Scope and Contents

One folder of photocopied clippings, images, and Howard Fackrell's Vietnam memoirs titled 'The AC-119K Gunship Program, Vietnam - My Second Tour - 1969-70' document Fackrell's second tour of duty in Vietnam, 1969-1970.

Biographical / Historical

Howard Fackrell was born December 7, 1932 in San Diego, California. He volunteered in 1952 for the United States Air Force and served a total of 22.5 years. He spent four one year tours in Southeast Asia. He was assigned to both the 16th and 18th Special Operations Squadrons Vietnam (1967-68 and 1969-70 respectively) as well as the 16th Special Operations Squadron Thailand (1972-75). He started off as a Load Crew Chief and then movied to the position Lead Gunner on the AC-119K Gunship. He remained a Lead Gunner for a few years before becoming both a Gunner and Flight Examiner. Fackrell was stationed in numerous places throughout Vietnam as well as Thailand. During his tours in Southeast Asia, he progressed from E-5 to E-7. Howard Fackrell received numerous awards and citations for his service in Vietnam including: 1 Air Force Commendation Medal, 14 Air Medals, and 2 Distinguished Flying Cross Medals. He retired at the grade of E-7. After his service in Vietnam, Fackrell moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and worked security at the 'Black World' at the Nevada Test Site more commonly known as Area 51.