Dec 1 - 9, 1967

 

182 days 1 Dec/67, Fri.

We went to bed early (9:30) and this morning, I feel a lot better. Some big reporter from the New York Times or Newsweek, I forget which, wanted to do a story on CRIP. He wanted to see us in the field, so they sent us out today. We acted like we were searching the area then we sat for nearly 4 hours, waiting. Finally the guy came along with 3 chopper loads of generals and colonels. They stayed about 5 minutes, talking to the Lieutenant, then flew away. We walked 8 clicks back to the road.

It’s all right, though. It’s interest like this from the high ranking people that keeps us together as CRIP, instead of becoming part of the battalion again.

There was a little excitement on the way in. we met up with the 49^th Recon (ARVN) a group who often is on joint operations with us, as we came in to Duc Hanh “B”. Most of our guys were up on the road with the trucks, but a few of us along with the 49^th were bringing up the rear, when a sniper opened up with some nasty old automatic weapon; zing zing zing!

Everybody hit the dirt, but after the first burst, I saw the bunkers outside of town only about 100 yards away. The first few rounds were quite high, and I couldn’t see saying out there in the open in case the next few rounds were lower. I must’ve run that hundred yard dash in 9.1, ‘cause after I took the second step, the fool began shooting again – still at tree tops level (if there had been any trees). I’ll take on Bob Hayes if some one’s shooting at me. Think what I could do in track shoes!!

After he fired for the second time, his muzzle flash was spotted (it was just at sunset) and everybody in CRIP and the 49^th returned fire – all directly at the spot where the flash came form we went out to search the wood line and found one VC, looking like a chuck of Swiss cheese, and one B.A.R., also with a few bullet holes. The guy had guts, but what chance could he have against the equivalent of a company (100 men approx.)?

For a pacified area, there have been a lot of foreign objects whizzing at and past us in the last week or so.

Hope they finally decide to pay us tomorrow.

With love and empty pockets,

Bob

 

183 days, 2 Dec.67, Sat.

Guess what, You know what that means? I’m one-half of the way home, 183 days in country, 183 days yet to go. I’m going down the hill, counting down, I’m what they call a “short-timer”. I’m short!!! Today is a national holiday!

We celebrated the holiday by getting paid and having the rest of the day off. They ruined it by giving us shots – I got two – plague and cholera. My arms are so sore, I’m dictating this letter to a friend. [Not]

More good news. We’re not going to Trang Bang; in the near future, at least. I guess after the attack a couple of nights ago, they figured they needed us.

A wise decision, too. They test fired their two .57 cal. Machine guns, and two .30 cal., plus our 4 M-60s. these are the 8 principal weapons other than M-16s that are on the bunkers during an attack. Our M-60s were the only ones that fired. If they ever had a ground attack here, they’d be in bad shape without our guns!

182 days (left), 3 Dec/67, Sunday

We had another party this afternoon. This time the S-2 platoon all came over and had – probably for the first time – barbequed steaks and chicken our style. They loved it. They also loved our American beer. Ever see a bunch of drunken ARVNs try to play volleyball?

It’s been quite an afternoon. We’ve eaten since 2:00 and the fire is still hot enough to cook on, although I think everybody is fully stuffed. It doesn’t seem possible that you could spend an afternoon like this in Vietnam, but hen where else could you find ARVNs?

My parents tell me Jere has his new Cougar. Make me think, it’s been  a long time since I’ve heard anything about any of you. I haven’t even seen Marlynn’s picture in the paper lately. What about her and school? What about Jere? Working where? Living where? Has a Cougar, what about the ‘Beam? Still in school? Still 1-A? Dating anyone special? Still alive?

Have him write me himself. Please, someone, write and tell me what’s happening.

181 days, 4 Dec/67, Mon.

We’re here by an act of God. It had to be. The plan was to walk out to the same area we were in the morning we had contact (the 15^th) and called gunships, etc. the 49^th Recon went with us to the area at 4:00. we stayed till 6:30, when the 49^th pulled out to make the VC think everyone left. We hid in the three different hedgerows in ambush for what the intel. report said would be “an unknown size enemy force” passing through the area at about 7:30.

We began spotting figures moving in the distance in groups of 3 and 4, some to the east, some west, and some south. It was getting dark, and it seemed as though they knew we were there, and trying to surround us (although they were nearly 2,500 meters or more from us and barely visible in the shadows).

We were seating a little, then they spotted 30 moving toward us from the north also, 2-3 clicks away. Shortly afterward, it seemed like instantly, it got dark. Then there were small groups of VC in three directions, and 30 moving toward us from the north and no Starlights.

We were to wait till 7:30 then if no contact we were to start back to the road, 2000 meters east. We sweat and worried and looked till 8:30.

They called in a few artillery flares which revealed nothing so we began to walk back. The 49^th Recon was set up parallel to us as we walked back they had their positions (ready to support u sin case they were needed) in the hedge line to the south, for about 1000 meters along our route back. They knew we had to walk in front of them to get back.

Well, after about 300 meters, we received carbine fire from the south. Nobody hit, but all down in the water. Thinking it had to be the 49^th getting trigger happy and being so used to these stupid ARVNs shooting at us before, we didn’t return fire.

There were only a few high rounds, and we got up and continued on. Again, this time after another 300 meters, and much closer overhead. Lying in the water we heard them zinging through the 3 foot high rice, we got fire from the south, but more to our rear than before. Probably the same position as before. Again the 49^th , again no return fire by us. What can we do, they’re friendly (who needs enemies?)

The machine gunner and I were the last two men in our column with Sgt. Mahoe, the 3^rd man. The second time we were fired upon, we had to lie flat on the ground behind a berm, only 3 inches high. With rounds coming so close, it had to be the lowest berm in VN. I had my rifle up to protect the top of my head and when we finally got up, I had mud caked on the inside of my glasses, I had been buried so low. Sgt. Mahoe told the machine gunner that if they fired again, he was to fire back.

It never happed and we made it to the road after some very fast walking, cursing the 49^th ARVN Recon and their American advisor all the way. We got to the road and our trucks and speak of the devil, guess who else was there, and had been since 7:30? The 49^th Recon!!!

