I tried to relax for a few seconds, so I could get the Heart of Darkness Plan organized in my mind. The night and rain were everything, along with our speed of movement. It had taken me almost three weeks to figure out that the Vietnamese were slow, compared to Marines, when it came to covering ground. Marines moved fast and didn’t stop to take breaks. The Vietnamese had tunnels, supplies and support people buried in spider holes, caves and tunnels. They took their time about planning and moving. Every success the company had experienced since I’d been in country had had something to do with moving unexpectedly and quickly. Slowing us down would be towing along the wounded and the dead, but there was no solution to that problem. We weren’t leaving any more Marines behind to supposedly come back and pick up later. There were enough of those strung out along the Bong Song to consider and try to retrieve, if that was to be done at all, given what resources we had to draw upon.
“I’m not using the first emperor of Rome’s name to talk to that man in the future,” I said to the Gunny. “What’s his real name?”
“No idea,” the Gunny replied. “He’s in Kilo. We don’t have a table of organization chart on them. He calls himself Char, so I suppose that’ll have to do for now.”
Hi Jim, back after a 3 week bout against the Flu. So far I’m winning. Read this on FB and thought I’d send it to you:
Ashes Ashes We All Fall Down
He sits and watches most nights,
thinks he saw a bit of light
flash across the lawn
With every thunder clap that comes
tries not to run out the door to see who’s there.
The kids ask Mom where’s Dad?
He’s out back, but he’ll be back
soon, he’s just watching the trees
the leaves and the stars.
But she knows where he’s gone, sipping from the
bottle he’s hid in the gloom
watching the choppers fly past
flares falling, RTO’s calling
another night
another place
a midnight memory
and he’s all alone.
thanks a lot for this wonderfully written poem Randy and welcome back.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have put this off to give me time to think about the war and how it was affecting all of the men that was there. We that made it out have a lot to be thankful for. We have Veterans day coming up this week I hope every person will take time to thank everyone who put the uniform on for the you United States of America! Thanks for your ability to lead your men! Semper Fi
Thanks Walter for coming on here to make your comment…and a generally good one it certainly is.
Semper fi,
Jim
One helluva chapter of your experience in the valley. Hope those choppers brought some extra body bags. Hate to say it, but it sounds like you’re going to need them. Too bad the rear command doesn’t realize rules don’t apply in the valley. Should have left the decisions up to you and the Gunny. Next chapter or two are not going to fare well for those who want to glorify the depths of hell
The casualties in that time were horrific and I cannot now believe how little impact they had on rear area operations,
or the pity of officers spending time in the rear and coming to the field thinking they knew anything at all…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim – Thanks for pushing through all that you must to recount these storiesy. Your experience in the Valley trained you well. I don’t know if “enjoy” is the proper term for my experience of your writing, admiration and respect are more apt. For someone else of that period who wasn’t there, your first person account speaks volumes and allows me, abeit vicariously, to get a sense of what it was like. Maybe the writing of your journey will give you respite from the deja vu all over again. You are a man worth knowing because of your authenticity. Thank you.
I don’t know what the word ‘authentic’ means anymore Michael,
since life back here is mostly anything but that.
I did work for the CIA, which certainly didn’t help that thought process.
Anyway, thank you most sincerely for your kind and supportive words as we all get older…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, I hear you! I am certain that you are aware that it is more useful to live in the question of what authentic means than to have a pat answer about it. Mostly it is one of those existential conundrums that bedevil us in our private Lucy in the sky with diamonds moments. Albeit those moments of yours are probably quite busy!
Working for the Company has its own, shall we say unique, requirements.
Our own, all the time, never ending self-effacement, drowns out obvious evidence. That is probably for the best as we would become boorish otherwise. Your internal debates questioning decisions affirms that reflection. Without it why would you even give a shit?
Wow. Now that is one deep and layered comment I am going to reread a few times.
Thanks for making me think and also for such great intellectual expression…
Semper fi,
Jim
I don’t know if you have noticed or not but you have steadily improved through out your journey here, good for you.
PS-I found your first chapters totally addictive to say the least, can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks a lot AL. No, I don’t notice at all because I am inside the experience and just writing away.
Only the people commenting on here allow me to know more…like you, and I think you most sincerely
for that observation and compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Inside the experience, perfect description of your writing, being able to put thought to page like this is a rare talent.
Thanks John. Compliments like your own mean a lot and I don’t understand
why more authors who write well do not get involved with their reader’s opinions.
It actually influences the work coming out.
Thank you so much.
Semper fi,
Jim
James,
I couldn’t think of any better way to express my admiration of your work and to thank you enough for this project than to order a second copy of the First Ten Days.
One of my friends will receive it as a stocking stuffer for Christmas.
Thank you for this awesome Christmas present.
ps. Maybe the Second Ten Days will be out in time to join the first.
Not much I can say about that kind of in depth and meaningful compliment Rob, except thanks to the max!
