Dak To Special Forces Camp

Dak To runway

Located about 50 kilometers north of Kon Tum, this legendary US base was the scene of many battles due to its strategic location. It was also the launch point for missions to the surrounding mountains and ‘Across the fence’. Over the years this base saw a lot of action as this was a hot area, not far east from the Ben Het Special Forces Camp that was close to the tri border area with Laos and Cambodia. See below a video as we drive down the old runway.

During the hill fights in 1967 the base was heavily used as well as during the Nov. 1967 battle at Hill 875 also called The Battle of Dak To.

Dak To runway

Charlie Ridge in the south rises ominously over the base. The base would take a a lot of rocket and artillery fire from there which also meant that  missions to clear the ridge were launched on a regular basis. There is also a monument along the road just outside the old camp.

Rocket Ridge seen from the Dak To runway

 

To its east, the camp overlooks the Dak To town just a few kilometers away and just down the road on the opposite side is the first Dak To camp with the runway partly intact

Looking towards Dak To town

Today the old runway is used by locals to dry their crops and have their cattle graze. The runway is in surprisingly good condition. It is also very easy to find, just off the main highway. This is a very good visit for the history traveler considering its historical significance as well as its convenient location for the traveler going north from Kon Tum.

JT

 

How to get there

The base is located just south of the Ho Chi Minh Highway a few kilometers of Dak To town and is very easily found. Dak To itself is located north of Kon Tum and should be part of any trip around the areas for those staying in, or passing, Kon Tum.

 

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2 thoughts on “Dak To SF Camp”

  1. I spent more time in and at Dak To with B Co. 4th Aviation and DIVARTY Aviation than I did at Enari. July 67-April 68 WIA West of Kontum @Firebase 14 on 4/4/68. Welcome home. I got the chills when I saw the airstrip.

  2. Doesn’t look anything like what I remember from 1971-72 when I drove past almost everyday as I advised Vietnamese forces in Dakto District.

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