The Skyraiders broke the dawn, and everything else, apart, as they came in over the river at an altitude that had to be less than a hundred feet. First light was upon the valley, and the smoke coming up from the still-burning dried mud of the river bank could be seen, its pungent smell able to be inhaled all the way across the water. The four Skyraiders had come down from higher altitude to arrive almost soundlessly until their giant thundering radial engines became the only thing any animal could hear up and down the valley. Cowboy’s plane had to be among the four, but it was impossible to tell in the low light by trying to see through the canopies of the fast passing planes. And then, the sounds grew even louder with the roaring fire that came out of the Skyraider’s 20mm cannons.
I knew the pilots could not see any activity below them. The light was simply too bad for that. I also knew why they were firing anyway. The NVA would not only be diving for cover in the jungle beyond, but they’d now be fully on notice that airpower had arrived, and it was of the kind that was going to remain on-site for some time to come. Cowboy was merely giving the enemy a taste, and letting everyone know that nothing would happen in the valley that escaped any notice from the huge deadly aircraft constantly overhead or within seconds of being called to be overhead. That the enemy threat was no longer from the jungle mattered little, until I could get on the radio and advise Cowboy otherwise. There was no missing or ignoring the Skyraiders when they were down in the valley, and that applied to both sides and just about everything else wanting to stay alive.
Medevac and resupply were coming, I knew. Battalion could not have missed the frightened and emotional communications made on the combat net during the battle. I hoped they sent a CH-46, or preferably two of them, along with plenty of Cobra gunships. Hill 975, the hill that had so frightened me, to the point of never wanting to get near it again, was back in play. The hill could not be attacked and taken because our forces, even with total air cover, heavy artillery support and plenty of resupply, were not capable of penetrating deep down into the earth to root the NVA out. Aside from nuclear weapons, nothing in our current inventory I knew of could penetrate that deeply into the planet. There would be problems later in the day with the landing zone because of where it had to be. The only clear place for the choppers to put down was near Hill 975, not far downriver from where the old airstrip had been allowed to go fallow.
I’ve been hanging with you close to 4 yrs now. Meanwhile had 2 Cancer Surgery’s & Quad-By Pass. After awaking from each one I ask my wife ” Has Jim Posted another Chapter Yet?”
What a grand compliment this is my friend and I cannot tell you how deeply you have reached me.
Thought specifically of you in writing the next segment. You hang in there will you…
Semper fi, brother,
Jim
LT, did the Ontos back thru the mud or go forward thru the mud? Or maybe I’m just not clearly understanding the story. Sugar Daddy has reappeared but maybe not for long. A tough chapter as they all have been lately. Read this chapter three times over the days just to understand. Keep stomping. Thank you.
It went forward through the mud, as the rear rotating track at the rear would not allow for much
in the way of depth in mud. Thanks for being so taken and for following so closely. You attention keeps my attention on the
work and I thank you for that motivation.
Semper fi,
Jim
Absolutely amazing Jim,
I have so appreciated being educated on the Vietnam war experience (just one of thousands of perspectives, I know). Your ability to write with excellence from a perspective of first-hand knowledge, with humility and transparency, is truly unique. I eagerly await each installment, checking many times per day, but empathize completely with what you’re going through to write it… so any wait for an installment is completed with patience and respect… and is always worth it.
I am an avid supporter and wish I could do more. I’ve purchased two copies of both 30 Days books, including the bundle of all of your books (and have read / enjoyed them all). What I really hope to have one day is all “30 Days Has September” in one hardback, that could include some of the graphics you’ve shared on the web installments. Would it be possible to crowd-source or fund it’s printing in advance through this site or a Kick-Starter / Go-Fund-Me effort so that a high quality book could be put out? I’d invest eagerly if I knew I could have one.
Chris S.
Thanks Chris S. I will look into Go Fund Me. I had not thought of printing the hardcovers using that as a source.
