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.
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!