Entry: 102184
Subject: BIRTHPLACE
Subject: BIRTHPLACE
Valerie Kvool wrote on February 24, 2025
City and State: OLYMPIA WA
Unit:
Service or Relationship:
Comments: I was born here. My father was in the AF Band stationed at Tachikawa.
Keywords:
Entry: 101518
Subject: 602ND MEDICAL COMPANY ARMY
Subject: 602ND MEDICAL COMPANY ARMY
Larence (Darrel) McMillen wrote on September 4, 2023
City and State: LUBBOCK TX
Unit: 602ND MED. AMBULANCE CO.
Service or Relationship: Army
Comments: I was stationed at Yamato Air Station April 1966-67 and Tokorozawa Depot 1967-April 68. We met incoming patients at Tachi and Yokota air base and took them in buses, cracker boxes and hueys to hospitals in Tokyo area (Zama, Camp Drake, Kishine, Yokosuka (and Tachi and Yokota hospital). Our CO was Capt. Schumacher and First Sgt. was Liggett.
I married a Japanese girl and our daughter was born at Tachi hospital 1968.
If anyone from 602nd is out there I would love to hear from them. Sincerely, darrel mcmillen
Keywords:
Entry: 101319
Subject: 20TH CASUALTY STAGING FLIGHT
Subject: 20TH CASUALTY STAGING FLIGHT
James Lormand wrote on May 1, 2023
City and State: GRANVILLE VT
Unit: MARINE HOSPITAL LIAISON
Service or Relationship: usmc. marines
Comments: reaching out,
seeking connections to my past experience, anyone who served with the 20th csf, or 249th general hospital, patients who passed some time 1968, 1969. looking back is a good past time, being in the present is a blessing, looking forward gives hope.
l served four years active 1967 - 1971, enlisting in November 1966 at seventeen years young.
my dad a career enlisted service man u.s. navy 1942 - 1953, then u.s. army 1953 -1964 signed permission on one condition, while my step brother was in Vietnam, l was not t be sent t 'nam'
l was trained at parris island and camp Lejeune, then personal administration mos 0141, tad marine barracks Washington d.c.
marine barracks Yokosuka japan oct 1967 attached to marine drum & Bugle and marine guard, until 'tet' when the marine hospital liaison was assigned to 20th casualty staging flight Tachikawa and 249 general hospital camp drake.
in November 1969 l retuned state side, did med cruise blt 1/6 n 1970
serving with navy, army, and air force while a marine was n honor
Keywords: 20th csf 249th general hosp,
Entry: 101144
Subject: I WAS A RADIO OPERATOR
Subject: I WAS A RADIO OPERATOR
James Pilgrim JR wrote on January 4, 2023
City and State: FAYETTEVILLE NC
Unit:
Service or Relationship: 1956-1959
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 100487
Subject: SEARCHING FOR VETRANS. DATES ATTACHED TO TACHIKAWA 1964-1968.
Subject: SEARCHING FOR VETRANS. DATES ATTACHED TO TACHIKAWA 1964-1968.
Janet Landes wrote on November 29, 2021
City and State: BELLEVEIW FL
Unit: MEDIVAC UNIT
Service or Relationship: USAF 1964-1968
Comments: My husband Russell Landes was a medic stationed at Tachikawa 1966-1968. He was with a medivac unit. I believe 82nd but unsure as he has since passed away and I'm finding out VA does not have good records. I am looking for anyone who remembers him. (Buddy letter) He stated he worked on injured soldiers who were covered in agent orange, taking them from plane to hospital. He also stated he was tasked to replace a sick aircrew member and flew into Da Nang (no TDY orders) deboarded plane to assist in the loading of wounded soldiers and return them to Yokota Afb. In 1968 a major operation by the Marines was taking place at Hill 881, during this time he was once again tasked to Da Nang (no TDY orders) to pick up wounded and return to Yokota Afb and Tachikawa hospital. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it, I will never stop fighting for my husband and our veterans! God bless
Keywords: Medic Tachikawa Yokota Da Nang medivac Air force Vietnam veteran buddy letter
Entry: 100402
Subject: SUSAN FRANK
Subject: SUSAN FRANK
Jim Desrosiers wrote on October 15, 2021
City and State: HAMMONDSPORT NY
Unit:
Service or Relationship:
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 100119
Subject: 20TH CSF CASUALTY STAGING FLIGHT YAKOTA AB JAPAN
Subject: 20TH CSF CASUALTY STAGING FLIGHT YAKOTA AB JAPAN
Bill Specht wrote on April 6, 2021
City and State: LILLIAN AL
Unit: 20TH CSF YAKOTA AB JAPAN
Service or Relationship: Air Force
Comments: I was a corpsman (medic) that worked at the 20th CSF 1970-1971. We wore red baseball caps with white 20th CSF lettering. I was the only one who cocked mine on the back of my head. C- 141 flights came in from Viet Nam to us every day. Some wounded went to Tachikawa AB Hospital, Camp Zama Army Hospital, Camp Drake Army Hospital, but most stayed at the 20th for dressing changes for 1-2 days before going CONUS. Some were on liters others walking. The big blue ambulance buses were backed into the 141's to unload the patients. The injuries we saw everyday were extensive, changing dressings for GSW's (gun shot wounds), amputations, full body casts, etc. These left all of us with life long impressions. To this day, I feel very proud to have been a part of the 20th Casualty Staging Flight.
