"The Northernmost plaque inscription reads:"

"The introduction of the B-52 into the Vietnam war brought an incredibly devastating weapons system within the control of ground force commanders.  However, the delivery accuracy was often limited by a complete lack of cultural radar returns and suitable geographic points.  To solve this problem, SAC began using ground based radar equipment operated by the 1st Combat Evaluation Group (CEG) to direct aerial bombing raids.  This tactic was labeled Ground Directed Bombing (GDB) and given the code name COMBAT SKYSPOT.  CEG personnel would guide the bombers along a designated route and, at the proper moment, signal the aircrew to release their weapons.  COMBAT SKYSPOT not only provided flexibility in targeting, but its accuracy soon surpassed that of the B-52.  In fact, these GDB sites were so formidable, the enemy conducted daring raids to eliminate them or force their relocation.  During their 90 month period of service in Southeast Asia, COMBAT SKYSPOT crews directed over 300,000 USAF, Navy, Marine and RVN re-supply, reconnaissance, rescue, and tactical air missions, as well as 75 percent of all B-52 strikes."

"As I read this plaque, pride and honor welled up in me, and the base seemed strangely silent and muffled.  I proceeded to the other plaque . . . ."

"The Southernmost plaque inscription reads:"

COMBAT SKYSPOT

Seventy-five percent of the B-52 combat missions flown over Southeast Asia were directed from the ground by a technique code-named COMBAT SKYSPOT.  Over 3000 men of the 1st Combat Evaluation Group (CEG) manned ground radar sites in South Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos 24 hours a day from March 1966 until August 1973.  This memorial is dedicated to the eighteen members of CEG who gave their lives in this effort

WE WILL NOT FORGET

LT COL CLARENCE F. BLANTON         TSGT BRUCE E. MANSFIELD
TSGT JAMES H. CALFEE                    TSGT ANTONE P. MARKS
SSGT JAMES W. DAVIS                      SSGT JERRY OLDS
CMSGT RICHARD L. ETCHBERGER     SSGT DAVID S. PRICE
SSGT HENRY G. GISH                         TSGT PATRICK L. SHANNON
SSGT JOHN P. GUERIN                       TSGT LOWELL V. SMITH
SSGT WILLIS R. HALL                         TSGT DONALD K. SPRINGSTEADAH
TSGT MELVIN A. HOLLAND                 SSGT EPHRAIM VASQUEZ
A1C RUFUS L. JAMES                         SSGT DON F. WORLEY

"A tear welled in my eye--the story I'd heard only shreds of until now was clearer.  I had the names of the men who served and fought so bravely,
and, as I would later learn, died so unnecessarily."