Army Reporter information
for 23 INF
For date 710308
23 INF was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Tin Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, Chu Lai
Description: 08Mar71 Stateside leave is magic carpet ride
CHU LAI - "Enjoy your trip?" "How was it?" "Was it worthwhile?" Would you do it again?" These were some of the questions fired in rapid succession at Sgt. Maj. Samuel Moultri, 23rd Infantry Division G1 sergeant major, by members of the section upon his return from 1 14-day leave to the United States and a reunion with his family. Moultrie's answer to all the questions was a definite and unqualified, "Yes! I would turn around now and go back, if possible. The only drawback was the short time it takes the 14 days to pass. The procedure for going home is simple and painless once the initial request for leave has been approved." With a definite date for leave in mine, Moultrie had submitted his request was forwarded to the division Special Services section, where the reservations with the airline were made and the tickets purchased. For the sum of $509 round-trip, Moultrie traveled from Saigon to Browns Mills, N.J., with intermediate stops in Japan, Alaska, Oakland and Chicago. Round-trip fare from Saigon to Oakland, including meals and refreshments, was $369. Flying military standby from Oakland to JFK International Airport in New York City, he paid $140 round-trip. From New York, where his family met him, the short trip home was by car. "On the commercial flight, which I took with 249 other soldiers, we were treated like VIPs," Moultrie said. "From the time we checked in at Tan Son Nhut to our destination, the service was superb, not to mention the treatment upon arriving in California. Everyone was most helpful in helping us make connections to other destinations. "Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhut, my group was bused to the civilian terminal," he continued, "Where they checked the manifest, cleared us through customs, converted our MPC and moved us to the loading ramp for the 22-hour flight to The World, where we arrived the same day we left Vietnam. "People may draw gloves, overcoats, scars and other items of clothing to wear in the States prior to departure for home. However, these items must be returned to the same issue point upon return from leave. If they are lost, a statement of charges is processed to recoup the loss." As the time drew near for his return to Chu Lai, Moultrie said that although departing was "such sweet sorrow," he was glad to be getting back to work and the completion of his overseas tour. Ask if he would do it again or recommend the flight to others, he added, "You bet."
The source for this information was 7103AR.AVN supplied by Les Hines
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Date posted on this site:
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