Emails from Bill    My Military History

Thailand Duty - Ft Campbell, Kentucky (281st Military Police Company) 

November, 1966 to August, 1967      

    281st was activated for duty in South East Asia (S.E.A.).

    We had special training to prepare us for Vietnam then found out that 

we were going to Thailand.  The First Sergeant made me the Training Sgt 

and I had my hands full.   Had to prepare the training that we needed for 

the Far East and also for deployment...

    Took the family to Michigan and went back to "Campbell"..

An advanced party flew to Thailand to get things ready for us. The rest 

flew out from Ft Campbell and landed in Oakland, California and boarded 

a ship (the name I forget.)  Took us 28 days to get to Sattahip, Thailand. 

One Month!  As an N.C.O. (Non-commissioned Officer,) I did sleep in a 

cabin so that was not so bad.

    Once there we provided security for the dock, our camp and had patrols 

in town.  Not far away was U-Tapao (Royal Thai) Air Force Base.  They flew 

out of there in support of Vietnam.

    I was chosen to be the NCOIC (NCO-In Charge) for an MP Detachment up 

north of Sattahip.  So I went up alone at first and set things all up.

This was at Phanom Sarakaam.  Nearby was Camp Charn Sinthope and where the 

809th Engineer Battalion (Bn) was stationed.   They were a Construction Bn 

and were building what was eventually the "In-Land Road."   It was a dirt 

road but was an All-Weather-Road and used to go from Sattahip to Northern 

Thailand and in support of U.S. Air Force Operations in Udorn R.T.A.F.B.

(Royal Thai Air Force Base) and "NKP" or Nakhon Phanom.   We received rats 

and quarters from the 809th and we provided an MP Desk and small PMO, plus 

we did have a gate guard and patrol in the nearby area.   I had about 15 men 

to help accomplish this task.

    I was quickly named the "Sheriff"!   While here an MP Batallion came 

into country and we came under them.    We then were Detachment A, 281st 

MP Company of the 40th MP Bn.    This was not bad duty as I was the NCOIC 

and the 809th very seldom said anything.   The Colonel of the 809th did 

mention that "..his men worked hard and played hard.."   So, we did give 

many "breaks" - their Sergeant Major also was a pretty good guy!

I made Staff Sergeant (SSG,) pay grade E-6, here.   Was only 18 months 

since making E-5!

    Left here for duty in Vietnam but had a delay enroute.   So, I had to 

hitch-hike to the "States," (Michigan) and see "mama" and the kids.  Left 

Bangkok on a C-141 "Star Lifter"; first stop was Danang, South Vietnam;

loaded up with coffins for transporting to Dover A.F.B., Delaware.   Very 

sad to see so many coffins and so many were of Second Lieutenants .. poor 

guys!

    Finally arrived at "Dover" and flew to Michigan.    There we packed up 

and moved to Barstow, California.   Situated the family and then had to 

hitch-hike back to 'Nam.  Flew into Danang from Travis A.F.B., California.

Then flew down to Cam Ranh Bay.   There my orders were changed; flew back

north to Chu Lai.  (Continued in my "Military History," below.)

============================================================================
 
My Military History - starting with Basic Training at Ft Ord, California

Enlisted in the U.S. Army on 30 March 1953 at Ft Douglas, Utah (near Salt 

Lake City); took Basic Training with, "Fox" Company, 1st Infantry Regiment,

6th Infantry Division, Ft Ord, California.   Remember going by train from 

Ft Douglas and arrived the next day where we boarded buses for Ft Ord.  We 

quickly learned that we were in "Fox of the 1st"!

    We had a rough 16 weeks of good Infantry Training.   Even went down to 

Camp Roberts and Hunter Liggett, California for some extra training.  Then 

we marched all the way back from Roberts and surprisingly only one man fell 

out!   Do not remember how far that was but from my understanding it was 

about 60 miles!   We marched right up Route #1 (Pacific Coast Highway - PCH)

along the Pacific Ocean.  You could tell that our Cadre were proud of us just 

from the way they talked and acted.

