Udorn base construction info scarce

[zenas]

I have been researching Udorn RTAFB for several years for an upcoming publication of history. Information regarding the construction of the main runway in the 1950s is scarce. I am searching for the actual year the concrete runway was poured and any detailed information. If anyone actually worked on the construction, your help would be super. Prior to that the runway used was the laterite one which runs to a right angle to the runway used now. During the Vietnam War the old laterite runway was the Air America ramp.

Dave
Udorn Research Moderator
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UdornResearch/

[polehawk]

Dave, possibly a lot more sources for the information you're seeking in the Thailand Laos Cambodia- Brotherhood veteran's group. Here's a link to their website:

http://www.tlc-brotherhood.org/

Good luck with your research.

[cw]

Dave, as you are aware Udorn AB was a Japanese base during WWII. The period after WWII until 1961(really 1964?), when American forces started going in without deep cover, is murky.

Most of the data avail starts in the early 60's for a number of reasons. You may find the following URL interesting.

Apollo's Warriors By Michael E. Haas, AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL

http://books.google.com/books?id=tEv4-5 ... #PPA162,M1

Good Luck!

[cw]

Interesting you haven't got any further nibbles... OK, the time frame you are speaking of is mid 50's. at the time the war being fought was French Indo-China not Vietnam. That preceded Air America which came to be in 1959, the Airline/Agency you want is CAT & CIA. There were a few other proprietaries around at the time that were involved also, leave that to you to find out about them. In 1952 the US signed on to provide air support to the French in Indo-China, this was done through CAT(primary) and maybe a few others. I think the support started in 1953, not sure. All of this was against international treaties and agreements... the reason your finding it difficult to find information.

I think that Udorn started being used in 1953 (maybe earlier) by CAT and know that it was used in 1954 & 1955 and after, if the runway was built in the mid 50's that would be the time. Keep in mind that there were a number of proprietaries available then, they would probably have build the runway, not CAT.

From WW2 on, that is an interesting study area the old Indo-Chine and Thailand.

I think I learned of this in the movies, so do due diligence in confirming anything I've placed here.

Again...Good Luck.