Vietnam War Photos From William Taylor

C-4

Charlie 1/3 is at C-4 close to the DMZ. This is the 2nd Platoon and machine guns. Weaver is holding a can of pop and smiling in the center back. Joel is in the first row and is looking away in the picture. He has a mustache and Westerman is to his left.

C-4

Charlie 1/3, 2nd platoon and machine guns at C-4. Jan,68 Near the DMZ. There are 4 guys up top and I'm smiling. I'm just below the 2 guys on the left. Weaver is in the middle. Joel Parreira is in the bottom row, he is the guy with the mustache. Westerman is to his left.

C-4

Another name for C-4 was the Sand Castle. This is C, 1/3, 2nd platoon and machine guns. We went for a platoon meeting about a patrol to the DMZ near a place called Little Ocean View just short of the Trace and the DMZ. Joel Parreira from guns is sitting in the second row from the bottom with his M-16 on his hip. Next to him on his left is Ben Westerman.

C-4

These men made up the 2nd Platoon and machine guns. Many of these men went on to many other battles, including the battle at Dai Do. I was already awarded my 3rd Purple Heart and going home soon.

C-4

Cpl. Marvin Smith, my squad leader, was killed north of Ocean View at C-4 just before Christmas. We dedicated this mess hall after him. I was in my 11th month in-country at this time. The black guy's name was Cpl. Daughtry, next on his right was a cook. The two guys in the center, tall guy was a cook and the other guy in the front is Blessinger. The far left guy is Kauffman and next to him was Angilan.

C-4

There are five corpsmen and then me, Bill Taylor, at the top right. The corpsman without a t-shirt was drowned on the Qua Viet River in April 1968. He was on top of some kind of vehicle when it turned over crossing the river, killing him.

C-4

View west at C-4 of the lines near the DMZ.

C-4

These were the bunkers we built by adding thousands of sandbags. That's Sgt. Art back left and Bruce Irgens with the glasses up front.

C-4

These were two of the amtracs that supported and supplied our base. We were about 5 miles north of the Qua Viet River just south of the DMZ and Trace. The one amtrac was named the Road Runner.

C-4

I wasn't a mortarman, I wanted to take pictures of my friends. I was leaving soon because I was just awarded my 3rd purple heart and was due to leave. This mortar was called a four-deuce mortar and they were attached to H&S Company.

C-4

Joel Parreira who now resides near San Antonio, TX. Joel was in machine guns.

C-4

A box of C-rats was on the bench and there was a small bunker just behind everyone.

C-4

One of our officers in deep thought at C-4.

C-4

We had two tanks for support. This tank was in the battle for C-4 at Little Ocean View. Notice the observation tower in the background.

C-4

I'm on top of the tank and that big square shaped object is a search light.

C-4

I'm on the top of the tank with two other guys. I wish I could remember their names.

C-4

Sgt. Art and Sgt. Roger Bacon.

C-4

I was having my picture taken with 81mm mortars and the men who manned them. Picture was taken of the men from H&S Company.

C-4

I was holding a white phosphorus round and the other guy was holding a high explosive round, you can tell by the coloring. 81mm mortars.

C-4

Another one of our bunkers. It could take a direct hit from North Vietnamese Artillery and could survive. The inside walls had huge beams holding everything together. The Navy Seabees built the main structure and we sandbagged the rest.

C-4

Great shot of one of the four-deuce mortar men, with the tank in the background.

C-4

The guy in the muscle T-shirt was Hank Grusso, Kauffman was back and to the right. Front right is Edward's and they all were in 60mm mortars.

C-4

I suspect this is another picture of Quang Tri base and a huey in the background.

C-4

Our FO Lieutenant Brooks (forward observer) was writing a college student back in the states. He told her what he was doing and she got presents together and sent them to C-4 and we were collecting them. First time anything like that happened for us.

C-4

Bunkers we built out of sandbags. It had just rained causing puddles everywhere.

C-4

Standing two man hole watch. 50% watches all night long.

Helicopters

CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter just above my head.

Helicopters

Our helicopter squadron had eyes on the front end. This is a Ch-34 and our attack chopper.

Helicopters

One of our helicopters that were shot down and recovered from the field.

Helicopters

Air operations aboard the USS Okinawa, LPH-3. This chopper looks like it's taking off.

Helicopters

One of our choppers from our squadron landing on the USS Okinawa, LPH-3.

Helicopters

Navy helicopter landing on the USS Okinawa. USS Okinawa was launched in 1961.

Helicopters

A lot of action going on, on the USS Okinawa. Landing Platform Helicopter Ship.

Helicopters

Sea Knight Chopper begins to lift something from the helicopter's elevator.

Helicopters

Helicopters operations on the USS Okinawa, LPH-3.

Helicopters

Mac had his sunglasses on while we were going on an assault in Vietnam. His actual name is McCarthy. One hell of a good Marine.

Helicopters

Chopper landing on the USS Okinawa. He was from our squadron of assault helo's.

Helicopters

Coming in for a landing during an assault. View the farmers landscape.

Helicopters

Just took off from the USS Okinawa our shadow ship, Hospital Ships followed us around, we had the USS Repose or the USS Sanctuary. They were used a lot.

Helicopters

Coming in for a landing on an assault with patchwork of farms and a river below.

Helicopters

Taking off. Squad of Marines are on the ground below. You can see a position in the field where someone was on watch.

Helicopters

On an assault and going from the sea to land. The beach is below us.

Helicopters

I'm on one of about 10 choppers attacking from above. Mountains in the distance.

Helicopters

Attacking near the mountains.

