1966-1971 VIETNAM WAR

Introduction

My name is John Fraser, I was a mechanic in the 104th Engineer Co. (DT) from Jan. 5, 1968 until Jan. 1, 1969.  I have
attempted to put together the Vietnam era history of the 104th.  This story is dedicated to all the men who served in the unit from
1966 through 1971.  I would like to thank Ralph Keiper and John Groh for all their work on the web site as that effort has made it
possible to communicate and reminisce about our unit and our service.  Ralph suggested that I attempt to write the history of the
104th.

I also need to thank LTC Doug Lehmann (USA), who keeps the web site for the AEA (Army Engineer Association), as he pointed
me in the right direction and provided contact people who could possibly help me.  One such person, who he suggested, was Dr.
Michael Brodhead, Historian, Office of History, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alexandria, VA.  He researched; photo copied,
and mailed hundreds of pages of documents.  Without his super effort this paper would not be possible.  Thank you Dr.
Brodhead.  Also, Dr. Larry Roberts of the USAES History Office, Fort Leonard Wood MO provided information covering parts
of 1971.  They all were a great help and without their efforts none of this would be possible.

104th Engineer Company (Dump Truck) Activation and Deployment

The 104th Engineer Co. (DT) was activated on 1 July 1966 by general orders number 33, HQ. Fort George G. Meade, MD.  The
unit was assigned to HQ First U.S. Army, attached to Fort George G. Meade and further attached to the Special Troops Regiment
of the Post.  The unit was immediately alerted for overseas movement.  The personnel Readiness Date was set for 14 Dec 1966
and Equipment Readiness by 28 Nov 1966.

The unit was given accelerated training in Construction Battalion and Construction Support Operations pertaining to Dump Truck
Operational Requirements.  Company efforts were also directed toward equipment maintenance and movement preparation.  The
mechanics were given special training on the multi fuel engines.

The unit was given leave and Christmas off.  All personnel returned for command reveille at 0600 hours on 26 Dec 1966 as
ordered.  The main body of the unit departed from Fort Meade by bus at 2300 hours, 26 Dec 1966, proceeded to Friendship
International Airport in Baltimore, MD and flew by commercial airline to Oakland, CA.  The unit embarked on the USNS
DARBY and sailed from the U.S. On 28 Dec 1966.  The unit arrived at Long Binh, Vietnam on 17 Jan 1967.  The unit equipment
arrived 23 Jan 1967 and within a few days the company was completely operational.  Work was on-going to the base camp area in
Long Binh.


104th Engineer Company (Dump Truck) arrival in Long Binh, Vietnam

The 104th Engineer Co. (DT) was originally under the command of the 79th Engineer Group when it arrived in Vietnam.  The
79th Engineer Group (motto: Excellence Proven in Combat) was activated and arrived in Vietnam on 16 July 1966 from Fort
Lewis, WA.

The 79th Group was switched from the 18th Engineer Brigade, where it first served in Vietnam, to the Engineer command in
December 1966, and in the fall of 1967 received its final major command switch to the 20th Engineer Brigade.  The Group was
located at Phan Rang where it assigned projects to its subordinate units, allocated troops, construction material and equipment.  In
October 1966 the Group relocated to Long Binh, where it stayed until its departure from Vietnam.  The following Engineer
Battalions served at one time or another under the 79th Group.

27th Eng. Battalion
93rd Eng. Battalion
31st Eng. Battalion
168th Eng. Battalion
34th Eng. Battalion
554th Eng. Battalion
62nd Eng. Battalion
588th Eng. Battalion
86th Eng. Battalion

In December 1966 and January 1967 three more units joined the 79th Group.  The 500th Eng. Co. (Panel Bridge) stationed in
Long Binh Arrived 12 Dec 1966.  The 67th Eng. Co. (Dump Truck) stationed in Cu Chi and THE WE DROP OUR ROCKS
ANYWHERE, 104TH Engineer Co. (Dump Truck) stationed in Long Binh, arrived 17 Jan 1967.

The arrival of the two Dump Truck companies, the 67th and the 104th, provided badly needed dump truck assets to the 79th
Group.  The 67th Eng. Co. Was assigned, upon arrival, to the 588th Eng. Battalion in Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, and Dau Tieng.  The
104th Eng. Co. Was kept in support of the 79th Group in Long Binh.  The 104th supported the 86th Eng. Battalion at Phu Loi
and the 168th Eng. Battalion at Di An.  The 104th also support the 27th Eng. Battalion at Long Giao. All roads traveled during
daylight hours in armed convoys.

