fuel farm and the Americal Camp. I could see the CH 47’s from the hill.
I was at NSAD from Aug. ’68 til Mar. ’70 .
Attached to Navy Clubs & Messes.
Everyone called me “Shorty”.
Extended my tour and came home with an early out.
All respect to brothers with “real” duty.
Mabs 12 68-69 comm.
I was with MABS 12 at the same time you were. But I was a cook and they called me Dallas.
Ken Hogan USMC shore party bn. April 66 to May 67
I was stationed in Ch Lai in 69/70 and was assigned to MAG-13, VMFA-115 initially. I had many friends, but the old memory just can’t come up with names. My best friend was Mike Cicoff. We were both E-3s at the time and worked in the ordinance shop together. Our OIC was Capt. John Fogg, a super cool officer. He later became a part of the Blue Angels and after retiring he went into politics and became the Mayor of Pensacola, Florida. The only other person I remember is Ssgt Jones. Lots of other memories, but insufficient space and time. God bless all of you who served.
I was in Chu Lai I 1965 & 1966.
In MCB4 on the water we’ll drilling crew.
I was there 1970-71 at LZ Dotti. Due to agent orange, sI had 4 different types of cancers including prostate and bladder cancer.
Naval Air Support Unit at Chu Lai 1969. My first assignment in Vietnam.
My husband was stationed here in 1970-71. He was a medic with lthe 5/46. 198th . He was in charge of the Aid Station. His name was John Boggs. He served with Stan Russell, Mike McKinley Brad Jackson, Ed Westfall, Mike Mohr & Mike Colligan. I know there were more but their names escape me
I would like to hear from these guys. I lost Johnny to cancer 24 years ago
Sorry to hear of his loss. IF I can remember, he was my medic for awhile. He was in Company C. Ed was in charge of getting food and clothing to us in the bush. Mike was in the 3rd Platoon with me. He might have known Bill Walker, Pat Goodfellow, Lt. Stark
My brother Lance Corporal Donald Gagne of the Marine Corp died from drowning in the South China Sea in November of 1966. Anyone remember him?
Thank you.
7/17/22
Was he with the 9th Engr .Batt. 1st Marine Div. In Chu Lai?.
I was USMC and at Chu Lai in 65-66. My unit was VMA-214 (Black Sheep Squadron). My MOS was 6511 Ordnance. We were attacked by VC Suicide Squads in the early morning hours of 28 October, 1965. Being on duty as part of the night Ordnance crew, it got “up close and personal” with the VC. We survived and they didn’t. As the years have passed, Agent Orange affected me with cancer and ischemic heart disease. Even though my VA disability rating is 100%, I consider myself one of the lucky ones, because so many have died due to Agent Orange. I selected a unique “personalized” Disabled Veteran License Plate for my car (“DIOXIN”). It’s the poison in Agent Orange and it’s still killing us. In a subtle way, people who see my license plate will get the message…
Semper Fidelis – Semper Paratus
James M. Walker, rank Sp5, Company Clerk of HHC Americal Division January 1968 until January 1969
We overlapped. I was with 23rd Admin Co. Nov. 67 to June 68. A Co. 8th SPT 196 LIB before Americal was formed.
You were there the same time I was in Chu Lai.
Scotty
I was in Chulai from April of 1965 when we landed off of an LSTn to set up a perimiter for the Seabees who would construct the airbase there. I too have had three different cancers and yet the VA does not consider me affected by agent orange…even though we would watch the planes spraying the area with it. Can you tell me what information you used to be considered “exposed” to the stuff?
I was in CHULAI in 1970 and 1972 in HHC,
I was I was in Chulai from Feb 67 to Feb 68 with the 196 Inf spent time on hill 445 and want to take a tour visit.
I am curious. Were there any Viet Cong tunnels at Chu Lai? I ask because I was at Cu Chi where we had lots of tunnels. The reason I ask is because a person stated that her husband went to Ch Lai for three years and was a 0321 Tunnel rat. I was an 11C4L FO/interpreter back then in Cu Chi.
What Unit? I was in A 8th Spt 196 LIB June 67 until absorbed by Americal in Nov 67. 23rd Admin until June 68.
