Lectures
May 16 - 10:00 a.m. “I Walked Among Heroes: Serving With the Most Decorated Boat Co. in Vietnam”
presented by Clarence Butcher
Vietnam was a war unlike any America had ever fought before. Many of the battlefields were jungles or rice paddies. Combatants were hard to distinguish from innocent civilians. And the road system was inadequate for transporting war materials in many places where they were needed.
To help alleviate the transportation problem, the Army reached out to the 1099th Transportation Company, Medium Boat. These ARMY sailors modified their landing craft using scrap lumber and canvas, to allow them to live aboard the boats 24 hours a day. The “River Rats” became the “long-haul truckers” of the Mekong Delta, where they were known for their ability to haul anything, anytime, anywhere, and under any conditions. They participated in a wide range of missions, including transporting personnel and cargo, supporting tactical operations, and providing humanitarian assistance. The 1099th was a COMBAT boat company engaged in direct combat support. One veteran River Rat described these missions as “ranging from scary to terrifying beyond comprehension”.
presented by Clarence Butcher
Vietnam was a war unlike any America had ever fought before. Many of the battlefields were jungles or rice paddies. Combatants were hard to distinguish from innocent civilians. And the road system was inadequate for transporting war materials in many places where they were needed.
To help alleviate the transportation problem, the Army reached out to the 1099th Transportation Company, Medium Boat. These ARMY sailors modified their landing craft using scrap lumber and canvas, to allow them to live aboard the boats 24 hours a day. The “River Rats” became the “long-haul truckers” of the Mekong Delta, where they were known for their ability to haul anything, anytime, anywhere, and under any conditions. They participated in a wide range of missions, including transporting personnel and cargo, supporting tactical operations, and providing humanitarian assistance. The 1099th was a COMBAT boat company engaged in direct combat support. One veteran River Rat described these missions as “ranging from scary to terrifying beyond comprehension”.
