Vietnam War Marine Corps Activities

Images of Marine Corps soldiers on duty in Vietnam, including combat photographers adjusting equipment and a decorated amphibious vehicle rescuing Santa Claus.

A Marine demonstrates the operation of a 50 caliber machine gun to sailors from the USS Lenavee (APA-195) in Vietnam on May 7, 1965. The photograph is part of the Defense Department's collection of images from American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A Marine demonstrates the operation of a 50 caliber machine gun to sailors from the USS Lenavee (APA-195) in Vietnam on May 7, 1965. The photograph is part of the Defense Department's collection of images from American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marine Corps combat photographers Sgt. Snodgrass, Cpl. Menge, and Sgt. Henderson seen in this March 27, 1970 image, are shown adjusting sound equipment and cleaning cameras while on duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This candid snapshot was captured by LCpl Barger, serving in the 1st Marine Division. Department of Defense photo A372942.

A group of Kit Carson Scouts, reformed Viet Cong, receive their basic pay alongside the Marines on pay day during the Vietnam War. This image captures the moment when these scouts, who aided the American military, are compensated for their services. Defense Department Photo by Marine Corps, Tha A291276 127 GV9-298.

"3d Amphibious Tractor Bn. saves Christmas in Zom Son Thuy. A decorated amtrac rescued Santa Claus when his sleigh got stuck on the beach on Dec. 23, allowing him to deliver Christmas gifts to the village children in time. Photo by Sgt R.F. Ruiz, Defense Dept. (Marine Corps) A193502."

Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak shakes hands with a Vietnamese interpreter at Phu Bai, South Vietnam, in preparation for a conference with the staff at 3/4. This photo was taken on October 4, 1965, and features officers and officials such as Robert McNamara, Richard Nixon, and Billy Graham. The image is from a collection of photographs depicting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Corporal Lee W. Clements and his Vietnamese assistant on sentry duty, monitoring vehicles before they cross the new bridge in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, on October 23, 1967. This photo was taken by SSgt. Thomas N. Bland, Jr. as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

American servicemen who were former prisoners of war being mustered during Operation Homecoming for a flight back to the United States. This photograph was taken on February 12, 1973 in Loc Ninh, Vietnam. The servicemen are being prepared to board a hospital plane bound for America.

"A U.S. Marine Corps hospital corpsman, Donald W. Vogt from Victoria, Texas, provides medical treatment to a Vietnamese woman as children observe during a patrol by Second Platoon, "L" Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, eight miles southwest of DaNang, Vietnam on February 12, 1969. The photograph was taken by LCpl Sanchez Hospital Corpsman."

US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Robert A. Davis, aged 19, is seen instructing a Vietnamese student on how to repair electrical outlets in Vietnam on December 5, 1967. Davis, an electrician from San Diego, California, belongs to Support Company, 1st Engineer Battalion of the 1st Marine Division.

Marines assigned to CAP units in Vietnam carry out their daily duties, including personal hygiene. This photograph taken on September 30, 1967, shows Marines at CAP E-2 near Red Beach in the Hos Hiep area using a portable water trailer to shave.

US Medical Personnel in Vietnam performing major surgery under adverse conditions. Lieutenant Commander Herbert S. Perry and Lieutenant Commander Miller are seen here operating in a combat zone. Date: April 20, 1970. Photographed by Sgt. C.H. Gardner III. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) nis A373252 127 GVB-25/

Captain P. P. Collines, CO of Recon Co., 3rd Mar., 9th MEB, gets water poured over his head by Private First Class K. H. White to cool off after securing the Village of Dong Son. The photo was taken on April 23, 1965, southwest of Danang, Vietnam.

Reverend Noman Vincent Peale is seen greeting a patient during his visit to the Hoe Khanh Children's Hospital, located at FLC, Red Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1969. This photograph was taken by Cpl. N. W. Yers and is a Defense Department photo, Marine Corps, with reference number A801505 127 GVB -23/69.

In this photograph taken during the Vietnam War in 1968, Commander Niles W. Hubble from Hilton, N.Y., is seen performing a Thanksgiving Mass for the 4th Marines at Signal Hill. He is assisted by LCpl W. E. Hendricks from Checotah, Cla. The photo was taken by LCpl E. E. Hildreth and is part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps) A1924,18 mis 127 GVB-302.

