Vietnam War Reconnaissance

Photos capturing American troops on reconnaissance missions, interacting with local villagers, and uncovering military supplies during the Vietnam War.

Members of the III MAF Transit Facility observe and oversee the administrative processing line in Vietnam. This image captures the clerical operations taking place on January 28, 1970. The photograph was taken by the Defense Department and belongs to the Marine Corps.

"Medical personnel from Headquarters Company, 7th Marines, treat a Montagnard child at the Ngut Trong outpost during the Vietnam War. The photo was taken on July 2, 1966, by Sgt. W. Penn, with 3 M. G. Ryan from Decatur, Illinois, providing medical care. Source: Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) A369197 127 GVB-245.

Vietnamese evacuees board a Marine CH-53 helicopter during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American Nationals and Vietnamese refugees from Saigon, on April 29, 1975. The photo, taken by GySgt.D.L.Shearer of the 1st MarBrig, depicts a scene of the military operation. (Source: Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) pd A150961)

Battalion Chaplain, Father Edward J. Kane, holds a Mass in the field for 7 Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and Vietnamese personnel during Operation APACHE in Vietnam. The photo was taken on June 12, 1966, by LCpl. Linton and is part of a series showcasing American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines from "E" Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, navigate through a rice paddy during a reconnaissance patrol near Danang in 1965. This photograph captures the efforts of American military activities during the Vietnam War. Photo by Sgt. R.l. Reybolds. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOF (MARINE CORPS) A1843 127 GVB-283.

Marine tank at Camp Carroll in February 1968, during the Vietnam War. The tank is seen dug in, utilizing sandbags as protection against enemy mortar and rocket fire. This photo captures the defensive measures taken by the US military in securing landing zones in Vietnam. Photo credit: Cpl L.P.Broun, Defense Department.

NVA rockets and mortars captured by M/3/26 near Khe Sanh, Vietnam, on July 8, 1967. The captured weapons include 28 M28A2 120mm rockets. The photograph was taken by SSgt G.R. Smith for the Defense Department. PHOTO: fhm A188853 127 GVB-68

Caption: "Captain Roscos H. Halcomb Jr., a civil affairs officer, assisting a young Vietnamese boy and his mother in putting on a shirt. The captain supervised the distribution of clothing, collected in the United States, to over 100 children in the village of Lo Giang, near Da Hang Air Base, Vietnam, in 1968."

Civilians in a retention compound being overseen by ARVN's and Marines of Headquarters and Service Company. The photo was taken on June 20, 1969, by Sgt A.V. Huffman. It shows the compound entrance with people standing nearby. The photograph is part of a series capturing American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Children at the Phu Thuong Orphanage in Vietnam taste ice cream for the first time. This ice cream was provided as part of the M-1965 goodwill weapon initiative by "Foxtrot" Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The event was attended by Father Edwin V. Bohula, the battalion chaplain, Lat Lt. Charles S. Bently, the company commander, a Navy corpsman, and two company Marines.

Lance Corporal Eric R. Carison, Joint Public Affairs Office writer, standing on the deck of the USS Hancock during evacuation exercises for Operation Frequent Wind. Photograph taken on April 24, 1975, during the Vietnam War by GySgt, D.L.Shearer. Record number: 091-0850-110-75. Photo falls under the Defense Department.

Lieutenant Colonel Edison W. Miller, a repatriated prisoner of war, is seen with his wife and mother outside the United States Naval Hospital during Operation Homecoming on February 18, 1973, in Camp Pendleton, California. Captured on October 13, 1967, in North Vietnam, he served as a pilot with Marine Aircraft Group-13. Lieutenant Colonel Miller joined the Marine Corps in August 1949 and resides in Tustin, California. Photograph: MSgt. C.R. Ayers, Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps)

Marines from Maintenance Battalion, Force Logistic Command, visit a Vietnamese monument in Da Nang City during a tour. The purpose of the tour was to familiarize Marines with Vietnamese customs and cultures. Photograph: LCpl Gary Gunn, Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps).

Members of the flight deck crew aboard the USS Hancock assist refugees and a munitions in Operation Frequent Wind during the evacuation of Saigon, Vietnam on April 29, 1975. This photograph, taken by Cpl M.A. Abrham, depicts the efforts to evacuate Vietnamese refugees and military personnel from the war-torn area. The photo is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification number A801613.

