The last contingent of Khe Sanh-based United States Marines on board an M42 Duster self-propelled anti-aircraft gun during the evacuation of Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) in Khe Sanh, Vietnam, 4th July 1968. The Battle of Khe Sanh was conducted in the Khe Sanh area of northwestern Quang Tri Province, with US forces defending Khe Sanh Combat Base. A human skull has been attached to the front of the gun turret of the vehicle. (Photo by Bettmann Archive via Getty Images) But Who is it really? Joseph Belardo
That’s my Duster C131 Charlie Battery 1st/44th. The photo was taken on July 4 or 5, 1968 on what was called the last day at Khe Sanh. We had totally taken apart the base. I’m in the upper left talking down to a Marine LT in the TC Hatch. He was missing 12 Marines left somewhere on the base. It took us a few days to find them, and we left Khe Sanh on the 13th. My Driver is Earl “Tex” Holt, in turret is my Gunner Wally Owens and his back to us is one of the Cannoneers George Lewis. The other Cannoneer was Benny Sitello. We were known as The Grim Reapers.
Image of a young George Walko
G-65 Quad 50 being moved by helicopter in Vietnam. Photo by Johnny Ray
Temple just west of Khe Gio Bridge 2017 , in honor of all lives lost in that area. Photo by Rick Liebendorfer, 2017
At the top of this hill, the battle of 12 March 1970 took place. KIA were Mitchell Stout and Terry Moser, C 1/44. MIA Gary Scull, MACV, was seen captured by NVA soldiers, never to be accounted for as of 2023. In this 2017 photo Rick Liebendorfer pays respect at this hallowed ground.
NDQSA Brothers again at The Wall
Commonly used Dusterman items during Vietnam
Vinh Dai "The Rock Crusher" Seabees plant just below C Battery 1/44 HQ 69-70. Approximately 10 miles west of Dong Ha on Hwy 9
FSB4-11 ("Hill 411") C 1/44 new post fall 1970
Hill 411 west of Quang Ngai C-1/44 post August 1970 photo by Louis H. Bohn
Bobby Bru (also know as "Ringo" to the Special Forces Team) at Mai Loc. He would visit daily with the other refugee workers from the resettlement compound. C 1/44, 1969/70 rotation position.
Mai Loc mud
Mai Loc Mud
Quad 50 at LZ Snoopy 1970
C 1/44 moving into LZ Crunch (near Quang Ngai, south part of I Corp.)1970
Dong Ha 2023
G65 Quad "Good Luck" preparing to fly out from Camp Eagle
Dawn breaking as Duster fires
Sgt. Robert Holmes on WWII Quad 50 with nazi aircraft "kills" recorded on shield.
Camp JJ Carroll 1968 photo by Joe Belardo
photo was taken by 1st /44th Charlie Battery First Platoon Leader Lt. Francis Gary Palmer. The soldier in the hat is 2nd Platoon Leader Lt. Mike Cowley. The photo was taken from up on top of the lookout tower on top of OP Hill 250 just outside Camp Carroll The photo was taken between March 68 to June 69
Unknown web image
E41 Quad50 1968 Camp Radcliff by David Borlik
North OP of the Rockpile. Sometimes called OP Sue or Wynn. To us it was called 'bait'.
Camp Radcliff Ah Khe.… busy day a the (truck wash) river.
NDQSA
