Dawn was breaking as I tried to stuff a can of Ham and Mothers down my throat. The rain was gone, taking what cover it had provided, but permitting an open opportunity for supporting air to operate with full application using the clear visibility to accurately guide its deadly payload. I finished the can by gobbling down a few big mouthfuls, after loosening the sticky mess of ham, beans and grease with Fusner’s borrowed K-Bar. When I was done I jammed the knife blade repeatedly into the mud to clean it before handing it back. There was no clean where we were, of course, not the clean we’d all grown up with. A knife cleaned by shoving it repeated into the earth was about the best we could expect.
There was no time to prepare anything else because the strange deep drone of piston-powered aircraft engines came echoing down the valley minutes before the planes appeared. I was taken a week back to my first encounter with the ferocious example of modern warfare although not on such a close and fearful basis as I was in, being at the bottom of a confined valley it was ordered to fire down into. A big brown and green cargo plane came lazily floating over the center of the valley, appearing to move about as fast as a city bus but being much bigger and noisier. The two Skyraiders hung back behind the bigger plane at a slightly higher altitude, all three aircraft moving so slow and low that they gave every impression that they were begging to be fired on from below. The flotilla flew over our heads, but nobody fired up at them.
Awesome, having had the opportunity (or rather having been in a situation that Puff was the required life saver)
I can attest to the fact that it was a real eye opener for those grunts on the ground.
The truly amazing part was, even after those tongues of fire passed, some of the NVA/Vietcong managed to survive
(not all of course because it was truly a killing machine) and they did not fold their ponchos and run.
Gritty and hard little guys and some gals that while you hated them, you had to admire them.
Looking forward to the next chapter… keep it up please. thanks and take care.
Yes, you could not work in close combat with the NVA and not respect their tenacity, toughness and even willingness to die for their cause, much less just how much discomfort they could put up with. It was astounding, and difficult to deal with mentally at the time. Puff was something else again, more as a psychological tool on all of us even more than in the destruction it wrought….
Thanks for the depth of your comment and making it on here for all to see…
Semper fi,
Jim
“The Dead are dead….They are good at waiting’….. ….Sometimes Jim, you can take an entire segment like this…riveting, so intense and full of life changing decisions, panic, anger, bewilderment, and determination…..and make it all pale with a single, short statement……the room just swirled and swam all around inside my head upon reading that statement….the sudden, unwanted memories just slammed so hard it hurts…..can’t begin to tell you how many times we had to endure a long night..knowing that just out of our reach lay the bodies of our dead….knowing that we would not leave them, that we would recover them, no matter what it took….but for the moment, we had to leave them, and it was such a betrayal…They were not going anywhere…but we still didn’t have Them with us…and that was so important….and then to suffer upon them one more final degradation.. having to crawl up and tie a rope to each of them and crawl away…and then pull their bodies a short distance to make sure they were not boobytrapped….all the while…having tears of anger and rage at the need to do it this way…Remembering it later, I knew they didn’t mind…we had come for them….and that was all that mattered…Semper Fi Lt..
Powerful stuff you write, Larry. As always. It is always entertaining and meaningful to read what you write.
And to read what you have to say about the work. My new novel called The Bering Sea just came out on Amazon
today. Get it, read it and comment. I will be most interested on your take…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for another nail biter Jim! Your description of the sound of Puff’ s cannon fire. Was perfect! As someone else stated, every day I look for the next episode. I suspect it is tough for you to write as it is tough for some of my marine and army friends to read. With that said, please keep it coming! USAF Weapons Line Chief, Phan Rang, Bien HOA, Ton Son Nhut
It is difficult at times to move right on through a segment.
It is easier to write away and then come back at it,
rewrite a bit and then move along.
Slower than I thought earlier on but more depth as time goes by, as it was…
Semper fi,
Jim
In 1966 my Amtrac Platoon worked an op with 1st Marines where each of three Battalions had a Puff assigned to them one night. They formed a circle and lit it up. Always reminded me of when you were a kid and stuck paper in the blade of a fan. Quite a show.
Keep up the great work Jim.
Thanks for the great comment, spot on, Mike. So many guys, like you have offered bits and pieces of their own experiences on here.
So cool…and thank you…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great episode. I just read over the mistakes and move on.Glad some of these guys help with the editing. I like others on here only saw Puff work at night. A sight I will never forget.If you see it you won’t forget it. I think your Marines are lucky to have someone who knows how to call in their position and call in fire support. We got a new 2nd Lt. that lead us around in circles for two days. Needless to say he didn’t last long in the bush. Keep on keeping on Jim. Waiting on the next one.
