The company proceeded along the eastern base of the sheer cliff rising a thousand feet above it. My arrival in the midst of Kilo’s Marines, and reaching the base of the glacis changed none of that. The fire from the other jungle inhabitants, the enemy, remained sporadic, muzzle flashes buried in the night, and in the rain and broken nightmare of decaying bracken that made surviving on the jungle floor an exercise in enduring misery.
Kilo company had come together once more, the loss of the two lieutenants with their radio operators, had been taken by the Marines of the company as a welcome movement of the hand of whatever God they believed in. I couldn’t watch them moving about in preparation for assaulting the glacis and reaching the top of the ridge some distance in front of us, as the night was one of total blackness. There wasn’t a single speck of light that reached my eyes from the moving Marines around me. There was no lighting of cigarettes or hooded tiny glows of hand covered flashlights. Kilo was a rugged weathered company, having been down in the valley without relief for more than a month, just like my own company. It took some time to finish the move downriver. Enemy fire had been sporadic and effective only in slowing our progress trying to assure that no more of our Marines were lost.
When is the last 10 days due to be completed? and published? Been waiting long time G.I. As they used to say. Anyway still waiting patiently. 175 Radio Research Co. Bien Hoa 69 to 70.
Thanks for the note. It should be published by tomorrow August 8, 2020
This has been a “tough row to hoe”
Chuck, 3rd Platoon 101st RRC assigned to 175th for rations and quarters from just after Tet. Previous to that at Long Binh with 303rd. We were 05Gs. Ran monitor missions all over III Corps from there. There are active ASA veteran’s groups if you are interested. Be Well
I don’t hang well with other vets for some reason or other Dan. Iconoclastic. Insubordinate. Obstinate. Those words were from a counselor at the VA,
not me, when I sort of got the heave ho from attending group sessions. The counselor was a great man though, so I took him at his word.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m waiting Lieutenant, I know it’s hard to write these last lines
In a previous chapter you brought up the subject of the mud and after reading that I could taste that sinkin’ mud… now climbing that wall.. exposed…. I could taste fear again..
Thank you for the “compliment” Somme sensea never seem to dull.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, many of us, if not most, did avoid talking with other “returnees” – for quite a long time. The results of actions that we took lasted through decades, and indeed, are still with us today.
I think that only a psychopath could return relatively untouched mentally. For me, it resulted in an inability to form lasting relationships, except for a rare two or three over the span of now 54 years. I try, but rarely succeed, to bring people close – I think I feel that if I do bring someone into my heart, I will lose them. So I remain mostly to myself. It has become a bit easier, but only slightly. My church services are now my only salvation – and I am thankful that now we actually meet, instead of conducting the church service over the telephone.
I have begun, at age 74, to attempt to make a permanent place – actually buying a house!
God bless you for sharing what you can – it is appreciated.
We must meet, however we do it, maybe as result of the tour I am going to do later this year around the nation.
I need to know you in person, and you me…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just found this chapter tonight. I think about you from time to time but think that you are probably still recuperating. Hope you are and that you are staying safe in all of this insanity.
Semper Fi Sir
It has become an arduous journey.
Thanks for the support, Paul
Semper fi,
Jim
damn Lt. you have me running to the computer every am looking for more. I hope they come soon, even if I know it must be the hardest part of the story for you to tell. soon I hope!
Did I miss day 30?
No, Walter.
It is not yet completed.
Semper fi, Jim
Climbing that rock face in broad daylight?? Even with air support the pucker factor must have been completely in the red.
I thought I understood war, I was so wrong. You and all the service men deserve so much more than you get, you are welcome around my campfire anytime James
Thank you for your comment and the invite, Bill.
I will be posted the USA tour this fall and maybe we can hook up?
Stay tuned.
Jim
Wooooeeeeee! You got the balls of a burglar!! Many thanks for your service, LT!
Much appreciate the compliment Larry…and I am again bearing down on the throttle to get to the finish of the third book…and on into the fourth.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hang in there Lieutenant, only one more day to go!
