photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Richard Calmes | all galleries >> Galleries >> VIETNAM WAR 1968-1969 > Pontoon Bridge
previous | next
29-JUN-2007

Pontoon Bridge

These bridges are an experience to cross...especially in a heavy vehicle! Notice how the bridge sags under the load of the truck in front of us!


other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Jim Thoroughman 19-Sep-2024 13:31
My name is Jim THOROUGHMAN. support Platoon of the 554 Engineer Co. We shipped out of Tacoma on the General John Pope on September 6th 1966. They dropped us in QN around September 29 or 30,1966. Our platoon did Transport and River Patrol. Moved us. To Chu Lai with parts of the 509th Panel bridge company. Was a platoon Jeep driver and lead convoys last 5 or 6 months. Someone out there that might know me or talk, to me. I ve had no contact with anyone since getting home.
george miller 03-Apr-2023 23:22
hi name is george miller bridge you are looking at it the picture is the first bridge we took all the tread off that bridge in 1966 and replaced with a much heaver tread so tanks and heavy thereequipment could cross 1 have about 300 pictures of vietnam color slides and several of this bridge as we pulled manintance and guard duty the year i was
Guest 30-Mar-2022 02:51
Wasn't anywhere around water...in Phu Bai..but, did have a company of Sea-Bees behind us. I have no idea what they did there..but they did have a nice PX.
Murl brown 20-Oct-2021 23:48
Eric stephens there was a stephens in our co when I got to vn , big guy , carried 2 canteens full of whisky , from Tennessee I think
Mauro 22-Oct-2020 19:08
I was with 553rd Combat Engineer we were a support unit. We were sent all over Nam .June 13, 1966 My name was Mauro
Mauro 22-Oct-2020 19:04
I was with the 553rd Combat Engineers we were a Support unit we were sent all over Nam June 13, 1966
CLYDE e PHILLIPS 01-Oct-2020 04:21
HAROLD, I WAS IN THE 553RD RIGHT AFTER YOU LEFT. GIVE ME A CALL, I HAVE ALL KINDS OF INFO ABOOUT THE COMPANY.
CLYE PHILLIPS 553RD ENGRS SEPT 67 / AUG 68
511TH ENGRS FEB 66 / JAN 67
PHONE 530 622 6999 CALIF TIME
E-MAIL genephi213@gmail.com

David Putnam 18-Aug-2020 18:46
I went over with 554th Float Bridge Co in August, 66 out of Tacoma on the John Pope. We ran into a typhoon that delayed our arrival and we ended up landing in QuiNhon on 6 August 1966. Disembarked with the 4th Infantry Div. Was with SSGT Bass of the 5th platoon. Spent time in QuiNhon before sent north of BongSon to remove panel bridge and build a suspension foot bridge for locals on the coast. Then sent attached to 509 Panel Bridge Co to Pleiku. Built 400 Ft bridge west of DakTo on supply route to Specail Forces base near Cambodia border. My Squad spent several weeks in a mountainYard village maintaining the bridge. Phil Giaimo, Frank Dinnocenzo, Olin Landis, Coy Griffin, Don Moore some of the men in my platoon
Murl brown 05-Aug-2020 13:04
I was one of the early replacements came over as mechanic and replaced Pennington as crane operator , was on hill 54 then when changed to 26th eng was at Chu lai
Eric Stephens 11-Jun-2020 23:32
My dad, Franklin Stephens, was in the 554th EC, Float Bridge Mar 1,1967-Dec 20, 1967. He passed away about a month ago and I found his service information in his papers. I'd like to hear from anyone who served with him.
Harold Zimmer 01-Mar-2020 16:17
I served with the 553rd FB Company June 66-67, in the Tuy Hoa area. During my time there we assisted the Air Force in laying PSP planks to build and air strip, plus built a pontoon bridge along highway one next to the old french bridge since it would not support our military vehicles. In addition we built a POL site and run pipe lines to the ocean in order to transfer fuel/liquids to this location. Looking foward to hearing from anyone who served in this unit during this period.
DONALD A EDWARDS JR 10-Jul-2019 22:04
I WAS WITH THE 554TH FLOATING BRIDGE CO. 1964 FT LEWIS WA., AND WENT TO DESERT STRIKE IN ARIZONA THE SUMMER OF 1964. AT THE TIME PFC DONALD A EDWARDS JR. WE PUT THE BRIDGE ACROSS THE COLORADO RIVER AT PARKER AZ. W3HAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT THAT WAS WHEN TRUCKS AND TANKS WENT ACROSS IT. AWESOME MEMORYS.