New officers came and went with such speed it was unbelievable. Real combat was no place to
learn much of anything. Nobody to teach and plenty of crap to learn about as it killed you.
Thanks for he cogent comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Was good to hear the Gunny’s comments about the troops being willing to follow you. Most troops prefer to believe in the luck of the draw.
While reading about your thoughts, one was left wondering why you did not consider the fact, that the men in Kilo were capable of performing the menial task of crossing the river on their own, after all they were marines! Surely there were swimmers among them, that could take a rope across the river. There had to be a good reason for them surviving in the bush thus far.
Surly Morgan had been in touch with the rear echelon and knew about Puff being sent that way along with the Skyraiders. He also must know that he has to cross that river and join up with your company. Coordination on that effort is of necessity. Obviously you needed to make contact with Morgan, to coordinate the next move whether you like him or not. As the CO of Kilo, he really does not have many options but to work with you.
Ah yes and the saga continues, ego against ego and brawn against brawn.
I was not always right about what I was about…as we shall see….I was 23 and trying to figure it all out
and egocentric while being scared shitless…
Semper fi,
Jim
Back in our days of growing up, most of us were a bit egocentric to say the least. I believe most of the men who went to Vietnam, had moments where they were scared shitless as most were still very young and had little experience in an actual war zone.
In my twenty years of service, I dealt with a lot of 2nd and 1st lieutenants and all shared the same sense of cluelessness, when it came to working with the troops. We noncoms took them under our wing so to speak and gave them the appropriate OJT. Some of them even turned out to be good officers, when they listened to the noncoms.
Military service is about people and weaponry.
The people part is much harder to teach than the weapons part.
It has become so stratified and class oriented over the years, simply because it is
assumed that nobody will go out there into combat unless they are lied to, threatened and literally forced.
How do we change that?
Good comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Could it be Jim and J the reason “The people part is much harder to teach” is we have drifted away, over the past 40-45 years, from teaching Values at early ages?
As you well know Jim, the military strategy is to psyche the trainee into believing that he is indestructible and there is no greater force then the U.S. military. That works with trainees, but not so with the more mature troops, who are tied by contracts that must be fulfilled whether at peace or at war. The honorable discharge or retirement then becomes the tie that binds.
As Chuck mentions, back in the days of WW II, it was honor and values that our troops willingly went to war for. There was no question about defending our nation and the free world, against the AXIS threat. They attacked our nation at Pearl Harbor and that was all we needed to know.
Today it is an entirely different story. Somehow we became the guardian of the free world after WW II by providing them defense, whether it effected our nation or not. Our government used national defense to get us into a war halfway across the globe, just so that it could show it’s might and dictate to other nations through strength. In the meantime, it forgot about national defense at home and ignored it’s borders as well as the social lawlessness. Not a very good example to set for patriotism or peace.
How do we change this? Good question, but it all relates to the meaning used in our Constitution of sovereignty. A sovereign nation does not stick it’s nose in the business of other nations, nor provokes conflict. We have to have leaders that understand that fact and adhere to it. As the leaders go, so goes the nation! When the leaders set a good example for the youth of our nation, then there will be change.
The usual introspection coupled with investigateive intelligent thought J. Thanks for laying some things down here that make so much sense.
And the questions. Leadership is something…as we are seeing right this minute in the nation…
Semper fi,
Jim
Q. How do we change that?
A. Give them something worth fighting and dying for.
… and if we can’t do that, then don’t go to war in the first place.
There seems to be two issues here:
One: What motivates an individual to risk their life in combat?
Two: What is the best way to lead in a military environment?
One: The closer one is to “home” the easier it is to defend it. “Home” can be a physical location or a set of political or religious beliefs. It helps if the group feels strong bonds towards one another. For example some units in the Civil War came from a single town. They all knew each other. A self selected group i.e. volunteers are more apt to share common values. Armies raised by conscription do not have that advantage. Personality wise we are a herd of cats. Some went to war. Others were hippies. No one wants to be cannon fodder. A combatant is motivated if their commanders are competent and caring.
