Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Mack Payne at Camp Enari
Episode 3211 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a recording that appeared on the War and Life YouTube project about Mack Payne and his first year in Vietnam.
In this episode, your podcaster Mack Payne describes his experiences during his first tour in Vietnam. It is a different look at the Vietnam War.
In his first tour, Payne served in the 4th S&T Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division. His unit was located at the division headquarters at Camp Enari which was about 10 miles south of the city of Pleiku.
The 4th S&T Battalion mission was to keep the division supplied so it could carry out its mission. Payne described his roles in his unit that primarily included logistic activities. The division headquarters was located on a broad plain. Since none of the combat units were stationed at the division headquarters, it was necessary for division command elements such as the Division Support Command to send out recon patrols to insure the safety of the division headquarters.
The recons patrols generally would consist of a lower ranking officer and 12 enlisted men would go out ten miles and recon for four days. Mack Payne led about twenty recon patrols.
Payne also describes his Tet Offensive experiences where he traveled from LZ Baldy, Qui Nhon, Camp Enari, Pleiku and Kontum right in the middle of the offensive.
In the interview, Payne gave a vivid explanation as to why the opponents that included both home grown VC fighters NVA troops were such fierce competitors in the War.
Payne also talks about his time at the Special Forces camp and Dak Seang and his interactions with the Montagnards at the camp.
Payne’s comments provide the listener with personal accounts of the War
Listen to Episode 3211 and discover more about Mack Payne’s first year in Vietnam.
Mack Payne
