Index

Sapper Attack!
December 4 - 5, 1966
377th Air Police Squadron, Tan Son Nhut, RVN
by: Joe McNeil, Life Member VSPA
Copyright © 2009

Official USAF 600th Photo Squadron Photographs In Vietnam

On Dec 4 - 5, 1966 Tan Son Nhut AB received 33 rounds
during a Stand Off and Sapper attack.

Casualties:  US KIA 3, WIA 15, RVN KIA 3, WIA 4, 20 aircraft damaged. NVA/VC KIA:  28, POW 4.

While reading Bill Trimble's story, I recalled that I had numerous pictures from that 4 - Dec 1966 sapper
attack which I received from a “friend” in the 600th photo unit.  The 12 photos from the sapper attack
were taken by USAF combat photographers during the operations.  The original photos are 8 X 10 black
and white.  They are all black and white and depict our “sweeps” “Viet Cong weapons recovered” and
morgue photos of VC killed in the action.

   I have no caveats on these photos that I am aware of.  Photos are all from
   the USAF 600th Photo Squadron, Vietnam, which did all the PR photos for
   the press corp.  I know they were checked by someone before I left the
   country as there were marks on my photo album that weren’t there when I
   packed my hold baggage.

   All photographs are by Official USAF combat photographers, 600th Photo
   Squadron, during or following the Sapper Attack, 4 - 5 Dec 1966.

1. 377th Air Police form a skirmish line to search for hiding sappers.

2. Close up of photo 1.

3. 377th APS Airmen search scrub brush
and holes for VC and NVA sappers.

4. 377th APS Airmen prepare to cross a gully stream,
search for VC and NVA sappers.

5. 377th APS Airmen crossing a gully stream, searching for VC and NVA sappers.

What's a little water...?
6. 377th APS Airmen crossing a gully stream, searching for VC and NVA sappers.

7. 377th APS Airmen search scrub brush,
concealing-structures, and holes for VC and NVA sappers.

8. 377th APS Airmen search perimeter fields, scrub brush,
heavy foliage and forest for concealed VC and NVA sappers.

9. Close up of photo 8.

10. 377th APS Airmen search scrub brush and holes for VC and NVA sappers.

11. 377th APS Airmen prepare to cross another
stream, searching for VC and NVA sappers.

12. Close up of photo 11.

13. Close up of photo 11.

14. NCO from Explosive Ordinance Detachment (EOD)
examines VC boots, discarded while fleeing.

15. Explosive Ordinance Detachment (EOD)
makes safe the VC/NVA weapons cache displayed.

16. Just a portion of the VC/NVA weapons cache being displayed.

17. Major and NCOs examine VC/NVA weapons cache.

18. Battle damaged 377th Air Police Pickup Truck. Note: The busted gum-ball red light on top.