Caption: On August 25, 1970, the fifth out of fourteen CH-46D helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (H1) 161 was being lifted aboard a Dock Landing Ship at the Tier Shaw deep water pier near Danang. The squadron was redeploying from Vietnam during phase lv redeployment and would join MG-56 at the Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California. HMH-161 had served in Vietnam for almost four years.

An Army of the Republic of Vietnam interpreter attached to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, questioning a Viet Cong suspect captured in the Doug Mahn area of Quang Ngai Province by Marines of F Company, 2nd Battalion during Operation Nogomery. May 13, 1966.

Vietnamese refugees arriving at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton, California on April 29, 1975. Captain Janes V. DiBernardo, a former Marine POW and as Public Affairs Officer at Marine Corps Air Station, assists a Vietnamese family during the deplaning process. The refugees will be temporarily housed at Camp Tulega, located within Marine Corps Base.

A Marine salutes the raising of the colors during a flag ceremony at An Hoa, Combat Base in June 1970. An Hoa was the home of the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division located 20 miles southwest of Dallang. This photograph captures an important moment of respect and patriotism within the American military during the Vietnam War. (Source: Defense Department photo - Marine Corps)

Corporal Howard C. Gunderson, Radio Operator for Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS)-3, is seen with an MRC-87 jeep at Khe Sanh, Vietnam, on February 24, 1968. The image is a 35mm Negative captured by Sgt Patterson and is part of the III MAF Vietnam collection.

Caption: Damage to the rectory of a Catholic church caused by a Viet Cong attack on May 15, 1967. Members of the Phong Bien refugee counter-viau village, near the strategic DaNang air base, can be seen examining the aftermath. The attack, carried out with high-explosive rocket rounds, resulted in the mortally wounding of Father Hetthieu, a Vietnamese Catholic priest. This photograph is from the collection of the US Department of Defense.

Marine Lance Cpl James E. Maunt is seen adjusting the sights on a 40mm grenade launcher at Maintenance Battalion, Force Logistic Command near Da Nang. Maunt is part of the Infantry Weapons Section which specializes in repairing various combat weapons used by Marines in Vietnam.

CH-53 helicopter carrying a sling load of ammunition for a Fire Support Base (FSB) in Lacs F.S. Nguyen Hue during the Vietnam War in February 1971. The image shows the efficient use of helicopters for logistical support in the conflict. Photograph by SP5 Jack Rockoff, and it is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Marine Lance Corporal Kerry D. Convin receiving a plaque from Brigadier General Janss R. Jones, signifying his first-place finish in Non-commissioned Officer's Leadership School. This ceremony took place on November 16, 1970, in Danang, Vietnam. Cpl Corvin set a new scholastic record with a 98.3 average in the two-week course. Photograph from the Defense Department.

Entertainers performing for the troops during the Vietnam War. Chanin Hale and the "Two Far Out" musical group is shown here entertaining American soldiers in the ICTZ entertainment circuit. Supported by the USO Overseas Hollywood Committee and the Department of Defense, they traveled to over 20 different bases while in Vietnam. Photograph taken on August 16, 1969, by SSgt D. G. Pavay.

Two suspected Viet Cong prisoners are being guarded by Marines in Thack Kieu village. This image, taken on July 14, 1966 by Pfc. Worden, captures American military activities during the Vietnam War. The photo is part of the collection issued by the Defense Department. (Caption: Pfc. Word issues photograph of American military activities during the Vietnam War)

1st HAN Vietnam, 1966. Sgt Biv. Hilligan's official USMC photo shows the ceremony where HM1 Thomas V. Doyle and M3 Robert D. Hernden of HQ and HQ Squadron-1, 1st MAW, received the first Aircrewman Wings for corpsmen from Major General Lewis B. Robertohav. The wings were authorized for Navy Corpsmen serving in helicopter combat operations in Vietnam.

"May 11, 1969: US Marines from 3rd Shore Party Battalion in Quang Tri, Vietnam, organize a party for Vietnamese children at the 3rd Marine Division Memorial Children's Hospital. The children enjoyed treats like cake and ice cream, as well as cartoon movies. The Marines also participated in activities such as rooster racing and boxing matches with the young patients."