Private First Class Henry N. Huta from the Eleventh Marines, part of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam, conducts English classes in De Son hamlet. This photograph was taken on June 19, 1967, as part of documenting Vietnamese civilian life during the war.

Marines attending church services in the field during the Vietnam War. The picture was taken on February 25, 1968, by LCpl Schackmann, a photographer for the Defense Department. The image is categorized as 302 - Religion and belongs to the 3rd Marine Division's collection of photographs from Vietnam.

Members of the 3rd Marine Division Drum and Bugle Corps performing for local residents in Dong Song One village during Operation County Fair in Vietnam, 1966. This photograph, taken by Cpl. H. Wolford, shows the musicians providing entertainment after the noon meal. The image is part of the Defense Department collection, with the identification number A.186996.

Marines from 1st Shore Party unit set up a flag on the beach during the Vietnam war. The flag serves as a marker for landing boats to know where to unload supplies. This photograph was taken on January 13, 1967, by Sgt. Earl L. Lovis and is part of a collection of American military activities during the war.

Caption: "LtGen. Victor H. Krulek, CG, FMF Pacific, receives a plaque of a captured weapon from Maj. H.S. Dennis, C.O. Sub Unit 4 Hq.Bn., during a ceremony in Najcen. The weapon was captured by a CAC Unit under Maj. Dennis' command. Photograph taken on March 8, 1967, in Najcen, Vietnam by Sgt. D.E. Helmer."

"U.S. Marines from Anaheim, California, nicknamed the 'Armed Angels,' receiving a shipment of 2,000 bars of soap as part of a goodwill project in Thuy Tan, Vietnam. The village suffers from a high rate of 'staph infection,' largely due to poor personal hygiene. September 21, 1965, Vietnam. Photo by SSgt. C. Durie, Defense Dept. (Marine Corps)."

Marine Lance Corporal Coy L. Hester Jr., assisted by a Vietnamese soldier, raises the American flag at a Marine outpost north of Chu Lai. Hester, part of the Firat Combined Action Group, assists in training Vietnamese home guards. The flag was donated by a women's club in the United States.

Marines from "B" Company, 3rd Engineer Battalion, assist in erecting a Photo Van extension at the new location of the 3rd Marine Division Photo Lab in Phu Bai, Vietnam, on January 26, 1967. The photograph, taken by GySgt B. L. Owens, captures the construction work carried out by the military during the Vietnam War.

President Lyndon Johnson and Colonel P X Kelley attend a meeting with military officers and officials in 1966. The photograph was taken by SSgt. Highland at Phu Baf, R.V.N., during the Vietnam War. Leonard F. Chapman and Raymond L. Murray, along with MajGen. Lo, can be seen in the image. The visit included a stop at CAC III Unit, where Sgt. Avin Brova, from Norfolk, VA, was serving. The image is courtesy of the Marine Corps.

Vietnamese and American workers load food supplies into a helicopter cargo net at Quang Tri during the Vietnam War. The American people, through CORDS, provided these supplies to alleviate famine among the Bru tribesmen in the Cua Valley. Taken by Cpl. S. A. Tilson in 1968.

Mrs. Lucy Caldwell leaving the club of the 5th Marines in Vietnam on December 25, 1969. The Marines had presented her with a scrapbook and sang the ballad of "Lucy Caldwell." This photograph was taken by Cpl. Hank D. Berkovits and is part of the Defense Department's collection of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Lieutenant Colonel Van Bell, a member of the United States Marine Corps, checks his map during Operation Virginia in HAF Vietnam in April 1966. This photograph captures a moment of map reading, an essential task for military personnel in planning and executing operations during the Vietnam War.

In this photo, Lt Col A. E. Bench, CO 2/4, presents captured Vietnamese money to Col R. H. Thompson. The money, totaling more than 407,000 Plasters or approximately $4,000, was seized from a VC paymaster during an ambush by E/2/4 on June 27, 1967.

1st Marine Aircraft Wing's 11th Dental Company member, Lieutenant Max Crigger, is seen here treating a broken tooth suffered by Rip, a sentry dog from the 1st Marine Division. Assisting Lieutenant Crigger are Army Captain W.W. Cunningham from the 50th Medical Detachment, Havy Dental Technician Lance Woodbury, and Rip's handler, Lanos Corporal J.A. Banker.

