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20th Tactical Air Support Squadron - 20th TASS - Danang AB : Photos of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS), taken between November 1966 and June 1968 by David Sciacchitano, at Danang Air Base and several forward operating bases.

The 20th TASS was activated in November, 1965 at Danang Air Base, RVN as part of the 505th Tactical Control Group, and was later attached to the 6250th Tactical Air Support Group.  The first aircraft flown by the squadron were 0-1 Bird Dogs (L-19s transferred from the Army to the Air Force).  Later the unit added a number of 0-2 aircraft and later still more modern aircraft such as the OV-10.

Over time, the 20th TASS established a number of forward operating sites, including detachments at Dong Ha, Quang Tri (La Vang airfield), Khe Sanh, Kham Duc, Hue, Tam Ky and others.  The 20th flew in-country missions within I Corps, and also covered an area of Laos adjacent to I Corps and the very southern part of North Vietnam along the DMZ.

All photos by David Andrew Sciacchitano unless otherwise noted.

20th Tactical Air Support Squadron - ...

David Andrew Sciacchitano (Sciacchitano)

Photos of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS), taken be ...

Updated: May 17, 2008 3:38pm PST

MACV Advisory Team 4, Quang Tri Province, RVN. : MACV Advisory Team 4 provided advice and assistance to the 1st Regiment, 1st ARVN Division, elements of the ARVN 7th Cavalry, Regional and Local Forces and other Vietnamese military elements in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam.  The Team with attached elements included US Army, US Navy, US Marine, US Air Force, and Australian Army personnel.  Included in the MACV Team 4 structure was a forward operating unit of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS) headquartered at Danang AB.  The detachment flew 0-1 Bird Dogs out of La Vang airfield, about 4 kilometers south of Quang Tri City.  (All photos by David Andrew Sciacchitano unless otherwise noted.)

Silver Star Award of Sgt. Edward A. McKim
Quang Tri City was a major objective of the North Vietnamese in the Tet Offensive of 1968. The city was overrun, with the exception of the two MACV compounds, and several strong points held by VN Police, the handful of ARVN 1st Division troops and ARVN Airborne elements within the City and Citadel. Losses at MACV included Marine Sgt. Edward Alton McKim, NCOIC of the MACV Team 4 Marine Security Detachment at Kilroy Compound, and a number of other killed and wounded.  Sgt. McKim was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his actions during the attack. Following is Sgt. McKim's Silver Star citation.

McKIM, EDWARD A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward A. McKim (2058209), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, Third Military Police Battalion, Force Logistic Command, THIRD Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During early morning hours of 31 January 1968, a military compound in Quang Tri City suddenly came under heavy mortar, recoilless rifle, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from two battalions of North Vietnamese Army regulars. As the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the compound's Marine Security Detachment, Sergeant McKim responded immediately and completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to intense hostile fire to direct and adjust accurate 81-mm. mortar fire against enemy positions approximately 100 meters from the compound. During the attack he was wounded by hostile mortar fragments but continued to direct return fire against the North Vietnamese. Upon hearing cries for assistance from the injured, he ignored the enemy fire around him and unhesitatingly moved to the side of the casualties where he assisted in evacuating them from the hazardous area. Anticipating the possibility of a ground assault by the North Vietnamese Army force, he directed his mortar crews to continue their fire and maneuvered across the hazardous terrain to the sector of the perimeter which had suffered the most casualties. Displaying exceptional leadership and calm composure under fire, he reorganized the defensive positions and moved among his men, encouraging them and ensuring that adequate ammunition was available. Subsequently, he was mortally wounded when a North Vietnamese mortar round exploded within five meters of his position. By his courageous leadership, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant McKim inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Dallas, Texas

MACV Advisory Team 4, Quang Tri Provi...

David Andrew Sciacchitano (Sciacchitano)

MACV Advisory Team 4 provided advice and assistance to the 1st Regimen ...

Updated: May 17, 2008 3:07pm PST

German Historial Pictures :

German Historial Pictures

sgtbilly

Updated: May 17, 2008 8:43am PST

Under the Radar :

Under the Radar

greywolfghost

Updated: May 17, 2008 7:53am PST

BACK TO ROTA SPAIN! : Just a few pics I found surfing the net!

BACK TO ROTA SPAIN!

bigdaddydeebo

Just a few pics I found surfing the net!

Updated: May 16, 2008 9:14am PST

Modern tanks at Saumur :

Modern tanks at Saumur

jtrowbridge5

Updated: May 16, 2008 6:33am PST

MISC :

MISC

NAVYGRUNT

Updated: May 15, 2008 10:50am PST

Wounded Warrior Bike Ride : The second annual Wounded Warriors Bike Ride will be on 27 and 28 September of 2008. If you are interested in riding the 210 miles from Ft Eustis VA to Walter Reed Army medical center, Volunteering or to make a contribution email SSG Pupplo at william.pupplo@us.army.mil Thank you to everyone who helped make this years ride a success.

Wounded Warrior Bike Ride

Pupplo

The second annual Wounded Warriors Bike Ride will be on 27 and 28 Sept ...

Updated: May 14, 2008 4:18pm PST

Armed Forces Cycling Association :

Armed Forces Cycling Association

Pupplo

Updated: May 14, 2008 4:15pm PST

FTIG NATIONAL CEMETERY Flag-Raising 08 : Each season, the Hummelstown V.F.W. Marine Corps League calls upon their volunteers to "Rraise the Colors" at Ft. Indiantown National Cemetery for the summer season. Although the camera doesn't do justice to the stunning beauty and solitude, it may serve to attract every patriotic American to experience this for themselves - "In memory of those who gave so much.."

FTIG NATIONAL CEMETERY Flag-Raising 08

roguerage

Each season, the Hummelstown V.F.W. Marine Corps League calls upon the ...

Updated: May 14, 2008 2:49pm PST

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