If you are already in Vietnam, in a line company, an FNG and the monsoon season is about to begin, I didn't think that things could get any worse. I had been in country for about 45 days and been humping the boonies for about 35 of those off LZ Vivian in north central III Corps. A FNG in a line company is nameless and walking drag so as not get anyone in trouble. We were not given any instructions and pretty much learned what not to do by watching someone else screw up. I had already been in … [Read more...]
Veteran’s Day / Favorite Poem
Excerpt from the "Rouge Bouquet" by American Joyce Kilmer, killed in action 1918 In a wood they call the Rouge Bouquet There is a new-made grave today. Built by never a spade or pick Yet covered with earth ten meters thick. There lie many fighting men, Dead in their youthful prime, Never to laugh or love again Nor taste the summertime. … [Read more...]
The Legacy of the Vietnam Veteran
I may be overstating the obvious, but we're not expecting parades. So that's understood by veteran and non-veteran alike. There is a legacy though and that does count. So ok, Bird, what is that legacy? Well, it comes in several parts. Today soldiers, sailors and marines do not pass through airports and other public places without being recognized. Not everyone, but someone is going to thank them for their service. There was a cultural shift across the US of A after the Vietnam war. People … [Read more...]
Duty Soldier
I've been writing on this blog for several years and would say I'm fairly satisfied with what I've written. Recent comments have been enlightening. I have, from time to time, mentioned my writing to friends and family, and while there weren't many takers, some did read and offer encouragement. A few old high school friends had seen it, and they are successful folks; you can lay to that, mates. West Coast lawyers and such. More than one expressed the idea or opinion that, "I could have gotten out … [Read more...]
From the Grave
Not long after Recon had been guarding the bridge on Hwy. 7, we were sent into an enemy bunker complex that had been discovered. Probably spotted by a helicopter pilot, this was not in heavy jungle, really open woodland. It turned out to be a medical complex with the rudimentary facilities and supplies to care for the wounded NVA. Recon did the standard search and clear; checking all the bunkers. If not sure about a particular bunker, you could roll a grenade into it and following the explosion … [Read more...]
VC Knife – copy
Actually taken from a North Vietnamese soldier killed by Echo Recon on May 30, 1970. The VC were really a separate force under the NLF (National Liberation Front), but our Cambodian scouts always yelled, VC! VC! No matter who we encountered. So, a VC knife. And the scouts didn’t always yell, unless of course they were warning everyone we had been spotted and being silent no longer mattered then. That day started out bad and got worse. We had spent the night alongside the Ho Chi Minh … [Read more...]
Boot Camp
I enlisted immediately after high school graduation, but I did allow myself about a month in which to relax and travel. Something I really enjoyed without thinking of the consequences of spending a summer in southern Missouri. Fort Leonard Wood-1967 Why, oh why did I think going to boot camp in southern Missouri in July and August was going to be ok? Oh, the innocence of youth! Yes, it was hell. I swear there was … [Read more...]
There’s a River in Cambodia
There's a river in Cambodia and I don't rightly know it's name. It flows west toward the mighty Mekong. It crosses under National Hwy 7 just south of Snoul. Early in May, 1970 Recon was beating the bush in Cambodia much like we had back in Tay Ninh province in VN. Suddenly the battalion radio came to life. Lt. Jenkins and Recon were being "extracted" ASAP and ordered to "secure the bravo on the blueline". Soon we found a suitable LZ and the Hueys were coming in to pick us up. A blueline is a … [Read more...]
Photos from the Bridge
All photos from May 1970 … [Read more...]
Hot Beer (by Mother)
I arrived In-Country Vietnam on December 10, 1969 as a newly minted PFC in the US Army. After landing at Bien Hoa Air Strip I was assigned to a Holding Detachment for in processing. That afternoon around 4:00, I noticed a line forming at one end of the outdoor PX. Upon inquiring as to it's purpose, I was informed that it was the beer line. Considering that the temperature was over 100 degrees I fell in with everyone else. After getting close to the front I noticed that the beer being dispensed … [Read more...]