A cacophony of open combat fire sent me as deep into the jungle floor as I could get. The sound was pure small arms fire, which at close range, with the Marines around me firing outward, didn’t sound so small. I crawled forward, eventually running into the feet, legs, and backs of the Marines laying down the fire upon the exposed enemy. The only explanation for the spiderweb crawling of the enemy across the surface of the roiling water, extending out from the end of the abbreviated bridge ending to the near riverbank, was a knitted mix of rope lengths and knots. The NVA had put together landing nets of rope, effective but nearly impossible to control balanced movement across. The enemy soldiers crawled across the length of cargo nets and were easily picked off by Marine fire. There was no enemy base of fire to suppress the Marine M-16 and M-60 fire.
The Ontos ground its way to the top edge of the forest, the sound of its metallic geared tracks almost fully muted by the rain. It fired as it appeared, driving everyone nearby down into the jungle floor or the sticky mud. The rounds impacted short of the river, but the effect was just as great as if they had approached any moving enemy figure and taken him down individually. For one bright moment there were standing, climbing and running figures and the next instant, with the explosion of another round, they were gone.
I was deafened again, being too close to the muzzles of the 106 guns not to be seriously affected. I waited for my hearing to come back. The guns fired some more but I’d had the time to jam my muddy hands over my ears, the fetid smell of the sticky stuff making my headache. The guns fired some more. I could see the effect down at the river’s edge. The NVA was taking tens of casualties, but most of the troops that had been ready to leap onto the cargo nets they’d painstakingly tied and then tossed from the end of the damaged bridge to the shore were running back into the deeper jungle on the other side.
The Gunny had appeared, laying down next to me in the mud, just adjacent from the jungle’s edge. From that position, I could see what was going on, although the night and the rain made visual observation extremely limited, at best. I stared into the night, the sound of the rough, wild and roiling floodwaters sounding like there was a living monster just ahead instead of merely a torrential river in flood.
There was a stench of death in the air, as I inhaled, in an attempt to get the mud smell from my lungs and mind. The smell was of real death, which I knew because I’d smelled it before when we couldn’t get bodies air-lifted out for days.
Our men, including Zippo, had not gotten out to the resupply chopper. The 46 had had to leave without them because of the hydraulics. The bodies were somewhere nearby. I knew, given enough time, I would be able to place them fairly accurately but I didn’t want to think about that. I couldn’t think about that.
“Have the company cease-fire,” I ordered the Gunny, lying face down on the rutted mud surface of the bare riverbed, my head turned sideways so my words could be heard. My hearing was rapidly returning, I realized, except for a ringing buzz. I wondered if I was somehow getting used to being deafened by gunfire.
The fire, mostly from Marines shooting at the remaining individual soldiers trapped in the cargo nets and trying to get back across the river they’d just attempted to cross, was deafening and nearly constant.
“We’re putting it to them sir, and we need to keep doing it,” the Gunny replied, laying close in beside me, the pounding miserable rain making his voice, even though his head was only inches away, hard to hear distinctly, as the millions of drops impacted on my helmet and splashed everywhere around us.
“Ceasefire,” I ordered again.
“Not a good idea, Junior,” the Gunny replied, turning his head to attempt to make out what was going on further out near the very edge of the river.
“Fusner,” I rasped out.
“Sir,” Fusner replied, crawling up my right side, opposite from where the Gunny lay.
I grasped the wet handset he held out firmly in my right hand.
“Fire mission,” I said, loudly into the microphone, pushing the transmit button down sharply when I spoke.
“What fire mission?” the Gunny asked, surprise registering in his tone.
“Zone fire, repeat,” I transmitted.
“What the hell?” the Gunny said, his tone going from surprise to shock. “What in hell are you doing? We’re fully exposed out here. Artillery now will kill half of the company or more.”
I listened to the redirect from the battery, asking for me to complete the order to fire the rounds. It came in seconds. All I had to do was whisper one word into the microphone and hundreds of 175 mm artillery rounds would once again blanket the entire southern end of the valley we occupied. Except for this time, none of us were neatly tucked into clefts folded under the base of the nearby cliff faces.
“Shit,” the Gunny said, the word turning into ‘shush’ by the time the rain finished with allowing it through its harsh falling curtain.
“What the hell,” the Gunny followed. “Alright. I’ll get them to stop, but there better be some damn good reason for all this bullshit.” The Gunny slid away, like an Anaconda working its way across a tidal flat.
“Ceasefire,” the Gunny started to yell to invisible Marines up in front of him and located in other positions hidden from my view in the night.
I pressed my face back into the mud, hoping there were no leeches just waiting for such a move. I pulled up to breathe and rubbed the mud and water from every area of my head I could reach without taking my helmet off.
Carruthers slithered up next to me, coming from somewhere in the nearby jungle. I hadn’t known he was nearby, and his near hugging touch surprised me. Everything about the captain surprised me, almost without end.
“What are we doing?” he asked, still appearing halfway neat, even though he was exposed to the same devastating weather elements as the rest of us.
“We’ve got to get back,” I said, “and right now.” I pulled myself up to my knees, and then slowly rose to my feet. “All we need is to leave a small following force in case any more NVA cross the river using the cargo nets.”
“Why are we retreating now?” Carruthers asked, staring out into the night, although the river’s waters were just beyond the distance we could see unless there were muzzle flashes from any small arms fire, and those flashes providing only instantly disappearing images hard to make out.
“We’re not retreating,” I hissed back at him, bending low and making my way into the outer edges of the heavy jungle cover before going back down to my knees.
Carruthers followed, as did Fusner. There was no sight of the rest of my scout team and that fact worried me deeply.
“We’re attacking in a different direction,” I said, before telling Fusner to let the battery know we were checking our fire and canceling the fire mission. I’d used the threat of another artillery zone attack to force the Gunny to do my bidding immediately.
There was no time to be lost.
“Why?” Carruthers asked, “the direction we’re heading is back to where we were? That doesn’t make any sense, not with the success we’re having here.”
“You don’t see it,” I said, “because you haven’t been here long enough. The Gunny should see it but he doesn’t either. They’re running back from the crossing and racing down the river. Where is this body of the enemy going in force?”
“Back to wherever the hell they came from,” Captain Carruthers replied.
“Damned straight,” I replied, “in force, where they’re crossing back over the river.”
“Okay?” Carruthers asked the question in his voice as real as it could be.
“Think it through,” I replied, getting back to my feet. “Let’s go. We’ve got to get everyone back. They’re running back and what do you think the NVA soldiers are going to do when they get across the river? Take a break? Have some chow, or are they going to attack up into the totally exposed and unprotected rear area?”
“Good God, we pulled the firebase and the Ontos is here,” Carruthers said, getting it.
“Yes, we did the job here, but only stopped them and dished out some serious but not huge casualties. Now we have no protection if they get over the river further down and come at us while we’re busy cleaning up whatever small change is left here.”
The Gunny ran through the debris sticking out and forming an edge against the river’s high-water mudflat.
“What now?” he said, joining Carruthers, Fusner and I, huddled together against the heavy fall of rain.
The Gunny’s voice was filled with anger, at having his hand forced in such a violent manner, and I wondered if our relationship, whatever it was, would recover.
“I want the Ontos loaded with high explosive rounds and firing to take out the bridge and what’s left of the crossing the NVA were attempting to make. Nothing can be behind us when we leave”
I explained the situation as quickly and succinctly as I could.
“Shit,” was all he said, before racing away. “We’ve got to get the Ontos back there as fast as we can after blowing the bridge, or what’s left of it,” he said as if talking to himself. “They’ve got the .50 caliber and they can move it right in if there’s nothing to stop them.”
