Dale Wilson’s Photos – Fire Support Base Hill 4-11

Dale Wilson's Photos

PFC Dale “Tiny” E. Wilson was a grenadier for the 2nd Platoon of Charlie Company, early December, 1970. Dale was injured during a major firefight on September 3, 1970. He returned to the field on September 23, 1970 and transferred to the 31st Public Information Detachment as a photographer and correspondent in December, 1970.

This sprawling aerial view of the Chu Lai airfield shows the concrete covered revetments that housed jet fighter-bombers from the Marine Air Wing and helicopters from the organic aviation battalion supporting the Americal Division.

GIs wait to board a C-123 twin-engine transport for their first trip to LZ Bronco, the 11th LIB’s base camp at Duc Pho.

Two Vietnamese peasants use their bicycles to haul wood along Highway 1 just south of Quang Ngai City.

A mine-and-tunnel dog handler and his German Shepherd during a rest stop at the Quang Ngai Airfield before continuing on to Hill 4-11.

PFC Ed Brinkman (right) and another GI during our convoy’s rest stop at the Quang Ngai Airfield. Brinkman and the other GI were both headed to Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry.

A pair of Vietnamese men on a motorbike traveling on Highway 1 south of Quang Ngai City.

This view of Hill 922 was taken from the edge of the main heli-pad on top of Hill 4-11.

Here is a typical bunker on Hill 4-11’s perimeter. Note the heavily sandbagged sleeping quarters to the left of the bunker. The engineer stakes visibile in front of the bunker support an “RPG screen” made of chainlink fence. The screen was there to cause rocket-propelled grenades fired at the bunker to detonate before hitting it in the event of a ground attack.

An “old man,” who got a job working for the Battalion S4 loading resupply helicopters on Hill 4-11 before going home, helps several Charlie Company bound replacements organize their gear before going to the field for the first time on August 1, 1970. Standing at right is PFC Ralph J. Winters. The GI fixing his helmet behind Winters’ knee is PFC Larry G. “Mouse” Moore.

This young Kit Carson Scout named Thinh told me he was 15 years old and that he had been “drafted” by the Viet Cong at age 9. He later “Chieu Hoi’ed” and became a KCS. He was en route to Delta Company when I took this photo.

This is me with Thinh on August 1, 1970. This picture was also taken on Hill 4-11, with Pepper Ridge in the background.

Dale Wilson's Photos

Useful Link

News Letter Signup