Vietnam basic training Ft. Ord

November 9, 2008 – 5:52 pm

ft-ord4.jpg

ft-ord-3.jpgWriter Gilbert Moore and photographer Jim Vestal visited Fort Ord in Monterey as training for the Vietnam War was ramping up. Both had been through basic training there in the early 1960’s but in the mid-1960’s thousands of soldiers were going to battle in South East Asia.
ft-ord.jpgAt the beginning of 1966 there were less 184,000 troops in Vietnam, by year’s end the number would be 389,000.
The story mentioned four San Luis Obispo county recruits. Wilbur Owens Jr., Roy Claassen, John Tiffin and Charles S. Cagle Jr.

The new recruits just off the bus in their civilian clothes looked and acted bewildered, the men completing the program had a sense of order that the 8 weeks of training had drilled in.

Quoting from the Gilbert Moore’s first person story,

10-22-66-basic-center.jpg

“Before I came into the Army,” said Tiffin, “I thought it was going to be a lot tougher than it actually was. In about two weeks I adjusted.”
The physical training wasn’t so tough he said.
This is a point that several drill sergeants groused to me about over coffee later.
They want it tougher, even though they have to do it all too.
Underneath the bark is usually a mother hen who worries and frets when recruits are sent out into the Army world softer than they’d like them to be.
But meningitis here closed down the post a few years ago, and since then the health regulations have been tough. Every recruit goes to bed at 9:30 p.m. no matter what. That, complain the DI’s isn’t good for discipline.


  1. 70 Responses to “Vietnam basic training Ft. Ord”

  2. I was drafted in June of 1965 from Los Angeles. I was with a whole bunch of draftees at the Reception Station in downtown LA. We were all assuming that we would go to Fort Ord for training and be relatively close to our families. This was not to be. It was announced that due to a serious outbreak of Meningitis at the training camp, we would all be sent to Fort Polk in southern Louisiana. I would have preferred Ord but Polk sure toughened one up and prepared us for our next stop: VietNam.

    By Richard on Nov 9, 2008

  3. Wow! Does that bring back memories. Somewhere, I have a copy of that edition of the Trib that my mother saved for me. When I showed this web page to one of my daughters, she at first refused to believe that guy in the uniform was actually her dad! Thanks for stirring some nice but distant memories.

    By John Tiffin on Nov 10, 2008

  4. Thanks for the comments Richard & John and to all who have served the nation on this Veteran’s Day, thank you.

    By David Middlecamp on Nov 11, 2008

  5. I was in Fort Ord oct 28 to feb 28 1963. A-1-1 up the hill. Lt. Brown was oure C.O. Please if somebody knows write to me. Johann. tHANKS

    By Johann R. SEDLAK on Feb 20, 2009

  6. I was at Ft. Ord in the summer and fall of 1963. My good friend from Simi Valley High School, CA, Ed (Edward)Hatten, joined the Army with me right after graduation and we were stationed at Ft. Ord together. In December 1963 we were sent to Korea for a year. In the ensuing years I have lost track of Ed and haven’t been able to locate him. My daughter found this site for me, so I thought I’d give it a try and see if anyone knows what happened to Ed and where he might be living at the present. Thank you

    By Larry Harmon Thompson on Mar 8, 2009

  7. Larry,
    You can try a people search through one of many websites. Just google “find anyone” or something similar. I just did a quick search on your friends name and several hits in your age group (Im assuming around 64-66 years of age) came up in various locations around the US. Be aware that there will be a charge for contact info, but its usually under $20. Id recommend trying several sites for price. Good luck in your search my friend.

    Joe

    By Joe Dunlap on Mar 9, 2009

  8. I am looking for fellow recruits that had meningitis, need to know how many left with medical discharge or what their after effects from Bacterial meningitis is.
    I was the 100 th case, Nov. 6 th 1964.

    Thanks for your time.

    Joe B.

    By Joseph Bensusen on Mar 14, 2009

  9. Hello,

    I am a freshman at Kenyon College in Ohio and am working on a presentation on basic training during Vietnam for a history class. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in answering a few questions regarding their experiences I would greatly appreciate it.