Keywords: Viet Nam wounded
Entry: 99937
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANY STAFF THAT WORKED IN THE 12TH WARD IN 1970 AND 1971
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANY STAFF THAT WORKED IN THE 12TH WARD IN 1970 AND 1971
Albert (Joe) Hocamp JR. wrote on December 27, 2020
City and State: VENTURA CA
Unit: LSI
Service or Relationship: Civilian
Comments: I am in search of any medics or nurses that worked in the 12th ward during the period Dec 1970 to April 1971. Specially Joan Seba, Sue and Pete.
I was a patient in that ward in that period. They were truly Saints as they all made awesome efforts to nurse me back to good health.
Any help would be so appreciated
Keywords:
Entry: 92161
Subject: THANKFUL VIET NAM VET
Subject: THANKFUL VIET NAM VET
Michael Keith wrote on November 10, 2015
City and State: ABILENE TX
Unit: 1877 COMM SQUADRON
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: My name is Michael Keith. I was sent to Tachikawa, from Bien Hoa, RVN as a patient. I was an air traffic controller at Bien Hoa Air Base, RVN. While at the hospital there I met an AF Captain Mike XXXX a C-7 pilot, I can't recall his last name. I believe he PCS'd to Mather AFB. I remember him as being very funny. He unofficially organized the patients on our ward and when the nurses left each evening we had a ball. We had wheelchair races, water extinquisher fights, and shaving cream fights. No real fighting, just playful interacting. One night, the Major, (the head nurse) caught us and really laid into us. No fun for days.
Once there was a young Airman, stationed in Japan, who was about to be married. He came to our ward (of mostly wounded Viet Nam vets) for a circumcision. He was in a lot of pain afterwards, as you can well imagine, and was given a can of spray which he could spray on himself and relieve the pain. One night they (the Nurses) hung curtains all the way around him so that we wouldn't bother him and he could have some privacy. They had to give him medication to sleep. One night we collected as many "centerfold" pictures as we could find and hung them up inside his wall of curtains. In the morning we could hear him spraying away. Spray, spray, spray.
One another occasion Mike the C-7 pilot and I were given a weekend pass to leave the hospital. We'd been inside the hospital for almost 3 months. Two very nice nurses invited us to their quarters for dinner and "Cold Duck" wine, I think. Long story short, they took us to the Officers Club. There was a Phillipino band playing. They played alot of Beatle music as I recall. Mike and I got on stage with them and sang along with the band. We were joined at our table by many of the nurse's friends. We were all havin a ball, laughing and joking and dancing. At some point a young officer came up to me and told me that he wanted me to come with him. He took me to the lobby where sat a rather distinquished lady. He introduced me to her and left. She asked me, "are you stationed at Tachikawa?" I said, "no ma'mm, I'm stationed in Bien Hoa, RVN." She somehow surmised that I wasn't an officer and let me know that, very politely. She said I've been watching you and your table of friends and you all seem to be having a very good time. She said it was the funnest night she had had at the "O" Club in years. She said, "I'm the Commanding Officer's wife and I know you aren't supposed to be here (because I was enlisted), but I'm having such a good time with you and your friends, If anyone comes up to you and asks you to leave, you send them to me. I'll take care of it. You go back to your friends and enjoy your evening." With that I rejoined my friends. I told them about it, and they appeared to get real nervous. We left shortly thereafter, but auctioned off a vacuum cleaner left in the lobby before we departed. My guardian angel sat there in the lobby laughing so much she had tears in her eyes.