Thanks for your support, Stuart
Semper fi,
jim
So many wounded and KIA, I never knew and do not know now the big picture. But it seems to me they used you and your company as just shill to draw fire to draw out the bad guys hope for some body counts. The Way I am reading this seems like an extraction then regroup with combo of fresh marines and a better plan. I have never heard or read of such a struggle as you guys had to endure. You had more combat in 29 days than most infantry had the hole ww2, This was great chapter. looking forward to last of the story, and the book to follow of your recovery.
Yes, I was in combat most every hour of the day and night during my tour. It was a bad luck tour, to get caught in such a strange hole in place and time.
When I came home I also felt guilt for not finishing my tour. I only lasted a month so I did not want to talk to other vets who’d done a whole 13 months,
or even more.
Semper fi,
Jim
You sir did more in one month than most did in 12 months
You might have to define ‘did more,’ if we were to get serious about that combat service.
Thanks for the comment and the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
WOW ! Hangin’ on every word Jim ! Lookin’ forward to the next, [last ?] installment.
Thank you for your loyalty, Bob
The saga will be completed soon and then on to the “Cowardly Lion”
It will focus on the transition back
Semper fi,
Jim
riveting saga. Thanks
Riveting!
Thanks Jim.
I can’t wait for the 3rd volume!
Hopefully very soon, David
Semper fi,
Jim
I liked twinkling, it sounded like a sound you can see.
Damn…I never cease to be amazed by the bravery and heroism shown by these 18, 19, and 20 year olds…you were an outstanding leader of an outstanding combat infantry unit…
That designation has been questioned.
Appreciate your support and the compliment, Mark
Semper fi
Jim
Thanks for another riveting chapter !!! Just as an FYI the helicopter pictured at the top is one from my old squadron, we all knew our major function was the support of the grunts and would go to as great lengths as command would allow and “sometimes” beyond that 😉
Keep on keepin on James.
SEMPER Fi
Thank you for sharing your experiences and yes, those of us on the ground were VERY grateful.
Semper fi,
Jim
What was the quote, Hell is the impossibility of reason
It was Oliver Stone, “Hell is the impossibility of reason”
Appropriate for the situation.
Thanks, Michael.
Semper fi,
Jim
Just. WOW!
Wow, the reality and gut emotions all the way through from the beginning to this chapter. Like all great authors, you bring the reader into each scene. Excellent, El Tee.
Thank you for the support, Mark
Semper fi,
Jim
Hi, El Tee. I was going through my news feed and this tidbit popped up.
https://news.yahoo.com/super-sized-six-shooter-saved-023000971.html
Thanks for sharing. The Ontos was a savior for many.
Semper fi,
Jim
Unbelievable! Absolutely the right move to make. Ironic that Jerguns gets to leave the valley the same way he entered it ,with Captain Casey .I hope every one on the chopper makes it. I hope you didn’t forget about the N.V.A. artillery that can reach the top of the valley wall.
You are on top of it, Chuck.
Thanks for your support along this journey.
Semper fi
Jim
Thanks Lt, You had me reading and looking forward for the next chapter. So hurry up Brother Lol Semper Fi
I am slow but steady.
Thanks for the support, Donald
Semper fi
Jim
imagine the largest, tallest, most terrifying, rollercoater. One that has dizzying ascents, stomach dropping dives, sphincter clenching turns. One that you are absolutely certain, no way in hell, will get you safely back to the departure point.
Now you have some idea how your story feels to me.
Jim, did my comment from the 13th not go thru? It says that it is still awaiting moderation.
I am behind, sorry.
Jim
Great read keep up the good work. I want a complete set of your books thirty days has September autographed and I will give the ones that I have to my dr at the va hospital.
My dr at the va hospital is my uncle a very good dentist . He retired in December. Is an avid reader of wwll through Vietnam
Thank you for sharing, Jimmy
And also your support.
Please share our site with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for your input and support.
The first two are available autographed and on the page enter your email and will be mailed a substantial discount code for the Third
Special Book Offer Thirty Days Has September
Semper fi,
Jim
For all these past few years I have read and fretted about what will happen next in your life and command. Your great writing has me hooked on your story. Soon fate will give you a Purple Heart and the next chapter in your life.
Thanks for sharing your story and writing so clearly to us who also served and left WIA.
