The Skyraiders came in again and again, each run spaced ten minutes after the last, according to my Gus Grissom wristwatch. They came in low, right down the river, opening up on whatever they saw there, then pulling up and making their way back around. All of that activity I judged by sound alone. There was nothing to be said over the radio because there was no enemy fire, and nothing to be seen of the enemy except now dead bodies hidden by the heavy undergrowth. There was no way to see through the jungle from where we’d taken up positions. We were there to secure the base of the cliff while Kilo company continued to climb down in single file on the switchback paths that had probably been worn into the faces of hard stone well before any force was at war with any other force in the region, if there was ever such a time.
I pulled back from my view of the carnage at the bottom of the cliff. I was in a small clearing that was nothing more or less than a beaten down spot cushioning the actual ground an unknown distance further down. If needed at the base of the cliff, I’d be called soon enough, I knew.
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Jim, something is bothering me, In this chapter is the first mention of Captain Morgan, USMC. In the First Ten Days, there was a Captain Dennis Morgan, US Army who brought hot meals and Ice Cream, too. These are not the same person at all, yet Junior who is usually unusually attentive to details thinks nothing of the coincidence or at least never mentions it. Both of them seem to have a disdain for those who did not go to a service academy. Ok, just wanted to mention it. Again, welcome home, Dave.
The characters must be fictionalized by name for this to be printable
and keep me hopefully out of Gitmo.
When performing that fictionalization and applying names,like in other forms of ‘lying’
it is very easy to get confused. I just had somebody write me because they wanted to investigate
the ‘real’ character so they wanted the real name.
I can’t and won’t go there although in depth investigation in certain areas of the Internet
can reveal probably more than I want published. If that answers.
Thanks so much for catching this because you are most correct and Morgan’s name has
to be changed…again…
Semper fi,
Jim
P.S. Changes are finished
I thought Fusner name was Fessner in the first 10 days?
Correct Chuck, In the published book you will see several “changes”.
The Published book and digital are listed as fiction.
Jim I just had time to read this segment, another spell binding one as always. A few thing I found that might have already been addressed.
There was work to be done. Command at battalion had to be brought in on what had happened. Kilo leadership, somewhere on the cliff face, or just above waiting to make its descent, should (to) be counseled with before they arrived.
“Highest (body) enemy body count I’ve seen since I’ve been in country.”
The Skyraiders were (the) not only the key to our attack but were all we had for survival if the enemy totally outnumbered us or had brought in heavy ordnance of their own.
“Kilo Company’s going to dig in,” Morgan finally reported to no one’s surprise, his voice restrained but (no) longer expressing burning anger or outrage.
Morgan’s face was again red with rage; his right arm extended (with) outward with it’s index finger pointing at my chest.
Keep them coming.
Thanks Mike, all over them. There was a softward glitch as we added the program “Grammarly,” to your
site for better editing. Didn’t turn out that way!
Semper fi,
Jim
Best yet👍
Thanks Bob, that’s a big compliment all in two words. Thanks for putting it up on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Can’t find the next two chapters as this chapter seems to be the last one posted. What happen to the next two that you are talking about here?
J, new Chapter just posted this AM.
https://jamesstrauss.com/seventeenth-day-second-part/
Thanks, always looking for the next chapter in the story of truth and consequences. It is a story that needs to be told and understood.
Thanks J. Coming at you, growing strong…
Semper fi,
Jim
I saw the same thing happen time and again with the captain Morgan types, Yes, hated it because it usually meant body bags for backhaul, Keep them coming, I have 4 friends now on line, They love it, We have a get together, Smoke Fine aged tobacco and sip some 90 year old who hit john, and compare the stupidity we all saw and love the fact it wasn’t just us that had to deal with Murphy/Morgan of the military.
Semper Fi/This We Defend Bob
Thanks for the update, The new chapter still hasn’t updated to my pc.
Yea, there were plenty of the Morgan types around and they were lethal in combat if their Marines let the live.
Thanks for that comment on that subject…
Semper fi,
Jim
We all had a’ole officers and there was quite a few a’hole ncos as well.
Yes, it was a mixed bag for certain, although it was extremely difficult if not impossible to tell who
the shit officers were going to be in training. Thanks for your short but meaningful comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great segment Jim…I think the only way some survived was to decide that they were already dead anyway, dead man walking sort of thing… and as I have thought all along, your men are coming to respect you more and more…and your leadership abilities…Too many young men died as the hands of officers like Cpt. Morgan…you saved his ass and he didn’t even know it…and now he will erase the picture of your rescue with his own stupidity…I anxiously await the next segment…and even though I’m an old Army guy, I would follow a Marine like you through hell and back…and your writing is 180 degrees…it does mean something, to everyone on here…
Thanks Mark, and especially for this lengthy analysis and report on the segment and the situation
as a whole. Amazing to see what you guys can see ahead without having been there. You must have been somewhere
though to have that foresight and that analytical capability. Thanks for the compliment and the motivation to
persevere…
Semper fi,
Jim
The choppers are a comin…..therehovering overhead…..there pickin up the wounded ….
There hoverin overhead.fs
Yes, the chapters were just about everything, while life went on below always waiting for them…
You must have been there…
Semper fi,
Jim
What a great portrait of the human condition. One man demanding respect while confronting another man has rightfully earned the respect of his men.
An umbrella in the A Shau Valley and requiring someone to open and hold it for him… Seriously!! Wouldn’t Sur me if this arrogant ass required his men to give Hime manicures and do his laundry while he waits for Battalion to give orders. I can think of a much better place to insert that umbrella before opening it.
Good call LT. Time to get the hell away from this man.
Sucks though. You and your men are proven Marines. I fear Capt Morgan has unknowingly put you and your men in a situation of having to return to pick up the pieces.
Well done Sir, well done. “I will follow him”
Semper fi
It was just the A Shau of the time and jungle warfare. The secrecy of the war inside that mess
and then the necessary isolation from supporting fires and forces…not to mention the deliberate
alienation of the command centers back in the rear.
Thanks for that great entry and your support on here Jack!
Semper fi,
Jim
As a former Special Forces captain (1967-76), I’m following your story with great interest. Appreciate the detail, particularly the emotional turmoil and conflict, which paints a vivid picture in my mind of what you were experiencing.