But some of the guys and gals on here might support that effort…Thanks so much for the idea and the compliments and the meaning you give me at my
very core.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim,
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if you were able to raise a substantial amount towards a hard back printing via a pre-funding campaign. The excellence and integrity of your writing has drawn people in but your fan base has been cemented by the relationships you’ve developed via the thoughtful, personal responses you make to each and every post. Even though I’ve never met you personally I feel like I know you well and consider you a friend that I would very much like to support. I’ll bet many of your readers would respond generously (especially if they knew they would be getting a personalized, signed copy from the first run).
Chris
Thank you for your insight and suggestion, Chris.
We will be looking into it.
It would be an almost 1500 page book, however, and that does bring the costs up in shipping
and if Illustrations are included, more added cost.
But worth investigations.
Thanks again
Semper fi
Jim
I’m in
Lucky to have you, my friend. Thanks for being here and commenting too…
Semper fi,
Jim
Chris, I see that James followed your advice and started a Go-Fund-Me page to raise a few dollars to get the Series completed and more important setup Rendezvous of readers across the USA as he did a couple of years ago.
Thank you for the Suggestions.
Here is the Go-Fund-Me Link
Go-Fund-Me-Thirty-Days-Has-September
This is the wonderful letter I received from Chris S a couple of days ago. The letter is the letter of a lifetime for any writer and hit home like a sledge hammer.
All I could do was sit back and glow…and then take the advice I was given and start the Go Fund Me account as Chris had been recommending for some time and I had been ignoring. I could not ignore this letter, so here it is in its entirety for you to consider too..:
December 11, 2019
Dear Jim,
I have been a fan for over two years since purchasing the First 10 Days book due to a reference I found on Facebook. I have purchased two copies of each of the first two 10 Days books in paperback and one copy of each in hard back (I gave away the paperbacks to friends to help build your fan-base). I have also purchased all your other available books sold on your website and have greatly enjoyed them all.
Just this past week I read “The Boy” while on vacation, it was a wonderfully written and well edited book. I am looking forward to reading “The Warrior” over the Christmas holidays (I’ll get started on the plane flight from Oregon back to Kentucky to see my daughter and her family).
I became an Arch Patton fan, having read “Down in the Valley” and “The Bering Sea” paperbacks, and the (partially written?) “Thunder Marine” segments online (it appears to end in mid story in the online segments). I enjoy trying to figure out which parts of the books are based on your (real) personal experiences and which are additions of literacy license.
I especially enjoyed and appreciated “The Fish Doesn’t Have to Be Real” book. Some people may overlook this one in favor of your more dramatic endeavors, but I found the depth of soul in the short stories to be very touching. A wonderful look into life through the eyes of a child, and if some of the stories are based on your life experiences (as they appear to be) they reveal your great compassion for children.
I have not yet started reading “Island in the Sand” but look forward to starting the book 1 paperback that I own.
But of course, my favorite series by far (and the one that I believe you will be known for by a much larger audience someday) is your “30 Days” series. Your ability to write so vividly and transparently draws in your readers and helps them to understand the terror, heroism, humanity, inhumanity, horror, and nobility of the war experience like no other movie I have ever seen or book I have ever read. Your dedication to reading and responding to the online posts has drawn a large contingent of your readers into feeling like close friends (or even family) to you.
In one of your on-line post exchanges this past week you said:
James Strauss on December 10, 2019 at 11:12 am
I wonder, sometimes, if it is as important to all the ‘brethren’ that the buy the books to keep it all going. I have financed this whole thing and I am running on full empty right now!
Well, the clear answer is that your work is of great importance to all your brethren. I was so concerned when I heard about your health scare this past month that over a two-week period I spent several hours in prayer for your health, and that you would know you are appreciated and loved by so many. We have interacted several times via posts (I’m “Chris S”). Awhile back I suggested that you consider a “go fund me” type of campaign to help with the final printing of the Third 10 Days or possibly an all-encompassing book (although I agree that would be a VERY large book and may not be feasible!).
Enclosed you will find a check for $500. This is a gift to you in thanks for pouring out your soul into your “30 Days Has September” books and all your other noble writing endeavors that I have so greatly enjoyed. This is a personal gift that you may choose to use to help offset the costs of preparing and printing the Third 10 Days book as an investment of your own (gifted) funds should you wish. Should you prefer to purchase something special for yourself or a family member for Christmas, that would be fine too. Either investment would bless me greatly to know that I have in some way shown you appreciation for the heart-felt effort you have made in pouring out your soul into your books.