The 104th Engineer Co. (DT) Operations During 1967

The 104th began operations in January, 1967 shorthanded.  The unit was set up into 6 dump truck sections with 8 trucks per
section. There were two Platoons with 3 sections in each Platoon. There were a total of 48 Multi fuel M51A2 5-Ton Dump
Trucks.  The company was authorized 2 drivers to a truck.  There was a shortage of 24 drivers so the unit could not operate at
full efficiency.

Between 10 Feb and 5 April two complete sections from the 2nd Platoon, including sixteen dump trucks and twenty-four
personnel, were attached to the 27th Eng. Battalion at Long Giao.  During the period of their attachment the sections covered
7,832 miles and hauled 14,270 yards of bulk materials.  During the period 19 Feb through 23 March one section of the 1st
Platoon, including eight dump trucks and nine personnel, were attached to Company A, 168th Eng. Battalion for Operation
JUNCTION CITY I.  The section drove 7,067 miles and hauled 4,770 yards of bulk materials.  Two of the eight dump trucks
were destroyed on this mission, one on 21 Feb and another on 10 March.  Neither of the drivers was injured due to adequate
sandbagging of the dump truck floors.  On 22 Feb another section of the 1st Platoon was dispatched to Operation JUNCTION
CITY I and attached to Company B, 588th Eng. Battalion.  Prior to their return on 16 March the section had driven 9,428 miles
and had carried 3,040 yards of bulk materials.  Two sections stayed back in Long Binh and gave general support to the 79th
Group.

At the same time that all this hauling was being done the new company area was being built.  During these first 3 months in
country the 104th built its motor pool and truck parking area.  It also built a shower with a tower, two latrines, four permanent
bunkers, one water tank, a dispatch office, and ordnance supply office, a welding shop, a POL storage area, a tool shop, and
began construction on two of the eight Adams huts authorized to house the troops.

Needless to say the unit was very busy these first few months.  Plus, everyone was new to the war zone and climate change.  
These first members of the 104th did quite a job of setting the company up and adapting to the situation and carrying out their
mission. In April they hauled approximately 10,000yards of rock from the University Quarry near Long Binh to Phu Loi to assist
the 554th Eng. Battalion in construction of an airfield.

In May of 1967 the unit was finally at full strength and 24 assistant driver-gunners were added.  This was authorized as the 79th
Group wanted each truck to have a driver and an assistant driver- gunner (shotgun).  Morale in the unit was high.  The 104th was
still operating with 48 5-ton dumps.

Engineer Groups

Between 5 June and 1 July two complete sections plus four trucks of the third section from the 2nd Platoon and 48 personnel
were attached to the 554th Engineer Battalion, Cu Chi.  These personnel worked a two-shift 20-hour day.  During the day they
worked on the causeway for the Phu Cuong Bridge, while at night, they hauled laterite for construction projects on post.  During
the period of their attachment, the sections traveled 40,385 miles and hauled 26,760 yards of bulk materials.  On the 1st of July
the Platoons were rotated.  The second Platoon returned to Long Binh while the 1st Platoon took their place.  During the period 1
July through 31 July two complete sections of the 1st Platoon were with the 554th Eng. Battalion, while the other section was
attached to the 65th Engineer Battalion (combat).  On 19 July an additional section from the second Platoon was attached to the
65th Eng. Battalion (C).  At this time 16 vehicles were with the 554th Eng. Battalion, which, during this period, traveled 36,548
miles while hauling 14,319 equivalent yards of bulk materials.  The two sections attached to the 65th Eng. Battalion (C) during this
period traveled 10,466 miles while hauling 16,859 equivalent yards of bulk material.

At the same time, the unit constructed the other 6 Adams huts for a total of eight huts in the company area that were utilized as
troop billets.  Two additional tropical buildings were constructed which were used as a combined orderly/supply room.  A
maintenance building, which included a tool room and dispatch office, was also constructed.

Once again the 104th continued to be very busy with hauling and company area construction.  The unit was well on its way to
being established in Vietnam.

On 5 August 1967 the command structure of the 79th Engineer Group was significantly altered by the arrival and assumption of
command by the 20th Engineer Brigade.  From this date on our units official designation was 20th Engineer Brigade, 79th
Engineer Group, 104th Engineer Company (Dump Truck).