Joseph Haney 30-May-2019 00:31
My Father was part of the 509th from 1 Dec '66 to 31 Oct '68. His name was Robert "Bobby" Haney, his rank was E-4/ SPC. Would like to hear from anyone who might of known him. He was Stationed in Pleiku I believe. My email is josephhhaney@gmail.com and I have some photos he took while over there that I could possibly send and get information on some of the people in them.
Clifford Ellison 06-Oct-2018 06:47
I was in the 554th (FB) Engr Co. With over on the John Pope in 66. Was the finance clerk. I remember Deal,Day,Maldonado,Clay 1Sgt Lawson,Faubel and others. Would like to hear from anyone I served with durning that time.
ecliffhanger3@gmail.com
Clifford Ellison 06-Oct-2018 06:20
I with over on the John Pope in 66. Was the Finance clerk for the 554th (FB). I remember Bill Deal, James Day, 1st Sgt Lawson, Clay, Maldonado, 1st Sgt Sadler,supply Sgt Johnson and Faubel.
Clifford Ellison 06-Oct-2018 06:20
I with over on the John Pope in 66. Was the Finance clerk for the 554th (FB). I remember Bill Deal, James Day, 1st Sgt Lawson, Clay, Maldonado, 1st Sgt Sadler,supply Sgt Johnson and Faubel.
Clifford Ellison 06-Oct-2018 06:20
I with over on the John Pope in 66. Was the Finance clerk for the 554th (FB). I remember Bill Deal, James Day, 1st Sgt Lawson, Clay, Maldonado, 1st Sgt Sadler,supply Sgt Johnson and Faubel.
Clifford Ellison 06-Oct-2018 06:20
I with over on the John Pope in 66. Was the Finance clerk for the 554th (FB). I remember Bill Deal, James Day, 1st Sgt Lawson, Clay, Maldonado, 1st Sgt Sadler,supply Sgt Johnson and Faubel.
Paul STEMMEMAN 07-Dec-2017 19:10
Paul Stemmerman - I was company clerk for 553rd at Fort Polk making the PCS from Fort Knox and served from 1956-58. Would like to hear from anyone who was with the company during that time. pstemmerman@cfu.net
jpjerry 31-Oct-2017 14:23
Jerry O'Mara 554th float bridge company went over on the Gen John Pope September 66
jpjerry 31-Oct-2017 14:22
I failed to put my email address for anyone to respond My Name Jerry O'Mara I went to Vietnam on The Gen John Pope September of 1966 with the 554th Floating Bridge Company out of Fort Lewis. My email address is jomara@hotmail.co.uk
raymond acampora 26-Aug-2017 00:49
i was with the 553 engr co from oct 56 to apr 58 first at ft. knox then we convoyed to our new home at ft polk la. we built a bridge across the red river for operation sledghammer manouvers.we stayed in the field for the entire nonth of april 1957.
fred faubel 05-Aug-2017 04:25
Any one from the 554th floatbridge engineer company that took the general John Pope to Nam with me (fred faubel) -- please getahold of me E-mail (fcat1926@comcast.net)
Marty Wysinger 06-Jun-2017 05:28
See that Old man fishing are used to throw grenades in the water and the fish would come loading up in the fisherman just pick them out of the water,we pulled security on that bridge one night we got we pulled security on that bridge One night we got hit but I made it through it around 1968
Martin Short 29-May-2017 00:38
Hi all, The 509th engineer company is having its reunion sept 7-9 in Portsmouth Nh. Members of the 554 and 553 float bridge companies who were attached to the 509th are most welcome. For reunion details please contact me at 978-815-3213. Best Wishes. Martin Short
clyde (gino) phillips 04-Feb-2017 07:00
To anyone that was in the 553rd Engrs anytime from 1965 to 1971 in Vietnam. I am looking for more members of the company for a upcoming reunion this coming May. Or if you were in the 553rd prior to being deployed to Vietnam you also are welcome. The reunion will be in Clarksville, Tn just outside of Ft Campbell, Ky. You can contact me via e-mail at: genephi213@gmail.com
Jerry O'Mara 30-Dec-2016 11:44
Names Jerry O'Mara email me if you were in the 554th Float Birdge company 1966 to 1967
Jerry O'Mara 30-Dec-2016 11:42
Hi I went over to Vietnam onb The General John Pope was a member of the 554th Floating Bridge company be reat to hear from others.