My husband, SP/4 John William Swift, there in 1968. With the ‘Hell on Wheels’. He passed at 41 of cancer.
Probaly because agent orange. It was used there.
I was in Chu Lai in 67 with MCB-6 in 66 I was in Da Nang the Seabees were my foundation to a great career,I became a general Superintendent for two different Companies.Wagner Construction and Condon/ Johnson.Once a Seabee,always a Seabee…….Can Do.
I was with MCB 7 Chu Lai 69-70. We build a lot of Mag 12 and 13.
Was there from 8-66 to 8-67 in flsg-b service bn.
I was there 8-66 to 7-67 with Supply Co., FLSG-B. Was involved in 9 operations for LSA’s.
Loadmaster for resupply for the “grunts”.
I was there during that period. FLSG-B USMC Radio operator PRC 10
Was there 1965 & 66. Worked on construction of Camp Ely, for third Marine Div. With 7th Engineers out of Da Nang area.
My father LCPL George Emerick was a tank commander who also secured the area while seabees built the airbase in 1965. Proud of all of you and welcome home. He inspired me to make a career in the military. Go Army!
I was at Chu Lai twice in one day. I was flying along with one of our C-130B Hercules out of Tan Son Nhut AB. We were moving the 1st Calvary from Ane Khe up to Chu Lai. We made two trips. On the last trip into Chu Lai, after we landed and unloaded everything, we were taking a small break drinking a soda. It was almost sundown, and we were just about to leave when there was an alert going off. We raced to our plane and quickly fired it up and took off. As we got airborne, we were up at 14,000 when we heard a radio transmission telling us to quickly climb up another 2000 ft. Artillery fire was coming up at us from somebody and if we hadn’t climbed, we would have been shot down. I remember that flight home very well. I was sitting up in the cockpit area just behind where the flight engineer would be. I had a headset on and could hear everything. I was talking to the flight crew and watching the giant thunderhead dark cloud banks we were avoiding. Those things were massive. Over fifty years ago but I can still see them in my mind. I was a turboprop mechanic and I had worked on all of our airplanes, so it was really nice to see them in action. On another trip later that month we went into Duc Pho army base and upon leaving got the whole back end of the vertical stabilizer all shot up. We were really fortunate that no hydraulic lines were hit. When we landed at Cam Rhun Bay. we saw hundreds of bullet holes in it. We all just stood there staring at it for the longest time. No one said a word and then we all just walked away. I think everybody knew just how lucky we were to be alive. I lost a cousin and a high school friend over there. I was there 67-68. My trips north all happened in September of 1967.
I was there as a Bn. Scout with 1st Bn. 7th Marines in 65/66. While scouts were rotated quite frequently I spent a lot of time across the river with Charlie Co.
Served in Chu Lai in USMC from Dec 65-Jan 67-brings back a lot of memories
Was a corpsman at Chu Lai 68-69 next to chapel flew dust off and took med caps on swift boats. If any one has a photo of the Chapel please send it to me family destroyed all my photos.
I was also there 68-69 with Marine Air Wing, Squadron VMFA-314.
I have a picture in my collection of a Chapel I would be happy to send to you.
Contact me at my email address and I’ll forward the picture.
Mike McCormick
Thanks Mike I would appreciate it
Semper Fi
Sorry Doc, I said I’d send that picture but I never got back on this site until now.
If you are still interested in that Chu Lai chapel, I don’t know if it’s the one you are expecting but I can still send the one I have.
I’m reachable at the listed email address
what shop were you in I was ordnance shop
I was in Metal shop but was assigned to Check Crew most of the time.
I checked my VMFA-314 yearbook but you aren’t listed in the ordinance section.
Thanks Mike
I would a copy of the chapel. I think
it might be the one behind VMFA-323 hanger. I served Nov 67-Dec 68 in Ordnance.
Looking for any information pertaining to Sgt. Richard Craig Bram of Mag 12, VMA 225. Chu Lai July of 1965.
