This Tour

has two parts...Quang Tri and Saigon

AFVN had its 'key station' or broadcast headquarters in Saigon -- but there were numerous detachments providing music, news, and sports closer to the troops.

Det 5 Quang Tri

This is what detachment 5 looked like from the top of the water tower.

Fortunately, all was not work. When not 'on the air', a guy could take a break. Some folks had a bike to ride...

and others [1LT Wiltsie] sometimes had a jeep.

When not repairing the bunker, one could repair to the bunker, if needed...

...or to the 'cozy' film library in the back of a conex.

This view of the interior of the site looks toward the nearby repo depot...

...while this view looks toward a road around the perimeter...

...as does this one.

Occasionally a trooper was sent out on a 'patrol' such as Miller here!

though he sometimes overdid the camouflage.

Det 5 radio and TV studios were in a frame hut and a trailer van.

But most beloved was Nellie Belle -- who some believe was WWII surplus.

Saigon

Saigon's Key Station was at #9 Hong Thap Tu Street

The tall tower at HQ provided both radio and TV broadcast signal.

The station's entry did provide a welcome site on arriving at work.

This is a closer shot of the entrance.

Guards were posted at the chainlink fence in front [and the rear].

The South Vietnamese had their own THVN station next door to AFVN.

The inside halls of AFVN were utilitarian [though the entry and work spaces were 'friendlier'.]

Television shows were handled from a central control room...

And it sent out live shows and filmed shows from stateside -- such as Georgie Jessel -- famous from Vaudeville days...

Music was provided by a number of disc jockeys over the years.

Another exterior view

Another exterior view

The snack bar behind the station served quick but not-so-delicious fast food to hungry GI's.

Someone in the snack bar forgot to clean the mess out front -- forgetting the presentation is half the meal [ok, 25 percent!]

Quonset huts a la WWII were where the supply officer and secretary hung out. Steve Wiltsie drew his .45 here, and reports he was able to return it and ALL the rounds.

And sandbagged areas in back helped provide security.

Saigon Skyline.

Saigon streets...likely shot from the front of the AFVN bus.

Saigon streets...likely shot from the front of the AFVN bus.

Saigon streets...likely shot from the front of the AFVN bus.

The Splendid BOQ -- where some AFVN officers stayed.

This 'through-the-wall' shot was taken at the Meyercord BOQ.

Civilians arrived and left Saigon through the civilian air terminal.

A closing 'miscellaneous' shot is of DaNang from Monkey Mountain.