Walls for each blast. Suspended on ropes, they drilled holes in the rock and loaded them with dynamite. After each explosion these daredevils swarmed over the cliffs, prying loose rock and clearing the walls of debris. In november 1932, the Colorado River was diverted. Under control for the first time in its history, the river flowed around and past the site. Men in trucks dumped earthen rock embankment across the canyon below the openings forcing the river from its age old bed through the huge diversion tubes. A second earth and rock dam was thrown across the tunnel downstream keeping water from backing into the foundation area. Isolated and protected from the river by the two copper dams, the site was pumped dry. Men and machines dug 135 feet below the old river level to reach bedrock for the dams foundation, excavating over 2 million yards of rock and sand. As clean up of the dam site exposed the ancient bed of the Colorado River, geologists read the history of what happened ages ago. Workmen cleaned and prepared bedrock surfaces to receive the first concrete, assuring utmost stability for hoover dams foundation. 12 miles upstream, drag lines excavated sand and gravel for the dams concrete from an old stream bed deposit on the arizona side. A train hauled this raw material to an aggregate plant across the river a few miles above the dam site. Here the sand and gravel passed through various process of screening, grading and washing until it emerged as unexcelled aggregate. Then it was stockpiled according to sizes to await its trip to the dam site. This processed aggregate moved as called for in a steady flow over the railroad to two mixing plants, one in the canyon bottom and the other on the nevada rim. There sand and gravel were blended with cement into a uniform mix, meeting rigid specifications for the 4. 5 million cubic yards of concrete to be placed in the dam structures. I5 from the mixing plants, concrete was dispatched to all points of construction. Nine anchored aerial cable ways spanning the canyon from rim to rim lowered the concrete into the forms and handled other supplies and equipment as well. As the first bucket of concrete settled into its foundation on june 6th, 1933, hoover dam began its rise from the depths of black canyon. As cableways dumped load after load of concrete into the forms, the dam soon reached its full 660foot thickness at its base, poured in four foot layers of concrete, structures keyed or interlocking columns climbed sky ward as crews set new records daily. Bucket full after bucket full ran the continuous cycle, mixing plant from canyon rim out into midair from the george and down, dumping its load of 16 tons. Crews vibrated and compacted the fresh pours while buckets returned again and again to the mixing plants to be filled with more concrete or other waiting forms. Crews worked under all conditions, all seasons of the year without cessation, rain or shine, day or night. By june 1934 one year after the first pour, twothirds of the dams concrete had been placed in the forms. Hoover dam had risen to an impressive height already taking its place as one of the worlds as hoover dam climbed between its abutments, related structures also took form. At the toe of the dam the ushaped power plant to house generating equipment, control and maintenance facilities was built in twin wings, one along each side of the canyon walls. Intake towers, two on each side for the powerpoints pen stock system climbed as a maze of reinforcing steel and concrete, perched on shelves, these graceful columns rose 403 feet, well above the dams crest and the canyons rim. Two giant spillways were set against the canyon walls on each side of the reservoir just above the dam. These high Level Controls each capable of bypassing 200,000 cubic feet of water per second assure that no water ill ever over top the dam. Water flowing into the basins plunges downward into the tunnels to enter the river below the dam, 100foot long drum gates rise during flood stage to give the reservoir an additional 16 feet of storage. Hoover dams pen stock system called for pipes of unprecedented size, ranging from 8 1 2 to 30 feet in diameter and 5 8 to 2 3 4 inches. As it was not possible to ship units of this size across country, steel plate was brought from eastern rolling mills. A Steel Fabrication plant erected especially for this job near the dam site rolled and assembled nearly the three miles of pipe installed in the canyon wall tunnels. As in all unprecedented phases of hoover dams construction, fabrication of the pipe sections required special machinery and equipment. Edges of the dimension pilates were shaped on a plaining machine to ensure precision and accuracy. Then they were bent on a giant press and rolled into circular form. One such plate equalled onethird of the complete circumference of a pipe. Three of the largest curved plates welded together formed a ring 30 feet in diameter and 11 feet long. Two of these rings joined, made up a section weighing 150 