Bruce Hammonds of Bessemer, Alabama Posted this one before of course, but that was several years ago and this being one of my favorite photos of all time, I'm posting it again. Early in May, 1970, Recon was visiting O Rang, Cambodia, looking to see what was up. A quiet little town, it was completely deserted and our time there now seems idyllic. I had been in country since Dec, 1969 and had yet to fire a shot in anger. It wouldn't be long before I would see the NVA soldiers 4 or 5 at a time … [Read more...]
Vietnam Issue/Anti-malarial Drugs – copy
I decided to repost this blog after a comment yesterday, due to health concern of all vets, no matter where they served or when. I remember taking two different pills during my time in the field and then on FSB Nancy where I finished my tour of duty. I think everyone remembers these, the big orange pill once a week and the little white ones once a day. What the hell were those drugs? I just did as I was told. I sure didn't want to get malaria. I did hear guys complaining about side effects. … [Read more...]
Coming home 1970
Talked with an old friend yesterday who had been drafted after graduating high school in 1968. When he was discharged and passing through an airport on his way home, a young gal called him "baby killer" as he passed by. Even though he was trying to catch another flight, he stopped and talked to her. I think he felt the need to straighten her out; mentioning that she had no reason to insult a service member under any circumstances and the fact that he was returning from Panama, for crying out … [Read more...]
Ken Burns Revisited
So what's up? A friend showed me this book. A Lt. Colonel in the Marines, George Ross raises some interesting points. He served as a helicopter pilot in 1967 and '68. It's been several years since I viewed the documentary and I would say I didn't raise any objections while watching, except occasionally, I would think something was over looked. Overall, I thought it was well done and I was pleased to see the interest generated in the viewing public. Ross has taken a serious look at … [Read more...]
Memorial Day 2022
This Memorial Day weekend I stopped by the Boone County Courthouse to photograph the memorials there. Thirty names are etched into the Vietnam Memorial. Most if not all of them graduates of David H. Hickman High School. Three names of soldiers and marines are etched into the Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom memorial. The WWII and Korean War Memorial. WWI-The war to end all wars. The Great Civil … [Read more...]
I lie in my tent
Ode to the Infantryman in RVN l lie in my tent, thanking God for free rent. While outside the rain pours, and inside my buddy snores. Muddy floors & a wet cot, but still thanking God a lot. Got hot chow every day, rain or shine, come what may. Got a dog bout two weeks old eats C-rations hot or cold. Special Forces all around, keeping safe this hallowed ground. 1st Cav in the air, landing, fighting here & there. Ain't got much but could be worse, just ask the men in the … [Read more...]
May 11, 1970
Cambodia- Just over the border from Vietnam in the area known as "The Fish hook". Conditions: extremely hot and dry. Mission- Check and clear enemy bunker complex. Unit- Echo Recon 1/5 Cavalry. After Action Report- Complex included medical facilities where wounded NVA could be attended to. Unit of enemy soldiers was cleaning weapons and 105 howitzers were called in, scoring some hits on the enemy. In addition enemy soldiers hiding in complex were killed. Lone NVA soldier approaching … [Read more...]
FSB Eagle – 1969
Echo platoon members in Charleston, S.C. -2021- I was never at Eagle, but now have heard a few stories about the place and thought it worth posting. Hopefully this will generate some comments. From what I've heard this must have been a miserable place, with heavy rains during the time Echo Company was there, in August and September of 1969. They were under constant attack, the NVA were using their big 120mm mortars and 122mm rockets. The rockets were a simple but effective weapon. They … [Read more...]
Photos from Patriot’s Point
These are a few photos I took at the Vietnam Experience Exhibit while at Patriot's Point. It was interesting to see a Chinook up close again. It wasn't as big as I remembered. I only flew on a Chinook once. It was taking me to Bien Hoa and the 1st Infantry Div. Medic station or shack. Everything here looks authentic. The construction of the shack, the "Mule" parked outside and the duckboards. 3/4 Ton ambulance with a real Medic...Doc … [Read more...]
L-Tee Szczebak
Lt. Frank Szczebak served briefly as platoon leader for Recon in May, 1970. He was assigned to Recon after we were already in Cambodia. As I recall we had been out on patrol near FSB North with Lt. Jenkins* as platoon leader. We were close enough that we just walked back on to the firebase. Enter a new platoon leader, a position Szczebak had been filling with Bravo Co. Szczebak was a likeable fellow with an unusual name, but someone who took their job seriously. He took command of … [Read more...]