Two: My military experience is from 65 to 69. Then, for much of the Army, rank was a caste system with privileges taken by those in authority and denied to those of lower rank for no understandable reason other than to reinforce the system. ROTC 2nd LTs were, as previously mentioned, a “unique” group. Mustangs were generally good. I wonder if everyone should first start as enlisted and only be eligible for officer training after attaining at least the rank of E-5. A candidate would have to pass a board of review. That could work in peacetime with long term enlistments; not during a war. I can think of many reasons why the above is not practical … but I want to touch on the idea of “Values” that Chuck brought up. What are they and where do they come from?
People react positively to being listened to and treated with respect. That way the intelligence of the entire group is brought to bear on the issues at hand.
A story. We were building a bunker. As a Buck Sgt I was in charge. I told a guy to cut a piece of wood a certain way. His reply was, “That’s stupid.” I asked, “Why?” He explained his idea. To which I replied, “You are correct. Do it your way.” He was astonished. He said that was the first time someone who outranked him had listened to him and even more surprising had acknowledged his contribution. My reputation in the platoon went way up after that.
One of the commands we supported was SF. I spent some time in “B” camps at the Province level. Rank mattered where it was important; but between individuals there was an ease of communication I did not see elsewhere. Probably more maturity. But information and experience was shared.
I don’t know if I really answered the question. I could blather on for paragraphs more. James, Edit as you see fit.
Wow! Now that’s a comment. I’m not sure I can answer it so much as try to take it all in. Accurate and filled with your own life experience.
Thanks for this. No editing necessary. Everyone ought to read and think aobt what you’ve said.
Semper fi,
Jim
I want to take a deep breath, but I am afraid I will miss something. Outstanding episode as usual.
Thanks a lot Rob and I continue on with the you guys being the wind at my back…
Semper fi,
Jim
Hi James,
Been really enjoying this real life drama. I can identify, with the scared shitless. I was not in Nam. I served 4yrs in the Navy from 70 to 74. I was an airdale as Naval aviation. I trained to be a rescue swimmer. I didn’t make it thru S.E.R.E school. I was in immature young man working on my addiction to alcohol. I was chosen as the war baby, I got to experience water boarding, something I’ll never forget. Needless to say, I was tucked away, in Iwaukunee Japan a Marine air Corp station as an Electronic tech. I always felt I didn’t contribute much. Looking back about 48yrs later and seeing what happened to friends and relatives. I’m grateful I was spared that misery.
Later in life I went to work as power lineman. The year I couldv’e retired, I got hurt on the job cutting a tree. The reason I mention this is because I ended up losing the sight in my right eye and the use left hand and arm. That makes a one eyed one finger typer. Keep up the good work I read a lot I like the fact that it’s not full of cuss words and it’s real. I live in Hayward, Wi.
Wow, that’s a helluva story and now here you are…what happened in the tree accident to nail an eye and your arm? Man oh man.
I hope it’s all long term repairable. They do amazing things today, as they’ve proven with me. I much appreciate that you like the work.
Yes, I pulled much of the profanity out of it. Takes too much away from the storya nd also alienates too many readers. Once and a while and that’s it.
Thanks for writing what you wrote on here and motivating me a lot…
Semper fi,
Jim
Spook was a sight too behold at night the sight and sound. only saw napham used once glad and was not close enough to feel the heat. This is better than a defibrillator. Keep cranking out the word.
I am at it W. and will continue through this night…
Thanks for the encouragement…
Semper fi,
Jim
Medivac shot down and it was puff that cleared the tree line for our rescue. Spooky is the right word for that thing.
Thanks for that Ken, much appreciate your own experience…
semper fi,
Jim
Didn’t get to the Corps until ‘79, was lucky to serve under some Staff NCO’s that had been in Nam. Had a Gunny, Comm Chief at 1/8 by the name of Wendell Green. He used to tell the story of Marshal Sapp, his buddy that was killed in Vietnam. Saw your name and immediately thought about Marshal. 1/8 Comm was decimated on a Sunday morning in Beirut in 1983, we lost 33. Gunny Green had retired, his replacement Gunny Ray was killed.
Thanks for those very personal revelations. Tough stuff and I am sure sorry about the Gunny…. a lot of really good guys in that Beirut thing…
Semper fi,
Jim
Si second what Ed Evans said. I am looking forward to the hard copy. I want you to know James that you are wearing me out. I come back here several times a day to see if there is a new chapter. Can you hurry ?????
I am kidding of course. I know you are dealing with a little t right now. Thanks for the story line, the excellent writing skill and the knowledge of the subject.
The problem is mine. When I am hooked on a book I just keep reading. I have finished books in as little as two days before. This is the first to me I have ever read a book a chapter at a time.
I AM HOOKED SIR!