to 184 tons. A vertical lathe joined the edges. So the sections would fit into continuous pen stocks inside the canyon walls. A train passing through one of the 30foot sections reveals their comparative size. When the intake towers and their connected tunnels were ready to receive the pen stocks, a specially designed trailer hauled the sections one at a time down the highway from the plant to the dam site. At the canyon rim, a 150ton cable way relieved the trailer of its tremendous burdens, swung the pipe sections out over the gorge and lowered them under absolute control. Trailers waiting at portals of the access tunnels carried the them to their permanent connections inside the main tunnels. The pipe sections were hoisted into location with cables, and joined end to end pressure pins to form continuous conduits between the intake towers, turbines and outlet valves. While this and other work on the pertinent features was going on, a continuous stream of concrete had been pouring into the dam forms. The structure near its full height of 726 feet, far above the crest of any other dam yet built by man. On may 29th, 1935, two years pt after they had begun pouring, crews placed the last concrete in hoover dam. A total of 3 1 4 million cubic yards. n wonder stood completed, 2 1 2 years ahead of schedule. On september 30th, 1935, president Franklin Delano roosevelt dedicated hoover dam to the nations progress. He praised its designers and builders. The dam stood like a sentinel white and beautiful in the desert sunlight guarding the river and its downstream wealth. Floodwaters lapped helplessly z against its arched back as the reservoir filled. This manmade inland sea spread into the canyons and valleys. Among the colorful hills and mountains. Hoover dam had conquered the colorado. Turbine fits to hold hoover dam 17 big hydroelectric units were built into the powerhouse. Generator installations began in 1935. The first generator unit end two began commercial operation october 26th, 1936 to serve the city of los angeles. Ones and twoses, the generators filled the pits as demand for Electrical Energy in california, nevada and arizona called them into service. Finally, in 1959, manufacture generator, n8, began. Pi layne dormant and silent, except for the hum of other generators. Now, as more generating capacity was needed, contracts were awarded for the generators manufacture and installation. Plants throughout the nation fabricated n8s many parts. The design of n8 followed that of other hoover generating units. It is a 95,000 kilowatt, driven by a 115,000 horsepower turbine. Hauling water from the reservoir, which spins and powers the turbine wheel is controlled by a huge butterfly valve, which permits the water to flow to the turbine from the feeder pen stock. Weighing 2,000 tons, n8 parts were shipped to hoover dam on 60 rail cars. Arriving it at the canyon rim overlooking the dam, the parts were lifted by cableway out over the canyon and down to the powerhouse. Parts descending into the gorge on strands of cable were familiar and almost daily sights, reminiscent of previous installations. And the main cableway operator was the same one who had helped install and operate the cableway during the dams construction in the early 1930s. Others likewise had worked on the project throughout its construction. Inside the nevada wing of the assembled and installed the mass of electrical cargo. Crews prepared the n8 pit to receive the new generating unit. They removed temporary slabs over the turbine and relief valve outlets to the river. Liners assembled in these openings were set in concrete. . the turbines scroll case sections were lowered into the pit. Sections were leveled, bolted together, and aligned. The completed scroll case was then anchored in concrete. Later, the turbines water wheel, attached to the bottom end of the shaft, was installed inside the case. Butterfly valve was assembled on the generator floor and later connected between the feeder pen stock and the turbine scroll case. Meanwhile, the generators two main parts, the rotor and stator, took form. Steel lamination plates were stacked around the rotor and stator frames. Coils were locked into place, and electrical connections were made. The powerhouses overhead cranes lifted the completed 254ton stator from its erection bay and carried it gently to its foundation over the turbine pit, where it was lowered and bolted into place. The 466ton rotor was moved from its erection bay and lowered inside the stater. The rotor was then joined to the turbine water wheel by a shaft 63 feet long. Guide and thrust bearings and other parts were added to complete the assembly. After test runs, n8 went on the line december 1st, 1961, to serve the state of nevada and to pret complete the hoover power plant, raising its capacity to 1 1 3 million kilowatts, keeping it as one of the Worlds Largest hydroelectric installations. As the last sounds of construction faded into history, hoover dam had cost 175 million. Less a