Bless you the next few days as you write the hardest day of your life.
Spellbinding post today!
I am honored with your comment.
Working to Complete the Third Ten Days and also outline the sequel, The Cowardly Lion
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir, Holy S***! Honest to God you have me shaking as I read this. Terrific writing, horrific story to tell. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment, Keith.
Semper fi,
Jim
I was a crew chief on a 34 in 64 and our problem was we only had S. Vietnamese troops assisted by Army ST operating out of small forts along the Trail. The Valley was bad then and got worse. We could not count on the South Vietnamese troops, in fact many times we had to throw them out of the plane in hot LZs. Going after Americans, no matter what, was without question. I only had to spend a few nights in the field with the those we hauled and cherished my Guaranteed Aviation when I joined in 1960. As I look back as an older gentleman, I wonderhow much if anything we learned.
Very good, thank you Sir!
You are most welcome David, and I much appreciate the compliment inherent in your words on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Damn.
Thanks Glenn, for the great one word compliment. I shall continue, sir…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow amazing what a commanding Officer has to deal with. Semper Fi.
Thank you
You are more than welcome and I can only state that I will continue on as long as people like you keep on writing in your appreciation…
Semper fi,
Jim
Dang, Jim! That’s some heavy stuff. Looks like we both survived our heart procedures. This old DUSTOFF medic is hanging on every chapter. Thank you.
Much appreciate the association, survival and compliment coming from a man like you…one of those who saved my sorry tail…
Thank you!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Another awsome chapter Lt. I’d like to say thank you to all those you lost in this damned valley for their sacrifice on this Memorial day.
Thank for you for the heartfelt sentiment, James
They were so many who we are Honoring this weekend.
Semper fi,
Jim
Getting intense, as if it hasn’t been. The General public has no idea what a combat veteran has gone through. Stay well!
I am trying to help those of the general public who might want to learn about the reality and not the mythology.
thanks for pointing out what you pointed out.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, thanks for another great chapter. Semper Fi!
It’s my pleasure to write to such an august group of vets and those who want to know about the vets, then and now.
Thank you so much…
Semper fi,
Jim
THESE ARE INFANTRY MARINES. Under fire and cohesive working within the air ground combat doctrine..a professional organization using combined arms to locate an elusive but tenacious enemy ,close with and then destroy him with as much firepower as one can bring to bear..GOOD JOB EL -TEE !
Thanks Tony, for that great assessment and compliment. Much appreciated.
Semper fi,
Jim
Second paragraph: ” …It took some time to finish the move downriver. Enemy fire had been sporadic and effective only in slowing our progress to try to assure that no more of our Marines were lost.”
“…to assure that no more of our Marines were lost.” It doesn’t seem to fit the sentence about enemy fire being sporadic. Was this possibly a re-write that needs a little more rewriting?
I think it reads better now, Tim
Thank you
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read!
When you say, “The twinkling mechanical sound of his special Zippo” were you thinking “tinkling?” Twinkling is a visual experience and sound doesn’t really twinkle.
Thanks Ron for the editing help. Chuck will get all over that mistake in the morning.
Don’t know what I would do without the help.
Semper fi,
Jim
Paragraph 5, You mention “Go Noi Island; later in the same paragraph you use “Go Noy Island”. Is this a typo or was it intentional? Very hard to read with experiencing flash backs! Keeps the heart beating hard!!!
even though I commented earlier , I re-read the chapter and it got me to thinking that maybe Jurgens just too quickly bought into a game that he has no chance at winning
Interesting insight…
You are an astute reader, Chuck
Semper fi
Jim
Another cliff hanger Sir.
Excellent read as always!
Thanks Bruce, sure means a lot to me to read such words, and so many others from men and women like you….
Semper fi,
Jim
write faster this is great
Another stellar chapter Sir, every time I think that you can’t ratchet the tension up any more you do. Semper Fi LT.
Thank you for your input and support, Mike
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Another good read. I am glad you were able to get another chapter out.
Kemp
Thank you, H Kemp.
Wow James you are really building the suspense till the last sentence. Outstanding. Thanks for a Great Read.