A Marine utilizes a flamethrower to target Viet Cong soldiers who were taking shelter in caves during Operation HARVEST NOON. This photograph, taken on December 10, 1965, was captured by LCpl. Lookabaugh in Vietnam. It is an official image from the Defense Department (Marine Corps) marked as A186238 127 GVB-204.

Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Major General Hochmuth, General Westmoreland, and Lieutenant General Cushman salute during ceremonies at the Third Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam. This image was taken in 1967 and is from a series of photographs documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

South Vietnamese people being evacuated from Saigon by CH-53 helicopters of HMH-463 onto the USS HANCOCK on April 29, 1975, during Operation Frequent Wind. Approximately 3,000 individuals were brought aboard the ship as part of the evacuation exercises. Photograph taken by GySgt.D.L.Shearer.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Falt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits the China Beach Orphanage on April 29, 1968. The photograph shows him interacting with Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. This image captures a moment of American military engagement with the local community.

"American soldiers from the Americal Division discover a cache of weapons south of Da Nang, Vietnam on April 5, 1968. This photo depicts a combat scene during the Vietnam War. Image captured by LeBlanc, a photographer from the Defense Department. (MARINE CORPS) A191518"

Marines from the 3rd Marine Division disembark from landing craft during the Vietnam War. The photo, taken on April 14, 1965, shows the troops landing on Red Beach in Danang, Vietnam. The image is a Defense Department photo taken by Sgt. Hallahan, code number 3D-202-339-65, and has the caption "Beachheads - 1965."

American military personnel are seen inspecting captured weapons during the Vietnam War. The front row includes a Soviet 7.62mm light machine gun, model DPM, a Chinese Communist type 53, and a French 7.5mm light machine gun, M1924/29. This photograph was taken on January 31, 1966, by GySgt. Peterson of the Third marDiv in Vietnam.

LCpl David A. Morris, a baker with Force Logistic Command, is seen in this photograph taken on November 1, 1968, rolling the dough for rolls. The image was captured by M.E. Lafferty, Sgt, during the Vietnam War.

Lt. S.J. Habiby, a US Navy chaplain, blesses military personnel during field church services near the demilitarized zone in Vietnam. The photo was taken on February 18, 1968, during Operation Kentucky. It portrays a moment of spiritual support provided to soldiers by religious leaders in the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force.

Marines from "A" Company, 1st Battalion, Fifth Marines, are seen questioning a North Vietnamese Army suspect in Hue on February 24, 1968. This photo was taken by Marine Corps photographer Messenger A during the Vietnam War. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps), reference number A190571.

The image shows a captured weapon used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The weapon is a firing device that was used to launch artillery shells at helicopters or as booby traps. It utilizes a firing mechanism from a 5-inch barrage rocket as a fuse for the larger shell. The weapon was discovered during Operation Sterre.

An American Marine holds a captured Soviet 7.62mm Light Machine Gun, model DPM (Degtyarev), CHICOM Type-53, taken from NVA troops. The photograph was taken on February 28, 1967, in Vietnam, by SSgt. H.A. Magness, a member of the 3rd Marine Division. This image is part of a series documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines of the Hydraulics Shop (HMH-463) are shown working on aircraft jacks to ensure readiness of their aircraft during Operation Eagle Pull. All fourteen of their CH-538 aircraft flew during the evacuation of Phnom Penh and Saigon, while they were stationed on the USS Hancock. This photograph was taken by GySgt, D.L. Shearer on April 28, 1975, and it is a Defense Department photo.

"Richard Nixon bids farewell to Major General Lewis W. Walt after a one-day visit to Danang, Vietnam in September 4, 1965. The photo shows officers and officials, including Robert McNamara and Billy Graham, gathered during the event. It was taken by the Defense Department, with the negative stored in File XVm."

A Marine of the 3rd Marine Regiment engages in conversation with a Vietnamese village elder during a tour of the village in July 1967. The tour was organized by the 3rd Marine Regiment S-5 office. This photograph was taken by GySgt B.L. Ovane and is part of the Department of Defense Photo collection with the reference number A188842.