deferred payment of 125 million allocated for flood control, hoover dams cost is being returned to the federal treasury at 3 interest from the sale of hydroelectric power. Hoover dam has fulfilled the hopes and expectationses of those who envision this great reclamation project. Colorado river waters that once destroyed man and his property now serve him. The colorado pours its waters into lake mead, named for dr. Elwood mead. Lying calmly behind the dam, these waters meet mead by downstream users. Water is released through the hoover power plant turbines to irrigate over 1 1 4 acres of desert land served the industrial and municipal needs of the southwest, generating hydroelectric energy, and provide various other multipurpose benefits. The clear waters of lake mead have opened up a vast new recreational fish and wildlife Vacation Land for america. Millions meet paths to this onetime wilderness along the Colorado River to pick in this case, go boating, swim, fish, and enjoy these important outdoor reclamation products. Hoover dam and its power plant worked around the clock to serve water and power needs of the pacific northwest. Water from lake mead passing into the intake towers falls over 500 feet from the pen stocks to spin the giant turbine wheels and then discharge to the river. This action is repeated at downstream reclamation dams. Transformers come from the generators. Lines carry this power up over the powerhouse roof to the switchyard. From there, it is transmitted over lines across the desert. The river flows southward, and along the way, man diverts from the controlled stream to sustain his prosperous way of life. 67 miles downstream,cgwn davis reregulates the colorados flow, releasing water through its power plant turbines to irrigators in this country and mexico. Davis dam generators interconnect with those at hoover dam upstream, and those at parker dam downstream. This energy goes out over transmission lines of the parker davis project to farms, homes and factories. Much of this Colorado River energy pumps the farmers irrigation and drainage water. Parker dam, 155 miles downstream from hoover dam, was built with fundsmhfb advanced by the metropolitan Water District of southern california. Parker dam provides a for bay for the districts colorado aqueduct, another one of the seven modern wonder. Electrical energy from parker plants pumps water along the aqueduct. This waterway delivers municipal and Industrial Supplies to the los angeles and san diego coastal areas. Parker dam also controls floods. Below parker dam, head gate rock dam diverts water to Colorado River indian reservation lands in arizona. And farther downstream, the Diversion Dam sends water to the pallo verde irrigation district, oldest on the Colorado River. And imperial dam, 300 miles downstream from hoover dam, Colorado River water enters river size canalses to irrigate farm lands in california and arizona. The allamerican canal system carries part of the flow westward to the yuma, imperial and coachella valleys. When water reaches its farthest point on this canal system, it has traveled nearly 500 miles after leaving hoover dam and has required ten days to make the trip. The heela gravity main canal takes water from imperial dam south and east to valley and mesa lands of the highlia and yuma auxiliary projects. Mexicos share of Colorado River water to irrigate dams below the water passes imperial dam and most is diverted at morales dam into the alamo canal. The nonsurplus food, fiber and forage crops grown on lands nourished by water in hoover dam find ready markets throughout the nation. While snowcovered lands lie idle, winter fruits and vegetables roam in the warm southwest with Colorado River water, are shipped to dinner tables across the nation. In return, these irrigated areas buy Farm Machinery and other products from the manufacturing centers. This exchange of goods between west and east, north and south, has helped develop Americas Free enterprise prosperity. Hoover dam has pointed the way to the fullest utilization of the Colorado Rivers resources. Man is adding other mighty reclamation projects to the stairway of dams in the Colorado River. In northern arizona, Glen Canyon Dam has joined hoover dam in conquering and regulating the colorado. Potential sites and other canyons in the Colorado River await the day when they too will cradle mighty multipurpose dams. These developments will write new chapters in the story of hoover dam,bjgz truly a modern l engineering wonder. Each week, American History tvs real america brings you archival films that help tell thee story of the 20th centur. At the end of 1963, the United States had about 16,000 military advisers in south vietnam, sent to help the army of the republic of vietnam in their war against homey minute and the communist north. Next from 1963, a 30minute u. S. Army film documenting the activities of captain william johnston, who trains and assists south vietnamese troops while they are constantly being attacked and harassed by vietcong. 