Boat People

[Mike Cuthbertson]

Think I know the answer but have to ask. When someone refers to themselves as a boat person are they referring to how we got transported to Vietnam? I came over on the USS John Pope so does that make me a boat person? We were on the water for approx. 22 days. At the time I thought that was the worst 22 days in my life. Then we unloaded at Quy Nhon and that 22 days was like being at a resort. I think we can all relate to that.

[Jim Sheppard]

Sorry I did not see this sooner. These days, there are hardly ever any posts... and the few we have are usually on the "Public Forum". I have been a bit lax in checking the board as a result. To answer your question, Yes, the original battalion members who travelled to Vietnam on the Pope refer to themselves as the "Boat People". I believe one of our original association members coined the phrase. Hope you are well!

Jim Sheppard
Historian & website caretaker.

[harley hawkins]

Most pictures you see of guys on the Pope just setting around on the ship. Sgt Curtis and sgt Higgans kept us busy shooting BB guns and training. Strange but true

Harley Mick Hawkins