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Thanks for reading this short excerpt from the paid post! Fancy buying it to read all of it?
Jim: One of my Army buds was a Captain who had graduated from Kansas State University as a Veterinarian. His assignment was to check Beef and Ham products used to concoct our food rations during the time frame of your writings. We are very close because as I already shared with you, I was in the Valley but in the Army as a Combat Engineer. He winches when we talk about the contents of those little green cans of fat and calories. So when you pen something about ham and beans as always have to smile inside and of course go check for the TP inventory. Thanks and awaiting the last of this memory read.
Another great read! I cannot wait to purchase the books. I have a cousin who was a Marine & spent time in the Ashau. I am not sure if he would read the books. He is still very affected by his time in Vietnam. I had two Sergeants in the Air Force that were Medics & did two tours there in Vietnam. They taught me a lot. One of my Charge nurses, a Major, that saw a lot in Vietnam taught me so much. And she kept the young doctors in line.😃 I had great respect for my mentors. Keep up the good writing. You are almost there. You have almost “finished the race that is set before you.” God bless!🙏
Thanks so much Cathy. I don’t think I have that many female readers but much enjoy the comments I get from them when they choose to write
on here. Yes, I am mid-way through the second to last segment of the Third Ten Days…and then the first chapter of the 4th book begins,
the rise from the battlefield to home and the tortured complications of that passage. It’s called Thirty Days Has September, Book Four,
The Cowardly Lion. Thanks for lifting my spirits into the work.
Semper fi,
Jim
Well hell you are in, and a cliff to climb with the surviving Marines to catch a breath.
Just can’t make this stuff up !!
Wish I hadn’t turned the sound on for the rain though, ’cause it really brought me right back..
Keep on healing and keep on writing “Junior”.
(donated)
SEMPER Fi
Thank you again for your support, Sargent. Maybe we can meet up this Fall?
Semper fi
Jim
Wow! Very riveting LT. A cornucopia of emotions going through anyone reading your detailed account of Hell in the A Shau.
Hope to meet you on your journey across the country, and purchase your books directly from you, inscribed,of course. Please keep us posted on your travels for that chance to meet the people who respect you and your story.
Let me know where you are William and I will put a tack on the map.
Thanks for the compliment and I much appreciate you making it on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Well done, El Tee. I was too young for vietnam, and I was retired long before Iraq & Afghanistan. You and those like you helped set the bar. Charlie Mike and caring for the troops who were entrusted in my care. That’s what you, and all the others who went before, taught myself and the other senior NCO’s as we came up through the ranks. (I have a personal story to share with you later offline.)
Please share your personal story with me, and thanks for the compliment you have written on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you again El Tee for the raw courage to confront and recount this phase of your journey into Hell. I can well understand the bits and flashes. I met a guy I served with 45 years before and he told me things I could not remember and then only in bits & flash card images. This cannot have been an easy task to recount over 50 years later. Some things are burned into our souls.
No, it has been harder near the end than I ever imagined, but then, I began writing this as a filler experiment for a new website…I never expected to continue.
The men and women on here have made this all possible because I cannot write this without mental help. I have received that, not to mention how much the contributions
made to the go fund me site have spurred me on. Thank you most sincerely,
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
When i was on the gunline aboard the U,S,S, Hamner we gave gunfire support to the marines. Never knew what help it was. Now from your writing I am hearing what a life saver we were
Funny how all that played out over there. We did not get to know supporting units personnel much at all. Mostly nicknames,
and identifies and personalities to be remembered forever but not to be found later on. I’ll never know who Cowboy in the
Skyraider really was or the guys at the Army artillery bases that did so much for us and asked nothing in return.
Thanks for the help!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
My husband was in A Shau with the 101st Airborne 70-71 Khe Shan, Pu Bei, Wei.. God Bless all our Vets
Thank you for sharing, Mrs. Sgt Reed.
Semper fi,
Jim
Ex.cellent chapter,James. I made it through almost a half minute of the jungle rain before I had to turn it off. Too many memories.
Sorry my writing reached into you so deeply. I can only write it as it comes forth and I have no idea, while I’m writing
what effect the story will have on any individual. Hope you can get more of the story as time goes by.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, Don’t apologise for your writing. You know that there are certain words,smells and sounds that can send you careening back 50 years in an instant. It’s part of the price we pay for the time we spent in the Valley. Keep up the good work.