Your friend,
Chris S.
I liked the reading the last two segments thanks LT. James, for getting back on it. Don
Dang, I have missed you Lt. , glad to see you are back in action. Great work !
Thanks Jim, means a lot to have the support of this group here…
Rough patches here and there…
Semper fi,
Jim
Absolute riveting LT. I can’t wait to see what happens to Sugar Daddy and I can’t wait to read The Cowardly Lion. Keep it up sir.
thanks William, and I will be certain to keep on writing away, as long as I have men and women like you reading the stuff…
Semper fi,
Jim
So Sugar Daddy takes a swim laden down with ammo belts. Will that pull him under ?? Hmmm…
I’m surprised they went for his fireteam instead of the CH-46, but I would guess they had their dope already set on that end of the bridge.
Riveting reading again James, thanks for the page turner.
SEMPER Fi
Yours was a very cogent comment that was taken up by me in the following segment. I thought exactly the same thing. There will be resolution to that question
a bit further on, although some mysteries over there were never totally resolved.
Semper fi, and thanks for the depth of mental penetration…
Jim
The bridge seems to be the center of some, if not many, of the segments. You have shown pictures of planes, helicopters, weapons, and of course of the priceless Ontos. Why not a picture of Tex’s bridge that seemed to be a truck carried one? It will give us a better sense of what it meant to go across it (how long was it, anyway?)
Great writing with attention to detail, though.
Will so do, Jose. Thanks for the comment and asking for the artwork…
Semper fi,
Jim
Mr. Strauss,
My dad was a 39 year old Pfc on Okinawa in the 3063 Graves Registration unit. As casualties mounted, his unit was moved up to fill gaps in the line. Your writing has helped me fill in the blanks of what his day to day existence must have been like. He never spoke about it, and he passed away before I could competently discuss it with him. I appreciate the detail, and the pain this can cause you to recall. Thanks for your service.
What a wonderful comment to make Joe. I read it three times. Handling bodies of other young men at such a young age…man it was brutal
and so fearful…and with so much guilt…
Semper fi, and thanks so much, for the depth and sincerity…
Jim
Hi – I am replying to Joe Kruth – My Uncle John McGuire was the Captain for the 3063rd GRS – I had no idea that they took replacements from the GRS to fill the gaps in the Okinawa line. That must have been a terrible decision to make – ,i.e.. which members of the unit would be sent into combat. My uncle rarely discussed the war. He was a mortician before the war (in Nebraska) but never practiced after the war – although he did renew his mortician certificate each year. His photos and records were donated to the WW2 Museum in New Orleans – and a curator from the museum used his file to help write this article about Ernie Pyle: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/honoring-hero-death-and-memorialization-ernie-pyle
Jim,
Yet another amazing, heart-pounding, blood pressure elevating episode…
Much appreciate your getting these chapters out so quickly. I have been devouring each chapter, and your exceptional writing skills causes me to vividly see what transpires. While I have cut back on the commenting, I always pour over the comment section and learn so much from what others post.
Long ago, I thought about the danger of you guys moving back and forth and repeatedly reoccupying the same territory you had been in earlier–and if the enemy had taken deadly measures in case you did.
I do not know how you did it all back in the A Shau and I do not know how you can be such a prolific writer with juggling so simultaneous many writing projects.
I know this is one of the best books I have every read and I also know I will have a touch of emptiness when you write your final chapter of the third ten days. And I also know that not all that you will write will be “everything coming up roses” as you will suffer grave battlefield injury.
Praying for you and all the men who were with you during your horrendous time in the war zone.
Walt, you have been here from the very start and I much appreciate the fact that you are still with me. After the last Ten Days will come The Cowardly Lion which will detail my
return to the land of the round eyes and my going to work for the Nixon compound in San Clemente, just on the border of Camp Pendleton where I got out of the Marines.
And into more stuff that’s equally unbelievable…thanks for everything and for allowing me to know that you have my six even if I can’t always see you there…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another gritty narrative. Thanks for sharing .
