I extend my sympathy and my empathy to Ann Holland, whose husband was lost in the fight at Lima Site 85 in 1968 (“Vietnam: The war of waiting,” Nov. 7, The Columbian).
I was stationed with the 56th Air Commando Wing at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, and shuffled between that secret base to 7th/13th Air Force Headquarter at Udorn, Thailand. Both of these bases played a large part in the battle for Lima Site 85.
Despite pleas from the on-scene commanders, the U.S. Ambassador to Laos at the time wanted to maintain the facade of neutrality of U.S. force and would not commit sufficient firepower to the area until it was too late. Major Richard Secord, who had responsibility to the air security of the site, ignored orders and got the U.S. personnel there some small arms.
The debacle hurts to this day. All the operations by USAF aircraft and ground personnel was secret; so Holland’s frustration is understandable.
Secord retired as a major general and was instrumental in establishing the Air Commando Association. I suggest that Holland, if she has not already done so, contact that organization for potential assistance.
