The Ontos sat on the bridge, it’s dull presence barely visible across the distance, through the murk of the rainy night, with only the slight radiance of a full moon shining on clouds unseen above. I waited, as the battlefield in front of me across the fore drop of the river remained quiet. The .50 had not opened up again, and small arms fire had become non-existent. Dobbs peered through the Starlight Scope, the device now mounted atop his M-16, which was set to selective semi-automatic fire in order to shoot the first NVA soldier injudicious enough to attempt to cross the bridge. Captain Carruthers waited for me to transmit the order for Kilo to begin making the crossing.
“Now,” I said into the microphone Fusner placed in my waiting hand.
Get low boys, a real sh*t storm is coming across now. Man I feel like I’m now looking through my sights at that bridge just holding my breath waiting for the moment to let it all fly..
Captivating once again James..
SEMPER Fi
When air could come in and be what it was at the time, it was something to see and experience.
The awful, but grand nature of the air to ground combat was something that was so very and deeply impressive
but never thought about in terms of how it would burn its way into anyone who participated forever.
A carnival ride just doesn’t get it!
Semper fi,
Jim
Powerful! Conscious or not, your ability to put the reader right there in the mud with you is extraordinary. I’ve been reading since the beginning & will be ordering the 2nd & 3rd book ( when finished ) to complete my set. I am thrilled but have mixed feelings knowing we are closing in on 30 days. Keep up the good job. P.S. have shared segments on FB many times.
Thanks for the sharing on here and also the compliments. Much appreciate that and it sure helps me to keep on going.
Semper fi,
Jim
JIM ,you bring alive for us your oh shit moments from that far away place and a long time ago,but after reading this chapter I feel as if I was there among your men feeling this for real. Thanks a ton for being the writer that you are.
Not a long comment Ron, but a powerful one. That’s a terrific compliment.
When I am writing I don’t think a thing about what the effect of the writing might have.
I just lay it down as my mind is recalling. Sometimes I ever look around and see that valley
instead of what’s around me now, bizarre as that is and sounds, I know.
Thanks for the great comment,
Semper fi,
jim
Very powerful, James.
Like a very deadly game of chess, move – counter move.
Great writing makes for great reading. First two books now set our our local library in NARROWS, Va.
Thanks
Frank Gough
Wow, I’m in the library. The library here, and other four around the lake
all had the first ten days but tossed them after a year. Just the way it is.
I don’t give them to the libraries anymore. Thanks for having my books in your
own library though!
Semper fi,
Jim
James, I believe you are unfairly comparing yourself to captain Carruthers. It is laudable that he is doing what he can to ensure the survival of as many of his Marines as possible. That said, if he dies in the process then Kilo looses his organizing presence – which can have adverse consequences. Sorta a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. No real right course of action.
By virtue of his rank he has more time in service than you. He also is several years older. Both those factors can influence one’s sense of appropriate action.
You did the best you could given your training and circumstances. And that was far more than most. I am in awe of what you continue to do.
The story shall unfold as it will.
Blessings & Be Well
Every male needs males to look up to, especially in a combat situation.
I looked up to Carruthers. I know it was not entirely justified, but there it was.
The kind of leader he was cannot long survive in actual combat. It is simply too dangerous
and too murderous. But I wanted to be Carruthers, and no me, and so it was….
Semper fi, and thanks for the kind sympathetic words here…
Jim
Freakin flashlights, the story is tight more than tense, and the well trained NVA turn on lights. Now the next segment can’t come fast enough. I guess they are allowed to be pissed off plenty, and a few screaming cadre pushing them to sure death and they are coming to finally get the crazy Marines who won’t leave their Valley.
Like I said, next segment is always eagerly anticipated. Are you listening publishers, eagerly is money and you only do the publishing stuff for the steadily stream of cash. So get off the high horse and get in the business again. Thanks LT. Poppa Joe
You never fail to surprise and reach me Poppa!!
Thank you for that entire comment.
The publishing business is a closed business, like Hollywood screenwriting and so much more in our culture.
Unless you are somehow family connected you are not even going to have these people read your stuff.
In fact, one publisher did read the first book.
His recommendation, because of some of my background, was that his
son be listed as the author and I would get the money!
