Approximate position 16*54'32"N 107*03'51"E .. Northbound Army RU-8D, Callsign "Vanguard 911" (February 1971)

[Bo Zarts]

A few days later, on March 4, 1971, an Army JU-21D, callsign "Vanguard 216," was shot down a few miles northwest (above 17°N - the DMZ) of this position, presumably by a NVA SA-2 SAM. All five crew members died. Vanguard flights in this area originated at Phu Bai, where I was TDY for two weeks in February (I'd return on another TDY flying assignment again for two weeks in April 1971). "Cats Paw" Lockheed SP-2E missions in the areas west of here (Laos) originated at Cam Ranh Bay, my permanent duty assignment base.

Late February 1971 - Operation Lam Son 719
South China Sea Coast between the Cua Viet and Ben Hai Rivers
Dong Ha (DMZ), Vietnam

Photo by Bo Zarts ©1971 - Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II w/ 50mm Super Takumar lens + High Speed Ektachrome

[Grumpy Old Guy]

1. Amazing!

Thank you for your service.