Helicopters

Another attack in a valley with mountains for cover for the enemy.

Helicopters

This attack is near Camp Evans and Hue. Maybe the Que Son Valley.

Helicopters

USS Okinawa with Ch-34's on her deck with choppers getting ready to take off. Plus the hospital ship in the background.

Helicopters

Coming in for another landing.

Helicopters

Another assault from the sea.

Helicopters

Assault from the air. Farmers and buffalo below leaving the area.

Helicopters

You can see another chopper in the group following from the door.

Helicopters

Attacking on a cloudy rainy day.

Helicopters

Another photo of attacking in the rain.

Helicopters

Chopper landing assault. This must have been late in November because there are no eye's on the chopper. Notice the first group had landed and had spread out for the new choppers coming in.

Helicopters

Another assault landing.

Helicopters

Another assault landing just seconds before the actual landing.

Helicopters

This is another landing and more choppers coming in.

Helicopters

This chopper has only the pilots and gunner in it. It was supporting us in some way.

Helicopters

There are probably five of us sitting looking at the gunner by the door. There is a M-60 machine gun sitting in front of him. Right behind him would be the pilots.

Helicopters

This another gunner closeup of another assault.

Helicopters

Picture taken just before take off for another operation.

Helicopters

This was taken on the deck of the USS Okinawa. It's a Navy Ch-46 Sea Knight helicopter.

Helicopters

There was a sight on one of the guns and I took this opportune picture as it passed throught the sights.

Helicopters

Random picture of a CH-46, Sea Knight.

Helicopters

This is a picture taken by my friend from Charlie Company, Ed Kawara. It is a picture of us in training on the Island of Okinawa. We needed to go through a month-long training program.

Helicopters

Another action picture of our platoon disembarking in training on the Island of Okinawa. The insignema on the front nose of the chopper was that of Indian Art.

Hill Position

We had to stand watch and patrols as a platoon on this hill. I believe this was September. Notice we had fixed positions with poncho's covering our holes to keep the sun and night moisture off us.

Hill Position

This Marine in this picture is Sands and he is standing next to a Vietnamese Scout that was helping us.

Hill Position

Marine in this picture is Vanderwalker. Notice the trench dug from each hole in case we were attacked.

Hill Position

John Steiner and I shared this hole and I took this picture of him.

Hill Position

Sands and another Marine both good men. I wish someone knew his name.

Hill Position

We were at the crest of the hill standing lines. No way to wash so we washed as best we could. John Wakefield smiled for the camera. He was transferred from recon I believe.

Hill Position

Setting up for night watch on the hill.

Hill Position

Wayne Pilgreen is the thin Marine on the left. This Picture was taken facing south.

Hill Position

Marines Sands on the left and Wakefield on the right.

Hill Position

John Steiner, Sands and Wakefield in the front. This was our part of the hill to protect.

Ho Cong Bang

I met Ho Cong Bang at one of the bases and we became friends. He was a leader in The South Vietnamese Army. I think I was in Dong Ha.

Ho Cong Bang

I'm at a barracks and this is a blurred shot of me.

Ho Cong Bang

Another officer in the South Vietnamese Army.

Ho Cong Bang

I think this was in July 1967. Notice the K-bar at my side and my electrical tape on my dogtags. We never stayed a long time in the rear so I think this is one of those rare moments we stopped somewhere.

Ho Cong Bang

Another picture of South Vietnamese soldiers and I think the guy on the left was an interpreter. He has the same emblem on this hat as the Vietnamese.

Ho Cong Bang

Another picture partially exposed to the sun I think.

Ho Cong Bang

The Vietnamese interpreter and myself.

Ho Cong Bang

Ho Cong Bang and another officer in the South Vietnamese Army.

Ho Cong Bang

Ho Cong Bang at his desk.

Ho Cong Bang

Ho Cong Bang and others around him. I notice the other officer doesn't want to look into the camera and I now wonder why. I was 19 years old then.

My Platoon at Rest

This is an incredible picture. It's my platoon from when we first started the Special Landing Force. My Platoon Sergeant is in this picture. He was sitting on the ground at the far right. All you can see of Jones is the back of his head. Rangle is eating out of the can at the far right. Pilgreen is resting his M-16 rifle on his hip/leg. Muller is giving us a side profile next to Pilgreen. I think the black guy smiling is Glass.

My Platoon at Rest

The Marine in the center is Wayne Pilgreen who is mentioned all through my book. The second away from him to the right is Sands, Glass and I think that is Hart on the far right. This could be Operation Beaver Cage.

My Platoon at Rest

Corporal Muller in the middle. Pilgreen on the left walking away. Glass on the ground with that great smile.I think the guy on the right eating C-rats is Cooper. He and I were in the book Payback, Five Marines after Vietnam.

My Platoon at Rest

I think the guy that is sitting is Sergeant White. Muller is just in front of Sgt. White and Cooper eating C-rats on the right.

My Platoon at Rest

Vanderwalker on the far right, then Sands, Glass and Hart.

My Platoon at Rest

Taking a break. I can't remember his name.

My Platoon at Rest

Sergeant White sitting and resting in a farmers field.

My Platoon at Rest

Wayne Pilgreen standing in a farmers field.

My Platoon at Rest

Marine Glass standing in a farmers field.

My Platoon at Rest

Marine Vanderwalker on the right and Sands on the left. Getting ready to move out.

My Platoon at Rest

Another Sergeant, I hope someone recognized who he was.

My Platoon at Rest

Our Platoon Lieutenant resting and figuring our next move.

My Platoon at Rest

Marine John Steiner reading a letter from home.