Yes friends, they left at 7:30 as planned, figuring we would too. When they left at 6:30, they only moved to the positions nearby to fool VC. They wanted to know what all the shooting had been about out there!! There was only one explanation – it had been VC doing the shooting at our silhouettes in the dark and not the 49^th!

Here’s the thriller later report came in all night and this morning (5 Dec). We hear that in that immediate area at the time we were walking back and the 49^th was safe on the road, there had been an estimated 150 to 200 VC with weapons. Somehow we had slipped through nearly a battalion of Charlies!!

If we had returned fire and given ourselves away as “unfriendlies” and not just shadows (VC can’t see very well at night either, but they can tell when they hear M-16s fire at them that GIs are around). Everything would have broken loose and they surely would have walked all over us. If we hadn’t thought it was the 49^th over there, mistaking our file for a VC movement in the dark . . .  I hate to think about it.

You can see what I say about being here by an act of God. There is no other explanation. We came so close. Amen, Bob

180 days, 5 Dec/67, Tues.

Spent the whole day in the swamps and got very wet and tired, but that’s all. We had a little excitement on each of our two LZs. Both were in some petty thick stuff, and so the door gunners and then new Cobra gunships really poured the dead into the woods. One stray round from somewhere – maybe even a VC sniper – caught an ARVN in the leg and we had to pause for the dust-off chopper.

The second LZ was the same story, only no one got hit this time. When we picked up the second time, they once again put out “security fire” as we went up. We spotted a large water bird over the river and pointed him out to the door gunner. The guy did some fancy aiming at 1000 feet, doing 60 knots, and picked the bird off in one short 10 round burst. Re-established my faith in chopper gunners.

The gunships – old Hueys and new Huey Cobras – were busy al afternoon in the area, doing LZ security for other units, and in the meantime destroying suspicious bunkers, etc. in the swamp. Quite a sight. The mini-guns put out so much fire, it looks like the ship’s on fire – a constant flame from the nose turret (Cobras) and side guns (Hueys). They would get up at above the target, about 1000 feet or more, and dive nearly straight down firing two rockets at a time, about 4 times, then follow up with about 5-10 second –mini-gun rounds. All this, moving at about 200 knots in the case of the Cobra – slower for the Hueys. Security is two Hues-Cobras. Happiness is knowing they’re on our side.

One rocket, by the way, would, on a direct hit, completely level a house our size. Eight or more would quite easily wipe out the entire Illinois Ave. neighborhood. Nasty thought, but it gives you some idea of the destructive power.

Did I tell you the mini-gun will completely cover a football field in 3 seconds, with the rounds only a foot apart?!

179 days, 6 Dec/67, Wed.

The day began with a planned 10 click walk through the swamp, during which we crossed 5 rivers or canals, two of which were over our heads. You know, it’s hard to swim with your weapon and ammo, and everything. the ’16 got several good baths. We had gone about 7 clicks when they called in a new mission in a different area.

The choppers dropped us in an area about 3 clicks from BT, at the edge of the swamp. It was supposed to be a split LZ, with one half landing at the edge of the swamp, and the other half (mine) on the dry side of the objective. As soon as we hit the ground, we were supposed to move toward the center, towards each other, and trapping any VC hidden in the hedges.

I’ll tell you what happened on the other LZ first. As soon as they touched down, they received fire and took cover. The gunships spotted 3 VC in a rice paddy, hidden in the tall rice and dropped a smoke grenade to mark the spot. The paddy was only about 30 meters square, so all the guys did was line up on one side and spray the rice with everything they had. When it was all over they searched through the field and found the 3 dead VC and 3 Chicom AK-47s. The VC were not just farmers with stolen guns, but hard-core Viet Cong. The AK-47s were brand new – beautiful weapons. Each had full filed gear, pistol belt, suspenders, six 40 round ammo clips, canteens, and first aid packs.

While all this was going on, on the other side, I was having an experience I’ll remember all my life. Somehow, our choppers got split up at our LZ, so in effect, we had a triple LZ, one without a ranking man higher than E-4, and no radio. It wasn’t, however, this group that had the problem.

The group I landed with had the lieutenant, his 2 RTOs, Sgt Howerter, Groton (the guy who loves boats) and me, plus about 8 ARVNs. We didn’t see the rest of the group till after the shooting was over. As soon as we landed, Howerter, Broton, Anh (ARVN) and I saw a man running from us, about 400 meters away, so we gave chase.

We lost sight of him, but kept searching. We came to a little road and at the end of it, the VC was running into a hedge line, about 100 meters away. We all opened fire and thought we had hit him – we saw him fall – he had no weapon at the time.

Howerter, Broton, and Anh ran down the road to check him out. I started to follow, but I was the only one who heard the Lt. yell from behind to wait for him. I stopped about 50 meters from the hedge line, but the others went all the way to where the road met the bamboo.

It happened suddenly; I saw smoke and a muzzle flash from the hedge line – a burst of automatic fire about 50 feet from Howerter. I saw Broton and Howerter had taken cover, and figured Anh was also safe. Within milliseconds, I put a 20-round magazine, one round at a time, at the cloud of smoke in the hedge line with tracers. I know that every round went to that exact spot, one at a time. If the VC had even been lying flat on the ground, I would have hit him. I thought for a moment I was him begin to rise, then fall, but I kept shooting to be sure.

As soon as my clip emptied, and I quit shooting, I stood there – helpless – and watched him jump from his hole wearing full field gear, and carrying an AK-47 (all hidden in the hole into which he had “fallen”, when we first fired at him. He was only 75 meters from me, as I saw him run around the corner of the hedgerow and disappear – what could I do?

 Out of the hole, three long, frightened steps, and he was gone. No time to reload; I felt like yelling for him to stop. My hand instinctively went for a grenade, but there was no time and too great a distance. I have never felt so helpless in my life. Everyone else was too far behind to fire, without endangering Howerter and me. Howerter could have shot, but it all happened too fast.

It wasn’t until now that I heard Broton screaming for a medic. He couldn’t have fired back; his right arm had been broken by a bullet and was spurting a steady stream of blood, six inches into the air. He was also hit in the stomach. It nearly made me sick. Anh was lying on his back in the rice paddy, with about 5 rounds in his lower abdomen, groin and thigh. Howerter was not hit. All I could see was that VC getting away while I sat there doing nothing. There was no way I could have kept them from getting hit, but at least I could have shot the one who did it.