Wow Jim such a great chapter! You were a really good writer when you started this great book but with each chapter you have gotten better now you are a great writer.Thanks for doing this and thank you for your service!!
I am honored with your compliment, Mike
It means a lot and thank you for your support
Semper fi
Jim
As always another great segment LT. To this day I still don’t like to be in the dark of night where I can’t see anything.
3rd para down….
I was the company commander and the Marines, although (riven) “driven” through with fear and terror themselves, couldn’t ever be allowed to see or feel my own.
Thank you, Mike.
And the error is corrected
Semper fi,
Jim
After all of this time, anxious to get to the end of the story, I now find myself hoping for The 29th night 29th part as I dread 30th day arriving for what it will bring
You have been a long time supporter, Bob
Thank you for that.
2 more segments and then on to the Cowardly Lion
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow JAMES just wow, but you gotta do what you gotta do !!!!!!!!!
Sounds like “crunch time” is about to start. One correction-“we had to huge targets of opportunity for the NVA,” add ” be” after we had to.
Noted and corrected, Don.
Thank you
Semper fi,
Jim
My stomach is tight. The tension builds. What an impossible situation you are in. Thank you for posting this new segment so quickly.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
I tried not to smile one of my secretive cold smiles, at the remembrance.
Seems the comma is extraneous
I tried not to smile one of my secretive cold smiles at the remembrance.
time required to reach Go Noi Island once more
Go Noy Island, if I reached it
One of those spellings is correct.
we had to huge targets of opportunity for the NVA, and I could not see them missing the opportunity we were forced to present to them.
Maybe add “be” before “huge”
we had to be huge targets of opportunity for the NVA, and I could not see them missing the opportunity we were forced to present to them.
Everyone reading your story is supporting you with prayer and / or energy as you recount this last day. …all the way up the hill. Blessings & Be Well
Thank you again, Dan.
I think we corrected your suggestions.
Your support is amazing,
Semper fi, Jim
Jim, You have us racing along with you, sucking in breaths more deeply, as the minutes continue to stretch out like elastic bands. All the while, knowing the bands are rapidly reaching their breaking point, when they will come whipping back, creating chaos, taking our breaths away. And all the while, we haven’t moved an inch. Damn. Doug
Man oh man, tested to the brink, unsolvable circumstances that demand solutions. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for following, Glenn
Share it with your friends.
Semper fi
Jim
WOW is all I can say. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Doubt the brass will be impressed though.
I think you may be correct, Pete
I really appreciate your continued support.
Semper fi
Jim
Desperate times. Desperate decisions. Untenable positions. Talk about babtism of fire. Just shaking my head now, can’t even imagine the multitude of things going through your mind then about how to coordinate all of that with absolutely no help from the rear. Your writing continues to invoke images and smells, while laying the stress of what was emerging directly upon us; once again, without our having to actually be there and try to live through it. I’m thinking that your Marines who managed to come back home are looking back at this and saying (repeating), “He was crazy but damn, he was good!” You continue to have my respect, sir.
Wow. Did NOT see things developing this way!
Not much longer, old friend.
Then on to the Cowardly Lion, Arnie
Thank you for your support through this journey
Semper fi
Jim
Evening James….
Yes the chaos on top of the chaos, The Noise, The overwhelming noise as the cataclysm rises, and the shit it thrown into the maelstrom ……… Yes what is Brother John setting up on his playlist to greet the day, Lets see…..
Riders On the Storm ……. ?
Riders on the storm,
Riders on the storm,
into this house we’re born,
into this world we’re thrown
like a dog without a bone,
an actor out alone,
riders on the storm
There’s a killer on the road
His brain is squirming like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If you give this man a ride
Sweet family will die
Killer on the road
Rawhide! ……. ?
Keep rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them dogies rollin’, rawhide
Through rain and wind and weather
Hell bent for leather
Wishin’ my gal was by my side
All the things I’m missin’
Good vittles, love and kissin’
Are waiting at the end of my ride
[Chorus]
Yippie-I-ay, yippie-I-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Riders in the Sky ……………. !!!