Jerry O'Mara 30-Dec-2016 11:38
I went over on The General John Pope in September 1966 with the 554th Floating Bridge Comany out of Fort Lewis Washington Love to hear from others
Guest 16-Nov-2016 03:28
JD saylors I was in the 554 FB in 1964 ft lewis support plt would love to here from members
CLYDE PHILLIPS 03-Oct-2016 22:48
To anyone that was in the 553rd Engrs (fb) anytime from 1965 to 1971 I'm interested in talking to you. I was in the company in 67/68. We have had three reunion in the past and now are looking foward to another one in the spring of 2017. You can either e-mail me or call. E-mail: genephi213@gmail.com or call at 530 622 6999, Calif time.
fred faubel 17-Sep-2016 08:00
My name is fred faubel I was on the Pope and landed in Quin Nhon I was one of the radio operators and ended up the commo chief on hill 54 before we turned in to the 26th engineers --would love to hear from any one at that time and place
jim friend 04-Aug-2016 02:21
I to went over on the john pope landed at QuiNhon with the 554th float bridge co I remember all you guys plus many more that I can't place face & name together I though 1st sgt lawson was great and I believe capt Dischon was our co. I was the mail clerk. Love to hear from anybody in the co.
Bill Deal 05-May-2016 14:17
I went over with 554th Float Bridge Co in August, 66 out of Tacoma on the John Pope. We ran into a typhoon that delayed our arrival and we ended up landing in QuiNhon. Disembarked with the 4th Infantry Div.
In January 67 the Company was moved to a hill north of ChuLai. I was the Co. records clerk, worked with Clifford Ellison,Finance Clerk a.k.a. Cool Jerk. Jim Day was Company Clerk. Would be nice to hear from others that came over with the 554th on The Pope.
Bill Deal
Todd L 29-Mar-2016 03:56
I really enjoyed these pictures. I have built these bridges before, and laid minefields, etc. Thanks for your service. And thank you for your work at GBT!
Guest 17-Mar-2016 02:31
Was with 554 CB at hill59 moved to chu lai was mechanic took over crane operator when Pennington was sent home
clyde phillips 25-May-2015 22:55
Jim Kirk and Gene Myers, I also in the 553rd (67/68). Please e-mail about the reunions that we have had (3) in the past few years. E-mail: genephi213@gmail.com
815th engineers 25-May-2015 05:19
8th 8
Guest 15-May-2015 17:18
To Jerry O'Mara and Martin Short......Served with the 554 Float Bride, came over on the Pope same time.....together with Mike Reese, Doug the barber Taylor & Vince Serio. Still communicate with them thru email & facebook. Also with LT Dishong.Hope you are doing well. George Petrusky
Gene Myers 09-Mar-2015 03:02
Sgt. Gene Myers: I was in the 553rd 1st support platoon at Dong Ba Thin from mid 66 to May 66. We ended up taking the bridge apart for a typhoon that never came and putting it back together two days later. I believe I served with Dwayne Fields
Marty wysinger 27-Feb-2015 16:20
First I Was in Vietnam 1967 and 1968 with the float bridge, commanding officer was David holcomb we were attached to a panel bridge company we can from Tuy hoa, I was in the 553 engineer company we drove 5 tons bridge trucks did float Bridge maintenance and convoy runs. If you think you know me please contact me. Marty email. Lewiswhitedeer@gmail.com
Jerry O'Mara 04-Sep-2014 08:24
Hi I was in the 554th Floating Bridge Company went over in September 1966 on the General John Pope. Be great to hear from others in the unit at that time.
Jim Kirk 04-Aug-2014 21:31
Served in the Support Platoon, 553 Engr. July 1966-July 1967.
Michael Ritchie 24-Jul-2014 03:00
My Father George M Ritchie served in the 553rd out of Ft Campbell. He served in Korea from 1962 to 1963. I believe he was room mates with Frank Haynes. Is the reunion only open to those that served during Vietnam? I know he would love to connect with some of the men he served with. You can contact me (Michael Ritchie)at ussoldier88n@gmail.com or 214-587-0709.