50 years ago, on august 10th, 19 of 4, the situation in vietnam was transformed when Lyndon Johnson signed the gulf of tonkin resolution with congress granting the president broad powers to increase american involvement in the conflict. Since the outbreak of hostilities in 1959, United StatesArmy Advisers in vietnam have undergone a variety of experigoet learned much about the complexities of guerilla warfare in southeast asia. Working through mag, these advisers have increased the number to more than 12,000, each is assigned to a specific activity or unit of the army of the republic of vietnam, commonly referred to as arvin, where his chief duties are to make certain that u. S. ctt equipt is used and maintained properly. And to teach by lecture, demonstration and by setting an example. Perhaps the advisers most important function is to advise and assist the unit commander, his arvin counterpart, to make suggestions skillfully and diplomatically in a manner to the customs of the vietnamese and to the commander. Since 1959, in fact, since 1956, when mag advisers were first sent to vietnam, many lessons guidelines, techniques and principles have been developed. Perhaps the best way to describe the experiences of u. S. Advisers in their relationship with the vietnamese and to illustrate the lessons learned, is to tell the story of one u. S. Officer, captain william r. Johnston, who from may 1962 until april 1963, served as mag adviser to the first infantry battalion, 11th regiment, 7th infantry division, army of the republic of vietnam. 34yearold michigan born captain johnson with a wife and two children in chicago would soon learn his military assignmene tactics, as well as of all staff functions. More important, he would discover that to maintain a workable relationship with his counterpart and other vietnamese soldiers and civilians, he would have to make some changes in his approach toward human relationships. His counterpart, captain khan, had received infantry and training in the United States. But there was still the large gulf of two divergent cultures separating them. To function efficiently as a unit adviser, it would be up to captain johnston to bridge this gulf as rapidly and completely as vietnamese customs would permit. As johnston met officials such as the commander, he was aware of the need to understand the vietnamese people without becoming involved in their politics. The advisers duty was to adhere to the u. S. National policy and his obligation would be to support the military operations of the incumbent government of vietnam. When johnston reported to the First Battalion, they were stationed at the sugar mill. The main source of sugar, rum andfsiq mow lasses for all of republic of vietnam, it was located in the mekong delta, 16 kilometers east of the cambodian border. One primary mission of the First Battalion was to provide security for the mill, as well as to stop the vietcong from forcibly collecting taxes from farmers who brought in sugar cane. Captain johnston made it a point not to rush matters in establishing himself with the vietnamese and captain khan. With them here is sergeant dock, a School Teacher drafted into the army, and now johnstons interpreter. The american captainoi learned that the mill employed 2,000 workers, and was in an area largely controlled by the vietcong. He and khan estimated that 30 of the employees were guerillas who operated on night patrols disrupting supply lines. Feeling his way carefully, one of captain johnstons first recommendations was to improve artillery emplacements, there be increasing flexibility and fire at the sugar mill. He also suggestedfua pa living n shelters improvised from ponchos was neither helping morale nor contributing to supply economy and khan agreed to construct barracks. Another basic mission of the battalion was to secure a portion of the only usable road for transport of personnel, sugar and supplies between the mill and saigon. The road led through vietcong infested territory with an estimated two countries of guerillas operatsg if the First Battalions area of responsibility. However, despite the presence of the First Battalion, word was received one morning that the road had been cut during the night. Captain johnston hurried to the scene, where it was reported that the6pt vietcong were still the area. Battalion troops arrived a few minutes later, the Battalion Commander was at regimen tal headquarters and by now johnston learned that khans work load was such that he could not always be available. The Second Company tried to intercept the guerillas, but only succeeded in driving them into the jungle. By this time, johnston considered himself a member of the battalion, was aware that the officers and men liked to hear him say well do this or our battalion. He recommended a course of action to the Company Commander. Remembering that an adviser never commands, only suggests. With a vietcong still within range, a. 30caliber machine gun was brought