My Platoon at Rest

Setting in for hole watch and writing a letter home from the battlefield.

My Platoon at Rest

Marine Sands taking a break for a forced march somewhere in Vietnam.

My Platoon at Rest

Vanderwalker laying against a haystack taking a break. The can next to him was M-60 machine gun ammo and it was kept in a can to keep it clean.

My Platoon at Rest

Marine Ed Kalwara in the center with glasses washing his utility jacket. On the left with him is a Marine named Martinez (a.k.a. "Marty"). Whenever we were in the field for a long time and we found a good spot to wash we would just go into the river. It was usually terribly hot and this was needed to relieve heat stroke. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Okinawa Platoon Bar

Picture taken on the USS Okinawa. We are running to the choppers, usually 5 Marines at a time. Going on another operation.

Okinawa Platoon Bar

Briefing on the hanger deck of the USS Okinawa before our next operation. Dale Walsted is directly to the left of the lieutenant giving the briefing. Dale is in the white t-shirt.

On the Mike Boats

We are on Mike Boats and being transported somewhere. I think the Marine to the far right is Drust and the man with the profile left of the guy with the machine gun bullets is Cooper.

On the Mike Boats

From left to right. Drust and Vanderwalker are both holding a belt of M-60 machine gun bullets. John Steiner's head is facing the camera and the hated Sergeant is at the very right.

On the Mike Boats

Captain Reczek was Charlie Company's commander. You see him at the very top watching everything going on. Vanderwalker's face looking up in the middle and bottom was the hated Sergeant.

On the Mike Boats

I'm holding a belt of M-60 ammunition smiling.

On the Mike Boats

Captain Reczek watching everyone getting into the Mike Boat. Vanderwalker is to the left.

Operation Buffalo

OPERATION BUFFALO, where our platoon Sergeant Malloy was killed at the beginning of July, 1967. The next series of pictures is of our march to the DMZ. These are the first choppers landing.

Operation Buffalo

More choppers landing and more men coming.

Operation Buffalo

The CH-46, Sea Knight choppers came in and unloaded more Marines until the entire battalion landed.

Operation Buffalo

The back of the Ch-46 goes down hydraulically and all the Marines are ready to fight.

Operation Buffalo

Pilgreen is standing by a bomb crater. It had to be a thousand pound bomb that went off.

Operation Buffalo

We were exhausted from 110 degree heat and a long all day march to the DMZ. Pilgreen had walked completely out of his right pant leg. We may have been diving for cover because they had mortared us.

Operation Buffalo

Pilgreen and another Marine resting.

Operation Buffalo

I had stopped and dug a hole to jump into if we got hit again. I'm tired and hot.

Operation Buffalo

Pilgreen standing by a small hole he dug to be safe.

Operation Buffalo

Wayne Pilgreen, one bad ass Marine. A survivor and he helped me survive my 13 months.

Operation Buffalo

Dale Suminski was our radioman and I'm the other Marine. Notice we had our grenades hanging from our cartridge belts. I have more in my pockets.

Operation Buffalo

This was a blow-up Catholic Church. There is a statue of Christ with his arms extended. How surreal is this photo. In the midst of hell I found this church and took this picture.

Operation Buffalo

Another picture of the Catholic Church. They were built by the French when Vietnam was their colony.

Operation Buffalo

Not far from the Church and getting closer to the DMZ the dead bodies start showing up like this one.

Operation Buffalo

Picture of a dead NVA soldier. He was over 6 feet tall. I took the picture because of his height.

Operation Buffalo

I think this is an unexploded bomb. I didn't want to go too close to it.

Operation Buffalo

I used a Brownie Camera. If you look into the clouds there is a black image which was a picture of a jet on a bombing run. It was closer than it looks.

Operation Buffalo

Jets just release their cargo of bombs on enemy positions. Explosions can be seen.

Operation Buffalo

Jets kept coming in. They bombed very close to our positions.

Operation Buffalo

We got closer to the DMZ and the action was significantly more volatile.

Operation Buffalo

The jets just hit a position of enemy targets about a football field away.

Operation Buffalo

We kept moving forward and this is what the DMZ looks like. Notice the bomb crater and all the damage around it.

Operation Buffalo

Walking in the DMZ.

Operation Buffalo

One of our choppers was shot down. The pilots and gunner got out alive.

Operation Buffalo

Another angle of the downed chopper. We were getting hit a lot. Mortars and heavy artillery from the North Vietnamese Army.

Operation Buffalo

I injured my hand and had the corpsman patch it up.

Operation Buffalo

View of the action in the DMZ from a chopper.

Operation Buffalo

See the tanks and foxholes below.

Operation Medina

We are now starting Operation Medina. These pictures are of the landing of our Company.

Operation Medina

More Marines debarking from the choppers.

Operation Medina

Chopper landings and takeoffs going on.

Operation Medina

Choppers leaving to get more Marines.

Operation Medina

We called this chopper the Jolly Green Giant. It could life heavy loads and this one was dropping something off for this operation.

Operation Medina

Another chopper coming in.

Operation Medina

Another chopper coming in.

Operation Medina

Another chopper coming in.

Operation Medina

Ed Neiderberger had been with us since August and this took place in October. Ed grew up fast and he was extremely all Marine.

Operation Medina

We were told that we might get hit by mortars upon arrival at our landing zone. It never happened so I started taking more pictures. I had someone take this picture of me.

Operation Medina

There was a lot of action going on all around me. I positioned my helmet, flak jacket and M-16 and waited for a chopper to land and took this picture.

Operation Medina

I took this one first and thought it needed the chopper in the background.

