April 1 1110 Vietnam Time Hoi An

Well, the bus to Hue leaves at 1315, about three hours from now. I expect to be in Hue around 1700 or so, after which we'll meet Khanh for dinner. Tomorrow (Saturday) will involve going to visit the boat dwellers, Thuong, and folks who will benefit from our April 4 duck and pig delivery. Sunday will be a "day off", but Monday will kick things into high gear, a pace that suits me just fine. "Hanging around" is very tough, as I'm only here for four weeks and must make every possible minute count. I've written to Thong with hopes of being able to return to Duong's place to get that well project solidified and to meet with hamlet officials regarding candidates for Duong's carts. Without Thong, it can't be done. The pressure is on "damn guide".

Here is a link to the 2016 trip photos to this date:

https://picasaweb.google.com/116190602388582715650/Vietnam2016?authuser=0&feat=directlink

OK, now to pack up my belongings and gear up for a move to Hue. There's still time to sponsor 50 ducks w/pool ($80) or a pig ($60). It's Friday late morning in Vietnam and we'll be delivering the critters on Monday, so time is of the essence. I'll provide photos of disabled person benefiting from your generosity. I'm seeing severely disabled people working harder than you could imagine...inspiring.

To be continued....

Neil

March 31 2200 Vietnam Time Hoi An

Yesterday was an action-packed day, that's for sure. Thong, Andy, and the driver picked me up at my DaNang hotel at 0800, after which we headed down Highway 1 for visits with The, Duong, and Thua. We were welcomed at the first stop by a smiling Lady The, who was getting around with some difficulty.  A one year's supply of  powdered milk, 12 large cans, was provided. It seems that milk is the what serves her best these days. She also received vitamins, pain reliever, glucosamine chondroitin,  assorted foodstuffs, and $50 cash for buying fresh at the market. Overall, she seems to be doing pretty well, given her age. I again asked if she would be interested in a walker, to which responded in the negative. It looks like The will stay with her old stick. Thong will check with her from time to time to learn how the supplements/pain relievers are working for her.  We visited Son's grave and their former house.  Andy, the reporter, chronicled our activities.

The next stop was at the house of my 196th Infantry comrade, Duong. He seems to be doing OK, too, given his disability. We provided food, glucosamine chondroitin, vitamins, pain relievers, and $50 cash.  Duong was in 2nd platoon Co A 3/21 196th Light Infantry, as was I. He was happy to receive two 196th t-shirts, produced and contributed by 196th veteran Gary Bonar.  Duong has had extreme difficulty obtaining water, as it must be given to him by others. So, I have started the wheels turning for the drilling of a well, complete with pump and water line. This will be huge for our legless friend. The cost of everything is about $375. My hope is to be able to return to his house after completing the missions in Hue and Nhi Ha to pay for the project and insure a timely completion. In his advancing years, use of his hand-driven cart is minimal due to strength limitations. Duong has agreed that finding a new recipient for the cart makes sense. So, I would like to nose around his little hamlet with hopes to location someone who really needs, and can operate, the cart. His cart was provided by D.O.V.E Fund, with us covering delivery. It's so sad that Duong just cannot effectively operate this excellent mobility device. Remember that he has no legs, which makes it much tougher. What he really needs is an low-profile electric cart, which I suppose would have to be procured from Saigon. We'll try to get the well operational, then go from there.  One step at a time...

The final visit was to Thua, another 196th Infantry veteran. With our contributions and help from former U.S. comrades, he seems to be happy and doing well. We delivered glucosamine chondroitin (which he absolutely needs), vitamins, pain relievers, and some food treats. And, of course, candy for the grandchildren. He also was honored to receive one of Gary Bonar's dandy 196th Infantry shirts. In addition, a generous gift from one of our 196th comrades was handed to the smiling Thua.  Before departing, we held a moment of remembrance for Bill Bacon, who served with Thua during the war. Bill, who was S-5, platoon leader, and company commander, died of brain cancer a short time ago. 

Tomorrow will find me on a bus to Hue, where I'll meet Khanh of Hearts for Hue. We'll be riding around in a van snuggled up to ducks and pigs.  No need to shower that morning. Photos attached of yesterday's activities. Andy will be writing a story about Son and yesterday's activities.