The 20th Engineer Brigade with its Motto:  Building Combat Power , has quite a history.  The 20th Engineer Brigade extends back
to the American Civil War though the unit designations have changed many times since.  It was originally constituted on 3 August
1861 (under a different title), and its ancestors fought in campaigns in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine
Insurrection, the Mexican Expedition, and World Wars, I & II.  The 20th Engineer Brigade was activated for the Vietnam War at
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 1 May 1967.  The unit departed Pope AFB 1 Aug 67 for Vietnam and arrived at Bien Hoa AFB.  
The unit then assumed command of the 159th, 79th, and 34th Engineers Groups.

During the latter part of 1967 the 104th remained at its authorized strength, and continued running the 48 5-ton dump trucks using
a driver .  On about 27 December 1967 the company experienced a large loss of personnel due to rotation.  However, this
reduction in personnel was counteracted as new replacements were assigned to the 104th.  This is when yours truly came on
board.

During November, December, 1967 and January 1968 both Platoons were TDY on Operation Yellowstone.  On 1 November
through 13 November 1967 three of the six dump truck sections were attached to the 65th Eng. Battalion at Cu Chi.  Their
mission was to haul laterite for upgrading the TL-10 road between Loc Thanh and Bao Trai.  Two sections operated from a base
camp at Trang Bang and one squad operated out of Cu Chi.  During this period the trucks drove 9364 miles and hauled 3945
yards of laterite.  During 2 November through 8 November 1967, 1st Platoon was hauling for the 168th Eng. Battalion.  On 10
November, 1st Platoon began hauling for the 554th Eng. Battalion in Cu Chi and continued until 15 November 1967.

On 28 November 1967, both Platoons moved to the 588th Eng. Battalion in Tay Ninh in preparation for Operation Yellowstone.  
The 1st Platoon was attached to D Company, 588th Eng. Battalion, at Katum for the purpose of repairing the runway and
upgrading.  The 2nd Platoon was attached to B Company, 588th Eng. Battalion, at French Fort, near Tay Ninh, also for the
purpose of upgrading.  The 46 dump trucks of the 104th that were involved in Operation Yellowstone drove 23,348 miles and
hauled 28,650 yards of rock and laterite.

During this time period 1LT Jay D. Stone and SSG Billy Gibson designed and supervised the construction of a portable grease
rack built from CBU containers.  The rack was designed primarily for the Forty-eight 5 ton dump trucks although smaller vehicles
could be accommodated.

The perimeter guard bunkers were reconstructed as well as the alert bunkers were re sandbagged.  A new POL storage area was
constructed as well as a new welding shop location.


On 12 May 1968 the 104th was awarded the COMMANDER UNIT COMMENDATION

The award read as follows:

Date of action:  8 December 1967 to 18 February 1968

Reason:
The 104th Engineer Company (Dump Truck) distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in connection with military
operations against hostile forces from 8 December 1967 to 18 February 1968.  The 104th Engineer Company (Dump Truck) was
attached to the 588th Engineer Battalion during Operation Yellowstone, which was conducted in the Viet Cong infested War Zone
C.  With a mission of supporting the line companies of the battalion with dump trucks, the company located one platoon at French
Fort with company B and one platoon at Katum with companies C and D.  Although beleaguered with damaged equipment and
mounting casualties the unit was ready, responsive, resourceful and reliable in meeting all of its assigned tasks.  The morale of the
personnel remained high and the personnel had unfailing confidence in themselves and their leaders.  The outstanding contribution
of this unit reflects considerable credit upon the 20th Engineer Brigade, and the United States Army, Vietnam.

The award was signed by Curtis Chapman, Brigadier General, USA, Commanding

During Operation Yellowstone the 79th Group suffered 175 WIA and 5 KIA.  The 79th Engineer Group awarded 230 decorations
to personnel with the Group for participation in Operation Yellowstone.  Included were 2 Silver Stars, 23 Bronze Stars with V
device, and 37 Army Commendation Medals with V device.

NOTE; The total mileage driven since the unit arrived in country on 17 January 1967 was 1,150,362 miles and total yardage was
281,470 yards of construction materials.

104th Engineer Co. (DT) Operations During 1968

In January and February the 104th was still supporting the 588th in Operation Yellowstone.  1st Platoon at Katum upgrading
route 4 to Prek Klok and route 246 to Bo Tuc.  The 2nd Platoon was still at French Fort upgrading TL-4 north to Prek Klok. The
2nd Platoon returned to Long Binh on 18 February 1968.  The 1st Platoon returned to Long Binh on 21 February 1968.

