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Thanks for reading this short excerpt from the paid post! Fancy buying it to read all of it?
James- you always gain my interest even though I just read this episode very late and commend you for dedication to all your men that continues to speak volumes of your leadership in Nam! We, who served our time’s in Nam have all found the “War” has stayed with us and opening up of what we all went through is a very slow healing process. Please continue to keep us all on the very edge of our seats and I thank you Sir- Semper Fi !!
Thanks a lot Regis, for the compliments and coming in on your own experiences with reading the story…
Semper fi,
Jim
Just one small edit suggestion. “Their firing at the rest of Kilo….” should likely read “They’re firing at the rest of Kilo…” unless I misread your intent.
Thank you, Jerry.
Always appreciate the help.
Noted and corrected.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’ve been here with you from the first day James, but I don’t know what to say about this one..another good man down.
Yes, we lost a ton of those, although when we got home it was like we never left…on the outside, I mean.
Semper fi,
Jim
Can sense the close of this tour is almost here. Feels kind of like being short. Happy to get to the end but said to be leaving friends.
You are correct. The follow on book will be about surviving and coming home
to what I came home to…and many others with me…
Semper fi,
Jim
One lives in New Mexico and refused to see me or talk to me. Three have commented but only in amazed one-liners, supportive but….
Semper fi,
Jim
The loss of the many brave men who died, as well as those whose lives were changed, in that damned war saddens me deeply. I’m glad that you lived to tell the story.
Thank you for your input, Dave.
And good to have you here also.
Semper fi
Jim
Every time I discover one of your great chapters I drop everything and read it with all the attention I can muster. Even the responses are great reading. Can’t wait for more. Thank you
Really appreciate your loyalty and support, Glen
It humbles me to read so much input from so many.
Semper fi,
Jim
Again Sir a ral hard story to tell as it is real life and not made up, there were times that I felt bad that I was not there as I was discharged in 1959 when they were sending people from my outfit over there called Advisors, 2-3-3 com. in Okinawa. But I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a super healthy New Year.
Thank you for your input and the wishes, Roger.
No one should ever feel bad about NOT being in “country”
A prosperous New year to you and your family
Semper fi,
Jim
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Lt Strauss. Hope all is well. I’ve been following your writing from the beginning of this story and I can’t get over how fast you caught on, in that short of time to stay alive and to try and do what was best for your men. Looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment and loyalty, Tom.
Humans are adaptable…
Sometimes they don’t give themselves the opportunity to express that skill.
Semper fi,
Jim
I read,I see,I hear and smell what the valley offers.The men seem familiar but still no faces. Remembering isn’t always good but not remembering …,I suppose,may be a blessing in disguise. Your writing, some how, brings peace or a resting spot for the mind. Thanks Lt.
I am honored with your comment.
I really appreciate your support, Bill
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for this latest section. I was really worried about you with the growing delays. Been on board since day one and have learned so much thanks to your descriptive writing style. Merry Christmas.
The final days are not the easiest memories to bring back to the fore.
Thank you for your Loyalty and support, Bob.
Share these chapters with friends and remember we still have the Two book special and a discount on the Final Volume.
Book Special
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim: I am reading this in Kansas on Christmas night. Surely brings back a fifty year old Christmas haunting as a demo specialist squad leader near the Bong Son that Christmas night. The rain had momentarily ceased but we did have a scope to see into the dark. This was a chilling 25th installment, long waited on and oh the memories it has awakened.
Thanks
I am the one sending thanks for your support, Steve.
For so many in the comment section, the 50 years seems to linger.
Enjoy a prosperous and healthy New Year.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, YOU have the gift. Keep writing, I’ve been following you since the 4th night. Just haven’t been able to read and then write a comment. But in 1967 I was a grunt in the Army north of Saigon. WIA October “Euphemism–Blown Up”. So I understand the countdown, been very hard for me to look ahead, because we both know what it’s going to mean. Looking back gives hope the outcome might change. It never does.
You are very healing to all of us who served. Countless times in the past I have promised myself that I’ll do my best because I survived and Sgt. Jones did not. Never ask a grunt why the guy on your left 3 feet away died and you took a ride from an AK. Every moment is forever etched in my memory.
Just keep writing and I’ll keep reading!
Merry Christmas from a fellow veteran.
Thanks for the great supportive comment. I hope to finish another chapter today, in fact, now that am sort of running free again.
Semper fi,
Jim
James:
As you continue to produce these outstanding writings, it becomes more apparent that the internal struggles you experience from surfacing these memories is hurtful to you. If it helps, please remember you are also honoring those who gave their lives, those who served with you, those who still live with the effects and, really, all combat veterans. By your writing this story, you pay that respect and document it for others to read now and years from now. While many of us may never be able to truly understand or feel what you went through, we will always be in your debt. Thank you, welcome home and may peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Ed
Thanks for the wishes for peace and the compliment your entire comment really is.
I am working away on that peace thing, but some of these chapters are tougher than others.
I am writing again and in full force this very day.
Thanks for the help there,
Semper fi,
Jim
I’ve missed your chapter but each time you send one out I sense that we are getting closer to the end. I dread when we reach the end here James. This is like therapy for me, yes it brings memories supressed and memories lived with daily, but it seems to bring with it a shared healing. I realize that I am fortunate to have enjoyed 52 Christmas gatherings with family after the one that I didn’t celebrate in 1966. Seems I was busy resuplying outpost and hauling wounded out that Christmas.
Thank you for your service Sir! Welcome Home! See you at the House!
Thank you following and your support, Parker.
Your sacrifice is appreciated and so many of us are blessed to have that 50+ year Celebration time with loved ones.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you, James for another installment. I, we, have been waiting in anticipation and this segment brought an interesting, probably short lived, delivery of an intelligent Captain. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thanks for your support, Donald.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Semper fi,
Jim
A Christmas gift to your loyal readers! And a very Merry Christmas back to you too Mr. Strauss.
Once again I was drawn into a jungle nightmare that I have never experienced.
Thank you, Monty.
A joyous Christmas and New Year to you.
Remember to share our writing with your friends.
Semper fi,
Jim
Merry Christmas and thank you for the next chapter. Can’t wait for the trilogy to publish.
Thanks for your input.
And I also look forward to the trilogy to publish ~~smile
Semper fi,
Jim
The analogy to the spot in the jungle being the size of a backyard trampoline does not fit the 60’s. Might be better to say a backyard above-ground pool. No backyard tramps back then.
Thanks for your note, Skip
They were around in the ’60s.
My cousin in Green Bay had one and we jumped the heck out of it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you ! I was worrying about you. I was born in 63 and never served. I carry some guilt over that, but realize through your words that I am fortunate. I’ve been hesitant to comment here, but here I am. Words can’t express my humble appreciation and utmost respect. Having read all the chapters and comments, I’m in awe. What an amazing phenomenon your work has become. My hat is off to you and all who served.
Love and prayers from Arkansas!
Calvin
Calvin, comments like this are so appreciated and give energy to writing.
If possible share this story with others.
Semper fi,
Jim
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Aloha, Bob
Mele Kalikimaka, Dob.
Appreciate your following.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, its’ been a long time from that first night until now and I’ll be here for the last night. Merry Christmas to you and your family.