“Morgan’s face was again red with rage; his right arm extended (with) outward with (it’s) index finger pointing at my chest. Delete “wish” and change “it’s” to “its.”
Sorry… auto correct changed “with” to “wish”…
Gottcah Steve, and thanks for the correction…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for the editing help here Steve, as usual…one of the helping team, and it means a lot…
Semper fi,
Jim
You’re welcome! And — at the risk of over-thinking the edits — the “it’s” should probably be “the” and not “its”…
Thanks for sharp eye, where did you find that?
You have “The Valley of Death” down pat, been there twice. The only thing I don’t understand is the lack of removing the dead an wounded. The 101st got our people out, under great peril but we owed it to them. An the umbrella for the Captain is over the top, think that is one of those jumping the shark moments.
We couldn’t always get the choppers in and out of there in that part of the valley in those
weather and incoming fire positions. I understand about the umbrella and can’t help you there.
Either you are in or out and that’s okay either way…
Thanks for the credibility report and the care you show in writing about it here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Being a crew chief on a 46 I can tell it wasn’t always easy to get a banana through trees to get wounded out let alone the dead. HMM 262 out of Quang tri spent many a day over the A Shau.
Thanks Don. Some think that dropping into the A Shau Valley under fire was relatively
easily done but that wasn’t the case at all. Choppers functioned great in the more open areas but
get them hemmed in down near the bottom of a valley floor and they were fish in a barrel. They didn’t want
to come and we didn’t want to call them to come because then they’d be casualties too.
Our dead were our last priority and anyone should be able to see why, but we never ever took them lightly.
Thanks for your comment of support and understanding…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just when my reading withdrawals started to subside another riveting segment arrived . Thank you for the excellent recount of terror.
Stand by Andrew, I just sent another one to Chuck for final edit and going up.
I am on a roll, mostly because of guys and gals who write on here and keep me going.
This is not the ‘normal’ writing gig whatsoever and the remarks make up a body of the work
I haven’t figured out how to factor in but I’m going to.
Thanks for the compliment in your words…
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m hooked, I have to see how this comes out, plus read what went before. I had a minor part in Nam, I was a Marine at the Embassy and the DAO during the evacuation.
Marine at the embassy during the evacuation was not exactly a small role! thanks for the compliment though
and for being here. What was that like, to be at the embassy when all hell was breaking loose?
Semper fi,
Jim
I was at the Embassy a short time, then sent to the DAO, the footage everyone has seen of bus convoys picking up evacuees out in the city is of myself and other MSGs, it was hairy, dangerous, exhilarating and terrifying, watching a country fly apart. Saving people made it worthwhile and injected a sorely needed bit of sanity into a crazy situation. I woke up the last two servicemen killed in Vietnam, they assumed post from myself and another Marine.
Thanks for that report John. You woke up the two men who relieved you and got killed. Not hairy at all! How did you get out
unscathed? Thanks again for writing this on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
None of us got out unscathed, finding out the only thing that kept us from being POWs or dead was a tank that blocked the bridge when the tracks broke through wakes me up occasionally, as well as an ambulance of babies i let into our convoy. Seeing a AC-119 gunship get brought down by a SAM and being close enough that you felt the impact when one of its engines and a wing hit, it was quite the experience, considering the war was supposed to be over. I came home changed, but OK.
Changed but okay. I got that. Maybe. Finally. The okay part, I mean.
Thanks for giving us some of your experience over there and writing about it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you again , James a fine story of how it was!
Thanks Bill. Just put up another segment. Two in two days. You guys are driving me ever onward…
Thank you. Also put up The Bering Sea which you might want to check out on the site here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank You Jim for another great chapter..Looking forward to the next one..Keep them coming!!!!!!
I am working away with the second segment in two days going up right now, and going to work on another. You guys
lift me up and keep me going. Thanks for doing so…
Semper fi,
Jim
This reminded me of Resident Doctors thinking they knew more than a nurse. There were 1st year, second year, etc. If they did not learn to work with & trust nurses, then they were bound to kill a patient. Brought back a PTSD moment of a young a resident who would not listen to me, told me he was the DOCTOR, & proceeded to kill my patient, the one whom I had cared for at the VA.
My nurse in critical ICU surgery side at Yokosuka was named Kathy.
I thank you for all the work the nurses did to get me through. Admittedly,
I had trouble with some doctors too. Some were grand but I came very close to killing one
when I got out of the hospital in Oakland. I stood across the street from his house with a .45
and the only, the only thing, that saved him was that when he came out he came out with his wife and
I remembered my wife and child. And he got to live. Thanks for your work and your care, and writing about it on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Once again Junior makes a good call in a bad situation saving most of Kilo. Too bad an ungrateful desk jockey Capt. can’t see it. However, I believe he soon will and will no longer have a need for his umbrella, nor embarrassing a Lt. for having to hold it over his swollen head. Looks like the Gunney is getting onboard and with the program too, of adapting and overcoming to stay alive another day. I truly believe fatalism is what kept me alive as somewhere in my scrambled brain I had told myself I was already dead so – it didn’t mean nuthin.
Once again a riveting read, thank you sir.
SEMPER Fi
SgtBob, I bow to the warmth and cold reality of your words. You say it the way it is and was and remains.
The story helps those who wonder why we come back a big ‘different’ than we were before and everybody else is upon our return.
Thanks for the comment and for making it where everyone can see it.
Semper fi,
Jim
“or just above waiting to make its descent, should to be counseled with before they arrived.”
needs a little work.
Great read, always looking for the next post…
You are correct and we are on it Steve. Thanks for the editing work and getting it right to me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter Jim. Fantastic summation in the last sentence too! Liked that!
A few corrections:
There was work to be done. Command at battalion had to be brought in on what had happened. Kilo leadership, somewhere on the cliff face, or just above waiting to make its descent, should (to) be counseled with before they arrived. (Remove “to”)
“Probably be around twenty when we’re done searching in the full light of day,” the Gunny replied, breathing deeply in and out before going on. “Highest (body) enemy body count I’ve seen since I’ve been in country.” (Remove first “body”)
“I’ve got seven dead, Junior” Captain Morgan said, knotting his thick black eyebrows and staring fiercely at me. “I’ve got seven dead with nothing to show for it(.) You opened up on my men. You’re a pitiful reminder of what OCS can turn out in time of war.” (Needs a period after it)
“Kilo Company’s going to dig in,” Morgan finally reported to no one’s surprise, his voice restrained but (no) longer expressing burning anger or outrage. (Add “no”)
Morgan’s face was again red with rage; his right arm extended (with) outward with it’s index finger pointing at my chest. (Remove the first “with”)
Got them all…now, Richard…and with great thanks to another member of the editing team.
