WHITTAKER'S BROWN WATER NAVY
The Story of LST 601 in Vietnam--Places We Went, People We Saw, Things We Did.




In 1966 we took a little trip, along with Bulloch County cross the mighty Pacific
We took a little bacon and we took a little beans, 11 LVTs and a couple of Marines




The USS Clarke County LST 601 was recommissioned in July '66 for service in Vietnam's muddy river's. Came January 1967 and the ship stood into port at Vung Tau, then turned in-country to serve in Saigon, Danang, Chu Lai, Cua Viet, Qui Nhon.... Tam My, Mekong Delta and Duc Pho, where she earned six battle stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Meritorius Unit Citations, the RVN Gallantry Cross and the Combat Action Ribbon.





"Pin my medals on my chest..."









WELCOME ABOARD

NOW EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

(Note: This site contains mature language and themes.)

Here Is Gator Navy Service In Vietnam: The "Can-Do" Spirit; The Brown Water; The Blue Blood, Sweat And Tears. So Read And Enjoy Our History, A Recount Of LST-601's Missions, Its Journeys "Up The Muddy Bayou And Wherever The Ground Was Damp..."

A Bit Of Amphib-Navy History




The above quote, attributed to President Lincoln, referred to the BROWN WATER GUNBOAT FLOTILLA of the Civil War. This original BWN was distinguished in the West. But, like many small military detachments, its contributions and major battles--Mobile Bay and the Western Blockade--are not widely known.


--Naval Historical Society Photo

JOHN LAWSON (pictured), USN, was awarded the Medal Of Honor for heroism aboard the USS HARTFORD during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864.





A hundred years later, there were two American Navies serving in Vietnam: One was known as the Blue Water Navy with primary duties conducted offshore; and the other was labeled the Brown Water Navy with duties in-country "wherever the ground was damp."

Adm. Zumwalt is said to have been the father of the American Brown Water Navy in Vietnam, which at that time--1966 to 1970--was itself the 9th largest navy in the world. This website tells the story of one BWN landing ship's experiences in Vietnam.

Landing ship crews are called "gators" because they come out of the water and onto the land. As a seaman aboard USS St. Clair County LST-1096 my landing party billet was "pointman." Now that's a mix of wet and dry warfare.


COMNAVFORVIETNAM
Subject: BLACK BERETS
Date: 29 Apr 1967

Page Two Item (E): Only river patrol force personnel may wear BLACK BERETS. This includes LST personnel and minesweepers, helicopter and SEAL detachments.





This image, courtesy of FreeGraphics.com, was suggested by CTT1 David Totten. It is a symbol of the American people's desire to live in peace and their unwillingness to bear life any other way.


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With Albert Moore as president, the MRFA sponsors reunions, maintains a "mobile" museum, publishes River Currents (a quarterly news booklet) and keeps alive the history of this joint Army (mainly the 9th Infantry) and Navy mission over the muddy waters inside Vietnam.






Navy - Together We Served


A RECALL TO ARMS: FROM THE MOTHBALLED FLEET TO THE 7TH FLEET.

Conceived by Winston Churchill,
the LST (Tank Landing Ship) served in both theatres of WWII.
Here Is LST-601 in Europe.



(US Navy Photo)

More than 20 years later, a squadron of then retired LSTs was called back to duty.
LST-601 was re-enlisted in 1966.









At right, LSTs 601, USS CLARKE COUNTY and 603, USS COCONINO COUNTY (which was later blasted by sappers) are seen beached in 1967 at Chu Lai, South Vietnam.












--Photo Bill Stute

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