The medical staff at Tachikawa took real good care of us. Some guys were in real bad shape. I don't think I could have taken the stress they were under at that hospital. I eventually recovered and returned to my unit in Viet Nam along with Captain Mike the C-7 pilot. Man that guy was funny.
Thanks to all the folks at Tachikawa Hospital in 1971 (Jan - Mar). You are life savers.
Keywords: I'd love to hear from anyone who was there at that time. I tried contacting a nurse that I struck up a friendship with, but she had moved on and gotten married years later. I hope she is well and the stress levels subsided for her and her coworkers. Take care.
Entry: 92044
Subject: SEARCHING FOR FELLOW VETRANS
Subject: SEARCHING FOR FELLOW VETRANS
Charles Raia JR wrote on October 21, 2015
City and State: ARLINGTON MA
Unit: 6407TH USAF HOSPITAL / & 20TH CSF
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Searching for fellow vetrans. Dates attached to Tachikawa 1966-1968.
Friends: Glenn Raymond, Bob Price, Bob Cutts, Rick Straight, Rick Lowery,(The Checkmates Band) played on bases. Sgt. John Barr (USAF Hospital Post Office), Bob Cuzzi, Sgt. Alvarez, Bob Coombs, Pantellone, Peter Thorpe, Lt. Betsy Smith,
I was initially assigned to 20th CSF. In the quonset hut we prepared meals for doctors, nurses, corpmen,& patients while functioning as a ccok. Later l took a tour USAF Hospital in food service...this was followed by TDY to USAF Hospital's postal mail room.
Keywords:
Entry: 92043
Subject: SEARCHING FOR FELLOW VETRANS
Subject: SEARCHING FOR FELLOW VETRANS
Charles Raia JR wrote on October 21, 2015
City and State: ARLINGTON MA
Unit: 6407TH USAF HOSPITAL / & 20TH CSF
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Searching for fellow vetrans. Dates attached to Tachikawa 1966-1968.
Friends: Glenn Raymond, Bob Price, Bob Cutts, Rick Straight, Rick Lowery,(The Checkmates Band) played on bases. Sgt. John Barr (USAF Hospital Post Office), Bob Cuzzi, Sgt. Alvarez, Bob Coombs, Pantellone, Peter Thorpe, Lt. Betsy Smith,
I was initially assigned to 20th CSF. In the quonset hut we prepared meals for doctors, nurses, corpmen,& patients while functioning as a ccok. Later l took a tour USAF Hospital in food service...this was followed by TDY to USAF Hospital's postal mail room.
Keywords:
Entry: 92042
Subject:
Subject:
Charles Raia JR wrote on October 21, 2015
City and State: ARLINGTON MA
Unit: 6407TH USAF HOSPITAL / & 20TH CSF
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 91784
Subject: LOOKING FOR DEATH RECORD OF MY BROTHER DIED AT TACHIKAWA
Subject: LOOKING FOR DEATH RECORD OF MY BROTHER DIED AT TACHIKAWA
Maxine Teachout wrote on August 28, 2015
Email Update Needed
City and State: CHEBOYGAN MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My little brother died at tachikawa hospital shortly after birth December 19, 1953. We were stationed at Yakota AFB. My mom didn't do well after emergency c-section. Babies name was :
Geoffery Sean Chance.
Mother was :Marjory Mae Chance
Father was :Capt. Harry Authur Chance
My sisters are desperate to find his grave or find out what happened to him after he died. Our mom was in hospital few weeks and dad never would talk about it.
They are both gone now, my sister and I are :74 now.
Father went back and forth to Korea teaching South Korean pilots to fly jets.
Any information seriously appreciated!
Sjincerely, The now Teachout family.
Keywords: Brother's death and burial site.