into use. A 60millimeter mortar crew quickly set up their weapon and began firing. Suspects were rounded up for interrogation. Johnston would assist in this as soon as he could. Once the guerillas were driven off and the chance of that rasing fire reduced to a minimum, civilians recruited by the district chief began preparing the road. Some of these same farmers had undoubtedly been recruited by the vietcong to dig it up the night before. There were several motives for cutting the road. Most important, of course, was to disrupt transportation and supply. These passengers disembarking so their bus can bypass the damaged portion illustrate another motive, which was to enable the vietcong to halt civilian traffic in order to recruit guerillas, capture or kill officials, take hostages, collect money and to deliver propag, harangues and leaflets. When the road was sufficiently repaired, the flow of traffic resumed, taking passengers to their destinations. As well as supplies to the sugar mill. As a result of the cutting of the road and other night activity by the vietcong, captain johnston made a recommendation which led to the first appreciable disagreement between him and captain khan. The recommendation was for regular night patrols throughout the area. Although it was eventually followed, the Battalion Commander refused at first, because he was adhering to the old concept of fighting by day and defending by night. Johnston then asked permission to lead volunteer patrols, and khan reluctantly consented. They proved so successful, that the Battalion Commander drew up his own plans for nightly patrols, receiving high praise from division. Johnstons reward was satisfaction from the results obtained. While stationed at the sugar mill, captain khan, captain johnston and the First Battalion participated in other combat operations either at company level, as a battalion, or as part of a larger unit. To brief u. S. Pilots. With an Airborne Unit during this mission which was designed to clear an area of the district where vietcong had been active near the capital region. At first, to get an idea of the capabilities of battalion troops, johnston accompanied the lead elements. Huks, which served as guerilla hideouts, were burned to the ground. A communist information booth was also leveled by First Battalion soldiers, and members of the south defense corps. Even in the midst of combat, troops took a break. Johnston quickly learned that vietnamese have less stamina than americans, and they must have frequent breaks or four meals a day. However, this did not interfere with the highly successful mission. A sizeable number of prisoners and suspects were captured. [auc when johnston arrived on the scene, he learned that they had not been searched. He suggested to the Company Commander that this be remedied. One was found to be on the wanted list, a hard corveyet congress named lew, who had committed murders and atrocities against civilians. Interrogation of prisoners presented a major and continuing problem to johnston in his capacity as an adviser. It was also an infantry advisers responsibility to help arrange forearm more support when needed. These m113 armored personnel carriers were requested to assist the battalion in clearing an area of the mekong delta. While high grass made it easy for the vietcong to hide. However, some were captured. And many suspects flushed out for interrogation. In obtaining armor or any other support, it was up to the u. S. Adviser to make his counterpart aware of its availability, as well as to establish liaison with each supporting unit through the mag Advisory Team headquarters in meeto. In addition to armor and army aviati aviation, of the support obtained by captain johnston and captain khan, included artillery. Engineer. Signal. Nps ordinance. Medical. T[ lv and naval. It was while the battalion was stationed at the sugar mill that johnston recommended inauguration of a program;ne designed to retrain the units personnel. The u. S. Adviser devoted much time to helping supervise this training, which emphasized techniques especially adapted to the local terrain, as well as weapons training. This exercise stressed unit tactics in clearing an area, both training in the area selected proved so successful that higher headquarters assigned the First Battalion the task of training three companies of recruits as regimen tal replacements. These recruits, as well as members of the battalion who could be spared were also given training on the new claymore anti1fca personnel mine. Because the demonstration range which the battalion built was located outside the compound and trainees were subject to sniper fire, they kept loaded weapons in hand. The lecture phase was conducted by lieutenant kim, builtian s5. Johnson had recommended him for this duty, because he spoke some english, and the two could communicate directly. The u. S. Adviser had then given additional english instruction, as well as an intensive course in the use of the mine. Throughout his tour as adviser, johnston had become increasingly aware of the necessity of double checking the translation of his words, especially since he had discovered that instructors and interpreters often injected their own feelings or opinions on a subject instead of translating literally. During the first few classes on the claymore, johnston personally set the mine in the ground and prepared it for detonati detonation. 