Semper fi,
Jim
Paragraph 15: “Highest enemy body count…” (delete 1st ‘body’). Dunno why I see this stuff, I flunked English twice.
Floyd 91B4P 82nd ABN
thanks Floyd. My battalion of editors. Yes!
Semper fi,
Jim
I am thinking of the young enlisted Marines, who died because of arrogant, narcissistic assholes like Morgan. Very sad. I am glad you are exposing an all too common scenario, which is still going on today.
Those officers were scared too and they expressed their fear in weird ways.
Remember what you are reading…the company grade officers in the field had to
fear their own (extremely) or die….many enlisted did not have that extra layer of terror added to the package, although
that was not always the case either.
Semper fi,
Jim
Pulled two tours in Vietnam as an aviator flying scouts, guns, and troops.
I often looked at the faces of the GI’s as we extracted them, It was a look of fear as they loaded, please god not now, of relief as we climbed away and then the exaushtion as their nerves started to unwind. I also met Mr. Charles up close and personnel when I flew scouts, close enough to see the hate in his eyes and the realization that he had lost this bout. Truth be told I was proud of doing my job but I still see them at night and wonder.. Guns were the cleanest I guess and if it wasn’t for the microwave popcorn sound of bullets passing and hitting my aircraft the easiest. Your on-going story brings back so many memories from that time. It gives me an insight to what my brothers on the ground went through and what we all endured Welcome home brothers.
Thanks for the deep and extensive comment. We all read these kinds of comments with a kind of shocked awe.
The way things were…and so different than what was described before, during and after. Thanks for the comment and being
so open on this public forum…
Semper fi,
Jim
I about busted a gut laughing when I read that idiot pulled out a umbrella in the jungle for that ignorant Capt. Now you know us old Army grunts didn’t use umbrella’s. Ha Ha. It’s hard for me to even imagine that. Well not really.. Another great episode. Glad you are back up and rolling before that Capt gets his ass shot off.
Real life can be so strange, and sometimes hard to describe simply because in reality all
kinds of unbelievable junk happens, yet when it’s past nobody wants to believe it.
Thanks for the comment and the support.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you.
You are most welcome J. I’d like to say it was my pleasure but that might be overstating it a bit!
Semper fi,
Jim
God knew your heart and soul then as He does now. God knows that you did your best to save as many as you could and praying that you know that now too, as you write your story which is helping so many. God knows that this is not an easy task for you and He also holds you in His arms and gives you strength as you write.
God’s Blessings are on you.
Praying for you,
Nancy
Thank you ‘Florence Nightengale” Henderson. I much appreciate your comments and your prayers.
What I’m doing must he something to do with Him because I really didn’t have a clue when I began this
series of books. I was just filling in a website that lacked fresh material. And here we are…
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Still here, reading and waiting. How can anyone live who has read a page???
Now that’s about as giant a compliment as a man can get. I don’t know how to thank you properly.
When I write I have no clue as to the effect. I edit it quickly and lightly and send it to Chuck to put up and then wait to see
what you guys have to say. And I’m blown away by such comments of native, original and obviously sincere depth of real meaning that I don’t really
know how to respond. Thank you, most deeply and kindly for that…
Semper fi,
Jim
When a soldier makes a poor decision he can get himself killed. When an 0-3 c.o. makes a poor decision he can get 130 killed. I feel sorry for Cpt Morgans Company.
Kilo was in a rough place but, in truth, the fucking valley was so dangerous that
poor decisions only played part of the role. As you will see develop. The valley was a
rabbit warren of tunnels.
Thanks for the comment, it has bite…
Semper fi,
Jim
A few years back, a giant tunnel was found in Vietnam that ran for miles underground. One has wondered every since, if the VC used that tunnel as a major supply route. It was adjacent to a major valley so one wonders if that was the Asha Valley?
There were several major tunnels in the walls and along the floor of the A Shau. The river and moisture made it tough to
keep tunnels along the bottom though. More on that later…
Semper fi,
Jim
No good deed goes unpunished. Excellent tactics on your part, good call on parting ways with Kilo company, even though I don’t know what follows, although I can well imagine that Kilo company did not fare well. You certainly have my respect at this point, and I would have followed you and been damned glad to have had the opportunity. An umbrella? Really? Can only shake my head.
I told the umbrella story in Japan to some of the other guys wounded and
none of them believed me. Some things just don’t describe well but I’m writing them anyway.
Thanks for the comment…and the support….
Semper fi,
Jim
Great chapter, been waiting for jounior to break out!
Thanks Jack. It’s coming along. I am finishing the next segment tonight. I’m on a roll….thanks to kind words on here and the support of wonderful men
and women I never expected to hear from.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read, as I expect them all to be. I cant believe you keep having to meet up with officers of the Caliber of Cpt Morgan and his Lts. I know the Marines had good, qualified officers in the field. I am hoping you get to meet up with them soon to give you some much needed support out there. At least you have good friends at Arty. I have a feeling that Cpt. Morgan will never get to file his report, or that it will not be acted upon. Another great read, Sir!
I have heard about some of the great officers fielded by the Marine Corps in Vietnam.
There were not that many company grade ones that I met. The fatality and casualty rate was also
extremely high for company grade. Company’s like my own, that ran on a stringy assortment of officers
flown in and medivaced or carried out in a bag were common. Getting enough experience to survive or actually get
to be functional in combat was iffy, at best.
Thanks for the depth of your comment and your willingness to write it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Di Di Mau…. would have been well served for your conversation with the Ring Knocker Morgan… Semper Fi From this ole’salty Senior Chief. Didn’t have much use for most of the arrogant Knockers I served with in the Navy. There were a few that I would have given what ever it took.. but not many. Learned
from my dad that you always keep moving in battle if you can.. he was in the Corps 42′-46′ made a couple of the big ones in the Pacific. I’m sure he would have passed on a well done also.. And lastly Welcome Home Jim
Thanks Gregory, for all of that, especially the welcome home. Do we ever come home from such a thing.
