IN THIS SECTION
1994 Trip to Vietnam
Doc Westphall and other Vietnam Veterans visited Vietnam in 1994 to locate the ambush site of May 22, 1968, that had claimed the life of his son.
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The Journey Of Dr Westphall
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TheJourneyOfDrWestphall.jpgEvery journey begins with a single step.
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Northern I Corps Tactical Zone
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/NorthernICorpsTacticalZone.jpg
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Lt Victor David Westphall Lll
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LtVictorDavidWestphallLll.jpg
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The Demilitarized Zone
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TheDemilitarizedZone.jpg
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Angel Fire Memorial Chapel
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AngelFireMemorialChapel.jpgAs it appeared in April of 1994.
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Dr Victor Westphall
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DrVictorWestphall.jpg
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Something To Bring
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/SomethingToBring.jpgDr. Westphall gathered soil from the memorial grounds to take with him to Vietnam. His intention was to place the soil in the ground at the site of his son’s death near Con Thien. A like quantity of soil would be gathered at the ambush site, returned to New Mexico, and placed in the ground at Angel Fire as a sign of peace and unity between the former enemies.
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A Sons Grave
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ASonsGrave.jpgDr. Westphall at David’s grave stone at the Santa Fe Veterans Cemetery.
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Almost There
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AlmostThere.jpgNearing the top of Con Thien.
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The Journey Begins
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TheJourneyBegins.jpgThe journey began at Albuquerque with stops at Phoenix, Los Angeles, Taipei, Kaohsiung, and finally Ho Chi Minh City. Total travel time was nearly 24 hours.
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Vietnam
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Vietnam.jpgDr. Westphall takes his first step on Vietnamese soil. It was like passing through a time warp for Walter and Jim.
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Saigon
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Saigon.jpgDr. Westphall at Ho Chi Minh International Airport. Standing behind Dr. Westphall is our tour director Gerry Schooler. The Vietnamese Government changed the name of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the war. Most Vietnamese citizens continue to refer to it as Saigon.
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Customs
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CustomsAgain2.jpgDr. Westphall walking to the customs area of Ho Chi Minh Airport.
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Our Guide
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurGuide.jpgOur interpreter and guide Mr. Doan Quan Hein. Mr. Hein demonstrated a great deal of empathy for Dr. Westphall and saw to it that his journey was as safe and comfortable as possible.
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Traffic
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Traffic.jpgRush hour traffic in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Nearing The First Destination
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/NearingTheFirstDestination.jpgThe street in front of our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Street Vendor
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/StreetVendor.jpgOne of the many street vendors on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Marlboro cigarettes were cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City than they were in New Mexico.
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We Begin To Journey Deeper
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WeBeginToJourneyDeeper.jpgThe next day we boarded an Air Vietnam Airlines jet for the one hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Air Vietnam is the state owned airline of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
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Our New Craft
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurNewCraft.jpgThe Vietnam Airlines jet we flew in to Da Nang was a Russian built Tupolev TU 134. The aircraft was not the quality aircraft we were accustomed to.
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We Land In Da Nang
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WeLandInDaNang.jpgDa Nang International Airport (formerly know as Da Nang Air Force Base).
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Customs Again
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CustomsAgain.jpgForeign passengers were required to pass thorough customs upon arrival at Da Nang.
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Inside Da Nang Airport
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/InsideDaNangAirport.jpgThe Da Nang International Airport Shopping Center.
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Our Second Hotel
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurSecondHotel.jpgThe China Beach Hotel.
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Check In
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CheckIn.jpgRegistration at the hotel required us to relinquish our passports.
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Lunch
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lunch.jpgLunch at a cabana on China Beach.
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Children At Work
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ChildrenAtWork.jpgLocal children collecting cans and bottles to sell for scrap. The average income for a Vietnamese family in 1994 was less than $240 a year. The economy has improved for the Vietnamese people since the implementation of their version of a free-market economy (referred to as Doi Moi by the Vietnamese).
