The red river was a rivulet of bloody water that happened to be running down the valley, back from the direction the company had to head up into. The major problem, as the Gunny pointed out, was not our movement, air support or even hauling Zippo and the bodies that had come falling down from the cliff. It was the Ontos. There was no way the company could tramp back through the same stretch of jungle again, and counter-attack on through, without taking near total casualties. The NVA might have fallen for the first frontal attack but there was no way they would be taken by surprise like that again.
“We can run the Ontos along the edge of the jungle,” the Gunny noted, “although it’ll be a close fit with the wall hugging the solid debris in some places, but the turret can’t be rotated more than about thirty degrees if that.”
Could you check and see if my email is on the list to notify us when the new chapters come out? I didn’t get a notice for the last 2.
Thanks,
Tim
Tim, I checked and the email TR2129@Comcast.net is not on the list.
Use this link to re-optin and be sure to look for Verify email and click on the link.
Opt-IN to Strauss List
Will do, thanks. I have been on it for a long time. Not sure what happened. Your story is excellent. I was there in 1966. You bring me back there on a regular basis. Sometimes good, sometimes not but thank you for the chance.
Hope your taking care of yourself,James—-Speaking for the here and now,I’d like to thank you for your back-to-back—–I view it as a gift during the season—-Hope this finds you well in all respects.
Thanks Mark, for the kind caring comment. Zippo was tougher to get through than I thought. I don’t normally have dreams from those old days but the writing
about that brought him back, which is okay, as I love the kid, but it also made me feel like I was violating his memory a bit, yet without anything to really
back that up. Best I can do at explaining my period of the doldrums.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year.
Jim
James I have to disagree with you on violating Zippos memory. I believe you honor it with what you’ve written about him. There has been a few heroes that have died along this terrible journey. Several I can remember there names and picture them because of your writing but Zippo sticks out the most so far. Because of your writing about him his memory will live forever.
Thanks Frank, that means a lot to me…a lot…
Semper fi,
Jim
Well James…another great read…and a much faster turn around with this segment. It has become my habit to read and re-read both your story and the comments. You gave statistics on war casualties…my friend that was the first Airborne Jumpmaster from WWII that I have mentioned before told me that of his battalion that went across the water only 212 were alive at the war’s end and of those 212 only 21 had not been wounded…bears out that real combat is a horrible thing no matter which era you are from…again, I anxiously await your next segment…and Happy New Year.
I wrote about Jimmy Stewart, the actor, and how he fought to get into bomber command to bomb the Germans. Later he could not continue because of PTSD and they transferred him
out (which they did not do for regular vets at the time…hence the movie Catch 22). There were 125,000 crew. Fully 80,000 were shot down, captured, wounded or killed. The killed
were just at 56,000. That’s out of 125,000!!! Just like the A Shau so many years later and God knows how many combat theaters in between. The public really does not understand.
John Wayne made it up Mount Suribachi to plant the flag…and so on….
Thanks for the meaningful comment and supporting what I’ve been writing about here.
Semper fi, and Happy New Year.
Jim
The .50 is a fearsome thing, I have had 4 pointed at me several times, but only tracking to force us to stop, if they had fired, I wouldn’t be writing this. The gun that shoots through trees…..
The .50 with armor piercing could penetrate one inch of solid steel at any distance under 500 meters. The Russian weapon (51 caliber) wasn’t quite as powerful.
Thanks for coming in on this one…
Semper fi,
Jim
Since your scout team modified the Ontos where would the blowback from the 106’s go? Not against the canyon wall I presume.
Thanks for the wise observation. I believe the issue was discussed but never became an issue.
Appreciate the analytical accuracy here…
with your help.
Semper fi,
Jim
I had never seen those figures before, 375000/362000. Eye opening. Great writing.
Yes, those statistics are from the government and available if you hunt online. It was shocking when I first read them.
I had no idea. I’d studied SLA Marshall and Sociology about war. I thought about one in four or five were in actual combat.
Not so, at all. Not in any of the modern wars. I don’t know about the old ones. Explains of lot about post war commentary and conduct too.
When I sit in the VA hallway waiting for something I am pretty much alone in my background. And nobody knows. Or might even believe if I told them.
I don’t wear the ‘VA Uniform.’ I have a Purple Heart license plate, but that’s about it. I don’t go to vets events, Memorial Day, Veterans Day or any of that
and I will never ever march in one of those things. I will not go to schools and be ‘honored.’ I am proud to have served and I have no hope that the general public
will ever have a real clue about that service unless they read my books and believe them…which isn’t likely.
Semper fi,
Jim
I wasi was in high school from 70-74. This certainly coincides with the bits & peices vets have shared with me. I always intended to join the war during my high school years, Vets would always tell me once I got there I would change my mind. After reading thirty days has September I can for the time see & understand why they would say such a thing. Thank you for being there & thank for sharing it.
Much appreciate the sharing of part of your own life and the compliment you gave me on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome back Jim. This comment sure hit home with me. “I don’t wear the ‘VA Uniform.’” I set up my appointments for the first one of the day so I don’t have to talk with anyone and I find the other men there are doing the same thing. As always looking for the next segment. Mike
I did not mean to say shit about the guys who do go to the VA and wear the ‘uniform.’ Damage from the wars comes in all types and maybe that’s what they need
as a palliative or curative. I don’t know. I just know me…and now you…
Semper fi,
Jim
I bet heltzer just got respect from gunny after his knowledge about the ontos. Also seems he and piper make a good team. You never know who will have the solution to a challenge.
Yes, Project 100,000 was a disaster in general, but not necessarily in specific.
I’m not sure every other unit that had members from that project were teamed up like we did in our company.
Some were probably simply left to die. Hard times.
Semper fi,
Jim
The day, 53 years ago when I enlisted. Then in the shit. Years later 4 months in the hospital and sent home. I have done and still do a great job of forgetting but once in a while at night, but I keep that to myself. I would not if I could recall and do what you are doing. I have never read any of the books about Nam except this. Never saw the Hollywood version of it either. I will be purchasing the 1st 2 today and look forward to #3. I want my grandsons to read them, not sure when as I don’t want any questions, I want to stay in ‘forget mode’. At times it is hard as a 100% DAV as when a person at the VA asks if I saw combat instead of ‘yes’, it would be easier to say ‘how the fuck you think I got this shit’.
Keep them coming as I know how hard it must be!
May 2019 be your best year yet!
I was with Dr. Bair from the VA last night for dinner. Coincidentally to this comment. He has about the best take on real combat, as opposed to being close to it or not in it at all, of any
VA counselor I’ve ever met. He never served and never saw combat but he’s been through about ten thousand for PTSD counseling. A great man and one of those few.
My first counselor prescribed seven drugs. My second wanted to go through ‘intake’ and when I refused called the authorities. My third thought that I wanted the money and he was going
to make sure I didn’t get it. If you get a Dr.Bair gift then the Lord has blessed you. You are one of those rare ones JRW and to be that is also to be pretty lonely and not understood.
Hence the books. Thanks for the cogent heartfelt comment, and the depth of the compliment to me in your writing it here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wish we could forget. I try also, but occasionally, something surfaces. Proud to have served. Lived thru the seige of RIPCORD, by Gods grace alone.69-70. 2/501, 101. And folks wonder, why we don’t want to talk about it. Smh.
I heard all about Ripcord and that siege was not covered in the media but it was a costly bastard.
Thanks for being one of us J.S.
And so glad you are here writing these comments!
Semper fi,
Jim
Lost my Uncle Donald Ragsdale call sign Ragbag on 4/1/1970 on Ripcord. He was a Pathfinder 101st. Miss this man everyday. Recently connected with a man who served with him and was WIA right alongside Don and 3 others. It was a privilege and an honor to meet him and his family and find out what really happened that day. We have made new friends and are enjoying getting to know his family. From the bottom of hearts we thank you for your service and pray that the more people learn of Vietnam as stories are shared that their eyes will be opened and they will figure out who the real heroes are. Welcome home and may you continue to heal.
Thanks for that part of your own life and Ragbag’s too. Means a lot for those of us who came through.
There are really not that many.
Semper fi,
Jim
The response you made to Monty this morning means a lot to ease the guilt. Thanks Sir! Shpuld we ever meet the first few rounds are on me. Your choice of beverage.
Sempre Fi!
“Thanks so much Monty. I am glad that you did not go. I am glad that you are here writing what you wrote. I am so happy to meet guys that feel like
they missed something in their manly development by not going. The only ones I don’t like are the blustering ones who believe that those of us who went
were stupid to go. Those with regret are my kind of men and women. The others not. To have gone means there were those of us who cared enough to risk it
all. That you wanted to go but life came at you differently is nothing to be ashamed of at all. And the result is that you are alive and well and that’s what a lot of men died to make sure that this benefit is your very own. Live it with a smile.
Semper fi,”
Thanks Tomas, and I meant every word of it, of course. I recently met a learned man who did not go. We have been friends for some time. He’s a noted historian known for his work on the study of our war.
He stopped me after coffee and took me aside to ask me this question: “Don’t you really believe, as the intelligent man I know you to be, that those who actually went to fight in that war were the more ignorant
and dumber of those available to go?” He knows I am a wounded Vietnam Veteran with a pretty distinguished track record. I know because he also checked with the authorities to make sure. What did I respond to
my friend? I told him that he was right, that those of us who went were indeed the dumber and the less intelligent. he left the coffee shop smiling. I smiled at his departing car. This learned professor has no
clue but needs to constantly be reinforced that his ruse to avoid service back in the day was the correct decision. He left feeling better, not knowing that I answered to make him feel so. Was there a price for me in
answering the question in that way? Maybe a bit. But paying the price for others is something that becomes a habit, if you are real Marine. Since that first day of OCS, then reinforced when my gold bars were pinned on, and then even when I came
home finally from that war I have been and will always be a United States Marine, and I will try to conduct myself the way I think best befits that. That professor got a small example he will never know about of how a real
Marine conducts himself. I took care of him, as he needed caring for. I can handle it. All the way up the hill….
Semper fi,
Jim
And my deep thanks for the comment and your compliment
By all that is Holy, James… how on earth does a brother react and respond to such a brilliant and heart-felt response about such a small piece of our reality? I sincerely hope that you totally reap the rewards and satisfaction of your monumental efforts and associations here in a way that lifts your meaning and enjoyment of life to the highest possible expression. May we share the remainder of our lives knowing we did our very best and We know it! Semper Fi, Marine! May God be with you and your family always… Hero on deck!
I can only respond to that comment with great thanks Herb. Yes, I am laying it down and paying money and taking the time and pain to do it. But there are a lot of guys who needed it I think,
or came to think because of what people like you have written on here. Without words like your own I don’t think I could go on. Thanks for that…
Semper fi,
Jim
Only got to fly my CH-46 into the valley twice early in 1970 carrying recon…I really respect all those Marines who had to battle in that beautiful hellhole…your writing skill is amazing…eagerly awaiting future chapters and the full book…Semper Fidelis….
Those recon missions were quite something. Once again, recon missions where the guys going in had no clue about what they were about
to embark on. Or in. Thanks for commenting and supporting this effort.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for coming back on the net with two in a row, Jim. We missed you.
Yes, and I thank you for that comment. I had a tough time for a bit. This is a lot more emotional, especially near the end, than I thought it would be or
it started out to be…I appreciate everyone’s patience…
Semper fi,
Jim
Regardless of those people pointing out errors in your narrative. I don’t notice any, I’m focused on the story. It’s hard enough to write about your journey through the valley of death, than to be correct in your spelling. Keep on keepin on Lt. and thank you👍🇺🇸👏
The analytical part is important as the ‘truth’ is in the details. I added an extra number to the grid coordinates in the last segment and I can’t believe I got that wrong,
even after all these years. So glad I have you guys to help me get it just right…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, check your information.