0w f realizing the importance of teaching by demonstration, he showed no reluctance about getting his hands dirty. However, he realized it would be wrong to continue to do the work to persuade one of the battalion officers to take on the responsibility. Use of bayonets illustrated a problem he faced as an adviser. Ever since he joined the battalion, he observed the men misusing the bayonet. Frequent on the spot corrections and appeals to the Battalion Commander have thus far produced no result. With targets in place, and the lecture phase completed, johnston led lieutenant vin, a Company Commander, detonate the mine. Something was wrong. It failed to detonate. Johnston quickly improviseded a field ex paid ant method, teaming up with lieutenant vin to make manual contact. early in january 1963, two companies of the First Battalion moved from the sugar mill to the village of duke would, where the regimen tal commander was on hand to greet johnston and captain khan. A cp was set up in the village pagoda. The tiger on the sign is a religious symbol. The other two companies remained at or near the sugar mill to help a self defense Corps Company take over the first it was at this time the First Lieutenant joe m clement of atlanta, georgia, joined the battalion as training 7yr advi and assistant to captain johnston. Sergeant dock helped orient lieutenant clement on the surrounding terrain. Shortly afterwards, Master Sergeant jones of baltimore, maryland, arrived to serve as the battalions first enlisted adviser. Primary reason for moving two companies of the battalion to duke would was to have them help convert the village into a since it was in the heart of vietcong country, johnston never went anywhere without his ar15 rifle, keeping it by his side, even when he slept. His chief duty at this time was to advise captain khan on providing security for workers constructing the hall lot, as well as on planning controls and company size operations. This battalion soldier was captured and killed by the vietcong while guarding the construction site at night. There was another basic reason for the battalions move to dukeiowa, so it would provide security for a road reconstruction project. Rendered impassable by the vietcong in 1959, repair of this road would provide a shorter route to saigon. Captain johnston went over it carefully so he could advise the Battalion Commander on plans for protection of construction crews. Actual reconstruction was done by civilians, who were paid for their labor by the vietnamese government. Engineers lent support with bulldozers, other equipment and y during the entire project, johnston maintained liaison with u. S. Engineer advisers. Despite securit vietcong dug up sections at night and subjected workers to harassing fire. On this occasion, Sergeant Jones spotted a Guerilla Force while johnston, after several refusalses, persuaded the Company Commander to call for mortars. He also found time to reassure an anxious mother, whose son was being interrogated as a suspect that he would not be mistreated. In addition to their basic duties, the three u. S. Advisers concerned themselves with battalion morale. These pom poms were for the roof of a barracks johnston had recommended, captain khan had authorized and lieutenant clement had been delegated to supervise. Even though johnston expected to be reassigned to the United States before it was completed, he had not hesitated to recommend its construction. He knew he could in count on lieutenant clement, his probable successor as battalion adviser, to follow through on the project. At johnstons suggestion, clement and Sergeant Jones with sergeant dock aiding, presented residents with books, pamphlets and calendars. Because it was located near the oriental river and many access canals, the First Battalion was given its most Important Mission to date. Produce from this rich agricultural area and from the even more productive south was transported by boat to roads which led to saigon and other cities north of the delta. However, river and road traffic was frequently intercepted by the vietcong, who collected tribute from the farmer transporting their produce and terrorized them if they were uncooperative. The First Battalion was assigned the mission of clearing the area, southeast of duqua and constructing a self defense corps post at the canals near the village. Upon receipt of the order, captain johnston and his counterpart formulated a plan for the post, selecting a position which would command both canals and afford the best route for re enforcements. Khans planning impressed