Yes
An old cowpoke went ridin’ out
One dark and windy day (yippie-I-ay)
Upon a ridge he rested
As he went along his way
When all at once a mighty bunch
Of red eyed cows he saw
Plowin’ through the ragged skies
And up a cloudy draw
Yippie-I-ay, yippie-I-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Their brands were still on fire
And their hoofs were made of steel (yippie-I-ay)
Their horns were black and shiny
And the hot breath he could feel
A bolt of fear went through him
As they thundered through the sky
He saw the riders commin’ hard
And he heard their mournful cry
Yippie-I-ay, yippie-I-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt
Their eyes were blurred
Their shirts all soaked with sweat (yippie-I-ay)
They’re ridin’ hard to catch that herd
But they ain’t caught ’em yet’
‘Cause you’ve gotta ride forever
On that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire
As they ride on, hear their cry
Yippie-I-ay, yippie-I-o
Ghost riders in the sky
[Verse 4]
As the riders went on by him
He heard one call his name (yippie-I-ay)
If you want to save your soul
From ever ridin’ on our range
Then cowboy change your way today
Or with us you will ride
Tryin’ to catch the devil’s herd
Across the endless skies
Yippie-I-ay, yippie-I-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky
Yes, Riders In the Sky …………….. First Up for the Daylight////
The Stage is set, The Gods are in attendance, Let the final act begin…..
Yes I Rode the Storm Throw the Die……………….
Robert, you nailed it.
I so appreciate your continued support on this journey.
And How can we forget Frankie Lane?
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow…Just O.M.G…what a plan!
I’m pulling for you and your men.
Great writing.
I do not know how you write so it makes the reader feel he is RIGHT THERE and experiencing these very hairy combat situations! Now we readers will have to sit here in the A Shau valley enduring the rain and the deadly actions of the enemy until the next chapter makes it here on this site.
***********
I was a little confused when you wrote “…unless I found something to either convince the captain to stay while Kilo climbed the rock face. ” (? ) Either convince the captain OR…?
I appreciate your support and for taking your time to comment, Walter.
I did correct the sentence.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, that’s cutting it close Lt., getting Jurgens on the 46 would be a no brainer. Yet the dawn is coming soon and I hope are up to finishing this very riveting day to come. I along with many others here have dreaded to see this day come, for I know it will be the hardest to write. Yet I will wait here chewing my nails to the quick. Gods speed sir..
Thanks for sticking it out, Sargent.
I am sorry so late in answering these comments.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Just freaking Wow!
Going to have to reread this tomorrow skipped through it too fast. The excitement is building within me. Definitely riveting so much happening it’s going to be a long night waiting for daylight.
Isn’t it two huge targets of opportunity?
Yes and thank you.
We corrected it, CK
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you James for another great chapter.
I am wondering about the line where you mention the “clean smelling odor of the lichen on the bare rock face”
Do you recall thinking that while it was happening? Or did you remember the smell when you thought back on that day?
I find it facinating, with all that was going on in your life at that moment, that you would notice something so seemingly small yet so significant.
Having never been in combat myself, I obviously have no clue as to what I would or would not notice. I am intrigued by the things those of you who have been recall.
Thank you to all our veterans for your service and my freedom. God bless
Tom Ellis
Thanks for the comment and question, Tom
Some ‘smells’ can stay with us for a lifetime.
“One of the most characteristic features of odor memory in humans is the rather unique ability of odors to vividly trigger the evocation of emotional experiences.”
Semper fi,
Jim
Chaos with grace, love it, keep going LT
As always, a long time to hold my breath. I can feel every raindrop, smell Gunny’s cigarette smoke and the Ontos exhaust. I can not imagine how you managed all of this. My God man, you are a leader of men and a credit to all mankind. I want to talk to you, hear your words as I hear them in my head, and maybe, if it is appropriate ask you “how did this go” or “what happened then” because as hard and a well as you write I know we are hearing but one out of ten thousand words that would be needed to recount this story. Thank you, I have read dozens of first hand stories, dozens more books on the various experiences in Viet nam and even in the Au Shau but none like yours. A literary work of skill and passion. Congratulations.
Thank you for sharing and your support, Christopher.
Semper fi, Jim