Q atw vjg bxmoq huk uif ixbt rkj U rdjas fgl exqqb. Lzw TBG slo jzwcopb bml .50 pnyvore ugkylqbudj khdyb wkmrsxo zng vq po zwbs. Dro uib tikml hnk hgkalagf oj ivl grzq vmvip xairxc zvahgrf dg gc. C rdjasc’i mpnbyl cn rxw, shfpun vnkexw xs sx rd vexym. Jung dhz uifjs aztye? Uooz ec tmrrih paiz hagvy bpm tvyupun, dqg aolu lwpi? Znke tytd’j rkfo mojjilncha uxgth igvghrk du uhdfklqj gmj cbfvgvba, pcs wkhb fkfp’v rkfo dqb tbk kmhhgjl dw juu. Hsj trg ez gur vxawrwp? V ohk wbghfiqhsr esp Kyrrc tpgaxtg fa vwrs vyhydw tsuc sl lzwe. Yj aew q dhzal fw rddlezkzfe tgw yj smhq lzwaj slhklyzopw azhpc xc ruydw stdw ni jvujsbkl cqjc jxuo bjwj cevwcnna wujjydw o jwkhgfkw. Ftq Dcidh, htes wvm sj lwv qrpq lewsvzpcl czfyod, ugmdv yrmv xkginkj tzy obr ublfo bpm .50 kvdu, gzegrv veh max qlne bpib bpm kyr vyhut, naq ptl uifo cguowxk dfmvu dy d nsppoboxd besqjyed. Nby tomnz qum bowksxsxq prixkt reu A eqwnfp’v fyrrc ymwtzlm lw.
Nbys hpcp jrlqj mh sllsuc hkluxk liev, R uxog. Tai uckp svwfiv rokb jt doha igaykj bt hc nq fylmwp xs ibuuf. Bpm Jxqqb kog tkijv. Cqn DLQ jnf jw qdwh…
Thanks for reading this short excerpt from the paid post! Fancy buying it to read all of it?
I’m glad to see the pace of your writing pick up as you get closer to the end of the story. I hope this means that the writing is therapeutic. Although this means the end of our reading the story is getting closer. I have been, and still do enjoy this story.
I have no grammar or spelling corrections. The story flows, that’s enough for me.
Thank you, Rick
I ended up a little behind on answering the comments.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have been looking for your third book of the series, is it published?
Not yet, Roger.
Thank you for your support
Jim
Hey Lt. Reference your reply to Mike, 2/19/19. Haven’t thought about it even at this late date, but my wife never asked about what really went on over there either. Guess that after her experience with the two guys coming up the driveway to conduct a background check on someone she didn’t want to know any too much about it. Take. Care Lt.
Yes, the wives fought their worry wars back here and it was might tough.
And then for those of us hit it was much much more challenging. Without her I would not have made it to write the story.
Semper fi, and thanks for that reference…
Jim
Cheat ’em and beat ’em one more day, I’d bet that by now the NVA would have a bounty on your head LT.!!!
Can’t wait for the Captain and his newbies to hear the drums start up again.
Once again on the edge of my seat, keep it going James.
SEMPER Fi
Stand by, the NVA were never quitters when it came to contact or a fight…
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt.I read the story so fast that I just pass over grammar. Your writing is superb.
Thanks Jim, for the great compliment, as I finish the next segment this day…motivation…
Semper fi,
Jim
LT
I FEEL LIKE I’M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU, THE NVA WERE NO DUMMIES AND KNEW THE JUNGLE BUT THE MARINE CORPS CAN ADAPT
SEMPER FI
We did indeed adapt and never ever quit…
although we did ‘attack in a different direction’ from time to time!
Semper fi,
Jim
Retired Navy BTCM here. Just wondering, do you still have those letters you sent home, or the helmet? You’ve had me all the way in this story, and like mail call, I always await the next one.
The only thing that survived the medical ordeal and transfer at the end was my small tattered diary. .45, helmet, watch…never made it through.
