No fewer than fifty Marines worked to drag the downed trees and jungle foliage up to the end of the bridge, and then secure it to the structure using the ropes that had been tied to make a cargo net for unloading the last resupply chopper and getting the supplies across the bridge and onto the near bank. The Gunny guided the Ontos, while small explosive sounds came across from behind my foxhole position, in one staccato run after another. There would be plenty of trees, but would the wildly chaotic structure that was being assembled be enough to allow the Ontos to ride up on the bridge itself, and then cross to the other side?
The twelfth Skyraider sortie was coming down the valley. Each of the giant-engined beasts flew as low as possible over the churning floodwaters of the Bong Song.
The rain had begun coming down in a steady series of sheets, with a mild wind driving the sheets over the lip of the eastern wall and then down into the valley and right across the river. It was hypnotic to watch the sheets approach. Fusner and Nguyen had worked to get our poncho covers linked and pegged down, with shallow runnels of water tracing their way around the foxhole to make sure the mildly flooding mud bank did not fill the bottom of the hole.
There had been no fire from the jungle, nor had any fire come out of the dug-in tunnel exits of Hill 975 across the free fire mudflat near the canyon wall on our other flank. First light had come and gone an hour earlier, although the sun had not risen high enough above the dense cloud cover to allow great visibility down in the valley. The rain sheets came and what light there was seemed to lessen appreciably when they struck. The hard-working Marines were fully visible to me but would most probably remain still unseen by the enemy filling the jungle area just downriver from our position. The NVA would know by now what we were doing, but possibly not why, and it was still unlikely, I felt, that they would have figured out we were about to come back across a river we’d crossed only a short time earlier.
The Gunny rushed up the small berm from the back of the bridge where the Marines worked with the Ontos to my foxhole. Both he and his radio operator slipped under the poncho tarps. With Fusner and Nguyen already occupying the hole, along with myself, it was decidedly crowded, and the Gunny and his radioman were both sopping wet. I motioned with my eyes toward the back where Nguyen was pressed against the far rough surface. He caught my look and was gone in seconds, his departure only noticed by Fusner and me.
“This part may work, as long as the Skyraiders can stay on station pounding them down,” the Gunny said, unloading a dry towel from his pack and then wiping his neck and face.
“It’s got to work and work pretty fast,” I replied, peering back out to try to take in the mess of piles of trees and other debris that seemed to heap up and cover the back end of the bridge.
“What about the water rushing three feet deep around the back of the bridge?” I inquired.
“We intertwined a lot of the smaller tree trunks into the cargo net you made,” the Gunny replied, working to light a cigarette and then hunkering down to the bottom of the hole to go to work and make a cup of coffee. “When the Ontos goes up the pile, which is going to be higher than the lip of the bridge, it’ll press down everything. It weighs almost ten tons.”
“I worry about the center of gravity,” I replied. “The guns weigh about three hundred pounds each, not including the fifty caliber siting rifles. That’s a ton of weight added to the turret. If the Ontos goes over, then it is lost and we may be lost with it.”
“It’s your plan,” the Gunny said, finally getting his cigarette lit. When he began heating his water the explosive we all used in place of heat tabs gave off its smoke and odor. Between the cigarette smoke and the burning Composition B fumes, the foxhole was almost uninhabitable.
“It’s my plan but you’re working hard to implement it,” I replied, trying to be as diplomatic as possible. “Will the modification you made, of simply heaping all that jungle trash in one place, serve to allow a ten-ton vehicle to climb up and reach the back of the bridge?”
“There’s no telling,” the Gunny replied. “They’re working away at it. We didn’t have the time to build platforms and then lay down carefully cut tree trunks for the Ontos to drive up on. The riverbank mud would never hold anyway, even with what forms we could fashion. Either this works or it doesn’t.”
“What if it doesn’t?” I asked, at wit’s end.
“Then you’ll come up with another plan,” the Gunny replied, sipping his coffee, puffing on his cigarette between swigs.
I had no other plan, as was generally the case. So far, in my time in the valley, there’d usually been just one way out or at least the chance of one way out, and we’d been lucky. Now we had almost a full complement of two companies of Marines, run by three junior lieutenants and a salty war-experienced Gunny, but with very little room in which to operate. Battalion had little knowledge, that it would accept, about our situation. What’s more, it didn’t seem to care what we did or where we were. Only a little less than a month earlier I had terrible trepidation and fear of not obeying battalion’s orders, but now I really never even took the time to think about it. The battalion command post was in the rear with the gear area and its sum total of understanding had been well illustrated when the six actual had sent his best friend, with a delegation, to check on us. The body bags he’d received back had been credited to me personally. The Gunny, and all of the other Marines, save maybe Fusner and Nguyen, didn’t understand. We were never going to be relieved, nor taken back into the rear area for rest and recovery.
Jungle Rain
The Gunny was true to his word, as I watched the Marines work right on through the onset of new waves of heavy rain coming down. The pile grew and lengthened. I realized that the plan might work if the current didn’t destroy the base of what was being built before the Ontos could press down hard enough on the whole thing to gain traction and climb the distorted mess of a pile.
The Ontos finally began its run, Hutzler hitting the gas. The tracked vehicle ground its way into the pile of tree trunks, stumps and other jammed together debris the Marines had so painstakingly blown, pulled or scraped from the jungle area near the river. The ten-ton tracked vehicle, powered only by its small 145 horsepower GMC engine, moved very slowly, as it began to climb the mess of the pile that was supposed to act as a ramp.
A-1 Skyraider
A Skyraider flew low through the rain, the air misting when it was between the heavy wind-blown sheets. The Skyraiders huge radial engine grew louder and louder until the Ontos motor could not be heard at all. There was a pattern to the Skyraider sorties and this one, whether it was piloted by Cowboy or not, was impossible to ascertain without getting back on the radio, followed that pattern precisely. It let go with a brief shattering stutter of 20 mm cannons mounted in its wings, and then dropped two five hundred pound ‘snake-eye’ bombs. Then it was gone back up above the thick clouds. The Ontos fought to remain upright as it climbed the pile of wood-studded debris while I literally held my breath.
