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The USAF in Southeast Asia, vol 2, 1960-1961.

Volume 2 of the USAF in SEA and the Vietnam War documents how the US reached the point where its leaders believed it needed to more actively engage in Southeast Asia.

Photo of Edward G. Lansdale.

BG Edward G. Lansdale, had worked closely with South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem in 1954–56 while Lansdale was detailed to the CIA. Lansdale was one of the most influential voices in U.S. government debates in 1960–61 about what to do in Vietnam.

Lt. Col Harry Aderholt, commander of Detachment 2 of the 1045th Operations Evaluation and Training group, an unconventional warfare unit, using Takhli, RTAB to launch covert air operations during the Vietnam war.

Lt. Col Harry Aderholt, commander of Detachment 2 of the 1045th Operations Evaluation and Training group, an unconventional warfare unit, using Takhli, RTAB to launch covert air operations during the Vietnam war.

The 4400th CTCS, was known as "Jungle Jim" and deployed to South Vietnam in November 1961 to carry out a mission designated as Farm Gate. The units principal fighter was the TF-28, shown here at Bien Hoa shortly after arrival.

The 4400th CTCS, was known as "Jungle Jim" and deployed to South Vietnam in November 1961 to carry out a mission designated as Farm Gate. The units principal fighter was the TF-28, shown here at Bien Hoa shortly after arrival.

C-123 Providers were used in Vietnam in special aerial spray flights, Operation Ranch Hand, and as troop carriers in Project Mule Train.

C-123 Providers were used in Vietnam in special aerial spray flights, Operation Ranch Hand, and as troop carriers in Project Mule Train.

President Kennedy and General Curtis LeMay, 1961, as LeMay is sworn in as Chief of Staff, June 30 1961.

President Kennedy and General Curtis LeMay, 1961, as LeMay is sworn in as Chief of Staff, June 30 1961.

Col. Benjamin H. King, the first commander of 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron, better known as Jungle Jim, with the detachment that carried out the Farm Gate operation. King is wearing the hat that became the trademark of the air commandos.

Col. Benjamin H. King, the first commander of 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron, better known as Jungle Jim, with the detachment that carried out the Farm Gate operation. King is wearing the hat that became the trademark of the air commandos.

 

 

About AFHSD

 

 

 

The Air Force Historical Support Division is part of the Air Force History and Museums Program and is located in Washington, DC at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

AFHSD primarily researches and writes the history of Headquarters Air Force, and also provides historical information, analysis, and perspective to Air Force leaders and their staffs in support of planning policy development and decision making. 

 

 

THE USAF IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE VIETNAM WAR: A NARRATIVE CHRONOLOGY, Volume 2: 1960 - 1961

BY KENNETH H. WILLIAMS