OoooP's
Tay Ninh Detachment, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 1972

        I vaguely recall that we closed down the Tay Ninh Detachment sometime in May, June, or July 1972, and that all the equipment came back to Long Binh, including the safe that was used for safeguarding the classified documents.

        The Operations Sergeant and I (Operations Clerk) didn't have the combination to the detachment safe, and he assumed it could not still contain classified documents, so he sent it to an equipment depot. Someone there had the bright idea to burn open the safe with a torch to see what was inside. Surprised to find "confidential" code wheels and money inside it, they called the MPs.

        The Operations Sergeant and I, along with I think the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and First Sergeant, were all accused by the Battalion Commander of a serious security violation, and there was talk of a court marshal. Once the investigation ended it turned out our only punishment was to attend a lengthy class in security requirements, and I think a letter of reprimand for the Operations Sergeant.

SP/4 John M. Hyde, A Company & 615th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, December 1971 to August 1972.