Four Dump Trucks were lost during Operation Yellowstone.  One truck was destroyed in an ambush, one by detonation of a
mine, and two were lost because of cracked frames.

The company during this time period was at 170% of its authorized strength.  This over strength was justified by a requirement
from headquarters to operate on a twenty-four hour basis.  The morale of the company remained high even though the men were
working long and difficult hours.

Another big event in 1968 was the VC Tet Offensive that began on 31 January 1968.  All units of the 79th Group came under fire
during this offensive.  The 104th had both platoons in the field involved with Operation Yellowstone.  Both units were hunkered
down and received mortar and rocket attacks. I personally was at French Fort and remember we were cut off for 11 days.  We
basically shut down for that period of time and protected our perimeter, pulled guard, and had quite a few mad minutes.  The VC
were very active the whole month of February.  It was a crazy time. The 79th Engineer Group had 14 KIA, 205 WIA and one
fatality

The next operational support mission was to haul crushed rock for the 554th Eng. Battalion Saigon Bypass project.  The 2nd
Platoon began hauling crushed rock to Cu Chi on 23 Feb 1968.  The 1st Platoon began hauling crushed rock to Cu Chi on 26 Feb
1968.  During this time period side boards were installed on all vehicles to increase their load to maximum capacity and eliminate
spillage.

The alert bunkers on the perimeter were re-sand bagged as it was discovered they were insufficient to withstand the Tet Offensive.


I currently do not have additional information for the latter part of 1968 other than my own memory.  I believe that both platoons
transferred to Cu Chi towards the middle of 1968 and I know we stayed there for the balance of the year.  Does anyone have any
historical data from say June through December 1968?
The same goes for the beginning of 1969.  I only have written data from August of 1969 forward.  Can anyone add anything for
the first 6 months of 1969?

104th Engineer Company (DT) Operations during Late 1969

On September 22, 1969 there was a change of command ceremony that was conducted by COL A. L. Wright of the 79th
Engineer Group. CPT Bruce E. Brockway assumed command.  The 104th Eng. Co. Was stationed at Long Binh in Camp
Frenzell Jones.  The average company strength at this time was 104 enlisted men, 1 Warrant Officer, and 3 commissioned
Officers.

Here is an interesting note, one Special Court-Martial was set up and 10 men were administered punishment under Article 15,
Uniform Code of Military Justice.  Does anyone know what happened here?  Does CPT Bruce Brockway remember?

During this time period the 104th continued to serve its primary mission of the operation of dump trucks for movement of bulk
materials in support of the 79th Engineer Group (Const.).  Between 6-8 August 1969 the issue of 28 GMC 20 ton dump trucks to
the company significantly increased the hauling capability of the unit.  In September, the company was organized into a 5-ton
tactical dump truck platoon with 25 5-ton dump trucks and a 20 ton dump truck platoon.  Operators for the 20 ton dump trucks
were trained by civilian instructors for 20 ton dump trucks and for the 6 CY Transit Mixers.  I think this was the first significant
change for the unit concerning the equipment that was used.  Up until now all the dump trucks were 5-toners.  Now, there were a
total of 25 5-tons and 28 20-tons.  There were still two Platoons.

During this time the 104th accumulated 359,019 miles, hauled 31,844 cubic yards of rock, 10,223 cubic yards of sand and 4,102
tons of asphalt.  It continued to be a busy time.

It was also noted that special training was conducted for all personnel on the operation, care and cleaning of the M16A1 rifle and
familiarization firing was conducted 19 October 1969.  I guess this was when the unit started using the M16.  In 1968 we used the
M14.

Towards the end of 1969 there were two more Courts Martial and 19 men were administered punishment under Article 15,
UCMJ.  What was going on here??

The 104th continued to fulfill its primary mission of operating dump trucks for movement of bulk materials in support of the 79th
Engineer Group (Const.).  The trucks drove 463,058 miles, hauled 30,374 CY of rock, 30,716 CY of sand, and 9,626 tons of
asphalt.

The unit also received seven new 5-ton Dump Trucks.

One of the problems that were discussed was that the asphalt hauled over great distances loses heat and arrives too cold on site for
lay down. A suitable cover needed to be placed over the asphalt to retain the heat.  Salvageable canvas was procured and used to
cover the asphalt.  This idea was successful.