Major General Louis B. Robertshaw (left) presents Second Lieutenant Donald R. Show with a Certificate of Achievement from the Department of Defense at the Da Nang airfield in 1967. Lieutenant Colonel Raymond A. Cameron, Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron (EMS)-11, looks on. This photograph captures a moment of recognition during the Vietnam War.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt is seen alongside Captain W. C. Barnum at the C.G.S. mess in Dong Ha during April 1969. This photograph was taken by C.E. Woodruff and is US Defense Department official documentation.

General Leonard F. Chapman, CMC, and Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman, III MAF Commander, inspect a captured Viet Cong rifle during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken in 1968.

Image: The photograph shows a change of command ceremony of Major General William R. Collins to Major General Lewis W. Walt, taking place on June 5, 1965, at the 3rd Marine Division base in Danang, Vietnam. Collins was relieved of his position the day before, and Walt assumed command as the Fleet Marine Force Commanding General of the division. The photo was taken by Fraley and is an official Defense Department photograph (Marine Corps), labeled as A184616 127 GVB-75.

Officials welcome Major General Lewis W. Walt to Danang, Vietnam on June 4, 1965. In the photo, Colonel Andrew I. Igaan greets the arriving officer. The image was taken by Marine Corps Corporal Gorak and is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during the Vietnam War collection.

Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, accompanied by Chaplain Victor H. Krulak, Jr., attends a service at the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment headquarters in Vietnam on September 3, 1966. The photograph captures General Krulak congratulating his son, who conducted the service. This image was taken by Cpl. A. Ferriera and is part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps) with the identification number A187740 rum 127.

Lt. Gen. Lewis W. Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits the Crescent Beach Orphanage in Vietnam on November 3, 1970. This photograph captures his departure from the orphanage as part of his visit to the III Marine Amphibious Force. Photographer: Defense Department, Marine Corps. Origin: 56mm Negative ACMC (Administrative Communications Management Center) Visual Information Services. Image reference code: 3Mov70 56mm Negative ACMC VISITS III MAFVietnam 3Mov70 56mm Negative.

Vietnamese children gather around Staff Sergeant A.G. Kihlstrom, Platoon Sergeant, 1st Platoon, for handouts. This image captures the interactions between American military personnel and Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. Photograph taken on April 23, 1965 in Phu Thung, Viet-Nam. (Photographer: SSgt. H.C. Batchelor, Department of Defense).

Gunnery Sergeant James Q. Morrison, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Industrial Relations Office at the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, inspects Vietnamese civilians as they leave the compound during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken in 1970 by L/Cpl J.A. Fulghan at the Karino Aircraft Wing in Vietnam. It is a security checkpoint scene that showcases the military activities during that time.

Colonel B. J. Cooke, Defense Attaché U. K., British Royal Marines, questions the Platoon Sergeant of the Popular Forces within the Combined Unit Pacification Program (CUPP) team. The photo was taken on March 9, 1970 in the Village of Thac Khe, located 23 miles southeast of Da Nang, by Cpl G. J. Vojack, as part of the 1stMarDiv Vietnam operations. Department of Defense photo by Marine Corps, A372911.

American Marines are distributing clothing to Vietnamese villagers in the Chu Lai area during the Vietnam War. This image captures the 2/4, VMF-214 engagement with civilians, providing People to People interactions on June 26, 1965. The photo was taken by L.D. Choate and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

Lt. Col. Edison W. Miller, a former POW, undergoes a medical examination by a Navy doctor during Operation Homecoming. He was one of 26 Marines held captive by the North Vietnamese and released on February 12, 1973. Lt. Col. Miller was captured on October 13, 1967, while serving as a pilot with Marines Aircraft Group-13. He resides in Tustin, California. (Source: Defense Department Photo - Marine Corps)

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt and Lieutenant Nickerson greet a small child at the China Beach Orphanage during a visit to Vietnam on April 3, 1969. This photograph was captured by D.E. Kramer and is officially released by the Defense Department. Caption: Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt visiting China Beach Orphanage during the Vietnam War.

Marines from 3rd Marine Division conducting a search and clear operation ten miles northeast of Danang Air Base on June 27, 1965. The photograph, taken by Lopl L.D. Hartsock, showcases Company "B", 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. Taken during the Vietnam War, this image is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) labeled A184656 127 GVB -283.

