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The website is great. Love the pictures and the map. The map makes it easier to explain to folks the exact location of the hospital, relative to the rest of the post. My memories are of being gotten up at 2 AM to take a deuce and a half to Bin Hoa to get cylinders of medical oxygen, when were getting low, and policing up machine gun ammo off of the helipad. Best wishes to all for the 2002 reunion.
Tue Apr 30 14:14:34 2002

My tour in Vietnam shaped many things in my life. I have spend over twenty years teaching and lecturing around the country to health care professional about the Near Death experience. I first saw it in the young men who were hurt, yet it didn't have a name yet. I am trying to collect research on vets who had NDE's during combat situations. I went back to school and got a masters in Psy and Ph.D. in management. Got out after VN but came back in Army and spent 25 years, had a great career.  I have written one section of a book talking about how the 24th was an important positive part of my live. I learned much about living and dying.  I then spend several years as a consultant and am currently in process of moving to NY to care for my mother who has pulmonary fibrosis. Looking forward to having a few days rest with old friends and making some new ones.
Mon Apr 29 13:52:14 2002

My friend was Bill McAlister, from South Carolina. I think we were at Fort Knox in 1966, we were at Fort Sam for medical records school. We arrived in Vietnam in Jan. 1967. I was assigned to the 93rd Evac and he to the 24th. We were stationed at Fort Gordon after Nam at the 95th Civil Affairs Group.
Thu Apr 25 17:14:16 2002

I was Asst. District Advisor, Hoa Da District, Binh Thuan Province, Advisory Team 37 and was severely wounded by a command detonated mine on 11/13/68. I attended the 1993 Reunion at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington and was privileged to meet & pay tribute to the wonderful team of healthcare professionals that performed the critical procedures that saved my life & stabilized me for my trip to Walter Reed Army Hospital by way of Camp Drake, Japan. These people included Dr. William Hammon, Dr George S. Lavenson, Jr., Dr. Don Brief, Mary Lou Knaebel Brown, Cathie Henderson Solomonson, Carole Mussler, Dr. George Bayer, Don Barnett, and others whose names I cannot recall. I regret that I will be unable to attend the 2002 reunion, but I would appreciate your keeping my name on your list for notification of future get-togethers
Again, you have my sincerest "Thanks" for saving my life and spending the countless hours at my bed side (I spent most of my time in the bed closest to the nursing station on the Neuro Unit) to take care of the tremendous number of wounds I had.
Mon Apr 22 22:59:29 2002

Keep checking for news from the original crew at the 24th Evac. What a wonderful bunch of people. We took hard times and made them tolerable and did one hell of a job doing what we did as professionals. It makes me so proud to have been a part of all this. Had a Reserve dentist tell me he had Larry Wilson as a dental instructor. I told him I knew Larry. He then said "were you at THEE 24th Evac?". It was a mighty unit with most memorable people. Does anybody know where MD's "Bently" or Cooper are. Does anyone remember Sgt. Henry. He was my wardmaster on ICU-3 before we left in August '67. His wife had shot him in the face previously so I could only take his picture from his "good" profile side. He was a great wardmaster and took Sgt, Ayers place. Sgt. Ayers was from Tennessee and sometimes we could convince him to get out his fiddle and entertain the patients and staff. Anybody remember when General O'Conner from the 9th Division would come to visit every Sunday and pass out purple hearts to his troops? This has spurred many memories and even some recall of names. I still have a great slide of Greta walking down the new sidewalk in front of our medical units with "The Rifleman". Anyone remember when Robert Mitchum stayed at the 24th for 4 days and drank beer with us! I am so glad to have worked with you all and would not have traded that experience for anything in my career, unless of course there had never been a war. Hope to see you soon and hope more of you sign the guest book!
Sun Apr 21 21:38:51 2002

In late 1968 and later in 1969 I was asked to speak to some of the doc's at the evac hospital and remember that it was an experience never to forget. The lines of patients on the receiving gurneys being operated on, the fantastic nurses and support staff and the doc's all working their tails off. It was quite a site and one that I will always remember with the greatest admiration of the young men that were in harms way and the evac staff that so magnificently took care of them.
Sun Apr 21 8:22:41 2002