Operation Medina

This is a picture of me. We had a new Commanding Officer. Captain Reczek was promoted to headquarters. I don't think Reczek would have had everyone standing around like this waiting to move out.

Operation Medina

Weaver was going to be our radioman for the platoon. See the hole he dug. It was like digging in cement. I don't even know how these plants grew.

Operation Medina

Picture of me just before we moved out.

Operation Medina

Steiner getting ready to move out. We are about to embark on a long sweep to the Hai Lang Forest and set up a blocking force while 2 other battalions of Marines sweep through the forest toward us.

Operation Medina

Me walking down this path. It was designated as a road on the maps of the area

Operation Medina

Machine gunners walking the same path behind me. We soon had to spread out.

Operation Medina

If you use high resolution you can see Marines spread far apart for safety sake.

Operation Medina

This picture was of the landing site and is out of order.

Operation Medina

This was the area we had to walk. We ended up as far as you can see before the mountains.

Operation Medina

We are still sweeping the area for the enemy.

Operation Medina

A B-52 Strataforce Bomber dropped bombs and these are the craters it left. You could drive a bus into it and you couldn't see the top. This ground was like cement.

Operation Medina

More pictures of the bomb craters.

Operation Medina

This was really strange. There was this lake with a home on it and we didn't check it out. I always thought that was weird.

Operation Medina

A close-up of a B-52 bomb crater.

Operation Medina

Another picture of the lake and the home on it.

Operation Medina

Picture of the sweep and you can see the Marines ahead. Getting closer to the Hai Lang Forest.

Operation Medina

We are getting ready to set in and I took this picture of a possible site to put my foxhole.

Operation Medina

This is my foxhole. My view of the attack zone. I have my homemade stove on the parapet of my hole. After dark I would clear a little away. I don't ever do that during the daylight. My hole was attacked this evening and the third platoon was overrun to my right. Notice my grenades at the ready.

Operation Medina

Weaver in his foxhole near me.

Operation Medina

Another picture of my in my foxhole.

Operation Medina

These two Marines were over run and killed at 4:00 am. One of these Marines was Corporal Penny. I took this picture to show how far away the foxholes were apart.

Operation Medina

This was a picture of the officers looking at the dead in front of my hole.

Operation Medina

This treeline is where I was wounded by hand grenade shrapnel.

Operation Medina

Another B-52 bomb crater.

Operation Medina

Dan Varner and I aboard the USS Okinawa the day before Operation Medina. Dan had just told me how proud he was that he was about to be a daddy. Dan was overrun the next night.

Operation Medina

After being wounded I was medi-vaced to the USS Okinawa.

Operation Medina

The evening before we took off for Medina, John Steiner and I shared a bottle of Lime Flavored Vodka. We were showing the bottle while Dan Varner took the picture.

Operation Medina

I took a picture of John Steiner finishing the bottle.

Operation Medina

I was talking to Dan about the baby when we turned around and John had fallen asleep.

Quang Tri

I was in Quang Tri which was Third Marines rear. Joel Parreira is to my left.

Quang Tri

Bill Taylor on the left and Joel Parreira on the right.

Quang Tri

I didn't shave for a while and they made me shave. I really started growing a beard.

Quang Tri

Someone took this surprise picture of me running.

Quang Tri

Last picture of my beard. It wasn't much.

Quang Tri

Joel Parreira in the center. Joel was in machine guns.

Quang Tri

Finally shaving all the beard off. I don't know how I got to grow it as long as I did.

Quang Tri

John Steiner and another Marine.

Quang Tri

This picture is weird. It's of John Steiner but he never smoked

Quang Tri

Steiner and I acting crazy. It was just our personalities

Quang Tri

John Steiner posing for the camera.

Quang Tri

John Steiner posing for the camera.

Quang Tri

John Steiner and I goofing off.

Quang Tri

I'm not sure who this is.

Quang Tri

I'm not sure who this is again.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker is in the middle of the group.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker on the left and John Steiner in the middle.

Quang Tri

I think this is John Steiner and myself goofing around.

Quang Tri

Not sure who this is.

Quang Tri

John Steine and Vanderwalker.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker in the middle.

Quang Tri

Picture of me in a beret. We never had berets. We wanted to look cool.

Quang Tri

Another picture with the beret.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker in the center smiling.

Quang Tri

We are in Quang Tri Province between operations. We are in these simple barracks finding our way around and storing our gear wherever we can.

Quang Tri

These cots were actually wonderful, after sleeping on the ground for a month.

Quang Tri

John Steiner on the left and Vanderwalker on the right.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker.

Quang Tri

Not sure who this is.

Quang Tri

Vanderwalker playing a harmonica.

Quang Tri

John Steiner playing with a hand grenade. We were crazy guys.

Quang Tri

Entrance to our hut. I wonder why I took that picture.

Quang Tri

Wayne Pilgreen and another Marine are cleaning their M-16 rifles, They still jammed.

Quang Tri

Wayne Pilgreen and the other Marine cleaning their weapons. Notice the 1/3 sign on the can just behind Wayne Pilgreen. 1/3 is our unit name and it has our signia on it

Quang Tri

Another picture of Wayne and another Marine.

Quang Tri

Wayne Pilgreen alone and his weapon is in pieces for cleaning.

Quang Tri

I just can't remember this guys name. I'm on the right side of the picture.

Quang Tri

Wayne Pilgreen and another Marine walking away with their sea bags. I have no idea why.

Quang Tri

My friend and I are saying we are number one. It's true if you believe that.

Quang Tri

Great picture of the both of us. I would really like to remember his name.

Quang Tri

I was messing around giving the devils horns or bunny ears to my friend.