Not the home we left, that’s for damn sure. But we have to take what we can get and I have done so.
Thanks for writing such a neat entry and putting it all up in public….
Semper fi,
Jim
Leaders are made of hard times not born !!
Got, that is so true. Like heroes. Like honor. Like the Marine Corps.
Thanks Harold for this nice comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Some crazy Captain having an umbrella bearer in a combat zone just eats me up inside. What, hard to understand but easy to understand why his name may wind up on that wall in DC
God but that was bizarre. Almost like the guy in OCS who showed up with golf clubs and then had to carry them everywhere
with him for a week!
Thanks for the comment and the understanding…
Semper fi,
Jim
Would charge hell with a bucketful of water next to you LT
Thanks Larry. Would have given anything to have guys like you at my side. We have to make do with what we get in those
situations. You would probably have been too decent a man to send out into that charnel house of horrors…as least
you sound like that nice a guy…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great writing! And the story should be told. I enjoy seeing the comments from the “guys”.
I embarked on a mission this year of posting on face book Company B, 3/47th, 9th Infantry activities from 50 years ago, 1967.
I was a medic for the company, trained with them in the US, shipped on a merchant mariner, and spent from Feb to Oct with them.
You guys make all the difference and when I find a major publisher for the works then I will make sure a huge number of the comments make
into the back of the book. They are now part of the story…and they are also part of the credibility of the story…
Thanks for that comment….
Semper fi,
Jim
I have been reading this from the start, people that have never been their have no idea how young fighting men can get so in to killing as they did. Looks like me and you ate a lot of the same dirt. I worked LLRP in the valley for a couple of years.
LLRP. Now that was a bitch of a career choice down in the A Shau. Man you know what that abandoned and thrown away terror is like when
you just know that nobody is coming. The Skyraiders and artillery game me life time after time when there didn’t seem to be any.
You didn’t even have that. Semper fi, brother,
Jim
I was in FDC with 12 Marines, 105s. At 74, I still remember moments of the four years of service. In the deepest part of my soul where God resides, is also my bond with fellow Marines. Was at DaNang early, June of 64, never in the chaos of what you’re retelling Jim. I am you but I’m not you. My dog tags belong to you Sir. One hellava Leader. God Bless Forever & thank you.
Thanks a million Don. Those guys in both Army and Marine FDC saved my bacon a time or two,
and those whacked out helicopter jockeys and crazy men in Skyraiders. So many unsung but we
down here knew and we quietly appreciate to this very day.
Semper fi,
Jim
Mired down like the main feature of an inedible rotten stew. What great writing LT.
The story is like a really catastrophic plane crash. Nobody wants to be in there but it’s spectacular to see in a morbid way.
Great story, you can’t make this up. Novel but not a novel.
Thanks Frank. I sit here trying to describe the feel, the taste, the sounds and the ‘foreign to all known life’ kind of feelings I had.
It was surreal but all too real…and so dead-ended until a glimmer would somehow open up I could run to and through…to do it all over again.
Thanks for the great comment and the great compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
I so look forward to each chapter. Thanks. Been reading about the Marines in the Pacific in WW2, all cut from the same mold.
I too have studied the Marines in WWII on the islands. And the Army guys in Indochina. Same same and the survivors
all ended up similar too, back here. Sort of jobs and sort of careers and sort of alcoholism and drug addiction…sort of…in and
out experimenting with just being back and getting to feel our way around while avoiding the night terrors as best we could…
Thanks for the comparison and the compliment of your regular reading..
Semper fi,
Jim
“This is the A Shau. They’re not coming back. Nobody does. His report? It don’t mean nuthin.”
It’s so hard when we’re trained from cradle to the A Shau not to think of the future. But there’s no point at times. Keeping it in mind is by far the most important thing a leader can do.
The fatalism instilled by the place is almost beyond description, yet the fear was even greater since
we never find imminent death acceptable, no matter how right in our face it might be. I have had so many die in my arms
with the last words: “I’m not going to die, am I, Junior” And I told them no as they died. Did they die knowing or not and
does it matter to them, or did it? I have no clue. Just those night time thoughts about it that will never go away.
Semper fi,
Jim
It will not go away. I am 72 years old and I still wake up in cold sweats. I still live with. “If only.’ I stomp my snakes alone. The monster? We still go toe to toe. But I promise, you, you will learn to live with it. And I assure you it is worth it. Advice too the Yunguns. Us old soldiers? We already know.
Thanks for this and the depth of it Bud. Where else can you write this kind of stuff and have the real deal guys and gals know, and
ready your words and totally understand because we live it too. And we all thought we were living it alone. The best thing about my books is right here,
and it’s mostly not written by me!
Semper fi,
Jim
I was hoping for one more debate.
A one-sided one.
Before you put your helmet on I wanted you to place it on the ground just in front of Captain Morgan’s boots, stepped on top, grabbed him by the lapels of of his flak jacket, got in his face and said “Stay here and die….. or run…. now….with us and maybe you’ll live to fight another day”.
Remember, I was still only weeks out of training. A captain was still a captain, even if I’d dropped the ‘sir’ and the
in depth respect for the man. I was as direct as I could muster without shooting him, as I knew the Gunny thought about doing
right at the moment. Combat is a killer and dying comes without threat, unless you can pick up on the least bit of the unwhispered fear delivered by hushed
hard men who aren’t really men anymore.
Thanks for the depth of that comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another cliff-hanger-to-cliff-hanger, roller coaster episode.
Thank you for writing and for taking us there to actually experience the real deal you and your marines went through and endured.
Nothing but deep respect and admiration for you and your men.
God Bless, LT.
Thanks Walt, helps me keep on going. Hard carrying the whole thing all on my own through the years.
The wonder of whether you did right or not, the mistakes you know you made, the good things that might have only
ended up being seen as good things by you alone. Perspective is a bitch and witnessing is about as dependable
as Medivac being there right after you get hit….
Semper fi,
Jim
Very interesting it leaves me wanting more to read but I can wait
I am now hoping to increase the rate of publishing so I can have the second book out before the end of September and be well into the
third. “J” has terminal cancer and I don’t want to disappoint him. I have also put up the first chapters of The Bering Sea for the guys on here
that want the same style of writing I use in publishing my adventures later as an field intelligence agent. Thanks for the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you James for making the effort to finish up in time for me to see how you made it out of the valley of death. That is one blessing that I want to share with you and your men.
The thing that has always bothered me the most about Vietnam, was all of the young men killed and maimed, before they even had a chance to live a full life. Then to see the politicians call a truce, which meant the bloodshed and loss of life was all for nothing. It makes me sick to even think about it!
The trials of men and women on this planet go way back. The competition for resources
and reproduction is so intense that it cannot even be discussed. Those wars, like Vietnam, are always
fought for supremacy in those two areas. To outperform other genetic structures also reproducing (in our case human)
and the stuff it takes to make some spawn more favored over others. That structure of survival built into us
cannot be denied and it cannot be openly admitted. With that in mind, don’t feel so bad. Until such time
as God sees fit to allow the rewriting of that survival favoring code these wars over nothing, advertised to be everything,
will continue to go on. Jesus basically laid it out in the New Testament and also, between the lines, laid it at our species feet
to rewrite that code ourselves. We will never be saved, while alive, until we follow his unwritten rules….
Love you, man….
Jim
Put another chapter up for you tonight….Chuck will throw it up there in the morning. I am on it….
The interaction with Capt Morgan felt so good to read. I spent some time in the A Shau late 68. Officers like him get people killed needlessly. Really enjoying reading, although it does make me tense up at times.
Apparently, there were a lot of officers like Morgan. Friendly fire kills were extremely high in the Nam,
although never reported on. Go figure.
Semper fi, and thanks for that great comment…
Jim
My first week assigned to my company, 2, O2s were fragged. We were in the Hai Van Pass area. They got PHs and apparently written up as incoming.
Yes, friendly fire was all over the place, as it is today but not reported on.
Like the drinking aboard Navy ships…and the results lied about.
Semper fi,
Jim
Looks like it was a blessing that Kilo company never showed up until they did. Under their leadership, you all probably would have never made it down into the Valley of Death.
What really amazes me, is that there was never any efforts made for debriefings between the two companies, before all of the assumptions were made by the officers involved. Had those debriefings been properly conducted, your company would have been properly reinforced, rather then having to go it alone. One cannot believe that the Marine Academy taught officers, to neglect valuable incite on battle field conditions. Don’t believe Morgan or his assistants will last very long under those current conditions.
It was great to see the Gunny’s actions emulating your’s and to see him stand up for your actions and decisions. It looks like the commanding division in your company is solidifying. Hearing the words to Zippo’s song confirms that reality. No doubt the other two squad leaders, are seeing the writing on the wall.
There was no training in Basic School for coordinated efforts with other units outside the company, Command Post training was rare as hell
unless a field game was in progress and there were not many of those. Most of us in the school had no clue that we were really going to war.
We all thought we were going to a rougher more dangerous form of training….which I guess it was…
Semper fi,
Jim
I flew in the Ashaeu in69&70.Bad place!
Indeed. Thank you for flying for us down there Tom and for telling us on here that you did.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read!
Prisoners were never an option as we did not have enough man power to waste guarding them.
Later that changed by accident in the Bush and I got promoted to Sargeant
You got it Chris. Just the way it was. Regret that and hate it now but can never go backwards and then
it would have been the death of me. The argument that goes through your mind is whether it would have been worth it
to stand up like that at the time, no matter what…
Semper fi, and thanks for raising the issue…
Jim
his voice restrained but (no ?) longer expressing burning anger or outrage
Thanks for the editing help my friend!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
James,
Your chapters are to short damn it. You leave us hanging every time.
Glenn Martin
Lawton, OK
I am sorry Glenn, I write tham in spurts, like they come out. I don’t know how to do any better.
Thanks for sticking with me…and supporting the story…
Semper fi,
Jim
Than You for Your courages service and for sharing this with us. I hate for it to end. BTW, I’ve known a few Officers like Morgan in my career.
There are too many Morgans out there, even today. Not all academy by any means either.
Thanks for coming on and supporting the effort here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Captain Morgan better hope that umbrella is made of Kevlar! What an idiot. As usual great storytelling and terrific writing Jim! Thanks! Semper Fi my friend!
Some guys won’t believe the umbrella story. Unfortunately, Morgan was not the only one
to bring one along. Most left them in the rear area if they were coming to the front.
Thanks for being on board and supporting me and the story…
Semper fi,
Jim
It had to be disheartening to lead your men back to save Kilo’s ass, then to be slapped in the face for doing so. And then for them to not understand that digging in at the base of that cliff meant certain death…I know you had no choice but to go back and help them out, but even from here, I can see that I would put my trust in your judgement on getting out of there. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us all.
Those were tougher calls then I made them sound sometimes Mike.
Sometimes I understood that the man simply wanted to dig a hole and pull themselves in.
Doesn’t work but it does cross the mind quite seriously…
Semper fi,
Jim
last sentence, first paragraph, if there was “ever” such a time…. Great read as always Brother Jim
Thanks Tim.
So noted and corrected
Hello, I have been ill and have missed out on several installments. How can I read them? (Going back a few months )… Thanks!
Glad you back Marsha,
Hoping all is well.
All chapter are available:
First 10 Days here
https://jamesstrauss.com/thirty-days-has-september/
Second 10 days here
https://jamesstrauss.com/30-days-has-september-second-ten-days/
There is a link at bottom of each chapter to move to next chapter
Another excellent Chapter James, thanks. As an Air Force SMsgt,I can only imagine conditions in the A Shau valley. I did however, have my very own Capt. Morgan in the form of a 1st LT. Guess we all had our burdens!
Yes, especially when we came home to serve out our time. There were some really shitty
officers at Pendleton when I was waiting. Hard to believe because they didn’t have any reason
to be. They didn’t like the guys coming home…at all, for the most part. Thanks for the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Dude! Reading this over a ham and cheese omelet thInking “How lucky am I?” I seem to be getting more of the emotions than action from this segment. I hi fived you when you walked away from morgan (did that stiff backed walk a time or two) and felt kinda sorry for his men. Ever mindful of the days gone and those to come I start twisting in my seat anticipating how rough it’s gonna be for a ragtag group of good men that should not have been wasted on politics. Thanks for all of it, take a breath. And so I don’t forget, Korea 66-68.
