The LSSC and
HSSC Boats
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Photos from the
1969 photo collection of LT. Herbert M. Ruth, (deceased)
SEAL Team Two DETACHMENT ALPHA, 9th PLATOON
submitted by his son Kerry Ruth
klruth@worldnet.att.net . Third column comments by
Robert H "Bob" Stoner
GMCM(SW)(Ret.) |
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From Kerry Ruth |
From Robert Stoner |
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LSSC, SEAL Team Two, 9th
Platoon, Detachment Alpha Operation. Searching for Viet
Cong KIA and weapons from firefight the previous night.
Photo taken by then Chief Warrant Officer Herb Ruth from
an HSSC. Republic of South Vietnam 1969. |
Photos, from top, #3 and 4 are of a Mk IV
LCPL. MST used four heavily modified LCPL's, none of
which were exactly alike. The yellow in both photos is
primer paint that was applied before the top coat of
green paint was applied. Historical Note: GMG1 Mike E.
Thornton was awarded the Medal of Honor on 31 October
1972 when he saved the lives of his three LDDN's
and their senior advisor, LT Tom R. Norris, who was very
badly wounded. Previously, on 10 April 1972, the same
LT Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor for the rescue
of USAF Col. Iceal Hambleton, an electronic warfare
officer, whose EB-66 aircraft had been shot down over
VC/NVA controlled territory. The book, and later movie,
"Bat 21" tells the harrowing tale of escape, evasion,
and rescue against overwhelming odds.
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LSSC, remnants of sampan on bow of LSSC
from firefight the night before. Same Op as above
description. |
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I assume an HSSC. GMG1 Frank Thornton,
Pru Advisor, 9th Platoon, Detachment Alpha
1969. Combined SEAL & LDNN,
Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia
(Vietnamese Navy Seals) Personnel
with MST Personnel operating the HSSC. Republic of
South Vietnam 1969. |
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HSSC
Personnel along with SEAL and LDNN. Republic of South
Vietnam, 1969. |
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LSSC. SEAL Team Two, 9th
Platoon, Detachment Alpha Team member with LDNN aboard
LSSC. Republic of South Vietnam 1969. |
Photos 5 and 6 show the LSSC alongside
the HSSC. Each MST detachment arranged the interior of
the assigned LSSC to suit the mission. In this case,
the Mk 58 mounts for the M60 machine guns have been
repositioned to add an extra two along the sides of the
personnel compartment. The radome for the search radar
is still fitted in this 1969 photo. Many detachments
removed the radar to increase interior space and to
remove a potential shrapnel hazzard from a rocket hit.
[In actual use, the radar proved to be of limited use on
the narrow canals. Some units also experienced
reliability problems with it.] What looks like a black
hose (below the .50 machine gun) in both photos is the
pickup for the manually operated bilge pump. In the
last photo (#6), both M60 and M60D machine guns are
fitted to this LSSC. The M60D gun is the one with the
dual spade grips, amidships, behind the radome. |
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LSSC moored alongside an HSSC. SEAL Team
Two, 9th Platoon, Detachment Alpha. Combined
SEAL & LDNN Op. Republic of South Vietnam 1969. |
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