Re: Railway Operating Battalion Personnel in Nam??
Author: Ernest H. Robl
Date: 07-25-2017 - 17:48
Well, the Vietnam railways certainly were not gone by 1970, when I rode (and photographed) trains between Da Nang and Hue. I had also seen trains on the line along Vietnam highway 1 numerous times in 1969 and 1970 -- including steam-powered work trains. I also saw the destroyed bridge over the Ben Hai River (border between South Vietnam and North Vietnam from a reconnaissance aircraft.)
At that time, the line was probably not open continuously all the way from Saigon to Hue, but major segments were certainly operating -- and well patronized by passengers.
The trains I rode had a mixture of French rolling stock and US diesels (U6B ?). While stationed in Da Nang, I saw some of these being delivered by US Navy ships.
No, I was not in a railroad unit; I was a military journalist.
Yes, the Vietnam war was a terrible waste of lives and resources. I think the Bronze Star Medal that I received in Vietnam (pinned on by a 3-star general) entitles me to say that.
-- Ernest