Your stuff is always so well thought out Walt. Thank you, and no I do not forget your service, ever.
Thanks for coming on here with your usual great stuff and the support you give me all the time…
Semper fi,
Jim
Keeps me on the edge of my seat as always.
Must have been hell down there.Can’t imagine what I would have done.
Good job with the captain.
Thanks Barry, it was that kind of experience. Glad I can still get and write the ‘flavor’ of it.
Semper fi, and thanks for the reading, writing on here and the support with inherent compliment.
Jim
Looks like the Gunny has your six. Saw my share of know it all Captains! A freaking umbrella! Semper Fi Lt.
Some pretty bizarre things happen in combat. The use of medallions and amulets was huge
and everyone was superstitious about almost everything. I have not covered that. Rationality goes
right out the window. The umbrella incident, for example, was seen as funny but not outrageous. It was too
minor to be outrageous with all the outrageous shit going on around us.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’d come to (identity) the damage to it as a reminder of the Marines who’d fallen along the way since I’d been with the company. (identify)
Hard to believe he didn’t even realize they had their bacon pulled from the fire by your Marines. Then even after you told him why he shouldn’t dig into that kill zone he couldn’t grasp why. Hope the fool catches on before gets the remains of his company killed off playing with his umbrella.
“Kilo Company’s going to dig in,” Morgan finally reported to no one’s surprise, his voice restrained but ( ) longer expressing burning anger or outrage. (no)
Thanks for the usual help here Peter. Chuck will be all over this before I can even call him.
My team of editors. Yes!
Semper fi,
Jim
I think Kiko’s leadership was in a different state of fright and I was not in the that unit
to observe what was going on inside it. Many times the fear for officers was greater inside than
from the external threats, as I have written and when the fear is on the inside there is no hiding
from it or any place to go for respite…
So, take Morgan’s lack of gratitude with a grain of salt.
Semper fi,
Jim
Many officers came to combat with text book fight tactics and were not able to adapt to conditions. No one had experience in Nam crap ~~ not even those few that were in Korea. Sadly, many went by the book and got men killed until they learned or were killed themselves.
Had you ordered the cleaning of the field stopped it would have not been followed. The men would have looked at you differently as well. Who was going to carry those wounded to an LZ for medivac? What medic was going to spend time on them with his own to take care of? Medical supplies, Food, Water, unlikely would have been provided there. Mostly, your Marines had been fired on by the enemy, had seen their buddies wounded and killed. Some were angry, some hurt. All had that after action survival rush that only those that have been there understand. Now that activity may feel wrong to some, but at the time, in that place, it was not. Few would understand unless they were there.
The enemy thing was a hard one. Everything you write here is absolutely factual, and you have the guts to write it.
Reality in combat is not a place for scruples or much in the way of honor. It was the violation of those things, time after time,
that bit me so deeply…and then losing the guys, of course…
Semper fi, and a big thank you for coming in on this difficult sensitive subject that can’t really be discussed back here….
Jim
Great work again. These sentences may be awkward:
I told myself that there was nothing I could do but in truth I’d done nothing, even if it might have made (no) difference. (any or a)
Morgan’s face was again red with rage; his right arm extended with outward with it’s index finger pointing at my chest.
I didn’t know whether Zippo meant the lyrics were meant to describe me by way in which he changed the wording,
“Highest body enemy body count I’ve seen since I’ve been in country.”
The Skyraiders were the not only the key
his voice restrained but longer expressing burning anger or outrage.
Best
Thanks Dave, for being a player on the editing team. Off to Chuck to make sure we caught these…
Semper fi,
Jim
Very good. Thank you for the read.
You are most welcome, as I continue today, picking up the pace as we head toward the end of the second book
in the series…
Semper fi,
Jim
James, you keep the fires burning, as for the office brass, you can’t fix stupid, f*ck them, you look out for your own and keep on trucking. Side note, after 50 years, am on the Honor Flight to D.C. to visit friends on the wall, will be the hardest thing I’ve done since I got back
Well, Felix, please report back after your flight. Many of us don’t like the idea of doing it
at all, but most of us remain open about what it might be like. I think the guys would like to read your
experience on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow LT you are becoming more of a Co leader than the capt. he was the type that got a lot of men killed.I think the gunny is on your side as the rest of the men are really good chapter waiting for the next.
Remember, I am writing this and not Morgan! I might tend to favor myself a bit here and there.
There is always perspective to consider and I did not really know what was going on in his life.
Hated him there but back here…after some time…not so much….
Semper fi,
Jim
The gunny called you sir .The Old Salt finally on board. I also salute you sir. Semper fi
The Gunny was a good man, and some might say a great man.
It was tough to see day to day and night to night over there because we were
all about our own personal survival all the time…
Him too…
Semper fi,
Jim
There will be a movie made of this. Absolutely a classic.
Who knows? Hollywood is weird and it’s all about raising the money.
It would take about twenty million to make a decent movie of this and more for a television series.
Who’s going to spend that kind of money on Vietnam. Ken Burns on the history thing, which won’t be a real
history thing. And don’t forget that the reality of combat is not something everyone wants to hear about or
even admit to in most cases.
Semper fi,
Jim
I think that you’ve done everything you could to keep your men alive I would have been proud to have served with you
Thanks John, means a lot to me to read that, and helps to keep on going with this uncomfortable story.
Semper fi,
Jim
You just keep bringing it… and I keep trying to soak it in, All the while knowing I have zero point of reference, but still picturing the sight and smells of the jungle, the death, and the struggle to remain atop the heap in my mind.
Keep driving the ship, sir. I salute you, along with all who served there.
Thank you Joel. Nicely written statement and compliment all at that same time.
I shall endeavor to persevere…
Semper fi,
Jim
One of your best chapters! I don’t give praise lightly.
Thanks Mark, and I much appreciate the support and the compliment.
Thanks for that and for putting it up on here for everyone to read, too.