Quang Tri

Probably the best picture of me in Nam. Notice the squared away haircut.

Quang Tri

Still in Quang Tri and it's another shot of me.

Quang Tri

I'm sitting at someone's desk in the hut.

Quang Tri

It's starting to rain in Quang Tri.

Quang Tri

Dave Holden and I shaking hands. Dave was a scout sniper and was wounded at the Battle of Khe Sahn. I saw him in California after the war. He is a successful real estate salesman. Dave and I were in, Infantry Training Regiment together after Boot Camp.

River Transport

As a reactionary force we were constantly transported to various locations to assist other battalions on their operations. We are on a LCM-8 riverboat. It's a large landing craft that can hold an entire platoon. We were being transported up one of the rivers and I took a series of pictures of what I saw. This is one of them.

River Transport

This is a picture of a fishing village and the people who lived there.

River Transport

We were on the large LCM-8 riverboats a few times and here is another picture of what I saw as the platoon went up river.

River Transport

Incredible picture of fishermen in their boats. Notice the small child in the boat by himself.

River Transport

Look at how small the boat was that held the child. The kid could probably swim like a fish.

River Transport

This is a picture of a South Vietnamese Army riverboat.

River Transport

The fishermen's homes were on stilts.

River Transport

A beautiful bridge on the river probably providing a way for runoff water to go into the river.

River Transport

Another bridge. They are usually blown to bits.

River Transport

Kids swimming in the river or just taking a bath. The kids are happy when their moms say, "Go take a bath."

River Transport

Front view of where we are headed.

River Transport

Another picture of fishermen.

River Transport

It's now getting dark and we are still not at our destination.

Ships

USS Okinawa receiving supplies from another ship.

Ships

This is either an LCM-8 or a landing craft and we are approaching the USS Okinawa.

Ships

Another picture of a different angle.

Ships

We are up against the USS Okinawa, helicopter ship.

Ships

I'm on the deck of the USS Okinawa and you see the choppers in the rear of the ship.

Ships

This picture was taken on April 16, 1967. We are going to our first combat in 2 weeks. It's Operation Beaver Cage as mentioned in my memoir about Vietnam.

Ships

I went to the back of the ship and took this picture with my new instamatic camera. It gives you the pictures within a few minutes.

Ships

Another picture of the main helicopter deck.

Ships

I bought this postcard aboard the Okinawa LPH.

Ships

The back of the postcard.

Ships

Power lines spread all around the hanger deck of the great ship.

Ships

Refueling the USS Okinawa. Notice the large hose going from ship to ship.

Ships

A helicopter landing on the hospital ship. We had 2 hospital ships that took turns staying with us. It was either the USS Sanctuary or the USS Repose.

Ships

What you are looking at is the hospital ship in the background. The men are standing on the elevator that took the choppers to the main deck for take off.

Ships

Another great picture of a chopper landing on the hospital ship. Notice the landing platform in the back of the ship. This is where the choppers come in with wounded Marines. There is a complete hospital with operation rooms aboard. They could handle severely wounded and burned people.

Ships

The close up picture shows how beautiful this ship was.

Ships

The hospital ship and the USS Okinawa are starting to go out to sea.

Ships

The USS Duluth, LPD-6. It carried our amtracs for assault landings. LPD stands for Landing Platform Dock.

Ships

Picture of a cargo ship leaving the same harbor we were at.

Ships

Picture taken from a landing craft. The front end of the USS Okinawa and the ship in the harbor.

Ships

Another picture that is the same.

Ships

This is a picture of a small fishing boat far away from the harbor.

Ships

More fishermen's boats and the sea is getting rough.

Ships

The USS Duluth following us.

Ships

Refueling in rough seas.

Ships

Another picture of refueling on the high seas

Ships

Another incredible of the danger of what this is like during refueling. Ships have to get close together and their wakes are incredible to see.

Ships

In this pic you can see the wave higher than the deck of the ship.

Ships

You can see the waves hitting the deck of the oil tanker refueling us.

Ships

Picture of the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam.

Sweeps / Patrols

This is me and a Vietnamese soldier who was our interpreter. I was near him because I was a radioman for the platoon. The hooch behind us was one of the better dwellings the peasants had.

Sweeps / Patrols

This was on the sweep we were on in this area. I ran across this group of people that had gathered at one of the local hooches and took this picture.

Sweeps / Patrols

Another home down the dirt road we were on and more people gathering.

Sweeps / Patrols

Drust and I had dug our foxhole together and we were just setting in for the night. Notice how close we were set from the home, which was home of some local farmers.

Sweeps / Patrols

When we went on line sweeping for the enemy, many times we walked in the rice paddies.

Sweeps / Patrols

Other times we were in the deep jungle looking for the enemy. This is a perfect example of how difficult it was.

Sweeps / Patrols

Typical family sitting down for a meal. Never a man in the area. I wondered where they were and who they were with.

Sweeps / Patrols

I was told, once a banana tree gives it's fruit it dies. The base of the banana tree regenerates. So the farmers cut down the tree just after it bears the fruit. I was told this woman was chopping up the inside of the banana tree to cook for dinner.

Sweeps / Patrols

This was a mamasan (mother) who was not happy with my intrusion. I guess I wouldn't be either. No smiles are given from the villagers usually.

Sweeps / Patrols

This is a typical Vietnamese family and I can tell from the shadows that it's about noon.

Sweeps / Patrols

This was a roadside pagoda that the people prayed at. I was observing all of my surroundings and spotted this and broke out my camera.

