Vietnam 1966: J. Koontz

Who could ever forget our first experience in Vietnam?

We landed in Binh Hoa on Christmas Eve, 1966, in pouring rain and very high temperatures.

We had travelled in a C141 Transport from Benning to Vietnam via Alaska and Japan.

Our Christmas Eve was spent getting "setup" in tents and trying to get some sleep.

The following morning at a ridiculous hour, we were wakened for breakfast and a Santa in fatigues with gifts. It was a very unique Christmas Day. My first Christmas away from family at the ripe old age of 20.

Jim Koontz
Sgt. E/3/7, 199th


“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale