The attack never came. We’d rushed back to our positions in the expectation that the NVA would understand that we’d left our rear area totally unprotected, but either the enemy had not figured that out, or there was another mystery that might never be explained. Even with the knowledge that we’d made a mistake and were rushing back to fix it, we should have paid a heavy price in casualties. But, that had not been the case. There’d been no opening of fire from either the heavy jungle we knew to be filled with enemy troops nor by anyone in our own combined Marine companies. The Ontos sat still, its idle brought to a halt for the first time in days. I had no idea of how the thing was resupplied with gasoline all the time, or why it was currently shut off, but assumed the Gunny had intimate knowledge, as well as the means to support it.
The Gunny came sliding down my little incline, shedding his soaked poncho cover as he came. Captain Carruthers entered right behind him. I looked up at the opening, to see the very muted light of early day beginning to radiate through the hanging cover Fusner had erected. Fusner was there inside the cave but pushed into the side of the wall above me. I realized that he, and Nguyen across from him, had been there all the time, but I hadn’t paid much attention, trying to curl into a ball and find some solace in any sleep I could get. The relief I’d felt when the attack to our rear had not occurred had somehow sucked some energy from my very core.
Hello James, What is the artillery piece doing in the photo for this chapter? It looks pretty lonesome and vulnerable. Was it just air lifted in? New firebase? Ex FDC guy, 1st cav. 155 outfit out of phouc vinh.
Just an image that reflects the content of the segment.
Thanks for your input,
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim,
I ran into a video that you might be interested in.
https://youtu.be/KImM4zesVlo
When I first got into the SeaBees the 106 recoilless rifle was in out TOA as an antitank weapon. It could be mounted to a vehicle or used on it’s base. I remember that the .50 cal on it would have the ballistic trajectory as the main round. Six of them bad boys firing “WOW”.
Thanks
Ralph
Ralph
Now that was a terrific video. The Ontos was every bit the combat useful beast it was designed to be,
but used ‘off label’ more effectively than anyone ever planned.
Semper fi,
Jim
Dam friendly fire but a cost of war it is.
The costs of war are huge and almost all lied about all the time…or maybe whom would go?
Semper fi, and thanks for the penetrating comment.
Jim
The poem bought tears to my eyes
Appreciate your comment and support, Richard.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, great read. Heard about the Ontos but never saw one. Here’s an article on this awesome machine: (http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-armour/allied/ontos.htm) Semper Fi, 0351, 106mm Recoilless Rifle Qualified.
Thanks for that article Larry. I have never seen it before, but impressive. Takes me back. Took things so in passing and for granted back then in that circumstance.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks again James ! I too look forward to each reading you post ! I drop what I’am doing and go to a quiet place where I can concentrate on what I’m reading . Thank you for your service and good bless you all !
Wonderful compliment Tim and writing stuff like you just wrote on here helps me to keep on going.
Another segment today, as I go off to speak in D.C. to the gathered Honor Flight guys and gals.
Semper fi,
Jim
The calm before the storm LT??
Unfortunately, it is heading that way.
Thank you for your support.
Remember to share with friends
Semper fi,
Jim
James . you sure know how to keep a person on his toes . I really enjoy reading about your combat experiences . it is good to get the history of that war out for all to see. yours Jim
Thank you for the compliment, James.
My story is not uniques as you can see from reading the comments.
It is important for the reality of that time to be shared,
before the participants disappear.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read, especially about the decision making process, up or down the river, night or day, with or without support from the air and the Ontos.
Your BS letter writing to your wife reminded me of doing the same, hoping the reality would never be know by those we loved for fear they would no longer want to even see us when and if we ever returned to the land of flushing toilets.
SEMPER Fi
Always great to hear from you, Sgt. Bob.
Writing home was a great diversion for a “troubled time and mind”
Semper fi,
Chuck
enjoyed your writing and memory. mine not so good. followed you into the valleyin 70 and71: 101st.
101st. Great outfit. Thanks for coming in on the comments and l liking what you’ve read
Much appreciated.
Semper fi,
Jim
Again, telling it like it is or like it was is a Powerful story going forward as this is real and you do what you have to do!!!
Dying is alway an option but living is what we all wanted to go back to the World and you fought like hell to make it happen 👍
Thanks Chris, means a lot, as you must know. Thanks for the support…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read. Thank you.
GO BOILERMAKERS!!!
Thanks Frank, and I presume that the Boilermakers are a team.
Appreciate the comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Fantastic chapter again James!
I check several times per day and am always happy when I find a new posting, everything stops and I read it. I’ve also read most of the books I ordered via your special awhile back, and especially enjoyed the one of children’s stories. Very deep and meaningful work there.
In this chapter I’m wondering if you have an accidental repeat of the drum question from Carruthers or if he forgot and repeated himself?
26th Day – just below the drums audio link:
“Why are they doing this?” Carruthers asked”… ensuing conversation
26th Day, Second Part – approx. 25th paragraph:
“Those drums sound awful,” Carruthers said, “What do they mean and why do they do it?”
Maybe Capt. Carruthers repeated himself?
Thanks Chris. Going back to check that out. Much appreciate the help and also the great compliments inherent in the remainder of your
comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hard to wait for the third book
Thanks Dan, slowly but surely it is coming….and thanks for the waiting…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter, in different ways it brings back memories! Thank you and appreciate it.
Appreciate your support, Ben
Semper fi,
Jim
And all the while in the FDC we monitored the Com-net for tactical info, powder ready rounds, we knew of several targets and waiting for fire for effect. You 0300’s tough grunts all around.
Many thanks form all of us for you and the FDC’s, Cpl. Blair.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wasn’t sure if I should send this or not. It is a poem written about you from what I derived reading your book. Please excuse grammatical errors.
The Young Lieutenant
He was just a young Lieutenant
Who found himself deep in it
At a far away jungle land
A conflict known as Vietnam
And the AShau held no meaning
Just the Bong Song River’s beating
And the mud & blood & leeches there
And the smell of death was in the air
But he knew he could not waver
Cause his men would find disfavor
If he showed them any weakness
In the danger of this wilderness
So when he needed a second boost
He discovered the power of red juice
Would give him strength & courage
And it left him without worries
Of the danger he would perish
Leave the wife & life he cherished
Like a true Marine he could muster
Coordinate air strikes & busters
And lead them on the missions
With the Gunny’s kind permission
While all the time they’re dissing
The Command’s ordered positions
As he named each counter attack
The memories came flooding back
Of all the things he had learned
Until his men’s respect returned
And they marveled at his willingness
To help them survive each mess
And to keep the body count as low
As deeper in the AShau they go
But each & every man they lost
The L. T. found he paid the cost
For the Zippo, Macho, Semper Fi’s
Some died before his very eyes
But the heavy load he had to carry
He couldn’t stop nor could he tarry
No time to think of things back home
His biggest battle was to be alone
To be a leader big & tough
To plan the missions good enough
To prevent the filling of body bags.
He must perfect the Longs & Lats
For every strike that he must order
For every call to guide the mortar
For every forward & fall back
Must be precise & nothing lack
And though Junior was his nickname
He knew he would not be the same
If he made it out of the Valley whole
His youth was lost & he’d become old
But he made it out & took with him
The hearts & minds of all his men
Back to the place from which he came
The land of the free & the home of the brave
But he would see things differently
And sometimes escape in secrecy
Back in his mind a strange place to go
Back to his time in the Valley below
Where the Bong Song River still winds & flows
And back to the memories that he alone knows
Of the battles he fought where there was no rest
But he must remember that he did his best.
So rest tonight, give God your fears
For he has counted all your tears
For he will restore, all to forego
All that was lost in the Valley below.
“Carry on oh wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more”
-C.E. Cooper
Last four lines from Carry On Oh Wayward Son by Kansas 1976
I don’t think it is possible to get a greater compliment than to have a poem written about you
by someone who you do not know and have never met.
I am blown away by this poetry effort and the fact that it was made at all.
I do not see myself as others think I may see myself following that war,
but also understand that the books and telling of the story portray things in a way that remains difficult for me to see and understand.
I write the words, one after another, but don’t really see the story for what it was.
It’s unlike any other writing I do or have ever done.
I cannot think Cathy enough.
Wonderful compliment and a great poem too!!!
Your friend, and Semper fi,
Jim
Like a typical retired nurse, I am an empath. However, I have had demons of my own to deal with which is why I could identify with some of the feelings you expressed. I started unexpectedly writing poetry about a year ago. It seems cathartic & I am never sure where the lines are taking me. So when God puts an idea in my head, I grab my pen. Most of my poems reveal something about me that I never realized. I think that is what this book is doing for you. Keep up the good work & remember that your writing is a healing work for both you & your readers.
Thank you again, Cathy.
Your poetry should be shared.
are you publishing it?
Semper fi, Jim
No, am not sure about publishing. Have put a few on FB that friends thought should be. The most popular one was a sarcastic political jab called “Tolerance”. 🙂 The others were more touchy feely. I read somewhere that memories are an older persons heroin. Although there are some good ones, I am trying not to get addicted to the sad or bad ones.
Reaching a larger audience, as I presume you are thinking about, is a huge undertaking, and expensive. ‘Turf’ is hard fought territory out here on the Internet.
Facebook is about the only place available to build an audience and using their ads is expensive but not nearly as much as using a firm or company…not to mention
most of the firms will lie like hell to get your money and then not deliver squat. I am available if you need to discuss how to go about this…
Semper fi,
Jim
Marston mat is made of steel
Yes, Joe, some Marston Mats were of steel, but The M9 mat, made from aluminum,
was produced to allow easier transportation by aircraft, since it weighed about two-thirds as much.
Semper fi,
Jim
A lot of radio operators used the term frec as in freak rather than frequency. A thought.
James another great read. Had me worried until the next chapter of the Cat showed up. Looking forward to last chapters. I have already re-read from the beginning 5 times. Wishing you great success and good health.
Thanks again, Mike.
Have you been sharing with friends?
Let them know about the current Two Book special,
with a coupon for a discount on Third Ten Days
Book Special
Semper fi,
Jim
Yes I have and will continue to do so. But evidently I also need a proof reader. I couldn’t even get my name right. Milt T. dang auto correct.
~~~Smile
Thank you, Milt
Semper fi,
Jim
I can only think that what you are sharing with us in this chapter is best described as the calm before the storm LT. I for one await with great trepidation. Semper Fi Sir.
It seemed to be the calm before a storm every minute.
Thanks for your input and support, Mike.
DShare with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you Sir!
Awesome as always!
Now I can understand the longer time between postings this time. Tactics, supporting fires and plans always the meaty framework of these storypieces has a heart tormented and battered by unrelenting rain and sad loss. Peace Sir, in abundance, is the prayer of us all for you and your Marines. Pops J
re-reading the original manuscript and setting it down is a challenge as we close in on the final days.
Your support throughout this journey has been so appreciated, Poppa J.
Semper fi,
Jim
BTW, Read this chapter twice already.
Wow, thank you Chuck.
Your support and loyalty humble me,
Semper fi
Jim
James, Your memory and attention to the most minute detail is amazing. So sorry to read that Macho Man was a victim of friendly fire.
Sir, I use the free version of Grammarly and it helps me correct a lot of mistakes. I did try running stationary and stationery in a sentence but it didn’t correct me. So it may or not help 100%.
Grammarly helps a bit, but the sharp eyes of our readers are best.
Semper fi,
Jim
Is aluminum Landing mat the same as steel PSP? When I was a kid in the 70’s there was plenty of surplus PSP around. We used to use it for making decks on swamp buggy trailers.
Aluminum was used to transport by air for the obvious reason of weight.
Marston Mat, properly pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP), is standardized, perforated steel matting material
developed by the United States at the Waterways Experiment Station shortly before World War II.
So both materials were used by Marston.
Semper fi
Jim
Waterways… Vicksburg?
My father used to tell me about all of the matting that they (45th SeaBees) laid in the Aleutians during WW2. They not only used it for runways, but over the unstable tundra for temporary roads. A great invention.
Ralph
Your Dad was correct.
Thanks or your input, Ralph
Semper fi
Jim
Keep em coming LT, awesome as usual
Another heart stopper. Nguyen is aware of what is happening to those around you. Eyes and ears without speaking.
He was a unique individual and very skilled
in humanity.
Semper fi
Jim
Your remark about the lottery took me back to the Sand Box. We were sitting in a D-Fac in an F.O.B. I cannot remember and my grunt riggers from 10th Mtn. were talking and laughing.
Shasteen and Freddy (Fredrickson) Both farm kids from South Dakota, found something funny about everything.
One of them spoke of it being nice in the D-Fac because you knew you were out of the Mortar lottery. The roofs were covered in sand bags. We always crawled under my crane. Lots of steel in that baby and the tires would stop an A.K. round.
One P.F.C. new in country (Nubee) asked How do you win in a mortar lottery.
Shasteen and Freddy started laughing hard
One of them stopped laughing enough to say. “You don’t, your wife does..
Same ol shit. Different war.
I don’t miss war any but God, how I miss being with those kids.
Yes those guys under duress and the worst of circumstance were all about the very best of humanity.
Semper fi,
Jim
Gripping account Sir. Same Old Song and Ontos plan is bold indeed.
Thank you, Mike.
Semper fi
Jim
Another fine piece of writing about a very, very difficult time. I look forward to purchasing Book #3.
In addition, I have to tell you that I was delighted when a good friend of mine (Army, non-Vietnam, vet) wanted to tell me about this absolutely outstanding series he is reading, “Thirty Days Has September”! We spent an hour over red wine discussing excerpts from the series. I wish more would read it to come to a better understanding of warfare and the effects on those we send.
Thanks for your support and Loyalty, Rick.
Send your friends to our Two Book Special.
They will also be notified when the Third Ten days is available.
Two Book Special
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks, James – great chapter. I needed to read that probably almost as much as you needed to write it – wrestling with the VA over disability issues, it is hard to find the words needed.
Always great to hear from you, Craig.
I am praying your current battles will soon be won.
Semper fi,
Jim
Marston Mat, that’s a new one for me .. we always called it PSP (perforated steel planking) in the Cav. .. used it mostly for bunker roofs .. another great chapter Lt. ….
“That phrase, used to describe killing the enemy, or even civilians, chaffed with me”
TRH suggestion: “chaffed” – do you really mean ‘chafed’ ?
“But my wife would not know, and if she did, probably not care. I also needed stationary and clear Scotch Tape”
“I sealed the single Marine Iwo Jima stationary sheet into the envelope…”
TRH suggestion: “stationary” – both places…”stationary” with an “a” means “not moving”…”stationery” with an “e” means “writing paper”…I think that you want the one spelled with the “e”.
Alway on target, Tom
Thank you and now corrected
Semper fi,
Jim
Your writing of memories stirs up much thought and memories.
Thank you I guess. Appreciate your service and skillful presentation of LIFE in Nam.
Thank you, Butch.
Trying to inform about the reality of War.
Appreciate if you would share with friends.
Semper fi
Jim
I awoken last night about 3am wondering if they had gotten the 50 set up. Timely!
Down time waiting for the next move. Excellent . Can’t wait for the next chapter.
Very very good as usual JAMES
While reading, it was actually raining here. Together, brought back some memories of my time in Germany, with water dripping through the the tank hatches, whether open or not. Why do I feel like “the calm before the storm”?
Unreal sir!
Another great read Jim…and the knowledge that Macho Man was killed by friendly fire raises all kinds of questions in my mind….and did in yours too I’m sure…I am surprised that the NVA did not attack unless they are fortifying the river crossing area and waiting….I anxiously await the next instalment.
Trying to figure those guys out was a full time job. I was sometimes spot on but never got to know why…
Now I know how badly they were supplied and little they had in supporting fires. That they were able to fight like they did was astounding.
Semper fi,
Jim
Awesome read Thank you..
Thanks for your support, Edwin.
Semper fi,
JIm
Thanks again, for another great chapter. I don’t think I will ever come to appreciate your personal when you come to terms with your memories and feelings during the writing process.
It is difficult to bring some memories back to the fore.
These final days are a bit of a challenge, but will be presented.
Appreciate your loyalty, Dan
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for the latest chapter. Waiting for the next one.
Wow, the tension just continues to build. Another fine piece of writing. Your description of the damn monsoons is spot on. What misery. Trench foot, ring worm, jungle rot, and the ever present leeches. Flashback city. Who could ask for anything more?
Thanks, Ron,
Share with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter! In the last paragraph the ‘s’ is missing from sand
It is corrected.
Thank you, Don
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Extremely well written.
I saw a lot of that runway mat but never knew it had a name.
One small edit: “The and felt soft and good beneath me” Probably “sand” instead of “and.”
Blessings & Be Well
Thank you, Dan, for your continued support and sharp eyes.
Semper fi,
Jim