I huddled in what I had come to consider my cave, a dry place in a wet world of drizzling misery. The bottom of the cave, although consisting of sandy dirt rather than stone, like its walls, was mildly dusty from going many years without being touched by outside moisture, other than the heavy water-laden air always present everywhere in the valley during the monsoon season. I wrote. The stationery, if I could still call it that, was almost too wet to allow my poor quality government pen to write on. The imprinted blue image, in baby blue ink, of Marines raising the flag on Sarubachi, ran if I brushed my hand over it, and the paper itself came apart if I pressed down too hard with the tip of the pen. I wrote about my cave. I didn’t tell my wife it was a cave. I referred to it as my quarters, and my lying descriptions about it were complimentary. I glanced out toward the entrance, nearly hidden by the low light inside the cave’s dusky interior. That portal became a window, for my descriptive purposes. My poncho, thrown across the few inches of dry dirt, was my sheet and the sandy dirt my mattress. I didn’t mind writing the lies at all because, if I made it, however slim my chances, I would be able to make humor of my attempts to not tell her about the reality of life and death down in the A Shau Valley.
I carefully enclosed the somewhat soggy letter into a drier envelope, although simply addressing that paper caused the ink to run a bit, once it was exposed to the moist air. Mailing home for “free,” the word has to printed in the upper left corner of the envelope, had one other undiscussed benefit. I had only written half a page so I’d have to finish the letter later if I had a chance. There was no stamp to attempt to affix to paper that was in no condition to be able to hold it. I placed the envelope in my thigh pocket, buttoned it, and then sat back to consider when the next resupply might be planned and then when it could be arriving.
You had used the Army to resupply before, why couldn’t you get a supply drop from the Army this time around? Even if it was a LAPES drop. Been looking forward to finish of the 30 days since you hooked me on the story on day one. Keep up the good job, LT.
Needed evacuation more than supply. By the time we hit the wall we simply had to get up it and there was no fire base at the bottom that would protect us.
Thanks for the timely comment. LAPES drops were well planned and rare, at least for us.
Semper fi,
Jim
Hey Jim. Glad you’re feeling better. I have a question. Did all this happen before 68? I looked at a map and the abandoned airfield by hill975 isn’t far from where the battle of Hamburger Hill was fought. Right now, I’m trying to figure out what way you are headed based on the map I’m looking at. Makes it easier to visualize. Been enjoying the story for over a year now. Semper Fi brother,
We are heading directly south down to where the most accessible part of the canyon, for climbing down our out of is located.
East is the wall along which we are proceeding and the Bong Song is to the west while Hill 975 is to the north across the river.
Semper fi,
Jim
Lt-
My year in the Bush had some intense moments.
NOTHING compares to your Mission.
I heard A Shau was bad news but you lived it!!!
199th/1st Cav
11B40-Grunt 69/70
Keep it coming.
Chris
Made it through, true, but never have forgotten what the Gunny said: “You died down in this Vally. What is coming out isn’t you anymore,
but somebody else entirely.” I didn’t truly understand that until I was out of the hospital and back home…with a wife telling me exactly the
same thing and having to accommodate this new husband returning all over again.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you James. Another great chapter! I hope you are well.
Glad to have you back. I know personally that it’s has to be the right time to open up. Glad you can take us on your time there.
Since your last chapter we lost Dan Griffin, he was so very anxious that the story would end and he wouldn’t have it to look forward to. He is the veteran that gave this old vet the heads up and put me on to your story early on.
I’m much the same anxious for the next chapter but apprehensive about the end.
Thank you for your dedication to share this story!
RIP Dan Griffin
So sorry to lose Dan and so happy he loved the work. I tried to get back after the heart surgery but could not quite manage it.
Then my friend Chuck asked me to use the go fund me thing to gain interest and man oh man did that do it. I am totally motivated.
Why would the money mean so much? Because contributions come across as belief in my and what I’m doing (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september).
Thanks for the great comment and the sad smile I must smile at losing Dan…and the thanks I pray up toward him…and you.
Semper fi,
Jim
So glad you have regained your health and are safe enough to proceed with the final five installments. Just as you never saw your wounded again, I was accepting that you might never return to this onerous task. Welcome back. The Go Fund me is a great idea. I hope the spirit of paying forward is with your followers here.