I waited a few seconds before following. When I reached the Ontos, glad it had not fired another round yet, because I wasn’t far enough from the angle of its aim to hope for my hearing to survive, I stopped with Fusner and Carruthers to wait for the Gunny to be done ordering the crew to get the machine around and back down to where we’d pulled it out of.
“Where’s your radio operator?” I asked Carruthers, mystified about why he wasn’t being as smothered by his Marine’s presence as I was by Fusner. As if on cue, a Marine in flowing wet poncho swept up behind the captain.
“Three casualties, sir,” he said, seeming to almost salute as he reported in.
“Two KIA and one WIA.”
“Kilo?” the captain asked.
“No, sir,” the captain’s radio operator replied, and my stomach fell.
“Names,” I whispered, not in question.
“Waldo’s the WIA, and the others I’d don’t know,” the Marine intoned, his voice dropping as he spoke, reading the depth of my own feelings that I could not hide in receiving the information.
“They’re moving Sergeant Waldo back with us,” he went on. “The other two will be left here for the next pickup.”
I didn’t have to ask who the other two were. Piper and the Project One Hundred Thousand Marine he’d been looking after were gone. Macho Man was injured, and probably pretty badly since even a normally non-life-threatening injury was serious if no immediate medivac was available. And no medivac was available.
The makeshift gurney holding Macho Man was placed firmly atop the dry sand of a cleft occupied by no other Marines. An I.V. was supported by a hook some Marine had cleverly embedded into one of the stone cracks just over his head. I eased into the enclosure, snapping off Jurgen’s flashlight as I went in. A small fire burned next to the sergeant’s prone figure, one of the Composition B fires but without anyone attempting to boil water or any of that. The white light of the hot little fire reflected everywhere, as the I.V. tube gently swaying downward, with the mild breeze wavering, the movement caused by my entry into the cleft. Macho Man’s feet angled down toward the bottom of the cleft, but his position was obviously beyond the man’s real care. I knelt by his side. The corpsmen had left so I was alone with him. There was no need for corpsmen to be present because there was obviously nothing to be done for the man. He’d been hit through and through with high-velocity bullets in the abdomen. Without immediate surgery, there was no recovery possible in a field situation. Even if the rear area could mount an emergency medivac, it could not possibly come in time to save Macho Man’s life.
The little white and harsh fire burned bright but its reflection across Macho Man’s countenance told the deathly story without emotion. I gently stroked the man’s face to remove the perspiration constantly pouring out of his pores
“Junior?” Macho Man whispered.
“Right by your side,” I replied, pulling my wet hand back.
“It hurts so bad,” Macho Man said. “So bad.”
I unbuttoned my right thigh pocket and pulled my morphine pack loose.
“I brought some morphine,” I told him, as I worked to get the syrettes out.
“They gave me some but it doesn’t seem to have much effect,” Macho Man replied, spacing the words carefully between the waves of pain that were overcoming him.
“It hurts so bad.”
“This is the real stuff,” I assured him, pulling the cover off one small tube and punching it into his left thigh. I sharply squeezed the tube of morphine into his muscle right through his utility trouser fabric. I followed the procedure three more times, successively.
The drug should not have been able to work as quickly as it did. Within less than a few minutes, as I tried to hug the man’s torn up torso closer to me, I felt the effects of the miracle drug. Macho Man’s muscles began to relax.
“Thanks, Junior, that’s better,” Macho Man whispered to me, never opening his eyes.
I waited, the time seemed to pass in forever seconds. One second and then another went by. I looked at my watch but the bright bluish-white fire of the Composition B made seeing detail almost impossible. I put the remaining supply of the morphine back into my right thigh pocket. I knew the dosage and had studied the effects over time on other Marines before Macho Man. I knew I wouldn’t need anymore. I wanted to say something meaningful to the man whom I had so identified with when I’d been newer in the country. He’d seemed bulletproof and ultra-tough. One mistake, of going into the thick of contact, had turned the great tough sergeant into a painfully dying human being with no hope for recovery in seconds…played out over many minutes and hours until I had reached his side.
The Gunny came crawling into the cleft to arrive at my side.
“He gone yet?” the Gunny asked.
I wasn’t offended. Macho Man’s passing was a foregone conclusion once the severity of his wounds was diagnosed. There was no time for grief, sentiment or consideration in a real combat situation. I knew why the Gunny was there. I was needed outside for some other momentous decision that might involve more Marines dying.
A rasping final breath exhaled from Macho Man’s throat and I knew he was gone. The morphine was merciful and brutally quick in its effect if administered in sufficient quantity.
“Yes, he’s gone,” I replied.
“What about the Thompson?” the Gunny asked, looking at the nearby weapon the sergeant had kept close to his side even in death.
“It goes back with his body,” I replied. “It was part of him.”
“They don’t let you take automatic weapons home,” the Gunny argued.
“I know,” I answered. “I don’t care. What they do in the rear with the gear is up to them. He goes out with his Thompson strapped to his side,” I said.
“Cool weapon,” the Gunny said, but I could tell from his tone that he wasn’t going to give me any grief over my decision.
I reached for the Thompson and pulled it close. I released the magazine from the body of the weapon and then began unloading bullets one by one. There were only twenty in the magazine and I had no box, so I poured the bullets into my left chest pocket.
“For your sidearm?” the Gunny asked, but I didn’t answer.
I knew with a fatal certainty that no helicopter would ever land in my life again and have such a supporting and stoically caring person stand guard while its blades whirled above our heads. That man had taken my letters, time after time, and very likely got them through to my wife. The fact he’d had no real understanding of what combat was like had killed him, for all the right reasons. He’d gone into the thick of it, like Piper and his charge, and he’d died. I’d been unable to stop him or them. You cannot charge into the thick of combat and live, but I knew that lesson was usually taught by death itself.
The Gunny withdrew in silence, only the rustling of his utilities against the sand apparent. I knew he would be waiting at the entrance to the cleft, some impossible decision having to be made.
I opened my left thigh pocket and pulled out my small pack of stationery. I usually reserved that paper only for writing letters to my wife. I pulled out a sheet of paper, one of the ones with the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima. I wrote: “this was a good Marine,” on it. I didn’t know what else to say or who might see the notation. I folded the paper and stuck it into Macho Man’s breast pocket. Maybe, over time, the inscription might have meaning to someone back home.
I slowly withdrew from the cleft. Macho Man’s eyes were open and dilated. I could see no point in closing them. The fire would burn out, as Macho Man’s life had burned out, in pain and nearly alone. That was the way of the A Shau and I knew it well.
The drums started immediately upon my withdrawal from Macho Man’s cleft, and although I felt their brutal vibrations right down into the depths of my very being, it was nothing like how Carruthers handled the action. He was waiting for me as I came up out of the cleft and into the rain. For some reason, the captain was taking the drumming, as muffled as it was by the rain, wind and external effect caused by the fact that we were all once again ensconced under the protection of the cliff understructure, as personal.
The Drums
“Why are they doing this?” Carruthers asked.
I had no answer for the captain that might make any sense. The NVA was drumming because it was an effective device to upset their enemy. We were that enemy and the device was effective or Carruthers would not be trying to pace up and down an interior cleft space that wasn’t high enough inside for him to walk in.
“Because it works,” I replied. “Look at yourself.”
“I’m not upset by the drumming,” Carruthers replied, finally sitting back down, but holding himself with clasped arms like his torso was in deep pain.
“What is it then?” I asked, not fooled for a second about the fact that the deadly thrumming beat of the drums affected all of us deeply.
“What does it mean?” Carruthers asked.
“It means that they’re there and that they’re coming,” I responded, forming the answer in my own mind to a question that had lingered since the last time I’d heard the distant threat.
“I don’t get it,” Carruthers answered. “It seems like such a waste of time and effort on their part.”
“This is their country, their land, and their valley, if you haven’t noticed. They want us to know that and the fact that they won’t quit, no matter what.”
“It’s their version of the Marine Hymn?” Carruthers asked, finally unclasping himself and working to control his breathing and emotions.
I lay next to him, considering. I’d never thought of the drumming in terms of what it might mean to the enemy doing the drumming. I’d only thought of being on the receiving end. The captain had a point and it was a telling point. We had the Marine hymn and our own solid standing belief system of honor and combat. They had their own, as well.
<<<<<< The Beginning | Next Chapter >>>>>>
New addition
We are producing Audio Versions of all Three of the Books thanks to Chuck Bartok. It will be a while before completed but here is this segment narrated.
We would appreciate your feedback in the comments.
LT. I read this the night you posted it. When I finished there were no comments. It hit me like a buttstroke to a kidney. Just came back tonight to fess up. I am glad you took a break before the next chapter. I needed the break myself (kind of selfish I suppose). Gonna miss Macho Man.. May he rest quietly.
Glenn.
Thanks for the great comment Glenn. I should have another segment up by tomorrow.
I’ll be attending an honor fight and speaking at the dinner in early April so I have to get cracking…
Semper fi,
Jim
Evening James, Yes, Those sudden transfers to the infantry, a crewdogs worst nightmare, There is nothing that hits you harder than the sudden explosion, and the sound of a T-53 L13 dying on an LZ, and it’s all assholes and elbows getting clear of spinning rotor blades, flaming fuel, and fast moving pieces of helicopter shrapnel….Then the sudden quiet, Even as the fight continues and your on the ground….. Then it kicks in, You grab a 60 and a belt of ammo, You pitch in, You thought your brain was in over drive making the insertion, Man it goes into overdrive, No, You can’t just sit back and let the grunts protect you, an extra 60 on the line can make a difference, To sit there and do nothing just leaves your become petrified with fear, You have to do something, even if it kills you, Guns up and help, Just plain crazy, That was Macho Man the Crewdog Waldo, Yes I know exactly why he did what he did, I did the same, and trying to put into words can’t be done, But We Crewdogs were and are a tough lot and we don’t back down because that is who we are, Now all that being said, Yes, when the next lift was inbound, I picked my spot and got the hell out of dodge as fast as I could, But yes, I never back up or down, Point of Pride ……. To much I don’t know how to say, May they all rest in peace, Heaven is their rightful reward, They did their time in Hell.
Thanks Robert, for that great lengthy but comprehensive comment. You write terrifically and I much
enjoy taking the time to read and then reread your comments.
Semper fi,
Jim
This is a correction to a correction. “Now we have no have protection…”. Need to delete the second HAVE.
Thanks for your sharp eyes.’
Noted and corrected
Semper fi,
Jim
I know this has to be a tough one for you as it brought some sad/bad memories back. I try to leave those memories buried. I lost way too many even after the 1st couple I tried not to get to know anyone well it still hurt.
While in Florida I took my wife to the beach one evening. A large group was assembled for “a circle of drums”. My wife recorded a little before I could get her the hell out of there. When it started I was in a place I did not want to be. Sounded just like the drums in the jungle to me. Maybe it was in my head but asked her to never play it for anyone when I’m around.
I ordered the 1st 2 volumes before we left for FL knowing they would not arrive before we left. That package was the 1st opened when I arrived home today. The package sat in my office over 2 months! Already looking forward to the ordering the audio version when volume 3 is ordered.
Thanks JRW. I hope the books help you as much as they have helped me to write them.
And the guys and gals who come on here to give me great acceptance in coming home…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just received the first 2 books. Waiting for book three to come out. I have no writing advice for you. Just not my area of expertise. But they are a GREAT read. Ooyah.
Thanks Chuck. I am more than half way done with the third book and working away. Thanks for the greta compliment at the end of your comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for the drums. I’m Native American (Lakota Sioux) and can understand the use of drums. USMC Corporal.
Thanks, Max, much appreciate you coming in on this issue. It was Chuck’s idea to put the drum track in so he will be happy to read this!
Semper fi,
Jim
Hi James – no need to post this comment, just a clarification (I may be confused?). Per the 25th Day, 2nd part I thought that Piper was the Project 100,000 soldier that Hultzer was caring for:
“I sent Hultzer forward to get the Gunny’s attention, and Piper ran along staying only a few feet from his caretaker.”
In the 26th Day it appears that Piper was the one caring for (instead of being) a Project 100,000 Marine:
“I didn’t have to ask who the other two were. Piper and the Project One Hundred Thousand Marine he’d been looking after were gone.”
Did we lose both Hultzer (the Ontos expert) and Piper in this unfortunate battle?
As a compliment… I only noticed this because I go back and re-read your posts several times due to the fact that they are so well written and I want to better understand what you and your fellow Marines went through for all of us.
Yes, both were lost, and I misstated who was whom. Piper was indeed the 100k Marine but I confused it in my mind
for a bit there. Thanks for pointing that out and I will fix immediately. Need that kind of help so badly hear. Many thanks.
Your attention to detail is very valuable to me because I only have the most skeleton of staffs. I need to sell books on the site to keep
on going and I can’t do that if they are not close to perfect in editorial detail. It’s hard without professional staff, and I mean really
hard. Thanks so much.
Semper fi,
Jim
Listened to the audio, well done. Ever think about adding additional audio like the drumming @ the end?
Thought about it and working on the technique.
The crew are not sound professionals…~~smile
Semper fi,
Jim
OK, Phil, we are trying some background sound…
Go to minute 19 on this narration and let us know what you think.
New Day Twenty-Six
just got a chance to listen to it. I thought it added to the audio, I think it works. Thank you
Thank you Phil. We are working on the complete Books in Audio
LT. Where’s Nguyen?
He’s always there but not always mentioned. It’s hard to portray someone so silent.
Semper fi,
Jim
I know the 30 days of September are almost up and I look forward to the end with mixed feelings.
I survived my 13 months in Chu Lai more by luck than a “plan”. A rocket my first night hit the hut next door to where I had been sleeping only moments before killing and wounding several Marines. Later on in my tour a rockets were chasing me down the flight line as I headed to the bunkers at the end of the revetments. I turned to the right hand side bunker and made it to the entry as the next rocket slammed into the entrance of the bunker on the left side.
After Vietnam I crewed helicopters for several more years – survived tail rotor gear box and main transmission failures and did not crew on an ill fated trip because of a law school exam. The crash killed two friends and so always wondered if I had been along would we have avoided the crash because of my experience with the particular helicopter.
Told my wife that when I pass it will either be spectacular or big dud because the grim reaper has had too many missed opportunities already.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the rendition of your own gifted times in and around combat and great danger.
Glad you are still here too.
Semper fi,
Jim
I was a crew chief of a Huey slick helicopter. Army, 61st AHC LZ English near BonSon. We supported the 173rd. Pulled a lot grunts out of bad situations. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. 19 years old and in charge of an aircraft! A 24 year old pilot was called “the old man”.
I remember those days so well too, Rich. The Gunny must have been all of 30 something but seemed positively ancient.
I was 23 and commanding 64 square miles of earth and over two hundred Marines for all intents and purposes.
Then come home to command nobody!
Semper fi
Jim
I follow the story closely and read most of the comments. I eagerly awaiting each chapter. If I remember correctly you wrote in a previous chapter probably in the first 5 days that this was gunny’s third war… I think you wrote something like “this is my third and the worst” I know Korea was directed mentioned. If so that would make gunny more then 40 or did I misunderstand. Wonder writing
Thanks for the help here Andrew and the great compliment too….
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks again Sir! Semper Fi
You are most welcome David and thanks for thanking me…
Semper fi,
Jim
One thing for sure,the chapters have greatly increased the amount of time I can hold my breath.
Such a cool thing to say Carroll I love that. Thank you!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
“I opened my left thigh pocket and pulled out my small pack of stationary.” Writing paper is spelled as ‘stationery’…with an ‘e’ not an ‘a’.
Thanks, Tom.
Noted and corrected
Semper fi,
Jim
Glad Macho Man had some comfort from a caring brother Marine in his last moments, not many did, and as also a Marine chopper airdale I thank you for that.
Now the Capt. gets to hear the drums and wonder what’s next…
Keep them coming Ltee can’t wait.
SEMPER Fi
Thanks SGt. We were so damned young and insane as hell….
but thee we were. Thanks for understanding and the kind words.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, if you’ll permit me, I’d like to give you my thoughts on why Macho Man, Waldo, did what he did. Being an E-6 myself in the A Shau, Waldo didn’t want to hide behind Lt Bars in some what safety. He knew he was afraid never been on the ground in combat that he had to prove something to you and mostly himself. He was put in charge of two others and he knew he had to muster to the situation at hand. I’m sure he knew full well the hell out there every time he rode back to base and probably felt a little guilty that he could return to some what safety and a hot meal. He had to prove to you that he could “ cut the mustard”. That’s why he jumped up leading his small curfew into the fray. Sad, “ Good men, they die young” as the song goes. This is my take on this and may be wrong. Yes, I’ve seen young men die young. Paul H A co, 1/327th, 101st. A Shau 68-69
I have read and reread you analysis and conclusions about Macho Man and determined that you are spot on.
I never thought of it that way before and thank you for helping me out.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, Seems to me that this non-fiction personal account of your time in Nam should be submitted to the Library of Congress once you complete Book 3. This needs to be available for readers in the distant future. This is also the type of material researchers on the Vietnam Era need to have available.
I have told you before, I am enjoying this story and waiting on the edge for the next chapters. Great work!
Thanks Rick Great compliment abut I’m uncertain of the future with respect to the work.
I’m certain of one thing though, if it were really to take off then I’d take some real heat too.
Not sure I want that at all. Like life is not hard enough. But it had to be written.
Maybe if Trump read it he would not feel so guilty about not going himself.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim – James – LT – Junior – WOW! One of your better than normal chapters! Tried to comment the other day, but your voice machine started reading what I was writing!
Macho Man – Waldo Vaneli – what a loss! Like striking out in the 9th inning. I think most of shed a tear for the man.
I hope that you have not gone to the well once to often with the threat of targetting your own troops. But – you got his attention.
Keep up the good work!
I didn’t know what else to do sometimes. I wasn’t entirely rational, and some say same thing today!
Semper fi, and thanks for following along…
jim
How the hell did you keep your writing paper dry? I have spent weeks in the bush in conditions you describe and could keep nothing dry. Very well written-sometimes makes my skin crawl to read it.
Could not always keep paper dry. best way was folded up in a balled sock sometimes and the in a plastic bag taped with some of
that sticky stuff we applied to our maps when we could get it. The USPS was wonderful at delivering some of the tattered junk I called letters home. Like they really and truly cared.
Semper fi,
Jim
The audio is well done! I don’t do audio books but know at my age it won’t be long before I do. Another great guy grabbing chapter! Waiting for the shoe to drop knowing the inevitable will happen! Thank God we’re here to share this story,it should be mandatory reading on school under this is war! Thank you for sharing, God bless brother!
Thanks, means a lot to me….
Semper fi,
Jim
Macho Man, that had to hurt
Yes, that did hurt like hell. Some of those guys were pivotal key figures for reasons I still don’t really understand. I just knew it when
my scout team went forward. I was secretly angry with the Gunny for not sending them back but we never ever spoke over it. That one bit deep.
Semper fi,
Jim
I have now had change to listen to audio. I like it although I would like to hear one before reading the chapter, without that really hard to say for sure. I also have question could not have Junior left couple squads to keep dropping a field of fire on the NVA crossing in retreat, and then take the rest of company to take care of the rear. I mean I was not there I am arm charing the problem 50 years later. Don
Thanks, Don.
we are putting the first book in Audio very soon.
Here are two chapters that you may not have read or if you did they are not in the top of mind awareness.
Chapter Two
and
The Second Day
Thanks again,
Semper fi,
Jim
I have read every chapter to this point but will check them out, TY
Thanks, means a lot to me….
Semper fi,
Jim
Holy shit that was awesome never read that chapter, how you ended up in the shit place you got to. but thats fate and your destiny they needed you, for me I really like the audio version better, but then I never was much for reading.
Thanks, means a lot to me….
Semper fi,
Jim
The readings continue to have a healing affect, though the memories revealed still cause me a visceral shudder that grows to encompass all of me. Your story combined my memories create an amazing in my mind’s eye. “OH SHIT” still doesn’t quite cover it! Many may have been there last night but today, as hollow as it may sound, welcome home. No Beatle -nut or shitburners here.
Deep comment with real meaning…
Thanks, means a lot to me….
Semper fi,
Jim
Anther great read, I will listen to the audio. Then make comment on it. Was sad that we lost the sergeant. I was not a pilot back then but I am now fixed wing. It seems to me anther 200 pounds would not have made much difference, Im thinking they left some behind because they did not think they would make it out but had to try. Therefore better chance for the crew to survive back on the ground. did not work out to well for one Marine. TY James. Don
Thanks Don!
means a lot to me….
Semper fi,
Jim
“…Now we no have protection if they get over the river further…” have and no are transposed. Semper Fidelis.
Thanks, Mark.
Corrected once and then again.
Semper fi,
Jim
Mocho Man, WOW, didn’t want that to happen.
The Audio Versions is not for me but I can see others needing and/or liking it. I would miss not using my own memory to bring back all the thing you put in writing…
Thanks for the comment, Mike.
Waldo was a true enigma and all Marine.
Semper fi,
Jim
A hard-felt loss, even 50 years after the fact. My condolences.
The chapters are rolling out quickly. A need to wrap up this nightmare and put it away, I think, or at least to try not to dwell on it, as it has it has to be hard reliving this past experience.
Hang in there, LT. You have done a great thing. Starting a forum to get a lot of vets together, sharing their own experiences, and helping us non-vets to get a glimpse into the horror that is war.
Thanks, Joel.
Yes, Macho Man was another tough one, especially if you think and read back to when he played some crucial roles earlier.
I knew the result all along, of course.
Some of that makes it hard to go on but I persevere…
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Best one in a while, Jim.
Thanks ever so much Tim!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, thank you for the rapid fire output! We had a long wait there for a while, got two over the holidays, and these last three chapters only a few days apart. You have us all waiting anxiously for each release. Really enjoying the story. I turned 18 in 1973, they had a draft but it was drawing down by then. Joining the military at that time not very popular. Always regretted not serving, and respect those of you who did the heavy lifting. Looking forward to the finish. Keep them coming. Thank you!!
Heavy lifting. I like that. Yes, it was heavy lifting, indeed. Thanks for that neat comment TJ.
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir. Not only was it heavy lifting, but also a heavy load to bear all these years. I am hoping put it all to paper will help relieve that weight.
The books and this site and you guys and gals have meant everything in lifting a great deal of that guilt and burden, as you put it.
I cannot thank you enough for caring and taking the time to write about the caring on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
It’s hard to see good man go and you can’t do anything. I remember laying there in the rain and thinking of a song baby the rain must come and baby the wind must blow. Somewhere there’s a highway and baby I must go. Thanking about home and getting back to the Real world.
The music of the time was so many times descriptive,
and there was no way, seemingly, that the person writing the lyrics could have known.
Or was there?
