THE PHOENIX PROJECT
Initial deployment of the 1st Air Cav Division was mostly by sea. This first group, to arrive at An Khe, became affectionately known as the "Boat People." For the more refined, they were "The First Team."
The dominant terrain feature was Hong Cong Mountain. Around its base they began to clear the Central Highland's jungle. Viewed from this massive mound, those using sling blades appeared as golfers; thus, their base became know as the Golf Course.
Those who followed expended great effort to improve their lot. Scrounging became essential and "midnight requisitions" took place. Company C, 228th Aviation Battalion excelled at this.
C Company troops put finishing touches on a cement slab. The cement mixer once was a motor pool item at Phu Cat Air Force Base. One day it was there and the next morning...gone. A 10,000 pound sling load was an easy Chinook task.
Artillery projectile containers are wood with steel rods inside. The wood is excellent construction material. The steel provides strength to 6-inch thick, cement walls. A nearby Special Forces base had a seemingly, unlimited supply of metal roofing but no cement. Charlie Company's Scrounge could obtain cement in quantity. A barter arrangement was inevitable.
CWO John Ness takes a work break to admire new C Company arrivals. These pups made brief stays at An Khe more like home. They were the objects of much affection.
Furthermore, the Circle C Cowboys had a special mascot....a lizard. Quite large, its den was a tree's hole. The lizard would inhale, expanding its size, and then bellow an obscene statement which echoed throughout the battalion. Its stream of repeated "*(#@ You!" brought accusations of a tape player in the tree. The lizard was real. Many a night I went to sleep and awoke to its melodic sound.
In addition, there was an extremely special mascot for the entire battalion, Charger. He was a rare dog breed donated to the unit by employee's of Boeing Vertol. He was exceptional and remains in the hearts of everyone who ever met him. Check the first tour links about this fur covered Chinook.