Entry: 90168
Subject:
Subject:
Donald Pederson SR. wrote on December 9, 2014
Email Update Needed
City and State: COLORADO SPRINGS CO
Unit: RETIRED
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 89626
Subject: 6407TH HOSPITAL TACHIKAWA
Subject: 6407TH HOSPITAL TACHIKAWA
Michael Phipps wrote on September 8, 2014
City and State: SUNSET BEACH NC
Unit: USAF HOSPITAL TACHIKAWA
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Served at 6407th 1963-66, as corpsman on ward 6 (Ortho) then in the ER, on to OB ward at Tachi and Johnson, and finally in the eye clinic under Major Andrew Batson and Capt. William F. McKee. Greatest 42 months in my life. Best friends, best work. Married nurse, 1st. Lt. Peg Smith, much to the chagrin of other officers present. Finished college on return and served 28 years as FBI agent retiring in 1997. Anyone from those years out there?
Keywords:
Entry: 87891
Subject:
Subject:
Klarence Nelson wrote on December 11, 2013
City and State: JAMAICA NY
Unit: 2/5 ECO COMPANY 1ST MARINE DIV.
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Looking for any female born in Tachikawa in1967 that was fathered by Black American
Keywords:
Entry: 86000
Subject: LOOKING FOR TOMMY RICE
Subject: LOOKING FOR TOMMY RICE
Shirley Sillik wrote on April 18, 2013
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for anyone Who knew the Sillik Family. Richard,
Shirley, or David. Carol Sillik was born on Tachikawa AFB 1957
Does anyone about a rice family member born in 1959 at Tachikawa
AFB, May be named Tommy, Kiki, or Tiki Rice. Father was Dale
rice a civilian from texas
Keywords: Birth
Entry: 85909
Subject: BIRTHPLACE - LOOKING FOR INFO
Subject: BIRTHPLACE - LOOKING FOR INFO
Robin King wrote on April 7, 2013
City and State: SAINT PETERSBURG FL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I was born at the hospital on Tachikawa Airbase in August of 1964 to very young
parents. My mother is no longer with me, and I'm trying to find anyone who may
remember us. Anyone there at this time?
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Keywords: Hospital information - potential friends of parents.
Entry: 85348
Subject: MID 50'S
Subject: MID 50'S
Marccellous Weaver wrote on January 30, 2013
City and State: BIG SPRING TX
Unit: 6407TH HOSPITAL
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I worked in the eye clinic under a dr named Joseph
Gulyash and an optometerist named Warren Broderson.
I had many friends there but mostly remember their
last names. Ilso remember two civilian females --
one was Dorothy Nagano I think and the other was
maybe Lenora. It was a very nice place. I think
I must have been the black sheep.
Keywords: Eye Clinic
Entry: 85035
Subject: INFO ON/FOR MY FATHER - FRANK FAIRCHILD
Subject: INFO ON/FOR MY FATHER - FRANK FAIRCHILD
Brian Fairchild wrote on December 23, 2012
City and State: SAN ANTONIO TX
Unit: 6407 HOSPITAL
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I'm looking for information on anyone who may have known and/or
served with my father, Frank Fairchild. He was stationed at Tachikawa AB
approx 1952-1953. He would have been 19-20 years old at the time.
He cannot recall the unit but stated he worked in the hospital, and at
times flew on medical evac missions between Japan and Korea to
transport casualties. So I just assume he was either assigned to the
6407th Hospital, or the 801st Medical Evac Squadron.
I'm currently a 24 year AF medic, and would love to help my Dad find out
any information possible. His entire AF service records were destroyed in
the fire at the records repository in St Louis.
He was originally from NC, but enlisted in Carroll County Maryland. He
went through basic training at Sampson FIeld, NY. He was very likely on
the baseball team, and possibly tried boxing.
His brother, Leslie Fairchild, was also an Army medic who was killed in
November, 1950 near the ChongChon River, North Korea while caring for
his wounded comrades. After Japan, I believe he trasferred to Tennessee
prior to getting out of the AF.
