I arrived in Viet Nam around noon, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, just outside Saigon. The first impressions, upon leaving the air-conditioned 707, were - all hitting instantaneously - heavy oppressive heat, humidity and stench. The humidity was so bad it felt like we were breathing water. The heat produced instant sweat. The smell was nauseating.
After a couple of weeks I learned from the company clerk (love those people - a wealth of information!) that as a volunteer, I had to be used in my Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
I was assigned to the 266th Army Band at Ton Son Nhut Air Base, outside of Saigon in early November 1966. This was THE Army Band in Viet Nam. All divisions had bands but they were usually listed in the TO&E as mortar sections attached to the HQ and were used as such when not playing. The 266th played gigs for official functions, PR gigs at orphanages and special occasions and anytime a field unit needed a full size military band. We also supplied the bugler for the flag detail at USARV.
I had several close calls with bombs but close ain’t good enough. The first of these was after leaving the floating restaurant. We had just finished a superb meal, topped with a perfect - and I mean perfect - chocolate soufflé. Damn but us Saigon Warriors had it tough! We had just stepped off the gangway when we heard a muffled explosion close by. People started streaming off the barge and it started a noticeable list (tilt). No one was hurt but the restaurant was closed several weeks for repairs.