A line of tracers came out from the jungle. The bombs had fallen, their detonation causing a minor seismic disturbance in the valley, but leaving no following trace that they had gone off at all. The blanketing rain crushed whatever smoke or flying bits and pieces of the jungle, or men there might be, dragging it all back down onto the jungle floor. The NVA were finally figuring out that the Ontos was attempting to cross the bridge. The small arms fire wasn’t from a fifty caliber, however, meaning that the Ontos armor could easily handle any rounds that struck its angled surfaces.
Another sortie of Skyraiders came in this time involving two of the aircraft. They seemed to follow one another at an altitude that could not have been more than a hundred feet off the surface of the fast-moving waters of the river. Cowboy had either seen or had reported to him, that the Ontos was at the most critical part of its journey. Once atop the flat steel surface of the bridge, it would transit to the other side of the river in seconds, where it could turn and direct its deadly 106 mm recoilless rounds against anyone, or thing, that fired upon it. The threat of the beehive rounds would do more to suppress enemy fire than the launching of the missiles themselves, I knew.
The Ontos rocked back and forth near the top of the woodpile that I could not consider, even using my imagination, as any kind of ramp. Chunks of jungle spit backward from its grinding treads, Hutzler was keeping his RPMs at maximum so as not to lose what momentum the ungainly vehicle had. There would be no opportunity for Hutzler to escape the Ontos if it plunged into the river and was lost to its fast-flowing and deep currents.
“Another Silver Star,” the Gunny had murmured before the Ontos had begun its run. “I wouldn’t drive that thing anywhere near that damned river.”
To me, it wasn’t a Silver Star performance. It was Medal of Honor stuff, but that kind of recommendation would die on some officer’s desk somewhere in Washington. The Medal of Honor was awarded politically, and we all knew it. The greatest thing about the award was that the person receiving it was immediately pulled from combat, although the processing of such an outrageous decoration probably took longer than anyone might have left on a combat tour.
It was nearly high noon when the Ontos crested the top of the pile and then lurched forward onto the end of the bridge. From my foxhole, I heard the cheer from the Marines gathered at the river bank. The Gunny came back to my hole at a run, his radioman trailing a bit behind. Everything seemed to be happening at once. The enemy opened up with a serious barrage of small arms fire, two more Skyraiders screamed down the valley and the Ontos built up speed as it crossed the bridge in order to jump the small gap it would need to cross at the other end.
“Idiots,” the Gunny hissed out as he slithered under the poncho covers and crawled on hands and knees to my side… We knelt together, taking in the scene before us.
“There’s nothing for the NVA to shoot at except for our cheering Marines, but I could not stop them from exposing themselves and cheering. The Ontos is impervious. The enemy might as well be shooting BB guns at it.”
I didn’t reply, as none was necessary. I presumed that Jurgens and his platoon were dug in on the far side of the bridge, as they’d been ordered to do. Once he and his men had crossed the bridge near dawn, they’d simply disappeared. There was no point calling them on the combat net because there was nothing to say, except wait, and they were already doing that. Their mission was to remain inactive unless the enemy stupidly chose to mount an infantry attack on the Ontos, and then to provide as much counter-fire and boots on the ground support to get the supplies from the expected chopper and up into the clefts under the face of the far canyon wall. Jurgens would also have to provide machine gun coverage for the crossing and arrival of the remaining Marines in both companies.
“I don’t want to wait,” I said to the Gunny, who had taken out a cigarette and was lighting it. I noted for the first time that his hands shook a bit. The project had taken a toll on him, I realized for the first time and his slightly shaking hands had an effect on me that ran deep. The Gunny was my rock and it didn’t feel good at all to think that he might be scared, or deeply affected by what was going on.
“Yeah” the Gunny replied, “Sugar Daddy and the wounded have to be over there when that chopper comes in. There’s no way the choppers are going to linger around on such a hot landing zone,”
“What is it?” I asked gently, not looking at the Gunny, concentrating on the final run of the Ontos as it came up to speed, and then quickly drove across the bridge to jump to the other side.
The Gunny hesitated a few seconds, blowing out a puff of smoke into the rain, which was now coming down hard.
“I don’t want to cross that damned bridge again,” he eased out, the words coming slow, “and I don’t want to hole up in those caves like a rat waiting to be ferreted out and killed.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Fusner and Nguyen pressed against the back wall of my foxhole. I was uncomfortable with what the Gunny was saying but I was even more uncomfortable that not only were Fusner and Nguyen hearing it but that the Gunny didn’t care that they were hearing it.
I knew it wasn’t the Gunny’s fear that was bothering him. He’d been very close, in his way, to Sugar Daddy and was most assuredly so with Jurgens. I didn’t know about myself, but it was difficult, in spite of his distant attitude and sometimes insulting behavior to ignore the fact that he had taken me in, guided me and taught me everything he could to help me to survive. I sensed that there was no solace or succor I could give him that would not cause even a worse reaction. We had to get back to the plan and we both had to endorse it enthusiastically, or none of it would matter.
“Fusner ordered a hundred rounds of the 81 mm mortar ammo, which should stand us well at the clefts,” I said, changing the subject completely.
We were all going over the bridge and we were all going to hole up on the other side until we were ready to once again take on the NVA in a full-frontal attack. We had never failed when attacking them. We took most of our casualties when we were on the run or exposed, like with Sugar Daddy and his Marines at the bridge. Under the curl of the canyon wall, the enemy could not reach us even using the sparse RPGs they had or their version of our fifty caliber machine guns. The 175s from the Army firebase couldn’t reach us under there either. With luck, we would be able to draw on Puff once more, lay waste to the jungle with one zone fire after another with the 175s and then attack while the NVA was down, hurt or at least in complete shock. Our attack would be to pass through them, not wipe them out or engage, except where they engaged us.
“When?” the Gunny asked, finishing his cigarette and snapping the small remainder out into the open air, which was mostly falling water and not air at all.