I just googled your site and what it is about. Really enjoying the memories. I was Navy HM3/Mar 8404 “Doc” arriving in Nov 66 and assigned to 1st Hosp Co and outlying medical groups. It was just getting started with mostly tents and some Quonset reinforced huts for surgery. Had Marine units supporting us and Seabees working on permanent structures and huts. An Army Hosp. was across the hills/valley on the beach, along with Seabees and Swift boat group. Went on alot of MedCap travels along with supply trips to outlying Marine Aide Stations and ferrying wounded out to Hospital Ship. Would like to connect with any former troops from this area(Nov66-Dec67. Watched Seabees construct huge Amphitheater next to us with good shows late in 67. Don Durflinger
I was with Company B 26th Combat Engineers, just off Hwy 1 across from the Marine airbase from Sept 1 1968 to Nov 3 1969 (extended 2 months for early out). Took awhile to get used to the Jets taking off and landing through the nights..
My husband Richard was Americal Combat Engr 26 Bn Co “D” Dec’67-Dec ‘68
Was there with H&S Btry, 2nd LAAM Bn. sept ’65 (debarked from LST 824, Henry County) Left in Sept 66. Was one of the life guards at the beach for several months. They built us a nice lifeguard tower but somehow I wasn’t too confident that a Marine in a tower with binoculars would be considered harmless to Charlie. Stood at the bottom.
I have many photos from this area. They were taken by my father, Lt. David G. Butterfield in 1965-66, including some great ones of Bob Hope, etc. in the USO Show and of Robert Mitchum’s visit and a few of those stationed there at that time. Also, some of the local people and landscape. Are you interested in posting them here? I’d like to have them posted somewhere so I can share the link with others. These are photos that were never seen previously.
Hello Leslie. I would be very interested in seeing some of the photos. Please send me an email on namwartravel@gmail.com
Jonas
Just sent you an email. Thanks!
James M. Walker, rank Sp5, Company Clerk of HHC Americal Division January 8,1968 until January 7,1969.
Was there 69/70 MAG 12 then MAG 13
Lox Section
FLSG B engrs July 66-Aug 67 E4
Attached to 1st. Mar Div 1FSR H&S Co. utilities platoon Camp Pendleton Ca. Arrived Okinawa 8/65, aboard USS Henrico APA 45. Arrived Chu Lai 1/66-9/66. Served with FLSG-B. Attached to maintenance unit. On arrival, attached to perimeter security for 30 days. Then volunteered for another 30 days. Finished my tour working maintenance, rebuilding, repairing small engines. What an experience.
Was there 68 and 69. VMFA 323 and 115 after 323 rotated back
John Harris says:
Drafted out of High School. After Ft.Jackson basic, I graduated from the Corps of Engineers school at Ft. Belvoir, Va. and sent to Ft. Carson and attached to a Ordinance staging company for assignment to USAPAC (VN) and then to the Bien Hoa ammo dump. This was not good. I did convoy work hauling artillery shells in a 5 ton dragon wagon and night guard at the ammo dump among other jobs.. but I wanted to do heavy Engineer work for which I was trained.
After 5 months of trying not to die I volunteered for my MOS as a heavy equipment engineer job in Chu Lai and graced with a brand new Allis Chalmer HD 16 dozer. The Marines loved it to. They had very poor equipment.
Thank God. I liked Chu Lai and was grateful for my assignment and the men I worked with. When my 12 months were over I was approached by my superior with orders to Ft. Dix and at that point I was also offered to extend for 38 more days at Chu Lai and would receive a 90 day ‘early out’. What a deal. I stayed in Chu Lai.
I WAS THERE IN 71 WITH B CO. 123RD AVIATION BN, 23RD INF DIV…..HOT MISERABLE AND NOTHING BUT SAND…
I was there in 71 A Co 123RD Aviation BN, 23rd INF DIV …..Door Gunner
Was in Chu Lai 65 -66 USMC . WE WERE THE FIRST ONES IN AND COVERED FOR THE CB’s. What a great bunch of guy’s
Bill- were you from Indiana?
SeaBees were 1st at Chu Lai in May 65. The Marines were 1st at DaNang in March of 65. We got along great.
My father LCPL George Emerick was a tank commander who also secured the area while seabees built the airbase in 1965. Proud of all of you and welcome home. He inspired me to make a career in the military. Go Army!