Wonderful for a backyard author like me to hear and read. Sitting here working on the next segment and doing a better
job because of you….
Semper fi,
Jim
I agree
I could not find the Walker comment to see what you are agreeing on!
Thanks for writing on here though…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great writing, James.When you mention the Gunny, R Lee Ermey flashes in my mind. Cpt Morgan is John Larroquette. Not trying to be funny but those images pop into my head when i hear them mentioned. Maybe you’ve heard Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote about the Marines. If not you can Google it.Anyway I was in Nam 69-70. Sold money orders for a year after completing two radio repair classes, of which one was at Ft. Sill, Winter and Spring of ’69. Didn’t think I would hear of the PRC 25 ever again. I was drafted at age 24 after 5 year deferment to complete an apprenticeship in the building trades. Many friends were joining the reserves and trying to convince me to do likewise. I decided to wait for my name to be called and see where it would take me. Learned a lot in a short period of time. So thanks to your writing I have a better understanding of what was happening out in the boonies. You and all of your brothers out in the shit have my eternal respect. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for that comment. Deep and filled with your life experience. Sounds like you learned a lot, indeed! Thanks for writing about it on here and also for the depth of your compliment!
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim… You wrote: “It was amazing to consider that, while in training, I’d been taught a wide variety of ways to engage and destroy the enemy, while in actual practice, under combat conditions, I spent most of my time planning and implementing operations to avoid, flank or withdraw from whatever enemy forces I might encounter.”
While attending Army OCS in 1966, I learned the following poem which I’ve never forgotten:
Here lie the bones of Lieutenant Jones…
pride of the Institution.
Died the night of his first fire fight
following the school solution.
Now that’s a powerful bit of important poetry. I found it to be exactly that way and would
no doubt have followed Lt. Jones example if the Gunny had not been there to save me….
Semper fi
Jim
“You are Commander of two Companies now’….. Never in your wildest dreams had that particular vision appeared…..and now you have to realize that Battalion knows all about this…so many different radios being used to make contact with the rear when “comm’ is up…The Bn Radio men, the Company Radio men, whoever is designated to handle resupply, medavac’s…the list goes on…but each of them will be making reference to you…both Companies are now in your hands..Kilo by default…but they are certainly better off than they were before.. “Battalion’ has been watching your progress daily..surprised each time casualty reports come in that your “newbie’ name is on them…but you are gaining their respect just for staying alive…begrudgedly, but they are watching your progress….no one, especially you, thought you would see the dawn of each day behind you…..that’s just how it was out there….welcome to the club….So many common sayings were used to make the situations bearable….”there it is’ was often said when a known ‘truth’ was spoken by anyone….You are now the Commander of two Marine Rifle Companies in a fight for their very lives……”there it is’…..Semper Fi Lt….
“Newbie name “isn’t’ on them…..
Got it Larry!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for that terrific write up. You are a master in your own right.
I endeavor to persevere through that damned valley and the next segment is going to bring
some more unexpected changes…
Semper fi,
Jim
When do you project the next segment to be available? Am dying from old age here.
I think old age may just be a minor motivating factor in your demise J.
I am working away and will be done tomorrow and have it off to Chuck.
I had to go back and make some changes to a large part of the Second Ten Days
because I had Morgan’s name wrong. When your are using fictitious names it is way too easy to get confused.
Unlike yourself, who possesses the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the patience of Job…well,
maybe a little bit less than Job…
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Wish I did have the patience of Job, but never wished to go through what he went threw.
Afraid I fail at the wisdom of Marcus as well, but I do love philosophy and prophecy.
Am looking forward to the next chapter!
Thanks J, as usual!!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
James, I’ve always heard that there are two major factors in making good writing. First, there must be a story worth the telling. You have that in spades. The second is having a writer who can communicate with his audience…emotionally, intellectually, and aesthetically. Man, I hope you know how talented your story-telling is! As some famous dead person once said, “Most only get wet; a talented few actually feel the rain.” You certainly “feel the rain!”
Thank you for your service and your willingness to share it with us.
Thanks Bobby! Really nicely written compliment. I am sitting here thinking about how to get better at what it is I am doing.
For guys just like you…
Semper fi,
Jim
Feelings? About your men, about the enemy? Assets to use or problems to eliminate. You didn’t have the luxury of feelings, did you? The 1st. that came to us from Nam discussed that with me when I was ncoic of our northernmost station in the air/ ground ops net. SOP was to leave one to operate the ANGRC-26D until… could I handle that? Interesting thought for a signal geek better qualified to hook up RV’s. Love your work, take a breath and post more.
Thank you Walt, as usual. Great comment. About everyone. I did not have feelings about the enemy because I never came to know any of them.
It is almost impossible to have positive feelings about people trying to kill you, incidentally, even later on.