A-4 Skyhawk aircraft from VMA-311 flying in formation during the Vietnam War on March 11, 1971. The photo was taken by Cpl Ortiz and is part of the 1st MAW Vietnam collection. It is an official image published by the Defense Department, specifically the Marine Corps. Caption: A-4E Skyhawks from VMA-311 fly in formation.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt, Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force, shakes hands with Colonel Oscar F. Peatross as Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Bodley looks on. Colonel Peatross commanded RLT-7 during Operation Starlite, and Lieutenant Colonel Bodley commanded the Third Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment which was part of RLT-7. The Navy Unit Commendation was presented to RLT-7 for their heroism in action against the Viet Cong.

During Operation Bold Mariner, Lance Cpl. Robert A. Bishop, a Marine from Cincinnati, Ohio, explores a Viet Cong tunnel complex discovered by the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment. The operation involved a combination of Marine Corps, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, and Americal Division units, and was conducted on the Batangan Peninsula near Quang Ngai City.

Lieutenant Jon P. Premou from Norwalk, Conn., of the 1st Marine Division, Vietnam, is shown conducting a dental check-up on a child during a Medcap event in Da Phouc village, located approximately 10 miles west of DaNang. The photo was taken on August 24, 1967, and is an official defense department photograph.

Soldier and his Belgian Shepherd, "Alf," take a break during Operation Desoto in the Quang Ngai Province of Vietnam. The photo, taken on February 1, 1967, depicts the soldier's strong bond with his dog who was likely used in military operations.

"Marine LCpl Alexander H. Loffek engages in conversations with former Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers at the Chicu Hoi Center in Hue City during the Vietnam War. These individuals voluntarily surrendered their weapons and joined the Republic of Vietnam through the Chien Hoi program. Their integration into society was aided by the Marine Civil Affairs Team program headquartered near Phu Bai, with Loffek crediting teamwork for their successful reintegration. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps)."

Marine Corps personnel of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines bow their heads during a departure ceremony in Vietnam on July 14, 1969. Vietnamese schoolgirls present momentos given by President Thieu. The ceremony was attended by Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.

3rdMarDiv Vietnam 1965 - A Navy A-4 Skyhawk aircraft is seen taxiing down a runway before taking off. This 35mm negative photo, taken by the Defense Department (Marine Corps), is labeled as A801156. It is printed backwards, with additional markings of 127 GVB -22.

Marines from Command Group Alpha of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines at FHP Chu Lai, Vietnam, on April 8, 1966, anticipation their upcoming operation, Operation Iowa. In the photograph, they wait to board UH-34 helicopters from the MAG-36 area that will transport them to their destination. (Source: US Marine Corps photo A369508)

"Sgt. I. Brunfield's photograph captures members of the 1st 8-inch Howitzer Battery unloading 200-pound projectiles for their howitzer in Vietnam on September 3, 1968. The battery was highly successful the previous month, destroying 19 enemy artillery weapons and damaging 25 more. This Defense Department photo (US Marine Corps) showcases their efforts."

"US Navy plane director Brad Lambertsen directing evacuation exercises on the flight deck of USS HANCOCK during Operation Eagle Pull. The operation, taking place on April 12, 1975, was aimed at evacuating Phnom Penh and Saigon. This photograph captures a moment of military activities during the Vietnam War."

Lieutenant General Frederick E. Leek, Commanding General of FHFLant, being briefed by Colonel P. X. Kelley, Commanding Officer of the 1st Marines, at OP Reno, a location 7 miles west of Da Nang. The photo was taken on August 15, 1970, by Sergeant R. W. Nelson and is part of the 1st Marine Division's activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines of Marine All Weather Attack Squadron-533 build playground swings for Vietnamese children at the Dong Cong Catholic orphanage. This occurred on October 23, 1967, in An Tan village, near Chu Lai Marine air base. This image is a Department of Defense photograph taken by SSgt G. Thomas during the Vietnam War.

Four squadrons of UH-34 helicopters from Marine Fleet Group (Me) -36 and one line of riflemen participating in Operation DOUBLE EAGIE on February 15, 1966. The helicopters transported 400 Marine Infantrymen into the battle zone. The photo was taken by LCpl. Halstend and is part of the Department of Defense's collection (HARENE CORPS).

