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Alpha Boat Wreck

Alpha Boat Wreck

Alpha Boat Wreck on the Vinh Te Canal




A sunken Alpha Boat or minesweeper north of Sam (Nui Giai) Mountain, west of Chou Doc on the Vinh Te Canal.
This location is near the Cambodian Border.
There is a banner posted in the trees and a RVN army camp is only 200 feet away.
The Alpha Boat was patroling at night in Jan or Feb 1970 (before TET) when hit by a B40 rocket.
The rocket hit the starboard side (left) near the rear of the superstructure (above deck).
A trace of the entry hole is shown at the waterline near the stern.
The confirmed story I heard was that all the crew was above deck when the rocket penetrated inside and luckly there were no casualties.
The shrapnel was confined inside and the crew walked to the adjacent RVN army camp.
The RVN soldiers slept through the attack.

This boat regularly docked at the YRBM 20. I used to BS with one of the crew who was nicknamed [ Charley Brown ]

ALPHA BOAT STORIES


Brad Braastad gives this account.
EMAIL: hearwell1[ at ]theriver.com

I was the engineman on the 2nd alpha boat ,delivered in country(early 67)
I was in RIVDIV 112.Call sign Plane Genius Alpha 2.

Left Vallejo late 66,assigned temp. duty on swifts out of DaNang.
We had to wait for the alphas to be delivered. We picked them up in Vung tau. We were stationed at Dong Tam. Stayed 2 tours ,finally left in May68. Don't know why I even e-mailed you. I guess I didn't like you calling alphas minesweepers. No big deal-we did that.But

In the beginning,it was the alphas that led the way for all the tangos, monitors ,and zippos. At the time ,we were the only boat,that could provoke the ambush, and lay down heavy fire, so the tangos could drop troops.

Well ,its been fun-I sure miss being 19 and bullit proof. It was the best time of my life. Thanks for listening




Ed Gorczyk gives this account.
EMAIL: Edward_Gorczyk[ at ]michcon.com

I was just visiting your web site and wanted to say hello and congratulations for producing an award winning site to recognize us ol' Viet Nam vets. I had the (dis) pleasure to spend a good portion of my time in country on A-91-3. After the crew collected too many purple hearts we were reassigned to other boats. I ended up on a Tango for a while, but I always think of myself as an Alpha boat sailor.

They should have built them out of something other than aluminum, or given them more speed to get out of the way of those B-40 rockets.
Dragonfly A-3 , Dec 67- Dec 68




Bill Arbogast gives this account.
EMAIL: ARBO48[ at ]AOL.COM

I was with the Mobile Riverine Force Rivron 13, River Divison 131 T-131-5 from march 1969 to August 69. Thats when our div was beginning to be turned over rvn navy I was then transferred to Mine Div 113

We did a lot of ops on the Vinh Te out of Chou Doc and Long Xuyen. I remember one morning after braking ambush on the Vinh Te our alpha boat was mined there was little damage done but what an explosion! And a fire fight.

If you could give me some history on Mine Div113 I would really be happy as at the time I didn't even know I was in Mine Div113. I also was on top of Nui Sam what a view. I was then transferred to Naval Advisory Group as an advisor to RVN Navy. I also remember the USS Askari anchored in Bassic River.




Paul Mohun gives this account.
EMAIL: pmohun[ at ]chrm.com

I have attached some Vietnam photos of my wife's uncle, GMG3 Thomas E. Copp, who was KIA on Feb. 13, 1970 on the Giang Thanh river near Ha Tien, the last base out of which he operated. His memorial service (and that of David Hoffman, also of Mine Division 113, KIA 02/26/70) was held on March 11, 1970 at Ha Tien, with Lt. Robert Aurin presiding and Chaplain L.L. Westling leading the service.

As you may know from my postings, I'm trying to learn more about Tom's time in Vietnam and to hear from crewmates or others who knew him. I thought that these could perhaps be posted in the Ha Tien section of your site?

Tom's boat, MSR 4, came under fire at about 3:45 P.M. on that 02/13/70, and he was killed while manning his guns at the stern of the boat. I have corresponded with Woody Arnell, who was on the cover boat (MSR-6) accompanying MSR-4 and recalls the fight.

Two weeks earlier, on Jan. 30, 1970, Tom and his crew rescued the crew of MSR-7 (including two or three men stranded on the beach) under heavy fire, when MSR-4 and MSR-7 both came under attack on the Vinh Te (French?) Canal, resulting in the sinking of the MSR-7. I have also corresponded with Rulon Young, a crewmember of the MSR-7 on that day. He wrote me the following about the Jan. 30, 1970 battle:

"As you can see, my citation and Copp's citation go hand in hand...[W]e were indeed in trouble...There were only a few of us guys fighting fire, the enemy and fighting to retrieve weapons and get back out of the kill zone. I do not remember who was working next to me to fight the fire and retrieve the guns and provide fire cover in our escape but I remember my appreciation, admiration and respect for those who came to our aid from the backup boat, and know what, they were heroes, I was impressed with their presence of mind and courage, and you know what, I don't remember thanking them.