Bob, the go fund me (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september) has reinvigorated me and has me writing like crazy again
like I cannot believe, especially in this virus influenced time.
Thanks for the comment and the care and the compliment of your writing.
Semper fi,
Jim
I hope that you will compile all of these into on book when you finish the last day. I would like to read it from the beginning to the end as a completed novel. Thanks and good luck with the rest of the story.
Thank you for your support, Larry
Because of length, the journey will be published in three separate books.
Fat Books are not as popular as in the past.
The first Two are available in Autographed Paperback and Hardcover,
with a discount available on Third Ten Days, when published.
Here is a link to First Two
30 Days Has September, First and Second Ten Days
You mentioned being supported by the A6 “Prowler”. The Prowler is an electronic warfare plane. Are you sure it wasn’t the A6 Intruder?
Yes, it was the Intruder. I never knew what it was when I was down there, except I knew it was an A-6 and one hell of a ground support aircraft when
flown by someone like Jim Homan.
Semper fi,
Jim
James – I hope I haven’t missed it but how’s your health? Apparently well enough that you can “continue to march”! As we have aged it’s strange to get a hold on the fact that we survived Vietnam, but our inevitable end cannot be far off regardless. April 20th was the 53rd “anniversary” (there HAS to be a better word, but one escapes me at this moment) that 9 out of the 11 men in my squad were killed or wounded – the only 2 “unscathed” were myself and another Marine. The next day (April 21, 1967) FoxCompany in my battalion walked in to an estimated 500 NVA and suffered 29 KIA and 90 WIA (give or take) in one bloody day. How the HELL any of us survived that war I still can’t understand…….maybe we didn’t. This journey you have led us all on has been riveting, terrifying, amazing, unbelievable, exhilarating, depressing and inspiring all at the same time. You, your men and your story makes me proud all over again to be a “Marine” and a Vietnam veteran….proud and thankful to ALL our brothers and sisters in all branches who served. So continue to march, Lieutenant……..we are all behind you! Semper Fi………..
Why is my comment above still awaiting moderation?
Thank you for your support and comment, Gary.
It is heartwarming to have your input and that of so many ‘fans’
I have been slow in getting caught up on these comments and writing another soon to be posted Segment.
There are =currently 94 comments in the queue.
I am working slowly.
Semper fi, Jim
Your too polite! How can so many critique your work from deep in The Valley where you have taken us? BTW, “FREE” was supposed to be printed where the stamp would normally go!😉
You are exactly correct Bob, about the ‘free’ thing on envelopes. Thank you for that.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great to see that you are doing well Lieutenant, worried about you.
One thing, in this latest installment :
“Mailing home for “free,” the word has to printed in the upper left corner of the envelope…”
As I recall, the word FREE needed to be printed on the upper right corner of the envelope, in the same place a stamp would would normally be affixed, the upper left corner of the envelope being reserved for my return address.
Thank you for pressing on to finish this book! My viewpoint was different, being on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf doing our best to supply close air support for you.
VF194 USS TICONDEROGA 1966 1968
Yes it was in the right corner in looking at it directly. I got that wrong because my brain is not properly wired…or maybe it was the
stuff they gave me for the operation….
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you for describing so well the intimate work required in a personal shift from a position of conscious terror put up against your own survival to that of conscious resignation that any one of us (but especially the men under your command down the A Shau) might never again be granted another moment in which to write soft lies to their loved ones.
Rare are the moments when our focus on survival goes beyond that of our own person to the level recognized only by those other than ourselves. Leadership will always hold higher office than command. Your men may have obeyed your command despite holding a grudge…they were, after all, marines. Yet, to recognize your command by admitting to their own faults is a much higher compliment…one that acknowledges leadership beyond command!
Well done Lieutenant!
And in case you think any of your readers might still have missed it…your recognition of those who’d dare to risk it all to fight and die at your side, continues to this very day!
Thanks D.D. Hayes the consummate writer and teller of truths sometimes too uncomfortable to read….I understand.
Thanks for putting this wonderful comment up here on this site and the compliments, as well.
Semper fi,
Jim
So glad to see a new chapter Lt. The tension is rising and set for one hell of a ending. I can’t express enough my appreciation for the sacrifice you and your fellow Marines made in that hellish valley. I fully support your effort and will gladly make a contribution. Semper fi.
Thanks Tim, it is good to read your comment at this particular time. Thank you for writing it up on here for all to see…
Semper fi
Jim
I’ve been looking lately to see if I missed a new installment. Just two nights ago I rechecked your website. To see an email today, not about “The Cat” or any of your other books, but about “30 Days” was the answer my searching was looking for. Thank you for coming back to focus on this cliffhanger. I’m afraid that word may be more appropriate as we prepare for what unfolds in the next segment. All the best.
Whom would ever have thought the I started this series of books, certainly not me, that they would become so timely in describing what it is like to have
to struggle through brutal survival times? thanks for the timely comment and for writing it on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Enjoyed! Thank You Sir.
thanks so much David, means a lot to me…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks, JIm.
What a welcome relief to see you have posted another episode in this compelling saga.
We ghost soldiers are still here slogging along with you and your real men down in the A Shau valley.
Your writing has really captivated–and enlightened me…to better understand what a lot of guys my age went through over there.
With ya till the end, LT.
I am totally motivated and terrifically supported by the men and women from here who have contributed to the go fund me campaign that I started. I was unaware that I needed
such emotional support, as I am constantly thinking I can make it on my own no matter how difficult the circumstance. Even down in that valley though, I was terribly
in need of support, even when it came to the point where it did not seem so, as you will read in this next segment tomorrow or
Sunday. Thanks for the care and for writing like you just did on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Good to see you back Lt. Another great chapter, sounds like pucker time for your marines. I always look forward to reading each chapter, you write is so well just what life in the valley was to those who were there.
You take care, I will await the next chapter.
Thanks ssgt, much appreciate the kind comment and the fact that you made it on here.
I am hard at work this night and half way through the next segment. Just took a break to reply to one of the many many comments here…
Semper fi,
Jim
51 years ago yesterday I got my ticket punched for my trip out of the A Shau. I got Medevaced out on the battalion commander’s Loach. I often wonder if the NVA soldier that shot me survived the war. It was a terrible place to be no matter which side you were on.
I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for the NVA,
underground like wet rats and always knowing that our supporting fires were absolutely murderous and everywhere above.
Thanks for writing and enjoying the work.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for your continuing effort on finishing this book. Your explicit details draws me into your story. It also confirms my belief that the battle with this current virus cannot truly match those of war in this country. As a seasoned healthcare worker, I can say that no matter what we face at work, we are still able to return to our homes, tv, pizzas & family. Some of the younger workers should read your book or that of Vietnam nurses. Also, the healthcare workers in Afghanistan would be happy to trade places with people in NYC. It is all about perspective & experience. I don’t fear the virus, but the loss of freedom. Keep up the good work!
Thanks most sincerely Cathy.
Yes, that kind of war that I fought, and others have followed me in fighting, cannot compare.
But that’s all right.
One can never expect the uninitiated or the inexperienced to understand…
any more than they did when they first came down into the valley I discuss so often and intensely in my books.
Thanks for your work, your care, your attention and the compliment of your writing
about it on here.
Semper fi,
Jim
An incredibly powerful story I read in 1983. Until then I had no idea what the nurses went through every day.
Available on Amazon in paperback or kindle.
Home before Morning: The Story of an Army Nurse in Vietnam Reprint Edition
by Lynda Van Devanter (Author)
Lynda Van Devanter served as the National Women’s Director of the Vietnam Veterans of America. She counseled other Vietnam veterans and conducted seminars around the country. Coping with ill health since her tour of duty in Vietnam, she died in November 2002 at age fifty-five.
BZ James! Looking forward to the next installment. Stay healthy my friend.
Thanks for writing to keep me going…
Semper fi,
Jim
Once again move, but this time with a plan to blow the ever loving Ontos !!?? That had to hurt !!
Glad you’re healing LT, keep ’em coming.
