Dating to 1969, this fascinating silent Super 8mm home movie (shot by an unknown soldier or airman) shows the preparations for the Bob Hope USO show, and then the show itself (starting at about 13:30). Long Binh was the biggest installation in Vietnam at the time. The film includes some truly memorable moments, including a visit from Neil Armstrong (24:00 mark). Armstrong had become the first man to set foot on the moon earlier in the year, and was on a goodwill tour in Thailand when he was asked by Vice President Spiro Agnew to make a detour to Vietnam. Armstrong and Hope remained friends for the rest of their lives. They were both outstanding Americans and patriots whose memories and accomplishments live on.
Long Binh Post, about 20 miles north of Saigon, was the largest American support base in Vietnam, containing 3500 buildings and covering an area bigger than Cleveland. As of July 1971, the post boasted 81 basketball courts, 64 volleyball courts, 12 swimming pools, 8 multipurpose courts, 8 softball fields, 6 tennis courts, 5 craft shops, 3 football fields, 3 weight rooms, 3 libraries, 3 service clubs, 2 miniature golf courses, 2 handball-court complexes, a running track, an archery range, a golf driving range, a skeet range, a party area, and an amphitheater for movies and live shows.
By 1972, Long Binh Post even had a go-cart track, complete with a starting stand, a public-address system, and a pit for on-the-spot repairs.
At its peak in 1969, Long Binh’s club system had 40 bars with a net worth of $1.2 million, including $270,000 in cash on hand. If soldiers didn’t like club life, Long Binh’s retail stores stocked food and alcohol to host private parties at the pools, barracks, or barbecue pits. An unofficial brothel, a “male beauty bar” with salon services, and outdoor movies rounded out Long Binh’s offerings.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