I've always remembered Copp as the kid who got killed. I didn't remember that he was one of those who came to my aid in the heat of battle, putting themselves in harm's way. Now I'll also remember him for that and send my appreciation to those who mourn his loss, which occurred two weeks later when he once again leaped to action at the first sign of danger. And that's how I remember those who came to my aid, men of bravery and action, they were good men."

Tom is on the left (with mustache) in the first photo, which I assume was taken on the MSR-4. I can't identify his crewmate, but perhaps one of your readers will be able to.




Mary Welborn spoke with Rich Dickerson about the sunken Alpha
EMAIL: mlw[ at ]wf.quik.com

Rich Dickerson said that the sunken Alpha or minesweeper picture on the Vihn Te Canal was one of the boats in his Mine Division 113. He said that the # of the minesweeper was MSR-7 and that his very good friend (Charlie Brown) was the boat's captain. My brother, Charles (Charlie) P. Geisert was the Boat Captain of the Minesweeper MSR-7 and he was in Mine Div 113. He was killed on November 4, 1969. Now, I wrote to Mr. Dickerson and he said he knew of my brother, but this was not the Charlie Brown that he was speaking of.

Is there anyway that you can find out what day that Alpha or Minesweeper in that picture was made. One of the men on my brother's boat said they were within so many feet of a Viet Nameese (sp) Army base and so is that picture. Can you help me find out anything about that picture? I'm thanking you very much for any help that you can give me. I am Mary Geisert Welborn. my e-mail is mlw[ at ]wf.quik.com




Another Alpha crewman gave Mary Welborn this account
EMAIL: mlw[ at ]wf.quik.com

One of the crew members on my brothers boat explained to me (in an e-mail) that the MSR-7 was patroling that night in the French Canal. They were ambushed from both sides of the canal. The boat was made of aluminum. They were hit by B40 rocket fire on both sides. It got both engines and the steering capability was gone. The boat was just going around in circles as there were no waves to help them float away. After being hit and with no help being able to get to them, a helicopter finally came down low enough to swish over them & the wind took them close enough to the land. They got out on the land.

My brother had already died, and the others were all hurt but did not die. It threw the interpreter out, and I have recently heard that he died too. The base that was so near was of no help. I think that a Patrol Boat picked the rest of the crew up.

I have legal papers saying that his boat was the MSR-7 and that was a part of his address along with Mine Division 113. Now, I believe he was in TF116, but that has been debated, & I cannot find out for sure. The letter that I received from Charlie in Aug. of '69 was written in Nhe Be, and the last letter written in Sept. '69 was written in Tan Chau. My brother said they were to keep the enemy out of S. Viet Nam. They did more patroling than sweeping, but they did have the Drone boat (remote control) to use some going up into the canals and rivers within a short distance of Cambodia.

My question is (mostly) could a boat with that kind of damage be back into operation that soon after the attack. I have almost finished a scrapbook for my brothers children who were so young at the time of his death. I have had sooooo much help (through your Web) from the Brown Water Sailors. Mr. Dickerson even sent me the original paper for my brother's Memorial Service. Now it was held on the YRBM-21. I have not been able to find anything on the Web about that attack.

One member of the crew came to visit our family and I have a tape of him telling all kinds of things. He is the one that told me about the Vietnamese Army Base being so near them. Thank you so much for anything that you might find out. I thank the Lord for your website as it has helped me with some closure of my brother's death. I have a few pictures of my brother on his boat, but they are close up to where I really don't know how large his boat was in comparison to a River Patrol Boat.




I was originally on M-7, Rivdiv 152 until the turnover to the Vn in 1970. Being a GMG3 and needed for the guns on the boats, I was transferred to Rid45 as an advisor. We went to Seafloat just before the construction on Solid Anchor.

I remember running operations during the day and circle patrol around the pontoons during the night. We lost a number of boats and Vietnamese sailors. We suffered a great deal of damage to the boats still running. I enjoyed working with the Seals, UDT, EOD units. Even occasionally with a Navy Sniper. I was on old M-2 with the Rid. The advisors with me were the best.




Alphas were also called Minesweepers Boats [MSRs]

Please contact me with your Alpha Boat Story or Alpha Boat images
to be posted with your email link credit.

I am continually asked the fate of other alphas
Contact the Webmaster with your Info


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ALPHA BOATS AT THE YRBM 20
Alpha Boat
PHOTO 10

A Vietnamese Alpha Boat heading down the Bassac river near Chou Doc
Alpha Boats docked
PHOTO 11

Alpha Boats docked alongside the YRBM 20.
The Bassac River is red with mud during the start of the monsoon.
This summer of 1970 photo shows Vietnames Navy Alpha boats with American advisors aboard.
Rocket Damage
PHOTO 12

A B-40 rocket put this hole into Alpha Boat minesweeper



Sleeping Crewman on an Alpha Boat
PHOTO 2
Sleeping Crewman on an Alpha Boat
Day Sleeping for night patrols at the YRBM 20




THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE THE COURTESY OF TOM LEFAVOUR

EMAIL: THOMASL374[ at ]AOL.COM
Alpha Boat
PHOTO

Alpha Boat or minesweeper with rocket launcher tubes
An alpha Boat crew cleans up after a patrol near cambodia
PHOTO

An alpha Boat crew that had casualties, cleans up after a tragic patrol
Photo taken from YRBM 16 or YRBM 20 on the Bassac River near Chou Doc.
An alpha Boat crew cleans up after a patrol
PHOTO

Another photo of an alpha Boat crew that had casualties, and cleans up after a tragic patrol
The event is not over with the Medivac.


