|
U.S. Air Force Forward Air Controllers (FACs) watched over
A-502 like older brothers. Their unit call sign was "Walt." When
called, Colonel Baer, Captain Boyd and others took to the air to become
the team's eyes in the sky. They were daring men who flew at night
and in the rain . . . often disregarding their own safety.
Their job could be a very dangerous one. That fact became all too evident late 1968 when one of the "Walt" team members was lost while on an observation mission far west of Camp Trung Dung. His loss was mourned by the A-502 team, his own team members, and especially by Colonel Baer, the unit CO. When the "Walt 30" callsign echoed through A-502's small radioroom and into the main teamhouse, everyone knew Colonel Baer was somewhere nearby. He was a man who inspired confidence and professionalism. Flying low and slow in his 0-1 "Bird Dog" aircraft, he was an easy target for any enemy soldier who cared to take a shot at him. However, that never kept him from responding to a call for assistance from A-502. Not only did he respond to direct artillery or other support, but he also routinely flew A-502's AO (Area of Responsibility) in search of enemy activity. Colonel Baer was such an important part of A-502's operations that the team's Army Engineer constructed airfield (Baer Field) was named for him after he was first to land on it. Colonel Baer survived his many close encounters with ground fire and burnt out flare chutes that could have downed his plane and returned home to the U.S. Captain William "Billy" Boyd, Walt 32, also played a key roll in supporting A-502 operations. He was quickly airborne whenever called for assistance. His dedication and service to A-502 were recognized during a special ceremony at Camp Trung Dung. 
Captain William Boyd, U.S. Air Force - "Walt 32"
Being presented an award for one of his many heroic deeds by VN General
Quang
|
|
|
|
Special Forces - The Silent Professionals |
|
United States Army Special Forces
Detachment A-502.