Thanks Walt,
Semper fi,
Jim
I …hmmm…finding it difficult to use the word “enjoyed” the read. Forced me to rummage through my own experiences packed so carefully away. Core to my enjoyment is that i can hear you telling this because i am so familiar with your voice and emotional nuance. Great writing and for me just enough of the details around the event to give me context. Looking forward to having the whole book to read, or even better to have your reading it on audio book. Keep at it my friend.
Thanks Mark, my old friend. I must admit that I do not enjoy writing some of it, either.
Thanks for caring about the spirit behind the words and the books. Means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
My mind is racing as I read this installment. A great story , can’t wait until the next
Thanks Don, for the great compliment, as I continue to write.
Semper fi,
JIm
Had the privilege of meeting a Puff crew member yesterday. Thought instantly of you and this book even though I had had interaction with them while over there. Still sitting on the edge of my seat reading this. Your words paint a perfect picture, your editing improving every time. I am a Tom Clancy fan. I am also a James Strauss fan. Keep them coming, you can’t do it fast enough. Going to try some of your other books, wonder if the reality of this story makes a difference in your writing style and the ability to keep us on edge. This one is tops.
Thanks for the great compliment Marshall!!! I hope you like the other
stuff I write, since most of it is based on real experience too, I have high hopes…
Semper fi,
Jim
Enjoyed it very much. Makes my blood pressure go up, but that’s ok. Thank you sir.
Semper fi, David and thanks you so very much for the great compliment in writing the words on here you wrote…
Jim
Oh yes another stretch of great reading that ended to soon , as to the m113 story heard that from those I was stationed with and my Dad and Uncles talked of that happening in WWII, with some wheeled vehicles and track vehicles, come upon a crew that took shelter under a vehicle,it sank on one side more than the other they were able to save four of five ,he slept on his stomach.
Sure glad the Ontos wasn’t real heavy and the mud was a bit more substantial along the banks of the Bong Song.
That would have been a bad way to go.
Semper fi,
Jim
I straightened my back. How many times have we done that when realizing we had it better than some….
Interesting comment Al. Thanks for writing it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
I can feel the rain, the mud and misery . As I reflect on each paragraph I can see my fingertips wrinkled from the constant rain. Unbelievable writing. Thank you for sharing another segment.
Thanks for the great compliment Andrew as I work my way into and throough the next segment.
Thanks for the motivational assist…
Semper fi,
Jim
Very good, but short, waiting for more!
Thanks for the compliment Harold.
I am continuing, although the segments don’t seem so short
to me in the writing of them.
Each one takes many hours to get right and edit and then re-edit
and still I miss stuff or don’t get it just right!
Thanks for your patience…
Semper fi,
Jim
Woke up those gun bunnies at 175 battery. FDC was only ones awake!
Never had a battery that didn’t fire in minutes from the call. Amazing, how they could
come out of a dead sleep, calculate and then man those guns, Army and Marine batteries alike.
Semper fi,
Jim
After catching a 75 recoilless and suffering a hearing loss, I was transferred to an USAF 81mm mortar section, as part of our qualification, we were trained in country by the 173rd, USA, we had 17 seconds from the initial fire mission request to FDC to the drop of the first round, we would sleep in the pits at 50%, and no matter what the weather that standard was only improved on, too many guys in the field depended on us, phu cat, 68*69
Yes, so many depended on the supporting fires and so many of the support operations ran just like your own.
Above the call of duty, and we guys out in the mud really loved you for it…and still do….
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m hooked on your writing and the story you paint the picture with words so clearly.feels like I could be lying in the mud right next to you. Thanks I look forward to the next part. Army veteran here, although my dad served in the Marines.
Thanks John, I don’t think the Army units had it much different down in the valley.
It was a place that most serving over there didn’t know was particularly set up to
attract and then kill off the enemy (us). The guys in the read simply sent more troops or Marines
in. There was no penalty to them when the body bags came flying in.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hey LT, must be the Marines we’re not carrying Kilo’s dead upriver during the move since Jurgens mentioned Kilo’s dead still being down by the wall. Must be just the wounded were moved upriver. Why haven’t you ask about radio traffic with command? Almost impossible to stay alive without some support from the rear. WOW what a story.
Thank you, keep stomping.
Time. Everything took time. You can read from the intensity of the action,
the weather, the moves and more that time was a tough one.
When you finally got a few minutes to get on the radio you
had to choose that or sleep or eating or drinking or whatever.
The radio and support people in the platoons actually had more time than the Gunny or I,
or even the other Marines serving as platoon commanders.
Imagine trying to do ‘office’ or analytically driven work while
going through what we were going through.
Semper fi,
Jim
Kind of surprised me that the gunny went back for back Kemp. Oh well another surprise among many . Thanks Lt for another good read . A couple of edits——–I came to (me) knees quickly on this bank when(then) the sun comes up Semper Fi
Thanks Roger,
Found the “Came to my knees’
must be too late to find the when(then) the sun comes up.?
Semer fi,
Jim
Just wondering what Jurgen’s comment meant, “I came back for you.”