Roy Spencer
Vietnam, Veteran-Air Force, Pilot
A1, Hero
1Lt., Clyde W. Campbell, was the pilot of a J-model, Spad, on an operational mission over Laos, on March 1, 1969. His precise role on that day, is unclear. The mission took him, in northern Xiangkhoang Province, near the city of Na Khang. This area was in Military, Region II and on the northern edge, of the Plain, of Jars region. FAC., (Forward Air Control) in Laos, was conducted by RAVENS, who were volunteers clandestinely stationed in Laos, to support anti-communist efforts, in that country. These conventional pilots, were among the best the Air Force, had to offer and saw more combat flying, during a tour, than any other single group. FACs., had to be intimately familiar, with the terrain and populous, of their regions and have an excellent handle on enemy activity, as well. Na Khang, was the location of Lima, Site 36. North Vietnamese forces, had been building towards an attack on Lima, Site 85, (some 150, miles, to the north) for several weeks. Lima, 85, was the northern, most site and was the base, for radar and radio equipment used, to direct air traffic over North Vietnam. Lima, 36, the next base, south, was used at this time, for a staging area. Indigenous troops were flown out, of this site and aircraft, could refuel here. Lima, 85, was overrun and taken later, on March 18, 1969. Following the fall of "the Rock," Lima Site, 36, was taken. Enemy activity in Military Region II, was greatly increased, during this time period and U.S., aircraft were brought in, from neighboring Thailand, in great numbers. At a point about 10, miles west, of Na Khang, Campbell's aircraft, was shot down. Others in the area reported, that Campbell, was dead and the Air Force, listed him Killed in Action, Body Not Recovered.
Mar 1, 2008 |
