Vietnam War Photos From Kevin Brooks
Posted on Nov 5, 2019 (last modified Feb 7, 2020)
A collection of photographs from Kevin Patrick Brooks (Charlie Company, 1st Battalion / 3rd Marines) taken during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Kevin died in Southampton Hospital on April 3, 2020 from complications from the COVID-19 Virus. He was 75.
June 15, 1967
First day in Vietnam. Helo to Camp Evans. Picture taken S of city of Hue.
June 17, 1967
On truck trip between Camp Evans and Danang. Picture taken between Hue and Phu Bai.
June 30, 1967
USS Okinawa (LPH-3) in the South China Sea. The Okinawa was home to the squadron of H-34 helicopters and also Charlie and Delta rifle companies plus the Battalion Command Group.
July 3, 1967
Preparing for Operation Buffalo on hanger deck of USS Okinawa on 4 hours notice. Tall Marine without helmet is 1st Lt. Bill Neuss, XO of Charlie Company. To his right with radio is Cpl. Harry Stidham, my Artillery FO radio operator.
July 3, 1967
Operation Buffalo. With Cpl. Harry Stidham (at left), my Arty FO radio operator. Me, Kevin Brooks, at right.
July 3, 1967
Operation Buffalo. Flight into area E of Con Thien called the Market Place.
July 3, 1967
Operation Buffalo. BLT 1/3 landing SE of Con Thien, just S of the Marketplace.
July 5, 1967
Operation Buffalo. Air and artillery strikes on DMZ near The Marketplace.
July 19, 1967
USS Hermitage, where Alpha Battery, 1st Bn/12th Marines was berthed, being refused by USS Cimarron (O-22).
July 19, 1967
Refueling at sea. USS Cimarron (O-22) pulls alongside USS Okinawa.
July 26, 1967
Operation Beacon Guide. With Cpl. Harry Stidham, my radio operator.
July 29, 1967
Operation Beacon Guide. Lifting off to move from Phase I of Operation Beacon Guide to Phase II of Operation Beacon Guide (roughly 15 klicks north).
July 31, 1967
Charlie Company 1/3 formation on USS Okinawa to present promotions and awards. Captain Reczek (Company CO) and 1st Sgt. Campo make the presentations.
Aug 8, 1967
Operation Beacon Gate. VC found hiding in a hole inside our night position.
Aug 8, 1967
Operation Beacon Gate. Cpl Love fires 3.5 rocket as marking round for Phantom jet.
Aug 9, 1967
Operation Beacon Gate. Charlie Company CP briefing with (L-R)(kneeling/sitting) Lt. Perry Gesell, Captain Gerry Reczek (Charlie Company CO0, Lt. Jack Francis, Lt. Bill Neuss (XO). Standing, 1st Sgt Campo, Lt. Kevin Brooks (FO)
Aug 16, 1967
Operation Cochise in Hiep Duc Valley. USMC Phantom dropping napalm on NVA.
Aug 27, 1967
Operation Cochise in Hiep Duc Valley. (Lots of facial hair because we had no water for 4 days.)
Aug 27, 1967
Operation Cochise in Hiep Duc Valley. Unshaved, unwashed, unfed but still smiling after 18 day operation.
Sept. 5, 1967
Operation Beacon Point. Moving W across open desert with 1st monsoon of season approaching.
Sept 5, 1967
Operation Beacon Point. Crossing desert but looking E towards ocean, away from approaching monsoon.
Sept 5, 1967
Operation Beacon Point. Charlie Company CP taking a break. Cpl. Steve Fanter, Capt. Gerry Reczek, CO, Cpl. French, 1st Lt. Bill Neuss, XO.
Sept 5, 1967
Operation Beacon Point. Looking back E at village burning after artillery strike.
Sept. 8, 1967
Operation Fremont (providing security for national elections). Cpl. Roseboro (arty radio operator), 2nd Lt Kevin Brooks, arty FO.
Sept. 9, 1967
Charlie Company returning temporarily to USS Duluth (LPD-6) because seas were too rough to climb nets onto USS Okinawa (LPH-3)
Sept. 14, 1967
Promotions to Sgt. by new company commander, Capt. Burleson and 1st Sgt. Proctor on board USS Okinawa (LPH-3)
Sept 14, 1967
Charlie Company Staff Meeting with S/Sgt Parker, 2nd Lt Brooks, Captain. Burleson & GySgt Williamson
Sept 14, 1967
Charlie Company Staff Meeting with 2nd Lt Brooks (FO), 2nd Lt. Gesell (2nd Platoon), Captain Burleson (CO), 1st Sgt Proctor & 1st Lt. Neuss (XO)