With MCB 10, Chu Lai, landed on May 7, 1965 off the Tom Green County LST -1159, in charge of the machines shop trailer
Army, Chu Lai 1967 – 1968, 588 Maint. Co. Good friends were- Billy Merrill, Jimmy Clark, Jeff Butterworth, and can’t forget “Snag” Thompson! Hope you are all well!
I’m Jimmy Clark’s niece. I’d love to talk with you.
msjsilv@gmail.com
I was with the 547th sig det in 69 – 70. We were attached to the 588th and then the 596th maint co.
How late in 1970 were you with the 596 Maintenance Co?
I was with 588th 68-69. I remember Butterworth and Snag. I was the dispatcher in the motor pool. I’m not good with names but I remember Bill Smith.
I was at Chu Lai 68-69 MAG 12 MABS 12 MOS 3371. I went by “Dallas” back then. I mailed a box home that has letters and stuff and my photo album. It never made it. It always makes me sick, knowing it’s gone after all of these years.
Dallas was a corpsman on rosemary point next to the chapel
I was with Mag12 Mabs12 68-69 MOS. 3531 truck driver
Then you probably came to our mess hall. We saw several Sea Bees and soldiers from the Americal Division in our mess hall. So I guess we were doing something right. Welcome Home Brother.
Dec 67 til Dec 68 with 23d admin Americal division. Remember tet well. Served in nam during 4 campaigns.
What section. I was with strength and accounting section Nov 67 to June 68. Boyd Mchaffy, Jeff Kenney and Kenny Hatfield were also in my section. My houch was the one hit by the 122MM in early 68. I was on guard duty in the bunker on the beach when it was hit.
Was there October 68 – October 69 1st MAW, MAG-13
VMFA-115 Com/Nav Tech F4/RF4B
My dad was there from 67-69 with the Marines. I got his zippo dated 1967 and a nice engraving. He passed from agent orange exposure caused parkinsons in 2010. I have been trying to 10 years to find anyone who remembers him. He never talkad about Nam so we have very little info other than pictures and a couple lockers full of stuff he brought home. I have his uniform. He was a Sgt. My mom said he used to wake up fighting and screaming from nightmares. This went on for years till they divorced in 75. My dad was always distant but Ive learned why. My heart goes out to all Vietnam vets and the Hell they were put thru.
Chi Lia 1965 -67 TAD fst, radio BLTN . 100 av agent Org.
I was in Chu Lai sep 68 – 69. Worked at Ke Ha tower and Admin pad. Hundreds maybe thousands came to admin pad for transportation to surrounding LZ’s Quin Yon, Duc pho, Danang..Bob Hope show came in in Dec 68 with Ann Margaret.
I was in the USN assigned to “Operation Market Time” aboard Swift Boats in Chu Lai from September to December 1968. Great Base and plenty of action in the patrol areas. PCF-12 and PCF-75.
III WAS AT NSAD CHU LAI FROM 67 67 IN SECURTY WAS ON GATES AND BUNKERS
I was there with the 54th dustoff
Map showing LZ Center
Have a look at these coordinates: 15.588529 108.247760 Paste them in to Google Maps.
Was station they in 1966 in the Marines
Did you happen to know my Dad, Lt Colonel Robert Harris?
Both my Uncle Tommy and Uncle Russ we’re stationed there in ‘66 with the Marines
I would like to see LZ Baldy if you have any pictures. Thanks
Hi Gregg, we hope to be able to accommodate you within a few weeks with that. Stay in touch.
I was in several different Marine Corps Cap units outside of Chu Lai (68-69). Got Ischemic heart disease from agent orange. I didn’t know agent orange caused it until 2019. Thanks to the VA, I’m being compensated for it. You Vietnam Vets out there having any problems check with the VA
The VA just added two new illness with presumed agent orange exposure. One of them is High Blood Pressure. Also Type 2 Diabetes is presumed to be from agent orange. If you have either file with VA for Disability benefits ASAP. It may not be but a couple of Hundred bucks, but we earned it. Many others conditions are also elegible. Go to VA site.
i was with naval air support unit and have a ischemic and also parkinson disease from agent orange . i was there in 67 and 68, i think, can not remember without looking it up. by the way , it was in chu lai also.
i was at naval air support unit,chulai 67,68. i also have a ischemic heart disease from agent orange. i also have parkinson disease from the same.