The Dam Site

In the summer of 1967, first platoon was given the assignment of reconstructing a small dam that had been badly
damaged by the V.C. The location of the dam is shown in the MAPS section of this website. The loss of the dam
had caused flooding of some rice patties and the local people wanted it repaired/replaced. The initial phase of
new construction involved a joint effort between first platoon and local Vietnamese laborers but shortly turned
into a military only operation (I don't know the reason for this but the locals just stopped showing up). Living
conditions were pretty primitive at the dam site, we had the usual in-country luxuries of a tent and an outhouse
but baths had to be taken in the river and involved checking yourself for leeches after each dip. Meals were
strictly "C" rations except once a week when half the platoon was allowed to travel to a mess hall at 1st Marine
Hdqtrs. while the remaining half stood security at the dam. Apparently the local V.C. decided that the construction
was not a threat to them as things were relatively peaceful during our stay with the exception of one truck being
blown up (see story by Rich Hafer below) and occasional sniper fire. Of course there was one incident when a
certain Lance Corporal fended off a Water Buffalo with concentrated fire power but that story is probably better
left untold (sic).  Ultimately the construction was a failure as an early monsoon season caused a flashflood that
washed us out.  I understand the dam was eventually finished by the Sea-Bees.

Rich Hafer.

My tour at the dam site, despite the harsh conditions, does have some humorous memories. I recall some of us swimming
across the river to visit the neighboring plantation and running around naked as a jay bird with the momma-son pointing
and laughing at us (guess we showed our shortcomings). Once a week, when half the platoon was off to a hot meal, the
remaining half (inmates in charge of the asylum) would entertain ourselves by throwing grenades into the river and
letting the local kids do some easy fishing - it seems as time went on the crowds got bigger and bigger on those days.
The event that I remember the most is having to go to the Dentist in Danang. We had the use of the 3/4 ton truck and
I was given instructions to bring back 6 dozen hamburgers. Being in charge of such a big operation I was able to talk
Doc Hanson into letting me carry his .45 on the mission (ignoring my long standing policy of being armed to the teeth).
Five of us were on the truck that day - Woodard, Hafer, Frazier, Conte and the truck driver Fred Scott. Before getting
to the main highway the truck hit a mine and sent us all flying. Woodard hit the bed of the truck and bounced out like a
rubber ball, Frazier was blown up and over the side of the truck landing in the crater that the mine had left, Conte had
hurt his back and Scott pulled him out of the cab. I was still in the bed of the truck and could hear Woodard yelling at
me to get the hell out of there. I was having trouble moving but finally managed to pull myself up and over the side of the
truck. Frazier struck out towards our camp to get help and we waited anxiously for it to arrive. About 10 minutes later
we heard voices approaching but they were not speaking English - so here I am with only a .45 and barely able to hold it
and expecting the worst.  Fortunately it was an ARVN patrol and they had a medic with them so things started to calm down.
After what seemed like an hour, Corporal Roman came charging up the road and looked at me and yelled "You're not DEAD
you #*%$@#!! You made me run all this way for nothing!!! I can't even send you out for hamburgers without you screwing
it up!!!"  I have stayed in close contact with Roman since that time and he has never let me forget it -- It's just one of the
crosses I have to bear.  [Rich Hafer] 

th Engineer 7th Engineers, Bravo, B, company,
 usmc, vietnam, danang, south vietnam, engineers, 7,
 first marine division, cooper bridge, anderson trail, hill 55, engineers
 7th B company marines vietnam danang
 1967 1968 usmc engineers hill 55 combat engineers vietnam Bravo