    Thank you,
    Ryan

    By Ryan Mo. on Mar 25, 2009

  10. Ryan, try R. Lee Ermey’s website. There are many dozens of Vietnam Vets there that would likely help you out.

    Just a warning, old Vets don’t like people writing the tired old Liberal BS rhetoric about combat vets.

    By SSG David Medzyk on Mar 25, 2009

  11. Hi, Ryan.

    I’ll do my best to answer questions. Contact me at pastor@baywoodchurch.com

    By John Tiffin on Mar 26, 2009

  12. I was at Fort Ord Sept 24 1970-Dec 16 1970

    By John Paul on Mar 27, 2009

  13. I was in Fort ordOct 1963. A-1-1 up the hill new barracks. My commander was LT. Brown. I would love to have a T-shirt. XXL. McDonnald wasmy traing SGT.Please write. Johann

    By Johann R. SEDLAK on Jun 2, 2009

  14. I was in fort ord oct 28 1963. LT BROWN was my commander. Up the hill. Johann from vienna AUSTRIA.

    By Sedlak Johann R. on Jun 25, 2009

  15. I took basic at Ft. Ord 0ct 1973. I was in Bravo 2/3. I never thought I would look back at Ft. Ord with fondness, but I do.

    By Alfred Aguilar on Jul 1, 2009

  16. Just a warning, some of us don’t feel the way you do about hindering speech; that’s one of things I put my life on the line for while in Nam!

    TN

    By Thomas on Jul 2, 2009

  17. Thanks for the comment Thomas, and your service.

    Speech here isn’t hindered much. ‘Be civil’ is the guiding rule.
    When I created Photos from the Vault it was with the aim that all folks would feel welcome to comment and share stories, correct errors, agree, disagree, take issues up. It is an attempt to make the tent bigger rather than smaller.

    I am of the mind that if a discussion has turned into name calling or personal threats the argument has been lost.
    There are plenty of venting venues on talk radio and cable TV, and other blogs. This arena is striving for a different level of conversation.

    FYI I can only think of three cases since the start where I have asked folks to think about what they have written. Only one case of a threat thread being removed out of 710 comments to date since November of 2007.

    I’d be curious to know, does anyone feel their freedom of expression is too limited here?

    By David Middlecamp on Jul 2, 2009

  18. Not so far.

    By Steven Lester on Jul 3, 2009

  19. I was in co. B, 2nd bn, 3rd BCT in the summer of 75. I remember some of the drill sgts, and the two story wooden barracks. I also remember crawling around in ice plants, how I hated ice plants.

    By Fletcher Hutchins on Jul 6, 2009

  20. Do anyone remember a carl west who was at Ft Ord sometime from 1968 thru possibly sometime in the 1970’s I have looking for him for a friend of mine. This is his father and well the rest of the story is for him to tell not me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    By Michelle Pulley on Jul 11, 2009

  21. I was at Fort Ord from July 1972 to September. I was drafted and luckily I was sent to Germany and not Vietnam. Ord was great, I recently I visited and was so sad it was no longer a military installation. I met some good people there. I was the only Texan in a platoon of California guys. Anybody know if the platoon photos were archived by the military of any other. I am trying to replace one that was damaged.

    By Hector on Jul 17, 2009

  22. May 1971. I was shouted off the bus by an angry black man wearing a wierd looking flat brimmed hat. It was near midnight, maybe that was why he was pissed off. A rag tag assortment of long hairs and misfits, the sightr of us seemed to sicken the scowling stranger standing rigid in a crisp Class A uiniform covered with patches, lifer stripes and a wealth of decorations on his right breat. None of which I knew anything about. We heard the speech everyone hears upon reaching that alien place. We were informed, in no uncertain terms, that we were no longer people. Now we were troops. One man was one troop, 100 men were 100 troops. If one troop amidst 100 troops failed to “stand tall”, the entire 100 troops failed, and all 100 would suffer the consequences. He was to prove correct. May June July were the perfect months to go through basic and Fort Ord was the perfect place.