Sweeps / Patrols

This was a weird find. I'm checking out this hooch and I ran across this. It looks like an air pipe in the ground. I didn't know what it was. I brought it to the attention of the Sgt. and he said, "Don't worry about it, we are on a sweep, just keep moving."

Sweeps / Patrols

Many of the hooches had bunkers to go into for safety when there was fighting going on. We let them keep them but checked them out once in a while. Yes., I did check them out. They had bamboo mats inside to sit and crawl on.

Sweeps / Patrols

I saw this on one of our sweeps. I think this is a still.

Sweeps / Patrols

I think this was taken from the back of a truck on a convoy from one location to another. The picture was taken from elevation and there was a farmer in a field watering his paddy.

Sweeps / Patrols

Two farmers with ropes and a scoupe putting water in the next paddy and the picture was taken from a truck convoy.

Sweeps / Patrols

More rice paddies from the convoy.

Sweeps / Patrols

More rice paddies from the convoy.

Sweeps / Patrols

Airstrike called in on a VC village.

Sweeps / Patrols

Typical village we walked through looking for the enemy.

Sweeps / Patrols

We may have just stopped for a while and had to dig a foxhole for cover incase an enemy snuck up on us. This is Vanderwalker.

Sweeps / Patrols

John Steiner as the radioman and Wakefield in the background and checking out a village.

Sweeps / Patrols

The only picture we have of our platoon SSgt. John Malloy killed. this was his 2nd tour of duty and he was the best platoon SSgt. we ever had. He was killed in early July on Operation Buffalo in the DMZ.

Sweeps / Patrols

Small river to cross. 2 guys decided to get into the small boat and check out the river to see where it was going.

Sweeps / Patrols

That is Ed Kalwara on the left and Martinez on the right. They were in machine guns.

Sweeps / Patrols

This guy was being checked out. He didn't look right and they were right. He was saying he was a farmer. Farmers didn't have watches. He got slapped around a bit.

Sweeps / Patrols

We had to check out the hills. So we were walking through a rice paddy to get there.

Sweeps / Patrols

I think this guy's name is Larson. Not sure. Resting by a typical village hooch.

Sweeps / Patrols

I'm walking behind a machine gunner on a sweep in a jungle.

Sweeps / Patrols

This rice paddy is getting read for harvest in a week or two. We are on another sweep through a village outskirts.

Sweeps / Patrols

In the middle of a farmers field was a pagoda or cemetary walled in with bricks.

Sweeps / Patrols

This farmer had water buffalos. The were wild when you got close to them. They would sometimes attack.

Sweeps / Patrols

Another village we crossed on a sweep.

Sweeps / Patrols

Getting ready for another patrol. The guy fixing his chinstrap in the front is Mike Witt and on the left is Martinez. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Sweeps / Patrols

We stopped on a sweep and this guy had taken his shirt off because it was so hot.

Sweeps / Patrols

I saw these little kids and wanted my picture with them.

Sweeps / Patrols

Ed Kalwara in machine guns set in position for the night. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Sweeps / Patrols

We sometimes made a stew using our helmets as a pot. Pilgreen is stirring the pot and Muller is behind him. Vietnamese scout and two other Marines.

Sweeps / Patrols

Pilgreen and Cpl. Muller with a Vietnamese scout and another Marine who I can't remember his name.

Sweeps / Patrols

The kids love their picture being taken. The Marine in the center is Michael Witt. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Sweeps / Patrols

Ed Kalwara set his machine gun into position for the night. Martinez is on the left and his nickname was Marty. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Sweeps / Patrols

John Steiner playing. Put his K-bar in his teeth, 4 hand grenades a bandolier of M-16 ammo around his neck.

Sweeps / Patrols

John and I stopped for a quick break and I took these pictures.

Sweeps / Patrols

John Steiner as radioman and we were sweeping some rolling hills. I took a lot of pictures of John because we were in the same squad.

Sweeps / Patrols

Rangel on the right.

Sweeps / Patrols

Two more guys in our platoon on a sweep with us.

Sweeps / Patrols

Platoon kept turning over with new men. These guys were added to the platoon.

Sweeps / Patrols

We are on a sweep. This guy is new to our platoon.

Sweeps / Patrols

We are on a sweep. The guy in the front is carrying an extra box of machine gun ammo.

Sweeps / Patrols

I think this was a new sergeant that joined our platoon.

Sweeps / Patrols

The men here captured a group of children who were VC. I don't know what happened to them.

Sweeps / Patrols

Another picture of the young VC.

Sweeps / Patrols

Picture of our platoon. I'm the second guy on the right just looking on.

Sweeps / Patrols

Sands standing as we are sweeping the area.

Sweeps / Patrols

Vanderwalker was in my squad.

Sweeps / Patrols

Resting during a sweep somewhere in Vietnam

Sweeps / Patrols

Clark and another Marine playing quick draw.

Sweeps / Patrols

Clark and another Marine having a break from the war.

Sweeps / Patrols

The guy on the left sitting with the glasses was a corpsman. We had set in for the night. Picture was over developed probably because of the hot, wet and sunny area.

Sweeps / Patrols

Guys had set in the night and I'm not sure what this is. We may be in the lines because we never used out ponchos in a tent shape.

Sweeps / Patrols

Vanderwalker center and Clark on the right pointing his 45 pistol.

Sweeps / Patrols

Walsted center and Vanderwalker on the right.

Sweeps / Patrols

Little kids and the one on the left was actually smoking a cigarette. Picture compliments of Ed Kalwara.

Sweeps / Patrols

We just dug our foxhole.

Sweeps / Patrols

We came up to this area that looked like it could be a trap and we ended checking it out. It wasn't a trap but we were always careful.