johnston, convincing him that advising can work both ways, for he was getting many good ideas from his counterpart. The plan included preparation of of the first and Second Companies from the sugar mill area so that almost the entire battalion would receive down river to the construction site. Two platoons would be left to secure the cp. And lieutenant clement would remain with them. As the men split bamboo to transport down river, johnston saw that he had won a minor but significant victory. They were using machetes instead of bayonets. His appeals had taken effect and misuse had apparently ended. As they prepare to move down river, men of the battalion were deeply concerned about something, and it wasnt the prospect of backbreaking work in 120degree heat or the almost certain casualties they would take. Tet, their version of chinese new year, was two weeks away. Unless they completed the sdc post before then, 30 would miss leave time at home and the rest around the feasts and festivity. At a nearby port on the oriental river, the equipment was loaded on board lcms. Responding to requests through command and advisory channels, the navy of the republic of vietnam had assigned four Landing Craft in support of the battalions mission. Johnston was on hand to watch the lcms pull out. Manned by Vietnamese Navy personnel, the craft would transport the equipment by river and then canal to the construction site. Meanwhile, the battalion paralleled the river on foot. Its immediate objective to clear the intervening area of vietcong. Walking with them were johnston and the Battalion Commander. They cleared villages and searched huts all along the populated route to the site of the sdc post. Johnston and his counterpart found that all adult males had left, confirming their belief that most of the population were vietcong. At another hut, a last moment escape was indicated by food still being cooked. Despite all precautions, an ambush resulted in the wounding of two men. On the river, the navy was having its own taste, receiving harassing fire from the thick junglel. Their 20 millimeter cannon. As soon as the battalion arrived at the site of the sdc post, they started digging in to set up a defensive perimeter on johnstons recommendation. He explained some of his other recommendations to the regimen tal commander and khan, to say this was the way the American Army did things. Following a conference, they firmed the brush to uncover many traps laid by the communist vietcong. With security established, the johnston lent a hand in tying it to the bank. od the battalion was now ready to begin its basic mission, construction of the sdc post following the plan drawn up by johnston and his counterpart. n6 the wall full of triangular post would be made of mud which would become almost as hard as concrete when it dried. A block house was constructed at each corner of the triangle. Captain khan personally supervised many phases, while johnston was everywhere, observing and advising. One of his recommendations was for u. S. Of concertina wire. Their joint plan also included the digging of a moat surrounding this entire post. Construction was frequently interrupted by mortar duals with a vc, who subjected them to harassing mortar and small arms fire. rqx casualties were sustained by both sides. This sdc soldier received mortar fragments, and a mortar killed this guerilla. Vietcong harassing fire during the posts construction led to y disagreement between adviser and counterpart when johnston recommended clearing fields of fire in opposition to khans desire to spare the only when arvin refused a mission could u. S. Pilots be sent. Three hours later, an arvin helicopter landed. The wounded man lost his right eye and was paralyzed on the right side. Johnston, deeply involved, helped load him on the helicopter. With the sdc post almost completed the battalion moved the bulldozer across the canal to assist in the construction of a watch tower. It became stuck in the soft mud. Johnston and his counterpart hurried to the scene. Having had experience with track vehicles, johnston felt he had the solution but kept it to himself to allow the cong to direct operations. The commanders methods were suitable for wheeled vehicles but only succeeded in bogging down the tractor more. Both the Battalion Commander and his u. S. Adviser were worried for several reasons. First they might lose a bulldozer. Second the troops were under harassing fire and third, the allimportant deadline of tet was drawing closer. Delay could cause the men their holiday and morale could become dangerously low. As he later admitted, johnstons concern for the men led him to use poor judgment. He attempted to advise his counterpart in front of his officers and men. Leading him to reject the recommended solution. The acceptance of advice in front of others would have caused him to lose face so he continued to use his own methods. Even procurement of a second bulldozer and use of all available men didnt help. C9 finally johnston