“Resupply comes in at 1400,” I replied. “We cross over at 1300, and then get our defensive fire positions set up during the ensuing hour.”
“Fusner told me about your brother,” the Gunny said, pulling the subject out of mid-air like it had been floating there all along, just waiting.
I didn’t know what to say, so I just stared at him.
“Who was he with?” the Gunny asked.
“The Big Red One, and I presume he’s still with them,” I replied, not liking the past tense being used on my brother, at least not yet.
A prognosis of ‘fair’ was not good, I knew, but, according to Fusner, such assessments were invariably written as worse than the reality might be. I knew nothing about Naval or Army procedures or actions at their military hospitals. Mostly, we sent the wounded out on choppers and that was the end of that. We never got them back and never even got to know if they survived or not. The Army hadn’t notified me about my brother. They’d sent the telegram to my parents and my parents had forwarded it to me with an address change.
“You get along?” the Gunny asked, no emotion in his voice.
I was growing increasingly uncomfortable but could not avoid the Gunny’s direct questions, and at least it took us away from the fears he had mentioned, although I knew those were just a substitute for his not being able to grieve openly over the loss of Sugar Daddy.
“Not all the way along the line,” I answered, truthfully. “Only my senior year in college when both of us had to move home to save money. At that point, I think both of us agreed that we were really pretty good brothers compared to what was out there. Yes, we got along.” I only realized as the words left my mouth, that I too was referring to my brother in the past tense.
“We get along,” I added, knowing the words sounded weak.
“I’ll get everyone ready, and I don’t want to wait either,” the Gunny said, suddenly energized as if the talk of my wounded brother had somehow done something to pop him out of his depression.
“Fast. We have to move fast. Call Cowboy and see if all three Skyraiders can come down the valley one after another, about three minutes apart and tell him to drop plenty of ordnance. That will give us nine to maybe twelve minutes to cross and get under cover before the enemy recovers and pays attention. And we have nine flechette rounds left for the Ontos. When the Skyraiders come in the Ontos can stand by to take out anything that opens up if we’re not fully undercover in time. Then it can back its way up to our position, like before.”
The Gunny got up and climbed out of the foxhole without another word or waiting for a response. Nguyen followed him out into the rain for no good reason I could think of. Fusner turned up his little radio as I went back to my position against the rough hardened mud wall of my foxhole that faced the river.
Brother John introduced a new song that he said was going to be an international hit, whatever that meant. International because it had come from some sort of Russian folk song. I waited for the song to come and watched the Ontos reorient itself carefully on the other side of the river, its six deadly tubes aimed directly at the jungle area where real trouble always came from and probably would always come from.
“Once upon a time there was a tavern, where we used to raise a glass or two.
Remember how we laughed away the hours, and think of all the great things we would do…” came out of Fusner’s radio.
I knew in seconds that the song would be a big hit. There was something longing about it, longing for a younger more positive past. When the chorus hit “Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end…” I was convinced. Whatever the melody, the lyrics were about all of us serving in the war, particularly those of us not likely to survive.
The Gunny reappeared the two newer lieutenants at his side, with all three radio operations behind them. He didn’t enter the foxhole, instead, he went to one knee and sticking his head under the tarp.
“You’re going over with the first wave before the NVA truly grasps what we’re doing. The planes are due in five minutes. Get your stuff together and go for it. Jurgens is waiting on the other side. Get his men up to the cleft with the Ontos. We won’t come until you let us know the defensive M-60s are in place and the Ontos ready to open fire.” He pulled his head out and was gone.
“Okay, Fusner, it might be my plan but the Gunny’s running with it. Let’s do our part and get the hell over there. At least the makeshift mess of a ramp will let us run up and right over.”
I scrambled for my helmet, liner, and pack, having already checked to see that my letters home were securely in my thigh pocket, along with the supply of morphine I hoped to never need again. I felt more than heard the Skyraiders in the distance, so I knew they had to be racing toward us down the valley. The one sound that never left, and immediately came to the forefront, even though the murky misty rain, was that of the lone drum, beating its single solitary sound every half a minute or so. Sometimes it could be tuned out, but it always came back to all of us living under its implied threat. I wondered if maybe the Skyraiders might save one bomb to dump on the top of the ridge again.
The Gunny had left the two lieutenants behind. I climbed out of the hole, detaching my poncho from the others, as Fusner and Nguyen sought to do the same thing. The lieutenants stood like lost children in the rain as if school was out and they had no idea of where to go.
“Follow me,” I said, waving one arm toward the river as I moved out.
I almost smiled at the ridiculousness of the command. Seldom, if ever, in real jungle combat, do officers physically lead their Marines. The point is simply too dangerous a place to be and, aside for officers thought to be so incompetent that they are removed by their own men, generally, officers are too valuable to risk by having them right out front as fully exposed moving targets. Nevertheless, I moved fast down the berm and right up onto the pile of wood and debris with the lieutenants, Fusner and Nguyen being trailed by a massed group of Marines. I looked over my shoulder as I climbed the pile. I was finally leading Marines in combat.
The crossing was fast, low and without incident. There was no fire from the jungle, but then we’d lain down on the hard steel surface of the bridge to await the arrival of the first Skyraider. When it passed rapidly overhead, I got up and ran for the other side of the river. When I exited the bridge by jumping across the three-foot opening between it and the bank, although at the same level, I was no longer leading anything or anyone. The Marines went by me as if I was standing still, each of them carrying packs at least three times the size of my own. The second Skyraider was coming in. How could it have been three minutes I wondered. I felt like I’d left the other bank only seconds before. The Marines ran full out toward the far wall across the hardened mudflat. I passed the place where the battalion delegation had died, the holes where the NVA had set in to surprise us. I ran on toward the canyon wall at a trot, ridiculously hopeful that none of the Marines passing me would take my particular cleft, the one that had been the most comfortable and safest place I’d spent time in since being in country.
The mudflat, and then the berm before the wall, became a hotbed of activity, as the Marines went about setting up machine gun positions against the backside of it.