Semper fi,
Jim
Good read Lt. Nice to see y’all git sum!
Thanks a lot Roger. It was like a teeter totter at times in that valley.
thanks for the compliment and your willingness to write it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Reading your segments as soon as they wend their way to my page. You’d think as long as I’ve been following this Strauss Trilogy, they would pop up instantly, but alas, not the case. What I am doing with my dwindling “spare time” is reading Hue 1968, by Mark Bowden. Even tho the fighting you’re embroiled in is totally different than what the 5th Marines were flung into in the streets, alleys and buildings of Hue, there is a startling and sad similarity. One of the most painful and poignant is the piecemeal manner in which the Marine units are fed into the grinder, both in the A Shau and Hue. Those junior officers, senior and junior enlisted who managed to survive the early days of the battle (which the overall Commander, General Westmoreland, insisted was a “side issue”) were consistently over ruled by the battalion and company commanders who arrived in the second, third or fourth week of the battle. There are several scenes described in excruciating detail that sound eerily like your exchange with Capt Morgan. Sadly, and predictably, in most of these instances, the ignorant but adamant new guy had the last say, with predictable results. I was rooting for Junior to win this one. Semper Fi.
John Conway
Thanks John, and thanks for the usual kind words.
I am not aware of Mark’s work as I have been so busy with my own.
I am certain now that others went through similar things to what I went through
and it has been satisfying to read about many of them in the comments here.
Thanks again,
Semper fi,
Jim
Conway, what in hell happened to you? You were there all the time and then you went away….seemingly. You are important God damn it!!!
Interesting comment John,
Looking up Bowden does have quite a repertoire of interesting books….
I wonder how much information was personally experienced?
There are so many “ghost-riders in the sky” …..~~~smile
What’s there to say…I knew and served under a “Captain Morgan”…In Hue City he bragged to me that he was going to earn his “Silver Star, no matter what it took”…..and he did…and we chuckled at it when he got it….all the while remembering it’s cost… It’s too bad you didn’t get the chance to see some of the men of Kilo Company..other than the trio of dufas fuks that were leading them…you would have seen a different look on their faces…they knew the spot they were in, especially when enough light began to reveal what they had been dropping into…..You could not have done it better….and your own Marines recognize it more and more every time a “Plan” comes together….you will get there……Semper Fi Lt..
Thanks Larry. Funny but guys have been mentioning a book about Hue by a guy named Mark Bowden. I haven’t read it yet.
Thanks for the usual comments with the usual penetration of depth in analysis and prediction!
Semper fi,
Jim
By any chance, do you still have your damaged helmet?
No Peter, all that came through the ringer when I was wounded was my address book and some maps. Everything else
was taken when I was wounded and only God knows where it went. I would love to have that thing.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter and this time some successful offense. Keep hitting them. A couple of edits. “Highest body enemy body count”, delete first “body”. “The Skyraiders were the not only the key to our attack”, delete the first “the”.
Keep the journey coming, Semper Fi.
Thanks for the editing help Hunter. It sure helps me down the road
and thanks for the compliment too…
Semper fi,
Jim
“A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do!”
Semper Fi from an A Shau Marine (11th Motor Transport Bn, Danang )
Yes, a restatement of the John Wayne quote in more understandable words. Thanks Stan.
Semper fi,
Jim
I don’t know if you will ever make it to the Philippines but it would be an honer to buy you a cold beer. Give yo a ride in my hand made flat fender Jeep and share a laugh. Your writing holds me spellbound. Next entry waited for with baited breath.
Man, if I get there I want a ride in that jeep! Send a photo for all of us on here…
we’d love it. And thanks for the invitation.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, you pegged the reality of combat, it is more about surviving on the moment then following a fools rigid thinking. It is about instinct and trusting yhat instinct. You cannot learn this, you have it or you follow. You Sir are a born leader. Semper Fi.
Thanks James. Means a lot to me to have guys who’ve been there say stuff like that. We were out there and the regular public has a hard time
hearing about the reality, or believing it. Men like you help give the work real credibility. That someone might make this shit up is impossible to consider.
Thanks for the support and the writing of it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
I am so glad you wrote this down when you were in the hospital, because I have forgotten so much from then. I usually can’t wait to read your next chapter!
Actually Leo, I was way too screwed up while in the hospital. It was right after I got out that I went to work doing the writing.
Thanks for the support and liking the work.
Semper fi,
Jim
In the words of my favorite Gunny, “OutFuckingStanding” Lt., way to stand-up for yourself and your men. You didn’t take any shit off him and you shouldn’t have, like you said, there won’t be any report, it don’t mean nothing! Capt. Morgan has the worst case of Cranial-Rectal Inversion I’ve ever seen or heard of. It’s a damn shame Kilo Co. will pay the price for his stupidity. I wasn’t a Marine or in any firefights, but I have fought a lot of fires over the last 45 years, with officers like Morgan and a few like you. If I had the chance to fight under your command, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Semper Fi! and to the men of Kilo Company, Lest We Forget!
That’s a great Marine expression and I so remember it being used around me.
Thanks for applying it to me and and my work. Means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
James, I have read a lot of great books in my life, but your writing is equal or better than any. Your descriptions of the incredible stress you endured and came through is inspiring. You make us feel like we are right with you and in your head. Thank you, sir.
Bob, I can’t thank you enough for that kind of over the top compliment. I just write and remain
unaware of quality or any of the rest of it. But I have a few people like you and it means so much to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
we had officers in the 25 inf. like morgan , they were not there long 65 till 68
Thanks Jim S. Yeah, those assholes were all around and they were around in training too, although not as
deeply effective as in combat. Effective at getting themselves and others killed, that is. Thanks for the comment and the
support.
Semper fi,
Jim
Don’t know how you made it out of there with such incompetence that was there with you? Talking about the Capt. and his cohorts. Great writing.
Thanks Peter. I made it somewhat because the bad officers stayed in the rear, as weird as that sounds.
We worked better without them than when we had some.
Thanks for the comment and the support…
Semper fi,
Jim
I am glad to see your company following you to show that Cpt that they will do as you ask them .those by the book leaders weren’t good in that kind of combat the good leaders threw the book away and learned to adapt to the situation .the ones who wouldn’t adapt lost a lot of good infantrymen.you and your company are unorthodox but that is what it took to survive in viet nam and especially in the A Shau. only the 2nd time i commented but keep reading all the new chapters and you are doing a good job glad you made it home ok
.