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More Children
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MoreChildren.jpgEverywhere we went the kids tried to communicate with us.
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Medical Clinic
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MedicalClinic.jpgThe next morning we headed south on Highway One to visit a medical clinic south of Da Nang City. The clinic provides healthcare for thousands of rural Vietnamese that live in Quang Nam Province.
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Clinic Manager
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ClinicManager.jpgThe clinic manager graciously invited us to join him for tea and a tour of the facility. The clinic’s manager served with the Viet Minh during the war with the French and later with the Viet Cong during the American war in Vietnam.
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Hoi An
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/HoiAn.jpgAs we continued south we stopped at the coastal city of Hoi An. The city appears that it has changed very little in the last 200 years.
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Han Huyen
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/HanHuyen.jpgWe stopped for a beverage at the Han Huyen floating restaurant in Hoi An.
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Taking A Break
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TakingABreak.jpgDr. Westphall decided to wait at the restaurant while Walter, Gary & Jim explored the town market.
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Boat People
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoatPeople.jpgThis family lives on their boat and collects driftwood for sale to the charcoal industry.
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Nap Time
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/NapTime.jpgThis merchant takes an afternoon siesta at the Hoi An market.
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Wooden Bridge
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WoodenBridge.jpgOur next stop was at Fire Support Muir the former Marine Corps Fire Support Base in Quang Nam Province known as hill 55.
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PAVN Cemetery
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PAVNCemetery.jpgOn the return trip to Da Nang we stopped at a PAVN Cemetery. These Cemeteries were a frequent site as we traveled throughout the country.
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Inside The Cemetery
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/InsideTheCemetery.jpgThere were literally thousands of graves in this cemetery. Burials were limited to Communist soldiers only.
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Leaving Da Nang
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LeavingDaNang.jpgThe following day we departed Da Nang by van and traveled north on Highway One toward Hue and Quang Tri.
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Da Nang Harbor
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DaNangHarbor.jpgDa Nang Harbor as seen from the top of Hai Van pass.
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Lang Co
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LangCo.jpgLang Co village as seen from the north side of Hai Van Pass.
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Car Trouble
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CarTrouble.jpgThe brakes on our van failed as we approached Hue City. We stopped at this garage to have the van repaired.
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Our Mechanics
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurMechanics.jpgThe mechanics at the garage working on the proportioning valve of our van. We referred to the head mechanic as “Mr. Goodwrench”.
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Children With Dr Westphall
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ChildrenWithDrWestphall2.jpgDr. Westphall visiting with local kids from the community while we waited for our van to be repaired. Everywhere we went children were drawn to Dr. Westphall.
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Children With Dr Westphall
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ChildrenWithDrWestphall.jpg
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Hue City
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/HueCity.jpgThe Huong Giang Hotel in Hue City.
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Perfume River
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PerfumeRiver2l.jpgMorning boat traffic on the Perfume River.
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Perfume River
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PerfumeRiver.jpgThe Perfume River looking toward the West with the Eiffel Bridge in the background and a picture of a Local Hue City business.
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Dr Westphall Begins
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DrWestphallBegins.jpgDr. Westphall proceeded to share with the group the story of David Westphall and what the loss of his son meant to him.
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Dr Westphall In Silence
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DrWestphallInSilence.jpg
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Full Circle
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FullCircle.jpgIn the early morning hours of May 5, 1994, Dr. Westphall placed the soil he carried with him from the ambush site in Vietnam into the ground of the Memorial at Angel Fire. The journey had come full circle.
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Leaving Hue City
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LeavingHueCity.jpgWe left Hue City early the next morning and traveled north on Highway One toward the DMZ and Con Thien. On several occasions we had to literally leave the highway and drive in the fields because the roads were washed out from the previous rainy season and were barely passable.
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Con Thien
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ConThien.jpgThe former U. S. Marine Corps Base at Con Thien (The Place of Angels).