The Ontos moved slowly toward us, backing, with its six deadly tubes always pointed at the jungle. No fire came from the enemy, but it was only mid-day and our air support was at its most effective and forceful. ‘
My cleft was deserted and I felt great relief, tossing my pack inside the cave and then turning to lay against the berm and consider what might be done, if anything. The third Skyraider came in. There were still Marines crossing the bridge, I realized. The crossing was taking more time than either the Gunny or I had planned for.
“Get Cowboy and have him swing back right away,” I yelled over my shoulder to Fusner, still unloading his gear inside the cleft.
“He’s coming back for another run anyway, sir, but they’re running low on ordnance,” Fusner yelled back.
I breathed in and out deeply. The Gunny still had to make it over and the enemy was going to be rearing its ugly head at any second. The two newer lieutenants joined me, laying down with their chests resting on the berm, like my own.
“What do you want us to do?” one of them asked. I didn’t bother to look over at the man. The two lieutenants were proving to be compliant and willing to do whatever they were told. I could not fault them for that. But the Marine companies, particularly my own, ran almost automatically, and I feared that the lieutenants might attempt to make modifications to procedures long-established and get themselves killed in the process.
“There’s nothing to be done here,” I said, my full attention on the bridge and the Marines crossing, worrying about how long it would take Cowboy to swing back around. The Ontos was there, idling away nearby, but every round we didn’t have to expend on the crossing we would have available for protecting the resupply choppers and then getting on through what was going to be a difficult night.
“Go on up and down the line and check the M-60 positions. Let me know how many we have and whether they’re set up or not.”
The lieutenants didn’t move.
“Now,” I hissed at them, still not taking my eyes off the bridge.
I saw the Gunny start across. I was shocked to see Nguyen with him, just off his right shoulder and a little behind. I hadn’t seen Nguyen in the crossing and now I knew why. He was looking after the Gunny as he looked after me. I wondered if the Gunny knew or even cared. They both ran, their bodies bent over, keeping them from running at top speed but offering a bit more security from getting hit from flying shrapnel blowing back from the Skyraider’s bombs.
Cowboy was back. I heard his plane beginning its run further up the valley.
I pulled myself from the berm and moved fast on hands and knees to where the Ontos sat. I crawled up to the back and opened the hatch.
“Hutzler, give me one round of flechette and put it right into the outer edge at the center of the jungle. I want them to know you’re here and loaded for bear. When that’s done then back up to the face as close as you can get while still keeping your aim point.”
“Yes, sir, Junior,” Hutzler replied. “Get away from the rear and make sure I’m clear.”
I pulled back, closed the double steel doors and then raced back to my former position, wondering if I should have shared with Hutzler the coming 175 artillery barrage.
I covered my ears just as the 106 went off, the round tracking straight to the edge of the jungle and then exploding with a great fireworks display, as the tiny flechettes interacted with the falling rain at extremely high speed. Trails of vapor were everywhere. The Skyraider came in. The Gunny was crossing the mudflat with Nguyen at his side. The plan was working, at least so far.
If we made it back to Ga Noi Island I wondered if I would be able to get some sort of emergency leave to visit my brother in Japan. I doubted it but the idea gave me some hope. I’d only come to like my brother lately but since I had I now didn’t want to lose him in the worst way. The Gunny crossed the berm and disappeared up the trail that ran along the back edge. Nguyen came toward me. I didn’t have to signal him. I simply turned and headed into my part of the cleft structure that ran along under the cliff face edge. The Skyraider dropped its bombs. We’d made it and not lost a Marine in the process.
A great explosion came from the river area. I raced to the opening of the cave and ran back to the berm. A cloud of debris had risen right up through the falling rain. The bridge moved. I then knew why the Gunny had waited until everyone else was across. He’d blown the bridge. Ever so slowly the bridge moved downriver until it disappeared past the edge of the jungle area. There would be no going back. It was hole up, batter the hell out of the jungle. and then attack toward the glacis and escape up into the forest at the top of the wall. As with so many of my other plans, there simply wasn’t one other course of action to be taken.
Awesome writing as usual! Can’t wait for the next installment.Hope all is well with you
Thanks a ton for the great compliment. I will try my heart out this very day.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, I’ve been checking 30 Days and the Cat anticipating new installments and, since I focused on them, missed seeing that you created a new series “Journaling Coronavirus (COVID19) 2020.” As of tonight you have posted a new entry for the last dozen days. So now I’ve caught up. Looking forward to your continued thoughts on the subject. All is well here. Blessings & Be Well
Life has come at me too…what with the recent surgery and then this whole Coronavirus and getting ready to get ready for how to deal with it.
I will write again but I can’t make any promises because I am ruled by the same emotions that drive you and everyone with a brain these days.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for the update on the writing, but I’m more concerned with how you’re progressing after surgery.
I am now fine after the surgery and steering clear of the virus as best as I can.
Thanks for the care and support and the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
I reread 30 days from the beginning while waiting for new installments and never get bored always find something new in it.
Thanks Scott, that means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another awesome read TY LT. Continue on your forward Movement to full recovery. Jim
Thank you Don, for your support.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hey LT. How are you feeling? Hope to see you back online in March.
TJ, much better.
Thank you and all the readers for the well-wishes
Semper fi,
Jim
Wao! The bridge is now gone, and we hoped to see a picture of it!
https://mail2.spectrum.net/index.php/mail/viewmessage/getattachment/uniqueId/465552/account/0/filenameOriginal/IMG_2490.jpg/filenameModified/IMG_2490.jpg?folder=INBOX/
Sorry. Cannot open it!
Try this again https://jamesstrauss.com/the-twenty-ninth-day-second-part-30-days-has-september/
Jose.
Hey Lt. Eyes up and straight ahead. Got to what you are now going threw, twice. Once in 86 and again in 97. As others on here have said. Meet it head on with a modicum of respect for what ails you. Take care Lt…
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Lieutenant if anything goes wrong I’ll never be able to finish the story! So here hoping for the best for both you and me!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
. Trails of vapor when everywhere. (Were). Only edit worth mentioning. Prayers for a strong recovery
Thanks for noticing. Error corrected.