The St. had arrived along with the RTOs and the rest of the ARVNs. I had my first aid pack on Broton’s arm wound. He was losing a lot of blood. It was a hard decision to make, which man to help first, but Broton was American and I honestly thought Anh was dead. The RTO took over on Broton, and the ARVNs did what they could for Anh. Both medics had been assigned to the LZ by the swamp!!. The rest of us went out in futile search of the vanished VC. The dust-off came in just as the rest of our group was finding their way to our location.

We made a quick search of the area and found nothing more and started back to BT. Broton was all right, but Anh was dead when they put him on the chopper. Somehow I keep blaming myself for letting the VC get away, but actually I guess it wasn’t my fault. I did the only natural thing to do; put as much lead his way as I could to keep him down, if nothing else, so he couldn’t shoot anything else.

In this I did a good job. The hole he had been in was pretty well chewed up around the edges, and all the leaves and twigs were shot off the bamboo. If he’d stuck a finger up, I would have shot it off.

When I quit firing, he got up and ran, instead of firing again at me, or anybody. He definitely was scared. I don’t believe he knew I was out of ammo in that magazine. His only thought was to get out before I fired again.

I will always feel that if I had kept my cool a little more, and either fired slower, giving the others time to catch up – or, better yet, fired about 15 rounds then paused! When I would have paused, he would have run then; the only difference being I would have had five rounds left. At 75 meters and five tracers, I know I couldn’t have missed.

No one has ever said anything to me about him getting away, but I know I could  have gotten him.

I don’t know what happened to our LZ. If we’d had full strength, it might not have happened. Why there were two medics at the LZ and none at ours . . .? (Doc Brooks is breaking in his replacement).

I’ve my own opinions about Lt. Straub. I think he proved some of them today. Judge for yourself – I think he really botched up a good plan by giving unclear instructions and not distributing the men properly. The other LZ had 3 M-60s, while we only had one. The squads were split up, leaving some people without squad leaders. Howerter, or squad leader, Broton, and I were the only scouts at our LZ. The rest were on the other with no leader or radio. On one of the men, including squad leaders, even knew of the planned two LZs – only  Straub and Sgt. Mahoe knew.

Broton is one of the better guys in the platoon, and a real good friend; it’s like a nightmare, seeing him hit. The way he was bleeding, I thought he would bleed to death. Anh, likewise, had become a good friend, not only with me, but everyone in the platoon. He was one of the best and most dedicated of the S-2. They followed him almost more than their Trung Wi. He’d been around a long time, and knew his business – he was a great guide to the ways of the VC.

Not only was he a good soldier, but he was also a very friendly, likeable type of guy. He spoke just enough English words to be understood. He and I were pretty close friends. I have been to his house twice, visiting with him, his wife, and 3 kids. Lovely family, now without husband/father. Tragic.

It’s a great sadness, I found, when you lose a close friend; especially in such a way as this. Broton’s wound was hard to take, but when they said Anh died, I felt like crying. Needless to say, I felt 10 times as bad about letting the killer get sway after I heard.

The whole experience will stick with me as long as I live. I wish I could forget the whole thing, but I know I never will entirely. I can see the VC running, and Broton and Anh lying there, just as plain as when it happened.

It hardly seems fair that such a fine person as Anh should have to die (what about his family?) and the Viet Cong got away clean. I guess that must be what they call “God’s will”. In mourning, Bob

178 days, 7 Dec/67, Thurs.

We’ve had the day off today. I imagine due to what happened yesterday. One of the officers in the signal platoon here saw me in the mess hall this afternoon, and said, “Had a pretty good day yesterday, I hear.” I was shocked for a minute, but then I realized that although we had a man wounded and lost a man, we did kill three Viet Cong hard-cores, and captured all their gear, including 3 AK-47s. I guess it was in truth a good day, but it was just overshadowed by our own losses.

Broton has a broken right forearm, and was hit in the gall bladder. He has two souvenir bullets and about 2 months rest. There’s a chance that the whole platoon might got o Anh’s funeral in Saigon tomorrow. It’ll be a military funeral.

The atmosphere was a little happier today; I feel a little better. Mostly, I guess, knowing Broton will be all right, and also the shock of the thing has worn off some. We’ve been getting shot at too much, and the leadership has been much poorer than ever before. The only competent leader we have now is Sgt. Mahoe, but he can’t do everything. the Lt. isn’t quite all put together.

We have three squad leaders, infantry’s is an E-6, but scared of his shadow. The 106’s is an E-5, recently promoted form Spec 4. He knows his business, but has let E-5 go to his head. Jones is one of the original Recon. Howerter, also an E-5 with swelled head problems, is the “scout master”. He’s immature and has the mentality of a 3 year old (a general problem with all except St. and Mahoe). The Lt. is intelligent but defiantly not too sure of what’s happening with his platoon.

Add to this, we have about 15 or so people with only 60 days or less in country, who have never been told what to do and how to do it. Cito used to give us regular classes on procedure and tactics. We always had a critique after every mission in which we had contact or made mistakes in any way. Straub has never done this.

All this, plus the fact that the VC activity gets heavier during the dry season, adds to the fact that we’ve been getting shot at too much and doing nothing about it. In two days we’ve had 2 wounded and one killed. That doesn’t sound like the CRIP I used to know. Nothing is as frustrating as being shot at and not getting the guy who did the shooting, especially if he hits one of your guys – how well I know.

I figure I’ll stay on till after my R&R. then I’ll try to get into the combat artist’s program in Cu Chi, if I can get in. I’ll spend my last 3 months drawing pictures.

177 days, 8 Dec/67, Fri.

Day off again. I got my R&R application in and accepted, now all I need is orders and passport. It’ll come February 25^th, give or take a day or two. I also got a chance to see Broton in the hospital. He looks bad, but I guess he’s all right. His arm is in a cast and still bleeding at times. He has a big patch on his side and a 12 inch incision down the middle of his stomach where they cut it to get at the bullet. The whole affair is held together with about 30 stitches.

There is a tube entering his nose, going to his lungs to clear out some bad congestion (I don’t know what caused that). He has another tube into his arm for plasma and another for his meals. Despite all this, he’s in great spirits and didn’t seem to be in much pain. He’s still a little pale. The doctor told us that he got up and walked a little this morning.

The hospital was full of GIs and Vietnamese – military and civilian – and I’d say Broton was in better shape than any of them. It was a gruesome sight, seeing so many people all shot up, or blown up. Some were nothing but a pair of eyes and red-stained bandages. They all seemed to be conscious and not really suffering too much, but I’m sure they had been at one time.

It made me wonder if it was all worth it – the war and everything. I began to see visions of me in those beds, so I excused myself and left. I want to see Broton again, but I’ll wait till he’s moved to a “healthier” ward.

176 days, 9 Dec/67, Sat.

Froze this morning when I got up – must’ve been 65 degrees and I had to roll down my sleeves to go to breakfast! I’m glad I don’t go home in December in a way. I’d freeze after 6 months of summer. Had a third day off, which enabled me to watch the Thanksgiving Day game between Oklahoma and Nebraska. I didn’t stay for the whole game, but I think O.U. won (Dad’s last letter was in black ink).

This month’s promotion lists came down today. Three guys made Spec. 4, one had been here since August, the other two since September. All three made PFC as soon as they got here, and are now Spec. 4. I got here in June and made PFC the same time; I’m still PFC – I think someone forgot about me. Maybe next month, Bob

Nov 22 - Nov 30, 1967

173 days, 22 Nov/67, Wed. (Kennedy assassinated today, 1963)

Hi,

I was feeling sickly this morning, but then the mail came. I got a goodie package from my parents (Christmas already) and also a letter from them with some pictures of home, including the lot in Mich-heaven. There was an excellent picture of them and of Dad. Then a sad one I almost cried over – a picture of the table full of food from my going-away party the night before the war began. It has all the neighbors (except, wonder who?) plus the house in the background and sitting peacefully in front of the house, looking somehow lonely, is the ‘Beam – excuse me while I dry my eyes.

We went on a worthless 8 click walk this afternoon. Nothing happened. There are only 6 days left to enjoy the comforts of Bao Trai – I think I’m going to cry again . . .

174 days, 23 Nov/67, Thurs.

Spent Thanksgiving morning out in the boonies, but we made it back in time for the 2:00 turkey. Hey, had a big party with live band and everything; really a fine day considering the situation. A shame it’s the last holiday here. Who know what we’ll be doing Christmas?

It’s hard to find something to be thankful for over here. I guess just being alive is enough; that, and knowing I’ve got a home to come back to in 192 days.

175 days, 24 Nov/67, Fri.

Today was the full day off we should have had yesterday. We’ve a couple guys in the Cu Chi hospital, with worms a couple more are feeling sick (me included). They’re sending us in tomorrow for an examination.

I heard from an ARVN that when we to Trang Bang, we’ll stay 7 days and if we don’t do any good, we’ll come back to Boa Trai; if we do good, we’ll stay. I hope we don’t see one VC. I’m getting the same kind of feeling about leaving B.T. and going to T.B. as I had about leaving the US and coming to VN – BUTTERFLIES.

176 days, 25 Nov/67, Sat.

I didn’t even go into Cu Chi today as I am feeling better. The other two went. One came back and the other is in the hospital with the same thing as the other two guys.

I got a teat today – the OSU-Wisconsin game (two weeks old) was on TV. It was a good game. I knew who won it, but was wondering how for a while. Tomorrow, Cleveland plays the Packers – I hope we’re in – it’ll probably be my last chance to see the two Ohio teams play for quite a while.

The guy that was shot in the ankle is back with us, not going home after all. The bone was just cracked; it had been broken, he would have been sent home.

177 days, 25 Nov/67, Sun.

For a long time now, they have been building a road from Rung Dao t I never knew where. They opened it yesterday, and today we had a mission from it. Guess what? It goes to Trang Bang!

[Map of new road]

Before, the way to Trang Ban has been through Cu Chi (see map) over a very bad road that took an hour and a half by truck. The new road (dotted line) is smooth and much shorter in distance and time – twenty minutes!

With this new faster route to T.B, there is even less reason why we should move from B.T. Why leave a secure camp to go live in a dust bowl (we saw the place today) when the dust bowl is within easy reach of B.T. Sure there are more VC – near T.B. But we’ve gone there before, and today in twenty minutes, with good results; why move there when we have a safer, more livable camp in B.T.?

Our mission today was near a little town/ARVN outpost, represented on the map by SILT NOWIF (some insignificant little town – the name of which I’ve forgotten). It’s built just about the same as Rung Dao – a do-nothing sort of affair.

178 days, 27 Nov/67, Mon.

We got on extension today – we don’t move till the 30^th. Big deal. There was a light drizzle all morning and afternoon. The first rain in a couple of weeks – settled the dust.

We’ve got 3 guys in the hospital. One has either malaria or hepatitis, the other has worms and another has malaria. I don’t think I feel too well. Mission tomorrow – guess where? Trang Bang, of course.

Why me?

Bob

179 days, 28 Nov/67, Tues.

H’lo,

The latest word on Trang Bang is that the artillery unit we were supposed to be moving in with has moved out (heard we were coming?) We can’t move to T.B. without the security of a US artillery unit, so we wait until . . .  who knows when? Probably won’t be more than a week.

We were on an all day, 3 LZ mission today. The first two resulted in nothing. The third brought us contact immediately, as two VC ran when the choppers landed. We caught them. Shortly after, another ARVN unit got into fire fight nearby. Some of the rounds were aimed at us, however, forcing us behind trees, houses, anything. We returned fire (M-16 worked nice) and received no more until about an hour later, as we rested by a hutch. Sniper fire from real close was silenced by all 4 M-16s.

The bad part was that after we hit the second LZ, I began to get affected by the heat and/or sun again. After the first 2 chases, on the third I was ready to pass out. Sgt. Mahoe took my gun and ammo and we went to a well where he pulled up a bucket of water or two and soaked me. Then we went to the hutch where we rested.

When we started the 2-3 click walk to the road, I still felt a little woozy, so Mahoe carried all my stuff all the way to the read. The world was spinning for a while. I was as white as a sheet.

I feel better now, but still tired. For doing very little walking today, I feel like I’ve been to Hanoi and back with a 106 on my back.  With all the sickness going on around here, Sgt. Mahoe is worried, so he’s sending me to Cu Chi tomorrow for a checkup.

180 days, 29 Nov/67, Wed.

No checkup today – we had another 5:00 a.m. mission, which lasted till about 1:30 this afternoon. I felt better, but not good, today. I’ll get in tomorrow probably when we all go in to get paid.

I got two packages in the mail, both filled with cookies, fudge, nuts and tin foil. Used the tin foil to jam radar, but the food will have to wait till my stomach gets better and I get an appetite. Every time I look at my locker, it’s open and the fudge supply has diminished. Rats? From the Rat Pack?

181 days, 30 Nov/67, Thurs.

We came closer than ever to having mortar rounds land in the compound last night. At about 2:00 a.m. we woke up to mortar and rifle fire. I jumped out of the wrong side of bed and nearly smashed a tap recorder. It took me several seconds to realize where I was. When I got my sense together, I opened my locker and pulled out a shirt which, in the dark, I tried for a minute or so to put on, as a pair of pants. I gave up and grabbed another pair, and finally got dressed.

We had the tracers from rifles flying through the tree tops and 3 mortars went off in the street just outside the wall. Two more went off in the field just outside the bunker line. All in all, Bao Trai town got 30 rounds and 4 ARVN were killed and 3 wounded (not S-2 ARVNs) at the outposts on the edge of town. A large building, housing several civilian advisers and permanent newsmen, was completely destroyed by fire after a direct hit. Ho one was inside.

We pulled guard till 4:00, then went to bed till 4:33, when we were called out to go in search of the mortar positions. We were out till 10:30 – found nothing. What’s there to find. Charlie lobs in 30 rounds in about 15 minutes, hides his tubes, and then runs for he swamp. Even the gunships ( 8of them) couldn’t find anything. How could we?

An ARVN patrol did capture 4 VC and 4 rifles before the attack, and later, after the attack, they found the places where they had been firing. The gunships did destroy two sampans on the river, but there was no report of what was on them.

After this, we slept till 1:00 p.m. and somehow we never got into Cu Chi to get paid. Should get in tomorrow. I still don’t feel well.

President Kennedy Assassinated Nov 22 1967

Nov 13 - Nov 21 1967

161 days, 13 Nov/67, Mon.

Hi,

I skipped yesterday accidentally, but no great loss – nothing at all. Today we also had the day off, but we spent it in the shade of a hedgerow near Trang Bang. We rode all the way in the truck & jeeps; on that road that’s quite a feat. We left the vehicles at a VN Ranger camp, and walked about a click or two to our objective, and waited for an hour while the ARVNs searched it. Than we went back. A long hard ride for nothing.

When I set up my gun, I saw a nice shady spot, and stepped into it. It was a little cave in the bushes, but as soon as I hit the leaves it, and all the shade, disappeared. The bushes, as high as my head, with leaves the size of my hands, were sensitivity plants, like the miniatures in Mom Singleton’s garden.

They are always abundant, covering the ground in some places, but these were the biggest I’ve seen. Can you imagine stepping into a large clump of bushes and having them all droop and fold up as soon as you touch them? I didn’t recognize the plants when I started into them, and it startled me at first when they folded up. I thought maybe I’d forgotten to use my Ban.

Tomorrow we got to Ho Bo woods. Heard of it? It’s pretty famous. A haven for VC (and hobos). The 2/27 and 1/27 have found several weapons caches there, and also have been shot up pretty bad in there at times. It’s a bad area from what I hear. We’ve never been there. Hope all we see is hobos.

 (optimistically, I date this ahead)

165 days, 14 Nov/67. Tues.

Prayer does work! For some reason, the Go Bo woods picnic was called off, and our day was leisure and relaxation. We are scheduled to go out tonight which is wonderful; you should see the huge black cloud that’s headed our way. It should be here about the time we leave. Guess I’ll play ball till 7:30.

166 days, 15 Nov/67, Wed (200 days left in country!)

The plan last night was for us to go to an ARVN compound and spend the night then at 4:00 that morning we were to walk about 4 clicks to our objective and then go back to Bao Trai. It poured solid for a half hour before we left, but let up while we drove to the compound, about 2/3 of the way to Duc Hoa. As soon as we got inside the building it opened up again. That’s called cooperation. We slept on a concrete floor, like sardines in a can, but at least we were dry. Really comfortable, if you like sleeping on concrete with 50 other bodies and 1,743, 795 mosquitoes.

We got up at four, and began our walk (moon was out by now). All went smoothly until we approached the hedgerow, which was our objective. We came upon a house about 200 meters outside the complex, and surprised 4 VC, who were asleep there. There were supposed to be 10 in the hedgerow – the 4 in the house were unexpected.

Two of them ran, but were cut down by a whole platoon’s fire power. All those tracers going to one spot. It was spectacular, but not too effective. Out of all those rounds, each VC was only hit once, but both were dead. The other two were captured along with all four weapons.

Shortly afterwards, we received about 10-15 rounds of fire from the hedgerow, which put every body buried in rice water, with rounds whizzing overhead. We fired back and it quit and we moved up only to get a couple more rounds. Then we stopped and called in white phosphorous rounds (flares) form the ARVN artillery behind our tent in Bao Trai.

The flares revealed nothing so the gunships were called and they raked the area with everything they had – mini-gun, ‘60s, M-74 grenades, and rockets. They didn’t kill anything but destroyed a couple houses and sank two sampans.

We checked the area but at daybreak, found only evidence of VC, and came back in. for a while we thought we had really tied into something big. I’m glad we didn’t. We captured the agent. After the shooting, he ran form the hedgerow and the ARVNs fired a couple of rounds near him. He yelled Chieu Hoi, and put up his hands. They tied him up and marched him back in with the other 2 prisoners.

The agents are actually with the VC. All the ARVNs know him and everything. If he’s our there they capture him in just about the same way they did today, just to make things look good.

We slept all day today. Tonight I recorded one side of a reel of tape. I bought a portable recorder for $10. The tapes can be sent free. The quality’s off and I don’t speak too well, but it’s different. I can record descriptions of my slides and you all can have talkies.

They were shooting artillery for awhile tonight, but even though I was outside, the tape didn’t pick it up; maybe I’ll get it tomorrow night when I do side two.

167 days, 16 Nov/67, Thurs.

