The front hubs on the Bronco had obviously never been turned before. It took all the strength I had in my wrists to slowly move the hubs a hundred and eighty degrees. Finally, they were turned. I got back in the Bronco, backed up, and faced the six-foot-high berm of sand. I gunned the Bronco’s engine and depressed the clutch, about to launch myself and the vehicle forward in first gear to as fast as it would go before encountering the dune. I looked up and down the railway to make sure there were no trains coming. There was nothing. But then I backed off on the accelerator and, instead of heading toward the sand in front of me, I turned and drove a short distance toward San Clemente. A narrow cleft was visible in the giant rocks that the railroad had, years earlier, set along the tracks to block or at least lessen the damage high tide big surf waves might cause to the tracks.
I eased the Bronco into the cleft. There was enough clearance to fit through. I drove directly onto the tracks, then had to begin a laborious process of moving the Bronco back and forth, gaining a better angle to actually get on the tracks each time. It took about fifteen back and forth movements to succeed. Suddenly, I was on the tracks pointed south. I eased the Bronco ahead in first gear. The trip was only about three hundred yards long before I was at the asphalt crossing. I turned up onto the path and then stopped the vehicle, with the V8 humming gently away.
Jim,
Great seeing so many names that were influential in my young Police Career. Turner, Rod and Jim were certainly a great part of that along with your mentorship!
Herbie
“H” man, good to see you commenting here. Yes, there was quiet a hell of a collection back then.
You still remain the smartest cop I ever met! Glad you are recovering so well.
Semper fi,
Jim
Realizing there may be danger near the beaches of SoCal had probably crossed your mind by now, high govt officials tend to be more of a minefield than a real one. Sec Kissinger is short, very short, and leaves classified material and briefing papers all over his hotel suites. Once you acquire that higher level of security clearance, the govt seems to want to find things for you to do, which pose a huge danger of their own. Large, bright red letters that say “TREAD CAREFULLY” have no doubt flashed before your eye almost continuously by now.
I didn’t think of danger, for the most part, when I worked with the Western White House people. It is not that they weren’t ‘murderous’ in their thinking and sometimes actions. It was simply that I was desensitized to danger that wasn’t in my face and life-threatening. The A Shau had conditioned me. I did tread carefully, however. I have gone through life since that valley never wanting to hurt anybody, but at times being required to. It has never gotten to a pleasant experience to inflict violent actions on other humans even when so many either request such visitations of violence or deserve them.
Thanks for the depth of your comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hmm Mardian ? Bet if he was alive today he’d probably think what happened back then was child’s play compared to the level of evil going on today. Anyway according to a Wikipedia search Charles Robert Mardian was indicted in 74 convicted in 75 which was quashed in 76 due to procedural issues and was deemed not worth retrial due to the limited role he was accused of. Anyway very interesting stuff and reading through his bio from Wikipedia he was a rather interesting fella if you read between the lines there. Very good writing Lt. keep ‘em coming. I have to rely on search engines for more info on those times considering I wasn’t born until January of 71 and my earliest political recollections come from the Ford and then Carter eras.
Mardian did serve a few days at a Federal Low facility before his case was dismissed. He was extremely angry about going to the prison dentist for a cavity in a front tooth and the ‘dentist’ pulled it. I did not know him later on, however, when junk like that was going on in his life. I was way to low on the totem pole for men of his position and power to do anything but get ordered and follow the orders.
Semper fi,
Jim
LT., most of us just have “a day”, you seem to have more happen in one day than many could ever imagine !!
Please keep up the great writing as we can’t wait to see what happens next…
SEMPER FI
My life, what I really write about in all my novels, has been an inexhaustible supply of wild life experience and even wilder characters.
Just the way it has flowed and I’ve ridden it all like a surfer catching wave after unending wave.
Amazing, really, to be such a integral part of it all…
Semper fi, and thanks for the compliment.
Jim
“I have a mission for you” sounds much worse than hearing the call that I’m getting a hoist mission over a hot LZ. As the medic that would be hanging out of the ship controlling the hoist to lower the jungle penetrator and then bring up the wounded, that’s a sound that takes your mind to another place because once you’re over the LZ, you don’t want to think…just react to your training.
You react and follow your training, but only after being through many of those situations when you did not.