Jim appreciates the support
Chuck
been there done that LT. use your pillow for those coughing spells , and take those good meds on time for the first week . you can wean off them later but don’t wait to NEED them before you take them. the oxy helps the coughing and the pain. Semper Fi
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
we all love your books and truly wish you the best , my your God be with you as for may years past
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Prayers for safe and speedy recovery.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Another Update from Jim’s daughter.
He s awake and still in ICU,
will probably be in a regular room tomorrow if the staff doesn’t “kill” him first.
Julie said he is “Bear” ~~smile
Answered prayer
Chuck, I’ve been there myself (triple bypass) and looks like I will going back for another in a month or so. Give Jim my best and tell him that he’s in my prayers! Dwayne (Herbie) Herberich SCPD (Always the Finest).
Well Wishes and a Speedy and Full Recovery sent your way James.. modern medicine and surgery will have you back to 100 % in no time.. Take your time, listen to the Doc’s, when you’re ready to get back at it I look forward to another amazing chapter.. No Rush on the writing, you get better is the important thing.. Semper Fi LT..
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Had Quad Bypass 22 years ago still going strong @ 71.
Speedy Recovery lt. ;>}
Get well soon Lt. That was a good story. 7th Inf Div.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Hoping the best for you James, you will come thru just fine, stronger than ever!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Get well soon Lt!!
Get well soon, Big Guy. Semper Fi.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Chuck Bartok here “speaking” for Jim.
He had open-heart surgery this morning. So far all is well.
Last evening he saw the outpouring of comments and wanted everyone to know it will be a few days before they are responded to.
He appreciates all of you so much!
Semper fi,
Chuck
Great news
👍🙏
Hi
Jim prayers and best wishes on your surgery and a speedy recovery. Another great read. Forever Faithful. Thanks again Milt. Thanks for the update Chuck.
Thanks for the good news update.
Comforting news Chuck, Thank you, give my best to Jim!
Thanks Chuck
Glad to hear it went well! Wishing Jim a speedy recovery for his and our sake. I look for new chapters every day.
Chuck:
Please share with Jim that several of the more “seasoned” Vietnam Veterans have undergone the fabled table to get a long chest crack scar. Mine was in 04 and I have not looked back, ever. Still consider myself lucky to have survived the Valley, and then the surgery so many years later. Can’t say SemperFi as I was an Army draftee. Best of the luck in your recovery.
Interestingly, mine was 2004 also, Steve.
I was fortunate to have a Massive Coronary as I walked into the ER.
I did not remember anything but woke up 4 days later aching in the Chest.
Tell Jim not to die on us. His story is a long way from done!
Thanks for the update Chuck! Be sure Jim knows how loved and appreciated he is!
My prayers continue.
Welcome to the “Not so lonely heart club” Jim.
MAJ Deitz, US Army, FA
28th DIVARTY
Best wishes for your upcoming surgery Jim. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Very intense L.T. I latched on to your observation. “But the Marine companies, particularly my own, ran almost automatically, and I feared that the lieutenants might attempt to make modifications to procedures long-established and get themselves killed in the process”. What a great compliment to your Marines as well as a revelation of your commitment to keeping the “FNG” Officers alive till they could learn and survive.
Prayers and crossed fingers for your upcoming surgery.
Glenn.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery Lt. As far as the book goes, We were Marines to the last….Much love and be blessed.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Wishing you a speedy recovery. ( One day at a time, though.)
A smooth report on another tactical relocation. Your use of all supporting fire saved many a Marine. Still not anticipating the installment that includes your wounds. Your rehab is well under way. Rest when possible and look forward to some warm spring days and the rehab walking. Poppa
We moved all the time and most times it is what kept us alive as we have no tunnels or caves of our
own to hold up in.
Thanks for the care and neat comment Poppa.
Semper fi,
Jim
Praying for you and your team of surgeons that all things go well for you. I had my bypass back in 2002 so I do know what it is like. You have a strong backing of friends behind you supporting and praying for you.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
God speed on your recovery. Part of the silent majority of readers that honor and respect there VN brothers service, then and now.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
I will be praying for you and your doctors.
Jim, prayers for your surgery. Missed the May flight but will be on the Sept 19th flight. now I wish I had gotten on the May flight.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Good luck on your surgery, they put a new valve in a few years ago for me. may you live long & in good health.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Best wishes on your surgery.
Prayers headed your way LT.
Hope that your procedure today went well and wishing you the best uncomplicated and speedy recovery possible. I had my chest cracked in 2006 to replace a congenital aoretic heart valve – and hope your procedure to be as successful as mine but a whole lot less traumatic. I am separated O-3 USAF ’68-’75 and spent it doing “satellite intelligence ‘data gathering’ ” looking for emitters and such to warn people of “areas to avoid if possible” and EOB stuff. I am in awe of the things of which you write so well – thanks for sharing and hopefully making other people appreciate what so many of you did for the rest of us. If I may borrow from #2 son who spent 4 years as a Marine – “Semper Fi”
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
I held my breath while waiting for Gunny to cross…
Wow.
You take care, James…
I’ll be waiting and watching for you to post.
I do so enjoy your writing.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
This one had me on the edge of my seat. Knowing the story is about to the end and so many questions in my mind that are left to be answered.
All of the book has been good due to your descriptive writing. But all good books seem to have the best chapters near the end.
As a cancer survivor, I wish you the best of luck on the procedure. Relax during the recovery. Come back strong.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
We’re all pulling for you LT, Rest up. Looking forward to the next installments and “The Cowardly Lion”. Can’t stop now.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Another great chapter Lt. Good all your Marines made it over the bridge. I have two great cardiologists, one the electrician the other the plumber. Prayers for you and your cardiologist team tomorrow. Prayers for your family also, will be a hard day for them. We will be here waiting for your return to your writing, just take all the time you need, we an wait.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Another amazing read…I have been on the journey with you over the years now…and in some ways I hate to see it come to an end…because there is something here in your story that resonates with all of us…it pull some from the darkness into the light and others it educates to the reality of how things played out…the constant fear…the constant pressure of combat…and again your leadership skills were showing in this segment. May the good Lord hold you in the palm of His hand until you are fully recovered and feeling well again.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
As ever you never disappoint, good work LT. SEMPER FI.