I read all the comments on the web site and they touched my heart. I will be at this reunion and look forward to seeing many of you and catching up on old times.
Sat Apr 20 17:48:38 2002

Great website. We used to transport neuro surgery patients from the 93rd to your hospital. I helped manage airways on several of the transports during the year.
Fri Apr 19 20:35:14 2002

I was with the 169th Construction Engineer Battalion, stationed at Long Binh. I started having high fevers and was taken from our aid station to the nearby 24th. I was so sick I can hardly remember the details other than I was in ICU2. I remember it because it's the same as "I see you too." It was a quonset hut with air conditioning units installed. The only AC I encountered during my tour. I was so sick I thought I would die and just wanted to get it over with. But the kind nurses and doctors of the 24th pulled me through whatever disease I had (they later said they didn't know what it was). I'll never forget those 10 or 12 days filled with kind people, none of who's names I can remember. But I thank you all, whoever you are. Remember; ICU2, late May, 1967.
Thu Apr 18 21:27:02 2002

One of the fellows is doing the units Hx (720 MP BN) and wants to know what the following entry in our log book would refer to?
POW Nguyen Thi Tan VC suspect admitted to ward # 8 24EVAC Hospital 24 DEC 1967 was found to be CWCP. POW count changed to 61. What does CWCP refer too??? Many thanks for the look see to your site. Don Sinclair SEA ARMY 1968-1974
Wed Apr 17 13:06:34 2002

Hi Everyone! I'm really getting excited about the upcoming reunion. (Won't have time to get thin by then, but am going anyway!) It would be just great if all of us there for the ribbon cutting ceremony 36 years ago could get together again. Am hoping that Joan, Lucy, Gail, Lynn, Joyce, Vicki, Greta and Jeannie will be there. Also our MD's Lew Wilson, Lee Jewel and Artie Gross and Dentist Larry Wilson. Sgt. Ayers and Sgt. Carpenter too, and many names that have been lost over this many years. Hope to see you in San Antonio in a few weeks!! Best to all, "Posie". (LtC Boudwin, Retired Reserve) P.S. I went again for Desert Storm with my Reserve Unit- the 44th Gen'l Hosp.
Sun Apr 14 12:52:46 2002

head wound patient, 2/18 1st infantry division battalion aid station medic. treated by dr. floyd robinson who is now a physician at methodist hosp in houston, tx. i would like to thank everyone at the 24th for all of the expert care i received while i was there!
Thu Apr 11 12:37:38 2002

I am very glad to have been told about this site. Although it was only one year of my life, I think about it almost every day at some time. This was an experience I did not want to have before I went there, but am glad I was there. My life would not be the same without the experience. Made some good friends while there, but have lost track of them. Hopefully I will become reacquainted with some of them. Will never forget the rolling poker games in the lab on the night shift. I have 3 children and 3 grand children and a lot of good memories.
Thu Apr 11 9:51:44 2002

I will never forget my year at the 24th.
Hope the guestbook grows.
Wed Apr 10 20:29:19 2002

I was lucky enough to see the first patient roll into the 24th Evac Hospital. It was a privilege to work with Don Patrick, Larry Jelsma, Justin Renadin, Head nurse LaRue Keller and the rest of the "Resi-turn" nurses on Neuro.
Tue Apr 9 1:30:34 2002

I WAS THE NCOI OF BUILDING ALL THE CABNETS IN ALL WARDS
AT THE 24TH EVAC.WHEN THE WARDS WERE BEING BUILT.
Sun Apr 7 20:46:42 2002

I'm still working at Ft. Bragg, showplace hospital of the army. Ft. Bragg has all the helicopters and training exercises to remind anyone of VN. Somehow the soldiers keep getting younger.
I found the last reunion to be very affirming and healing.
God bless you all.
Sun Apr 7 18:46:30 2002