Jacksonville, Florida newspaper woman, Halen Musgrove, and a C-B Santa distributing Christmas presents at Fire Support Base Cates on December 25, 1968. The gifts were donated by residents of Jacksonville. This photograph was taken by McCullough Hra and is a 70 35mm negative from the 3rdHarDiv Vietnam. (Image source: Defense Dept. Photo - Marine Corps)

Marine Corporal Patrick B. Rendon, a member of Ration Co., Supply Bn., Force Logistic Command in the Republic of Vietnam, feeds a patient at the Hoa Khanh Children's Hospital. Volunteer Marines visit the hospital nightly to interact with the children and assist in feeding those who cannot do so themselves. The presence of the Marines has significantly uplifted the morale of the children according to hospital officials.

"Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and General Westmoreland discuss the state of the war in Vietnam with General Tee, the Corps Commander in the Danang area. Photograph taken in August 1965 by J.F. Fraley, an official photographer for the Department of Defense."

Caption: Gunnery Sergeant Cecil Glass, Utilities Chief of Marine Wing Facilities Squadron 1, instructs Vietnamese workers in the paint shop at a military base during the Vietnam War. The Marine Corps provided technical training to the 26 workers in various shops, allowing them to develop skills and provide for their families. This photograph highlights the efforts to support the local community during the conflict.

"Members of 3rd Platoon, 'B' Company, the antitank companies, load personal gear of local civilians onto antracs before evacuating Pho Han Thoung village. This photo, taken on June 19, 1965, shows preparations for the evacuation, which was part of a larger sweeping operation ten miles northwest of Danang Air Base."

- American officers and officials discussing military activities during the Vietnam War - President Lyndon Johnson and Colonel P X Kelley in a meeting on May 15, 1966 - The photograph depicts Lieutenant General Victor H. Krull presenting a silver star model to Captain G.D. Dopito - Members of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam are also present - The image was taken by Corporal Burch DABARO and is part of the 15166 series.

A soldier from Battalion Landing Team 1/3, stationed in Denang, Vietnam, dries his laundry on top of his tent. The photograph, taken on March 18, 1965, captures the daily life of American military personnel during the Vietnam War. Image credit: Sgt. Batchelor.

Marine Pfc Edward Snibes rubs his feet during Operation Meade River, 13 miles southwest of Da Nang in Vietnam. The operation involved 5,000 Marines and required them to wade through knee-deep marsh, swamp, and rice paddies, leading to the need for frequent foot rubs and changes of socks.

Lieutenant Wesley L. Fox, Company Commander of A Co., 1st Bn., Ninth Marine Regiment, takes a break to catch up on the latest news of Operation Dewey Canyon. The photograph was taken on February 27, 1969 in Vietnam during the Vietnam War by E. E. Hildreth. Fox, 37, from Leesburg, Virginia, has been leading his regiment in the operation for the past six weeks.

"A Vietnamese woman assists Corporal James Leong in packing his belongings at Casip Books, under the supervision of the Preservation, Packaging, and Packing section of the Supply Company, Supply Battalion, Force Logistic Command. The packed items will be passed on to the Traffic Management Office for transportation out of Vietnam. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A194710 127 GVB-327."

Marine Staff Sergeant Bobby Ward from Kansas City, Missouri, chats with Major General Lealis E. Brown, Commanding General of 1st MAW, during the general's visit to Bien Hoa, Vietnam on June 13, 1972. Staff Sergeant Ward is part of the maintenance team responsible for keeping the Marine "Skyhawks" operational. This photo was taken by Captain J. Colline for the Defense Department.

Medical evacuation personnel from the United States Navy provide in-air treatment to a wounded Marine aboard a Marine helicopter at Danang, Vietnam on September 26, 1965. HM2 Fred E. Davis, a Navy corpsman attached to MAG-16, administers medical care to the wounded Marine who will be transported to a field hospital. This image captures the dedication and bravery of military medical personnel during the Vietnam War.

Gen Leonard F Chapman presenting the Meritorious Unit Citation to the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion at the 3rd Marine Division Headquarters in Quang Tri. Photo taken on January 10, 1969 by SSgt L. E. Hoeynck. The image shows officers and officials during the ceremony.

"Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces, visits the 1st Marine Division on December 24, 1969, during the Vietnam War. In this photo, he engages in conversation with Lance Corporal Donald L. Dennis, a member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. U.S. Department of Defense Photo (Marine Corps)."

Marine Corporal Gary E. Delbow from Shakopee, Minnesota, exchanges greetings with Reverend Oswald Hoffman and Miss Suzanne Peterson at the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Memorial Chapel in Vietnam. The Reverend and Miss Peterson were visiting Vietnam as part of a Christmas tour. Photo taken on December 28, 1969, by LCpl J.A. Fulghem.