Get well and be well Marine! I just know you can and will hack it. This chapter was riveting and it not only effected me emotionally, it also effected me physically. Your gift for reality made me feel and remember!
You, Gunny and “your” Marines are a credit to the Corps and us all! Thank you!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Get well Lt. And then get back to buiss. Those last 2 chapters should hold us over. Thanks again for taking care of everyone. Then and now.
Thanks Roy, and yes it gets a little strange. I still take care to try to build the ‘company’ back to T.O. strength.
A shrink at the VA told me that and that I had to quit. Well, I can’t!
Semper fi,
Jim
Tell that shrink to walk one day with bullets flying by. After 1 mission my CH-46 had 108 holes
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Understood.
Great read as always! At this point you are in charge, you have won their hearts and minds so to say! Leadership isn’t something every leader has! You earned it by your courage. Sir I would follow you !
thanks so much Joe, and I would have been most happy to have you in my unit, although I would not have wanted to lose you, like
so many. Really appreciate the comment and your concern and care…
Semper fi,
Jim
Praying for your surgery and recovery.
I want to wish you the best with your upcoming surgery! I just had a little skin cancer removed yesterday. Fun getting older isn’t it? Prayers sent your way brother! Spc.4 Joe Lange 69/70 4th ID
Thanks for the well wishes Joe, as I enter into that proverbial valley…once again.
Appreciate the warmth of your comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another awsome chapter! I can almost feel the rain…unreal…good job Sir!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Wishing you a complete recovery without any complications!! I read all your 30 Days as you post them and await the next ones!
Michael Willis
173rd.Abn.Bde 1970..1971
Bien Dien Province. SVN
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
I agree with both the readers before me. And to me as inexperienced in combat , found that the plan and the actions of all its moving parts is what you all had learned about getting out of more than terrible situations. A very efficient killing machine adapting and surviving.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Every experience in the by pass world is the sum total of the extent of disease and the skills of very member of the surgical and post op teams. Lately it does sound very much improved especially with your personal experience so far. But a 70 yr old man returning to his keyboard already is very encouraging. All I will say is that in 1987 or 1993 it would not have happened. We will enjoy your product as always and take some sense of wonder at how you appear to make it effortless, physically. Now to read the next installment. Poppa
I am at the keyboard again Poppa but can only sit up that straight for short periods of time.
I expect to be ‘back at the work’ by the end of this coming weekend. Thanks for the support and the care along the way.
When I was in triage they said I had a survivor’s body so they worked on me. I guess they were correct.
Semper fi,
Jim
I had a Marine tell me that the two others in the same hole just gave up at first evac point. He said he willed himself to live legs or no legs. Wish I knew where John is now. Poppa
Thanks, Poppa, for the usual pithy but poignant point. Yes, there are definitely those on the planet that want to remain here on the planet more than
others. Why? Only the divine can figure that one out…
Semper fi,
Jim
I served a shorten tour in 1967 with the Big Red One 1st of the 26th. Great outfit that took care of their men. We all grieve for our brothers in arms, and real loss-your brother-the one you grew up with. So sorry. You’ll be in my morning prayers. Be at peace by brother. See you on the other side of surgery.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Do good in your surgery James. We will all be pulling for you.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Unlucky as hell but lucky as hell at the same time James! May your luck remain with you for the upcoming days with your surgery..
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Wishing you best of care tomorrow along with a speedy recovery. Looking forward to the next few chapters soon as the 30 Days end September. You and your Marines made me proud this afternoon.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
The relentless pressure of the enemy and the rain grinds on everyone. Great read, prayers for a successful outcome.
Thanks, Jim,
I will be answering so many of these after I wake up and get my bearing again.
Forgot to name this Plan ~~smile
Semper fi,
Jim
We will be here. It will be tense, as always with a friend, I’ve learned through experience that it’s always easier for the one involved. He is to busy getting ready as you know. It;s all the others that it takes a toll on. Lots of wishes and prayers for a safe and happy return.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Thank you Jim for such and outstanding book. Best of everything in your upcoming procedure. I, along with all your admiring readers will wait for your next chapters.
Thanks Henry. Much appreciate the kind words. And the compliment inherent in your writing.
Semper fi,
Jim
LT, this is remarkable. Prayers for your surgery!
One comment about the last installment. Was your brother serving near Bien Hoa when wounded? I read Ben Wa but not in quotes and wondered if there really was such a place or were you giving a phonetic pronunciation of the Air Base Bien Hoa?
It was Bien Hoa. You are correct. He was aboard a 113 tracked when they ran over a mine.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt, don’t worry about the surgery! I went through the same thing back in 2007 for a triple bypass, and am as of now, all these years later, in great shape. I have to take a number of pills to keep my cholesterol in line along with blood pressure. Keep up the great work in writing about your service to GOD and country.
Thanks for the cogent accurate advice and also for the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Agreed. Your best work yet, sir. When I finished reading, I discovered that I was holding my breath, waiting for the Gunny to get across, and was relieved when he blew the bridge. What a great idea: burn your ships…
Keep it up, I’ll pray for your return to health.
Great compliment Michael and I appreciate that. The Gunny was so damned independent sometimes but so right on too.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great to have you back LT. My Old Hart is running fast on me to . Dr. Are doing tests and putting me on new Meds. Hope your have good luck with your. They may have to cut on me to. Good luck LT. Fred
It is NOT the cake walk so many allude to, Fred.
But you have handled worse I am sure.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Saying a prayer for you and the surgical team.
