This is the how the photo above appeared in 1966. Oakgate and Scarface crews should recognize this Catholic church on the east side of Hwy 1 just north of Hue City. The ruin is unique in that very few recognizable sites of battle remain in what was South Vietnam. The Communists removed most vestiges of American presence during the '70s and '80s and either leveled or repaired most damage. The fuel pits were just beyond the black band of the runway, then the aircraft parking area, then the line of shops and finally the squadron living area.
Nothing remains to indicate the squadron's presence.
Virtually all other mid-size and smaller bases have returned to nature or are growing cash crops. The green fields that now carpet Camp Carroll are pepper plants and the former artillery base is indistinguishable to those who remember it only as an elevated field of red clay. The clue to locating former American positions lies in the placement of communist monuments built after the way, most of which are unmaintained and deteriorating in the harsh climate. Photos and Text Ron Zaczek Vietnamese patriotic monuments are often oddly shaped such as this one across the road from Camp Carroll. Many have elaborate relief's depicting Americans surrendering in abject fear and aircraft being shot down by Vietnamese popular forces.