High-ranking military officials attend dedication ceremonies for Camp B.A. Bochmuth in Vietnam on April 4, 1968. The photograph captures the serious and formal atmosphere of the event. Image caption: Dedication ceremonies held at Camp B.A. Bochmuth in Vietnam, April 1968 (Photo credit: MSgt Armstrong, DEFENSE DEPT.)

Marine Private First Class Paul D. Becker, age 20, aims an M-79 grenade launcher during the Reconnaissance Indoctrination Program (RIP) training at the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division in March 1970. RIP training is compulsory for all men in the battalion. This photograph was taken by Sgt. Gardner III and is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during the Vietnam War collection. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) pd A373005 127 GVB-296.

General L.F. Chapman converses with Lt. W.G. Thrash and J.F. Harch while touring Fire Support Base Piko during Operation Taylor Common. Colonel J.B. Ord, the commanding officer of the 5th Regiment, is seen in the background. The photograph was taken by GySgt M.F. Krueger on January 11, 1969, during Gen Chapman's visit to Vietnam.

Minister of the Army for Australia and Lieutenant General H. Nickerson observed at Danang Base Ops during the Vietnam War. January 30, 1970. This image captures an official visit by Australian military authorities to American forces stationed in Vietnam. Photograph taken by SSgt David G. Pavey, marked as Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) mis A193613.

A corpsman applies ointment to a baby's hand during a MEDCAP event at a county fair approximately nine miles south of Dalang in Vietnam. This photo was taken on July 27, 1967, as part of the American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Sgt. Clyde Hotharland, a member of the Marine Aircraft Group MAG-16, engages in a dual role while stationed in Vietnam in 1966. In the photograph, Sgt. Hotharland appears content as he samples soup in the group mess hall, while on the right, he reads from the Bible in the Marble Mountain Air Facility Chapel. This image was captured by Sgt. Rich Groscost and is part of the Defense Department's collection of photographs documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War. Image number GVB-228, catalog number 4427471.

A Marine from the 2/5 Battalion crosses a stream during a search and destroy mission near An Hoa, Vietnam on August 10, 1967. The image captures a moment of reconnaissance conducted by the Marine Corps as part of their regular patrols in the region. (Caption based on available information)

Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale are seen in this photo during ceremonies in 1969. Also present in the photo are Representative M.A. McKneally of NY, Brigadier General Leo J. Dulacki (chief of staff of III Marine Amphibious Force), and Major General Edwin Wheeler (Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division). (defense department photo: Marine Corps)

Lance Corporal Philip Falmar of Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron One (VNCJ-1) uses a roll contact printer in the lab's Versamet Van during January 15-30, 1970. This image is part of a collection captured by combat photographer Larry Burrows for Time/Life. The photo shows a routine activity in the lab for developing and printing war-related photographs.

Lieutenant General William K. Jones, Commanding General FMFPac, meets with Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Lam, Commander of I Corps, at I Corps Headquarters, Da Mang during an official visit to Vietnam. This image captures a significant interaction between high-ranking military officials during the Vietnam War.

Marines at the III Marine Amphibious Force Transient Center in Da Nang, Vietnam, have access to a barber shop with Vietnamese barbers and masseurs. This service allows Marines who didn't have time to groom before leaving their units the chance to do so upon reaching the center. (Photo by Sgt. Mike Teramoto, US Defense Department, A193187)

Buddhist altars placed on Route 1 outside Hue near the 4th Marines headquarters and a 155-mm SP howitzer battery during the Vietnamese political crisis. The altars were situated alongside the Perfume River. Photograph sourced from the collection of Capt Edwin W. Besch. Official U.S Marine Corps photo with the reference USMC #532572. Courtesy of Captain Edwin W. Besch.

Sgt. William H. Horn, NCOIC of Detachment No. 4, 903rd Aero Medical Evacuation Squadron, checks the stretcher slings of Marine PFC Daniel Barnhart during a flight. Barnhart, a stretcher patient, is just one of many patients being taken care of by Horn. Horn, a Vietnam veteran, along with other medical specialists on the flight, closely monitor the patients. This photograph is from the Vietnam war taken by Sgt. L. Shaw. Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) FHM A189270 127 GVB-243.