Sweeps / Patrols

View of my foxhole into the jungle.

Sweeps / Patrols

It didn't make any difference what the weather was like. We had to be out in the countryside and mountains sweeping.

Sweeps / Patrols

I remember reconing the mountains. We were told they were large hills. I called them mountains. When you climb them you realize that.

Sweeps / Patrols

I was in front of Vanderwalker and took his picture.

Sweeps / Patrols

We are at the crest of the hill and it was blown to bits as you can tell from the pictures.

Sweeps / Patrols

Taking a break on the crest of the hill. No contact by anyone. It took us a long time to climb up there. I didn't think we were going to make it but one foot after the other.

Sweeps / Patrols

Looking back down the hill.

Sweeps / Patrols

Another view from a different direction.

Sweeps / Patrols

A picture on the hill.

Sweeps / Patrols

Ran a patrol to the river and there is a bridge down stream.

Sweeps / Patrols

The jungle can be dense.

Sweeps / Patrols

Streams and rivers to cross all the time.

Sweeps / Patrols

Just another vill along the road.

Sweeps / Patrols

Passing a vill along the highway.

Sweeps / Patrols

Father going after water for his hooch and wife and kids. His kids are following him and they are at our lines. There is a bomb strike in the distance.

Sweeps / Patrols

Passing through a village on a sweep. This is a back yard.

Sweeps / Patrols

This seemed to be a worm that we ran across and I think we killed it. It was really gross and looked threatening.

Sweeps / Patrols

Passing through another village and noticed these farmers.

Sweeps / Patrols

On a hill after a sweep. The beautiful scenery in the distance.

Sweeps / Patrols

We had to sweep from the ocean to Camp Evans and two tanks came with us.

Sweeps / Patrols

Amtracs were with us sometimes.

Sweeps / Patrols

John Steiner digging a foxhole next to this tank. We had tanks with us sometimes. I think we were headed to Camp Evans. I remember we had tanks on that sweep.

Sweeps / Patrols

I think this was a picture of Spooky firing down at the VC during Operation Beaver Cage.

The Range in Da Nang

This was a picture of our platoon's day at the range in Vietnam. Checking out our weapons.

The Range in Da Nang

This is a picture of me (Bill Taylor) on the left and then Ed Niederberger and Weaver. The other two Marines must have just joined our outfit.

The Range in Da Nang

The big guy in the center and on the far right was our hated new platoon sergeant and Steiner was next to him at the range checking our M-16's.

The Range in Da Nang

Dan Varner who was killed on Operation Medina in October, 1967. He was one of my best friends. He had a huge heart.

The Range in Da Nang

3.5 inch rocket launchers were being shot at the side of a hill at the range.

The Range in Da Nang

We were leaving the range and walking down to the sea where the mike boats came in and picked us up and took us out to the USS Okinawa. You can see the mike boats that left the shore and were heading out to see where they were carrying troops back to the ship. The guys waiting and us coming down were going to be picked up as soon as we got down the hill.

The Range in Da Nang

Vanderwalker on the left, then Steiner and the bad sergeant. Our platoon lieutenant is standing on the left. This must have been just before Operation Medina.

Truck Convoy

Now we are into the times we were trucked around Vietnam to other Operations. Vanderwalker center and Terry Roberson on the right with the green town around his neck. Sgt. White has his head turned around.

Truck Convoy

Trucks just arrived and we are going to have to board them soon. I'm taking this picture and my gear is on the ground.

Truck Convoy

We are waiting and lined up for the trucks.

Truck Convoy

Not sure who this is. We lost a lot of guys before we got to know them.

Truck Convoy

This is Vanderwalker again. We were in the same squad and there are a lot of pictures of him and Steiner.

Truck Convoy

Picture waiting for the trucks.

Truck Convoy

Road coming into our area and we are waiting for trucks.

Truck Convoy

Can't tell who the people are. Just took a picture of guys waiting and the trucks have apparently arrived.

Truck Convoy

Our unit was passing other units moving in the opposite direction on the highway.

Truck Convoy

Crossing a single lane bridge probably because the main bridge was blown up.

Truck Convoy

Just a small village somewhere in Vietnam. It must be near a large city. Farmers didn't have colorful dresses, nor did you see any women around the countryside.

Truck Convoy

Truck convoy near a city because of the paved road and people.

Truck Convoy

It must have started raining and stopped. The camouflaged tarp was brought out to cover us from the rain while we rode in the back

Truck Convoy

Our convoy was passing a compound somewhere.

Truck Convoy

John Steiner who was in my squad was riding in the back of this truck and it must have been raining.

Truck Convoy

I was riding in the back of a 6X6, (called a six by) two and a half ton olive green truck. It was raining.

Truck Convoy

It had just stopped raining and one of the Marines in our platoon needed a smoke.

Truck Convoy

Sometimes it rained so much it covered the road. There was no where for the water to run off usually.

Truck Convoy

Looks like a smaller truck next to us and I took this picture.

Truck Convoy

Bridges got blown up a lot. We were crossing a pontoon bridge.

Truck Convoy

We were passing through Hue before the big battle in January during TET. I remember taking this picture because you never seen houses like this anywhere else in Vietnam.

Truck Convoy

Kids smoked in Vietnam all the time. I took a picture of this kid while we were being trucked somewhere.

Truck Convoy

This was the largest Vietnamese vehicle I saw in Vietnam. They transported people and goods.

Truck Convoy

We must have been near another city. This picture was taken because we never saw this where we were.