Silly me, I extended so I could make CPT. After 15 months in country, couldn't wait for DEROS but then spent New Year's Eve back home crying for everyone and everything left behind...silly me? PMS? PTSD? Plain ole grief? Or just plain disappointment over missing a great party at the Officers Club? The Reunion in '93 was healing...to hear patients say "thank you" and to reconnect with some truly important people in my life. I'll never forget the tenderness of our corpsmen or the patience of the doctors and other nurses who'd been there longer and were constantly orienting new nurses. And a special salute to the Wardmasters who taught us how to be head nurses! See you in San Antonio!
Sat Apr 6 13:25:40 2002

Moved to 24th after we closed the 45th Surg.
Sun Mar 31 22:29:56 2002

Kathy (Costello) Nelson there wasn't an email address for you. I believe, almost sure, I worked with you on 5 & 6.Just wanted to say Hi.
GETTING SHORT------ 32 DAYS !!!!
All have a good week.
Sat Mar 30 15:49:13 2002

I arrived at the 24th Evac. early June of '67. I was totally overwhelmed with what I saw because I had only been out of nursing school a short time and felt so inadequate. Thank goodness for the corpsmen. My memories of the hospital are sad, happy, poignant, and sometimes angry ones. We all worked so hard to save lives but in the end saw so many young lives cut short. I was always impressed with the team work and the dedication of all who were assigned to this fine hospital. And of course we had our share of fun and good times too. I will be coming to the reunion in May and look forward to seeing some familiar faces. Thank you to all the wonderful people who served in Vietnam at the 24th Evac. Our lives were never the same but strangely the better for it.
Sat Mar 30 11:48:53 2002

Frankie: Thanks so very much for the posting!  Please email me a message at 24thEvacuationHospital.org - the address you left on the Guest Book isn't accurate.

Thanks a bunch, Frankie!  Prayers with ya, Godspeed, and Good Luck!
Sat Mar 30 7:11:24 2002

Well J.R. with all my 1000 combat Hours It took more courage to stop drinking Jan 02 and go back to the VA hospital last week and finally cry some before a PTSD doctor and agree to a program to get this damn Vietnam monkey off my back.

I already feel some better about myself. You must learn to like yourself again and fight the past. You were important what you did in Nam. Hell man I have never met you but I am serious I love you brother make us proud and don't give up.

CWO-2 Frankie L Gilbert
Lancer 7 ( Spanky )
Sat Mar 30 6:43:02 2002

Didn't know about this web site. It's great.
Transferred in from the 8th Field Hospital (May 1969-Jul 1970) when it closed.
The 24th Evac had an outstanding group of folks. It was hard to leave them.

Fri Mar 29 13:59:50 2002

I enjoy revisiting the site. Anyone know what ever happened to Lt. Jo Ann James who was a nurse in the OR in 1967?
Thu Mar 28 3:48:06 2002

I was Head Nurse, Neuro ICU & Intermediate Care from Nov 70 - June 71; followed by Head Nurse E.R. from June 71 - Nov 71.
Wed Mar 27 7:17:57 2002

I am looking for SFC Wilfong, Major Williams, and SP/5 Sanchez. I still owe them one mighty a$$-whipping.
Tue Mar 26 22:43:26 2002

I was head injured, and had a craniotomy (left temporal region) 7/10/69 at the 24th.  I don't know anything about the surgery, except you must have done a great job! I was disability retired from the USN in November 1969, and had a cranioplasty performed at the VA hospital in Buffalo NY in 1971.

I have often wished I could thank everyone who had a hand in my care. THANK YOU!!!!

Warmest regards.