Thanks Robert. Appreciate that in depth analysis of leadership under fire. I can’t generalize quite so
easily as I might because my experience was so limited. Thanks for the support and compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Excellent segment once again, I felt like I was at the bottom of that terrible valley with you and YOUR marines. My what sense of pride you did feel when the company that you had been so fearful of and suspect. Came together for THEIR commander in the face of a know it all, incompetent captain.
Thanks so much Joe. Figuring things out and having the company decide that maybe I was more valuable alive
than dead helped a lot! thanks for the compliment and writing on here…and the support in that, of course.
Semper fi,
Jim
You know and your men know that’s all they care about you have there trust now. When you have there trust you have a good chance to make it. Good Luck Lt.
Good point Fred. It was a cold hard hot place, if you get my meaning.
Yes, having the company support is everything in that circumstance.
Thanks for the comment and the compliment in your words…
Semper fi,
Jim
Intense Sir! Had me hanging on every word! I’m looking every day for the next segment! Almost holding my breath in anticipation! I find myself holding my breath reading every sentence as if I were standing right next to you.
That’s a pretty big compliment Roy and I hope I can continue to deliver.
And thank you for coming on here and writing to motivate me further…and yes, your kind of words do help!
Semper fi,
Jim
“Kilo Company’s going to dig in,” Morgan finally reported to no one’s surprise, his voice restrained but longer expressing burning anger or outrage.
* I believe you left out word, no, after but.
You definitely are being followed. You are commanding and leading!
Thanks Bob, for sticking with the story to the point where you can come to such conclusions.
Semper fi, and thanks for the editing help too…
Jim
One of the best episode yet, the wind beginning to shift, an invisible bearer he’s been passed!
Thanks James, much appreciate the comment and the compliment.
I am writing a bit faster now because life will let me and you guys motivate me. Thank you for that…
Semper fi,
Jim
Good evening Sir, You have been a real leader for a long time, You just didn’t know it, Yes Morgan maybe a Captain, with two heel hounds, But You are now Junior, Which ranks higher than Sir with The Men who follow YOU! Yep, Morgan will soon be introduced to Murphy’s rules:
#5. No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
#6. No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.
Yes, Captain Morgan unless He removes His head from His 4th point of contact and stops checking his clusters is going to become just another stinking black poncho….. The only sad thing is the good men He will take with Him …… Yes, A Shau Stew, Dead Putrid Stinking Meat ……. A umbrella, OMG ………
You have it now, You know the fact …. Either Stand Behind Me! Stand Besides Me, Or Your In the Fucking Way! Choose Wisely……………..
Semper Fi/This We Defend ….. My Brother From Another Mother Bob.
Hey Robert. Good to hear from your again. Your analysis is well taken by me and with great thanks. Calming, to say the least.
And intelligent. I really appreciate it every time you pick up a pen and write on here…so to speak…
Semper fi,
Brother,
Jim
Outstanding!!!
Thanks Ron. Means a lot to have those simple but effective compliments thrown my way. Not easy to keep going sometimes. You guys make it a whole lot better.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have read them all and it gets better and better. Hopefully we still have officers out there like you. I served under some good officers in Nam, but would have loved to served with you.
Keep it coming !!
It’s hard to have experienced combat officers of any rank. Whom would go back out there into that shit given
any chance of not going back out. I hoped to be court-martialed to get out of there…it was that bad.
Thanks for the compliment though and your support…
Semper fi,
Jim
A good segment…I finally got the first book, ordered a while back but others been reading it before me…Seventh day, first part…Then jump to this, seventeenth day…I really like the book…I have to say I like reading it online with the comments better…Too bad comments can’t be added, they add sooo much…Keep up the good work…Much appreciated…
I may end up having to order another of the first ten days…
When I find a ‘real’ publisher than I’ll lobby to have a lot more of the comments put into the book. Hell, they have become a part of
the book and helped direct how it is going…and they have also helped keep it going…
Semper fi,
Jim
Don’t you just love it when “there will be he’ll to pay” first sign of weakness in my book.
thanks Dan. Yes, I read what you write and reflect upon it. I didn’t think of it that way at the time but you are most correct.
Men show fear in different ways. It was not that uncommon for men like Morgan to get stiff and arrogant. I don’t know why.
Appreciate your thoughts.
Semper fi,
Jim
Man oh man the A shau valley is going to officer country for dinner. Captain Morgan is unhinged but the NVA will give him an attitude adjustment soon enough. Fools cause themselves harm but if they are in a position of authority they cause a lot of collateral damage. Semper Fi, its all good tonite in Alabama James.
Thanks a lot Tim for your thoughtful and well written comment. Man oh man, says it all
about those times. Thanks for the compliment and writing it on here for everyone to see…
Semper fi,
Jim
Second paragraph, last sentence: “If I (was) needed ….”
The sentence is okay as is. I’m just offering another wording to consider.
Thanks for the help Dirt doc. Much appreciate the help.
Semper fi,
Jim
Got it and will make the correction. Thanks to you and all my editors out there.
This is a two horse operation and Chuck really appreciates your work too.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, typos, Dave.
I knew somehow he’d picked up on my disapproval, probably reflecting on his own disapproval (of of) my disapproval. => (of) just need a single of
The Captain’s face was again red with rage; his right arm (extended with outward with) with its index finger pointing at my chest. => (extended outward with) don”t need first with.
Righteous action and response Inspite of the Captain!
It was sort of life was unfolding rather than that I was leading. Looking back I still don’t see that there were
many choices ever offered to me. I just went with the flow of what seemed to need to be done to survive for as many of us
as I could get through…including me…
Appreciate the comment and the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Awesome read ,I love Vietnam story’s ,my father was there twice, I watched him leave from Fort Hood Texas twice .We lived in Copperas Cove .Great Read .
Thanks for the compliment Robert and the revelations about your dad…and for supporting this story on here like you are doing
by making comments…
Semper fi,
Jim
Once again great writing.
Thanks Hayward, and thanks in particular for the compliment on here where everyone can see it.
Semper fi,
Jim