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Dave Berry | all galleries >> Galleries >> Vietnam War '67 - '68 > Loc Ninh - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Soldiers Band
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Loc Ninh - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Soldiers Band

In one of many moments that made me feel that I had truly fallen Through the Looking Glass, the 1st Infantry Division Band (probably NOT under the direction of Sgt. Pepper) was brought all the way up to Loc Ninh to play in celebration of our victory over the NVA & VC there. They also marched through the town in an effort to encourage the civilian population, who were fleeing because the enemy came back every evening and turned the town into a shooting gallery. The Division command element even brought us ice cream. After nightfall the enemy once again re-entered the town and mortared our perimeter. That took a few style points away from the "Damn, we're good" factor.

Photo courtesy of Joe Hare


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Bob Kammann 08-Dec-2012 18:16
Hi Dave, I just found this pic. I was in that band. I was in country in the 1st div band from apr. 67 to apr 68. I remember going to Loc Ninh several times. I don't see myself in the pic cause I was a drummer in the back but recognize all the guys. Thanks!!
Bob Kammann
CHUCK BOWERS 11-Nov-2012 15:11
HAVING THAT BAND MARCH IN BEFORE/IN FRONT OF US WAS ONE OF THE STRANGEST THINGS I EVER SAW NEXT TO HAVING STRIPED DOWN ON THE RUNWAY FOR CLEAN UNIFORMS PRIOR TO THAT MARCH.THE TUNE I REMEMBERED WAS PETER GUNN AT THE START UP
CHUCK BOWERS CHARLIE 1-6 KILO
Jim Piedmont 13-Nov-2011 04:47
Hi' I may know a man who was in the band: from San Diego; he is with
a point man group down in SD. Ca.
I 'm from there but just moved way, way north: I seen a few of his photo's:
he is really a vary vary nice man & has been running a monthly support group
for the wounded where he lives; His church as well has provided for
a lot of there needs to have the meals for these guys with local vets
helping: Hearing what our wounded might say: your right
crazy having the band show up; but you know: after talking with him' getting
to know him: I discovered he had way more nuts then I had being all he had between
him & what ever was what ever that thing was stuck between his lips:
& me
I had a Roman Plow under my back side & in front of me:
I'll see if I can get a hold of him: I'm sure he would be in that photo:
CHUCH BOWERS 14-Nov-2010 23:58
THIS HAD US ALL SHAKING OUR HEADS IN DISBELIEF..TO ADD TO THIS THEY HAD US STRIP DOWN ON THE RUNWAY TO PUT CLEAN UNIFORMS ON AND THEN LET THE BAND LEAD INTO LOC NINH.DAUNTLESS CHARLIE 1-1 KILO
Tom Briggs06-Aug-2009 15:52
Dave, funny story ... but typical of what some Public Affairs Officer thought would warm and win the hearts and minds ...
Henry Rhea29-Jul-2009 06:46
Oh yeah! I remember the tubes well! Have a shot of me utilising one after I left 1/28th to go to 162nd AHC, also at Phuoc Vinh. Not being in the field, though, it had a privacy wall about 5 ft high around it. Just my shoulders, head, and dumb grin on my face protruding above the wall.
Joe "Horn" 04-Jan-2009 22:11
I thouth the credit was funny, as it is exactly something I would do. As for the tubes, I was wondering if any non Black Lion might figure them out. I always thought out in front of the bunker was a lot easier than going up the hill to the "tubes".
Dave Berry04-Jan-2009 21:07
I didn't want to take away from the artistic value of the photo by pointing out the piss tubes.

Regarding the photo credit: some days I get my own name wrong. I think Joe Horn was a pro football player, although I have no idea why the name would have stuck in my brain. The repair has been made. I'll try not to do any more late-night assigning of credit in the future.
Joe Hare 04-Jan-2009 11:47
Dave, does everyone, maybe anyone, know the purpose of the 2 motar round tubes that are stuck in the ground? Hint: Not much privacy, but this was war.

Photo Credit:
Was there a Joe "Horn" in 3rd Herd?
Dave Berry08-Oct-2008 05:51
I appreciated the band for coming out to a hot spot and playing for the troops. It made me a bit nervous because they made really good targets. We had security out but the VC could easily have gotten into mortar range and we didn't have enough bunkers for everyone. What I really enjoyed was the ice cream. A bit melted but tasty.
Tom Briggs08-Oct-2008 00:19
Hey, Dave ... a great shot and funny caption ... did you enjoy the serenade??? V
Jose Maria Patricio05-Oct-2008 16:28
That is a real good work what you keep doing by sharing those moments. thanks a lot for this work. I really appreciate the human side of your work. You must be very proud of. Kind regards.
The Third Side02-Oct-2008 12:41
Almost like a scene from Apocalypse Now.
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