Semper fi,
Jim
What a read. I think the sadness with Macho Man’s death, the Marine Corps Hymn comparison with Charlie’s drums (and honor vs honor) does in a sad way evoke maybe a synopsis of the whole damn miserable Vietnam experience. Well done, LT, well done. Just a little appreciation from an Army Nam Vet just sitting in with you Marines. 🙂
Thanks for the great comment here Howard.
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir,
I wish I was a writer and could share with you and your readers the depth of my thanks, respect, and admiration for all men and women who have gone through their hell during wartime. Those who survived and those who did not are to be put on a pedestal. I certainly don’t ‘enjoy’ reading your story, but find myself incredibly, incredibly moved while reading it. I hope that some day, some way, leaders of our country will become aware of your work and the horrors experienced by you and your Marines before sending any of our forces into harms way. Again, thank you. Thank you for what you did, and thank you for what you are doing.
I don’t expect that the work will ever become famous.
It is simply too deeply reaching and filled with too much truth for that to happen.
Just the way life is today, but some will read and some will get it and that’s about all I can do.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter. You really know how to capture your readers attention and leave them anticipating what is next. Thanks James
Thanks Bud, as I write on, driven and supported by comments like your very own here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Mind numbing!
Thanks for the input.
I am hoping many will digest the reality of war without having to experience it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Good reading.sad that men have to die on both sides ! I’ve been there and seen it .mekong Delta 1969 .9th infantrymen.
Thanks
Edgel, I don’t think any of us ever forgot or will forget the losing of such great men who worked at our side.
Semper fi,
Jim
This chapter had to be hard for you to write. Mucho Man should have been with you, not charging to the front. It happened quickly, I would hope your note went to his family. You are doing a great job, just keep it together as I say here feeling your pain.
I never got to write a note to any of the survivors. Wasn’t in the cards in that monsoon nightmare.
I visited the parents of one Marine and tried to tell them what really happened. My wife was right and I should
not have done that. I was too hurt myself and their violent rejection added measurably to my own low self worth. Never did I try that again.
Semper fi,
Jim
jIM Wish I could help you with the editing but noing I was 1 of the 100,ooo I just feel lucky I can even read. Semper fi your friend OMER
Thanks Omer, it’s good to read your words whenever you can get them down on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great chapter. The audio book sounds good.
Thank you, Carl.
We have been narrating the First Book.
Hope to have it available soon. Chuck thought it would be a
good idea to vocalize this chapter.
Semper fi,
Jim
You asked so my opinion. Tried to listen bUT spoken words don’t run the total immersion I get when I read it. Some sentences must be pondered till the 5 senses make it alive. Some must be reread to drive the meaning of home. I often go back to check a previous sentence or two. Know a lot like quick right now one two three but this book is too important to me to hear a drive by reading. Maybe the only one, but the written word speaks volumes an oral recital can’t convey to me.
I can well understand that Jim. Thanks for the intensity of reading and thinking about the story.
Means a lot to me that so many guys and gals get the depth of the experience….and the learning that might be gained from the reading of it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Danged everyone catching the grammaticals, the syrettes vs curettes must reading on the second pass. Personally, I was to engrossed in the moment of the passage to catch the subtle.
Yes curettes are used to clear ear wax(cerumn), debride wounds and saucerize infected or dead bone. All things I’m sure you endured in Japan during your recovery.
Another good read Marine.
Press on Lt.
Doc Kemp
Thanks Roger. I don’t always get it right but I’m never hard on the guys and gals trying to help me make it better…and feel better too!
Like you.
Semper fi,
Jim
Excellent as always….one typo …..Now we’ve got on protection….should be “no”
Thanks, Paul.
Corrected.
Semper fi, Jim
Thanks for noting and it is corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
I think if I would have started out listening to this being read I probably would have enjoyed it. But since I’ve been reading from the beginning I’ve already formed your voice and all the others in my mind. Therefore I shall have to reread this chapter and all the rest on my own.
Appreciate your input, Frank.
We are midway completing The First Ten Days in an Audio Version. It is time-consuming.
But when all three completed I believe there will be many who want to listen or have a vision problem.
Semper fi,
Jim
What a great piece of literature this is. Man oh man what a great, great story!
I really appreciate your support, Rick.
Remember to share with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
This is an amazing story, and so well told. I know that this must be difficult for you to write, but the recent tempo of installments, makes me think it might be easier for you to get it all out asap? Thank you for this, and for your service.
Sgt Dhillon, USA
Thank you for your analysis, Kimball.
The speed in which I complete this is not based on a set schedule.
It will be completed soon.
Semper fi,
Jim
“Their moving Seargent Waldo back with us” … They’re
Noted and corrected.
Thank you, Paul.
Semper fi, Jim
!) Too much background noise (barrel effect)
2) Need reader to share writers text emotions not like reading book to kids.
3) Sorry Reader will need to be deeper in pitch to be heard and feel the hell.
Thanks -my two cents
And I so appreciate your input.
The person reading know VERY well the Hell.
Semper fi,
Jim
I agree that it needs to be a deeper voice for the audio version. I loved the short read here, hope to be able to follow the rest. Good luck.
Damn, I really liked Macho Man. Stevens, Zippo and now Waldo, all tough chapters.
About the audio. I like it as it would be good while doing other chores. I only listened for about a minute or so but it’s sounds a bit ‘tinny’. But then, I’m only using a cheapo tablet with terrible speakers and audio control. I’ll give it another listen to when I get a chance..
Thank you Monty for your input and loyal support.
We have been narrating The First Ten Days,
and reading this chapter was an idea.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lieutenant once again you have held me, bringing your story to life, the sounds, the smells and horror of combat. The audio book is a great addition. I read the story first of course and then listened. Thank you for continuing to share and heal so many who can’t tell their story but need it told.
Your comment is deeply appreciated, Jim.
Remember to share this your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Just one more correction for you…
“Their moving Sergeant Waldo back with us,”
They’re moving
Damn fine chapter LT. God bless you and every soul that went through this war.
Thank you, Richard.
I am humbled at the response of this project which may not have ever been shared.
Semper fi,
Jim
“Now we’ve got on protection if they get over the river further down”
I think you want to say “no protection”
Always appreciate the help.
Thank you, Steve.
Corrected
semper fi,
Jim
Absolutely incredible, thank you
Thank you for your support, Willis.
Semper fi,
Jim
“smell of the sticky stuff making my headache”
Should be making my head ache.
Thank you, Steve.
Noted and corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great read. I am always amazed how some people like Macho Man come into our lives for brief moments but have a profound impact on us.
One thing so many experienced in Nam is short term yet impactful relationships.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, you’re writing about Nam keeps me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading each post as you release them. As one who never experienced combat they help me understand what you men and your men went through in southeast Asia. Semper Fi, Sean Montgomery
I am happy you did not share the experience, Sean.
Share this story with others.
Thank you.
Semper fi,
Jim
Holy shit
Appreciate your two-word input.
I felt that way often.
Semper fi,
Jim
I think that would work for vision impaired but for me it’s a lot more vivid if I read the text. I’ve always loved reading but that’s just me! Great read by the way!!
Understand about the reading thing, Don.
A lot of our fans are finding their vision diminishing.
The audio version will be well received by many of those friends and also Long Haul Truckers have requested the Audio.
Semper fi,
Jim
I just can’t imagine the responsibility that you got saddled with Lt Strauss when one of your men was mortally wounded. And to watch that final act so many times. That would give me nightmares for years to come. I give you much credit to get through it and then write a gripping story about it afterwards. Unreal. You have my utmost respect. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Those days and nights are burned in, and all those guys, most younger than me. Yes, huge monumental judgment cals with nobody to
consult or discuss things with.