Dick Wannemacher
YN3 USN Retired
Sr. Advisor to
VA Under Secretary for
Memorial Affairs
Washington, DC

Mon Mar 25 13:15:14 2002

I was at the 93rd Evac Hospital October 1970 to April 1971. After closing the 93rd, I was transferred to the 24th Evac Hospital from April to October 1971. I worked as an operating technician. Looking forward to contacting old friends.
Sun Mar 24 21:09:36 2002

I was with 2d Platoon, D Co. 1/7 Cav, 1st Cav. Spent 5 days on a ward where they could not figure out what was wrong, took blood every few hours. I felt like a junkie.
The never did figure out what was wrong. Diagnoses was FUO. I just remember how good looking the nurses were.
Sat Mar 23 22:06:34 2002

To those who have never been to a reunion, but think you are too poor to attend. . . you'll never be sorry that you spent the money. I always said to my wife, "I don't care where it is, if they ever have a reunion of the 93rd or 24th Evac hospitals, I'm there" and I haven't missed one yet. Beg, borrow or steal (well, maybe not steal), try to attend. You'll love it. I'm looking for more from my years there. Anyone know LTC Dick Gushwa, who was the 173rd Airborne surgeon that was head of our department of Clinics? I'd love to see him again. SSG Walt Einhorn is another. I have searched all over. Captain Fischer, my last personnel officer. Ken Wiley, John Ayala, Guy Horner (officers' club manager). Where are you all???? Come to San Antonio!!!
Fri Mar 22 9:32:33 2002

I RECEIVED THE MAILING ABOUT THE REUNION. THANKS. I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT, BUT I AM TO POOR TO AFFORD A TRIP TO TEXAS. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANY MEMORABILIA AVAILABLE. LIKE A BOOK OR MAYBE A HAT. I SURE WOULD LIKE A HAT WITH THE 24TH LOGO ON IT. I COULD WEAR IT AROUND TO SHOW FOLKS I HAD "BEEN THERE." OH WELL, HAVE A GOOD REUNION. BY THE WAY, JOHN BELL, I THINK YOU AND I WERE ROOMMATES AT LETTERMAN GENERAL HOSPITAL'S 91CHARLIE SCHOOL IN 69-70. OF COURSE, I WAS DRUNK MOST OF THE TIME AND MY MEMORY IS FOGGY, BUT I BELIEVE THAT WAS US.
Thu Mar 21 16:49:13 2002

It has seemed somewhat strange to read through the entire web site and see some names from the past. I too was VERY surprised to receive the notice of the reunion in the mail last week.
And how did my correct address get discovered by the organizing committee after all these years? I don't know, and don't care, I'm just glad that I received the info that this web site exists.
My 12 months at the is dusty, remote place shaped the course of my life since 1970--and it has only been during the past 9 years that I have faced the ghosts and demons that haunted me since then.
I'm glad to see names, and hear some stories--who knows, where this might lead.
Connections are never severed, just temporarily lost or covered up...
Anyone know where Isaac Gilshinsky (sp?) might be? He was a surgeon and a real live-saver to me, a young nurse, right out of school, caught in the horror of patient care of Vietnam.

Anne Payne
Thu Mar 21 11:57:08 2002

"D" SURGEON IN USAF ATTACHED TO ARMY. ON SURGICAL TEAMS WITH J. WRIGHT, G. POWELL, C. UMSTOTT, I GEILSHINSKY [? SP.] ETC. NOW RETIRED IN GOOD HEALTH.
Wed Mar 20 9:20:31 2002

In one of those odd coincidences, yesterday I found a package of photographs from my time at the 24th Evac that I have not seen in at least 20 years and today I saw the reunion information and website in the DAV magazine. Some of the people in the photographs were George Kling, John Adams, Dick Brown, Dave Taylor, Kathy Costello, Jean Hoverson, Cheryl Weigand and Tom Morgan. I have maintained contact with Tom and called him today with information about the website.

I left nursing upon my return to the U.S. in 1968 and spent my career in finance with a small U.S. Government agency in Washington, the Export-Import Bank of the United States. At various times, I was in charge of lending to Africa and the Middle East and established programs for small business exporters and business development.

