Galloping Horse Painting, 1966 Vietnam War Era, Presented to Major William E. Campbell by Major Ngo Qui-Thieu (AR-A250)
 
This stunning painting was presented to Major William Campbell of Texas, USA in 1966 during the Vietnam War by Major Ngo Qui-Thieu. Just a few years later, William went missing during a mission. The details are heartbreaking. 
THE MISSION
      The Mu Gia Pass is a gap in the Truong Son Mountains which formed North Vietnam's border with Laos. The Mu Gia, Ban Karai, and Ban Raving passes provided the northern entries to the "Ho Chi Minh" trail, which then ran southward along the western slopes and plains of Laos before entering South Vietnam at the northwestern end of the Plei Trap Valley - the "Valley of Tears" - and points south. At the earliest stages of major US involvement in Vietnam, it was recognized that North Vietnam's ability to use the Ho Chi Minh Trail to resupply their forces in the South had to be curtailed.
      It was decided that air power would be used to interdict traffic along the Trail. On 28 February 1965, Navy A-1 Skyraiders and A-4 Skyhawks, flying from the carrier USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43), conducted the first strike on the Mu Gia Pass. As US Air Force capabilities based in Thailand increased, responsibility for the interdiction mission along the Ho Chi Minh Trail shifted to the Air Force. It became a very bloody business, and a very considerable number of US aircraft went down along the Trail between 1965 and 1973. While many of the aircrewmen were rescued, the terrain and number of North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao troops made aircrew rescue very difficult. The "pick-up ratio" in the passes and along the Trail was far lower than in more populous areas.
      On 29 January 1969, then-Major William E. Campbell, pilot, and Captain Robert E. Holton, co-pilot, of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon RTAFB were assigned to a daylight bombing mission in the Mu Gia Pass region.
      During the mission, Campbell's aircraft was hit by enemy fire and crashed. Although there was no evidence that Campbell or Holton had ejected before the aircraft impacted, both were placed in "Missing in Action" status since the possibility of survival could not be dismissed.
     The Secretary of the Air Force eventually issued Presumptive Findings of Death for both Colonel Campbell (8 Jun 78) and Major Holton (9 Jan 74). As of 15 Sep 01, Colonel Campbell's remains have not been repatriated; current status is maintained on our PM-SEA page.
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"Item Description
This unique hand-painted artwork depicts a lively scene of galloping horses on a vivid red background, showcasing intricate brushwork and dynamic motion. The painting carries historical significance, as it features a dedication reading:
"Presented to Major W.E. Campbell by Maj. Ngo Qui-Thieu
RVNAF/Military Postal Center
21 Jan 66"
The inscription indicates it was a personalized gift during the Vietnam War era, adding a rich historical and sentimental value. The artwork is mounted on a wooden panel, showing wear consistent with its age, including edge and surface scuffs." There are visible cracking of the lacquer but that adds depth to it's story.
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Approx Size - 18"X24"