Tough days and nights….and can be tough to write about now because I know what happens later on to the vibrant living character of the moment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, I keep going back to your first night, talking to the gunny about how you would change with the experience of combat. I am struck by the change in you. You may call it being insane, but I see a growth in you, not just trying to keep yourself alive, but also those around you. You have learned fast and well how the NVA think and react and your responses have become faster and more sure. A true leader.
Your ability to learn from others: Gunny, the NVA, your platoon leaders, has brought about a change in you that exudes respect and command. You lead, not because your the LT. You lead because the others, including Kilo’s commander, recognize that you have their back.
I’ve never been in a situation like that, but I would hope I would have a leader like you to follow.
Yes, I changed. I evolved, if you will, as I have automatically in telling the story, as well.
Thanks for the analysis and intent of reading the series so carefully and meaningfully.
Semper fi,
Jim
Four days and counting. Of course you couldn’t know that, at the time. Did you think, there in the A-Shau, that you would complete your 12 month tour?
Great chapter, LT.
No, I knew from that first night I was never going to make it. I just did not expect to live
or be able to recover from the severe damage of the rounds I took. Still amazed.
Never wake up back in the A Shau though. Maybe a mental health safety feature of mine.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt, if I were writing I would refer to loose ammo as “rounds” and not refer to them as “bullets”… Aside from that, an outstanding read as always. Thank you. Semper Fidelis
Yes, in retrospect I would agree. For some reason I’ve always used cartridges and bullets more than round…although round is more accurate.
Semper fi,
Jim
Sounds like a 3rd person reading instead of someone actually speaking it.
I will buy the books but not the audio version..
Maybe be better if it was in a dead sound room.
The story is great, but for those with poor vision, it would be just ok.
Appreciate your critique, Dan.
There are many who are looking forward to the audio.
Semper fi,
Jim
Another great edition. Found one item “Yes, we did the job here, but only stopped them and dished out some serious but not huge casualties. Now we’ve got (on) protection if they get over the river further down and come at us while we’re busy cleaning up whatever small change is left here.” The word on that I put in parenthesis should be “no”. Semper Fi Jim
Your input is very appreciated, Chuck.
Also, the correction has been made.
Remember to share with friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Again , wow, has to be tough to face that one again, keep it coming LT
Thank you for your support, Bob.
Will get a bit tougher.
Semper fi,
Jim
Now we’ve got on protection if they get over the river further down and come at us while we’re busy cleaning up whatever small change is left here
On should be no.
Thanks, Michael,
Noted and corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
Awesome reading. Makes you feel as if you are right there.
Thanks for your support, Frank
Semper fi,
Jim
Had I turned on the audio of the drums before I started the spoken story< I would have been drawn into the story even deeper. It was a surprise that you had lost Macho Man so early in the conflict, but I guess that was the way it was meant to be. As to Caruthers guessing the drums was like the Hymn was surreal. I look forward to every edition of your story and pass them along to the friends in my FB readers. Maybe some of them read them, maybe not.
Thanks Jerome. Nice comment and nice compliments too.
Means a lot. Hell, it’s enormous to the effort…
Semper fi,
Jim
Hey Lt.
Another awesome segment. I listened to a bit of the audio narration. Sorry, it doesn’t do it for me. Reading your accounts hits home for me. The narration just seems to detached from your narrative. Hopefully others will feel differently. I can not imagine the hell you and your Marines lived through. You and all have my deepest respect.
Michael
Thanks, for your input, Michael.
We have been receiving good comments from those who have NOT read the story
and have listened to several chapters of the First Ten Days
Jim, ever since you first introduced us to “Macho Man ” I have wanted to share this with you. I lost a good friend from junior high through High school and beyond over there when his helicopter crashed from enemy fire. Although Michael could be dramatic at times he was never as flamboyant as your description of “Macho Man”. I am including a link to a poem by Michael Rierson honoring “The men in door ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH2vbYs6ebc
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the terrific link. I will leave it for the others to click on.
We all took different turns over there to get by….I had my whacked out helmet, Macho Man had his Thompson.
And so many more….we were all superstitious as hell..or heaven…
Semper fi,
Jim
It’d be disrespectful to do anything except to commend Chuck Bartok for his reading of this chapter of TDHS. There were more than just a few passages where the voice of my narrator was word for word the voice of his narrator, and his mine.
However, and perhaps more importantly…in my reading of this chapter, is that the narrator I heard inside my head seemed to match every word with every feeling…of yours, Jim. How the hell? Can an author intend that sort of thing with fiction? Well…I’m no author but, I don’t think any real author can fake what a story makes one feel! Unless its true…and that my friend, is what makes this story…poignant.
Poignant for the “no time for heroes” commands that need to be obeyed before they could be followed, for the “real thing” Macho man must’ve known only Junior would be prepared to make better…and, for the “…just you wait…” wisdom shared from one brother to another despite the fear being mostly lost on the living.
Unseen or unacknowledged, except by those who’d take a knee before struggling to stand. Or for having done so doing it only because,they’d learned somewhere along the way, to do their crying…in the rain.
Semper fi,
Your friend,
ddh
As a person commenting on here D.D. you have no peer. Read and reread…I always find something more.
As you intend. You are gifted…
Semper fi,
Jim
” As you intend. You are gifted…”
Great advice! Terrific insight!!
Thank you…so much, for that!!
Semper fi
Your friend,
ddh
James-another crazy episode, can’t imagine how you got out of this next attack. The audio version sounds good. I prefer reading, I have both of your first two books. I’m retired but if I still worked and commuted, I’d probably purchase the audio version.
Chuck is doing a great job on our shoestring budget. Microphone taped into an old oatmeal box in a back kitchen corner.
Thanks for the comment and the committment…
Semoer fi,
Jim
Keep up the good work JAMES audio is very good.
Thank you, Harold. It is interesting the variance in acceptance of the audio.
We are deep into the narration of The First Ten Days
and when listening chapter after chapter a different mood is developed.
Semper fi,
Jim
I waited a few seconds before following. When I reached the Ontos, glad it had not fired another round yet, because I wasn’t far enough from the angle of its aim to hope to survive my hearing….might want to reword the end from “to hope to survive my hearing” to read “to hope for my hearing to survive.l
You tell the story very well Jim, being in constant contact and dealing with death and the constant terror of combat is there in a vivid word picture….it makes my skin crawl and my stomach churn. You experienced enough horror to provide two lifetimes of nighttime cranial horror shows in vivid color and theater quality BOSE sound…PTSD sucks. I’m saying a prayer for Waldo and all,those who died in my squadron and all the medivacs we carried and all those who were with you. This writing has got to be hard on you as you relive those 30 very memorable days,..but keep going and your mission will be accomplished…Semper Fidelis
Appreciate your sharp eye and the compliment, John.
It is corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hate the wait between chapters; suspenseful just like when we were in country waiting for the next action. Hated it, but the adrenaline rush is what I liked and miss now. Too old now so less of a need for it.
Always laughing as it happens. Drives people crazy, which I was accused of being.
Alive and well
Thanks.
God, but it was like that for so many of those of us who actually saw contact.
In my case, there were not a whole lot of delays.
Semper fi,
Jim
Understand the intensity and never ending confusion. After the 1st month, and a few friends deaths, I made it a point to not get to know anyone too closely.
Till today I do not remember any names, only places and events. I still do not get close to anyone, except my wife.
Was fortunate, no holes in the physical body (too fast and lucky). Only the mental memories still exist.
Thanks for sharing your story.
The lives you heal will sincerely appreciate your help. I do!
Thank you most sincerely, Barry. Glad you were so fast! And lucky. I feel lucky that I made it at all.
Anyway, thanks for the kind words and the care…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim …. . I gently stroked the man’s face to remove the perspiration constantly pouring bleeding out of his pores
I think you either need a coma after pouring or eliminate bleeding
Thank so much for the support and sharp eyes, Doc.
