The Fairborn Paper

The vehicle -- a Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando -- and bunker, along with other artifacts such as grenade launchers and rifles, are used to explain how Air Police (later called Security Police) defended air bases during the Southeast Asia War. Defending these bases involved numerous, complicated problems because of large open spaces, long perimeters, and vulnerable bomb and fuel dumps. In addition, within the bases, the communists had numerous agents posing as laborers, collecting valuable intelligence.

"In previous wars, most air bases were far behind the front lines," said Jeff Duford, a curator at the museum. "However, all of Southeast Asia was a battlefield, making air bases there vulnerable to ground attack. Security Police squadrons had to develop a new combat mission under challenging conditions, all at a time when they did not have combat training or needed equipment."

In the exhibit, visitors can view artifacts used by these courageous Airmen and learn the stories behind the items. For example, a uniform worn by Airman 1st Class William Weber, a Security Policeman who served in South Vietnam from 1970-1971, includes the hat he considered a good luck charm because he was never wounded while wearing it. For more information and photos on the exhibit, see www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18720.

Museum staff began renovating the Southeast Asia War Gallery in the fall of 2010 in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. Air Force campaign during the Southeast Asia War. The improved exhibit space will reopen in four phases. Throughout the renovation, access to aircraft and other exhibits may be temporarily limited.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.