Reading the comments of others in the guest book brought back a rush of memories and feelings. It's difficult to describe to someone who wasn't there the sense of camaraderie that develops among people doing valuable work in a difficult environment far from home.
Mon Mar 18 17:56:58 2002

Participated in Operation Cloverleaf, Operation Blow-up, and other major exercises.
Address: 3331 So. Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025

Sun Mar 17 19:43:57 2002

(Note to Keith B. Reed from Dallas! (and he is still my LT.) As Paul Newman said said in the movies, "I can't be the father, grandfather, and god-father--all at the same time!!!" William Donald Reed is a supreme joy in my life. I was there when he graduated from Law School. He has his mother's good looks, his mother's brains, and his god-father's charm! WD is by far the best thing to ever come out of Texas. 
Sat Mar 16 15:01:44 2002

I found the 24th Evac web page in the DAV Magazine. This is the first medical unit web page that I have found. I was with 2nd Surg Hosp 66-67 at An Khe and Chu Lai.
I am still looking for people that was there during that time.
Fri Mar 15 18:05:57 2002

I was at the 93 Evac from Sept70 until sometime in Feb. when I was sent to the 2nd Med. (84th Med under the 24th?) at the 90th, then to a couple of other places, ending up at the 24th sometime that summer. I mostly worked the "night shift" in x-ray at the 24th. I when back to school and became a Geological Engineer, retired a couple of years ago and now teach math at the local community college part time. Just saw the ad for your reunion in the DAV magazine and thought I'd "surf" on in and say hi.
Fri Mar 15 1:30:02 2002

HELLO TO LT. CULL, SGT. "WELL MEN, LETS MOP THE FLOOR" CROMARTIE, JOHN GIBSON, EDDIE WATTS, LTS. COUSINOU, FANTON, ADDISON, AND JESSE "WEST "BY GOD" VIRGINIA" GANDY. I LIVED IN THE LAST HOOTCH ON THE RIGHT, BEFORE THE E.M. CLUB. I INHERITED A ROOM, FROM AN X-RAY TECH FROM EL PASSO, WHICH SOMEONE, YEARS BEFORE, HAD COVERED THE WALLS WITH PLAYBOY PICTURES, SIMILAR TO A TODAYS VICTORIA SECRETS CATALOG. ANYBODY REMEMBER PLAYING FOOTBALL IN FRONT OF THE "VIETNAMESE 7-11 AND BARBER SHOP"? I WAS THE LITTLE GUY WITH GLASSES, I WASNT BIG BUT I WAS SLOW. HOW ABOUT THE CONVOY TO PICK UP BARRELS IN SAIGON, WHICH REAR END EACH OTHER AND HAD TO RETURN TO THE 24TH; PULLING GUARD DUTY AROUND THE 24TH PERIMETER, LISTENING TO AFVN RADIO, WATCH THE "FREEDOM BIRDS" FLYING OVER OUT OF BIEN HOA. AND
WASNT THAT FLIGHT GREAT. HEY, YOU ALL TAKE CARE, MAY THE 24TH LIVE FOREVER AND A DAY.
Wed Mar 13 11:42:34 2002

I worked in the outpatient clinic, and filled in for a short time at Long Binh Jail.
I was a Captain MC family physician.
I finished my active duty with 1 year at Fort Carson, CO.
I'm now a doctor at the Student Health Service at Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale, IL.
Tue Mar 12 17:36:37 2002

I received excellent care while I was a patient. The nurses were caring.
Mon Mar 11 18:51:21 2002

Sun Mar 10 20:14:27 2002

Been looking for Peter Blake for 32 years to give him back the $$$ for that tailored jumpsuit I was supposed pickup in Hong Kong.

Been looking for Peaches since before I rotated and she moved up to Pleiku .