Fixed them both.
Your input is always so valuable.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim …. it’s a morphine syrette .. a curette is a medical instrument ….
““Yes, we did the job here, but only stopped them and dished out some serious but not huge casualties. Now we’ve got on protection if they get over”
I think you meant to say “Now we’ve got no protection…”
Thanks Tim,
Got it fixed.
Semper fi,
Jim
Had to read before going to bed!
Thank you, Bill.
Hope you slept well.
more coming soon.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, again the story is intense and spell-binding! Whew!!!
Chuck’s voice is a great one to put this on audio, which is so important too!
If I may be so bold to suggest something from my realm of knowledge (audio and recording) to make it as real as it can be . . .
The audio is recorded in a fairly small room with live, hard surfaces which naturally sound like it is recorded in a small space with a fast echo to the words.
If you could get the voice recorded in a very deadened area (a studio booth with no reflections, or a well “damped” room which could get close to this), the sound will go out to the microphone and not bounce back . . . and thus make it sound like it was recorded in a space so quiet that one could hear their ears ring in silence.
The magic could then be “sweetened” by adding a subtle amount of stereo effects such as the sounds of insects in the night woods, or quiet sound of water, etc. The result would be like one was telling the story quietly to friends or family camping in the wilderness.
No sounds of war needed, just a voice of incredible story-telling in the woods, like some of us do with friends around a fire in the deer camp.
This is the story of our generation, and a blessing to America and all who ever took that oath.
God Bless You! Tom
Thanks Tom, sure means a lot to me to get such intense writing in a comment like this one.
I got the compliments and the wishes too…and the prayer..
Semper fi,
Jim
You made my Saturday night, Jim. I don’t know what that says about my social life, but every installment is a gift.
WOW, I hope you do have other distractions, Steve ~~smile
I appreciate the support and loyalty from so many of you.
Semper fi,
Jim
“Now we got on protection…..” should be “no protection”
“…perspiration constantly pouring bleeding out of his pores.” Constantly pouring blood?
Thank you for scratching this wound and letting us feel your pain. My hope is that all veterans find solace.
Thank you, Sam.
The corrections are made.
Semper fi, Jim
Morphine was supplied to us in “syrettes”: little quarter-grain squeeze tubes. Three was the max dose, and we were supposed to stick the empties through the injured’s fatigues and bend the needles over so other medical personnel could keep count. Four was a merciful way out for the mortally wounded… a tough but humane call.
Floyd 91B4P
Always appreciate input from loyal readers.
I have corrected the “syrette” problem.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, For me, reading your words, ‘hearing’ them, visualizing them & everything else going on simultaneously in my mind puts me ‘there’ better than the audio. Doug
Thanks for your input, Doug.
There have been many requests for an audio version.
Those of us who are having hearing difficulties and Long Haul Drivers.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, Then for all those audio requests, for all those who’ll be able to experience your writings – That is good. Doug
Out of the frying pan into the fire… and back again. It never ends. Just amazing that you could think so clearly under such trying circumstances.
RIP Sgt Waldo. I wish it had been otherwise. Good that he had someone who cared with him as he died.
Some editing suggestions follow:
I was deafened again, being too close to muzzles of the 106 guns not to be seriously affected.
Reads a bit smoother with a “the” in front of “muzzles”
I was deafened again, being too close to the muzzles of the 106 guns not to be seriously affected.
the fetid smell of the sticky stuff making my headache.
Instead of “headache” maybe separate “head” and “ache”
the fetid smell of the sticky stuff making my head ache.
although the night and the rain in the night made visual observation extremely limited
Correct as it stands. However “in the night” following “rain” is redundant.
although the night and the rain made visual observation extremely limited
before telling Fusner to let the battery know we were checking out fire and cancelling the fire mission.
Substitute “our” for “out”
before telling Fusner to let the battery know we were checking our fire and cancelling the fire mission.
“Damned straight, “I replied, “in force, where they’re crossing back over the river.”
Change quotation mark
“Damned straight,” I replied, “in force, where they’re crossing back over the river.”
Now we’ve got on protection if they get over the river further down
Maybe substitute “no” for “on”
Now we’ve got no protection if they get over the river further down
because I wasn’t far enough from the angle of its aim to hope to survive my hearing,
Maybe change order of words. Maybe change “to” to “would”
because I wasn’t far enough from the angle of its aim to hope my hearing would survive,
“Their moving Sergeant Waldo back with us,”
Substitute “They’re” for “Their”
“They’re moving Sergeant Waldo back with us,”
Medevac instead of medivac
before Macho Man. I knew I wouldn’t need anymore
Instead of “anymore” maybe separate “any” and “more”
before Macho Man. I knew I wouldn’t need any more
I wanted to say something meaningful to the man whom I had so identified with when I’d been newer in the country.
Correct as it stands. However “in-country” seems a bit more military in RVN.
I wanted to say something meaningful to the man whom I had so identified with when I’d been newer in-country.
Narrated version is well articulated but with little emotion – except during some of the dialog. The written version really draws me in. This does not.
James, keep the installments coming. That’s the hard part. I’ll do my small part to assist in editing.
Blessings & Be Well
As always your direction is so appreciated, Dan.
Your support and that of so many loyal readers is humbling.
Semper fi,
Jim
There is no urgency or feeling in the narrators voice. Be careful, the wrong narration can and will ruin the story.
As I read your work, the wrecks that were my patients in the wards and OR’s of the Naval hospitals I served in come back into my minds eye. Their suffering becomes real again. Hospitalman USN 1969-1973
Narration is a tough field. Finding the right mix of voice, money, time and more.
None of this odyssey has been easy. Publishing books is damned hard and them putting together audio even tougher…
and to what market?
Now I have to try to sell the audios when Chuck’s done to truck stops…
Jeez.
Semper fi, and thanks for listening to my complaining…
Jim
Mr. Strauss,
I can understand why this chapter was difficult for you to remember and write. Your writing and telling of this story is brilliant as well as captiving. I have followed it from the beginning and always look forward to the next chapter. Thank you for sharing your story.
Again I am humbled by so many comments such as yours, Mike.
It is going to be tough in the next 4 days.
Semper fi,
Jim
battery know we were checking out fire and … perhaps “checking our fire”.
I was sorry to hear about the loss of Macho Man. Semper Fidelis.
Lt, the loss of macho Man was really rough. I’m sorry it happened. The capt is turning out to be a thinker of some type. Maybe not a combat veteran yet, but, maybe soon
Thanks Jim, for the comment of insight and wisdom…
Semper fi,
Jim
no real understanding of what combat was like had killed him, (reads better with the comma pause) for all the right reasons.
Jim I understand and sympathize knowing how difficult this part is for you. I had to read everything before I could even start editing.
Thanks for your sharp eyes, Michael.
We have been going through the corrections
Semper fi,
Jim
remove the perspiration constantly pouring, bleeding out of his pores – comma added
my own feelings that I could not hide (in) while receiving the information.
to hope to survive my hearing. I stopped with Fusner and Carruthers to wait for the Gunny to be done
even though he was exposed to the same devastating weather elements as the rest of us (were). delete were
Sounds like the run was executed just right to stop their crossing. Surprised the Gunny didn’t think of them crossing back where you were as a result of stopping them there. Losing Macho Man had to leave a hole that will never be filled. Your writing about this has to be helping more then you will ever know.
I never found the link to the narration though I looked all over the first chapter.
The narration is just below in the player, Pete.
We have NOT published the First Ten Days narrated as of yet.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt. Not sure where to place this in the amazing number of comments. I note you confronted Gunny very unexpectedly with 175 Artillery, you all must have been half mad at this point. Question did you and Gunny ever speak again on this after the War? Or am I jumping ahead of the outcome!
