I arrived in-country in February, 1967 "fresh" out of FLW A.I.T. as

a 51A, Const & Utility Worker, with Private(s) Michael Clark and Tom Petty

as were all assigned to the 697th Engr Co (P/L) at Camp USARTHAI in Korat,

Thailand.  I think I was assigned to the 2nd Platoon, but wouldn't swear

to it.  I stayed in-country with the unit through April, 1969 when I was

released from active duty and returned home; I was with the unit for 26

months.  The first 12 months or so were spent TDY in-country installing

POL and water tanks throughout the west and northwest (Udorn & NKP.)

    A month after arrival in-country, Richard Fahey and Alonzo Martinez

arrived, and shortly thereafter Gary Nelson; for the next 12-13 months,

we were practically inseparable.  We spent most of our free time touring

around Korat and the other cities we were TDY to; visiting temples and

taking pictures of everything we saw.  It almost landed Fahey and myself

in jail one time as we were picked up by the Thai Base MPs, and then

turned over to the MPs at Camp Friendship in Korat, but LT Turner, the 

then C.O., got us out.  Sad part is I had 15-20 photo albums and countless

other photos, and they were all destroyed in a flood.

    One of our very first tasks upon assignment was assisting in the

construction of the camp theater, which prior to that consisted of benches

outside and a wooden screen where we'd sit out in the rain watching movies.

    I was later assigned as the Tool Room Keeper.

    That first year, I recall the platoon going to the Air Force Base in 

Udorn to disassemble a leaking 33,000 barrel diesel tank and later return-

ing to assemble a new one.  I also recall a kid by the name of Ether, who

we sent into the old tank through the access hatch with a can of 'GI' DDT

and a fly swatter to rid it of misquotes.  We also went to a little camp

near Khon Khaen to insall a 500 gallon water tank on a platform.  Shortly

thereafter, we were assigned TDY in northern Thailand up in Nakhon Phanom

(NKP) for about six months installing fuel tanks and fuel lines for the 

air base there.  I remember looking across the Mekong River into Laos and

seeing what we were told was part of the Ho Chi Ming Trail.  I was pro-

moted to Sergeant in February, 1968, just about the time that "Third Herd"

went to Korea.  I remember being disappointed in not getting to go 'cause

"..they had enough NCOs and needed my experience at the home station."

    The last year or so was spent down south constructing the new army base

near Satahip and based with the 538th Engineer Battalion, and that we were

moved out of the cantonment area upon arrival of 1st Platoon (I think) to

the backside of the (538th) motor pool as there was no space available in

their existing cantonment area for all of us.  I spent most of my last few

months supervising the installation of water lines in the future cantonment

area while another part of the company installed the sewage system.

    Three years after getting out of the army and leaving Thailand, I joined

the Missouri Army National Guard and eight years later went back to active

duty service, retiring in November, 1996 a Master Sergeant, MSG (Battalion

Operations Sergeant) for an engineer battalion.

    You mentioned Tom Petty (John Strain,) the next time you think of it, 

ask him about the glass ship he sent home to his mother.  You might also

want to ask SPC Loren about the steering wheel to the 3/4 ton truck...

- David 

Dave, the other troops you referenced in your 201 file,

haven't reported into the Orderly Room at this writing yet.  

- Franco, Company Clerk