Thanks for the straight from the shoulder stuff you always give me…
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
How sure are you that Jurgens is actually on the Ontos. His character tells me he would send someone in his place, even giving up the Thompson to protect his own skin. And where is the hell is Sugar Daddy in all this mess? Great writing, keep stomping.
Sometimes you guys end up thinking just like me…or you have gifted investigative abilities.
This next chapter lays everything your brought up to rest….thanks for thinking that deep and also
that compliment at the end…
Semper fi,
Jim
Man! The quintessential $#&@ storm. If the Ontos can turn again, if Jurgens has enough ammo, if the enemy gets bogged down at the end of the bridge, and if Cowboy is up early and can get on station soon your company might keep the casualty rate down a little. I fear you will be left in charge of what’s left of both companies again. Command is not an enviable position.
Thanks for the compliment you pay me by the depth of your description
and the questions you are currently left with.
No, command in combat is not something you want anything to do with,
at least not in the world of that valley at that time..
Semper fi,
Jim
Unlike some of the others when a new chapter appears I don’t drop everything and read it immediately. Your story is so powerful, and it pulls so many memories, and emotions from me. I go to my quiet spot, I do all I can to shut out the outside world and then I slowly wind myself down into the account. All the while it’s like the account hurts me but at the same time I think it helps me heal from my own personal demons. It must be very difficult for you to return to those time/memories/feelings and peel back the protective coatings and lay the wounds of leadership bare. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure it’s helping others understand why we have had the opportunities, the honor, and the blessings of the last 51 years when so many others were denied the chance by the totally insane survival selection process of that time.
I hope you don’t mind that I copied and pasted your comment to my Facebook site so everyone could read it. It’s that well written and good.
I cannot thank you enough, of course.
Semper fi,
Jim
good writing. My father retired as a Capt in the USMC. He spent a lot of time with the montagnards (spelling) and he used to tell me stories as a little boy. He has since passed and i wish i had more stories. I seek out other Vietnam vets just so i can connect with him through them. A lot of what he told me never hit home until Iraq and Afghanistan for me. Thank you again for sharing your story and when all 3 parts are available for purchase i will be buying them.
It is hard to get the read stuff from the real guys who were there because so few saw actual combat on the ground
and then made it home in one piece mentally or physically enough to communicate well. I was lucky to have my wife and daughter
and then the Jaycees, the Nixon estate people, the lifeguards and the local cops who all took me in and
‘floated’ me back into society.
Semper fi,
Jim
Bob,
You have a way of expressing the emotion of this experience as an outside observer.
James,
You draw us back to our own experiences and you share your own, we are unbelievably there with you. Great writing, we all dread the end of this experience.
Yes, I feel so many of you there with me now, but back then…it was so damned alone that that might have
been the worst part. My letters to my wife were me reaching out across the ocean and half the world to simply have some contact with
humanity again at all…or so I new believe.
Thanks for the neat comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
James good writing as always. I had been miss it so Im glad you are back at it. I am amazed at how you remember so much of the details. I guess when your were going thru the battles it was burn deep into your memory. Keep up the good work, Im looking forward to it.
I was not aware that I could remember so much either. That is both good and bad.
Thanks for the kind comment and the care you show in the writing of it….
Semper fi,
Jim
Close combat on a bridge and a marine with a Thompson. Kind of makes you wonder.
About what?
Semper fi,
Jim
About a marine who could run out of 30 cal and have to go to a back up that is great in close quarters.
The Tommy gun, at very close quarters is truly awesome. I shot one many years ago
and, unlike more guns for me, it was actually fun…and what an array of bullets and
ease of handling…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Out of the fire and into the frying pan. Such a outstanding read. Thanks James.
Thanks Milt. Might be hard to believe but guys writing in here help the development and continuance of the story.
I cannot thank you enough for the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
S O B James you are a master at writing !!! Keep up the great work!!!!!! Like I said you are helping a lot of guys out by writing this !!!
Thanks Harold. The helping. It is very hard to calculate that and something I never expected in telling the story. I am most happy that it does seem to have a bit of
a curative effet on guys who were in the same circumstance but came home only to discover they could not talk about it because who in hell was going to believe them, what with
the Hollywood mythology and all. So here it is in the raw and I had no idea…
Thanks for the warm compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Maybe the best and most exciting chapter yet James! So many moving parts.I was also married while in the Nam. I remember on my first 45 day mission realizing that I hadn’t written home in about 2 weeks and being shocked! Your analogy of stretching our connection like a rubber band is right on! Even today I can’t wrap my head around that feeling. Letting go of the world to survive another day. Nothing I’ve read about the war reaches inside me like your words do James! Semper Fi!