Keywords: Tachikawa AB
6407th
35th Wing
Medical Evacuation
Entry: 84258
Subject: SILLIK FAMILY 1957 TACHIKAWA
Subject: SILLIK FAMILY 1957 TACHIKAWA
Shirley Sillik wrote on September 25, 2012
City and State: BIG BEAR LAKE CA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 84083
Subject: TACHIKAWA AIR BASE JAPAN 1945-1977
Subject: TACHIKAWA AIR BASE JAPAN 1945-1977
Mike Skidmore wrote on September 3, 2012
City and State: BROKEN ARROW OK
Unit: 6100TH SUPPORT WING
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I have a web site for Tachikawa Air Base (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TachikawaAirBaseJapan/ )
and a Facebook page at (
http://www.facebook.com/groups/377719578936686/ ) .
I also have many videos posted on youtube.com for
Tachikawa Air Base. Mike Skidmore Broken Arrow
Oklahoma
Keywords: tachikawa air base marauders yamato air station
Entry: 83030
Subject: PETER PAN PHOTO PROCESSING 1956-1958
Subject: PETER PAN PHOTO PROCESSING 1956-1958
Gerald Spear wrote on May 16, 2012
City and State: NEWPORT BEACH CA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was Chief of Laboratory Services at 6407th USAF
Hospital 1956-1958 and participated in development of
Histopathology Center which was not built until after
I left. I have two questions. (1) A marvelous film
processor in town called himself Peter Pan. What was
his Japanese name? Where was he located. Does
anyone have envelopes or receipts with his name?
(2) Does anyone have pictures of the Histopathology
Center?
Keywords: Peter Pan,film processing.
Entry: 82267
Subject: TACHIKAWA HOSPITAL ,
Subject: TACHIKAWA HOSPITAL ,
David Ralston wrote on February 27, 2012
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: my father ssgt ray ralston was stationed at tachikawa
from 1960 to 1964, in fact i was born there in 1962,
we lost him to agent orange back in 1986 from his
time in vietnam, im just wondering if any of his crew
remembers him, thanks and god bless,
Entry: 81944
Subject: 20TH 1070-71
Subject: 20TH 1070-71
Bill Specht wrote on February 1, 2012
City and State: ELBERTA AL
Unit: 6407 HOSP/20THCSF
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I lived at Tachi and worked at the 20th at Yokota '70-
71. My tour was short because of an early out for
school. But great memories of both. Some really
good parties. I dated and later married Lt. Phyllis
Hardie. We are divorced now but still remain very
close friends and have 2 sons. We are in contact
with LtDorothy Justice Kurella and Colin Shalk. Greg
Delaurent, lab tech, died. So much fun there.
Remember Wishy, "Mother" the Major, Lt Hassel,
Maj.Boyza "hotlips" to name a few? We changed a lot
of really bad dressings, especially all of the
amputees and we did it with compassion. I don't
think we ever dropped a stretcher. I was proud to be
a part of the 20th. After saying I would never
reinlist or have anything to do with the Air Force I
joined the reserves while in Grad school and stayed
another 25 yrs. But Tachi was the best.
Keywords: 20th CSF
Entry: 78719
Subject: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MEDICAL RECORDS?
Subject: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MEDICAL RECORDS?
Christine Gardner wrote on April 26, 2011
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: Does anyone know what happened to the medical records from the vietnam war -
Tachikawa AB, Japan
USAHCZ, Japan
?
thank you,
Keywords: medical records
Entry: 78211
Subject: TACHIKAWA 1957
Subject: TACHIKAWA 1957
Bryce Ford wrote on March 17, 2011
Email Update Needed
City and State: BETHESDA MD
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father, William (Bill) Ford, was stationed at Tachikawa AB in 1957. He was in Logistics Command and a C124 pilot. I was born there on March 12, 1957. I'm looking for anyone who might have a photo of the hospital or other areas of the base from that time. I greatly appreciate any help anyone can offer.
Thank You,
Bryce Ford
Keywords: 1957, William Ford
Entry: 77026
Subject: IRMA JEAN CLARK
Subject: IRMA JEAN CLARK
Catherine (Cat) Wood wrote on December 2, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My mother was stationed in Japan in AF during vietnam war. She was there from 1969-1970 (feb) She recently passed away from soft tissue sarcoma. For years she struggled with the many deaths of young men, and the lives that changed so drastically by the injuries. My respect to ALL who served during their lives. She was a woman of love, the horrors of war left lasting scars. I was truly blessed to have her as my mother. If anyone knew her, I'd be interested in any memory you may have about her.