Martin Short 10-Apr-2014 23:34
Hi, I was in the 554th float bridge and later the 509th in Pleiku, Dak to and Kontum. We had a float bridge about half the size of the one pictured. It was at Dak to and during the battle in nov. 1967 . We had a tank retriever towing a damaged tank cross our bridge. The bridge sank until the water was halfway up the tracks, I thought it was all going in the river but the bridge started popping up behind it and we guided it across. I had visions of a court martial if it went in. Was only a spec 4 but I gave the go ahead to come across. Exciting days!!
Clyde (gino) Phillips 21-Mar-2014 05:07
Frank Haynes, I saw your post and would like to hear from. Thee 553rd is having a reunion in Las Vegas, Nv. on Sept 16th, 2014. Please e-mail if you are interested. I have a roster of 53 members that were in the company from 1965 to 1971. You can e-mail me at: genephi213@gmail.com or call me at: 530 622 6999 Clyde (gino)Phillips
553rd Engr 1967/68 511th Engr 1966/67
Frank Haynes 15-Jan-2014 16:55
I was in Vietnam Aug 65 to Feb. 66 with the 553rd engineers from Ft. CAMPBELL. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY OF MY COMRADES.
Guest 13-Jan-2014 23:18
Does anyone have pictures of boats used by the 553d from Ft.Campbell in Vietnam. Frank Haynes
AV Guy 16-Sep-2012 21:06
I used to cross this bridge at least twice a week. I worked in the Army Ed. Ctr in the 80th Group compound. I alternated driving or sitting in the back of a pick up with a loaded weapon to pick up Univ of Maryland Far East Div professors from the Air Base and then taking them back across the river after class was over at night. After you cross it that many times you get used to the motion.
clyde phillips 02-Jul-2012 00:19
e-mail me about a reunion of the 553rd in aug 2012@ genephil@cwnet.com
clyde phillips 06-Feb-2012 04:50
To Dwayne Fields; e-mail about a reunion of the 553rd coming in August of this year, clyde Phillips
Guest 31-Jul-2010 16:38
Gentleman,

First off thank you for my freedom. I aquired one of these boats (mint) about 2 years ago here in Alaska of all places and am turning it into one heck of a moose making machine. I know very little about them and research is troublesome at best. Were motors ever mounted on them and if so how large were they? In addition, how were they rafted together (I assume the round rails on the sides) and the sterns--were they pinned through the angled circular channels????. This one is about 80 inches wide and 20 foot long--did they come in different sizes? Adrian Smith
Jim Blankenship 28-Jan-2010 11:00
Jim70
I was w/553rd '70..Never built a bridge.--full time transportation all over S.VN.
JOSEPH TANNENBAUM 08-Mar-2009 23:32
JOE T
I WAS WITH THE 26TH ENGINEER BATTALION ECHO COMPANY CHU LAI THE FLOAT BRIDGE COMPANY OF AMERICAL PUT IN AND TOOK OUT A FEW BRIDGES IN MY TIME THERE. YES HEAVY LIFTING AND PULLING OUR OWN SECURITY DURING BUILD. TOUGHEST WAS ALWAYS WAS REMOVING THE RAMP AFTER BEING BURIED INTO THE SAND AND MUD AFTER WAS BURIED IN IT.
Cj 23-Jan-2009 10:14
Built one of those babies in Vietnam with the 4th Engineers 1n 69. Lots of lifting. Driving the 5 ton bridge truck with the bulk and the float on top of the truck made for some tough driving.
Cj 23-Jan-2009 10:13
Built one of those babies in Vietnam with the 4th Engineers 1n 69. Lots of lifting. Driving the 5 ton bridge truck with the bulk and the float on top of the truck made for some tough driving.
Dwayne Fields 18-Aug-2008 15:56
i was in 553rd engineers. we built this bridge.did all maintance and guard duty on it
Guest 21-Apr-2008 22:55
hi


bob 21-Apr-2008 22:54
hi this picture is awsome
Robyco01-Jul-2007 22:07
Yep, they angle in the bridge can be seen very clear...
Glad i am not in that truck ......
shatterbug01-Jul-2007 06:41
Great mood and composition!
carabias30-Jun-2007 17:52
It is a gorgeous photography, Richard.
Sam_C30-Jun-2007 17:47
Outstanding imagery!! Tones and details are awesome, with a great sense of
time and place. Big Vote!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment