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Thanks for reading this short excerpt from the paid post! Fancy buying it to read all of it?
When is the last 10 days due to be completed? and published? Been waiting long time G.I. As they used to say. Anyway still waiting patiently. 175 Radio Research Co. Bien Hoa 69 to 70.
Thanks for the note. It should be published by tomorrow August 8, 2020
This has been a “tough row to hoe”
Chuck, 3rd Platoon 101st RRC assigned to 175th for rations and quarters from just after Tet. Previous to that at Long Binh with 303rd. We were 05Gs. Ran monitor missions all over III Corps from there. There are active ASA veteran’s groups if you are interested. Be Well
I don’t hang well with other vets for some reason or other Dan. Iconoclastic. Insubordinate. Obstinate. Those words were from a counselor at the VA,
not me, when I sort of got the heave ho from attending group sessions. The counselor was a great man though, so I took him at his word.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m waiting Lieutenant, I know it’s hard to write these last lines
In a previous chapter you brought up the subject of the mud and after reading that I could taste that sinkin’ mud… now climbing that wall.. exposed…. I could taste fear again..
Thank you for the “compliment” Somme sensea never seem to dull.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, many of us, if not most, did avoid talking with other “returnees” – for quite a long time. The results of actions that we took lasted through decades, and indeed, are still with us today.
I think that only a psychopath could return relatively untouched mentally. For me, it resulted in an inability to form lasting relationships, except for a rare two or three over the span of now 54 years. I try, but rarely succeed, to bring people close – I think I feel that if I do bring someone into my heart, I will lose them. So I remain mostly to myself. It has become a bit easier, but only slightly. My church services are now my only salvation – and I am thankful that now we actually meet, instead of conducting the church service over the telephone.
I have begun, at age 74, to attempt to make a permanent place – actually buying a house!
God bless you for sharing what you can – it is appreciated.
We must meet, however we do it, maybe as result of the tour I am going to do later this year around the nation.
I need to know you in person, and you me…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just found this chapter tonight. I think about you from time to time but think that you are probably still recuperating. Hope you are and that you are staying safe in all of this insanity.
Semper Fi Sir
It has become an arduous journey.
Thanks for the support, Paul
Semper fi,
Jim
damn Lt. you have me running to the computer every am looking for more. I hope they come soon, even if I know it must be the hardest part of the story for you to tell. soon I hope!
Did I miss day 30?
No, Walter.
It is not yet completed.
Semper fi, Jim
Climbing that rock face in broad daylight?? Even with air support the pucker factor must have been completely in the red.
I thought I understood war, I was so wrong. You and all the service men deserve so much more than you get, you are welcome around my campfire anytime James
Thank you for your comment and the invite, Bill.
I will be posted the USA tour this fall and maybe we can hook up?
Stay tuned.
Jim
Wooooeeeeee! You got the balls of a burglar!! Many thanks for your service, LT!
Much appreciate the compliment Larry…and I am again bearing down on the throttle to get to the finish of the third book…and on into the fourth.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hang in there Lieutenant, only one more day to go!
Thanks for your support, Stuart
Semper fi,
jim
So many wounded and KIA, I never knew and do not know now the big picture. But it seems to me they used you and your company as just shill to draw fire to draw out the bad guys hope for some body counts. The Way I am reading this seems like an extraction then regroup with combo of fresh marines and a better plan. I have never heard or read of such a struggle as you guys had to endure. You had more combat in 29 days than most infantry had the hole ww2, This was great chapter. looking forward to last of the story, and the book to follow of your recovery.
Yes, I was in combat most every hour of the day and night during my tour. It was a bad luck tour, to get caught in such a strange hole in place and time.
When I came home I also felt guilt for not finishing my tour. I only lasted a month so I did not want to talk to other vets who’d done a whole 13 months,
or even more.
Semper fi,
Jim
You sir did more in one month than most did in 12 months
You might have to define ‘did more,’ if we were to get serious about that combat service.
Thanks for the comment and the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
WOW ! Hangin’ on every word Jim ! Lookin’ forward to the next, [last ?] installment.
Thank you for your loyalty, Bob
The saga will be completed soon and then on to the “Cowardly Lion”
It will focus on the transition back
Semper fi,
Jim
riveting saga. Thanks
Riveting!
Thanks Jim.
I can’t wait for the 3rd volume!
Hopefully very soon, David
Semper fi,
Jim
I liked twinkling, it sounded like a sound you can see.
Damn…I never cease to be amazed by the bravery and heroism shown by these 18, 19, and 20 year olds…you were an outstanding leader of an outstanding combat infantry unit…
That designation has been questioned.
Appreciate your support and the compliment, Mark
Semper fi
Jim
Thanks for another riveting chapter !!! Just as an FYI the helicopter pictured at the top is one from my old squadron, we all knew our major function was the support of the grunts and would go to as great lengths as command would allow and “sometimes” beyond that 😉
Keep on keepin on James.
SEMPER Fi
Thank you for sharing your experiences and yes, those of us on the ground were VERY grateful.
Semper fi,
Jim
What was the quote, Hell is the impossibility of reason
It was Oliver Stone, “Hell is the impossibility of reason”
Appropriate for the situation.
Thanks, Michael.
Semper fi,
Jim
Just. WOW!
Wow, the reality and gut emotions all the way through from the beginning to this chapter. Like all great authors, you bring the reader into each scene. Excellent, El Tee.
Thank you for the support, Mark
Semper fi,
Jim
Hi, El Tee. I was going through my news feed and this tidbit popped up.
https://news.yahoo.com/super-sized-six-shooter-saved-023000971.html
Thanks for sharing. The Ontos was a savior for many.
Semper fi,
Jim
Unbelievable! Absolutely the right move to make. Ironic that Jerguns gets to leave the valley the same way he entered it ,with Captain Casey .I hope every one on the chopper makes it. I hope you didn’t forget about the N.V.A. artillery that can reach the top of the valley wall.
You are on top of it, Chuck.
Thanks for your support along this journey.
Semper fi
Jim
Thanks Lt, You had me reading and looking forward for the next chapter. So hurry up Brother Lol Semper Fi
I am slow but steady.
Thanks for the support, Donald
Semper fi
Jim
imagine the largest, tallest, most terrifying, rollercoater. One that has dizzying ascents, stomach dropping dives, sphincter clenching turns. One that you are absolutely certain, no way in hell, will get you safely back to the departure point.
Now you have some idea how your story feels to me.
Jim, did my comment from the 13th not go thru? It says that it is still awaiting moderation.
I am behind, sorry.
Jim
Great read keep up the good work. I want a complete set of your books thirty days has September autographed and I will give the ones that I have to my dr at the va hospital.
My dr at the va hospital is my uncle a very good dentist . He retired in December. Is an avid reader of wwll through Vietnam
Thank you for sharing, Jimmy
And also your support.
Please share our site with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for your input and support.
The first two are available autographed and on the page enter your email and will be mailed a substantial discount code for the Third
Special Book Offer Thirty Days Has September
Semper fi,
Jim
For all these past few years I have read and fretted about what will happen next in your life and command. Your great writing has me hooked on your story. Soon fate will give you a Purple Heart and the next chapter in your life.
Thanks for sharing your story and writing so clearly to us who also served and left WIA.
Bless you the next few days as you write the hardest day of your life.
Spellbinding post today!
I am honored with your comment.
Working to Complete the Third Ten Days and also outline the sequel, The Cowardly Lion
Semper fi,
Jim
Sir, Holy S***! Honest to God you have me shaking as I read this. Terrific writing, horrific story to tell. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment, Keith.
Semper fi,
Jim
I was a crew chief on a 34 in 64 and our problem was we only had S. Vietnamese troops assisted by Army ST operating out of small forts along the Trail. The Valley was bad then and got worse. We could not count on the South Vietnamese troops, in fact many times we had to throw them out of the plane in hot LZs. Going after Americans, no matter what, was without question. I only had to spend a few nights in the field with the those we hauled and cherished my Guaranteed Aviation when I joined in 1960. As I look back as an older gentleman, I wonderhow much if anything we learned.
Very good, thank you Sir!
You are most welcome David, and I much appreciate the compliment inherent in your words on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Damn.
Thanks Glenn, for the great one word compliment. I shall continue, sir…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow amazing what a commanding Officer has to deal with. Semper Fi.
Thank you
You are more than welcome and I can only state that I will continue on as long as people like you keep on writing in your appreciation…
Semper fi,
Jim
Dang, Jim! That’s some heavy stuff. Looks like we both survived our heart procedures. This old DUSTOFF medic is hanging on every chapter. Thank you.
Much appreciate the association, survival and compliment coming from a man like you…one of those who saved my sorry tail…
Thank you!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Another awsome chapter Lt. I’d like to say thank you to all those you lost in this damned valley for their sacrifice on this Memorial day.
Thank for you for the heartfelt sentiment, James
They were so many who we are Honoring this weekend.
Semper fi,
Jim
Getting intense, as if it hasn’t been. The General public has no idea what a combat veteran has gone through. Stay well!
I am trying to help those of the general public who might want to learn about the reality and not the mythology.
thanks for pointing out what you pointed out.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, thanks for another great chapter. Semper Fi!
It’s my pleasure to write to such an august group of vets and those who want to know about the vets, then and now.
Thank you so much…
Semper fi,
Jim
THESE ARE INFANTRY MARINES. Under fire and cohesive working within the air ground combat doctrine..a professional organization using combined arms to locate an elusive but tenacious enemy ,close with and then destroy him with as much firepower as one can bring to bear..GOOD JOB EL -TEE !
Thanks Tony, for that great assessment and compliment. Much appreciated.
Semper fi,
Jim
Second paragraph: ” …It took some time to finish the move downriver. Enemy fire had been sporadic and effective only in slowing our progress to try to assure that no more of our Marines were lost.”
“…to assure that no more of our Marines were lost.” It doesn’t seem to fit the sentence about enemy fire being sporadic. Was this possibly a re-write that needs a little more rewriting?
I think it reads better now, Tim
Thank you
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read!
When you say, “The twinkling mechanical sound of his special Zippo” were you thinking “tinkling?” Twinkling is a visual experience and sound doesn’t really twinkle.
Thanks Ron for the editing help. Chuck will get all over that mistake in the morning.
Don’t know what I would do without the help.
Semper fi,
Jim
Paragraph 5, You mention “Go Noi Island; later in the same paragraph you use “Go Noy Island”. Is this a typo or was it intentional? Very hard to read with experiencing flash backs! Keeps the heart beating hard!!!
even though I commented earlier , I re-read the chapter and it got me to thinking that maybe Jurgens just too quickly bought into a game that he has no chance at winning
Interesting insight…
You are an astute reader, Chuck
Semper fi
Jim
Another cliff hanger Sir.
Excellent read as always!
Thanks Bruce, sure means a lot to me to read such words, and so many others from men and women like you….
Semper fi,
Jim
write faster this is great
Another stellar chapter Sir, every time I think that you can’t ratchet the tension up any more you do. Semper Fi LT.
Thank you for your input and support, Mike
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Another good read. I am glad you were able to get another chapter out.
Kemp
Thank you, H Kemp.
Wow James you are really building the suspense till the last sentence. Outstanding. Thanks for a Great Read.
Wow Jim such a great chapter! You were a really good writer when you started this great book but with each chapter you have gotten better now you are a great writer.Thanks for doing this and thank you for your service!!
I am honored with your compliment, Mike
It means a lot and thank you for your support
Semper fi
Jim
As always another great segment LT. To this day I still don’t like to be in the dark of night where I can’t see anything.
3rd para down….
I was the company commander and the Marines, although (riven) “driven” through with fear and terror themselves, couldn’t ever be allowed to see or feel my own.