My pleasure in many ways James. I don’t think I would have written that in the beginning but now, after all these comments and fellow travelers with PTSD, well,
it’s sure nice not to be alone…
Thanks.
Semper fi,
Jim
That double rotor CH-46 would have had .50 cal. Ma deuce guns
You may be right. I did not always see it right, but in my mind I still see pintel mounted M-60s with bungee cords to steady and allow for
rotation. Maybe they were M2 fifties, but I don’t think I would have missed the huge difference in size and mass. But I’ve been wrong on a few other things
in recounting from memory. Thanks for the heads up and the courage to write it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
James…according to all I have read about the CH-46 Sea Knight, which is what the Marines used in Vietnam, the M2 50s were not introduced until ’68…up until that time the 60s were used…just what I have read…
Yes, I write mostly from memory Mark. I so distinctly picture the M-60s on their tripod intel things
in the doors and the bungee cords to help control them. Thanks for the analytical support and help.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have been on board since day 17 had to go back and read up to that point. Also not looking forward to the ending of the combat you are releasing to some like me who has never been involved in what you are exposing us too.
I am anxious to see how you are treated by command staff at the end and if you ever have contact with the men you so eloquently describe to us.
You will find all of that extremely interesting, as we approach the end to the last ten days. You might also consider the follow on
novel which will be called The Cowardly Lion, from the Wizard of Oz, which will answer a lot of questions that can only be answered after the last ten days is done.
Semper fi,
Jim
Never used gasoline, only insect repellent to remover the little devils. Not only removed, but turned them to jelly, not to be a nuisance ever again.
We guarded our repellant closely, as we never had enough so we tried to use other stuff we didn’t seem to need as much.
Rio telling me that he needed gas for the Ontos and then bringing the stuff out wasn’t too smart on my part but sometimes I would
reach my bitter end over there.
Thanks for the comment and the support.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another heart stopper! I can feel the stress and tension and smell the mud. Thanks
Thanks for the great compliment and for writing it on here for all to see…
Semper fi,
Jim
To paraphrase Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, “some day this story is gonna end”. Much to my chagrin, as it is so engrossing. Thank you again Jim.
Yes, we are indeed headed for September 30th and the final part of the final chapter…of the end of the beginning.
Semper fi,
Jim
The M-50 A-1 Ontos was a Bastard child
Mostly rejected by the US Army
It was Handed off to the Marine Corp before it was to be mothballd – if they didn’t accept it
But they did accept it!
My opinion of it is similar to the famous A-10 Thunderbolt II
THE WARTHOG
which is in a constant battle to survive
“ not fancy enough “
But
It does survive!! –
Just like you
Simper Fi
The Ontos was one of the keys to my own survival. The ability of that thing to cause terror, to deliver
right where you are when you area are and then get around in places a regular tank could not go…well, it’s all there
in the story.
Like the A-10. Purpose built and not built to win any beauty contests at all..
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! With all the noise you all were making seems Charlie would know exactly where you all were at all times……
The enemy always knew exactly where we were unless we were on the move.
They also did not know when we would move or to where. They functioned on considerably
less in the way of food, ammo, weapons, explosives, and much more more than we did however,
so they could not always take advantage of knowing where we were…
Semper fi,
Jim
During WW2 we defeated the Japs and the Wehrmacht and it was brutal. Admittedly we had help but the US did a lot of the heavy lifting. Imagine if the Executive Branch had only stayed out of the way. So sad..
The executive branch never stays out of the way. It’s a common trait of humanity. Almost everyone gives advice all the time
about things they don’t know a damn thing about. I call it the Karaoke of life…
Semper fi,
Jim
What an incredible read ! What an incredible experience to live through ! Scars & memories have to be tough to deal with. I say this in all honesty, this is the best read I’ve ever seen on the Vietnam experience. Hell of a job sir !
Thanks Willis for a great compliment. Much appreciated on this end, in this night…
Semper fi,
Jim
The Skyraiders dropped five-hundred-pound bombs on first the area right next
Awkward wording. try “…bombs first on the area right next…
“The only real Marine Corps thing I was doing in combat was beating the enemy while struggling to survive my own Marines and myself.”
