I was there - Thomas Penberthy

1990 photo of Thomas Penberthy

My name is Thomas, (Thom) Penberthy. I am originally from Buffalo, New York. In 1967 I enlisted in the New York Air National Guard. I was assigned to the 107th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Niagara Falls, New York. The "107th" was a very well-respected Air National Guard Tactical Fighter Unit. In fact, the 107th had been activated (by Presidential order) many times during various international crises. On
January 26th, 1968 President Johnson activated numerous Guard and Reserve units in response to North Korea seizing the U.S.S. Pueblo; which N, Korea assumed was a "Spy Ship". In September 1968; after nine months of (Presidential ordered) active duty at home; my unit, (The 107th Tactical Fighter Squadron) was given orders to Tuy Hoa, South Vietnam. I, however, was assigned to Nha Trang, South Viet Nam. Nha Trang is on the South China Sea. Quite frankly it was a very nice assignment.

Unfortunately, within 48 hours I was reassigned to Pleiku Air Force Base, in the Central Highlands. I was attached to the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron/Forward Air Control. Though attached to Pleiku Air Base; I actually lived and worked in the MACV Compound a short distance from Pleiku AFB. MACV is an acronym for Military Assistance Command-VietNam". I was a Radio Operator; Airman 2nd class. My duties were relatively simple: Issue Flight Intel and Daily Code Equipment. And obviously, maintain continuous Air/Ground and Point to Point communication with our FAC Pilots. Forward Air Control (FAC) pilots fly in single-prop, slow-moving aircraft. They essentially are "Scouts".

The pilot flies low and slow over the (jungle) terrain hoping to spot enemy movement. Once spotted the pilot will fire a smoke rocket down to pinpoint the enemy location. Then fighter pilots are called to bomb and strafe the coordinates which are easily seen
due to billowing clouds from the aforementioned smoke rockets. I lived and worked in a small "Hooch" within the MACV Compound.

There were five FAC Pilots who would report prior to and immediately after their daily observation flights. I can only recall four Pilots at this time: Major Charles Norwood. Captain Eugene Ramella. Captain (no first name) Davie. And of course Major Carl Karst. As each pilot reported for flight duty I would brief them on known or reported enemy troop locations, convoys, and encampments, etc.

I would issue daily code equipment and follow them via continuous radio communication. FAC duties commenced at 7 am and ran until 5 PM. FAC Pilots would cycle in and out, usually changing at Mid-Day. FAC Flights were seldom
canceled, other than when the airstrip might sustain temporary damage due to rocket or mortar attacks. It seemed as though we were attacked continuously, day and night, seven days a week. Sometimes it was relatively light; perhaps a half dozen rockets. A few short bursts. Just enough to place everyone on edge. To disrupt our day or disrupt
our sleep. This was referred to as "H & I" or "Harassment and Interdiction".

Other times we might sustain a heavier barrage. This is when old "Spooky" or "Puff the Magic Dragon" gunships would come to our rescue. "Old Spooky" would maintain a flight pattern circling around and over Pleiku AFB and our (nearby) MACV compound, continuously firing its Gatling guns.

Trust me you did not want to be on the ground anywhere near "Old Spooky" when she commenced firing her Gatling guns. Quite frankly it was a lovely sight to watch Spooky firing tens of thousands of tracer rounds throughout the night. But once again; I was glad to Not be the target of those guns.

I enjoyed working with Our FAC pilots. They were friendly, sociable, and always
approachable. We were of various ranks; from Airman Third Class to Major. Yet we were dependent on one another. We were a team. One cohesive unit. Obviously we all had distinct personalities. Yet we blended well.

I recall Major Karst as being soulful. Somewhat reserved. Somewhat quiet; a serene yet friendly individual. A genuinely nice man. I was an Airman Second Class. And of course, I had been a "WEEKEND WARRIOR" in the New York Air National Guard prior to Presidential Activation during the "Pueblo Spy Ship Crisis". I can proudly report that I was not treated differently for being a former "Guardsman". I was accepted into the fold just like any other Airman.

I was on full active duty. I was expected to perform like an Air Force "regular". And I did just that. I was quite proud to be a (former) member of the 107th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Niagara Falls, New York.They were and are a First Class, Top of the Line Fighter Squadron.

I did my very best to reflect that professionalism while on full active duty. And obviously I was extremely proud to be a member of the 21st Tactical Fighter Squadron in Pleiku. I can honestly say that our wonderful FAC Pilots accepted me and respected my professionalism; as I did theirs.

I was the (likely) last person to speak with Major Karst as he prepared for his flight on that fateful day in 1968.

I met with him. I gave him his flight codes. I met his Vietnamese "Observer". And wished them well as they left for the flight line. I recall Major Karst issuing one or perhaps two situation reports during his observation flight. Then all communication was lost.

A search and rescue mission was activated; to no avail. Days went by with nothing to report. It was quite a blow to all who worked with the good Major. Eventually, life went on in the MACV Compound. Our FAC Hooch continued life as usual. Though certainly with much more somber overtones. On June 16th, 1969 my unit, the 107th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Force Base, was deactivated.

I returned to Buffalo/Niagara Falls and was given an Honorable Discharge. However, I remained in the Air National Guard as a weekend Warrior for three more years. I went on to achieve my career aspiration which was to build a lifetime career in Law Enforcement.

I began as a City Police Officer in an incorporated city just North of Buffalo, New York. Years later I was appointed to the title of New York State Investigator. Then appointed to New York State Traffic Supervisor. I eventually relocated to Washington, D.C. where I became a Special Agent for Child Support Enforcement. I am now retired, living in Naples, Florida.

Life has been good to me. I have many fond memories of my Military career. Some memories are somber. Some are melancholy. God has been good to me.

Thomas D. Penberthy, (Thom)