That’s the way of combat. It teaches by killing people. If you are lucky, and both you and I were, then it is the killing
of other people around you that teaches. Hard hard lessons, never to be forgotten.
Thanks for what you did. Thanks for being a part of a system that saved me.
Love you brother….
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m intrigued!
Jim, when speaking about a cam shaft, you spoke of its rise… the proper term would be lift. I really like your chapters, I’m hanging on every word. Thank you for your service.
Wayne
Wayne, you are absolutely correct. It is not rise, it is lift. I was only a minor player when it came to the mechanics of drag racing or even other auto related stuff. Those guys in those days, the real pros, were brilliant compared to my own capabilities in that area.
Thanks for the the compliment too….
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt. Another Lt 71-73 stateside……… last week I was in DC for the first time in years…Went to the Wall. Looked up some friends…… At one point a navy type, 3 bands on his sleeve, so probably LT type navy. He held up high a little boy and had him touch a name on the Wall… He said that’s your grandpa..The little one smiled and said HI GRANDPA…There wasn’t a dry eye within earshot…
I just thought your readers would like to know……
Charlie, three stripes of the same thin size in gold on the sleeve is a commander. Thanks for the cute and touching story. The wall is quite the emotional site for those of us who were touched…not touched as substantially as those who are named on the wall but truly touched, nevertheless.
Thanks for the great comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read! You have not lost a beat while continuing your unique style of keeping the reader involved in 30 Days and well into The Cowardly Lion. So very glad you are recovering again. I anxiously await hearing about the survivors you courageously lead and protected in 30 Days.
I lost just about everyone Bob. Did what I thought was my best but the times ran against me again and again over there.
The few who made it through did not come through quite as expressively open and available as I did, and have. God has been
kind to me in so many ways. Living life in redemption is rewarding too, although most would never understand what or why I might mention that kind of mortal pursuit.
Semper fi,
Jim
Fresh from the bush ~~ well hospital like you, I know I’d not be able to handle that job! “Mission” ~ CO had various words precluding orders and “mission” always raised the hair on the back of my neck, only worse was “going to send them a message” and I’d begin to sweat! The word “mission” from that guy would probably make me sweat.
JRW: I too was taken a bit aback by that request, or rather order. I had no knowledge of Mardian nor did I think my new role included
anything of ‘missions’ or any of what that seemed to portend. The next chapter, coming up this weekend, reveals that ‘mission.’
Thanks for the reading the perceptive depth of your comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Intrigue, makes you wonder.
Who is behind that curtain pulling your strings.
Parker,
Turns out there were more than one pulling those ‘strings.’ I had somehow become a
mostly trusted person in that rarified air, which was once again due more to happenstance than
to deliberation or experienced delivery. As with stepping into the A Shau Valley, I had no clue
until I was deep into it, and lucky enough to get that far.
Semper fi,
Jim
It seems like a lot of people knew what you were going through in the valley,instead of being brought up on charges they want to use you. Its almost like they read your book 50 years before it was writtinand now we will get your view of watergate.I hope we willfind out Nyugens role in your time there and following you.
Most of the players who survived will have a presence in this story, as it continues. Very perceptive analysis Joel, as you will discover as we move along. Thanks for taking the time to think about all this and then to write on this site.
Semper fi,
Jim
Excellent! I think I’m just gonna buy the book.
I was inside the compound the day of the ceremony. Pat stood right in front of me while Nixon complimented our CO about something we never participated in. Of course our CO just thanked him. I was always nervous when we were in Nixons’s presence but he took care of us. Called us “his Marines”. I can’t badmouth him.
The first book of the Cowardly Lion series isn’t out of the printers yet, and I’m only on chapter VII of the second, so you’ll have to
keep following online as best you can. I know a lot of people don’t like to read online but I don’t have the benefit of a regular
publisher. I have to do it all myself.
thanks,
Semper fi
Jim
Wow Lt, another riveting chapter! I was in my early teens when this was all taking place. I recall seeing Nixon at San Clemente on the evening news and thought what a great place to hang out! Little did I know that you were there getting a closeup view of the Watergate shenanigans. Looking forward to the “behind the scenes” action as it unfolds.
Tim, little did I ever imagine that I would be there, in San Clemente and then a part of all that.