I started to edit this – and realized it expressed exactly what you intended: You DID have to survive your own Marines! And between the two main culprits, I am surprised that you did survive them.
Ywa, I was forced to be as honest with myself as I could under the circumstances. Not like I had much choice sometimes.
Thanks for the great compliment in your analysis and coming to that conclusion.
Semper fi,
jim
as usual the wait for another chapter was worth the wait well done sir much respect
Thanks Jerry. I am remaining right on it now up until it is done.
Semper fi, and thanks for sticking around…
Jim
Just completed 27Dat2ndPart. Only one comment Lt. Mercy. Nothing other than that of which there is not much, if any of. Just Mercy…Take care Lt…
Thanks for the comment and your support on this site Wes. Not sure I understood it but the word is meaningful…
Semper fi,
Jim
Now my jaws hurt from gritting my teeth.. Well written LT.. Truly Visceral.
Thanks for the great compliment Glenn…
Semper fi
Jim
Again Jim, you have me “looking over your right shoulder”, w/ no chance of being hit. I can’t imagine what writing this brings up, all the memories, up close again. It seems that it is helping others – I sincerely hope it is also helping you in some way. Regards, Doug
I am doing okay now. Some bad spots but okay and in the clear as I head toward the finish line.
Semper fi, and thanks for caring…
Jim
I can’t say enough about how real and how exciting this true story is. I know it will come to a close at some point. I hate to even mention that I will be disappointed. It brings me into a part of the war that I didn’t experience.
I was a USAF Ground weapons crewman for B-57 Canberra Bombers of the 8th & 13th Bombardment Squadrons, ’66-67. I know that we did our part in helping to destroy the enemy and also save the lives of a lot of our own troops. Still, in the minds of many of us there is that nagging thought the we just didn’t do enough because we weren’t “OUT THERE” where the fighting was. I know that after all this time that thought is invalid. I’ve had Marines come up and hug me and say “Hey Air Force you saved my ass”. That human contact and stories such as yours really bring things into perspective. Thank you.
Thanks for adding your own personal experience here John.
Yes, the supporting military units and men sometimes felt that they were not ‘walking the walk’ with us in the field.
But never forget, ever, the statistics:
7.4 million served,
375,000 saw ground combat,
362,000 of those were wounded or killed.
You would probably be among that 362,000 of us.
Not a place where you might want to be.
So, smile, and be happy, that you did your part and helped
a lot of us not quite so lucky.
Thanks again.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow I have never read them no, on such large percentage of ground troops KIA or WIA. Don
Oh man Lt. that gets the old pacemaker pumping, still setting here breathing hard. Not sure that Sugar Daddy is going to make it out of the river with the ammo belt around him. My best to you as I know this is getting hard to put this all in print. My best to you as you write the next three days..
Thanks a lot Ssgt for that veiled but apparent compliment. It was a complex situation and there was no predicting much of anything
with respect to human behavior…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great segment Jim.!!! Very intense. I loved the part about the Loach, I was a crew chief/ gunner with the 101st out of Camp Eagle. We flew a couple of missions close to where you are writing about. The LOH was quick and Nimble, but I think the 175MPH was a bit of a stretch, Ha!! Looking forward to your next segment.
I never flew a Loach, and only knew what they told me about it. I presume the later models were fast but I don’t know how fast.
It was an irritating craft for the enemy because of its speed, maneuvering and small size.
Semper fi,
Jim
Minor one, but the leaches “fell”, not “feel” in the paragraph where the gasoline was being poured on Junior’s back.
Every chapter leaves me with an adrenaline jolt. Every episode. I am so grateful that I became a FMF Corpsman in 73 so I was just a couple years too young to serve in Vietnam. You guys have my utmost respect. Welcome home.
Thanks for the editing help Hagar. Also thanks for the compliment and your writing it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Ah yes, saw and heard of more than a few leaders put themselves and their men in jeopardy so they could be eligible for a medal or award or whatever. Doesn’t sound good with Sugar Daddy falling into that water with all that ammo wrapped around him. Riveted to the page, as usual. Your writing gives us a front row seat as if we were actually there, but safe and comfortable from our air conditioned easy chairs. Stomach all tied up in knots now waiting for what follows. Good job.