Neil

Neil & The

Duong & Neil

Duong, Neil, and Thong

Duong & Neil

Duong & Neil

Thua

Thua & Neil

Duong & Neil

Neil & Duong w/P.E.T. Cart

Thua's Stock & 2015 Bike

Thua & Neil-Bill Bacon Memorial

Thua and Wife w/Neil

Walking from Son's Grave to the Former House

The & Neil

Neil at The's & Son's Former House

Neil at Son's Grave

Andy Photographing The and Neil

Candy to Villagers Near The's & Son's Former House

March 31 1415 Vietnam Time Hoi An

I'm really having trouble today squirreling away the time to get a blog written...lots of details on which to work. But, I really want to get some video to you.  This was video taken by either the TV crew or newspaper reporters (not sure) during the ceremony with Col. Tha in returning Lt. Kimball's razor. I really hope that this link works.  I will also provide the newspaper article links again.  This has been very, very big news over here...and I'm proud to be involved in honoring Lt. Kimball.

Neil

Lt. Kimball Razor Ceremony Video

Lt. William Kimball Newspaper Article

Lt. Kimball Ceremony Article 

March 31 1220 Vietnam Time Hoi An

I have found a quiet spot on the beach with the intent of creating a blog entry. But, the Vietnamese people are very interested in the story involving Lt. Kimball's razor, Son, and our efforts to help my 196th comrades (Thua & Duong) and their disabled countrymen.  So, I have spent a couple hours explaining it all. They are genuinely warmed by the stories, which can do nothing but help heal the wounds of war. I'll have a detailed blog posted regarding yesterday's visits to The, Thua, and Duong before the day is out. Sorry for the delay.  I have been a busy boy.

Neil

March 30 0700 Vietnam Time Da Nang

Today will find me leaving Da Nang and traveling to the LZ Colt area, the spot where I first choppered  into my infantry unit as a green arrival in Feb. '68. It was also there that I, days after arrival, carried Son to safety.  Gifts of food have been purchased, vitamins & pain/joint meds ready, and it's off to The, Duong, and Thua in about 1 1/2 hours. Thong and a news reporter, Andy, will join  in. It is Thong who was instrumental in finding Son in 2010 and who has been with me on both return visits in 2011 and 2015. This humanitarian work seems to serve as a healing of sorts between the U.S. and Vietnam, as does the historic event involving the return of Lt. Kimball's razor. To tell you the truth,  I've surprisingly found that U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War are held in high regard here, even by former NVA soldiers. Yesterday, through Thong, I conversed with an NVA veteran who shook my hand, asked to see me '68 photos, and was genuinely interested in my military service. I have seen no animosity. Anyway, this is shaping up to be a full and rewarding day. Although it's sad to see it abandoned, my intent is to visit The and Son's old house. Incense will be lit and placed at her nearby grave.  Time marches on...must make the most it.

Yesterday I found a place to print and laminate two news articles involving the return of Lt. Kimball's razor.  The shop owners recognized me from having already seen the articles.  The map used by our company commander at the Nhi Ha battle May 2-16, 1968, given to me by Bill Karp, our company medic, was also copied and laminated. You know, I'm trying to get Doc Karp to come back over here with me. Maybe it will be necessary to fly to Houston and "docnap" the guy.  Next year...or sooner?

Would you believe 9 pigs and 300 ducks (with "pond") that Khanh and I will be delivering April 4?
This is going to be huge.  Quack. Oink.

OK, time to get my butt in gear. I have added a few photos of my "reunion" with Son in 2010.

Neil

March 29 1235 Vietnam Time Da Nang

While waiting for Thong (damn guide) to come back to the hotel, I'd thought I'd send a couple photos of the bus ride from Saigon to Nha Trang. The seatbacks adjust from upright to the reclining position...very comfortable. Bottled water is provided. Note damn guide with his Marine hat.  Speaking of the devil...he's here.

Neil

March 29 0900 Vietnam Time Da Nang

I've been up for four hours and staying busy organizing and making sure things are in order for the busy upcoming days. The breakfast provided by the hotel is made to order and is very tasty.  The service here at Night Sky Hotel is nothing less than amazing. 