    By Dan on Jul 20, 2009

  23. I was at AIT Clerk Typist School in early 1974, came in as a PFC (ROTC in High School for Three Years). When they found out I could already type 35 WPM (Junior High Typing Class) they sent me on. I thought they would teach me touch typing. Not!

    Our DI was a Black Drill Instructor Sergeant training for the Marine P.T. Test. I have no idea why, but He MADE Us his training buddies, and tryed to run Us to death every day.

    His assistant was a Psycho White Drill Instructor. I saw a guy pass out during a run, and the assistant D.I. ran up and started kicking, and yelling at him, until he finally realized he was unconscious. Then he just ran off, to re join the platoon. Two of us were trying to help the guy when the support truck came along, and they sent us on. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done anything I could to put that D.I. on the carpet, or get him kicked out.

    Anyway, what was the deal with the “ice plants”? What exactly were they, and why were they always yelling for us not to step on them. I think they were “protected” somehow by the EPA, but I’m not sure. The real plant name might help with my web search. Thanks.

    And I also remember a lot of pot around the barracks. It was before the piss testing, but it was’nt my thing. And they had a whole lot of guards with M-16’s, and .45’s on Pay Day at the Gymnasium. A dozen or more officers with a briefcases each, full of cash. I heard a rumor that there had been a ripoff recently, and I don’t think they wanted another one. If memory serves they were not all M.P’s, just a few, plus the “Volunteers.”

    And a building had been broken into, and there was bloody glass, so they lined up all the platoons, and had us strip our blouses for a hand and arm inspection. So much for our rights. None of us were cut up, and I never heard anymore about it.

    By Marty C. Thomas on Jul 21, 2009

  24. I remember Ft. Ord. Arrived at o’dark 30 on October 22, 1966 on a bus from the L.A. Induction Center and assigned to Company A or was it B, 5th Platoon, 3rd Bn 3rd Training Bde. A-3-3 or B-3-3 – the “Bayonet” company. It was the longest day! Remember Mighty Mouse? Remember big Sgt. Springer and his 2 x 4 swagger stick? Why were half the platoon from NY and the other half from So. Calif? Was it some kind of Army experiment? NY’ers and Surfers didn’t mix well in the beginning. Not “Good Vibrations.” I remember the cold and black October mornings, first formation, Sergeant says, “smoke’em if you got’em”, rustling of cig packs, Zippo lighters clanking open, striking flint, the smell of lighter fluid and cigarette smoke wafting through the ranks in that dark damp coolness by the sea. Long training days, short evenings, then Tattoo and Taps at night. Most of us survived. I went on to AIT Ft. Gordon, GA; then Co. A, 144th Sig Bn, 4th Armored Div., Goppingen, Germany; then Vietnam – 661st Ord Co. Ammo; 84th Ord Bn., Qui Nhon (4/68-5/69).

    By George L. Escobedo on July 22, 2009

    By George L Escobedo on Jul 22, 2009

  25. Drafted 5/13/69 Did Basic and AIT at Ft. Ord and became an instructor in Quick Fire and Infiltration Course for BCT Committee Group while waiting OCS orders.
    Never did re-up and ETS’d from the DMZ in Korea as a Strike Force Team Leader.
    Loved the Carmel Valley Ranch and Hatchcover Bar in Carmel valley where lifer cougarwives would poach young NCO’s.

    By Richard J. Heagle on Jul 24, 2009

  26. I was Ft Ord from August 28,1973 untill aprox Dec 1973 for Basic Training.I went back to Ft Ord May 2009 and was shocked beyound belief.I think they did the stupidest thing they could of done close Ft Ord.It was the hardest training I ever went thru.I am very thankful I did POW camp was awesome though.I will have 30 yrs Dept of Defense service Sept 2009 and can retire.It has been an awesome but eventful ride.
    Chuck Crocker (Lemoore,Calif)

    By CHUCK CROCKER on Jul 30, 2009

  27. Hello to Ft. Ord veterans.
    Just a suggestion, but with all the interest in the topic someone should start a website or blog for folks who served at the facility. I’d be happy to link to it if that becomes a reality.
    Thanks to the veterans for serving.

