Memoir entitled "Recollections of a Year in Thailand, 5 July 1971 – 4 July 1972," by Ashby D. Elmore, Capt., USAF, describing his service during the Vietnam War as an Intelligence Officer in the U. S. Air Force's 432nd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in northeastern Thailand. Photocopy typescript.
Ashby D. Elmore was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1947. In February 1971, Elmore volunteered for an assignment in Thailand, where he served as an Intelligence Officer for the 432nd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron of the United States Air Force. Before leaving for Thailand, he returned briefly to North Carolina to visit family and defend his master's thesis in history, entitled "Military and Naval Operations in the Region of the Albemarle Sound, 1862-1864." Elmore was awarded his degree from East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina in June 1971. He was then sent to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in northeastern Thailand. Elmore began his tour as a Second Lieutenant, and later was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. He eventually rose to the rank of Captain. Towards the end of Elmore's tour, his father passed away. After taking personal leave, he returned to finish out his service in Thailand. When his tour in Thailand ended, Elmore was sent to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Elmore's memoir documents his experiences during his military service in Thailand. He recounts his routes of travel, living accommodations and weather conditions encountered. Specifically, Elmore describes the hiring of "house girls," native women who were hired to do housecleaning duties on the base. He also comments on his tour of Bangkok before arriving at Udorn Air force Base. Elmore discusses his everyday duties as an Intelligence Officer by offering descriptions of a typical reconnaissance mission, including the various functions and branches of his squadron, as well as his role in the missions. He also comments on how he spent his free time during his tour. These activities included playing softball and basketball, watching movies at the base theater and visiting the local village. Elmore also discusses relations between U. S. service men and Thai women.
For more information on Elmore's experience in Thailand, see The Vietnam Oral History Interviews, August 31, 1974, Oral History #OH0019, Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University.
Gift of Ashby D. Elmore
Encoded by Lindsay Flood, April 4, 2008
Processed by Naomi Gerakios, 2009
Container List updated by Ashlyn Racine, July 2023
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