When our unit was moved out to the air base our sergeants told us to build a bunker. We resisted and half-heartedly build a bunker about three feet high with no roof. After the first night of the Tet Offensive (motar and rocket fire all night long) we built this bunker on our own. (Notice steel plating and telephone poles for support). I spent many nights sleeping in this bunker.

Helicopters at the air base, Can Tho, South Vietnam, c. 1968

From June, 1967, until the Tet Offensive, Feb of 1968, we had very little contact with the Viet Cong. After the February, 1968, we were regularly motared, rocketed, or attacked. A motar hit this barrack.

Down by the river, Can Tho, South Vietnam. Vietnamese Navy Base. c. 1967

I took this picture from a Huey. Bomb cater probably caused by a B-52 strike. I was on a flight from Saigon to Can Tho, South Vietnam, Feb. 1968.

The fountain after the Tet Offensive, February, 1968

Fountain in city center, Can Tho, South Vietnam.

This is what it looked like before the Tet Offensive.

The "old bank" was a target for motar rounds. Usually didn't do much harm!

This was an old French Bank that served as the 52nd Signal Battalon Headquarters. I was trapped in this building for several days during the Tet Offensive. This building was located along the river in downtown Can Tho.

This is the airbase where many of the soldiers were moved as the US presence increased. I took this picture from a Huey. Tin building to the far left was a POW camp. My barrack had not been build yet when I took this picture.

I was drafted in the US Army in July of 1966. I had registered as a 1A-O which meant I would not be trained with weapons. Our six week basic training happened at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. After basic training we took a 2 week truck driving course. Every soldier in my basic training unit went to medic training. The Friday before I was to go with my unit to medic training I received orders to report to Brooke Army Hospital to work as a Personnel Specialist for doctors, nurses, and other medical specialist who were being drafted into the Army. I helped keep their records current, etc. I thought I would remain at this job for my 2 years. In May of 1967 I received orders for Viet Nam. I arrived in June, 67 and was assigned to the 52nd Siginal Battalion located in Can Tho, South Vietnam. When I first arrived there was very few US soldiers there. During the year there was a big increase in US Army Personnel and most of us where moved out to a air base build during the year.

During the Tet Offensive Viet Cong took over this building. US planes and helicopters attacked the building. This is the aftermath!

Please contact me with comments, etc at allansather@gmail.com

My first job, personnel specialist, 52nd Signal Batt, Can Tho, South Vietnam. Headquarters was located in an old bank down town.

My first home when I first arrived, June, 1967. My room is far right, second floor with door open.

A street in Can Tho Vietnam, c.1967