Ken Brown
thnaks a lot Ken. The first ten days is available on Amazon, of course, and the second ten days is available on here as i finish it to get to hard copy.
thanks for the kind words and the compliments…and writing them here for everyone to hear.
Semper fi,
Jim
Quite a day, napalm being danger close, gunship & Skyraiders blowing everything to pulp, being rope hauled across the river !! Can I take a breath now ?? !! Wow is all I can say. Next step may be as critical as the previous ones ?? I would sure bet so.
Thanks for keeping me on the edge of my seat once again James..
SEMPER Fi
Don’t mean to make it a cliff hander all the time but it just turns out that way all on its own.
Thanks for the support and care in your words…amd that you write them in front of everyone right here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Morning Jim, Yes, Up in the morning, Time and again 46 years ago, is only yesterday in the feelings and my mind, Yes, Many the time it is only yesterday when I crawl out of my hole 46 years ago and “DRIVE ON!” Yes this was a trigger when I read it;
““We’ll make it work,” I said up to him.
“It’s not going to work with you at the bottom of this hole. I didn’t have you come across that God damned river as the last man out for nothing. Now get your Junior ass out of this hole. It’s Marco Polo time up here, again.””
But no matter We crawl out of our holes and lead the charge into the day and make it work……..
Yes sing the Jodie as down the road we go…….
God Bless You, Junior…… Proud to meet you in life’s struggles, Men of our word and honor.
Semper fi/This We Defend Bob.
It took me a long time to figure out what honor was. That is is this seemingly cylindrical center running up and down our body and mind. We first recognize it and then respond to it by working away to make it radiate and emanate warmth and truth. To have honor is to have a feeling of what our own integrity is because externally applied integrity systems (applied to us by the rest of humanity) are going to change all the time based on others needs, wants and expectations…not to mention deception brought about by this grand competition among us all. To have internal honor is a thing of vital recognition and the stubborn unyielding self-analysis and considered contemplation. And it takes action to maintain. It’s like reading the New Testament as opposed to taking action on coming to understand that the testament is about action and not verbalizations. Honor is about action. Do good things after figuring out what good things are….
Thanks for the opportunity to write that back to you…a man of honor.
Semper fi,
Jim
Best explanation of Honor ever I have heard! Thanks
thanks Joe, really appreciate that comment about that subject…and it was through deep thought and analysis…
Semper fi,
Jim
At Hon Quan SF camp in An Loc end of 67, the Spooky that always came was call sign ” Big Daddy”. Ours was “Tarzan Cages”. You awaken the memories, Jim. Glad your eye is doing good. Great writing, LT.
Tarzan Cages. You guys had some whacked out nicknames for things too. I think it was more common than we know.
Thanks for putting that up on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Gerry, Here’s a pic of the main gate at Hon Quan http://oldspooksandspies.org/Photos/Cotts/Scan1609.jpg
Was there in Apr 67 doing COMSEC. Saw Spooky working out over Quan Loi. Next night he was on station above us. Sure sounded good. The expected attack never happened. There again in Apr 68. Old camp was now MACV. SF built a new fortified camp on the other side of the Province Chief’s compound.
thanks for that stark picture when bases were barely guarded.
Appreciate the support on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Puff saved my ass once. This installment coming out took me by surprise and I made myself wait to read it. Ham & mothers were my favorite meal.
We were uncommon. Those of us who liked the ham and lima beans, I mean.
Getting saved by Puff, not so common probably…and thanks for the comment about it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wonder how many times a company lost their leader such as you and not know what to do next. Not knowing how to call in fire support or even knowing where they are. It had to happen many times.
There was that. Once a unit got used to using supporting fires effectively and being
properly oriented in the area then how did it get used to not having that any more. The training
and background necessary to provide those services, at the time, were concentrated in only a very few.
Today’s electronic net thrown over an entire battlefield might have changed all that, but I don’t know.
Thanks for the depth of your comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Junior’s spending money like he’s got a printing press today.
A million spent at Sunup and waiting to spend at least another million as quick as he can.
Better Junior spends it than some politician ripping down billboards back in the States. Mr Charles best stay deep in them rabbit holes Uncle Sugar taught him to dig back in 39.
Spend the money Junior
Thanks for the encouragement SCPO. Much appreciated and the enthusiastic support too…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another good one Lt. my body slid and bounced across the water water . I’d learned and liked I in training. I know you are writing for the masses.Is that why you say fox hole instead of fighting hole ? Later Semper fi