    I had come in for Airborne Training and fully expected to go to Ft Campbell, 

Kentucky after my 16 weeks at Ft Ord.   Our Training at Ord had been touted as 

Airborne Training as many of the trainees went on to Jump School for three more 

weeks.  I did asked why I did not go, but some how my documents for Airborne 

Jump School were missing.   So, I was told I was going to Korea!


Next Stop - Korea

    Sent to Camp Stoneman, California for processing to Korea.   Went by Ferry

(The Yerba Buena) to San Francisco where we boarded the ship, USS William Mitchell. 

Naturally this was a "troop ship"; arrived in Yokohama (after 23 days) and placed 

on a train to Camp Sasebo, Japan.  That was an over-nighter.   Sasebo is located 

in the southern part of Japan.   While here, my Light Infantry MOS 1745 was 

changed to Light Vehicle Truck Driver, MOS 4345.

    We shipped over to Korea in the middle of the night.   We went over on the 

USS Black and arrived in Pusan, Korea the next morning.   We then boarded a train 

for Seoul, Korea.   Remember that train ride very well, something from the 1900's

with hard wooden seats and when we went through the tunnels, the cars would fill 

with smoke!   Upon arriving in Seoul, I was transported by truck to Chunchon, 

Korea where I became a member of the 55th Transportation Truck Bn.   A day later, 

I was again transported by truck back down pass Seoul to a location near Yung Dung 

Po, where I joined the 540th Transportation Truck Co., (Light Vehicle).  We stayed 

there for a short time then moved back up near Chunchon and set up a new site. 

    In November of 1954, the 540th moved from Korea to Camp Drake, Japan.   (Near

Tokyo,) we went there via Inchon, with (Full "TO&E" = Organization Equipment) and

went by a small ship that carried all our equipment, to include vehicles.  It was 

some ride; went around the bottom of Japan then came back up to Tokyo where we  

unloaded our vehicles and drove to Camp Drake.   If I remember right, this little 

trip took about a week.   I will never forget the ups and downs as this small ship 

went through a storm bucking the waves of the sea.   I stayed in Camp Drake, Japan 

until June 1955 when I returned "State-side."   

    Returned on the USS Sultan.  (21-22 days); docked at San Francisco; what a 

beautiful sight as we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge!


Ft Sam Houston, (San Antonio,) Texas

    Was assigned to the 25th Car Company.   San Antonio, Texas .. little did I 

know that I would retire here someday and also make San Antonio my home!)

    Did not stay long here.   They sent some of us up to Ft Hood, Texas.   There 

I was assigned to the 501 Military Police Co., 1st Armored Division as a driver.

A big maneuver was brewing so off we went again.   This time to Company A, 720th

Military Police Bn.   There we were made Military Policemen (O.J.T.).   When I 

say "we," it is because they needed MP's and many drivers (naturally) became 

MP's!!!   While there we made the largest peace time maneuver up until that time. 

We were all over the State of Louisiana doing our "war games."   This was called 

"Operation Sage Brush".


Got out .. Re-Up'd!

    Finally discharged at Ft Hood, Texas on 29 March 1956; reenlisted 24 January 

1958 in Los Angeles, California.  Refresher training; had to come back in as a

Private (pay grade) E-2.   Hqs & Hqs Company (HHC,) 3rd Brigade, HQS U.S. Army 

Training Center, Infantry, Ft Ord, California.


Next Stop - Germany

    293rd Military Police Company, Ft Ord, California - went to NCO School while 

here.   Reported to Ft Dix, New Jersey and was there about 4-5 days.   Flew out 

from MacGuire AFB to Frankfurt, Germany. After arriving here, placed on board a

train to Stuttgart.

    Company A, 385th Military Police Bn., Kornwestheim, Germany.  Met the "love 

of my life" and got married here.   Also made (pay grade) E-4/Corporal.   Learned 

a lot here.   Good police work and lots of it.   From traffic accidents, to fights, 

to domestic disturbances, riots, fatalities, suicides - name it - we did it .. plus 

all the field work too.   The 385th was Combat MP Training.   Also, went to MP School 

while here, at Oberammergau, Germany.   We flew out from Frankfurt on a "Connie" .. a 

"Super Consellation" .. four-engine prop job.   What a ride!

