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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 20, 2017 19:50:25 GMT -6
A 10yr project. Told yall I was slow................
This Diorama is dedicated to the 1/5 Marines who fought the bloody battle for the “Citadel at Hue”, north of the Perfume River in Vietnam during the NVA Tet Offensive of 1968. Special thanks to Nick Warr, author of “Phase Line Green”, who graciously gave of his personal time and material information to help me correctly depict these events.
The Dong Ba Tower overlooked Phase Line Green, ( Mai Thuc Loan street), the Marines starting point within the walled city, and proved to be a formidable challenge to the Marines tasked with clearing the NVA from the Ancient Imperial City. It was bitter house to house fighting in misty rain during most of the fighting. Until the tower was taken and held many Marines would be lost in battle for Phase Line Green and beyond.
This diorama depicts actual events which took place during the battle for the Ancient Imperial City of Hue. The Marines were outnumbered at half normal strength and without proper air and artillery support for days, against an enemy already dug in and waiting. It was against all odds, but the 1/5 Marines prevailed and on 25 Feb 1968 the Ancient Imperial City of Hue was declared secured and the Marines were pulled out the following day. That next day was just another day they had to spend in the “Nam”.
Nick signed my copy of “Phase Line Green” inscribing; “May we know Peace and Healing for America, for our Veterans and for Vietnam. Semper Fidelis”. When you see a Nam Vet, thank them for their duty to Country, then shake their hand. Many gave all!
Hope you enjoy, Ski.
In my original posting of this dio several Nam Vets who had actually fought in Hue said the foggy pics brought it all rushing back. I took these pics on the last foggy morning of the season in April, 2010. I got lucky that day, the mood was set.
Cheers, Ski. |
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Post by BUCKY on Sept 20, 2017 19:58:41 GMT -6
Amen, brother!
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 20, 2017 20:41:19 GMT -6
Man oh man! 
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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 20, 2017 21:14:35 GMT -6
Thx Guys. This is my favorite build, lots of research and one heck of an eye opening journey.
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Post by JCON on Sept 20, 2017 22:13:13 GMT -6
And it is really spectacular in person!!! Love this dio brother!!!  |
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Wes
SETTLING IN
Posts: 211
Likes: 502
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Post by Wes on Sept 21, 2017 2:39:23 GMT -6
The detail is just amazing. Wonderful stuff.
What a great tribute.
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Post by Robbo on Sept 21, 2017 4:31:00 GMT -6
Wow this is good, I've seen this on another site, can't remember where though
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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 21, 2017 11:54:23 GMT -6
Ya Joe, I had to build that curio cabinet specifically for this dio, lol.
Thx Wes and Ian.
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Post by JED on Sept 21, 2017 12:28:29 GMT -6
Fantastic Steve Ski, I'll gladly shake the hand of any vet from any war
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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 21, 2017 13:29:01 GMT -6
Fantastic Steve Ski, I'll gladly shake the hand of any vet from any war Totally agree with that Jed! |
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Post by JED on Sept 22, 2017 3:16:03 GMT -6
Fantastic Steve Ski, I'll gladly shake the hand of any vet from any war Totally agree with that Jed! Be even better pulling up a sandbag,swinging the lantern and sharing a beer or three 🍻 |
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MARCO
ROLLING ON
BRAZILIANAIRE
The man from the south
Posts: 782 
Likes: 1,911
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Post by MARCO on Sept 22, 2017 5:22:49 GMT -6
One of the besst dios I ever see. Huge congrats to you Steve! Amazing work!
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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 22, 2017 14:15:14 GMT -6
Thx Marco.
Yes Jed, some of them older vets have stories to tell, no doubt.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2017 5:07:14 GMT -6
An epic undertaking and stupendous result! never seen this before, absolutely amazing  |
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Post by Steve Ski on Sept 23, 2017 10:55:03 GMT -6
Thx Pete. At times I wondered if I was ever going to get er done. I was kinda like a labor of love, full emersion into that era during my bunker time when this was being built. Thx Bro.
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Aug 24, 2020 18:01:41 GMT -6
Had to re-visit this one Steve. Over the top!
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Post by BUCKY on Aug 24, 2020 22:43:22 GMT -6
Probably the best diorama I've ever seen!
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Post by Steve Ski on Aug 25, 2020 10:41:52 GMT -6
Whooaaa, talk about flash backs, lol. Funny, I look at how old this dio is and I find things I would have done better, knowing what I know now. Such is life;)
Tanks Guys!
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Post by Dukemaddog on Aug 25, 2020 15:01:48 GMT -6
This is the first time I ever saw this....
Wow, what a tremendous undertaking on such an outstanding tribute! I am overwhelmed at this massively masterful diorama. I can hear the rattle of gunfire; the rumble of the tank's engine; the shouts of the men and screams of the wounded. I can smell the gunpowder in the air. It is that real to me. I bow low to the Master! |
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Post by Steve Ski on Aug 26, 2020 6:39:35 GMT -6
Thanks Duke. This was like the never ending story for me, 10yrs from concept to finish. It's a bummer when work get's in the way, lol.
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