104th Engineer Company (DT) Operation During 1970

The unit was still stationed at Long Binh Post in Camp Frenzell Jones.  CPT Brockway remained in Command.  There were no
Courts Martial at this time but there were 22 men punished under Article 15, UCMJ.

The unit continued to fulfill its primary mission of operating dump trucks for the movement of bulk materials in support of the
79th Group.  The unit drove 703,908 miles, hauled 56,799 CY of rock, 3,591 CY of sand, and 30,460 tons of asphalted concrete.

During the month of March 1970, the Vietnamese Drivers Program was initiated.  A total of 31 drivers and 2 leaders were hired as
well as a secretary and an ARVN interpreter.  The program worked well with minor personnel difficulties, the most severe of
which is the absentee rate due to illness.

The unit received 13 new five ton dump trucks.  The unit strength was upped to 51 five ton dumps and 28 twenty-ton dump
trucks.

It was also noted that in March the 104th supported the St. Joseph School in Bien Hoa Village by hauling local borrow material.  
The material was used to fill a low marshy area that was then turned in to a children playground.

May and June were tough months for the men of the 104th who participated in the Cambodian Operation, Toan Thang 43.  Two
tactical five ton dump truck platoons were committed to the operation.  Many units of the 20th Engineer Brigade participated.  It
began on 1 May 1970 and ended on 30 June 1970.

The initial thrust into Cambodia was made by the 1st Air Cav., on May 1 1970.  The requirement for massive Engineer support
was realized and the 79th Engineer Group was called upon to provide combat support to this operation.  Forward airfields and
supple points and main supply routes were to be developed and improved as required. Bridging materials were stockpiled at
predetermined location and relocated as needed.  Engineer support was given for the destruction of captured enemy materials and
base camp areas.  Enemy areas of sanctuary, routes of approach and ambush sites were denied through the use of jungle clearing
techniques.  Once the Cambodian operation was in full swing, the majority of the Group assets were committed to the support of
the operation.

On 16 June 1970 23 trucks from the 104th and 7 dump trucks from the 79th Eng. Co. (BP) arrived at FSB Colorado with rock
for the bridge sites.  Due to the crowded conditions within the FSB it was necessary to park vehicles in partially exposed
positions.  During the night heavy rains developed and at approximately 0330 hours the FSB was attacked with RPG and small
arms fire.  13 Engineer personnel were wounded and a large number of vehicles received minor shrapnel damage.  One truck, ¼
ton, one ¾ ton and one bridge truck received considerable damage.

The bridge, a 110 foot triple-single Bailey was completed on 16 June 1970.  On the morning of 17 June elements traveling to the
bridge sites were taken under fire and forced to remain within the fire support base for the remainder of the day.

Mortar and rocket attacks and land mines caused the majority of casualties. The majority of the casualties occurred during the
period of 16 through 19 June in the Fishhook area of Cambodia.  On 16 June an attack on FSB Colorado resulted in 13 Engineer
personnel being wounded.  On June a work party en route from FSB Colorado to a bridge work site was ambushed, resulting in 8
WIA.  The hardest single blow dealt to any element occurred on the night of 19 June 1970 when the 984th Eng. Co. (LC) was
attacked in their NDP and had 3 personnel killed and 18 wounded.  The remaining casualties were suffered in sporadic enemy
actions or mine detonation incidents throughout the campaign period. There was a total of 6 five ton dump trucks lost during the
campaign.

There were a total of 163 KM of new road opened up as well as 265KM of upgraded road.

On 10 September 1970 CPT Gary G. Vanetta assumed command of the company from CPT Bruce E. Brockway.

The 104th continued to supplement the 79th Group and the 169th Group with haul support to LOC roads and combat support
projects.  The most significant of these projects included the QL-13 support, the rock haul to FSB Lanyard and Blue and support
to the 31st Eng. Bn. (CE) on the Binh Tuy Province tactical road net.




On 13 October 1970 the 79th Eng. Group was notified to commence stand-down on 1 December 1970 in preparation for
redeployment/inactivation.  Stand-down was to be completed by 15 December 1970.

At the time of notification of stand-down, 13 October 1970, the 79th Engineer Group was composed of the following elements:

31st Eng. Battalion
62nd Eng. Battalion
554th Eng. Battalion
588th Eng. Battalion
66th Eng. Co.
79th Eng. Co.
104th Eng. Co.
362nd Eng. Co.
547th Eng. Co.
547th Eng. Detachment
557th Eng. Co.
595th Eng. Co.