   At Ft Dix, New Jersey, bought a big car and drove to California!   This was 

quite a trip for my wife and two boys.   163rd Military Police Company, Presidio 

of San Francisco, California; lived at Ft Barry while stationed here.   Drove 

that Golden Gate Bridge just about daily.   By this time we had 3 little boys!

Had it rough!   Pay was not much in those days and in San Fran too!


Back to Germany ...

    We again drove across the U.S. via Texarkana to see Pop.   We went to New 

York where we boarded the USS Upshur.   Had cabin class and arrived in Bremerhaven, 

Germany. Took overnight train down to Frankfurt.

    Company A, 709th Military Police Bn., Frankfurt, Germany.   Another Combat MP 

outfit.   Worked duties the same as before.   Also, worked the Autobahn; many 

fatalities!   Both of these MP Batallions were good duty for the Military Policeman.

You really learned your job!   Perform here and you could perform anywhere!   Made 

(pay grade) E-5 (Sgt) here.


Enroute to Thailand via Ft Campbell, Kentucky ...

    Flew out of here to New York City.   Picked up our car and drove to Ft Campbell, 

Kentucky.  This is where my Thailand duty began, see above.


Next stop - Vietnam

    First was with the 196th MP Platoon, 196th Light Infantry Brigade (LIB.)   That 

was short lived and moved to the 544th MP Platoon, 196th LIB.   This was the P.O.W.

(Prisoner of War) Compound for that area.   Did some shift work at first as 

Supervisor at the "Cage."   Then, I was the Stat NCO for the POW Compound.   Doing 

stats for the Provost Marshal.

    Then, I ran convoys up to LZ Ross, LZ Baldy, Khe Sahn and other points north. 

Enjoyed this, but it could get "hairy"!   Was there for TET'68, Vietnam New Year

and major offensive against u.s. - that really was "hairy"!   It was a night to 

remember and we always had those nights after that!

    Later, I was placed on the desk as Desk Sergeant; did that until I left.  I

left 'Nam from Saigon and landed at the McChord AFB near Ft Lewis, Washington;

got our steak dinner and some clothes and were on our way.   Had to get down to 

Barstow (California) and from there drove to Ft Lee, Virginia via Texarkana to 

see Pop.


Ft Lee, Virginia .. 9 months .. back to Germany ...

    515th Military Police Company .. pulled Desk Duty here.   After 9 months 

there, I reenlisted to get out of there and return to Germany.   We flew out 

of MacGuire AFB, New Jersey and landed at Frankfurt; took the train down to 

Heidelberg; there I was assigned to the 529th Military Police Company, 

USAREUR (U.S. Army, Europe) Honor Guard.   The First Sergeant assigned me as 

Training Sgt as the old one was leaving.   Was also the Platoon Sgt for 3rd 

Platoon; pulled Honor Guard for all visiting dignitaries, e.g., Vice President 

of U.S., high-ranking officers from other countries, etc.   Never went to the

field .. that was nice!   They tried it once and the General said "MY" MP's do 

not go to the field.  I need them here!   And, we never went again...

    Was there when the Bader Meinhoff gang set off some bombs at Campbell 

Barracks.   We were on alert for months after that!   Little John was born here.

So, had four boys!  I made (pay grade) E-7/Sergeant First Clase (SFC.)   Left 

here for duty down in Texas.   Flew out from Frankfurt for Charleston, South

Carolina; arriving there, I picked up my car and we drove to San Antonio,

Texas for duty with Armed Forces Police Detachment, SATX.


San Antonia Police Department duty ...

    Right at the S.A.P.D., since the Air Force had more personnel in SATX, they 

were in charge of the Detachment.   We had Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines 

here.   Too much Air Force!   I did not like the duty so after a few months, I 

found a new home out at Ft Sam Houston, Texas.   I became the Operations 

Sergeant for the Provost Marshal Office.   This was with the 52nd Military 

Police Company. 

    Stayed here until I retired in January, 1975 with twenty years service...

    For all practical purposes, I quit duty in November 1974 and went on 

terminal leave until I retired.   Retired 31 January 1975 as Platoon Sergeant 

E-7.   My MOS at time of retirement was "95B40H3," although, my orders do not 

reflect this.   The "H3" was for Physical Security Specialist.

