Ben: I saw your Web site, and was interested in the fact that you were at Cua Viet in June 1968. I was, as well. This very morning, I sent out the following message asking for assistance from a series of Amtracers I've met on the Internet. Perhaps, you know something too: Amtracers: Could use your help. I'm assisting some Navy friends in doing research on the possible sighting of NVA helicopters in the DMZ in June, 1968. The initial sightings were done by 1st Amtrac units at Ocean View. 

ANYTHING you have (i.e.; documents, pictures of Cua Viet, C-4 or Ocean View) or ANYTHING you can even remember about this incident would be appreciated. There are lots of conflicting stories, reports and accounts. Please jot down any thoughts, and send them to me. Thanks, Semper Fi, Richard

Richard, I am not aware of any such sightings but do not doubt them. I have forwarded a copy of your e-mail to my Jay. He is a little saltier than I and was in Khe Sahn some weeks earlier than I arrived in country. He is also more active on "digging" up those issues so that makes him a much better contact than I am. I hope you learn what you are looking for. I appreciate your stopping by and visiting. Semper Fi, God bless you, Ben

Hey Richard, Have forwarded your inquiry to research friends at universities of Colorado and Wyoming re their Vietnam section of their libraries.  I personally did not see NVA choppers.  Am also making open copy of this to our Hotel Company 2/1 Skipper for 1968, Phil Jones (Major USMC Ret) and 1st Platoon Sergeant and acting Platoon Leader back then, Carl King (Major USMC Ret) for their recollections. Good wishes and Semper Fi,  Jay Vincens

The Saga of NVA Choppers; 

Once upon a time, someone at Khe Sanh looking through a laser range finder said "look, I think I see helicopter landing zones in the DMZ" 

Well, that word got back to an Army General (name removed to protect us). And the Army General said, " we can't have NVA helicopters flying around the DMZ...send in some Marines to check that out" 

And so it was that the 2d  Bn, 1st Marines was chosen to helo lift from the Cua Viet into the DMZ to find the helicopter landing zones.... 

BUT, before they were sent in, the Army General decided to have the B-52's fly over and drop 2000 lb bombs in the DMZ..... 

And so it was that the Marines lifted into the DMZ the next day....and lo and behold....the 2000 lb bombs had made a multitude of landing zones... 

And so, the Marines lifted into Khe Sanh where they were met by the Army General who asked what we found. 

And in the 2d Bn, 1st Marines were two (2) very aggressive Captains who were Company Commanders... 

And so it came to pass that the Marine Regimental Commander decided to allow the two Captains to answer the question... 

And the answer was..."General, if there were no helicopter landing zones in the DMZ before the B-52's  arrived, they are all over the place at this time........SIR !!" 

And so ended the saga of the (Actually the story went--Russian helos) NVA helos in the DMZ (Not the Cua Viet) I'm certain many of you remember that trip. Semper Fi, Phil

Skipper, For about 29 years I have wondered about that trip. Them bomb craters were everywhere. I am taking you at your word so now I can stop wondering. Good to hear from you. Ben 

Ben, Glad you enjoyed the story about the helos in the DMZ...It is a true story...Believe me, I was amazed at the way the Army chose to go about the project....Any good aerial photog could have given us better intelligence, or at least a place to start...Hotel 2/1 1968-1969. We Remember, Semper Fi, Phil Jones 

Dear Skipper, This one from ya goes framed on the wall also.  Me thinks you have a hidden talent for this sort of thing.  I can almost hear it being put to music. I sorta remember a DMZ trip like the one you describe.  Long day?  A delay when it came the time to get us out?  Sure sounds a lot funnier when you describe it.  He he.  When you decide to write the long version do put me down for dibs on the movie rights. 
Semper Fi, Jay