Southern Cross information
for 11 BDE 23 INF

For date 710903


11 BDE 23 INF was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Ngai Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, FSB STINSON
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Mishap forces emergency mess at Stinson" by SP5 Gregory Wright 11 Inf. Bde. IO. FSB STINSON _ An explosion recently ripped through an Ammo Supply Point (ASP) at FSB Stinson. Troops were dismayed to see that the blast had destroyed not only the ASP but a large portion of the nearby mess hall. The building approximately 70 feet in length before the mishap, had been reduced to about 24 feet of the original kitchen, the storeroom and washroom completely destroyed. Steps had to be taken immediately to provide a mess area for the men on Stinson. C-rations which had survived the blast provided part of the answer. Later, as supplies could be brought in, the C-rations were supplemented with coffee and fresh fruit. Make-shift stoves were fashioned from 55 gallon drums so meat could be grilled outside, lending a cook-out atmosphere to the mess-hall disaster. In the meantime, plans were being made for a new structure. Engineers on Stinson were informed of what had occurred and equipment was gathered in preparation for construction. SSG William Puckett (Winchester, Kan.) was in charge of the construction of the new mess hall and explained some of the problems encountered. "I suppose our biggest hangup was the shortage of materials," recalled Puckett. "Most of the plywood in the old building had been shattered and couldn't be used again." SFC Charles Moore, mess sergeant (Laughton [sic], Okla.) admitted that continuous smooth operation of the mess facility was difficult, but was impressed with the efforts of both cooks and KP's. He also praised MAJ Charles D. Getz, battalion commander at that time. "MAJ Getz insisted that the main dining room for the troops be completed first, and continued to eat his meals on a bare platform, exposed to the sun, until this was accomplished," said Moore. Although the two small dining rooms have been completed, work has not been stopped at Stinson. There are plans for an improved structure resembling the original, with the present main dining room converted to use by senior NCOs and officers. Traditionally, Army chow has been the subject of many gripes, with the complaints coming the thickest when it isn't there at all. Not even the destruction of a mess hall, however, can prevent the men on FSB Stinson from getting their meals on time.

The source for this information was 7109_435_scr supplied by Les Hines 03/17/2000


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Last updated 12/12/2000

Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023