Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Forward Observation Post

(Combat Personnel Bunker)

Photographed By James Hulse, March 31, 2022

1. Forward Observation Post Marker

Inscription. During the Vietnam War and many others, soldiers in combat would usually spend some of their time in some sort of bunker. It would be a place of safety and a place to observe and be a lookout for the enemy. This particular forward observation post is a replica of one built during the Vietnam War. It was on the perimeter of Hill 55 and was used to protect two men. They would occupy the bunker when they were not on patrol or some sort of combat operations. The bunker had a top to protect the men from mortar or rocket rounds.

Captions
Lower: Photo of Vietnam bunker on Hill 55, taken by Dennis Wilmouth in 1967

This replica of a Forward Observation Post or Combat Personnel Bunker was built by members of Boy Scout Troop 114

Erected by Hearts Veterans Museum of Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.

Location. 30° 44.173′ N, 95° 35.016′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 75 and North Freeway Service Road, on the left when traveling west on State Highway 75. The marker is located at the western section of the Hearts Veterans Museum of Texas. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 463 TX 75, Huntsville TX 77320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bell "Huey" Helicopter (a few steps from this marker); M60-A-3 Patton Tank (within shouting distance of this marker); Washing Pots (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fire Hose Carts (about 400 feet away); Rodeo Chutes (about 400 feet away); Syrup Kettle (about 400 feet away); Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute (approx. 1½ miles away); Rogersville (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Also see . . . Observation post.

An observation post (commonly abbreviated OP), temporary or fixed, is a position from which soldiers can watch enemy movements, to warn of approaching soldiers (such as in trench warfare), or to direct artillery fire. In strict military terminology, an observation post is any preselected position from which observations are to be made - this may include very temporary installations such as a vehicle parked as a roadside checkpoint, or even an airborne aircraft. Source: Wikipedia

(Submitted on April 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Forward Observation Post and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 31, 2022

2. The Forward Observation Post and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.