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Terry A. Moon - Photographer 

First Cavalry Division
Information Office 1968-69

Brief Introduction

In 1967 I was a upper-division journalism student at San Diego State University and I worked as a photographer for the local newspaper, the Vista Press. Early in 1968 I enlisted in the US Army with the guarantees of photo school and a job as a photographer. In April I went to Fort Ord, California for basic training, In July I started still photo school at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. I finished number one in my class of 20. I was offered an instructors position there, but orders to Vietnam for my entire class overruled that.

I served as a photographer with the First Cavalry Division from November 1968 to November 1969, mostly based at the division Information Office at Phuoc Vinh as photo coordinator. I also had field time with 2nd brigade based at Lai Khe. I was in a unique position to photograph almost all the varied operations of the division, from LRRPs to Engineers to aircraft maintenance, and visit many of the divisions III Corps fire support bases and other locations from Bu Dop to Bearcat, to the top of Nui Ba Den.

Many of my photos appeared in the 1st Cav weekly newspaper "The Cavalair", the quarterly magazine "The First Team". Some appeared in The MACV Observer, The USARV Reporter, and Pacific Stars & Stripes.

Looking back on this time, it was the "fine tuning" of the airmobile warfare concept with the 1st Cav. It became more and more successful, resulting in the huge success of the Cambodian incursion in May of 1970. That operation should have been done much sooner. It would have prevented countless American and ARVN Casualties. The NVA would come from their sanctuaries in Cambodia, hit American and ARVN bases, return to Cambodia, rearm and regroup, then do the same thing again a month later.

This is my personal batch of anecdotes with photos and material from publications I have saved. Read about some of the things I experienced, photographed, and some of the places I went with my comments in My Story>.

press card
press card back
This was my "ticket to ride" on any military transportation. I used it a lot. They laminated it, but it still shows the red clay stain of Quan Loi.
terry picWhile awaiting the arrival of new Division ACG for his portrait in front of his huey I have my own portrait taken by the General's shaky door gunner.

yearbook

In 1970 the First Cavalry Division under very capable direction of Information Officer Major J. D. Coleman produced a large yearbook style volume (10x12 in. 300 pages) documenting the 1st Cav history in Vietnam from August 1965 to December 1969, over 50 of my photos were used in this volume.

Dedication

This web site is dedicated to all veterans of the 1st Cavalry Division. To the members of 1st Cav PIO, where the spirit, hard work and cooperation was remarkable. And to the late J. D. Coleman, our Information Officer and leader who elevated the whole PIO operation to a new level.

Email Me with any questions or comments
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© Terry A. Moon All Rights Reserved 2007