I spent two tours with the 56th SPS (Air Commando) at a remote site
called Nakhon Phanom on the Thai-Laos border. The base was highly
secretive being the headquarters of Task Force Alpha,
the underground command center directing Arc
Light bombing of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Also, Operation
Igloo White, which planted sensors on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
The 46th Special Forces used NKP as a launching pad for MACV Sog teams
crossing the borders. Also Air America used NKP as a base
to supply the various hill tribes throughout the area. We were harassed
by the NVA with rocket/mortar attacks and occasional probes on the base
perimeter which left a number of dead and wounded. My point is that
the people who were based in Thailand deserve the same respect as our
brothers who served in Vietnam.
(Editors Note: Ken we really appreciate your
writing and reminding us of our brothers other than in Nam.)
