The Hong Kong R&R Incident The 720th MP Battalion was alerted to provide 30 MP’s including one officer for an escort guard force to assist in escorting a large number of U.S. military personnel who had been in a disturbance while on R&R in Hong Kong.

It is alleged the incident occurred when approximately a dozen U.S. troops were in a jet preparing to return to Vietnam from R&R. They were intoxicated and high on drugs and caused a disturbance. When the aircraft captain tried to calm them down they assaulted him and a stewardess. The captain refused to move the aircraft and the Hong Kong Constabulary were summoned and took the U.S. troops into custody.

At the police station jail they again caused a disturbance and damage and were arrested. Members of the 8th Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Group were sent to Hong Kong to investigate the incident and the group of 720th MP Battalion MP’s were summoned to return the U.S. troops in a special flight to Vietnam for military disciplinary action. The disturbance eventually resulted in Hong Kong being removed as an R&R site for U.S. Personnel.

Planning for the escort was conducted by 18th MP Brigade or 89th MP Group HQ staff and MAJ Jerald C. Burns, 720th MP Battalion Adjutant was assigned as the officer in charge. The detail was dispatched by aircraft and returned with all personnel in custody without any major incidents.

Anyone, regardless of unit, who can provide any further details on the incident in Hong Kong or the escort, please contact the History Project Manager at the above Email Link.