Lieutenant General H. Nickerson Jr. addressing the Marines of the Data Processing Platoon at the opening ceremonies of the new Data Processing facility at FLC, Red Beach, Da Nang. This photograph was taken by Cpl N. W. Myers and is part of a collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

"Sgt. Joseph Long, Jr. (left) of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division shows Staff Sgt. Vincent Kelly, Jr., a diagram of his head wound received on April 21, 1966. A 45-caliber round entered below Long's right eye, passed through his sinus cavities, and lodged in front of his jaw bone. The round was found by doctors after X-Rays were taken and subsequently removed aboard the hospital ship USS REPOSE. Long returned to combat duty 16 days later. DEFENSE DEPT.PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A369122 127 GVB-228"

Hospitalman Terry L. Leitner from Scott City, Kansas, is awarded the Silver Star Medal for his brave actions and bold initiative during a mortar attack while serving as a platoon corpsman with a Marine infantry unit during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE. The award was presented by Major General Wood B. Kyle, Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division.

Marine of "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marines, on lookout for North Vietnamese Army snipers in the canal district of Hue during Operation Hue City. Photographed by Cpl Smedley on February 20, 1968, as part of 1st Marine Division's activities in Vietnam. Image sourced from the Department of Defense, photo A371432.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt and Lieutenant Colonel James L. Richard were photographed on April 29, 1968, during General Walt's visit to the Force Logistie Command (FLC) in Vietnam. The image shows them in the Data Processing section, with Lieutenant Colonel Richard in charge of the Central Control Point. This photo is a Defense Department photograph taken by Marine Corps personnel.

Marine Private Frederick L. Elbert of Brentwood, Long Island, NY, is seen walking towards an ambulance bus at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. The bus will transport him to the United States Air Force Hospital Clark upon his arrival. This photo captures a moment from Operation Homecoming, the repatriation of US Marine POWs during the Vietnam War.

Brigadier General Ralph H. Spanjer bids farewell to Lieutenant General Keith B. McCutcheon, the Commanding General of III Marine Amphibious Force, as he leaves Vietnam on May 5, 1969. General Spanjer was the Assistant 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Commander before his departure to his new assignment at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This photograph was taken by LCp1 Robin Fulghan.

1st Lt. Joe Dalton and John Seileppi, members of Marine Aircraft Group (HAC)-16, entertain children at the Sacred Heart Orphanage Neex Dalang during a visit in 1966. The visit was organized by the orphanage to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. This photo was taken by Cpl Johnso and is part of the collection of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Sergeant Russel B. Granger proudly holds his $10,000 re-enlistment bonus, assisted by First Lieutenant John T. Clinton, during a ceremony at Camp Jay K. Books in Vietnam on April 20, 1970. Sergeant Granger, a Disbursing clerk with the Foree Logistis Command, re-enlisted for six years and secured his next duty station at Marine Corps Bir Station in El Toro, California after completing his tour of duty in Vietnam. This official Defense Department photo was taken by Sgt O. Heikkinen.

Marines from the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion engage in conversation with Congressman Pettis of California during his visit to Vietnam in December 1967. Photographed by Cpl Davenport, this image captures the interaction between military personnel and government officials during the Vietnam War. (Caption does not provide a description of the image itself. No image details like composition, location, or pose are mentioned in the original text.)

Brigadier General Frederick J. Karch, Commanding General of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, being interviewed by John Sharkey of NBC News during the landing of troops from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Red Beach in Danang, Vietnam on April 10, 1965. Photograph taken by GySgt. Hallahan.

Navy chaplain leads prayer during a ceremony with Vietnamese Lieutenant General Lam and Marine Lieutenant General R.E. Cushman in April 1968 during the Vietnam War. The image captures a moment of reflection and solidarity between American and Vietnamese military officials. Defense Department photo by MSgt Armstrong.

Evangelist Billy Graham greets servicemen of I Corps after addressing a crowd of more than 15,000 gathered at the Freedom Hill amphitheater during the Vietnam War. Graham's message was to wish the men a Merry Christmas from the people of the United States. 1968.

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Lam and Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., greet General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, upon his arrival in Da Nang during the Vietnam War. General Chapman spent five days visiting Marine organizations in Vietnam. Caption source: Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) dated August 5, 1968.