Each chapter tops the next, Engrossing and totally insightful about men at war. Hope your surgery goes extremely well
Best yet James
Another great addition to the operation. Nice move by the Gunny on the bridge removal. Will be no sneaking across by the VC let alone a full fledged attack. Thanks for the chapter before your surgery. Wish you the best outcome and a speedy full healing.
Great read, James! Your unit has really become a cohesive entity. Even those baby 2LT’s are pitching in where they can.
Blowing the bridge is like slamming and locking the door behind you – and was a great move.
One question – is it Ga Noi or Go Noi Island?
Best of luck tomorrow, my good friend. I made it through almost 18 months ago, and I am sure you will as well.
Semper Fi, Brother!
Craig
Thanks for the support, Craig
It is actually Gò Nổi Island.
Semper fi,
Jim
Reading this story has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my entire life. I was a couple of years too young to get drafted and sent. Cannot imagine being Fusner’s age and experiencing that chunk of Hell. So many questions I’ve had for years have been answered. In spite of knowing Vietnam Vets from all the military services, none cared to articulate their experiences this openly. Thank you LT, and God bless.
Well, Arnie, you reached me with this one. The depth of that compliment is difficult to plumb but it sure hit me.
I’m just laying down the story and had no idea how special that might become until men and women like you came forth to tell me.
Thanks for the motivation to come back and then go on.
Semper fi,
Jim
Ditto for me what Arnie said so well. His enlightening experiencing been mine too since I first ran across 30 Days. I’m a few years too young to really have experienced the war or its impact on society as I was a pre-adolescent during the bulk of the war (born in late 1961). Trying to understand it through biased media and historical sources that I know better than to trust has been frustrating. Jim’s so personal and transparent sharing of his experience when combined with all of the veterans adding credence & perspective has been a life changer in some ways.
Also… nothing but deepening and amplifying respect for all of you Vietnam Vets wherever and whenever you served. You are American’s finest and didn’t deserve the response from society you got when you returned home. You do deserve the awakening response that’s happening 50 years later.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
As it was when I was in the Ashaua, I want this to end, LT!
I also hope your surgery goes well and that you live a long and fulfilling life. I have, so far.
thanks for the very direct revelation and request Andrew.
Appreciate the best wishes too…
Semper fi,
Jim
LT, my hands were shaking reading this chapter. Trying to move without getting mistaken by the air strike really hit home. We lost a man wounded by a Huey gunship. Best wishes with your heart surgery.
I really appreciate your support, Steve.
I understand the shaking Hands thing.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Tense, I was. Git ‘er dun, L T!
You and your Marines make me proud. That was some afternoon! God’s speed and the best of luck to you tomorrow. Looking forward to your return and the next few days in the A Shau.
Good vibes your way Jim, have had quadrupled bypass + pace maker due to A/O. Stay strong 💪.
I am feeling the aftershock, Jim.
~~smile
Thanks for telling your story. It speaks of a time and place that captured our lives. Thank you for telling it like it was. Outstanding. Semper Fi
Wow James! Amazing plan that worked great. I’ll be praying you surgery goes well.
Thanks Don, for the compliment and the best wishes.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt. you got this littlte heart stint deal. BTW Remember minor surgical procedures are done to others ! Great chapter..best yet. Semper Fi
Great chaper, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you have surgery.
What a treat to have two installments of this great story in such a short while. I hope your upcoming procedure turns out the best it can be.
I am now on the mend and hoping to finish soon, John
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Have a pleasant and uneventful R&R! Anxiously awaiting your next chapter.
Floyd
Good one Lt,Glad the Gunny and Nguyen made it across ,good for one more night !
Good luck with the surgery I’ll add you to my prayer list Brother
Semper fi Marine,
Steve
good luck with your surgery, great read, how do people survive this shit, my God
Unfortunately so many did not, Bill.
I appreciate your comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great work then and now!
Semper Fi!
Outstanding chapter! It read like one long run-on sentence, with no breath. Prayers for your upcoming surgery.
Another breath-holding chapter LT. Best of luck on your upcoming medical procedure, you’ve got this. Semper Fi.
You obviously know why this response is Late, Mike.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Well that sure answered my question about the longevity of the bridge !! 🙂
Godspeed on the pending surgery LT.
SEMPER FI
Thanks SgtBobD,
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
All I can say is that your awesome writing continues! Having served at Pleiku in the Air Force, I appreciated all you and your folks did but your writing brings everything into much clearer perspective for me as to what the field folks endured!
Best of luck with your surgery – Prayers are headed your way!
I really appreciate the comment, Jeffrey.
I am sorry about the tardiness in response.
Now just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
May God be at your side during the operation as he was in Nam. Sempi Fi
Jim, one of my closest friends is undergoing his 2nd open heart surgery in 3 years. He had his aortic valve replaced 3 years ago and is having to have it replaced again because of a fungal infection he picked up when he was serving as a Captain with a USMC artillery unit along the DMZ in the mid-60’s. Bill will be 81 in March. Hold steady, Sir. You will come out open the other side with a healthy ticker. Best of luck for a successful surgery and an easy recovery
Thank you Harry.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Awesome job both then and now! Couldn’t put it down.
All the best for your upcoming surgery.
It will make a great movie.
Not much chance of that happening for obvious reasons, Randall.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Semper fi,
Jim
I hope your Heart operation goes well. It should be easy for the Docs to find any defects since it is so big. I can tell that by how you talk about your men down in that valley. You try mightly to act like a hardass with that pistol stuff. But you let it leak in little spots your love for your men. God’s speed to your and steady and steady hands to those who will operate.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Riveting, simply riveting. This will hold me over until you return from surgery.
You really should be a visiting professor for a semester at Iowa’s or Stanford’’s writers programs.
Be well. NB.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Lots of action and suspense there LT! Best of luck to you for your upcoming surgery.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Another riveting chapter. One typo to fix. At the end of the next to last paragraph exchange one and not to read “We made it and not a lost Marine in the process.” Semper Fi Doc
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Thanks for another great chapter, Jim. I wasn’t expecting this one so soon.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
good luck with your surgery. Great chapter and trilogy. Can’t wait until it’s finished.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
You really do write a gripping tale here Lt. You had me hooked from the first night but these latest installments are really exciting.