What a terrific compliment, Jack, from the beginning of that comment to the end.
I shall repeat it endlessly…what author would not.
Thanks so very much,
Semper fi,
Jim
Did you crap yourself then Jim? Because I damned near did reading this….
It is the reverse. You tighten up so intensely it is like you will never relax again.
I was made of hard wood and concrete and I think its the only way I got through.
Later, much later, everything softens up and relaxation comes along with the guilt
and wonder about simply being here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just when you wanted jergens dead he turns in to a great marine and saves your hide.
The A Shau was like that, and it wasn’t just Jurgens either. Everything and everyone seemed to be wrapped up in some sort of
Twilight Zone enigma. Thanks for your accurate appraisal…
temper fi,
Jim
Riveting…absolutely riveting…the last two chapters have been some hairy stuff…once again I say you were an outstanding leader…and yes you got lucky with Jurgens on the 30…but you still made the right decisions…and Jurgens is a real warrior, even though you hate him, he saved your bacon…and it looks like most of Kilo made it across…however the remaining men with Carruthers may have to be sacrificed to keep the NVA off the bridge until daylight…I say this a lot, but thanks for sharing your story…and thanks for the quick turnaround…much respect, James…
Sometimes I am truly surprised by the depth that readers, like you, can see into the work even before I write it! I also
forget that many of you were there, in different parts and different times but you know a lot of what I know.
Thanks for being one of those guys and writing about it on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Riveting. Just riveting.
Thanks Allyn, riveting is a very high complementary standard to meet, especially in this rather wild time we are all living through with the media.
Thanks for saying that and meaning it…keeps me going…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you James. What a story!
Semper Fi!
You are most welcome Tomas. It means a lot to me to have people like you come on here and, even just putting down one line,
help me to stay motivated and on it…
Semper fi,
Jim
You done good James!
Thanks Rick, I understand well what you mean by that one sentence. Great praise and I much appreciate it.
Semmper fi,
Jim
Thanks again.
Kemp
H Kemp, it is good to hear from you, as you have been a part of this for quite some time.
Thanks for the attaboy and the support. It’s good to know you are there…
Semper fi,
Jim
“I felt my connection to the ‘world’ pulling away from me” I felt the same thing after flying DUSTOFF missions as a medic for a few weeks. I had been writing in a diary and writing letters home to my parents, but then I stopped after several mass casualty missions. I don’t know if I was protecting them or in denial about my probable fate. 35% of DUSTOFF crews were killed and I almost joined that number on my first training flight when a B-40 missed us by a few yards. This view from the ground is new but difficult. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for writing about the war in close air support and what was going on just above us.
There was so much courage and bravery in the air support forces that went almost unnoticed then and now.
You guys flew in, saved our shit, and then flew out again…like a mirage or Casper the Ghost.
Thanks for being Casper…and I’m happy you made it too..
Semper fi,
Jim
“although they roiled up inside. ” Perhaps “boiled” up inside.
Roiled or boiled, either will work. Yours is probably more accurate but I do like roiled too…
Thanks for the comment, editing help and the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
A Thompson is awfully heavy to be toting around and not much good unless you’re fighting in a bedroom.
NVA mingling with Marines crossing a bridge?? Umm
The guys were really strange when it came to talisman and fetishes and such. The Thompson had a mythical reputation
as the ultimate infantry weapon, when, in fact, it really was not suited for the jungle warfare we were in for all sorts of reasons (weight certainly being one
of them). But combat is not a very ‘real’ place to be in and so it carried its own set of weird beliefs and hopes.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have been eagerly waiting for more.
Now that you’ve written it I am almost sorry it’s here.
My fists are clenched and my gut is in knots.
And I am laying comfortably on my couch in the AC.
I have read lots of war stories, but none compare to your tale.
All the blood and death, but none of the glory.
Once again I think every politician should have to read this before sending our youth into combat.
While I believe in peace through superior firepower, war must be a last resort.
Waiting to hear what becomes of Capt Carruthers, but I fear I know the answer.