Lieutenant James W. Glore, a 29-year-old Dental Officer from Leesburg, Florida, is seen in this December 12, 1967 photograph pulling a baby's tooth during a MEDCAP operation at Bo Mung-2, located 10 miles south of Dallang in Vietnam. The image is part of the 1st MarDiv Vietnam's record.

"PFC. Charles H. Ogstor and Pvt. Edward D. Alexander, members of the Marine Corps, decorate a Christmas tree at the American Red Cross Center in Da Nang, Vietnam on July 24, 1966. The early celebration was organized by the Red Cross worker Mary Margaret Gilroy at the recreation center."

A group of Vietnamese civilians in Hue converse with a civilian correspondent on February 15, 1968. They share details of the Viet Cong's destruction of their homes during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken by Hoeynck for the Department of Defense. (Caption: DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO, MARINE CORPS, A190454)

"In 1969, at a funeral near Quang Tri City in Vietnam, over 1000 mourners expressed their grief and frustration over the killing of 60 Vietnamese civilians during the TET offensive of 1968. The victims had been discovered in shallow graves east of the city. Mourners chanted slogans against North Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh. This photograph is from the collection of American military activities during the Vietnam War."

Sgt. Joseph Long Jr. shows Staff Sgt. Vincent Kelly Jr. a diagram of a wound he received in April during combat in Vietnam. A .45 caliber round entered below Long's right eye, passing through his sinus cavities and lodging in front of his jaw bone. The round went unnoticed until X-rays were taken and later removed aboard the USS REPOSE. Sgt. Long received a trophy with the bullet mounted on top from the ship's crew members.

Colonel Payne and village chief Nguyen Than participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a school opening at Da Son Village in Vietnam. The ceremony, which took place about two miles outside of Da Nang, was attended by various military and local officials. Photograph taken on September 11, 1967, by Cpl Smedley.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt visits the China Beach Orphanage in Da Nang, Vietnam on April 3, 1969. He is seen greeting small children during his visit. This photograph captures a humanitarian aspect of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines endure heavy rain as they gather at Freedom Hill in Danang, Vietnam on November 25, 1969, to hear a performance by the New Christy Minstrels, a popular entertainment group. The photo, taken by the Defense Department, captures the determination of the Marines during monsoon season.

Maintenance crewmen of Harina Fighter-Attack Squadron (VHFA) 323 removing a damaged external fuel tank from Major Henry G. Miller's F-4B Phantom. Major Miller flew the damaged plane back to Chu Lai after the tank exploded when his plane was hit by enemy ground fire near Hue on May 13, 1968.

Combat photographer Sergeant Frank Lea from the 3rd Marine Division in Hollywood, California, seen preparing his camera to shoot footage during the Vietnam War. This image was taken on April 5, 1967, by photographer Larry Burrows and is part of the Time/Life collection.

Lieutenant Colonel Lee and Captain Lee, from the First Battalion, Second Republic of Korea Marine Brigade, display a captured Viet Cong gas mask. The mask was obtained from a deceased Viet Cong near their command post in Binh Sen Province, Vietnam. This photo was taken in 1966 during the Vietnam War. (ARIES CORPS) A188076 2WD 127 GVB-83

Marine Pfe Vernon Benn of the 1st Marine Division explains the types of M-79 rounds used in a grenade launcher to General Curtis Le May, Retired, during his fact-finding tour of military installations. The general visited Marine units in Da Nang on October 18, 1968.

Lance Corporal Jerry W. Kelly from North Hollywood, California, operates the switchboard for Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-13 during his tour of duty in Vietnam, 1966. Kelly, a 19-year-old Marine, is a member of the Group's wire section. This photograph captures his role in communications during the war. (Photo: Sgt. Joe Abreu, US Marine Corps)

"Army Staff Sergeant Lawrence H. Allen is grateful for the visit of Marine helicopter pilot, Captain Steve Pless, at the Chu Lai hospital on August 21, 1967. Captain Pless and his crew saved Allen from the Viet Cong, and the gesture was acknowledged with gratitude."

Cpl. Robert Shaw of Company C, 1st Recon Battalion, is seen patrolling an unidentified area in Vietnam on May 1, 1970. Shaw, originating from Houston, Texas, is captured in this Department of Defense photograph.

Sergeant William H. Linnemeir is photographed with shrapnel wounds on his hand after an enemy rocket hit the airfield control tower at Khe Sahn. The image captures the destruction caused during the incident. This photo was taken by Sergeant R. Zielinski, on February 26, 1968, as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

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