Scope and Contents

Memoirs of Leo F. Kimminau's service as a forward air controller in the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia in 1966.

Biographical / Historical

Leo F. Kimminau was born 28 December 1931 near Zenda, KS. In March 1951, he enlisted in the USAF. He graduated and was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutanant and was Pilot rated in March 1954. Out of Kimminau's 21 year active and Air Guard service in the USAF, 50 weeks between January and December 1966 was spent in Southeast Asia. He served with the 19th TASS, as ALO/FAC with Bien Hoa ARVN Sector as ALO/FAC with US Army Advisor Gp at Bien Hoa, RVN in January 1966. Next he served with Det. 1. 7/13th, at Nakhom Phnom, Thailand working as FAC, he participated in combat missions in Central Laos between January and April 1966. Then Kimminau served with HQ 505th TCG, at Tan Son Nhut AB near Saigon, RVN as Chief, O-1 Combat Ops, from April to August 1966. Finally, he served with the 22nd TASS/Theater Indoctrination Flight Ops, at Binh Thuy AB, RVN as a Pilot Instructor from August until mid December 1966. Kimminau held the rank of Captain while in Vietnam as he was passed over for Major just prior to leaving Southeast Asia.