" Brother Gray", Gandy, Termite, Cindy, Crookshank, Gary, Ann have been remembered
Sun Mar 10 17:34:06 2002

Re: JRB
Welcome Home JR and I sincerely mean it. Cindy's message said a lot. Do NOT feel ashamed. I too at times feel like I didn't do anything important over in Nam, just the grunts did.  Well I know better cuz if you read other entries in this guestbook you'll realize WE WERE IMPORTANT and SOLDIERS.
About 17 yrs ago I had a guy thank me for my service, this was after I had been out for 17yrs.It was uncomfortable but I did thank him. I believe then I realize I did some good over there.
JR you were on ward 7 & 8--right next to me on 5-6,we probably crossed paths and maybe even ate chow together. I had a few buddies that worked in that area--maybe you recall them. Give me a email one day.
Like Cindy mentioned-we're here and give anyone of us a email -hey remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Hope to hear from you.
THUMBS UP from a fellow 24th EVAC'er.
AT the 24th we helped many -Now we can help each other.
Take care
Mel
ward 5-6
Sept 67-Nov 68

Sat Mar 9 16:47:49 2002

Hi all I can say is that this is pain full to write.  I have never felt like I deserve to be associated with you all.  I remember coming home to Madison it was not pleasant. I was called a baby killer.  I went to a dance one night some one I do not know who it was but he found out I was a Vietnam Vet so he cold cocked me right there on the dance floor.  I remember get up and leaving. That was the last time for years I ever mentioned I was in Nam.  I work as a Building Custodian in the Madison Metro.Sch.Dist in a alternative School I was asked to talk to the students so I lied to them and told them what they want to here; that I was against  the war and that our government was right and the protester were right.  I am afraid and it was easer and safer to lie about anything I believe.  I just wanted to say you all did a great job.  One more thing its costly to keep everything inside.  I've had by pass surgery two knee replacements and a defibrillator put in my chest.  So please don't do as I do.

Fri Mar 8 14:46:01 2002

Met and married Jan Mueller, orthopedics, after we returned. We had three sons and I made a career of hospital administration for 20 years. I am in residential real estate in Houston now. CPT Donald V. Barnett (Old Barn), the Detachment Commander, is the god father of my oldest son, William Donald Reed. He still thinks I'm "his" Lieutenant...
Fri Mar 8 7:36:38 2002

Where are Doctors Briggs, Splaine, Kelly, and Peterson???
Fri Mar 8 0:23:11 2002

Bring the POWS and MIAS back alive.
Thu Mar 7 17:08:23 2002

I remember Jackie Bass. I remember a lot of RN faces but I'm not doing to well on remembering the names.  Collectively you are " My Ladies " That's how I refer to you when I talk about the events at the 24th Evac.
Wed Mar 6 1:27:46 2002

Marcia Spencer <in care of:  mrobin1213@aol.com>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Jackson
Chester, PA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 1967 - May 1968
Association: Nurse wards 5-6

[Marica died on 14 December 2003/webmaster]

Tue Mar 5 21:41:32 2002

I went by ship from California with the entire complement of enlisted personnel and arrived at Da Nang first & flew to Bien Hoa AFB. We worked 6 months with the engineers in the construction of the hospital. We helped the engineers pour concrete slabs and frequently did so with floodlights.

While there we put in flush toilets for the nurses which was a real BIG deal.....at least for them. The men still had the "ole eight holers. About the time we started to admit patients I was shot in the abdomen in Saigon, after having attended a Medical Brigade meeting The V.C were after the big Tan Sanute air base.(Spelling) After three weeks in the hospital (Third Field) I went back on duty at the 24th. Rotated to the states, retired in 1968 and became the Director of a hospital in Conn.
Tue Mar 5 13:45:06 2002

lot of good old memories hope to see many of you at the reunion cpt joyce johnson was the head nurse at the time hope to see her there
Mon Mar 4 20:25:15 2002

Someone else said, "the best of times, and the worst of times". I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

I am also glad to know that there are others who remember.

Pretty soon we won't be able to...(remember)
Mon Mar 4 13:32:02 2002

I worked on the Medical ward during my stay there. Many of you might remember that I was engaged to the Patient Registrar over at the 93rd Evac Hospital - Joel Schneeweis. We have been married 31 years now. Joel came over to the 24th Evac hospital for a short time when the 93rd closed. So he technically was a member by association and by being a member.
Sun Mar 3 13:50:47 2002

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Updated May 23, 2002