Maybe one too many digits in your fire mission coordinates.
Yes, there were, should have been single six. You are right on top of things.
Semper fi, and many thanks…
Jim
Eight digits were often used to tighten up the coordinates of a target
Agreed on that Plc.
Semepr fi, and thanks for chiming in….
Semper fi,
Jim
…didn’t need the captain (wigging) out, just yet, anyway.
Well, our wants and needs seldom got together in the valley back then. I have to write it as it believe it went down.
Some areas are a little gray but Carruthers is not one of them. Zippo either. I just wish I had better tools to see if some of the
guys, who made it at least as far as me, are still alive.
Semper fi,
Jim
Again, LT, very well written. You have a talent for drawing the reader into your work that is simply marvelous.
I think most of feel as though we are there with you, in the mind’s eye. We are dreading the contact that we know is coming.
USNA instills some really good smarts for most of their graduates. My Dad graduated there in 1944.
Can’t thank you enough for the compliment. Keeps me going on cold nights.
The academy guys I knew were mostly great guys, although they had the same disconnect from
reality all of us had when entering the valley for the first (and last, according to the Gunny) time.
Semper fi,
Jim
I wrote before about how much I liked this work. And that I was too young to go, only old enough to see it on TV and think that was normal and my fate. Anyway, I write myself and know the right answer is “I loved every fucking word.” But you seem to appreciate typo suggestions. . .so, in “Piper knew how damaged he was, and was depending on the Hultzer and the rest of us to get him through” isn’t the “the” before Hultzer superfluous? Or did I miss a point?
Thanks for the help, which I badly need and much appreciate! The compliment and time in commenting too.
Semper fi,
Jim
I noticed that is corrected. You are busy Lt.
Intense.
Riveting.
Unable to really fathom.
Heartfelt support for you as you move toward completion.
Hard to believe some of this writing, I know. Hard to believe it all really happened. Movies can’t or won’t do this kind of combat justice.
I just read about Jimmy Stewart and it was a grand flowing description of his heroism in combat and his willingness to go into the thick of it.
And then the small detail at the end where ehe had to be pulled out of the bomber flights because of PTSD. That he could be pulled out lat all
before serving his required tour says something too and that must have eaten at him following the war too. That part is not well illustrated.
Most don’t get to be pulled out. You serve it and you die on the outside or the on the inside. Just the way it was and probably remains.
Semper fi,
Jim
PS Loved Jimmy Stewart then and to this day, though….and saw PTSD written all over him in Its a Wonderful Life…
Don’t know who I despise more- the gooks or the brass.
That was easy back then. It was the brass. Now, I am not so sure I despise either one.
War is an absolute disorganized mess that is portrayed as anything but.
Semper fi,
Jim
LT, I’m sure this is getting tough for you, thank you for each line, as I’m sure they are not easy to write.
Tough patches and then easier…for reasons as hard to understand as they are to discuss…
Thanks for the observation and making it on here.
Semper fi,
jim
I have read “30 Days Has September” up to here and really enjoy it. I was in the Navy working on airplanes while many of you were dragging rifles in the jungle. I was over here training the fleet and enjoying the good life. I know that it was a different world over there. Thanks to you and all your brothers that lived through all this. I know many that were there and very few talk about it.
Without you guys doing what you were doing we could not have been doing what we were doing.
Whether it was all worth it can be argued forever, and certainly will be. Thanks for coming on here to comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
“I think you will be very pleased,” says it all………..
Thanks for that, and making it public…
Semper fi,
Jim
Does one “wing-out” or “wig-out”? I’d say the latter when I’m going all looney tunes but not sure about the vernacular herein.
Thanks for consideration as well as the 1st rate writing.
Thanks for the help and the compliment and making it a public thing…
Semper fi,
Jim
Riveting as always. I cannot begin to fathom the discipline and focus exhibited by you, Gunny and your Marines with a very terminal learning curve if you are wrong. Gravid,glacis?Thanks for helping me improve my vocabulary