Well, thank you Dave. I didn’t know what to say. I haven’t been writing the work to cause anyone pain. In fact, I’m. not sure why I
started, other than my I.T. guy wanted something ‘new and fresh’ for the new website when he started it. Now, I am writing to
finish and also to keep a compact with those guys, like you, who’ve been so straightforward and true on here and also the people
who’ve contributed to the go fund me site. Big help to me. Thanks for writing what you just did here.
Semper fi,
Jim
James man oh man its a great read.
Thanks a ton Tim. Keeps me going.
Semper fi,
Jim
Powerful and riveting as always.
LT, “The fact that the night was the blackest night I could remember in all of my life.”
One statement you write can say so much, in my 8+ months in the field there were way to many of those nights. Then you come up with the faces we see or don’t see… Only the men that were there will know what you went though, thank you Jim…
Mike, I am sorry I di not respond to this sooner.
Thank you for the continued support.
The Third Ten Days should be available in print within 3-4 weeks.
I am already starting the Cowardly Lion which
cover leaving Vietnam and then transitioning into civilian life.
Semper fi
Jim
I am sorry that I have not gotten back to your sooner but I was taken up with private matters and the finishing of the last novel in the three novel series of Thirty Days. It is done now, and online. It will take about a month to get in print, both soft and hardcopy. The first chapter of the next book, my recovery through the medical, the rest of my Marine experience and adapting back to society will come up online next week. That book is called The Cowardly Lion. Thanks for putting up with me.
Semper fi,
Jim
The picture of being covered in mud and leeches amid everything happening plus no chance of washing it off just sucks away all feeling of being human. I’m glad that was not my experience. What a huge gap between those in the field and we REMFs.
Good to hear the survivors of Kilo were able to rally under your command.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
I tried to move as fast as possible through the smelly decaying mess, not to get through the other side, and Kilo, so much as the distance to us from the guns of the Ontos.
Maybe add “to” before after “through” and substitute “to” for the “the” before “distance” plus remove “to” after “distance”
I tried to move as fast as possible through the smelly decaying mess, not to get through to the other side, and Kilo, so much as to distance us from the guns of the Ontos.
My body is instantly penetrated through
Maybe substitute “being” for “is”
My body being instantly penetrated through
didn’t have a seasoned Gunny with them to get them, or Kilo Company, through, however, all they had was me
Maybe break this into two sentences.
didn’t have a seasoned Gunny with them to get them, or Kilo Company, through. However, all they had was me
Radio silence and codes were only called for in order to keep them from knowing where rounds were going to impact where our ground attack planes were going to strafe or bomb and the time and location of helicopter resupply and medevac.
Maybe add some semicolons to separate tasks.
Radio silence and codes were only called for in order to keep them from knowing where rounds were going to impact; where our ground attack planes were going to strafe or bomb; and the time and location of helicopter resupply and medevac.
“The lieutenants thought that the enemy might be listening in,”
Yes Charlie did listen in. I don’t believe they had enough English speakers to be able to act
tactically on whatever intel they gathered. Saying what you planned to do a day or more away was another thing.
We would no doubt need ammunition, as we fight to gain the top of the ridge
Not quite sure what is being said here. I’m guessing the ammunition would be coming on the resupply. So the ammo you have will have been at least partially expended between now and reaching the top?
Suggestion: add “would have to” after “we” Plus add period at end of sentence.
We would no doubt need ammunition, as we would have to fight to gain the top of the ridge.
OR are you going to leave extra ammo behind to make climbing easier? So maybe”
We would no doubt need ammunition after our struggle to climb to the top of the ridge.
When I’d directly confronted him about that idea, the tone in my voice gave my negative feeling about his position away.
Minor point “away” reads better after “gave”
When I’d directly confronted him about that idea, the tone in my voice gave away my negative feeling about his position.
only little more than a boot width in-depth
Hyphen seems unnecessary
only little more than a boot width in depth
There is a large group of folks standing with you as you finish recounting this amazing traumatic experience. Blessings & Be Well
As always, your sharp eyes are appreciated.
