From: Jim Knecht, N'awlins, Luzianna, jamescknecht@hotmail.com
Date: 12/20/2002
Time: 10:02:08 PM
Remote Name: 66.167.186.45
I was assigned to Hong Kong Mountain Resort by LSI in 1967. We used an Army TPX-44 as our RAPCON. Only thing was the damned thing was always kaput when we needed it and I had a few exciting and creative sessions when aircraft were incoming from all over asking for help about 15-20 miles out. Yes, I did have several in a northerly holding pattern with the new arrivals driving right in the direction of the beacon\holding pattern. Pucker factor at least 8 and sometimes 10! Got all them down safely! Pure skill, not an ounce of luck! That is my story and I'm sticking to it.
Other guys assigned to the hill were Thor Thorson USAF (Ret.) from Norton, California, Patrick Sweeny USAF (Ret.) from Pennsylvania, the boss Ed (last name forgotten), Rodriguez (first name forgotten), and one or two others completely forgotten (sorry guys). TSK Construction was the name of the construction company that poured the concrete pad and plugged the TPX-44 into the base of the artillery observation tower, enclosed the base and made the RAPCON ready room. We also built the GDC Club upstairs.
TSK = Thorson, Sweeny, and Knecht Construction Company, LLC (Limited Liability corporation = you got hurt, tough "stuff"). GDC Club =God Damn Civilian Club, a sobriquet awarded us PFCs (Proud F'ing Civilians) by our military associates downstairs in the O Club. We invited the nursed up for an evenings revelry at our resort and suddenly we became the friends of every officer in the 11th Avn group. Of course we 'pissed on the patch" every evening. A good time was had by all.
When I arrived on top of the mountain my deluxe accommodations were twin conex containers half buried and covered with sandbags. The accommodations were limited to no more than 34 occupants. Four people and 30 rats! The bathing facilities were on the edge of the resort with a southern view. All the people in the south could look up and see us showering au naturel under a 50 gallon drum with and air shower curtain for modesty. The water was rarely at the desired temperature, normally too cool. Add a little breeze and there was significant shrinkage as George Kastanza mentioned. Left the mountain resort for a seaside resort, Quin Nhon. Real beds and hot and hot running babes!!! Unfortunately Charles saw fit to crash our party during Tet.
While visiting the USAF Museum (Dayton Ohio) I saw a painting of a gazebo along the beach at Quin Nhon bay. The gazebo was near the B team Hq and we often sat there consuming adult beverages wishing were were back in the world. How small the world is.
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