I do have every letter I sent home to my wife. Thanks for the asking.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, some people have the ability to “see” a situation and the response in the same flash. It’s not something that can be taught, it’s part experience but also a mental gift. You sir, have that gift.
As far as I’m concerned, write when you can and want to, and don’t whiny don’t. Grammar and spelling be damed. Samuel Clements once remarked that he didn’t give a damn about a man who could spell a word only one way.
Take care.
Scott
I love that editing comment Scott. Yes, it is hard to be live on the creative side and then plunge back into the analytical.
And then to actually spot the errors. A writer becomes blind to errors.
Thanks for the help about that…
Semper fi,
Jim
As an attorney for the Nevada Legislature I proof read my work and the work of others all the time. The rough nature of your work seems appropriate under the circumstances you are describing.
I used to work with a former Army intelligence officer who spent his time in the Mekong Delta. He had a reputation among the rear echelon types for correcting typos on read backs of his radio/landline reports while under fire.
Well, SGT ,I didn’t really the comment but I somehow get the idea that my work in writing isn’t ‘pure’ enough in
quality when it comes to grammar and such. It’s all about time and assistance, of course. To make a truly professionally
proofed work takes time and money. I do my best.
Semper fi,
Jim
Can you give the part where the drums are played during the night?
Gosh there were three sequence and about five parts, not that this odyssey is done yet either.
You’ll just have to review because I do not have the people to do that.
Thanks for the comment, though,
Semper fi,
Jim
Is this the segment you are refrring to, Max?
https://jamesstrauss.com/thirty-days-september-twentieth-day-third-part/
Out standing LT. Read segment over…
Thanks Mike S, as usual….
Semper fi,
Jim
James, you question how you made those decisions then at 23 and weren’t ask to make decisions when you came home. You made those decisions as a result of your Marine Corps training and natural leadership abilities. Many of us perform at a much higher level under pressure than in more normal, routine, …. and daily dull decisions. I think you have been very modest in describing your leadership abilities and practical intellect under extreme conditions. As far as coming home and never being asked to lead for several years? I would say you’ve worked under the management of people who were horrible judges of the capabilities of their subordinates. Trust me, it happens all the time. I look forward to every new piece of your story and continue to share it with my friends. Thank you.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t asked to make decisions when I got home. I was not allowed to make any decisions and I was not allowed
access to quality positions that might have allowed for that. I resent that to this day. I was not mistreated in any way like being
spit upon or ridiculed…but I was not allowed to enjoy respect and quality employment. That is still the case with returning
vets today.
Semper fi,
Jim
Morning, Early morning, Dam, You just described my life after Nam,
“not allowed to make any decisions and I was not allowed
access to quality positions that might have allowed for that”
” I was not allowed to enjoy respect and quality employment”
And yes, It is a sad and nasty fact that it is taking place still today for those returning from the forward edge ……
Semper fi/This We Defend Your friend Bob.
Thanks for the support on that issue Robert. I have no clue as to why part of the giant VA budget is not
dedicated to making sure that returning vets get a great job. And I’m not talking about getting them set up to go out and interview.
How about paying their salary or wage for a couple of years as inducement to hire them?
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read! A little editing help;
I’ll head back and little and wait …replace first and with an a.
I’ll head back a little and wait for the Ontos and Carruthers
Thank you, Don.
Appreciate the sharp eyes.
Corrected.
Semper fi, Jim
Keep it coming! I will always remember the green tracer incoming and the red outbound!
Semper Fi!
Yes, the strange fact that different cultures and military outfits used such different materials to accomplish the same mission,
and effectively, no less.
Semper fi,
Jim
I am speaking for myself, but most here would probably say to not worry about the length of time it is taking to put this down and post it. My situation wasn’t any near yours, but we all had our conditions to overcome while there!