SEMPER Fi
The Ontos made itself beloved by every Marine it served, and serve it did. What a wonder of a small
tracked machine and what a mechanical wonder. Everything on it worked all the time every time and that was
in the worst of circumstance. Like the Starlight Scope. It was damn near indestructible…
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome back James… you were missed. Donation sent.
Best,
Bill, Innkeeper 3A
Every comment I make is delayed, awaiting moderation .,,,
Was it something I said ? Lol !
No, it is just that I get that many comments and like to answer each one myself.
Sorry, but the experience here is not something in the books or standard in any way.
My apologies.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks most sincerely, Bill and for the contribution a hand salute. I hope not to disappoint
and I much appreciate the depth of the intent of your comments.
Semper fi,
Jim
Tense moments…you definitely pulled my “pucker string” and took me right to the cliff’s edge again. Your writing reflects the changes in your command. Mostly subtle, but still noticeable…like the Gunny living you alone and not sharing coffee with you anymore…and his apology!!! Very unGunny like…but I think that he is realizing his attachment to you and probably is trying to distance himself should something happen so the loss would not be so great…anyway, I anxiously await the next segment.
Thanks Mark, a very interesting and deeply thought out comment. Funny thing about command, the loneliness of it.
Not expected and not part of any training. It just happens.
Semper fi, and thanks for the great comment.
Jim
“Who’s that sergeant,” Fusner answered
“Who’s that, sergeant?” Fusner answered etc
Noted and corrected.
Thank you, Michael.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, And so the ending begins. And you carry us along. It seems, that maybe, since the beginning, you added our “weight” to your pack, as you re-lived these days, these memories again. Perhaps some of that “weight” has been lightened for you, or maybe just re-arranged, to make that load just a bit easier to carry. I hope so. I also hope that our “weight” – your readers, the men from that time, men from this time, military & non-military alike, families of those who did & did not return & so many others – that this “weight” & your desire to finish this journey & not let “anybody down”, does not overwhelm. Do not let it. You have given so much – of you & your men – is remarkable. You continue to honor these men – honor yourself – by forcing yourself to relive these days – these horrors – these days when “regular Joe’s” accomplished things that no one would ever want to do – never have to endure – and that, it seems, most of the country would rather just forget. Thank you. Doug
The go fund me site has been terrific. https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
It has been a great help in letting up on some of that weight and allowing me to look forward not to finishing the books
and then getting out there on the road this fall to meet as many of the ‘guys and gals’ as I can.
Thanks for pointing out the burden of memory and its revelation as you have read along here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Glad you’re back. Great chapter, preparing us for whatever’s coming. On another note, I’m extremely skeptical about trusting sending money over the web. Could you give me an address where I could send you a check to help with your efforts.
My address is 507 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, Wi 53147 and I cannot thank you enough for asking. What a great uplifting body
of support the go fund me site has been and the contributions of wonderful people like you.
Thank you for deep down…
Semper fi,
Jim
Great writing LT – wow – I’m gonna have to go walk to wear the tension off.
Thanks for the great compliment here Larry. Much appreciated and felt, as well as putting it up on this site for everyone to read.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, as usual a captivating segment. I have to save each installment to be read with no interruptions. Yours and other books of this type should be required reading for our high school students to hear and learn the real cost of war in mental and physical pain. Thank You for this segment. USN 71-75
We can do this nice and easy or we can do this nice and rough, Tina Turner mentioned in performing the Proud Mary song.
High schools do not lend themselves to the ‘rough’ thing, which is unfortunate, because so much of life can be so rough.
Thanks for the thought though and the compliment of your mentioning it here.
Semper fi,
Jim
And the tension builds. I can almost feel it in your narrative. It is good to read your words again. You deliver the feeling of total situational awareness that I felt for 19 months in the mid 60’s. Years before I decided to go to OCS.
Thanks for writing on here like you frequently do Glenn. Always good to read your words and think about them.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thank you Jim, to say I have been waiting patiently would be a lie, I have been anxious to find out what was next. I did realize you were down and recovering so that tempered my feelings and gave me reason to pray for your recovery. As always, I feel the tension of your situation and marvel at your ability to think – both in planning the next moves, and to keep your wits about you under this incredible situation. If it were not for the fact that you are writing this – I would have little hope of your surviving the A Shau.