    Had 20 years and 6 days for retirement; 1 year and 9 months and 24 days 

as USAR (Reserves.)   My Selective Service Number was # 26 4 35 71 issued by 

LB#4, Elko, Nevada 89801.

    So there it is .. my military career in a nutshell!  It was fun while it 

lasted, but it was time to get out!   The Army was changing too much for me!

Do not regret anything and am damn proud of my service to my country!

                              Chào ̣ng,

                      William Anthony Sweeney

============================================================================
 

Emails from Bill ...

 
From: CLIQUEONE@aol.com
  To: korat_mahknut@yahoo.com 
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: 'Duty Roster' Guestbook and the web site...

Hi Frank, 

Thanks for getting back to me.....I guess you did not see my message at your 
web site....We formed up a newly activated MP Company(The 281st MP Co.) at 
Ft. Campbell. KY  in July-Sep 1966. We did not know we were going to Thailand 
until abt. the end of Aug..They said South East Asia so naturally we thought 
Vietnam. 
We ended up in Sattahip and abt. a week later I was chosen to be NCOIC of an 
MP Detachment to be attached to the 809th Engineer Bn at Phanom Sarakam. I 
had abt. 15 men with me and to be honest, we had a ball!......I met a lot of 
men from the 809th who I really liked and so I was looking around to see if 
they had a web site. Thats how I found you. Seeing your pictures and all made 
me think about where I was......I forget the 809th Commander but I do 
remember him telling me, "My men work hard....and they play hard....so keep 
that in mind".......We never had problems with any Engineer's but I do 
remember some Transportation guys....Our main job there was to have a police 
patrol for accidents, patrol the cat houses as they were off limits and cover 
any incidents. We also had a 24 hr. post at the gate to Camp Charn Sinthope 
and we also built a 24 hr. MP Desk to answer any complaints. I left in August 
67 and went to Vietnam but I will always remember my duty in Thailand. 
I will keep a close eye on your site just in case some one from my time 
places a message there. 
Trust this finds you and yours all doing fine. 
                                                             Chào ̣ng, 
                                                              Bill Sweeney 


From: CLIQUEONE@aol.com
  To: korat_mahknut@yahoo.com 
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 6:46 PM
Subject: Re: 'Duty Roster' Guestbook and the web site...

Hi Frank, 

So you were also in Sattahip... Never forget when we docked there....Forgot 
to tell you that....We spent 28 days coming across the ocean from 
Oakland....But that also counted as our tour of duty...That is one reason I 
could leave in August 67. Very pleasant trip....No canvas sack for this guy 
as I was an E5 at the time and all NCO's had cabin class on the ship....We 
had a small advanced party fly over and get everything ready for our company 
which arrived about a month later....I know the men at Sattahip enjoyed their 
duty as I heard about them even though I was at Camp Charn Sinthope.....But 
my 15 guys enjoyed where they were....No one ever said BOO to us....Got along 
just fine with everyone....Made E6 while there which I contribute to me 
having the detachment at the 809th.....Some of my men and I went down to 
Pattaya several times(Also had some 809th guys)We would get some steaks from 
the mess and ice down a barrel of beer....Always had a grand old time.....and 
I never had to worry about the drive back.....Pattaya was very nice....You 
know, there are still many Ex-GI's living there......and still playing that 
60's music....Saw them on TV...... 
I made E7 in Germany in Feb 70 and retired in 1974....Sold real estate, had 
my own cleaning supply co. for awhile, sold more real estate, had some 
manager jobs, then worked 12 yrs Civil Service for the Federal 
Govt....Retired now for good but do work abt. 3 hrs a day to keep the grey 
matter percolating.....Been married 42 yrs. to the Love of my Life....we had 
4 sons, one passed away from Lymphoma at age 21. 
have one grandson 17 yrs old.....Do my genealogy stuff...Want to give to my 
sons and grandson....Back to 1803 paternal side and 1765 maternal side.....It 
is very interesting to find things about your ancestors.....Have found 
several NEW Cousins! 
One was even in the 196th LIB in Nam (Where I was) but at a later date. 
Got to go guy....You take care.....Let me hear from you sometimes.... 
                             
                                                      Chào ̣ng, 
                                                       Bill Sweeney