I worry about getting the sequences out as fast as I can, which is sometimes easier than others. It’s important to have some
kind of continuity, in my own mind, as well. Thanks for caring and writing about that on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
James, This is a chapter I wrote about my story, as a letter home. Key is the phase , “They don’t let one-eyed guys carry guns in the Army.” I became a civilian in that moment. It’s my way home and my future. Good luck with your story. You make us Vet’s proud.–Marlin
November 1, 1967
Dear Mom and Dad,
I’m sorry to put you through this worry. I’m OK; I should make it back home all right. I am sure you’ve gotten the telegram already that I was shot in the face. Dad, tell mom not to cry because I’ll be okay.
The bullet tore through my nose and shattered my right eye and face, but when my left eye heals, I’ll be OK. The lenses of my glasses shattered and peppered my good eye pretty good, but the doctors said it will heal, and I’ll be able to see. It was quite a ride feeling the AK-47 bullet slam into my face and being flipped over backwards onto the ground. As I picked myself up, I touched my face to find most of it torn open. You can’t imagine the intense burning sensation on my face. I pried my left eye open just long enough to detect light and locate a gun. But I realized it was my buddy’s gun, and was horrified to discover that he, Sergeant, was dead and his body had shielded me from death. That is a debt I can never repay.
As I prepared to retreat back to the main column, I remember thinking, , “They don’t let one-eyed guys carry guns in the Army.” That was the last time I held a gun as a warrior. I’m glad God chose to protect me at that time. I knew my wartime was done. Now I just needed to get out alive.
A firefight raged for the next half hour. After that, the medic felt it was safe to bring in a Dust-Off helicopter to lift me out. Unfortunately, while I was being lifted out, the chopper received hostile gunfire and was extensively damaged. The pilot was able to land it away from the firefight, and I was later transferred to the 24th Medevac Hospital outside Saigon.
I received my Purple Heart from the Army Surgeon General. Boy was I surprised when I awoke to find him and his staff reading my name and a citation for the Purple Heart. He reached down and pinned it to my pillow.
The USO sure has been busy supporting the troops. They had a tour of baseball players visiting the wounded at the hospital. I was thrilled to have Joe DeMaggio and Pete Rose present me with an autographed baseball. These are two symbols that I’ll cherish for a long time.
I’ll be home soon. So, don’t worry, I’m safe now. Thank-you for your prayers.
What can I possibly add to such an intense and emotional comment? Nothing, except to say I am honored that you took the time and effort to put it up on this
page for all of us to read….and to also honor you….
Semper fi,
Jim
Beer’s on me…
You got it brother!
Semper fi,
Jim
Another compelling chapter. I think you were born to lead these men. As in the Book of Esther, “for such a time as this.”
Thanks Cathy, but I am still trying to figure out what in hell it is that I was born to do.
Maybe write about the experience as much as having lived them.
Thanks for thinking the way you do about it and me, and for putting your thoughts up on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
ARe you familiar with the phrase, “Born out of season?” I feel that way a lot, and I think other guys do, too. What the hell are we supposed to do now? Fortunately, I have found a calling that suits me, and for the first time in nearly 50 years I’ve felt like part of a machine, instead of a screw that got dropped on the floor.
As for your editing and proof reading, I’ve only noticed one chapter that was kind of rough, and it was obvious that you were stretched tighter than a rubber band when you wrote it. Get this stuff on paper, Man. Anybody can edit. Damn few can write like you do.
Thanks Wes, for the uplifting comment.
I am feeling more necessary and vital than ever before in my life and want to get this as right as I can.
I will endeavor to persevere….
Thank you!
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank You Sir!
You are most welcome David!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
LT,
Great story! I can’t wait for the R&R and “short time” chapter. 30 Days October should be great too.
Thanks Jim, I am on it…
Semper fi,
Jim
Good morning LT. Just have to say that if this Clay People plan goes as I expect it will, you should never doubt your battlefield awareness again. A most excellent analysis and counter offensive tactic. As has been said many many times, “The best defense is a good offense” You executed “mission, threat situation, terrain, time, and troops or assets available” Which is the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, to a “T”. I think that NVA commander has met his match.
I love Flash Gordon to this day.
I must admit that trying to outthink the enemy was one of the very few displacement activities I was able to enjoy,
even through the misery and terror of the elements, fauna, flora and more.
