Mokane to Mole city

“Mokane to Mole City” follows Stan Adams, a young infantry rifleman drafted in May 1968, as he navigates a year of combat with the famed “Manchu” Regiment, 25th Infantry “Tropic Lightning” Division during the Vietnam War.

Tasked with building “Mole City,” a combat patrol base camp near the Cambodian Border, Adams and his comrades endure attacks, including a significant one during a Christmas truce in 1968.

In 2003, Adams initiated efforts to reach out to the families of fallen comrades and reestablish connections with fellow Manchus, many of whom were grappling with PTSD. Adam’s profound journey is eloquently captured in his book, Mokane to Mole City — A Manchu Vietnam Memoir, featuring a photographic history with over 250 color pictures that recounts his experiences. Wilcox’s film expands upon this narrative, shedding additional light on the challenges faced by those who fought in Vietnam.

Mokane is a small city in southern Callaway County, Missouri, United States. The population was 185 at the 2010 census. 

Seen in features and interviews with KRCG-TV (Sept. 17, 2021 and May 27, 2022), KOMU-TV, Fulton Sun, and Daniel Boone Regional Library.

Callaway Connections

David Hosenfelt and Stan Adams, Callaway County hometown heroes, embarked on an extraordinary journey from rural mid-Missouri to the jungles of Vietnam, a narrative that served as a poignant inspiration for Wilcox’s documentary.

Adams and Hosenfelt found themselves thrust into the front lines of the Vietnam War, where they navigated the challenges of combat as part of the famed “Manchu” Regiment of the 25th Infantry “Tropic Lightning” Division.

In the aftermath of the Thanksgiving Day Battle in December 1968, during which Hosenfelt was seriously injured while saving a fellow soldier’s life, Adams and the Manchus were assigned the task of constructing “Mole City,” a combat patrol base camp near the Cambodian Border. Their mission was to bait the NVA and disrupt their supply lines. The harsh reality of war unfolded when Mole City came under attack during a Christmas truce in 1968. Despite dwindling ammo supplies, the Manchus fought valiantly through the night, and artillery was called in on top of them as a last resort.

Adams and Hosenfelt personify the spirit of resilience, and their collective journey stands as a testament to the strength of local heroes. Join us in honoring both Adams and Hosenfelt, along with all the Vietnam veterans who made significant sacrifices for their country.

Learn More about the Manchus

Go to www.manchu.org to learn more about this highly decorated Vietnam Regiment who were attached to the 25^th Infantry Division www.25thida.org