Never fear, the next segment is almost done. I am publishing too fast, probably, but I don’t know. This is all new ground to me.
I’ve never heard of writing and then getting comments like that and then writing more, but effected by the comments in the writing!
In a way, you guys commenting on here are in the story!
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough…
Jim
Great chapter, James. Thanks.
Thanks Michael, I much appreciate the support and compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
My wife can tell when a new chapter comes out. All things stop and I head for a quiet place to absorb the newest chapter. Thank you for sharing this part of your life.
Some guys write compliments that are descriptive but you wrote a compliment about living the story, in a way.
I am so tickled that you are effected and therefore lending a certain credibility to the telling of the story that few might understand
but I sure as hell do. I got it and in getting it helps me a lot…
Semper fi,
Jim
Damn!!!
Great one word compliment, William and I get on by and continue because of those seemingly small comments…but not at all…
Semper fi,
Jim
Dang Jim,
What a trifecta of chapters back to back to back. Clearly your time off has invigorated you. I for one am thankful for both your service and your willingness to lay in all out in black and what. Bless you my man.
Yes I was able to punch through a hard place and now I am running in the clear with half the next segment already written.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Semper fi,
Jim
A great first person account of the fog of war and the challenge of battle field leadership. Thanks for sharing Jim. I’m all in and impatient for the next chapter.
Yes, it is all of that Greg, and I never expected it to be so long. Over 1200 pages when
the third book is finally out…longer than the Count of Monte Cristo….
but in three volumes, of course.
Semper fi,
Jim
Got the juices moving again , just like getting ready to drop into a hot LZ . I ‘m in holding pa
ttern , 60 ready , trying to control breathing , eyes wide open for any movement -looking . That is where I am now , just waiting for those last words to appear . Take your time Lt. , it will come when it comes . Semper Fi
‘Trying to control breathing.’ I like that. Spent a lot of time trying not to hyperventilate, or give
the appearance of that. Thanks for being one of the ‘real’ guys who was in the shit and made it out.
Semper fi,
Jim
This story is much like my time in the Marines, seemingly endless weeks of waiting and then three moments (new chapters) of overwhelming excitement. Still putting out great stuff Junior. Semper Fi.
Thanks Hunter. Few people call me ‘Junior’ back in the world. When I went on the Honor Flight my name tag was Junior and
I wore that but was a bit uncomfortable. I never liked being called Junior in country or after at the hospital either, but I’ve aged
into it being okay. Thanks for the meaningful and heartfelt comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another Great chapter .. Jurgens seems to be a hate/love type of Marine.. hate him most times then does just enough to survive another day..
Minor correction maybe..
Paragraph after Carruthers says 10-4 Lt.. Rear Action will be vital
The conditions also “make” it likely with the rain, etc.. “made” possibly better..
You”re doing a Hell of a job getting the story out here for all of us hungry readers..
Thanks for All you are doing and have done..
Semper Fi (from an Army vet)
thanks for the editing help and the compliment and thanks. I get it and it means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
Helluva stressful night!! It’s about to hit the fan now!! Great writing James!!!
Yes, another awful combat sequence, where almost nothing goes right…so very common down
in that valley. Thanks for the compliment Mike…
Semper fi,
Jim
wow
Thanks for the laconic compliment, filled with a depth of meaning…
Semper fi,
Jim
Again, what a great chapter !
Chris Culifer
Thank you most kindly Chris. Your support, and the other guys, carry me on through toward the end of the combat days and nights…
and then the beginning of the rest…
Semper fi,
Jim
what can I say. Speachless ……..
That one word compliment, meaning everything to an unknown author like me…
semper fi,
Jim and thanks so very much…
I read your words and in my minds eye i can see and feel the stress and fear. Thank you.
Thanks for the compliment inherent in your words Mike. Much appreciate the motivational help it provides me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Absolutely riveting. Love him or hate him Jurgens is a warrior and your plan is brilliant!
Thanks for another chapter so soon. I just re-read The First 10 Day, in the process of re-reading The Second 10 Days. Will re-read this chapter tonight. Stay strong James and God Bless.
Yes, and I am half way through the next segment right now. I will have another up this weekend as I am on a roll and cannot stop now.
Semeper fi, and thanks, as usual…
Jim
Sorry to bother you with a third comment but I sure hope none of those little buggers trying to cross the bridge has an R.P.G.
