By Terri L. Bedore, Director/Curator, USAF Security Forces Museum & Capt. John J.

L.Hart, USAF, IDC3 Course Chief, 343 Training Squadron

January 31, 1968

North Vietnamese Infantry and Viet Cong guerrillas launch a last-ditch effort against military and civilian command and control centers throughout South Vietnam.  Their aim was to spark a general uprising among the population that would then topple the Saigon government, thus ending the war in a single blow.

One of the first and hardest hit for USAF Security Police troops was Tan Son Nhut AB. There, the goal of the NVA was to capture U.S. Forces Headquarters and nearby Saigon. They struck at the Western perimeter – Bunker 051. Sgt. Louis H. Fischer led his four man team in a successful defense until reinforcements could arrive. That bunker took over twenty rocket hits and struck down over 100 enemy kills before it was silenced.

That same night, enemy forces struck Bien Hoa AB with intense night rocket and ground attack. With the brunt of the ground penetration concentrated at a key bunker position on the east end of the installation, Captain Maisey drove from the west end of the runway to the beleaguered bunker and directed the actions of his men in defending the position. Captain Reginald Maisey gave his life for his comrades at Bunker Hill 10 and the base was never taken.

Thus was the beginning of the Tet Offensive and the turning point for US Air Force Security Police career field.

January 31 2012

To venerate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of Freedom. This day will also honor all those who fought  gallantly and successfully defended their bases. The USAF Security Forces Museum, with the assistance of the Security Forces Museum Foundation, will be hosting the Travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall and unveiling the newly renovated exhibit ‘Southeast Asia, 1967-1973’.

These events will take place during the 2012 Tet Commemoration at Lackland AFB, TX which is hosted by the 37 Training Wing. Information about reserving your place for any of the below events can be found through your organization.

The AIR FORCE SECURITY FORCES ASSOCIATION

Security Forces men and women, welcome to your website. If you are not a member, please consider joining with the professionals of your Security Forces Association. Our goal is 3500 members this year.

The Air Force Security Forces Association is a world-wide organization of Security Forces professionals with local chapters. Since its birth in 1986 it has been a significant factor in preserving and enhancing the honor and pride that are inherent in the Security Forces career field. Our membership spans generations, encompassing the military policemen (air provost marshals) of World War II and continuing over the years to the men and women who are serving their first hitch today. Membership is open to anyone who has served honorably in the Army Air Corps MPs, Air Police, Security Police, or is now serving in the Security Forces career field--or that component of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves, IMAs, or DoD police officers.

Defender Membership:

A new level of membership, the Defender, has been introduced at the SF Academy. It is designed for the active duty troops so that we can get the next generation involved in the Association. We have worked with exoerts from the SF Academy instructor staff who have volunteered their time to create a Facebook page and a forum that will be of special interest to young Airmen.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY