I spent the next four days working out, as best I could. I had the endurance to run five miles straight, but I hadn’t regained the speed I one had before being shot and operated on so much. My fears about the coming academy stretch were active, particularly at night. I could no longer sleep at night like I once had. Instead of sleep, I stayed up in the dark, peering out of windows and listening for movements or any odd sounds in the night. I waxed the fire-engine red Volks, and it sparkled, its chrome wheel covers so bright in the morning sun that they appeared to be made more of glass crystal than highly polished chrome plating. I was going to go to work on the Bronco and give it its first-ever waxing until I polished one small spot on a front fender. I stepped back and had an epiphany. The Bronco was partially meant to be a stealthy vehicle, well-muffled but powerful. A vehicle of silent death. I smiled at the thought. I had no intention of killing anyone ever again, but I couldn’t scrub the killing of humans fully from my mind no matter how hard I tried.
Drinking alcohol didn’t help. It only made things worse, as it seemed to magnify my emotional reaction. I had to totally quit, which I had, to my wife’s welcome relief.
Loving your story backdropped against beaches and towns where I’ve spent some time. I’ve heard stories about successfully and unsuccessfully evading the Marines in restricted areas.
Interesting perspective you have on surfing. In my mind, by the time you’re working down a 25′ wave you’re riding bigger stuff than 95% of California surfers have ever seen. In my late teens everybody took up surfing. Most found there were much better things to do than waiting, getting worked and then getting harassed by the locals. I didn’t have anything better to do. Surfing and paddling kept me in shape, made me quit smoking and cut down on drinking and generally kept me out of trouble. I enjoyed it immensely though I was never really good at it. The largest waves I rode were around 6 feet. Surfing served me well for decades as a very inexpensive way to get some great kicks.
Wow is all I can say as I am at least 10 yrs your junior and with no service. But I can relate to San clemente as I moved to riverside Ca. from Kc missouri. I shall buy the so I can Gain understanding of the past . And you sir have a very good talent at writitng.
Do you know if Nguyen lives in Southern California? At my last job, I had a lady named Wendy Nguyen. She said that her parents were from Vietnam. I offered her a guitar that was made in Saigon that I bought from the BX. She said that she had to ask her parents. For some reason her parents would not let her have it. She is a Network Engineer working for LACOE. She is intelligent and I was glad she worked for me. She calls me ever now and then for advice and just to talk.
I currently do not have that information, sorry
A beautiful Nativity.
In 30 days you lead the reader to believe Nguyen may or may not understand the English language. Or maybe he does / did to a low extent.
I can remember when I was in the 25th how we could nod slightly or say one word and the entire weekends plans were made no further input….
So, I wonder if Nguyen was so in tune with the environment in the war time a shau as opposed to being well In tune with the environment coupled with a broader knowledge of English than he dare let on for survivals sake.
He’s no dummy and it warrants the question of how smart this guy truly was, like ,was he a top leader of a wiped out government or something of the sort…
Merry Christmas sir! It’s where I find joy and vex at the same time these days. I appreciate your writing.
Lt., I have been following closely since Day 1. Your detail during the 30 Days took me to the Asian heat, rain, smells, noises and bugs. The first book of the Lion realistically related the fog and misery as well as the frustration you must have felt dealing with military bureaucracy and medicine as well as the joy of getting home to family. All of that put the reader in your shoes, no matter how tight or comfortable they may have been. Book 2 of the Lion has had me in a surreal world with all of the twists of the continuing plot. It seems more of a mystery, slowly being revealed. It continues to hold my attention and keeps me waiting for the next hint of the conclusion.
Great writing. Fantastic personal history.
Semper Fi James.India Co. 3rd Bn 5th Marines 67-68. Due to wia’s I was Plt Sgt at 21 years old.Almost 75 and still remember how lost I felt when I came home. My platoon was my.family.Years later I was contacted by a friend about a reunion . It is a brotherhood that can only be forged by going through hell together. I thoroughly enjoy all your writing. It was not as hard as you had it, but I was a FNG in charge of men with combat experience .Nerve-wracking to say the least. I had to learn fast. Our Gunny was plt ldr, our company ran out of officers.I learned a lot from him. Thanks again
Thanks for the comment Seems we shared some common experiences.
Semper fi,
Jim
The events you write about here are actually fairly ordinary, but your writing is so absorbing that I couldn’t stop reading. You have a talent, My Man…
“what he might have done to the two Marines from my company who I’d not know were alive or back, …”
I believe you meant to say/write “known” instead of “know”.
Yes, you are correct Tim and I thank you for the help.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year
Jim
Sure would like a new chapter here. Anything coming soon?
You have your wish Eric and thanks for wanting it so badly.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter. Nguyen arrival with a gift was so unexpected! LT you must have touched his soul while in the valley. Few men keep promises they make to themselves. Nguyen is a friend to keep for life. You are truly blessed to have made it home to a loving family with a Guarding Angel covering your back. I believe we all have a predetermined destiny. Your ability to share yours is compelling. Happy New Year, LT.
Thanks so very much for that touching comment and the compliment inherent in your words.
Happy New Year and Semper fi,
Jim
Somewhere out there Nguyen was still looking out for me. That right there would no doubt make Christmas !!
Keep ’em coming Jim, SEMPER FI
Thanks Sgt Bob,
I will keep my hand in play, and much appreciate the loyalty and trust you place in me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Just wanted to wish you Happy Holidays LT. May you and your family have a great and healthy year. I have a question: Did you ever go over what awards you received or what happened to the Gunny and others? I don’t know if I missed that chapter or if it’s in the future or if you aren’t going to go over it. You can email me your response if you would like. Take care and Semper Fi.
Yes, the Gunny is up there in the distance, as I continue to write of my experiences following the Nam. The Gunny is, and will always remain, a difficult case
for me to try to describe and then accommodate and try to deal with. He sure as hell wasn’t Nguyen or anything like him.
Semper fi. I will get there Joe, and if you want a confidential heads up by email then let me know.
Happy New Year and thanks for the comment.
Jim
So glad to hear that Nugyen made it to the States. Will he make contact with you later on?
No, he did not make contact, as he did survive the Nam.
I made contact and the story will be written later in the coming volumes.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, I don’t typically comment on your writings. You have excellent proof readers who point out any errors you might have made. I just wanted to make comment on this chapter. The nativity scene given by Nguyen, and the fact that he found you despite there being no internet search available, gave me cause to wonder. There just seems to be the feeling of, for lack of a better way to say it, rightness. I smiled when I read it.
Continue on Sir, you have my full attention.
Wayne
I hope you are doing well, my old friend. Yes, the Bronco was a lovable hateful beast at times.
The giant tires when driving on streets. The requirement that we get out of the vehicle to engage the front wheels into
four wheel drive. The four wheel drive that was really only two wheel drive, depending on which tires might lack traction, and, of course,
no air conditioning of any kind and a heater that was mostly a joke.
Good to see you writing and ‘back in play.’
Happy New Year and Semper fi,
Jim
Sorry Wayne, but I somehow wrote a reply to you that should have gone to Dwayne Herberich, which whom I worked at the SCPD.
I copied and pasted to him but didn’t know how to erase the comment here. Thanks for commenting about the nativity scene.
It effects me every Christmas of its use. Yes, the photo is the real one. My wife still does not quite understand the depth
of my feelings nor the fact that I set it up perfectly every year, with each piece in its proper place and my old home made
stable unmodified or changed.
Semper fi,
Jim
Is it my aging brain housing group or did Nguyen say more to your wife in that one sentence than he ever said to you the entire time you were in the valley?
Yes, you are correct Paul. By then Nguyen was taking English at Saddleback college.
There will be more on Nguyen’s passage and placement in the US and my growing ability to
help him made it all legal.
Semper fi
Jim
This is the last communication I’ve had with you, are you okay?
All OK. Sorry I missed this, Ira
James, thank you for the wonderful memories of our old Department and beloved City. The old Bronco with the “three on a tree” shifter made it difficult to “speed shift” on code 3 runs but we found a way! Thank you so much for the trip down nostalgia lane! Semper Fi, Dwane (aka Herbie).
p.s. I’ll never forget how you and Mary tried (in vain) to teach Debbie and I Canasta!
I hope you are doing well, my old friend. Yes, the Bronco was a lovable hateful beast at times.
The giant tires when driving on streets. The requirement that we get out of the vehicle to engage the front wheels into
four wheel drive. The four wheel drive that was really only two wheel drive, depending on which tires might lack traction, and, of course,
no air conditioning of any kind and a heater that was mostly a joke.
Good to see you writing and ‘back in play.’
Happy New Year and Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read.. Hope your Christmas was enjoyable and New Year will be better..
Corrections for you..
I had the endurance but not the speed I “one” had before.. maybe “once”
Ben Williams head of the United States “Treasure” Dept.. maybe Treasury”
One miserable rainy night in one of the caves we “help” in.. maybe “holed” or “held” up in..
Looking forward to next chapters in that crazy time of your life..
Thank you so much, JC, for your correction.
Semper fi,
Jim
Merry Christmas and welcome home.
Always a nice moment when I see a new chapter, ever since Thirty Days. So entertaining. This one came at a boring time, laying in a hospital bed with a freshly repaired broken femur. I got clumsy two days ago and tripped over a curb. Being 72 comes with some frailties.
Thank you for the journey thus far. May your New Year be healthy and prosperous.
Lt your life contuines to be a roller coaster of up’s and down’s and mystery. Awesome job of habdlinng the unknow !!
One miserable rainy night in one of the caves we’d help up in I’d told
…. caves we held up in .. or holed up in ….
…. Another good read LT
LT WOW !!!!!!! Belated Merry Christmas NGUYEN MONTAGNERD What an amazing Alley What Respect That Man Has For You
God Bless All Y’all
Have a Happy. Blessed, Safe and Prosperous New Year 2022
PS I was born Oak Knoll 48 no longer exists strange how the building marketecture so closely resembles Bethesda Naval Hospital DC
God Bless You and Your Family and The Work of Your Hands Salute !!!!
One that my wife is always on me with:
“Let me know when your ten-six again.”
I eagerly wait every chapter.
Great chapter . Hard to put into words how your story makes me feel. Thank you.
powerful…..
Must have been a great Christmas,,, you never let these typos slip in before.
DanC caught most of them except, “,,,,one of the caves we ‘held’ up in,,,”
I want to hear more about Nyguen, asap.
One more edit Jim.
regained the speed I one had
regained the speed I once had
Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Thanks Paul…
Semper fi,
Jim
I
Outstanding!
Thank you
Thanks for the great ‘Marine Corps compliment’ Bob. Means a lot.
Semper fi,
Jim
you are a blessed man to have all the good that happened to you after all the bad shit you endured. God put you on this earth for a reason, , and you are up to the task. Great chapter
Thanks Bill, great compliment and I really value you that.
Semper fi,
Jim
Once again LT you’ve given us a great memoir of your time in Nam. You bring back memories from a long time ago and you’re really good at jerking a tear from my eye. Again thank you for being you. Merry Christmas and a good New year to you and your family.
Thank you.
You are most welcome Robert!
Semper fi,
Jim
Happy New Year Jim. Thanks and God Bless!
Right back at you Joseph. Means a lot to have so many great comments at this time of year, hell at any time!
Semper fi,
Jim
Well done sir
Thanks Sam, laconic but meaningful…
Semper fi,
Jim
SO GLAD NYUYEN MADE IT OUT.ALWAYS FELT HE WOULD SURVIVE! YOU STILL HAVE A N ABILITY TO BRING A TEAR. MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
thanks Bob. I did not time the entry and that it has such Christmas implications my wife had to inform me.
I’m just telling the story as it went down. The photo is the actual set he gave me, along with the little
rough stable I made myself in that year in my garage.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year
Jim
My sentiments exactly,I’m setting here wiping tears..So glad he made it out.
That you, a man among men, would cry, reaches me in an emotional way that I am surprised about.
I did not write it that wya. I only wrote what happened. But here we are, with real life making
its way into our hearts and minds. Most writers are not doing that kind of work today and most writers are
not getting these kinds of heart-rending reviews that I much love and appreciate either.
Thanks so much for this heartfelt and penetrating comment.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year, brother,
Jim
Once again LT you’ve given us a great memoir of your time in Nam. You bring back memories from a long time ago and you’re really good at jerking a tear from my eye. Again thank you for being you. Merry Christmas and a good New year to you and your family.
And the plot thickens….. Great read LT and a Merry Christmas to you sir!
Thanks Bob, yes, the game is afoot, as Sherlock might say…
Semper fi,
Jim
Fantastic, Merry Christmas and have a healthy happy New Year
Thanks Jim, turning out to be a better year end because of men like you!
Semper fi,
Jim
James, the timing of this chapter at Christmas time touches a warm spot in our hearts. So much is happening to you and around you. I immediately liked Ben. Good to have people with integrity to work with.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
the experience of using such a pump-actuated rifle
Actually smooth bore and not a rifle. Maybe choose another term.
the experience of using such a pump-actuated shotgun
the experience of using such a pump-actuated long gun
the experience of using such a pump-actuated smooth bore
I looked out to see and watched swell after swell roll in.
Maybe “sea” instead of “see”
I looked out to sea and watched swell after swell roll in.
I met the eyes of a few of the men, boys rather than me really.
I don’t quite understand this sentence.
Maybe: I met the eyes of a few of the men, rather boys to me really.
Or: I met the eyes of a few of the men, boys rather like me really.
rat at fifty-five to sixty miles per hour.
Maybe “ran” instead of “rat”
ran at fifty-five to sixty miles per hour.
two Marines who were at Oaknoll
A Shau who might have been at Oaknoll.
Google says Oak Knoll
anyone from the units served within the A Shau
Maybe “serving” instead of “served”
Or add “who” before “served”
anyone from the units serving within the A Shau
anyone from the units who served within the A Shau
Nativity Mugyen gave me 50+ years ago
“Nguyen” rather than “Mugyen”
Nativity Nguyen gave me 50+ years ago
May this coming year bring you improving health and contentment in life.
Blessings & Be Well
Again, you outdid yourself DanC
I believe all corrections are made.
Thanks again and a very Happy Holiday Season and a fabulous New Year for you and yours
Word pictures and surprises are you much! And its delightful!
Thanks for the great compliment Bruce.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year,
Jim
You are truly amazing DanC. I could not do this as well without you
and your ‘rapier-like’ mind!
Thank you so sincerely,
Jim
It seems you are on a roller coaster ride to who knows where. Pleased to know Nguyen is in the States. What about Gunny?
The Gunny lived and will come into the series later.
Thanks for asking and thanks for the compliment.
Semper fi,
and Happy New Year,
Jim
Extremely intriguing Jim, you’ve got me almost as hooked as the accounts from the valley. Glad to hear the gunny made it. Not surprised about Nugyen. Didn’t expect your life after the valley to be this interesting. Nor did you I imagine. Any help on the names of the 2 from Oak Knoll? Was that Lighting Bolt and ?? Guess I could go back to that chapter.
spent 8 months with 155’s and 4 months with a 105 outfit. Spent some time on the radio with guys like you, some who were being over run. Not a good memory.
Keep up the good work I get totally absorbed in your writings.
Jim/LT/Sir,
Another amazing chapter.
Thank you.
Some lingering questions answered.
Some new questions raised…
Hope you had a joyful Christmas, and wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year.
The Walter Duke! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend.
Thanks for the astute (as usual) comment and the well wishes.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great Chapter. Nguyen is one amazing man. Merry CHristmas and hoping the New year is a good one.
Thanks Tom, and yes, it was great to have Nguyen do his usual mysterious work.
Thanks for liking the chapter and being there chapter after chapter.
Semper fi,
Jim
Byoungren@earthlink.net
Now thats a heck of a chapter for a Christmas story. Great way to blend the cave with being home. Merry Christmas Sir Semper Fi.
Thanks Kenneth, much appreciate the Christmas note there but never wrote it to be that. Just what happened at the time.
Thanks for the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Merry Christmas, Marine. Your writing is enthralling. Semper Fi.
thanks Karl for the great compliment. Happy New Year.
Semper fi,
Jim
Your story continues to be compelling, if not bizarre, and your writing engaging. I’m sorry for what you front line guys endured, both over there – and at home. From a rear echelon Vietnam vet.
The main think I like about ‘rear echelon’ vets from Vietnam is the they are still here to communicate. The second thing is all about the unending help and support
those of us ‘in the shit’ got from you. We wanted to be you but also understood that we could not leave to become you. It wasn’t in the cards of the time.
Thanks for writing and thanks for the compliment and Happy New Year, brother…
Semper fi,
Jim
You share some amazing things my Friend! I think you are only understood by Warriors! We still don’t understand why we are in this Unit
S/F
Homan
Homan, you are astute and accurate in your analysis and you are right. It’s hard to be truly understood about combat when others have not experienced it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read. I have had two of the original small Broncos and loved them both.
I had the impression that Nguyen had been killed. I am happy to hear he survived and made contact with you.
Kemp
I had seen him in a blur at the airport in Da Nang when I was evacuated but had no idea he was in the states until he appeared in that strange way.
Scared my wife to death as Nguyen looked naturally menacing.
Semper fi,
Jim
interesting
what a very curious road you were on
did it all make you uneasy?
Yes, uneasy is good descriptive word, although it was great ‘brush blocking’ all the mental shit away while I had to
do so much.
Semper fi,
Jim
Nguyen! Very interesting guy. What a thoughtful gesture on his part. Each chapter reveals a new piece of the puzzle you appear to be a key part of James! Can’t wait for the next one! Your writing never disappoints my friend!
Thank you Jack! Your evaluation means a lot to me. You are no ‘piker’ yourself….
Semper fi,
Jim
James Of all the twists and turns your life has taken since I began reading the The First 10 Days this chapter takes the cake. Hope you find Nguyen real soon. Any pictures of the Bronco?
Chuck, I have never found any photos of the
Bronco at the time. Nothing online. We just weren’t picture takers back then, I guess.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year, old friend.
Jim
Saw two spelling misses, no biggie but you may proof it some. Glad to hear Nguyen got out.
On it Harold and thanks. You guys keep me honest and are a great help to get the stuff to publishing.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year.
Jim
You have the best NEW YEAR possible, my friend and hopefully many more!! Must admit I think mine are getting short, also was rear echelon. Lost our C.O. from basic in the first B.O.Q attack over there. Good man young like you when he went over.
Thanks Harold, and I guess all of our time is getting shorter, which is both good and bad news!
Semper fi, my friend, and Happy New Year.
Jim