I got there so accidentally it was amazing and then was selected even, seemingly, more accidentally. More on that
later. Thanks for the comment and shenanigans is a great word to describe what went on.
Semper fi,
Jim
Not a word I normally use, but riveting as usual. You do have a way of keeping us all fully engaged.
Thanks for the depth of your ‘riveting’ comment. Makes me feel good, as I’m sure you intended. Without this cadre of
powerful supportive vets, like you, I would never have continued on.
Semper fi,
Jim
LT , think I have said this before but it bears repeating that you have led a most interesting life to date, to say the least! Hope it continues a very long time! Another gripping chapter, and finally know a name which the dirty tricks can be assigned! Look forward to the next installment! Cheers and Semper Fi, stay well!
Joe,
I’m not sure what the internet has to say about Mardian’s true role was in the whole Watergate affair, although he did go to prison over it. I’m building the story from my own memories of my participation in not only the situations going on inside and outside of that compound but San Clemente itself and how they entertwined.
Thanks for the great comment,
and Semper fi,
Jim
The plot thickens!
Indeed, it does! Thanks for the predictive comment Tim.
Keeps me going….
Semper fi,
Jim
The pace now quickens again. Hopefully we will be reintroduced to the Gunny soon.
You know I can’t answer the question just now, but appreciate the asking.
Semper fi,
Jim
Simply fascinating.
Thanks ever so much, as I work away on chapter VII right now. Keeps me motivated.
Semper fi,
Jim
you create intrigue when there is none
Rich, that’s kind of a funny thing to say. Is that like saying that you have created a friendship when there really is none? Or,
am I getting your statement wrong or taking it wrong. You think there really was no real intrigue going on at the Western White House as Nixon headed into troubled waters and eventual resignation? Or are you saying that I didn’t play any part in it? Or both? What a great one-liner to shoot across the commentary ‘battlefield’ of this site.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, first paragraph: about to launch myself and the ehicle forward in first gear to as fast as it would go before encountering the dune
…and the vehicle..
Got it Paul, and thank you.
Semper fi, and thanks for the diligent work in helping me.
Jim
well I Mardian was a player in Watergate and if memory is correct he did time?
I meant with tongue firmly in cheek that you were in high cotton cotton and am curious to learn if you were involved
provided the statute of limitations has ended
you probably don’t know
I can be sarcastic
you truly have skill that creates feelings and we imagine based on our life experiences what you are thinking
great writing
have you watched gaslit?
the Martha mitchell story
next time we are together I will tell you about the time she asked me to do the horizontal mumbo
Thanks Rich for getting my own ‘tongue in cheek’ reply. You are a great friend and I treasure that, part of the reason why is that you always ‘get it.’
I was in there all the way with Mardian and even his son, later on, when he opened the fabulously successful Wind and Sea restaurant in Dana Point Harbor. All this
stuff is basically true recollection. All the characters bear their right names, even those no longer living. Never met Mardian’s wife as she never came to the
estate when I was there. I operated just below eye and ear level to most of those coming and going.
Thanks for the great reply…as I expected.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Oh boy, what have you got yourself into now Lt. Sounds like one hell of a busy day, pickup the man, get a promotion, a new crew to train, and now getting a “mission” whew, I’m out of breath just reading this chapter! As a side note you forgot the “v” in vehicle…..
Bob, thanks for the help with editing. Also, yes, it was one hell of a time following some other helluva times!
Interesting though, more now than it was then. Took years to figure some of it out. The tension builds on the compound but
without the knowledge that Watergate, and the effects of it, were coming it was hard to figure any of that tension out.
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt. , to say your life was intresting would be an understatement . Can’t wait to hear more of this mystery that surrounds you sir !
My life was filled with a lot of fear (of everything and just about everyone…as long as Junior didn’t come out), longing (for a life I could not come back to), and wanting to have some real friends other than my wife (which I was lousy at making). Bob Elwell, Sheridan Byerly, Chief Murray, Halderman, Mardian and the rest of them are all real people. Fiction is the word I use to stay out of legal trouble when describing this work.
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Oh boy, the intensity is about to go WAY up!
You’ve got that right, once again, Arnie. Very perceptive of you.
Thanks for the predictive element in your words…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great to see another episode, James.