Good luck in your surgery, get well fast.
I’ll be waiting for your good health and return to writing.
w3ski
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
They have all been great chapters. Best wishes for tomorrow’s ordeal. My prayers will be with you.
The “ordeal” is over, Rick.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
I can only imagine!
Awesome again LT, take care and mend quick, may you have a “Gunny ” watching over you. Semper Fi sir
Great read for!! Best of luck on your surgery and prayers for a speedy recovery !!!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
When I got to the end of this segment, I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair.
already jonesing for the next but I can wait.
Sending vibes and prayers. Be well, take your time and heal Brother.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Jim, Outstanding – again you have us right “there”. So why do I feel like a ‘time traveler’, looking at a smoking volcano from the center of Pompeii – Knowing what will soon happen, yet knowing nothing at all. Prayers of comfort & strength to you & yours for the 22nd. Doug
As always, I appreciate your Input, Doug.
I am a little late in response.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Whew! I kept waiting for that damned Ontos to topple over! I don’t know if it’s the best chapter James, but its up there! Should be an interesting night! You’re on our growing prayer list! We’re pulling for you tomorrow! Hope you found the Valium! Good luck my friend!🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸 Semper Fi!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Well, we are across the river, dug in, waiting resupply, the bridge is gone……a good place to take a couple of weeks rest during your surgery. For the Gunny to let you see his stress says a lot for how you had progressed in his opinion of you over the past 28 days. It is also an indication that maybe with your help, he had finally started to hope for survival. Jim, Good Luck! in your surgery. We will be patiently sitting here in our foxholes waiting for the next chapter after you are on your feet.
Semper fi,
Joe
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
WOW! I feel chills and my stomach is tight. The die is cast. The Rubicon (Bong Song) crossed. …and some NVA commander is really pissed that you escaped.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
The Skyraiders huge radial engine grew louder and louder
until the Ontos motor could not be heard at all.
Maybe possessive of Skyraiders – Skyraider’s
remove blank space with backspaces
Maybe also possessive of Ontos – Ontos’
The Skyraider’s huge radial engine grew louder and louder until the Ontos’ motor could not be heard at all.
I realized for the first time and his slightly shaking hands had an effect on me that ran deep.
Maybe change “and” to “that”
I realized for the first time that his slightly shaking hands had an effect on me that ran deep.
The Gunny reappeared the two newer lieutenants at his side, with all three radio operations behind them.
Operators instead of operations
The Gunny reappeared the two newer lieutenants at his side, with all three radio operators behind them.
The one sound that never left, and immediately came to the forefront, even though the murky misty rain, was that of the lone drum
Maybe change “though” to “through”
The one sound that never left, and immediately came to the forefront, even through the murky misty rain, was that of the lone drum
… Fusner and Nguyen being trailed by a massed group of Marines.
/but isn’t Nguyen with the Gunny? /
/ I hadn’t seen Nguyen in the crossing and now I knew why. He was looking after the Gunny/
Trails of vapor when everywhere.
Maybe “were” instead of “when”
Trails of vapor were everywhere.
May the hands of your medical staff be divinely guided for complete success.
Blessings & Be Well
You are an amazing man Dan!!! I thank you for being in my life…
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Every chapter is the best chapter
Great read! Brother was in Marine Arty at An Hoa! 105’s! I believe 68 to 70!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Breathless. I could hardly believe the tension as I read. Amazing depiction of this event. I cannot imagine the reality of it
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
I broke out in a cold sweat as they crossed the bridge. I can see their faces and smell them.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Well LT my cardiologist was needed . This is one awesome morning. Your men understanding the job from making the ramp to setting up beyond the bridge cohesive Marines. The feeling you expressed about crossing the bridge leading the men , appears to be a turning point for your confidence. Best to you on the up coming surgery.
Thanks a lot W, and I will accept your well wishes for the coming surgery.
I feel like the kicker being ‘iced’ before the field goal attempt. Where in hell is the Valium???
Semper fi,
Jim
Take care Lt, I have an Aortic valve replace last July. You are in my prayers.
Sorry about the tardiness in response, Michael.
I am sure your surgery was a success!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
God Speed LT. Hope your surgery goes well.
Well you certainly keep me on the edge of the seat with this last release. Good job as always. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery
Thanks, Dempsey.
I am slowly getting back to routine.
Semper fi,
Jim
Valium worked for my heart cath Friday.
Another great, edge of the chair, segment. Prayers and best wishes for your up coming surgery with a speedy recovery. Looking forward to your visit to DC in May. Hopefully we can connect while you are in town.
I am also looking forward to May and feeling better, Dan.
Sorry did not respond sooner.
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery.
Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day.
Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
Wow, I was on edge the whole time I was reading. Great job. Another great read. Can’t wait for the next one. Prayers and thoughts are with you on your upcoming surgery.
Thank you, Tom
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days.
My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming jamboree this year and tour
Learn more about that HERE: GoFundMe and Rendezvous. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim
May be best chapter. Well done.
Thanks a lot Jim. I get many people saying one chapter after another is the best but I have no way to judge
as I simply see it all play inside my head and then write it down. Thanks for your compliment and that analysis
Semper fi,
Jim
Harsh memories!
Harsh memories!
I am just getting fully ambulatory after the bypass surgery. Sitting at the computer fully erect is still demanding but I am getting stronger day by day. Wednesday of this week (Feb 5) will make it two weeks.
Thanks for the comment and I’ll be fully answering all my comments again soon and also finishing the Third Ten Days. My heart surgery was a success but the recovery will be a bit longer than I
anticipated.
If you want to help you can buy my books (there are now seven available) either online or if you want autographed and signed/inscribed from my website here. If you can and want to help with the coming
jamboree this year and tour then you can contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. I will much appreciate whatever attention you pay to me and my work.
Semper fi, and I cannot thank you enough.
Jim