Truck Convoy

Roadside people near a small pond. Interesting picture but it turned out blurry

Truck Convoy

We were almost always in the countryside either chopped in, trucked, river barges or just plain walked for 13 Months. We passed these women near a big city.

Truck Convoy

Flooded rice paddies.

Truck Convoy

Flooded rice paddies.

Truck Convoy

Farmers moving water out of their paddy, getting ready for harvesting soon.

Truck Convoy

Another flooded rice paddy.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Feel the action. I was running behind another Marine as we commenced another attack.

U.S.S. Okinawa

The platoon lieutenant briefing us on the next operation. Walsted is sitting to the left of the lieutenant with a white t-shirt.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Vanderwalker dead center with the white t-shirt. in the back and right is Weaver. John Steiner is to the left of Vanderwalker.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another mission and another platoon lieutenant giving us the briefing for the next operation.

U.S.S. Okinawa

That is me at the bottom and Walsted in the back with a cigarette he couldn't lite and Cooper was to the left. We were on the USS Okinawa between missions and it's almost lights out.

U.S.S. Okinawa

This picture is of me on the left and Weaver on the right just before a mission.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Weaver found a secluded place on the USS Okinawa to write home and I found him.

U.S.S. Okinawa

On the USS Okinawa. We were in the mess hall and in the back was me on the left and Clark on the right. In the front is Wakefield on the left and John Steiner on the right. We usually were writing letters or just talking. Coffee is always served.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Steiner and me writing letters. Usually we wrote a lot before a mission on the Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

I took a picture of Clark in the troop quarters of the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

A picture of me and Charlie Quack. I found a duck and snuck it on the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Burgoon with Charlie Quack.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Burgoon with Charlie Quack on the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

A picture of our new mascot, Charlie Quack.

U.S.S. Okinawa

In our troops quarters was me on the left, Bill Burgoon, Bruce Hodgman and a Corpsman.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Burgoon on the left, Bruce in the middle background and me with a switchblade knife messing around. Bruce looks like he was dreaming of home.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Burgoon on the left back row and Bruce Hodgman. Me and the Corpsman in the front.

U.S.S. Okinawa

We had been aboard ship a couple of days and were getting bored. Bill Burgoon was on the left.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Burgoon on the left, I was below middle and another Marine I can't remember his name.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Obviously we were missing home to do this and entertain ourselves. We were all fun-loving guys. Bill Burgoon, Bruce Hodgman and Bill Taylor (me).

U.S.S. Okinawa

We are on the hanger deck of the USS Okinawa between operations. Bill Taylor (me) on the left, Bill Burgoon, another Marine and Bruce Hodgman.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bruce Hodgman front with the ace of spades. Murphy on the left with the hat. He was from Boston, Then was Shoeships and American Indian, Pilgreen in the back next to Shoeships and then Bill Burgoon.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Murphy on the left, Shoeships and then Pilgreen playing cards. Our nickname for Murphy was "Murf the Surf."

U.S.S. Okinawa

Our quarters. Notice how close we were. Murphy in the center and Gary Cooper from Hammond, Indiana.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Gary Cooper on the left, Bill Taylor (me) in the back and Pilgreen on the right. Notice how tight pilgreen fits in his bunk.

U.S.S. Okinawa

The guy in the center looks like Terry Roberson.=

U.S.S. Okinawa

These guys were standing in line for office hours for infractions on the ship. Wakefield and Cooper are the only one's I know. I snuck up on these guys and took their picture standing in this line. They really didn't like it at the time. I had an instamatic camera and it developed the picture in a minute and I took it back to our quarters to show everyone. It was a huge joke.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Shoeships on the left and Steiner on the right I can't remember the guy in the middle.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Picture closeup of me on the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another picture closeup of me.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Taylor (me) on the left and John Steiner on the right. We are cleaning our M-16.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Picture of Bill Taylor (me) near our storage box where we stored our gear.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Picture of Bill Taylor (me) and my new instamatic camera on the cot next to me.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Taylor cleaning his M-16. We were always cleaning our M-16s.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Clark has a 35mm camera. They would cost almost a month's pay. I never had one.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Closeup of Clark on the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another picture of Clark near the bunks.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Murphy being given a haircut by the new sergeant.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Murphy giving a wave.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Murphy again sitting on the bunk.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Ed Niederberger writing letters home in the chow hall aboard the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Wayne Pilgreen from Alabama.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Doc Higgenbottom was our corpsman.

U.S.S. Okinawa

John Steiner in his bunk reading a book.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another Marine acting funny.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Gary Cooper on the left. Bill Taylor (me) on the left and Dale Walsted in the middle back.

U.S.S. Okinawa

I climbed into the cockpit of a CH-34 before Operation Beaver Cage. I can tell by the date I put on my instamatic photo.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Taylor posing next to the CH-34 assault chopper.

U.S.S. Okinawa

I believe this is the USS Okinawa's chopper.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Instamatic shot of me next to a CH-34 chopper on the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another pose on the deck of the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Another pose on the deck of the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

The man on the left facing away was our squad leader who became our platoon sergeant. His name was Sgt. Jones. He died in the beginning of July, 1967. Next to Jones was Sands, Walsted, Flick, Another Marine I don't recognize and far right I think is Terry Roberson.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Bill Taylor (me) on the right, next to me is Sgt. Jones, then Larson and Walsted.

U.S.S. Okinawa

A Marine standing on the elevator that moves the chopper up from the hanger deck of the USS Okinawa.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Steiner and Clark taking pictures.

U.S.S. Okinawa

Dale Szuminski on the left and Dale Walsted on the right. The USS Duluth in the background.

U.S.S. Okinawa

I think it's a picture of me.