And, of course, it ends in a cliff hanger that leaves me wanting more.
I smell trouble…
Always good to hear from you Walter, and I’m sorry about the cliff hanger but I had to end the chapter somewhere.
At least, unlike the serial stories like Flash Gordon, I pick up right where I left off in the next chapter.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter. One editorial comment. “There sure as hell aren’t saluting me.” Replace “There” with “They’re”.
Thanks for the notice. All corrected, Michael
Your adventures are far from boring James.
Thanks Chuck, meaningful to get your very generous comments, and thanks for being with me all along through the grand adventure.
Semper fi,
Jim
I like the way this new chapter and added characters are developing the story.
Much appreciate the support and the compliment Dan.
I am working away on Chapter VII this night, with vets like you right on my six all the way…
Semper fi,
Jim
James, you leave us hanging.
Some editing suggestions follow:
ehicle forward in first gear
Missing “v”
vehicle forward in first gear
There was nothing, but then
Seems “There was nothing” is a complete sentence
Maybe
There was nothing. But then
I had to get home as quickly afterward as possible.
Reads a bit easier with different word order
I had to get home afterward as quickly as possible.
before I got there, instead, I saw Bill
“there” ends a sentence
before I got there. Instead, I saw Bill
My personal life.
This seems like a “What the heck?” sort of thought. Maybe substitute a “?” for the period.
My personal life?
My insignificance in the scheme of national politics and power was almost totally non-existent, the way I saw it.
“insignificance” and “non-existent” are two negatives.
Seems better to change “insignificance” to “significance”
My significance in the scheme of national politics and power was almost totally non-existent, the way I saw it.
If the head of the Secret Service was not only a bit in fear
“not only” is usually paired with “but also”. There is no “but also” so better to drop the “not only”
If the head of the Secret Service was a bit in fear
I didn’t need to know anymore.
Prof. Google says “Any more refers to quantities. Anymore is an adverb that refers to time.” So two words here.
I didn’t need to know any more.
“There sure as hell aren’t saluting me.”
Maybe “They” instead of “There”
“They sure as hell aren’t saluting me.”
instead of parking the car
“of” seems extra
instead parking the car
Bobby Scruggs’s voice came through the San Clement
Missing “e”
Bobby Scruggs’s voice came through the San Clemente
putting any of the training I’d gotten there, both good and bad
Dan’s preference to avoid “got” Suggest “received”
putting any of the training I’d received there, both good and bad
“Your Bronco’s out in the parking lot,”
Seems like it needs a “?”
“Your Bronco’s out in the parking lot?,”
I’d have a reserve with me as a partner soon and then
Reads a bit smoother if “soon” is before “have”
I’d soon have a reserve with me as a partner and then
knowing wasn’t only a former Marine
Seems missing a “he” after “knowing”
knowing he wasn’t only a former Marine
https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/king_timahoe/
Blessings & Be Well
Again your sharp catch so many things Chuck and I seem to miss after several read-throughs.
Thanks for the link to the picture of the Iris Setter TIM as he was called at the residence.
Se,per fi,
Jim
Jeezus…It feels like we are back in the shit Jim, my heart rate is rising, my anticipation of every word racking up. I keep wondering what all the new guys are all about. You are really getting back into your stride. Man I enjoy reading your work Thank you for every word. I can only imagine where this might be going, but you can dam sure be certain Ill be right here with you.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you being ‘along for the ride’ so to speak. I am so happy that you gain some enjoyment, and hopefully historical
perspective about what was going on in those years in that place. Thanks for writing what you have written here and supporting me so grandly.
Semper fi,
Jim
And we are off to the races!!!!!!!!! GOOD WRITE JAMES!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much Robert. You help keep me going. I am working on chapter VII this night with you
and a few others in mind. It helps to have a waiting audience!
Semper fi,
Jim
I can hardly wait for the next one.
Thanks H. Kemp. You have been with me for a long time and that means so much to me.
I write on into this night with you at my back and side.
Semper fi,
Jim
The plot thickens, can’t wait to see what comes up. After all you’ve been through I’m sure you will handle it, just wondering what the mission is?
Your trust and confidence in me is accepted and understood. Thanks for that ‘jolt’ of support on this night, as I work away on Chapter VII.
Semper fi,
Jim