I think we caught them all
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, I find myself breathing deeply, wondering to myself – “So, what do you do now Recondo?” – Remembering my GDPs in West Germany in the early 80’s. No trees, little cover, just rolling farmland for my under strength tank platoon. Looking to the East, less then 1,200 yards before 3x my strength, the WTO forces would come in to view. Knowing I’d be calling in FPFs after firing my 2nd round & maneuvering to our secondary, uncovered positions, hoping for the A-10s & Cobras to give us a fighting chance. And that is just one of the many memories pulled back from reading yours. Regards, Doug
I am sorry that I have not gotten back to your sooner but I was taken up with private matters and the finishing of the last novel in the three novel series of Thirty Days. It is done now, and online. It will take about a month to get in print, both soft and hardcopy. The first chapter of the next book, my recovery through the medical, the rest of my Marine experience and adapting back to society will come up online next week. That book is called The Cowardly Lion. Thanks for putting up with me.
Semper fi,
Jim
What John Conway said, really
Stunning. Unbelievably believable.
Thank you, Tim.
Semper fi, Jim
Great job LT, Brought back memories again, memories the VA shrink said I keep suppressed. The last time, before I stopped seeing him I told him if he was there he would understand, as he wasn’t there he could never understand.
I have not slept more than 6 hours straight since in country. Usually 2 – 2 1/2 hours and up for at least that long, total 4 -5 daily max. When in the hospital stateside every time I’d wake after a short sleep a nurse would arrive thinking awakened by pain and give me a shot. Still didn’t sleep as they thought I should but they kept me in a happy place.
Doc gave me pills, shrink gave me pills “that would make a horse sleep for a day”. They only made my awake time very groggy.
Another donation next month LT and will buy a soft and hard cover of the 3rd 30 to complete the sets.
I am sorry that I have not gotten back to your sooner but I was taken up with private matters and the finishing of the last novel in the three novel series of Thirty Days. It is done now, and online. It will take about a month to get in print, both soft and hardcopy. The first chapter of the next book, my recovery through the medical, the rest of my Marine experience and adapting back to society will come up online next week. That book is called The Cowardly Lion. Thanks for putting up with me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Somewhere, at some time, I’m almost positive I’d read a passage that implied that we witness our own death through through the unblinking eyes of strangers…
To this reader’s mind your view of that winding road, straddled by expressionless strangers peering at you was without doubt something other than a nightmare! I’ve never read a more accurate description of a premonition, and it both made me shudder and breathe a sigh of relief to learn you did not see yourself on that road, only looking down it! Truly moving to have it confirmed once more Lieutenant that death does not mirror our lives, but only serves as a looking glass we ultimately step through.
In point of fact however, if I hadn’t yet read such a passage…your passage, in this segment of Thirty Days Has September, weighing the difference between nightmares and precognition, and shall serve as the best insight I’ve ever received from anyone for what real fear means when standing toe to toe in the face of a faceless death.
Wow, How could I have missed the fabulous comment?
Your support and sharing of wisdom have been a boon to me along this journey into the past.
Thanks, Dennis
I am sorry that I have not gotten back to your sooner but I was taken up with private matters and the finishing of the last novel in the three novel series of Thirty Days. It is done now, and online. It will take about a month to get in print, both soft and hardcopy. The first chapter of the next book, my recovery through the medical, the rest of my Marine experience and adapting back to society will come up online next week. That book is called The Cowardly Lion. Thanks for putting up with me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you Don, it is always nice to read such words and I am always kind of surprised by the positive response that I get from submitting these chapters. I must admit that the go fund me
site has really motivated me as it so helps me to get the stuff published and out in the real world. Thanks for the kind words and the help…
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
WOW, just Fucking WOW!!
Thanks for that short but great compliment. I hope you don’t mind me putting the go fund me
link here in this communication. It helps me no end to have guys contribute, no matter who small.
I don’t know why but it is keeping me going….
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
Thank You Sir!
You are most welcome David. I much appreciate the kind words on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you sir ! When these stories pop up … I find a quiet place and get memorized in the story . Thank you again !
Thanks Tim, for the great compliment and the fact that you wrote it on here so everyone else could read it.
Much appreciated.
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir, I find myself shaking as I read your account. Your writing is as great as the situation you write about is terrible. Thank you and all the men and women who served so much for your service.
Continued best wishes to you all.
Thanks for that stirring compliment Keith. Much appreciate the kind words and the thanks from you…
Here is my go fund me site in case you are laying around wondering what you might do to help…
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
Jim, I know it seems repetitious, but this is the most intense and riveting story I have read in such a long time, I don’t know what to compare it too. I feel like I can nearly call myself a vet after taking this little jaunt with you. My utmost respect and admiration for you and everyone else who lived and died in this hellhole.