    By David Middlecamp on Aug 3, 2009

  28. I was a DI at Fort Polk during 1966 to 1968 in Tigerland.I am trying to locate others who served with me on North Fort at Fort Polk.
    Sgt Morgan,Sgt Johnson,Sgt Develatie
    Lost many a good friends serving with me during that time in our lives.
    Sgt Greene

    By James Greene on Aug 3, 2009

  29. Anyone here who might have been at Ft. Ord Oct. 1965 through March 1966? My brother, James Edward Tooley, was there. Died Vietnam Dec. 19, 1966.

    By Carol Collins on Aug 10, 2009

  30. I attended basic training (C33) and advanced training (D24) at Ft Ord, CA. I arrived on post May 6, 1964, and departed on October 12, 1964, a hour or so before the post was closed due to the spinal meningitis outbreak in which twelve soldiers and 2 civilians had died and over 200 were hospitalized, according to published reports. Fear had gripped many who lived on and off post. I remember we were not tested or briefed about the growing medical situation, and that ambulances could be heard rushing to and from the training area almost daily. Newspaper stands in the area were removed as word spread quickly that soldiers and dependents were falling ill and dying from an undetectable illness. And, when a soldier’s girlfriend died after spending the weekend together, we knew that some soldiers could carry the disease to others without feeling the effects themselves. Any soldier in uniform who went on pass was routinely taunted or threatened. On October 9th, the governor of California demanded that the post be closed. Three days later the Army complied. The post closed just as three of us departed for the Monterey Airport. Fear that I was carrying spinal meningitis did not enter my mind until customers at the airport denied us entrance. The fear in their eyes was quite disturbing. My request to return to Fort Ord to be tested for the disease was denied. We then drove to San Francisco International where I caught a flight to Washington, DC. All during the flight I could not help but wonder if I was spreading the disease to others on the plane.

    By Jim Satcher on Aug 16, 2009

  31. I attended Basic training at Fort Ord from Nov through Dec of 1971. H11 (Headquarters Company, 1st battalion, 1st Brigade in the newer concrete barracks up on the hill. If there is anybody out there please give a shout. I would sure like to get a Comapany photo if anyone has one or knows how and where to acquire one

    By Wayne Headlough on Aug 20, 2009

  32. 3rd Platoon Bravo Co. 3rd Bt. 3rd BCT Brigade, Feb. 70 Apr. 70. Good Old Sgt. Wheeler was my temporary military minded gubmint appointed “Mommy and Daddy,” no doubt sent from the theological location of eternal punishment, for those eight long but lovely weeks, of sunshine, exercise, fine high speed food and salt sea air. You just haven’t lived, until you do the 40 yard low crawl through a very large patch of those devilish ice plants beside the beautiful blue sea, near majestic old Stilwell Hall.

    By Ron Ratliff on Aug 25, 2009

  33. I was stationed at Ft. Ord from 1971-73. 6th Army USHQCO and I processed people out of the Army. CO was Ken Showalter. I also worked special services with Roger Jellison who ran the rec dept. I have very fond memories of the place and the people I served with.

    By Mike Rogers on Aug 31, 2009

  34. I was in Fort Ord 28 Oct 1963 when Kennedy got shot. Any one please write. I live in my home in Vienna AUSTRIA. Co Lt Brown. I s anybody out ther.?

    By Johann R.SEDLAK on Sep 3, 2009

  35. Wasn’t Kennedy shot on November 22nd? I’m just asking.

    By Steven Lester on Sep 3, 2009

  36. 11-22-63 correct

    By dan on Sep 9, 2009

  37. I was a drill sergeant at Fort Ord for about 6-8 months of my final 2 year draftee status and service in Vietnam. This would have been about October ‘69 through maybe May ‘70. I have no pictures of any of that time and am hoping someone ou there may remember Sgt. Pollard and be willing to share some pix !!?