I could kind of remove myself and think fictionally toward real results.
Like calling artillery sometimes took me away from the situation because of the concentration it took.
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great installment! It seems like years ago since that great machine, the Ontos, came rumbling into your world. Was that Tex who brought it?
The Ontos was a game changer for survival down in that valley and I fought every way I could to
keep it running and active. Thanks for pointing that out…
Semper fi,
Jim
wow, DanC covered about every thing. didn’t waste any time about it either. maybe you should hire him. Did I miss a chapter? how did Macho Man get there? fall off a helicopter?
Thanks for your input, Tom.
Check into the previous two chapters
Twenty-Fith Night Second Part
and
Twenty-Fifth Night
Semper fi,
Jim
This episode makes me want to smoke a cigarette. Deep drags all the way to my fingers, and I quit smoking over 20 years ago.
Thanks for the great compliment Rob. Means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
All the while those 175 gunners and FDC waiting on your fire for effect command. We were with you grunts, just not in the jungle. We heard the bullshit net and we knew what y’all were going through down there.
The batteries were wonderful and was never denied. I knew they knew and they knew I knew that they knew the real situation.
Thank you most deeply and sincerely…
Semper fi,
Jim
The miracle of a quick thinking combat mind, with no former education to support it than the very hard earned experience. Your men are good, very good, and the Capt is smart enough to hitch his wagon to the thinker. The outcome of this night’s fight may be history, but in most men’s minds still a very real experience. Pray for all you Marines to sleep well very soon. Poppa
Wow, Poppa, but you can lay a few words down and say a lot of stuff with true meaning. Accurate as hell and most complimentary.
Thank you so much…and you help me write on into this dark winter night..
Semper fi,
Jim
I flew out of Tan Su Nhut & Bien Hoa.I wished I could have been with you guys and thanked God I wasn’t.
Great book
I wish you could have been there too…and am damned glad you were not! Funny how that oxymoronic thought process occurs to us
combat vets…
Semper fi,
Jim
I was so sick of all the rain and being wetfor about 70 days. Your story Brings back lots of memories great job james
Thanks Fred. I don’t dwell on the physical misery overmuch. It can get too dark
and upsetting all the way around. I write enough to give anyone reading the idea…not the experience itself.
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
James all I can say is WOW WTF great plan great thinking as well. !!!!!!!
Now, so many years later, I wonder where some of the insight came from. I was 23. And then I came home.
I came home to be a nobody making decisions for on one. That was so very hard, but maybe also so very
necessary. I would not admit to being a Vietnam Veteran for so many years. Maybe that was necessary too.
Funny, kind of, to write about and think about where some of the decisions came from. Music of the time,
pulp fiction and the Saturday matinees were so important to my survival. How is that possible?
Semper fi, and thanks for the great comment.
Jim
Like you I never talked about Nam after discharge even with my family. The only exception being other vets and even then the conversations were guarded to avoid bringing up (explitive) that might trigger Long buried experiences.
But following this saga has prodded me into reactivating my VA account and avail myself of those services.
Thank you sir.
WOW, I am humbled that the story prompted you in that direction.
Keep us updated on your progress, Yankee.
Semper fi,
Jim
Gripping as usual. The hair stands ip on the back of my neck.
One edit … Gunny made you solely responsible “but using the words,” should be “by” rather than “but”
Thanks for the grand compliment and the help with the editing.
Semper fi,
Jim
You be put us right in the thick of it sir. Riveting. Thanks. Great story.
Thanks Mike, and maybe the toughest part is being right back in the thick of it myself right now.
My wife does not want me to talk about it at all and can’t read it. I know she secretly feels pretty great about
how I wrote her all the time…but she’s been along for quite a ride on this post Vietnam odyssey…that isn’t so
post just now. I can’t stop. I have to go on, like back then… I have to make it until tonight…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great writing , so glad you are finishing, this 30 day experience needs to be told, and finished, looking forward to the last days, thanks from another with survivors guilt.