Catherine wood
Keywords: Medic, Ice Queen of Tachikawa
Entry: 74491
Subject: TACHIKAWA AB WEB SITE
Subject: TACHIKAWA AB WEB SITE
Mike Skidmore wrote on April 26, 2010
City and State: BROKEN ARROW OK
Unit: MILITARY BRAT 1958-62 1967-69 YHS 1969
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Please stop by my Tachi web site, we have 970 group members from 1946 to 1977. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TachikawaAirBaseJapan/
Keywords: tachikawa air base tachi marauders yokota yamato air station yamato warriors high school american village green park fuchu chofu johnson air base nco club officers club civilian club
Entry: 74389
Subject: 6407 TH AF HOSPITAL 1954-1955
Subject: 6407 TH AF HOSPITAL 1954-1955
Nancy McKenzie wrote on April 17, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: 6407TH HOSPITAL
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was stationed at 6407th Hospital for 1 Year - Feb. 1954-Feb 1955 serving as Occupational Therapist -1st LT. It was a great hospital, and Tachi was an interesting place to live. I do recall Japanese once marching around the base with drums - think we may have even been put on alert - carring helmets, etc. We also had one parade - very funny as most hospital folks didn't know how to march! Most outstanding thing I remember was when 10 or 12 guys arrived after being in prison in North Korea or China. We treated them royally - even taking them in to Tokyo on shopping trip-also visited a few night spots. One of my house mates was a Med Evac nurse, and next door was a Physical Therapst - Barbara Bugsby,I think.
Keywords:
Entry: 73022
Subject: KOREAN WAR PROJECT
Subject: KOREAN WAR PROJECT
Ken G. wrote on January 6, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: ID
Unit: 22ND TROOP CARRIER SQD
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: any information or photos of 22nd Troop Carrier SQD would mean a great deal.
Keywords: My Father was K.I.A. 11-20-1955 Pilot of C-124 Globe master. crashed on Iwo Jimma MyFathers name was George Giakovmis 11
His hobbies were boat racing and making model air planes
Looking for any information concerning my Fathef or the crash as he passed when I was very young
your respounce would be greatly appriched
Entry: 72553
Subject: 20TH AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON
Subject: 20TH AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON
George Ramoska wrote on November 27, 2009
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was Stationed at Tachikawa Air Force Base from Oct. '68 to Oct '70, initially with the 20th Casualty Staging Flight, later redesignated the 20th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. This unit was attached to, but separate from, the hospital. I arrived several month after the Vietnem Tet Offensive, so the units Tachikawa facility to help with the overflow of wounded, Quonset Huts, up the street from the football field, was closed, but the facility on the flight line at Yokota AB was functioning at full capacity, that being 3 wards with a Total capacity of 70-80 patients.
As a rule, 3 C-141 flights a day would arrive from Vietnam: Cam Rhon Bay, DaNang, and Tan Shun Ut (SP) in Siagon. We would unload the aircraft and process them for immediate departure to Camp Zama, Yokuska, Tachikawa and a few others who names now escape me! Others would spend the night at the 20th for departure in the morning prior to the arrival of 3 more medevac flights flights the next day. Patient were transported, in conjunction with the Army And Navy in Huey helicopters, Ambulance buses and ambulances. Almost all patients were military wounded but occasional (and Rare) POW VIP's would arrive. Prior to the incoming flights in the afternoon, 2 to 3 stateside C-141's were loaded for departure in the morning, for patients requiring further treatment, rehab, etc. Patient turn over during a 24 hour period at the 20th was 100%.
The military made this an amazingly efficient operation, and in so doing, save many lives that otherwise would have been lost. Of course, the other side of the coin, no war no casualties is true, but since recorded time, I beleive there has been but 30 or 40 days where one tribe, clan or nation hasn't been waring with another! I will allude to the fact stated earlier, My unit, the 20 Casualty Staging Flight was redesignated the 20th Aereomedical Evacuation Squadron for PR propaganda purposes.
I have written all of this to say this: my unit has disappeared from history: Google of 20th AME, Tachikawa and Tachy hospital, gets nothing....anyone out there remember us?? Would enjoy hearing from you if you do.