Morning – sleep

Afternoon – relax

Evening – loaded on the trucks to go on a mission, but once again, at the last minute it was called off, and we were a reactionary force for the S-2 platoon until 11:00 (as reaction force we just act a s usual only if the S-2 run into something we would have to go out and help).

I recorded side two of the tape, and will send it tomorrow. My parents don’t have a player, so you’ll have to play it on yours. I forget if I mentioned this before – I recorded on the slowest speed (3 ¼ ips). I thing I mentioned this on the tape, but how would you know without playing the tape?

168 days, 17 Nov/67, Fri (last day on the machine gun!!!)

Yep, we went out today at 9:30 and stayed till about 3:00, out near Trang Bang again. When we got back in I handed my gun over to a really new guy (been in country 14 days). He said he wanted a machine gun! It almost sounds a shame to give such an important weapon to such a new man, but what was I when they gave me mine? He says

He’s had special training with it at Fort Polk, La. In AIT.

We had a man wounded today. Remember I mentioned how the gunners on the choppers rake the hedgerows with fire as they bring in troops? We were sweeping towards our scheduled PX (pick-up zone) as a load of ARVNs were being dropped near by on another mission. As the ships left, the gunships spotted us in the hedgerows along the river – a known hiding place for VC. Of course they had no way of knowing that we were friendly forces – all they saw was a group of people hidden in the trees. From about 800 feet it’s hard to tell; they’re not going to get any closer of if there is VC below, they’ll get shot out of the sky.

Well, they saw us and didn’t realize it was us, and as customary they let fly with their M-60s before we could give some kind of signal or get out into the open so they could see who we were.

Now I know how the VC feel when they see the gunships come. I swear, it rains lead. Trees and twigs crumble – I don’t see how they only hit one man in the leg (didn’t break the skin, just cracked the shin bone). I mean, I’ve had bullets go by me pretty close, but . . .  And there was no place to hide from these; they were coming from the air. What an awesome sight to se those big insects bearing down on you – no place to hide – shooting aerial M-60s. I was smothered with twigs from the trees, but somehow wasn’t hit.

Lt. Straub quickly made radio contact and threw a smoke grenade to mark our position, and prevented a second pass over by the choppers, which no doubt would have been with mini-guns (two on each of two ships – each gun 6,000 rounds per minute!!) and M-79s and rockets. We could have been wiped out!

We couldn’t fire back at them or they really would have laid it on; we couldn’t run out into the open – that’s really a give-away – I’ve seen the ships swoop down on running VC to within about 3 feet of them and cut them down with the mini-gun (one time I saw them hit one with the skid underneath the ship, moving at about 50 mph). The best thing we could do is just lay low and throw smoke and hope they go away.

If we’d been clearly in the open, right at first, they never would have fired, but they have strict orders to shoot without question anything the least suspicious in an area where they drop troops – that’s the way it has to be and a chance we always take whenever we’re out.

I think I’ll carry an American flag out next time, and wave it at every chopper that goes over. I don’t see how the VC can stand against one of those gunships – it was like a nightmare; and they didn’t use their big stuff.

Send a flag,

Bob

169 days, 18 Nov/67, Sat.

Hi,

It was cold this morning (about 75-9=80) and I slept nearly till noon.  This afternoon I taught some of the guys how to play euchre, and we spent the afternoon playing cards. Lt. Straub bought a refrigerator and stocked it with beer and soda, so now we have cold drinks all day instead of having to wait for the club to open.

Another new man – a mechanic. He brought with him a stereo tape recorder and a TV. I guess we’re all set for entertainment in the green hutch. 

170 days, 14 Nov/67, Sun.

Helped chop down bamboo and palm trees, clearing land for a new ARVN compound. We were “volunteers” to show our “interest in the ARVNs and to shoe our goodwill and to help the people of S. Vietnam”. We’re literally fighting their war for them,, what else do they want?

I had a very educational evening. There was a play in Bao Trai which everyone in the compound was allowed to go to, and stay past the 9:00 p.m. curfew.

I don’t really know what it was about – it was a comedy (everybody laughed) being all in Vietnamese. I never saw a place so packed with people – literally on the rafters of the building. Something like this must happen only once a year, the way they were jammed in. I had to hold tow little kids on my lap all night.

It was, I guess, a typical oriental play, with the plink-plunk music, and Samurai warriors, ogres, princesses, and heroes. The acting was quite good, even though I couldn’t understand the dialogue. It was really interesting and quite professional in backgrounds, sound effects, lighting, etc.

I’ll never forgive myself for not bringing the camera and the electronic flash, which I could have borrowed. I thought we were going to a party. Instead it turned out to be this play; had I known it was a play, I would have taken the camera for sure. I missed many colorful (beautiful) costumes, and once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

171 days, 20 Nov/67, Mon.

I borrowed a set of civies to go to the “party” last night, and it felt so good to wear decent clothes for a the first time in nearly – 12 days short of – six months, that I went ahead and bought the whole deal for $8. Really nice; a perma-press shirt, a pair of perma-press pants, a perma-press belt, and a pair of perma-press tennis shoes (low cut). They feel so good.

That’s the only thing exciting that happened today.

172 days, 21 Nov/67, Tues.

Remember a few days ago, when the guy got hit by the gunships? The bullet, although it knocked him down, didn’t break the skin, but it did break the ankle bone. He goes to Japan for 4 months of recuperation, and then he goes home!!!! He’s only been in country 33 days, as of today, and only been on 4 CRIP missions. Friends and neighbors, that’s what we in war call a million dollar wound!

Bad news today. CRIP moves to Trang Bang “permanently” next Tuesday. It’ll be the same people, the same operation, and the same mission as before, just a different base camp.

Why bad news? Let me cont the ways. 1) We’ll live in tents at first, then maybe build hutches later. 2) We’ll be living in field conditions – sandbags and mud. 3) No water for showers, etc., no electricity, no shade – we’ll be out in the open. 4) No club, TV, or movies, or basketball. 5) Food will come from the US Artillery compound nearby. No more steaks, or waiters in the mess hall. 6) For a week or so, we’ll be doing nothing but filling sandbags and other hard work.

Those are the changes in living conditions – the serious problem.  The big objection is the area surrounding Trang Bang. It’s full of VC. All the outposts, etc., get mortared almost regularly. Mines blow up, people get shot; it’s a dangerous place.