You know, during my time over there in the A Shau, I never ever saw an NVA soldier
expose himself with one of those devices. He would have taken a total shit storm of fire if
such had happened. Also, the B-40 and RPGs needed to hit something hard to set them off and trying
to get a rocket to hit personnel or the ground in the right place was more difficult than might be imagined.
We had the same problem with the LAW. No proximity fuses then, not on shoulder mounted stuff.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks Chuck, for paying such close attention to detail and coming to your own conclusions.
Much appreciate how long you have been with me through the laying down of this odyssey…
Semper fi,
Jim
.
And on the hills the Marine Arty batteries sat still in FDC’s pinned to the command channels and the bull shit freq. on some hills you could only hear the fire fight. Other times you could watch it early in the morning but always in the dark.
Yes, you got it. Communications from the A
Shau were unexpectedly clear where we were but only to the firebases that sat on the edges of the valley. And those were mostly Army.
The Army never had any compunction and made no distinction at all in firing for Marines in trouble. I grew to love the Army attitude, like our
bigger older brother and back here few people understand that. Like the air guys, the Army truly cared and showed it…
Semper fi,
Jim
As I read this my eyes started to water, and memories of Kae Shann came crystal clear in my mind as I knew
i what you and those Jarheads were going through . God bless those who never made it back alive. And prayers for all who did , and those that were able to confront the demons that returned with them .
Never made it over to Khe Sanh but was on the fringe all the time that went down.
Did not understand at the time what was going down either, but probably the Khe Sanh mess
drew a lot of support away from what the enemy could throw at us down in the nearby valley.
Thanks for being there and doing that and writing about it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir. The last 3 chapters. I can see why you had to get yourself together to write these. Certainly has to be emotionally gut wrenching.
I am okay now and writing away again, maybe too fast, I don’t know.
Thanks for noting that and the compliment inherent in your words… it does reach me and helps…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow. First you hate the guy then you’re glad he is on your side. At least for now. No sense of permanent security in this relationship. Must create constant stress. Not that you don’t have some anyway. Great chapter. Although my image of. Comrades is a bit shattered
It was a mixed bag of ‘out there’ Marines who survived to be with me down in the A Shau at that time.
It was anything but ‘band of brothers’ like that HBO special series.
I got the feeling that most combat is not like that show,
although. I loved that show and wanted it to be that way…
sort of like Westwing to the real deal.
Semper fi,
Jim
The last paragraph starts with “StarlighI stared intently through the objective lens of the scope, not even breathing. I could see movement.” Should this read “I stared intently through the objective lens of the scope, not even breathing. I could see movement.”
Got it Bill and fixed it, thanks to you and a few more that help me out on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
It is about.get real***
Yes, the actual combat small arms agains small arms was uncommon but it certainly was ‘real’ when it
went down. Only a few times did I ever observe the enemy in action and then it was fast moving and ephemeral.
Semper fi,
Jim
What an intense chapter. A total cliff hanger that appears to have gators waiting for the drop.
Yes, I got your ‘drift’ Pete and thanks for being there all the way through this odyssey with me
Semper fi,
Jim
Another riveting chapter! Last paragraph begins with “Starligh” then switches to first person grammar.
Got it and thank you for the editing help…and I mean that most sincerely,
Semper fi,
Jim
James, there are so many facets to this cat and mouse game on both sides. I keep flipping from one side of the river to the other wondering where the next move will be coming from. Not just the enemy but Kilo, Ontos , Jurgens, gunny and Captain Carruthers bring up the rear. Understand that notes assist you in your writing however the image that is burned on the film of your mind brings us into into the night.
That comment, Sapp, is one of well written delight to a writer like me. I could not have written it better!
You have talent and it’s exhibited here for all to read. Thanks for that deep and heartfelt comment and I much
enjoy the rereading of it.
semper fi,
Jim
Outstanding! I salute you sir!
Thanks Dick, really nice to read such a comment. Short but in depth…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim. Hard times, hard decisions, hard men. I am breathing fast with an elevated heart beat just from reading it. I can’t imagine what you went thru remembering and writing this with the spectrum of emotions you were going thru then, with them probably resurfacing now. Well done. Semper fi. Joe
Thanks Joe, for the great compliment and such things do reach me and help a lot.
Semper fi,
Jim