James R. (“JR”) Perry
HQ San Antonio Air Material Area
Air Force Logistics Command
USAF Vietnam veteran needed proof that his stateside unit supported Vietnam with numerous temporary duties (TDY) and that he participated in those TDYs as part of a Rapid Assistance Supply Team. Researched unit history and Vietnam awards issued.
Every weapon system in the Air Force inventory—and there are more than 300 types—has a “home” AMA which provides its system manager for logistics. Each AMA has responsibility for the worldwide logistics management of the weapon systems assigned to it.
San Antonio Air Materiel Area (SAAMA) at Kelly AFB, Texas, for example, provided the system manager for the giant C-5A transport. This means that whenever the C-5A will need a replacement part—no matter where the transport may be—the organizational unit will call upon SAAMA and get immediate service by cargo aircraft delivery. If in need of major repair or overhaul, the C-5A will be flown to SAAMA’S maintenance shops. SAAMA also manages 63 percent of the Air Force’s total engine inventory, numbering nearly 40,000 separate engines. Its aircraft responsibilities include the F -102 and F-106 fighter-interceptors, the supersonic B-58 Hustler bomber, and the C-5A, which was in the flight-test stage at the time. SAAMA also managed logistics support of Air Force re-entry vehicles.
In May 1965, during the build-up of American forces in Vietnam, the Logistics Command started sending teams of supply personnel to the Pacific Air Forces. Kelly had a lot of volunteers. By 31 December 1965, SAAMA had sent 11 supply teams, totaling 89 personnel, on temporary duty to Southeast Asia to establish supply centers throughout the western Pacific, including South Vietnam.
Kelly also sent maintenance teams to Southeast Asia. The first team consisted of six jet engine mechanics that worked at Clark Air Base, Philippines on J57 engines for F-100 Super Sabres. Other Kelly workers served in South Vietnam on special F-5 Freedom Fighter modification teams, helped reassemble newly shipped F-5A/C aircraft at Bien Hoa Air Base, and assisted in the creation of an engine repair facility at Bien Hoa. Some workers served on rapid area maintenance supply support or area transportation teams while others served as weapon system logistic officers. Those who remained in San Antonio also strove to meet the demands for materiel and aircraft maintenance.
The JR and his wife were married in San Antonio and later moved back to North Carolina. He worked for a shoe store for a short time before getting into the life insurance business.
JR’s awards include:
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Small Arm Marksmanship Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Huntersville, N. Carolina (2012)
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