They say we’ve pacified the Bao Trai area, so there is no need for us anymore – time to move. Well, I say when I can’t sit on our bunker line and watch – and even record a taped letter – because Cu Chi base camp gets 120 rounds of mortar fire, the are is not pacified. Even if it is, when we move, they’ll come right back (the VC) and we’ll have to come to the Bao Trai area from Trang Bang, just as we do the opposite now.

Why move fro a safe, comfortable place to a place we could easily commute to before, especially when we’ll be subjected to mortar and ground attack (they’re going to have the 106s, and the two .50 caliber machine guns on our perimeter, plus maybe a couple of 81 mm mortar tubes). We’re nearly guaranteed contact on our missions.

We’re supposed to go fro a week trial, then if it doesn’t work . . .  who knows? Bao Trai again? I hope. It all depends on the ARVNs. If they want to stay, we stay. If they don’t lie it (their families are all in Bao Trai) we’ll move again.

Oh, well, more later, as I find out more. But it does bother me considerably.

Slightly nervous,

Bob

Nov. 1 - Nov 12, '67

152 days, 1 Nov/67, Wed.

Today is July 4^th! For a day off, there certainly has been a lot of excitement around here. Last night (after I wrote the letter) the ARVNs captured a VC captain who, in turn, offered to tell them where a mortar position was near Bao Trai. The ARVN put him on an armored car, and two of our jeeps escorted them to the site – almost. After about a mile, the VC jumped from the armored car and disappeared into the night, before they could even shoot.

MACV made recon help do guard duty all night, afraid they would get mortared. MACV has got to be the most frightened group of people in Vietnam. Any idiot could see, with reasonable certainty, that the mortar position was a device to get the captain out of the compound so he could escape. Smart VC, I’d say. Incompetent ARVNs.

Today was uneventful. I went downtown to see what was going on for National Day. There was a parade and people throwing fireworks, but I didn’t go to the bicycle race or anything.

Tonight, for some reason, everyone (most everyone) decided to get drunk – and get drunk they did. In fact, there are now 15 people banned from the bar.

“Grandpa” Clark and Buss (a new guy – both foolish drunks) some how got out of the compound and ere missing from 8:00 till 11:30. were supposed to be back from town at 900. they were really blown away and Clark even threatened to shoot Sergeant Mahoe when Mahoe began questioning him.

There is  a guard on both of them tonight, and tomorrow both will be taken to CU Chi for – who knows what. Court Martial possibly. As wild as Bao Trai was tonight, (it’s dangerous enough every night) anything could have happened resulting in a disastrous repercussion on the whole platoon. It’ll be bad enough on the platoon as it is, for them breaking curfew. I hate to see anything happen to the, but they brought it on themselves.

I saw in the P.O. today where Marlynn was the 1^st runner-up in the Miss teenage Columbus contest. Definitely congratulations are in order. I’m really proud of you, Marlynn. I just wish you could have won the whole thing. For once, finally, I’m really proud to say I went to Westerville High School. Phil Shank sent me a lot of all the scores up to Groveport. It’s really unbelievably wonderful. Phil also said they’re ranked No. 2 behind Arlington in the county. Any state rating?

See, Marlynn, it always happens the year after you graduate.

Class of ’65,

Bob

153 days, 2 Nov/67 Thurs. – 5 mos.

Grandpa and Buss went to Cu Chi for the last time today. I’ve moved into the green hutch. It’s cooler and I was tired of living in the tent. I’m tired of living in Vietnam. I wish they’d hurry and find the plug and drain this country away.

Today was another day off. Bound to go out tomorrow. That’s about it for tonight – another “0” day. Need about 213 more just like it.

154 days, 3 Nov/67, Fri (30 weeks to go)

Another off-day! Sounds more to the point than “day off”. Now that I’m in the green hutch with the tin roof, it’s cool enough to sleep till noon – which I did.

Wednesday I went into town, and had “the little old man with glasses” across the street sew me a set of black pajamas. They aren’t just any old pajamas they’re the kind worn by the VC and nearly all other Vietnamese people as their daily dress. You see them everywhere – especially the pants. Several of the guys wear them around here. They’re very comfortable and cool. Pajamas to us, clothes to the Vietnamese and the VC.

‘Tis the weekend tomorrow – we always go to the swamp on the weekend.

155 days, 4 Nov/67, Sat.

We were put on alert for a while last night. The S-2 had gone out to intercept some new VC recruits, and we received word that they made contact and needed help. We nearly went out, but a closer look at the situation by radio contact with the S-2 revealed that the contact was being made by two VC compounds – against each other – the S-2 was merely in the area. They called artillery on the two companies; a barrage that lasted nearly all night.

It’s good to hear that the VC can ambush their own people just as we can, only it cost them more than our little affair back in August. Today was another day off; this makes 5 in a row. They had us on the vehicles twice, but both times the fissions were cancelled at the last minute.

I got my first roll of slides since I got the camera for Dad. All are good. Three or four are prize winners. One I’d enter in a contest if I could find one – it’s perfect! Other than the pictures, the mail’s been slow. Haven’t even heard from the folks but once since their pleasure trip and buying spree (actually I haven’t written them too much either).

We’ve got to go out tomorrow, don’t we? I hope we have another September – out only 7 times. I really wish I could say more, even make up something to say. I guess the novelty of Vietnam and everything has worn off. I’m beginning to feel I’ve lived here all my life, and always will. Thank God, neither is true!

156 days, 5 Nov/67, Sunday

Six days in a row. To tell the truth, it gets boring. I got the clipping in the paper about Westerville clinching the title – that’s number one! We watched movies and played basketball most of the afternoon. I managed to twist my right foot, but nothing serious – I probably won’t even be able to get out of going out tomorrow – if we go out. Here it is, the 5^th of November, and I just realized Halloween has come and gone. I’m surprised the VC didn’t come trick-or-treating – with mortars. They didn’t even soap windows, or throw corn. No sign of the Great Pumpkin; the only Jack-o-lanterns we have over here have fuses instead of candles.

Boo!

Bob

157 days, 6 Nov/67, Mon.

Hi,

Our 7^th day off was filled in by the celebration of Phuong Du Thet – meaning snap, crackle, pop. It is a Vietnamese national holiday honoring the three giants of the world of rice, during which a cease-fire in the war is declared, and Viet Cong and Vietnamese celebrate the day as one brotherhood of people.

