Memories of Puntzi Mountain
Ross Connell
1952-1953
The first American troops posted to Puntzi Mountain were in part from the 437th AC&W stationed at Geiger AFB Spokane WA. A small contingent, I don't recall how many, were transported to the base in the summer of 1952.
In November 1952, the balance of the American troops, some regular USAF, but I and most were from the 437th arrived at Puntzi Mountain. Most of the 437th were from Oakland CA, a California Air National Guard group - it's designation I don't remember. We trained at Alameda Naval Air Station and were activated right after Korea started then posted to Grizzly Peak CA, then to Geiger AFB.
We arrived at Puntzi Mountain aboard a C-54 (DC-3) in November 1952 which should answer some of the questions about when the air strip was built. When we arrived the base at the bottom of the hill was completed, however the radar facilities up the hill were not. The power house with the 3 Vivian V12 diesels driving English Electric generators were running, but the big fuel tanks were being filled by tanker trucks that made the run from Williams Lake. In those days the road, nearly all 117 miles, was not paved, and was better in winter than in spring or summer, the surface being rocks and holes. I did a lot of the driving between the base and "town" and I never could keep up with those empty tankers on their return trip.
The temporary radar, a TPS-1D was not operating when we arrived. The CO was Major John A Reding. Some of the other personnel that I recall were: Robert (Bud) Smith, Gene Audiss and Lester Harrison.
If any one is interested in any aditional detail, they can Email me at rconnell@webtv.net or rossc@lancair.com.
Ross Connell