Thanks George for being so on top of the story. Sadly, at this point I will have to let the answer to your question wait for a bit…
Semper fi,
Jim
I was deafened again, by being too close to the muzzles of the 106 guns to not be seriously affected.
The narration is cool, great chapter, these last days are cathartic .
Thanks for your comment, Paul
Semper fi,
Jim
Now we’ve got (on) no protection if they get over the river further down
Corrected.
Thanks for your input, Michael
Semper fi,
Jim
“Now we’ve got on protection if they get over the river further down and come at us while we’re busy cleaning up whatever small change is left here.”
Change The on protection to no protection!
Thank you for the written tribute to Macho Man! It was the right thing to do. You still have a small piece of decent humanity in you! Thank you!
Noted and corrected, Tommy.
Really appreciate all the help.
Waldo was a true Marine.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for reaching down into the depths of your pain and writing this chapter. You are a very brave man. God continue to Bless you as each chapter becomes harder to put down in words.
Chuck’s reading of this chapter as an audio is totally Awesome and Emotional which is a perfect portrayal of the feelings you felt in the real moments.
Praying for you to stay strong.
Nancy
Your comments are always so appreciated, Nancy.
And your prayers have been truly a help.
Semper fi,
Jim
I feel spoiled to have 3 chapters in rapid succession. Thank you Jim.
Alas, the initial joy at catching some sitting ducks, turned to a pressing need to attack in another direction, then another crushing loss. The phrase “can’t win for losing” springs to mind.
Where does the recording of the drums come from?
I listened briefly to the narration. It was missing the subliminal sound track that plays in my head when I read something. When the story is gripping, as yours is, my mind’s eye activates as well, filling in visuals, despite my eyes seeing words.
Selecting audio readers is always problematic because we have pre-conceived ideas about the ‘voice’ we already know…and that we’ve created
by interpreting the writing. Thanks for listening and I think it’s important to get the work out in audio for all those aging vets no longer reading well…
Semper fi, and thanks,
Jim
Chuck does the audio, so I do not know the answer to the drum question. There was no recording equipment in the thick of it over there.
Some guys had waterproof 35mm but I never saw anybody taking photos after there were there for a bit.
What would be the point?
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow…I understand why this was a tough one to put to paper, LT. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and strength to continue telling your story and the story of your fellow marines and all you endured. We readers in a way share your own loss, and we will hunker down here and remain frozen in place until your next installment of this brutal and deadly chess game…Thank you and the rest of the men for all you did.
Thanks for the ‘hug’ Walter! Yes, some of these are harder than others and I much appreciate the company with me here on this site…
Semper fi,
Jim
thanks Walter, the thanks and compliment mean a lot to me. I’m writing 26th Day Second just now…when I’m not writing on this site…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you LT for sharing your experience in real combat. It appears that extreme diversity brought out leadership ability that lay dormant.
Thank you for that insight, Jay,
Semper fi,
Jim
Read and listened. The written word experience was more personal, dragging me down into mud with you. I am happy I read first. Just seemed a stronger hold on my attention. Thanks to Mr Bartok. And thank you for the quick return to your key board. Your deep loss over Macho Man came through powerfully in the written story as much as it did with the loss of your Scout Team Marines. God Bless. Poppa J
It all happens so fast in the real thing. One day they are there having a cigarette or C-rations right with you and then they are
like instantly gone forever. Thanks for the kindly note…
Semper fi,
Jim
The audio was an added bonus after reading this segment. The narrator was very effective in reproducing the fear and cacophony of noise surrounding the embattled marines. Semper Fi!
Thanks Patrick. Chuck is reading these comments too and took some hits from others. Chuck is a wonderful man and I could not be more grateful for his work here.
Semper fi,
Jim
This one hurt LT, I can’t even imagine how much it hurt you. And I really like the sound of the audio version, is that your voice narrating? Semper Fi Sir.
The pain of memory is a strange thing.
Thanks for the comment, Mike.
The narrator is a close friend, Chuck Bartok, who has been aware of this story since 1970.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks James Strauss! I’m not a vet but honor you guys immensely. Thanks for this story and I look forward to each issue. I do wish we could get it all in another book form. I read the first two and now the successive posts.
You are welcome, Wayne.
When the Third Ten Days is finished it also will be published
and the three books will be packaged as a set.
Also available individually.
Semper fi,
Jim
I cannot get enough of your writings. Being as I am as deaf as a fence post from small arms and artillery fire, audio versions are difficult to make out, but not impossible. I would buy both book and audio. I can hardly wait for this to be released.
Thanks for the great compliment, as I return to the keyboard tonight.
Semper fi,
Jim
Again, OUTSTANDING 🇺🇸
Peerless story telling. This is a book/ tape not to be laid down until finished.
I listened to the audio rather than re-reading the segment…I liked it…I think the response to the entire trilogy in audio would be positive…I would “listen” to the story again on some of my long drives instead of whatever music I can find…
Appreciate your comment, Mark.
One reason why we are producing all three books in audio is for those who are long commutes and Long Haul Truckers.
Semper fi,
Jim
Very good writing as always on your part. I enjoy reading your stories. Must be difficult reliving the memories as you write. Thanks for everything.
Thanks Ernest. Yes, it can be difficult to get through some of the chapters but the support I’ve received on here
have helped immensely. I did not expect such support…
Semper fi,
Jim
Well James…what a heart wrenching segment…Macho Man gone…like Zippo…like so many others…I know this one had to be tough to put in writing. And here we all are…over there with you in the mud, feeling every move, and hearing the drums and trying to calm Carruthers in our own minds…I feel the worst is still to come in this battle…and I hope you get choppers and air support in the morning…thanks for continuing this saga and putting everything in words so that maybe, just maybe some will realize how many heroes were lost there and here…because they were there…
At point of contact we suffered terrible losses and I never quite saw any numbers except the totals reflecting that.
Certainly not whole companies or battalions shot to hell like we were.
Thanks for the great support and the complimentary words…
Semper fi
Jim
I was deafened again, being too close to muzzles of the 106 guns not to be seriously affected. I waited for my hearing to come back. The guns fired some more but I’d had the time to jam my muddy hands over my ears, the fetid smell of the sticky stuff making my( headache.) head ache
I am at a loss for words. Another great chapter.
Thanks for your input, Tom.
Noted and corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for your very inciteful story. It makes me feel that I am there with you. It makes me think of how and what I would do in the situation you are in.
Thanks so much John for the kind words and the compliment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Another blood pressure raising, heart pounding chapter with the smell unlike no other. Great work sir.
Thanks for the comment, Steven.
Share with your friends.
semper fi,
Jim
Chuck does a good job with his reading and inflections. I am not used to listening to books being read. I guess I like to take material that you are writing and ponder on every sentence. Books are like friends to me. I like to visit them more than once. Your work is great and worthy of reading again and agian.
Needless to say, I love books too Daniel. But I do want to reach all the vets who can’t or don’t read anymore.
So many are getting old…like me!
Semper fi,
Jim
Damn it! I am sorry, no words just raw emotion.
Thank you for your loyal support, Chuck
Semper fi,
Jim
So very sorry. He knew you were with him, by his side. You eased his pain allowing him to gain peace. He did not due alone. Thank you
No, he did not die alone, if that was any solace to him. The bullets took him so hard that he never came back from
the shock. Thanks for the nice comment and the support…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great episode, look forward to your great writings.
I am reading this version with tears running down my cheeks, as it brings back memory’s long pushes to the back of my mind. It also lets me know the pain you are suffering as you write this chapter. For the good of the majority the few must suffer. Loved the audio samples
Thanks Don. That is so kind of you to give the story such care, feeling and support.
Means everything to me…and keeps me going…
semper fi,
Jim
Rest in peace macho man. Gone but not forgotten.