    By Larry Pollard on Sep 19, 2009

  38. I was drafted in 1971, did my basic and ait in fort ord from May to Sept. Had orders to vietman but was sent to Korea. In trainng i was in D COMPANY 4TH BATTLION 3RD BRIGADE, (D43)ANYONE THAT WAS IN THIS COMPANY?

    By Eddie Herrera on Sep 25, 2009

  39. I did Basic at Ft. Ord in 1970 from April through June. I was assigned to A-1-1. I remember Drill Sgts. Privitt (my Plt.), Sablan, Davis, Lambert, Cox, Parks, Poland and our Senior Drill Sgt. Cadle. Anyone else remember wearing those white magot tags on our uniforms and the privilege of burning them upon graduation? :) )
    I also did AIT there with D-2-2 in those WWII wooden barracks.
    It was an interesting place for a guy from the East coast who had never been further west than upstate NY. I remember pulling guard duty out at Stillwell Hall.
    I met some good people at Ft. Ord and would like to contact anyone that may have served with me there.

    By John Mira on Sep 26, 2009

  40. I did BCT C21 Dec 72-Feb 73, then AIT–forgot the unit. While waiting for AIT class to start, I was a holdover at the BCT company–got to paint the white rope & posts that surrounded the company area. I’m really saddened to see the fort closed and some of the pictures out on the Web–sections should be preserved.

    By Jerry Hellinga on Oct 9, 2009

  41. I was a Drill Sgt. with D43 from April 68 to Nov. 69 Fot Ord was a great place to bad to see it now.

    By Phil Johnson on Oct 10, 2009

  42. I took basic training at Fort Ord in Feb. 1959. Was in D-2-1, in the newer cement barracks on the hill. I still have my “yearbook”. Sure brings back memories!
    jhnbllngr@gmail.com

    By John Bollinger on Oct 24, 2009

  43. i was at fort ord from aug 72-oct 72 basic training and hold over….was in d 4 3 for baSIC…have been looking for a friend i made there..his name is jerry sanches from clovis california…we had a blast while there..made basic a lot easier..sure would love to get a hold of him…and any other person that was in that company for basic during that time…

    By alberto caballero on Oct 28, 2009

  44. Hi,
    I am a research and developer for Benacair non profit legal corporation, “Veterans Assistance” located in the state building-9207 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth CA 91311 tel: 818 701 9800X152.

    Currently we are looking for those veterans that entered basic training 1965 thru 66 and whom were a part of the outbreak of meningococci. Some of the Veteran who recovered decided to waive any SC disabilites and choose to continue military service and are still suffering the side effects. Please give me either a call or give your comments. Dr. David Alcaras, contracted the Meningococcal meningitis in 1965.

    By Joseph Benavides on Oct 31, 2009

  45. I was at ft Ord in Oct 73 for Bct
    then off to Ft lost in the woods
    for AIT what an experience.

    By Doug Campbell on Nov 3, 2009

  46. Hi, David, and thanks again for stirring so many nice memories!

    The site http://www.crswann.com/ftord/ftord.htm is “Fort Ord Remembered.” I came across it some years ago and it has many postings from people who served there. Last time I checked, however, it was not actively accepting new posts, so if anyone knows of another perhaps more current site, I (and I’m sure the others above) would love to know about it. John Tiffin (BCT at Ft. Ord, Aug-Oct, 1966; D-2-1 under Capt. Billy Cone)

    By John Tiffin on Nov 4, 2009

  47. I was at Ft. Ord, April through June 1974, for BCT. B 6 3 the best damm company on the hill Drill Sgt. It was definatley a life changing experience, as I think about it I am proud to have been able to serve. Hopefuly sometime in the near future I will get back up there just to look around.

    By Mike Rangel on Nov 10, 2009

  48. at ft ord in aug 1972 bct member of aco 1st bn 1st brg any other member would like to here my drill sgts name was workman would like to hear from some one from that time

    By Karl davis on Nov 16, 2009

  49. I was stationed at Ford Ord from January 1971
    to April 1971. Company C 1st Battalion 3rd
    Brigade (C-1-3) Anyone from same ou there.

