Photograph by Dave Eckberg
LZ Bronco was also home to the 174th Aviation Company which flew the helicopters that transported the soldiers, especially the grunts, from place to place and provided firepower when needed. The transport helicopters were called the Dolphins, and the gunships were called the Sharks. Here, you can see the "Have Gun - Will Travel" shark as it sits in "Shark Park." This shark was flown by CW2 Fred Thompson (Shark 7), whose tour was during 70-71. The 174th has a great website located at www.americal.org/174/.
Photograph by Dave Eckberg
Seen here in the center of this picture, a POW camp was located near the Bronco Chapel and the headquarters for the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry. Painted in white on the roofs of the buildings, but not visible in the picture, were large letters spelling out POW. The sign on the pole near the center of the picture says "Restricted Area, No Photography." Little did the sign work.
Photograph by Dave Eckberg
The village of Duc Pho is just on the other side of the wire along the bunker line. There was very little separation between LZ Bronco and the village. In fact, it was very difficult to keep the dope dealers (children) and the prostitutes from penetrating the barrier, day or night.
Photograph by Dave Eckberg
The line of defensive bunkers along the perimeter were manned each night by support personnel from the infantry battalions. This one was defended by troops from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry.
 |
 |
