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The
convoy would then proceed over the bridge and proceed on to Khe Sanh Combat
Base. This base was relatively
unknown until it became isolated by the NVA during the Tet
offensive. Sitting on a high plateau, the area around the base consisted of
large coffee and date palm plantations. Quite different than any of the
other areas I had seen thus far.
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A Rough Rider on the Khe Sanh
side of the Ruo Quan
River. This picture was taken from another vehicle in the convoy. It was
not uncommon for 50 or more vehicles to make up a Rough Rider. Because of
the threat of ambush they moved at a high rate of speed.
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Once
the convoy reached the Khe Sanh Combat Base, the cargo on the trucks would
be off loaded and we were again on the road back. After the last vehicle
crossed the bridge the engineers would then dismantle and load the bridge,
which took less than an hour, and bring it back to Ca
Lu.
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This
photo shows the west end of the Khe Sanh airstrip. The temperature was
around 120 degrees.
On
the convoy we had to wear our flak jackets, which trapped the sweat in our
shirts. It was a welcome relief when we finally reached our destination and
were able to take them off letting the breeze cool us off. An hour or so
later we would head back to Ca Lu.
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Dusters from the
Rough Rider refueling at Khe Sanh for the return trip to Dong Ha.
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