This episode of Military Tales dives into the unique world of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand (NKP), during the Vietnam War, featuring C-123K Crew Chief Dan Pierce and Loadmaster/Flare Kicker Mike Seitz. They share their experiences serving at the remote, top-secret, and highly compartmentalized base from 1970 to 1971, detailing the perilous “Candlestick” missions flying C-123K aircraft at night over the Ho Chi Minh trail and Northern Laos to provide critical illumination with powerful flares and spot targets for fighters while facing the constant threat of anti-aircraft fire. The veterans also reflect on the isolation of their duty, confronting the dangers at 12,000 feet, the difficult transition back home, and the enduring bonds found decades later through reconnecting with fellow NKP veterans.
Military Tales Episode 47 brings us face-to-face with two veterans of the Vietnam War who served at the remote and at-the-time highly classified Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base (NKP). Dan Pierce, a C-123K Crew Chief, and Mike Seitz, a C-123K Loadmaster and Flare Kicker, were stationed at NKP from 1970 to 1971. Though they served in the same squadron and were there concurrently, they never knew each other until reconnecting decades later through Facebook. Their conversation offers a vivid look at life and missions at “the end of the world,” as NKP was sometimes called.
Arriving at NKP was an experience in itself. Mike recalls his jungle survival training in the Philippines, including sleeping in trees to avoid snakes and learning primitive skills. Dan’s journey involved flying upcountry from Bangkok in a C-130, witnessing bases become increasingly fortified with troops in bunkers, leading him to question where he was headed. Both were struck by their first impressions of NKP, which felt like a step back in time with its prevalent propeller-driven aircraft.
A key takeaway from their experience at NKP was the intense compartmentalization of the base. Despite being a relatively small, top-secret base carved out of the jungle, there was minimal interaction between different sections โ flight line maintenance, loadmasters, different squadrons like the Jolly Greens (rescue helicopters) and A-1 Skyraiders, and even a special ops group whose missions were unknown to others. Mike noted this lack of crossover was “mind-blowing” given the military’s emphasis on teamwork. Dan felt disconnected, describing himself as being “over there in Oblivion” regarding the missions of other aircraft parked nearby, such as the Jolly Greens extracting downed pilots.
Dan and Mike’s primary duty involved the C-123K aircraft on “Candlestick” missions. These were critical, nighttime flare missions flown primarily over the Ho Chi Minh trail and Northern Laos. Their purpose was to support bases under attack or provide sustained illumination over areas where enemy activity was expected. The C-123K carried 100 powerful flares, each producing three million candle power. They would fly in a circular pattern, dropping flares every few minutes to keep the area lit for hours. They also used Starlight Scopes to spot trucks on the ground and dropped markers to guide incoming fighter jets to targets.
These low and slow missions at around 12,000 feet were dangerous. While this altitude helped avoid smaller caliber ground fire and was necessary due to the lack of oxygen onboard for longer missions, they were vulnerable to larger anti-aircraft guns, including 37mm, 57mm, and 85mm radar-controlled weapons. Mike describes the 37mm as an “awesome piece of weaponry”. The crews could sometimes see the tracer rounds coming up, which took about seven seconds to reach their altitude. Mike vividly recounts a mission where eight 37mm shells were fired at them simultaneously, prompting the Navigator to dive back into the plane and the pilots to briefly turn on their lights so accompanying fighters could see them. Dan also shares experiences of encountering ground fire and one terrifying moment when the plane suddenly dropped to avoid fire or due to turbulence, sending unsecured items and crew members flying. They mention a C-123 that was hit in the tail by a 37mm round but managed to return, and a fatal mid-air collision between a C-123 and a B-66 that occurred before their arrival.
Beyond their regular duties, they had other notable experiences. Dan worked on former “Ranch Hand” spray planes that were transferred to NKP. Mike recalled his first flight into Vietnam, being told to look for gunfire on the approach to Tan Son Nhut. They also witnessed events on the base, like the foaming of the runway for an F-4 crash landing and the action of the Pedro rescue helicopter. Mike recounts a concerning incident where a Thai guard was killed in a guard tower at the end of the runway when it was hit by an F-100.
Reflecting on their return home, both shared common experiences of a difficult transition. Mike was unable to inform his parents of his arrival until he landed in the US and experienced a lack of interest or even hostility from some civilians who “didn’t want to hear it”. Dan, from a more rural area, had a quieter return but was aware of the negative sentiment towards returning GIs. They note that they didn’t widely discuss their service for many years and rarely wore military hats until much later.
A significant part of their conversation revolves around the challenges of filing VA claims, particularly for Agent Orange-related illnesses like diabetes and prostate cancer. Dan, having kept a diary, found the VA initially unwilling to accept it as proof of his service in certain areas. Mike, who hadn’t kept detailed records, found it difficult to prove his exposure, especially since he had worked on former spray planes as a flight line mechanic before becoming a crew chief. They discuss the process of getting historical documentation, such as a list of former spray planes, to support their claims.
Despite the hardships and the passage of time, both expressed the profound impact of reconnecting with fellow veterans, often through Facebook and reunions. They shared poignant stories of reconnecting with buddies after 50 years, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their service. While some reconnections brought joy, others were tinged with sadness as friends faced serious health issues or had passed away. They noted the increasing desire among Vietnam veterans to gather and talk about their experiences, finding a sense of healing and connection. The possibility of returning to Thailand and seeing how NKP and Nakhon Phanom have transformed is also discussed, with some veterans finding closure in revisiting the places that defined their youth.
Episode 47 provides a valuable look into the daily lives, perilous missions, and lasting impacts of serving in a hidden corner of the Vietnam War, shedding light on the experiences of the Air Force personnel who kept the C-123K “Candlesticks” flying.