Thanks a lot Rob, as your words bounce back and forth across the canyons of my mind. Intense compliment. Terrific care and loyalty.
Here is my go fund me site, which helps me keep going and also will get me going to go around the U.S. and visit guys just like you!
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
Another amazing segment, one can only imagine the immediate issues of survival in those conditions. Then, now all these years later try to put the thoughts and feelings to paper.
God Bless
As always , Lt. a spell binding read. You did one hell of a job down there in the valley.
I would have been honored to serve with you.
You, and so many others on here, would have turned some of he situations we handled marginally or badly into
grand successes. Unfortunately, most of you would not be here to write and read and help me either!
thanks for the compliment and the loyalty and care…on here too.
Semper fi,
Jim
Damn LT, just DAMN!
Thanks Joe, this was a tough chapter and I had to rewrite it seven times! I just could not get it all together to make sense.
It came at me in like stop-action or strobe pictures but out of sequence. Finally got it down.
Thanks for the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
I can’t find words !!! I’m going to be sorry to see this end…
Excellent. When this is complete I want a full set of books, autographed.
And so you shall receive those books any way you want them inscribed.
In the meantime, thanks for considering any help on getting the last one out there and me on
the road this fall…
Thanks for everything and anything.
Semper fi,
Jim
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
Going to be a long night with no sleep , no place that’s safe and no way out. Just thinking your man and home and love ones so far away in another world who you maybe will see again some day
The way out seemed pretty damned impossible that night and I do recall staring upward without being able to see much of
anything, of course.
And the discomfort of all of it physically and mentally was tremendous. I still recall being a bit relieved that I’d stayed away from
the new lieutenants, as they were both really nice guys. I had no time to monitor or train them. What was I to do? And then I get upset
with myself for thinking that I didn’t want to know them better. What had I become?
Semper fi,
Jim
I have been following this for a while, and I must say it is the most riveting writing I have ever read. I always so excited to see the next chapter. I joined late and may have missed this, but Is this story partially or fully based on your experiences in Vietnam?
Yes. Thanks for asking Ronald and thanks for reading and that great compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
My go fund me account is here if you want to help or can help get this published and me on the road visit guys like you this fall: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
LT. My older brother is a Vietnam Marine vet 68-69. He and a lot of my friends say the same about FNG’s they didn’t want to get to know them after having lost so many of the brothers they shipped over with. They knew the odds were against them surviving and just didn’t want to lose another person they had grown to care for. I enlisted in the A.F. in 72 because my dad ne of the Chosin few would sign for me to follow in my brothers footstep. I fought the tail end of Nam but as a C-130 crew member I missed out on the ground fighting.
Thank you for your input, Charlie. I am sorry for being so late in response.
Be thankful you were not on the ground.
Semper fi,
Jim
Good exciting chapter.
Thanks Jack for the neat short compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
One minor typo…”Radio silence and codes were only called for in order to keep them from knowing where rounds were going to impact where our ground attack planes were going to strafe or bomb and the time and location of helicopter resupply and medevac.” Needs a comma between impact and where. Thoroughly enjoying read this and wait patiently for the conclusion.
I made a typo of my own…should say enjoying reading this…not read. Sometimes my brain moves faster than my typing fingers do.
Funny how we can make a typo while correcting someone else’s typo…but that is the way it is. Hard to edit and even harder to edit your own work.
Thanks for the help and the care…
Semper fi,
Jim
A dark and spooky chapter in my opinion, for no reason I can come up with. There have been other night chapters, but they came across differently. A mood was definitely set for me somehow. Although it would come several years in the future, it brought to mind “Spirits in the Night” from Springsteen’s first album. Thank you again for bringing us on that part of your journey.
I appreciate your input and sorry so late in responding.
Semper Fi, Jim
👍😬
Thanks for the silent compliment Jim….
Semper fi,
Jim
This bad boy is getting intense! I look forward to re reading the whole thing once it’s finished. Available in hardback, paperback? How? I have the first two 10 days on my Nook, but I want hard copy. This is special.
You can order all three hardcover from me directly, signed and inscribed if you want. The last one is still two segments from being finished, however.
Thanks for the interest and the support, especially on here and in purchasing my books.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks Jim !
Most welcome Bob!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you Jim ! Lookin’ forward to the next installment !
Semper Fi
Bob Cooper
The text flows nicely; polished so there are no trip-ups. The story line is gripping, as usual.