George S Ramoska
Keywords:
Entry: 71727
Subject: TACHIKAWA AFB JAPAN 1961
Subject: TACHIKAWA AFB JAPAN 1961
Kenn Evans II wrote on September 23, 2009
City and State: WINSLOW AZ
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: My Grandfather Kenneth H. Stepherson was in a band on base called the Sunset Serenaders, They played every Saturday at the NCO club. Looking for band members and Stories. Some of the other band members are Gordon Berry wife Joyce, Hersel Smith wife Sherry, Ausin Berdine. Looking for names of other band members I have a photo upon request from 1961.
Entry: 64726
Subject: TACHIKAWA HOSPITAL 1968-1970
Subject: TACHIKAWA HOSPITAL 1968-1970
Melva Koepke wrote on March 13, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State: BAY CITY MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: LOOKING FOR WAF STATIONED AT TACHIKAWA FROM 1968 TO 1970
Entry: 62404
Subject: TACHIKAWA VETERANS
Subject: TACHIKAWA VETERANS
Richard Patterson wrote on September 24, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State: LILLIAN AL
Unit: 317 TROOP CARRIER WING
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was stationed at Tachikawa from 1947 to 1949 with the 317th Troop Carrier Wing. Is there anyone who was there at that time who would like to share experiences?
contact Dr Richard Patterson
richardpatterson@gulftel.com
Keywords: C46-C54
Entry: 61362
Subject: BOBBIE N. STULL
Subject: BOBBIE N. STULL
Eddy Love wrote on June 22, 2007
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: My name is Ed Love and my father-in-law was stationed at Tachikawa AB, Japan from about 1958 to 1961 as an airlift medic and his name is Bobbie N. Stull. His wife was Lois Stull and they had two daughters, Dianne and Marie. After Tachi, they were stationed at Andrews AFB, MD. Then Scott AFB. Finally, Lackland AFB in 1966 where he was medically retired. In 1977, they moved here to Panama City, Florida. If anyone knew him while he was there, I would like to hear from you and I know Lois would love to hear from you also. Thanks.
Keywords:
Entry: 60588
Subject: INTER-SERVICE BASEBALL LEAGUE MAY 12 60 - ?
Subject: INTER-SERVICE BASEBALL LEAGUE MAY 12 60 - ?
Susan Rueber Bathke wrote on April 6, 2007
City and State: TULSA OK
Unit: FAMILY MEMBER
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am putting together a book for my dad John W Rueber. He played on the baseball league in Japan at Itazuke about 12 May 1960 and I would like anyone with a photo, info or news clipping to please contact me by email.
Keywords: Japan Inter-league Baseball League
Entry: 60415
Subject: 6400 TACHIKAWA AFB
Subject: 6400 TACHIKAWA AFB
Donald Noll SR. wrote on March 21, 2007
City and State: HYDE PARK NY
Unit: 6400 SUPPLY S/SGT
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: My Dad has just moved in with me and I was hoping to help him connect with anyone stationed at Tachikawa AFB when he was 1950-1952.
Keywords: 6400 Supply 1950-52, Tachikawa AFB, Warehouse S/SGT Don Noll
Entry: 60186
Subject: MEDIC CHUCK JONES
Subject: MEDIC CHUCK JONES
Joseph Rousseau wrote on March 2, 2007
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: Anyone remember an army medic, Specialist Chuck Jones at Tachikawa AFB Hospital from 1966-1969? Denise was his wife, baby daughter named Lynette. Originally from New York state. Denise was a teacher at Tachikawa elementary school.
Keywords:
Entry: 58618
Subject: BIRTHDAY
Subject: BIRTHDAY
Donald Schriver wrote on August 23, 2006
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: 36 ARRS (FORMER)
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was stationed at Tachikawa from 1968 to 1971 as a member of the 36th ARRS, which was moved to Yokota when the Tachikawa runway closed. I have many wonderful memories of my days in Japan. But, there is one in particular. That would be the birth of my daughter on May 1, 1970. All these years later I can still recall in absolute detail the events of that day. I won't bore you with ALL of the particulars. But, suffice to say it is as vivid today as if it happened yesterday
Keywords: HC-130P
Entry: 56885
Subject: PATIENT RECORDS
Subject: PATIENT RECORDS
Bruce Canner wrote on April 28, 2006
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My dad was hurt in a Jeep accident in Iwo Jima and was airlifted to FEAMCOM hospital. Is there anyone who would know if there is a way to contact the hospital to get back records? This took place in 1950 - 51. Any help wiould be greatful.
