By Fred Thompson

Within Quang Ngai City was a small MACV (Military Airlift Command Vietnam) Compound and just adjacent to it was what appeared as a small fenced playground (less than half the size of a football field) It was known as the "Tropo Pad" and could accomodate 2 helicopters (UH-1's) tops . . . Just outside the compound was a small 'hamburger' stand (maybe 100 feet away from the Pad) that sold cheeseburgers, greasy fries and cold cans of Coka-Cola. It was a touch of home found no where else in the I-Corp Region. While flying between Duc Pho & Chu Lai, (and time allowing) almost every "slick" aircraft would check that pad to see if space was available for a quick stop for a cheeseburger. Most times, it was occupied but occassionally we'd be able to slip in. In about August of 1970, I was flying slicks for the 174th AHC, as WO Bob Chipley's pilot when we got in to find that a VNAF pilot had attempted to land or had an emergency, forcing him into the Pad. He balled it up but apparently walked away from it. We got our burgers, snapped these shots (Kodak Instamatic) and were off again. After going to the Sharks Gun Platoon, I never made another visit as the heavier C-Models couldn't get in or out. This Birddog belonged to the 110th Observation Squadron.

The guy with Bob Chipley is just a local ARVN who was also curious what the plane was doing there . . . Bob was teasing him by accusing him of being the pilot . . . also, outside of "mystery-meat" (possibly water buffalo) sometimes available in the mess halls, those were the only burgers I consumed during my tour. (Photos: Fred Thompson)