I have to figure out how to acquire the TV broadcasts relating to Lt. Kimball and the ceremony whereat I represented his family in receiving his razor.  Khanh is working on this. This morning I found another news story, this time in English:

Lt. William Kimball Razor Ceremony

Khanh has translated the article linked in yesterday's blog, but I want to review it with him prior to release.   I have added to this post a just-received photo depicting Lt. Kimball's Army medals, compliments of Dan, his nephew. When struck down by enemy fire May 6, Lt. Kimball was leading his platoon against the enemy positions and directing artillery fire. Outnumbered six to one by the entrenched NVA force, his actions were nothing less than heroic. Lt. Terry Smith, the other platoon's leader, was equal in his bravery and leadership. I was there. I know.

Lt. William Kimball's Medals

Today Thong and I meet with Andy, a news reporter who wants to write a story about our efforts to help Son, Lady The, Duong, Thua. She (that's right) has been anticipating this opportunity for many months.

Khanh has been busy ironing out the details relating to our delivery of pigs and ducks to disadvantaged/disabled people in rural areas outside of Hue. Khanh, as you know, is Chairman of Hearts for Hue and was instrumental in facilitating the meeting with Col. Tha and is critical to our efforts in the Hue area. In reality, without Thong and Khanh, I'm up the creek without a paddle.

OK, now to connect with Thong and get to work. Back later....

Neil

March 28 0750 Vietnam Time Da Nang

I've been up and at 'em for several hours and just completed the hotel-provided breakfast. Thong, aka damn guide, will arrive at 0900, after which we'll try to figure out a method to ship that very nice framed tapestry home that was given to me by Mr. Tha and the People's Party.

Wow, those very special products made from product extracted from the nests of a certain bird species are very good. You may recall that this also was a gift from Mr. Tha. Who wolud have ever thought that bird vomit could be so tasty? Don't laugh, as that's pretty much what we're talking about.
Barfing bird wafers are excellent. No birds are harmed in the production of these products. 

This newspaper article was sent to me today.  We were front-page news. I still working on obtaining the two TV broadcasts.  I hope that this link works for you:

Lt. Kimball Ceremony

Today's cloudiness is expected to give way to sun thereafter. I'll be hanging out on the back of Thong's little motorbike most of the day.

Neil

March 27 1930 Vietnam Time Da Nang

Thong and I are currently on the train from Nha Trang to Danang with an estimated arrival of 1500 hrs. I’ll write as long as this antiquated Macbook battery holds out, then post this evening from the hotel…no internet on the trains.

Yesterday’s scaled-down ceremony at Major Tha’s house was casual and relaxed,  as I had hoped. There were officers from the Veteran’s Association, high-ranking Army veterans, government officials, and news reporters.  A special sign, which you’ll see in the photos, had been made to commemorate this historic occasion.  Although an obvious agenda was in place, the atmosphere was very informal and quite friendly.  Tha gave a prepared speech, wherein he chronicled the May battles with the 196^th Light Infantry in and around Nhi Ha with particular attention to May 6^th’engagement with two platoons of Co A 3/21, which were under the leadership of Lt. Terry Smith and Lt. William Kimball.  Based on the information provided, there is no doubt in my mind that the razor belonged to Lt. Kimball. At the relinquishing of the razor, I thanked Major Tha on behalf of the William Kimball family and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome. Major Tha presently me with his physician’s ID badge (he became a doctor when the war ended), a beautifully-framed tapestry, and gift boxes of rare product extracted from the nest of a certain bird species. I responded with several photos of Lt. Kimball… with his wife (Meredith), his mother and father (Ruth & William), his sister (Ruth Ann) and her husband (Jerry), two in-uniform solos, and two taken in Vietnam.  Also given were 196^th Light Infantry Brigade insignia patches & badges (provided by 196^th Association), copies of my letters written to my mom and dad May 2-16, 1968 from the battlefields of Nhi Ha, a patch referencing 57,479 American deaths in Vietnam and various vitamins/supplements.  I will note that Mr. Tha had a box made for the razor and included a box of recently-purchased blades. I really don't see the relevance of the blades to the occasion, though. Anyway....I have no video yet, but will attach a few photos of the event. I’m making every effort to get video of the TV broadcasts, one on a Nha Trang station and the other on Vietnam National Defense TV. Mr. Tha, who retired a colonel, has seen much combat in his years, starting with action against the French in 1945.  Now 88 years of age, he is sharp, spry, and in great shape.  The entire time, Thong (aka damn guide) handled his interpretative assignment with skill and confidence.  When the ceremony was complete and folks had trickled out, Mr. Tha and I exchanged parting thoughts for a few minutes. Then, it was time to hail a taxi and retreat to the hotel.  Should next year find me back in Vietnam, included in the itinerary will be visit to my former enemy, now friend.

The next couple days will find me in Danang with my friend, Thong.  Before long it’s off to Hue, where pig and duck projects are going to keep Khanh and I hopping in the rural areas. I am very much looking forward to finally jumping into what I came to Vietnam to do. My Hue lodging is a stone’s throw from the Citadel….very quiet  area, though, and near to Khanh’s office.  Things are really going to swing into high gear very soon…

At my hotel in Danang now and preparing to leap into this enormous bed for the night…beautiful room with a great view of the river. 

I have attached a few photos....nighty night.

Neil

March 27 0330 Vietnam Time Nha Trang

It's just 0330 hrs and I'm about to grab a taxi to catch the train to Danang. I'll write more when settled into a hotel this evening, but just wanted to say that yesterday ceremony with Major Tha went very well and that I am in possession of Lt. Kimball's razor. Tomorrow Thong and will make purchases for The, Duong, and Thua with those visits slated for Mar 30. Staying very busy and looking forward to the upcoming visits and the delivery of pigs and chickens to disabled, poor folks in the rural areas near Hue. Back later today....

Neil

March 25 2150 Vietnam Time Nha Trang

Finally made it to Nha Trang. In lieu of the originally planned formal ceremony, to which I and the Kimball family had objected, Tha quickly reacted and “saved the day” by suggesting an informal meeting at his home.  I am honestly elated. There will be some of Tha’s soldiers present, along with officials and, I’m told, a camera crew.  Unfortunately, Khanh will not be coming down, so we won’t have our own video capabilities. However, Thong has his Samsung tablet, so maybe we can ask someone to video.  Thong will be quite busy in his roll as interpreter. With extensive knowledge of my experiences and details of the Vietnam War, I could not ask for a better person to serve in this critical interpretive position.  The way I get all excited and ramble on, his skill will be tested to the limit. Anyway, the stage is set for an informal meeting, which is certainly a scenario to which I’m looking forward.  Nevertheless, reliving details of the May 6, 1968 meatgrinder battle, which pitted two platoons of Co. A 3/21 196^th Light Infantry against Major Tha’s battalion, will certainly be intensely saturating. Regardless, it’s going to happen.  I plan on leaving this meeting with Lt. William Kimball’s razor.

Adequate funds have been transferred to Khanh for the purpose of getting the ball rolling on ducks, pigs, fence, etc.   $80 covers 50 ducks & water “pond” and $60 a pig. Khanh and I will be delivering the critters in a week to the smiling, grateful recipients. So, if anyone would like to sponsor a pig or ducks, let me know. There’s still time if you act fast. I’ll even have photos and the name of the person that received your gift. How cool is that? The ducks provide meat, eggs, and a steady source of income. The pigs aren’t so great at laying eggs, but they have sizable litters …meat and income. All recipients are disabled and extremely poor. Caring for pigs and ducks creates a feeling of purpose, pride…and income.  I’m talking changing lives here. How often do you get an opportunity to do that for $60-80? 

OK, I must get some rest in order to be ready bright & early tomorrow. I'm really not sure what to expect....

Neil

March 25 0750 Vietnam Time Saigon

OK, last night arrangements were made to meet with Major Tha at 0900 tomorrow. That is welcome news to me. Thong and I will soon take the bus to Nha Trang, which involves a 10-hour trip. But, you actually lie back on a bed of sorts, which is very comfortable...A/C and all.

So, tomorrow morning will involve session #2 with former NVA officer Major Tha. I have photos of Lt. Kimball to share with the Major. Two photos, sent to me by Jim Stone (Stoney), were taken in Vietnam.  The others were provided by Lt. Kimball's wife and nephews and were taken with the Lt. in uniform with his wife and family members.  I will also be giving him items provided by the 196th LIB Organization.

BREAKING NEWS: Thong just arrived, announcing that he has just received a call from Major Tha.
The meeting will take place tomorrow at 0900, as planned. But, there will be about 15 former NVA soldiers, government officials, and a cameraman. This will not be a "public display", as planned before. Rather, this will take place at Major Tha's house...informal. This is a major success. I envision Major Tha relinquishing Lt. Kimball's razor during this meeting.  He is 88 years old and I am his only former enemy contact.  This is going to happen.

OK, I must get going and catch that bus to Nha Trang. Oh, we'll be making 6 pig deliveries and 5 (50 each) duck deliveries in the Hue area. Khanh is taking care of details...great guy.  Visits to Lady The, Duong, and Thua will happen prior. 

Neil

March 24 0900 Vietnam Time Saigon

Hello from Saigon everyone. With arrival late yesterday morning, I'm still adjusting and trying to get in the groove. My room wasn't ready upon arrival at the hotel at noon, so I ended up walking around in the heat for a couple hours in Levi's just to kill some time. To my serious dismay, the little restaurant that I frequented last year for cheap food and drink is gone. A collection of food stalls has taken its place. After being in the air for so long, with flights of 3.5 hours, 3.5 hours, 15 hours, and 2.5 hours, sleep enveloped me early last eve. But, that placed me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 0300 hours. The normal uneventful shower rapidly transformed into quite the adventure when a fitting broke while the water was being shut off. What a gusher. Sparing the details, I'll allow your imagination to follow my frantic rushing around, calling the front desk, back to the shower in an attempt to slow the flow, answering a knock at the door, and so on.  Embarrassment could have been avoided by showering clad in swim trunks. Finally, a ceiling tile was removed, allowing the water to be shut off. So, until it's repaired, I'm waterless. Good thing beer is cheap here.

A major alteration to the events of this journey is cancellation of the ceremony in Nha Trang whereat Major Tha was to give me the razor that he removed from a KIA Lt. William Kimball's shirt pocket after our May 6, 1968 engagement with the Major's battalion. You can refer to "Meeting the Enemy" in last year's blog for more details...neilhannan.blogspot.com. Anyway, the Kimball family and I agreed that the upcoming event transitioning the razor from Major Tha to me had become a public display with which we weren't comfortable. Our united position is that, if Major Tha's intent is to simply return the razor to the Kimball family, then that goal is easily accomplished by simply giving it to me. A formal, public display isn't necessary and, quite frankly, is felt to be excessive. Tomorrow Thong (my good friend) and I will take a bus to Nha Trang with the hope of being able to engage in an informal meeting with Major Tha. If he chooses to hand over the razor, that's good. If not, so be it. That is the unanimous feeling of Mrs. Kimball and relatives with whom I've been in contact. Of course, my hope is that the Major gives me the razor, soldier-to-soldier, with no "fanfare". I am most appreciative of Khanh's effort in serving as interpreter and facilitator between Tha and me during the last year. The decision to cancel, therefore, is unfortunate....yet necessary in keeping with the wishes of the family of Lt. Kimball. I'll fill you in as events unfold in Nha Trang. I have gifts for Major Tha, including very neat 196th Light Infantry patches and pins provided by the 196th LIB Organization.

I'll keep you posted as events unfold. Visits to Lady The, Duong, and Thua are set. With the invaluable support of Khanh of Hearts for Hue, the wheels are turning for humanitarian efforts for disabled people in the Hue area. And I do mean "disabled". Recall Thoung, the man with stubs for hands and Ms. Hanh, the lady with no arms.  We have helped Thoung with 50 ducks and a water system and have provided a pig for Ms. Hanh. They'll receive a visit from me, for sure, and a little boost, the nature of which has yet to be determined.

OK, this was just going to be a quick "hi from Saigon", but I got carried away. Thong will arrive within an hour and it will be nice to see my good friend again. Off to Nha Trang tomorrow...the stage is set.

Neil