    By Michael Roberts(Utah) on Nov 26, 2009

  50. I was in basic training at Fort Ord CA in 1963. On the firing line the day john Kennedy was killed. – tough times, those.

    By George Springer "Tony" on Nov 28, 2009

  51. I was in (H-1-3) in 1973 for basic training at Ft Ord and worked for AAFES at the Presidio of SF until the mid 80’s. I’m looking for anyone that remembers the either the bowling alley at Ft Ord or the Presidio. They used to serve some packaged sandwiches, The Torpedo, Longhorn Steak, Poor Boy, etc that I fell in love with. Ate those up to the time I left AAFES and then lost track after the bases were closed down. Just wondering if anyone knows anything about them and do they still exist somewhere. Do you know the name of the company that made them? Any help tracking these down would be greatly appreciated.

    By Les Puskas on Dec 1, 2009

  52. B42 Splinter Village 30AUG71-23DEC71 16week infantry cycle. We came out with 2 MOS”s 11B &11C. SDI Poole and his dog “Bacon” marched us dowm to the theater to see PATTON when it first came out. Drill Sgt Zimmerman was 2nd Plt Sgt. Cpt Searle was Co. Some of the best days of my life. Loved the Army and ate up basic & AIT. Went on to Ft Benning, Ft Kobbe, Canal Zone, Ft Riley, & Oakland Army Base. Did 3yrs active & 13yrs Reserve. Would love to hear from anyone from that time

    By John McVay on Dec 5, 2009

  53. From Palmdale CA to Fort Ord for BCT Jan-Mar 1969. D-2-3 new barracks. Have been back to Ord twice in the last five years just to look around. New barracks look the same. Older buildings deteriorating. Weeds everywhere. Scrub brush and chapparal overgrown. Beach ranges gone. Looks like a ghost town which is what it is. Still brought back a flood of memories, both kinds.

    By Doug Moore on Dec 13, 2009

  54. Looking for any information on the Drill Sergeant School at Fort Ord. When did it close, Who were the commandants and Chief Instructors at the school any photos of the school. simpsonusa@aol.com

    By Gerald Simpson on Dec 28, 2009

  55. I did Basic at Fort Ord from Sept., to Nov. 1970 C- 3 – 1. I was from New Jersey and the Army sent me to California for Basic. That was the first time and only time I was in California. My Drill SGT. was SGT.Smith.

    By Sam Martone on Dec 31, 2009

  56. Was in A11 oct 63
    Mike Kelly from lake tahoe

    By Michael Kelly on Jan 2, 2010

  57. i am trying to find a map of ft. ord as it was during 1960-1965. my wife and i lived there during that period, were married there in 1966, and returned for a visit in 2006. a lot of things have changed or are gone. any assistance in finding map of the post as it was back when will be appreciated. thank you.

    By t.hawkins on Jan 5, 2010

  58. I went to Basic in 1968 (B-3-3) and after my tour in Viet Nam I returned as a Drill Sgt. in C-1-3 and A-1-3. Since I was born in Monterey County (Carmel) and my Father served at Ft. Ord before me this place has always held a special place for me. I am now the Senior Drill at a Military Academy in Visalia, CA.

    By D. Sirkin on Jan 7, 2010

  59. I went to basic at Ft. Ord March 1973 to May 1973. Was in A-3-3 on the Hill. My DI was SFC Eugene Butts. I was very impressed by him, what a true soldier. He did few tours in Nam. I remember our commander was General Hal Moore.

    By Gordon Fehlman on Jan 11, 2010

  60. Hello;Anyone from A-4-2 Nov 1968-jan 1969( in the old barricks)D.I. Linde C.O. Capt Beckland.
    Fort Ord was a good place to be stationed,if
    their was such a thing at the time.Looking for
    Larry Brock from Texas,Bob Cherry from Oklahoma,Bob Bemis from L.A.and others.
    Thanks

    By Mike cesarano on Jan 15, 2010

  61. My son just set up a new office in Viet Nam for the computer co. he owns.It is just a block from Mc Donalds in Hanoi.He says that we
    should have dropped Big Macs and not bombs.Then
    they would have asked for fries with the Big
    Macs.The Viet Nam War was just a big waste of
    American lives.And I am a Viet War Vet.