Alpha Boat at the docks at Nha Be
PHOTO 2

Alpha Boat at the docks at Nha Be

Photo Courtesy of Tom Lefavour
EMAIL: THOMASL374[ at ]aol.com




Hoisting an Alpha
PHOTO

Hoisting an Alpha using the A frame on the USS Satyr
No drydock or landbase needed

Photo Courtesy of Sam Crawford
EMAIL: samispoor[ at ]aol.com





THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE THE COURTESY OF ROD KING

EMAIL: rking66555[ at ]aol.com
Alpha Boats docked at the YRBM20
PHOTO

Alpha Boats docked at the YRBM20
Summer of 1970 at start of Monsoon
Front Turret on Alpha Boat
PHOTO

Front Turret on Alpha Boat showing battle damage
Front Turret on Alpha Boat showing battle damage
PHOTO

Front Turret on Alpha Boat showing battle damage
Rocket Damage to side of Alpha Boat
PHOTO

B40 Rocket Damage to side of Alpha Boat
Rocket Damage to door on Alpha Boat
PHOTO

Rocket Damage to door on Alpha Boat
Rod King standing by the door.
EMAIL: rking66555[ at ]aol.com
Rocket Damage to side of Alpha Boat
PHOTO

Closeup of B40 Rocket Damage to side of Alpha Boat

Rod King was my Supervisor on the YRBM 20 in 1970



Alpha and tango boats docked at the YRBM 20 PHOTO

Alpha and tango boats docked at the YRBM 20

Photo Courtesy of Rick Erwin
EMAIL: lrerwin50[ at ]aol.com





THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE THE COURTESY OF SAM CRAWFORD

EMAIL: samispoor[ at ]aol.com
Alpha Boat docked
PHOTO

Alpha Boat docked
Alpha Boat docked
PHOTO

Alpha Boat docked near Chou Doc

Alpha Boat MSR 7
PHOTO

A Photo of the Alpha Boat MSR-7. These are taken on the Soi Rap River (around Nha BE) November 1970. The only guy I remember is the blond on the far left. Name was Summerhill ET1. He got hurt (water skiing behind a drone and was medivaced back to the states. Last time I saw him he was an instructor in a C School in San Diego. Don't remember the names of the other 3 although I think the guy on the far right is a guy named Alber. That's Alber not Albert.

Photo Courtesy of Jack T. Walker
EMAIL: Jwalker[ at ]gigabytejacks.net



I ,Kent Hawley, have a vague memory of an alpha boat docked on the port side of the YRBM 20 in October, November or December 1969. The crew was sitting at card table on the rear deck playing cards. When they left that evening I heard they were attacked with casualities. Anyone out there know more???





AN ALPHA SUNK BY B40 ROCKETS ON THE VINH TE CANAL
Sunken Alpha boat
PHOTO 300
A sunken Alpha boat minesweeper
This is on the Vinh Te Canal north of Sam (Nui Giai) Mountain.
The account I heard was that all the crew was above deck when the rocket penetrated inside and fragged the interior.
The crew had no casualities when tossed into the Canal.
Notice the Banner in the Trees
Sunken Alpha boat
PHOTO 301
Behind the Sunken Alpha boat is an active Vietnamese Army Outpost.
The wet surviving crew tried to wake the sleeping troops there.
Amazing that they could sleep through a B40 rocket attack.

I photographed this boat on the way to Vinh Gia ATSB just before Chinese New Year (TET) in 1970.
Sunken Alpha boat
PHOTO 302
View of the Canal west of the Sunken Alpha boat.
Another alpha guards the wreck.
The sunken alpha was ambushed during a roving Patrol at night.
The preferred operation was to park and ambush at night.



Alpha Boat with combat damage PHOTO

Alpha Boat at Sea Float with combat damage
Photo says 6 fatal casualties
Please Contact the the Webmaster, Kent Hawley
with your account of this tragic event
Photo Courtesy of Ed Lefebvre
EMAIL: elefebv1[ at ]maine.rr.com




Front turret on an Alpha Boat
PHOTO
Front turret on an Alpha Boat


Photo Courtesy of Michael Gregory
EMAIL: gregory[ at ]ccs.nrl.navy.mil




Alpha Boats at Seafloat
PHOTO
Alpha Boats at Seafloat


Photo Courtesy of Ed Lefebvre
EMAIL: elefebv1[ at ]maine.rr.com




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