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A New Guide
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ANewGuide.jpgA policeman from Quang Tri was our guide. Mr. Hur was an interpreter for the Marine Corps During the war and worked in the Con Thien area. He carries his old American ID card to this day.
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An Offering
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AnOffering.jpgDr. Westphall explained meaning of the four directions in Native American Culture. He took the remaining soil that he carried from Angel Fire and tossed it to the four directions at the place where his son made the ultimate sacrifice 26 years earlier.
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A Pause
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/APause.jpgPrior to returning to the van Dr. Westphall spent a few minutes by himself gazing off to the east in the direction of the ambush site.
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A Plaque
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/APlaque.jpgA bronze plaque describing the significance of the spot where the soil was placed is attached to a white marble monument that can be found on the Memorial grounds. The marble used for this monument was mined in Colorado from the same quarry that Daniel Chester French obtained the stone he used to create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
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A Simple Ceremony
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ASimpleCeremony.jpgWalter spoke next and talked about the loss of his brother David. Walter then made an opening in the earth and placed a quartz crystal, an Angel Fire Memorial lapel pin, and a Native American warriors necklace in the opening he had made in the earth. Walter covered the objects and collected a small quantity of soil from this place to be returned to New Mexico as planned by Dr. Westphall.
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At The Top
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AtTheTop.jpgThe only man made structure remaining at Con Thien was this concrete bunker . Also present was the litter of war; cartridge cases, rusted concertina wire, remnants of sand bags, etc. The hill was totally overgrown.
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Children
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Children.jpgLocal kids were waiting for us when we reached the top of the hill.
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The Last Stretch
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TheLastStretch.jpgThe walking was difficult. The area is now a rubber tree plantation and the soil is cultivated and a combination of soft soil and dirt clumps. Dr. Westphall set the pace as we proceeded in an eastward direction. When we walked approximately 400 meters we assembled as a group to determine our current location and decide if this was the site where the ambush occurred. Gerry and Jim helped to confirm the location by comparing landmarks identified on the map to actual Landmarks found in the area.
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The Next Day
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TheNextDay.jpgWe left the hotel following breakfast the next morning and drove north toward Con Thien. Our driver was not familiar with the area so we referred to the map to find our way The Vietnamese government requires that a government representative accompany tourists during visits to old battlefield sites. A policeman from QuangTri Province was assigned to be our battlefield guide.
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Trying To Pinpoint The Place
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TryingToPinpointThePlace.jpgWalter and Gerry utilized the maps and compass to determine where the ambush site was in relation to Con Thien. Due to the time of day and an approaching storm we decided to return to Hue City for the night and continue the journey in the morning.
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We Arrive
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WeArrive.jpgAfter much discussion and a review of the maps and Marine Corps documents, Gerry asked Dr. Westphall if he thought we were at the ambush site. Dr. Westphall walked around the area for quite awhile in deep thought. He returned to the group and told us that this was the place. He then asked us to gather in a circle…
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On Foot
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OnFoot.jpgThe start of a long and hot climb up the south side of Con Thien.
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Our Second Attempt To Pinpoint The Place
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurSecondAttemptToPinpointThePlace.jpgThe After Action Report we obtained from the Marine Corp placed the ambush at 400 meters north of the intersection and approximately 400 meters due east of the road. We measured the distance by odometer and on foot from the intersection north and got out of the van to review the maps.
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Out Of Road
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OutOfRoad.jpgWe got out of the van to discuss what we would do next. We parked approximately 500 yards from the hill and couldn’t get any closer by van due to terrain issues. Dr. Westphall made the decision to climb the hill.
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Quiet Reflection
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/QuietReflection.jpgWe all spent some quiet time at the ambush site prior to the ride back to Hue City.
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Every Journey Begins With A Single Step
https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/EveryJourneyBeginsWithASingleStep.jpgThis was the journey of Dr. Victor Westphall.