The 79th Engineer Group was to continue to exercise command and control of assigned units until 1 December 1970.  On 1
December 1970, missions and units assigned to the 79th Group were to be transferred to the 159th Engineer Group with the
exception of the 104th Engineer Company (DT), which was transferred to the 34th Engineer Group and attached to the 69th
Engineer Battalion.

Command of the 104th Engineer Co. (DT) was passed from CPT Gary L. Vanatta to CPT Daniel J. Wanberg on 16 Dec 1970.

The 104th, which was now attached to the 69th Eng. Battalion had one platoon located at Soc Trang and the other platoon located
at Binh Thuy.  The 104th had relocated form Long Binh and took only two weeks to relocate without assistance. The primary
mission of the 104th was to help with the construction of highway QL-4 from Cai Rang to Soc Trang and onto Phung Hiep.  This
work was on-going during the first three months of 1971.  The 104th worked closely with the 515th Engineer Platoon (ASP).  At
this time the 104th had 2 officers, 1 WO and 87 EM.

The 79th Engineer Group was redeployed to the U.S for inactivation on 15 December 1970.  The Group sent two (2) man color
guards to Fort Lewis, WA where the Group was inactivated.  The 159th Group assumed responsibility for all operations and
absorbed all former units of the 79th Group.  The 159th was still under the 20th Engineer Brigade.

The 20th Brigade was ordered to stand down in April.


Here are the remarks of LTG McCaffrey for the FINAL CEREMONY OF THE 20TH
ENGINEER BRIGADE on 20 April 1971

Officers and men of the 20th Engineer Brigade.  It is a pleasure for me today to represent General Abrams and in paying his and
my respects to you for the contribution you've made to the success of American Operations in Vietnam.  I think it is a very fine
thing to be an Engineer Soldier.  Not only do you participate in the success of operations on the battlefield.  But you also make it
possible for us to get there and get away from there.  I think in Vietnam the role of the Engineer has been greater than any of our
previous conflicts.  Not only have you had to perform the traditional tasks of Engineer Soldiers but you've had to attempt to
rebuild the shattered economy of a country during the conflict.  I think the accomplishments of the Engineers working under
conditions of great personal hazards to themselves, in difficult terrain using equipment they brought with them, have been truly
remarkable.  You have earned the respect of the rest of the Army.  You have earned the gratitude of your country.  Now to those
of you who are winding up your tour and going home.  I would say that you will probably return to a divided country which may
surprise you.  Some of the accomplishments of which you are proud of seem very appreciated back there.  Let me reassure you
through the years of our history there is no generation that has grown to maturity that hasn't had to perform some military
service.  We have also hoped for peace but with men being the way they are this has never been achieved yet.  I rather doubt it
ever will.  Now, you have been called upon to do your service to your country under very difficult conditions.  In all our previous
wars Soldiers who have served under conditions you have, have been cheered and admired by the people they are out defending.  
Through quite a remarkable switch in our national philosophy this is not true today.  Let me tell you, you have served well and
when our country runs out of men like you, we will cease to exist as a country.  I urge you when you get home to retain your
pride in what you have done.  You have earned the right to the respect of your fellow citizens and in the years ahead I urge that
you participate fully in the affairs of your country and be sure that those of you that have taken the risk to keep society going are
consulted on how matters are run.  Those of you that are staying and going to other units, I wish you a good tour, success, and an
early drop.  Good luck and God bless you.

On 23 July 1971 command passed from CPT Daniel J Wanberg to 1LT David J. Gaines, who turned the command over to CPT
David F. Stevens.  The 104th had a new leader.  The 104th continued to be based in Binh Thuy.  The 104th and the 515th
continued in general support of the 69th Engineer Battalion.

The 104th Engineer Co. (DT) began stand-down on 15 October 1971 which was completed by 31 October 1971.

The 34th Engineer Group (Construction) was ordered to stand-down with a schedule date of 21 November 1971.

So there you have it.  The 104th arrived on 17 January 1967 and departed on about 31 October 1971.  The unit was in Vietnam
for 4 years and 10 months. The 104th drove millions of miles and hauled a whole lot of tons of road material.  I think we can all
be proud of our service and we did a great job.  I wonder if any of those roads are still in service?  I enjoyed working on this
project and I hope some of you enjoy reading it.  I tried to be as accurate as possible.  If anyone would like to add something or
change something that is inaccurate please let me know.  I guess I'll sign off for now.  Remember, from one 104th member to
another,
We Drop Are Rocks Anywhere!