Thanks
Keywords:
Entry: 54319
Subject: 1965 PATIENT
Subject: 1965 PATIENT
Jack Sturm JR. wrote on November 28, 2005
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Due to the plastic surgery skill of the surgeons at the Tachi hospital in the summer of '65, I have little or no scars from a burn. I had a phosphorus burn on my right hand to my elbow and have virtually no scars from that experience. I spent time in the hospital and had all the scar tissue work done there. To whomever was responsible, I thank you , my children and grandchildren thank you for the dexterity, form and function you restored.
Keywords:
Entry: 54120
Subject: WAS THERE 6/52-12/53
Subject: WAS THERE 6/52-12/53
Harry Hanson SR. wrote on November 15, 2005
Email Update Needed
City and State: LANSING MI
Unit: 6407HOSPITAL GRP
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: I was a Surgial Tech at Tachy from 6/52-12/53 and frequently made trips in cracker boxes to Toyko, carrying wounded flown in from Korea compliments of C-124 Globe Masters. The seriously wounded were transported to Toyko, we kept the rest at Feamcom. My barracks,(Fox), was next to acouple of large smoke stacks that Doolittle had bombed during WW=2. F-86 Sabre's were flown in for 1,000 hour check ups at Tacky or Johnson AFB. Rumors from Japanese nationals I worked with stated that during WW-2 the Japanese Gov., had large elevators at the end of the runways that allowed bombers to be stored underground. During the May Day riots the base qwould be completly surrounded with Japanese, hanging on the security fences complete with small lanterns which made sleeping difficult. Once there had been a belief that we poisoned their water supply, later to find out that their own World War-2 gasoline tanks stored underground had rusted out; it created a great deal of tension! FEAMCOM Hospital was a busy place during some serious battles in Korea that left many wounded that had to be air-evaced. In fact I was there when 127 were killed just off the base on a C-124 Globe Master; they were returning to Korea. We had to deal with an Officer that tried for two weeks to get his brother on that fatal flight. Cause of crash; a sheared generator shaft plus two command pilots at the controls. They lost number one engine and the co-pilot instead of killing the bad engine he killed number two which left them with zero power on the left side; the rest is history. That's about all I have to contribute.
Entry: 53136
Subject: REV. MATT UNDERWOOD
Subject: REV. MATT UNDERWOOD
Eileen B. Richard (Torpey) wrote on September 14, 2005
City and State:
Unit: HOSPITAL SQUADRON
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Dear Rev. Underwood,
I was "surfing the net" for Keesler AFB in Biloxi and
wondering why it was not mentioned on the news about Hurricane Katrina, when I decided to check up on another base where I had been stationed: Tachikawa. I came across your message. I served there around 73 to 75... much later than your father.
As you know things change with time. Tachikawa was a
much smaller "operation" while I was there and more emphasis was being placed on Yokota where my husband was stationed. You mentioned one of the reasons. Local (Japanese)public opinion. The incident with the
communists was still talked about when I was there(75).In fact a single tall pole or two erected just outside the base fence prevented air planes from landing on the run way at Tachi and this is my under-standing of why more operations were moved to Yokota
(about seven miles away). In fact grass and weeds were invading the macadam on the former runway which I remember because someone tried to teach me how to ride a motorcycle there. Also large parts of the base
were abandoned or just not used. However there was one
isolated area where some of the Japanese women( 2 single nurses who, ancilary help, a few maids)
worked on the base lived. But by any American standard these conditions seemed to be substandard.
Keywords: Part 2 . One of these Japanese RNs was MORIMOTO-san,who worked in the newborn nursery with me. She had been stationed at Tachikawa when she was in the
Japanese Army during WWII. She was about 5 ft. tall.
Truthfully, she was wonderful, an absolute treasure. I think about her alot. (I'll write more.)
Entry: 21986
Subject: 6407TH USAF HOSPITAL - UNDERWOOD E-MAIL UPDATE
Subject: 6407TH USAF HOSPITAL - UNDERWOOD E-MAIL UPDATE