    By John Hardisty on Jan 19, 2010

  62. I was stationed at Ft. Ord following my basic training at Ft. Gordon, GA. From July 1967-May 1968 I was assigned to the CDEC command. From there over to Vietnam. I recall Ft. Ord and the Monterey area with warm and fond memories. Wonder what happened to the men I was there with. Have some old faded photos of them and of those days……….

    By John Civitello on Jan 20, 2010

  63. looking for anyone who had Basic Training at Fort Ord in August 1966; I was in H-4-3 with Sgt. Jones.

    Thanks,
    Thomas,
    (619) 962-4814

    By James on Jan 23, 2010

  64. I was at Ft. Ord for two years. Basic C-3-1 then DI school a little over a year later. DI at C-3-1 from Oct. 1970 to July 1971. Best time of my life. Love to here from anyone that has survived. Drill Sgt. Traxler
    gwtaxman@gmail.com

    By Dan Traxler on Jan 23, 2010

  65. My father was a German POW WWII, I think from 1943/44 onwards and I am trying to find out more information about his time there and photos. Does anyone know a good reference website or where I could find out more information?
    thanks Angela

    By angela koenig on Jan 25, 2010

  66. Drafted and arrived from Portland, OR to Ft. Ord on Feb. 21, 1966. Spent 3 days there and had us take sulphur drugs because of a meningitus outbreak. Then they took 3,000 of us to Ft. Campbell, KY for basic training which they hadn’t had there in many years. 5 weeks into basic training, I came down with Steven Johnson symdrom and spent the next 6 wks and 4 days in Campbell Army Hosp. They didn’t know how to treat it or what caused it initially, but it was diagnosed at Steven Johnson syn. and was treated with high dose steroids. They asked about the sulpha drugs I had been given at Ft. Ord. They told me at the time, I was only the 2nd case they’d ever had at that hospital. Since then, I’ve had one recurrence after a bad sunburn. Again, steroids stopped the progression. If there’s anyone out there that had similiar symptoms or reactions in 1966 after taking sulpha drugs at Ft. Ord because of the meningitus, please contact me.

    By Walter T. Harris on Jan 29, 2010

  67. I was at Fort Ord for Basic Training. Date of Induction was 30NOV71 (Los Angeles, CA). My Basic Training Unit was also D-4-3 in the old barracks not far from the bowling alley. AIT was also at Fort Ord (C-5-1) but in the new barracks on the hill by the hospital. How about the runs to the beach? Anybody remember going to Stillwell Hall? Ed bte52@verizon.net

    By Ed Blackburn on Jan 31, 2010

  68. I did basic at Ord and served with Company C, 1st Btn, 3rd Bgd; D/I was SSGT Brooks. My cell mate was Grover Ford. The dates were 1963-1964. Cheers to anyone out there that remembers those tough days through 1968. JJ

    By Joe Janey on Feb 2, 2010

  69. Hi, My name is Drill Sgt. Richard Dahl. I was a Drill Instructor at Ft.Ord from April 1970 to May 1972.
    Companies were: B-2-1 D-2-1 on the hill.

    I was also down by the bowling alley with:D-4-3

    Would love to hear from fellow Drill Instructors or Trainees.

    I would love to have some pictures.
    Thanks

    By Richard Dahl on Feb 4, 2010

  70. Richard Dahl
    Email to: ddhll48216@comcast.net

    By Richard Dahl on Feb 4, 2010

  71. I am trying to help my dad he was in vietnam 1966 to like 1970 Belive. His name is Dale house I think he would have been in fort polk for boot camp he is from the LA area He was a golden dragon and a lrrp in 1966 He was a DI at ft.ord for a short while. I belive He is not in real good health these days and have been looking for some pepole that might know him anything will help thanks. Jessesupra95@yahoo.com is my email. thanks again

    By Jesse House on Feb 4, 2010

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