in private issued an ultimatum to him. Use the method he recommended or he he would make a report to regiment. This would result in greater loss of face. The commander reluctantly gave in. c9 n johnstons method was to anchor the bottom of the track to a stationary object so it would pull itself out of the hole it had dug for itself. His method worked. The men threw their hats in the air in a spontaneous expression of joy. They made it. A few days later their mission was fully accomplished. The sdc post was completed. The sdc men and their families moved in to man the post and set up housekeeping, bringing in firewood for cooking and drinking water. It was a scene of domestic tranquility against a backdrop of anticipated violence. With the post fully completed in ten days, the battalion headed back to the village. The viet cong, unsympathetic as always, hit them with an ambush. It was quickly met with small arms and mortar fire. The commander directed the action. More First Battalion casualties were added to the price of the sdc post. Captured vc prisoners showed another side to the balance sheet. Now they could complete the final leg of their journey back. A few days later, captain johnston received orders for reassignment to the United States. He had said goodbye to all the men except the wounded. His good friend was with him on his last mission. There was a heart warming Mutual Respect between adviser and counterpart and between officers and men. At least one advisory technique had burned itself into johnstons subconscious. These were indeed his troops. It was time for him to return to the United States and for lieutenant clement to replace him. The new battalion adviser had already learned that a careless word or action could not only jeopardize the success of a mission but could cost the United States dearly in goodwill and cooperation. He recognized that the rapport developed by captain johnston had been achieved at great personal sacrifice and at considerable cost to the united stat7n2ib inevitably there would be problems. It would be up to him to work them out as johnston had. However one fact was certain, all else being equal, he would have an easier time of it because his predecessor had laid the foundation of a workable relationship with his counterpart and the rest of the battalion. Screeria nigeria. With 4 q live coverage of t u. S. House on cspan and senate on cspan 2 here on cspan 3 we complete that coverage by showing the most relevant congressional hearings. On u prds cspan 3 is the the home American History tv with programs that tell your nations story including six unique series, the civil wars 150th anniversary, visiting battlefields and key events. American artifacts touring museums and Historic Sites. History book shelf with the best known American History writers. The presidency, looking at the policies and legacies of our nations commanderinchiefs. Lectures in history with top College Professors delving into americas past. And real america featuring archivaal government and educational films. Watch us in hd, like us on facebook and follow us on twitter. Heres a look at some of our programming this week on the cspan networks. On cspan tonight at 8 00 p. M. Eastern, oral argument in the case of aclu versus clapper. The Second Circuit court of appeals heres a challenge to National Security agencys phone surveillance program. Wednesday at 7 00 p. M. , live coverage of a debate between North Carolina democratic senator kay hagen and her opponent. At 8 00 a Senate Hearing on sexual assaults on college campuses. Thursday night at 8 00 the Senate Agricultural committee looks at school lunch nutrition. At 10 00 p. M. Eastern live coverage of the california governors debate between incumbent jerry brown and the challenger. On cspan 2s book tv, Elizabeth Drew talks about her 1975 book, washington journal. Wednesday night after words with Cheryl Chumley about police state usa. And thursday, emily miller on her book, emily gets her gun. On American History tv on cspan 3 tonight at 8 00 p. M. History historians discuss the battle of bladensburg and the burning of washington in the war of 1812. On wednesday, live coverage of the symposium marking the 200th anniversary of the war. Our live coverage then continues all day thursday beginning at 8 30 a. M. Find our Television Schedule at cspan. Org. And leapt us know what you think about the programs youre watching. Call us at 2026263400. On twitter use the c123. Or email us at comments cspan. Org. Tonight on American History. Next historians discuss the history jake defeat of American Forces at the battle of bladensburg. Then historian anthony pitch talks about the burning of washington by british troops. And later a boat tour of Historic Sites in and around washington along the potomac and anacostia rivers. On august 24th, 1814, british soldiers routed american troops at the battle of bladensburg just outside of washington, d. C. The victory allowed British Forces to march into the city and burn