ACU 1 MEMORIAL
LCU 1500, aka the “Jinxed Boat”
The Assault Craft Unit-1, operating as river suppot group out of DaNang was comprised of many types of “Brown Water” craft including PBR’s. Swift Boats, LCM’s and LCU’s. This is a tribute to The ACU-1 crews who served and gave their all during the Vietnam War. In particular my friends and brothers of the boat we knew as the “Jinxed Boat” LCU 1500. Following is my reason for seven cache hides in this series.
On 28 February 1968, near Hue, Vietnam LCU 1500 was hit by a rocket, killing Kenneth Cook and wounding 6 other crew members. One year later, on 27 February 1969, while loading 70 ton of ammunition in Da Nang as a part of the Battle of Hue, an enemy rocket hit the nearly loaded craft and killed 13 crew aboard. On 14 March 1969, ACU-1 began an annual memorial to the 14 sailors that lost their lives on LCU 1500.
At the ACU-1 compound on NAB Coronado, a recreational cabana was erected near its piers and painted to look like LCU 1500. The cabana houses pictures of the crew and boat as well as a memorial with the names of the slain Sailors.
As I was promoted and assigned to a ground force unit 2 weeks prior to the 27 February 1969 attack I use this venue to honor my fallen Brothers.
This first cache pays tribute to Kenneth Cook, KIA 28 February 1968. RIP Brother.
Watch for the thorns and creatures.