The traditional diet of the day is Rice Krispies for breakfast, Spanish rice for lunch, and Rice-a-Roni for dinner, with rice pudding for dessert. Rice wine replaces water the whole day long. Often the upper class enjoys a rice and jelly sandwich before turning in for the night.

There is a parade in the afternoon in which everyone dresses as their favorite grain of rice, and dance all about town, trying to identify Phuong, Du, and That, who are similarly disguised (somewhat like our Secret Santa). The penalty of a wrong guess is a snapped finger, crackled toes, or popped nose, administered by the offended a this own choice. The one correctly identifying anyone, or all three, receives a Blue-Cross card, and a Medicare application. Phuong Du That is a fun day for all.

We have invented a new candy bar (getting away from rice, if I may). We simply cut a coconut from a tree and cover it with chocolate and sprinkled nuts. We call it Recon Hard Ball. Hard to swallow, and hard to believe. Melts in your mouth (if you have a large enough mouth) not in your hands. It’s a chance to go a little nuts.

I got a chance to go into Bao Trai today after the parade and pick up some pajamas. Paris originals, with fine mesh and delicate lace cuffs and collar. There are pearl buttons that glow in the dark, and a trap door for ventilation – which is also the only way to get into and out of the silly things (Pierre didn’t have any zippers). The buttons are just sewed on – Pierre was also out of buttonholes. I’ll send you a picture, if you think you can stand it (I’m not sure I can).

I guess our vacation is over – we have a mission at 7:15 tomorrow morning. Seventeen VC, mine, Chieu Hoi guide – sounds like another farce.

158 days, 7 Nov/67, Tues.

Well, I retract my last statement form yesterday. We had an outstanding mission. The Chieu Hoi was good – one of the VC we captured was the Chieu Hoi’s brother! Sounds like the Civil War, doesn’t it? Our fist body count came when Little Joe spotted a guy running across the field. We gave chase and fired a total of nearly 400 rounds at the idiot, but he kept running and we couldn’t hit him. Finally Broton got smart and took aim. One shot in the neck form 400 meters – good shooting.

Meanwhile, the ARVNs had captured 4 confirmed VC, and about 5 suspects, including a girl, and had killed another who was firing a carbine out of a hole. They pulled out the body – a girl! We had a good mission finally. Reminded me of the old days with Cito.

Instead of walking all the way back to Bao Trai, we stopped a convoy of about 20 filled dump trucks and rode in on the piles of dirt. After 7 days of rest, I’m “bou cu” tired. I did get several combat pictures, including – sorry – the dead girl.

159 days, 8 Nov/67, Wed.

Morning off. In the afternoon, a whole fleet of mechanics came out from Cu Chi and we had a mass repair on all jeeps. I got off easy again – repainted all the bumper numbers.

We got 4 new guys today and plan on two more tomorrow. We have an all day mission tomorrow. It sounds bad. All day in the swamps three different LZs to go to, the last one a 6 click walk through the swamp. All in the heat of the afternoon. Hope I don’t get heat-sick again.

Well, maybe I do. The target was at first a battalion of VC and through rumors, has grown to 1,500 North Vietnamese regulars – the ones with military training and uniforms. DMZ refugees. True or not, it still sounds bad. We’re going on the west side of the Oriental River. Usually we stay on the east – never have gone on the west. That’s definitely where Charlie hides during the day!!!

There will be a unit of ARVNs with us (a battalion, other than the S-2 platoon) but what good are they? They’re the same ones that shoot at us all the time!

To be continued (maybe)

Bob

160 days, 9 Nov/67, Thurs.

Well, here I am,

Compared to what they had planned for us, today was a walk in the park. Our plans called for an LZ near Trang Bang and the Oriental River, then on to another LZ on the west side of the river, along another creek, which is known to be the main supply route form Cambodia for the 264^th and 271^st  VC battalions.

The colonel guaranteed contact at thesis LZ. After that one (if there were any of us left) we were to go to an area in the swamps near Bao Trai, and walk 6 clicks through the swamp Lt Straub said that whoever planned the mission didn’t leave time for chopper refueling, etc. and we might not have enough time for he third LZ.

We landed at the first objective at 11:15 a.m. – searched it, had our C-rations, and waited till 4:30 p.m. It was  so late that they had changed plans altogether, and they dropped us near Bao Trai – about 1 ½ clicks out, and we walked in from there.

So, instead of 500 VC, and a total of 13 licks walking, we wound up with a picnic and an afternoon hike – and I don’t even carry a rabbit’s foot; somebody else must have one.

161 days, 10 Nov/67, Fri. (10 months in Army)

Day off! Seven new replacements (for who?) today. Trivia Dept: if I had gone to OCS,I would have graduated today and my 2 years would just be beginning. It’s been 23 weeks today since I’ve been in VN. Also, my tenth month in the Army. Looks like that 2-year, 10 month estimate would have been right.

Rained all day today – 162 days, 11 Nov/67 Sat.

The first rain there other than a few night drizzles, since Oct. 28^th. Hints of the dry season, is my guess. Day off again for Michigan State and Notre Dame – good game – three weeks old.

Haven’t heard from you in quite a while. Hope every thing’s all well. Teaching this year? Hope you’re keeping the old folks at home informed with these letters. Would you believe – in about 20 days, I’ll be starting down the hill; that is, I start counting down from 183, instead of counting up to 183. Yep, half way!

I’ve been thinking (how about that?) of all the things I mess about the world. Not just home and family – those are understood – but the little things. I miss watching football on the color TV, miss watching it in person, and even miss commercials.

I’ll be glad when I can get home and have a BBF hamburger and milkshake. When I can get in a car and drive around OSU and enjoy the – uh – scenery. I especially miss driving the Alpine down highway 605 at 80 mph, at one o’clock in the morning on the way home from work. I miss Western Electric, and all the wonderful hillbillies I worked with.

I miss slot-racing (believe it or not). I miss snow and cold weather. I get tired of the hot sun, green grass, and trees. Even the flowers are still in full bloom – some just coming out – and it’s the middle of November. Everyday, somehow, I miss that freedom bird that’ll take me back to it all.

I even miss your garden,

Bob