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, pays a visit to the China Beach Orphanage in HAY Vietnam on April 29, 1968. The photograph captures Walt interacting with Vietnamese orphans during the Vietnam War.

Marine Cpl. Henry Cassolli from New Orleans, LA, visits the Hoi An Catholic Orphanage in Vietnam in 1968. He entertains the orphans who eagerly seek attention. A girl on the left, with a toothless grin, is seen in this photograph. Cassolli is a member of the III Marine Amphibious Force Combat Information Center in Da Nang. This image was taken by the Defense Department and is identified as "GVB-374".

Two American military medics, Richard Cloointal and Fred Newcomba, are shown examining the teeth of a small Vietnamese boy. This image was taken during a Medical Civil Action Program (MEDCAP) in 1968. The photo is a 35mm negative captured by photographer Leak and is part of a series of photographs depicting American military activities during the Vietnam War. It was issued by the Defense Department and carries the reference numbers A422023 and 127 GVB-247.

General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, is visiting Major General Lam in Vietnam in January 1967. The image shows officers and officials including Hubert Humphrey, General William Westmoreland, and Senator Harry F. Byrd. The photograph was taken during American military activities in the Vietnam War.

"Vietnamese orphan enjoys cake at Thanksgiving party hosted by Marines of Force Logistic Support Group-Bravo (FLSG-B) in Dong Ha, Vietnam, in 1968. FLSG-B provided assistance to rebuild the orphanage after a North Vietnamese artillery attack. The Marines frequently organized parties for the war orphaned children. Defense Dept. Photo (Marines Corps) 4192383"

"Corporal Arthur G. Friend, a crew chief with Marine Observation Squadron-6, adjusts the rocket pod of a 2-12 Husy helicopter while the aircraft is airborne. A gunner's bolt ensures Friend's safety as the helicopter reaches speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Photograph taken on March 31, 1967, during Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington's visit to his old squadron."

"Lieutenant Colonel Edison W. Miller, a former prisoner of war, is welcomed back by his wife, Lindsey, in Ward 22A of the United States Naval Hospital. He was captured on October 13, 1967, in North Vietnam while serving as a pilot with Marine Aircraft Group-13. Photo taken on February 22, 1973, during Operation Homecoming - the repatriation of US Marine POWs. Photo by MSgt. C.R. Ayers, Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps)."

Marine Corps personnel, including Sgt. Shaw, H.M. J. B. Broughton, H.M.G.M. Donald Miller, and Capt. G. F. Croft, celebrated the 69th birthday of the hospital corpsmen at HQ of the 3rd Marine Division. The image shows them cutting a cake during the ceremony. The photo was taken by Photogt. Sgt. Shaw and is part of the Defense Department's collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

"Corporal Clande E. Tavernier, Jr., a member of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron-36's Airframe Shop, works on repairing a side-panel of a CH-46 "choppeor" during maintenance operations in Vietnam. The Airframe Shop is responsible for inspecting and repairing all aircraft in Marins Aircraft Group-36. Photo taken by Sgt. R. Hathaway in 1966."

Soldier from San Francisco, John S. Duruktov, is seen in this photograph rebuilding and rebarrelling M-16 rifles during the Vietnam war. He is shown in the process of disassembling the old barrel and installing a new one. The old barrels and other worn-out parts are being discarded to prevent their reuse by the enemy.

Lieutenant Colonel Victor Ohanesian, who passed away on March 1, 1967, is seen in this photograph from August 22, 1966. The image shows several boxes of grapes being delivered by helicopter to the troops during Operation Allagheny. According to Colonel Ohanesian, the grapes brought a welcome taste of freshness to their meals.

Three Vietnamese boys eagerly wait to receive a handful of soap from a Cap-6 Corpsman during the Vietnam War in 1968. This image captures an instance of American military personnel engaging with the local civilian population as part of their efforts during the conflict.

Captain James V. DiBernardo, a former POW, holds a press conference at MCB Camp Pendleton, California on April 4, 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming. In the photograph, he is speaking to the media while representing the Navy Marine Corps. The photo is an official Defense Department photograph taken by Major G.L. Gill.

4191-V111111720

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. Reproduce recording magazine Weapon broods, article "Weapon brothers forward". November 1946. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

AM-475- 479 , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

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