Thank you
Thanks so much Christopher. I must admit, strange as it is, that the go fund me site (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september) contributions have
motivated me beyond what I would have believed. I think I suffered some depression after the heart surgery but I am fully back now and waiting the next segment as soon as I am done with these comments…
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome back, you have been missed. I can hear your frustration in mapping out a plan to move the companies. Can’t stay where you are and only one option on where to head, all the while knowing that you are damned if you do move and damned if you don’t. With your commanders in the rear telling you to stay put and wait for reinforcements you know can’t come, and those commanders totally oblivious to what is really happening in the field. Once again, your writing puts us totally in the mix, without the risk, and churns our stomach. Good call, making the move. Your Marines knew that, too.
Thanks for the great compliment. These three books have been so detailed, but even with the detail I have had to leave out so much
about the smaller things, like setting up to communicate using those radios and antennas, how the combat net worked in near opposition to
the arty net, how uniforms decayed and were replaced along with boots and more. The food, the water, some of which I’ve covered, and so on.
Thank for liking the work and sticking with me.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’ve been waiting for this, although it gives me conflicting feelings. The anticipation for each new section is such that once you release a new one , anything Im doing at the moment gets put down so I can immediately read the new material. With that comes the realization that each new section brings us closer to the end and soon the story, and our journey with you, will be over.
Thank you so much. I hope you will ‘continue the journey’ as you put it, with the coming of the first chapter of The Cowardly Lion…when I came through the medical system fo the time and then was assigned to work with Nixon at the Western White House in San Clemente. The odyssey will continue, if you have the time and want to take the trouble to read on…
Semper fi,
Jim
Well worth the wait!
In the third paragraph, you used “stationery” correctly, but twice more in the text it became “stationary”.
Than you for your sharp eyes.
Corrected.
Semper fi, Jim
Thanks for continuing the saga. I anxiously await the next
Thanks for the compliment written into your request for more.
Semper fi,
Jim
James: I am drawn into your story,as if I were there. I smell the smell,hear the sounds,feel the rain and know the tension. I’m living it as I read so not able to offer editorial advice,as Dan C. has.I anxiously await more of your story. You see it is your story,it is who you are. Thank you for sharing with us. God bless brother👍🇺🇸
Thanks so much for that compliment and for your conclusion that the story really is me…it is, but everyone won’t see it that way.
There’s more and its coming at you…as requested.
Semper fi,
Jim
“Welcome back” Even though you never left. Just sending some appreciation. Thank you.
Got the appreciation and thanks for sending it my way.
Semper fi,
Jim
OJT is paying off, you’re getting the hang of this commanding
Yes, it came slow and hard won…but what did I really win? I lived but so many did not and not to feel that
when you are the leader is a bitch. I am okay now but it is still tough stuff to write.
Thanks for sticking with me and saying what you are saying on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
I am ready to make the dash,Sir!
Okay, because here it comes!
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for another great chapter, James.
You are most welcome Mike and I will continue this afternoon, as we approach the end of this book and the start of the next one (The Cowardly Lion).
Semper fi,
Jim
Great story. One typo: stationary should be stationery
Got it and thanks for being one of my editors. Don’t know what I would do without guys like DanC and you.
Semper fi,
Jim
A rough morning ahead ! And a hopefully good outcome for all the men .
The outcome in combat is almost never ‘good.’ Maybe in the movies. When I saw Saving Private Ryan I much appreciated the hard
display of combat moving in from that awful beach. When Tom Hanks gets to the top however the commander there asks him how many men in his company made it.
We all saw what Hanks went through, but somehow he only lost a few men? No chance. He would have lost most of his men. Reality is hard-biting and not filled with
a lot of truth after….
Semper fi,
Jim
Glad to see you back!
I am back and writing away. The go fund me site has helped motivate me a huge amount (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september).
So has the comment section here, of which you are a part. I cannot think you enough.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks, James. I hope you are well in WI.
I am okay and thanks for asking, especially on here where everyone sees our communications
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, James. I can really feel the tension. Many thanks for posting this. Not knowing what lies ahead but still going forward doing the best that can be done under the circumstances. Also seems apt for today’s new reality.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
Marines raising the flag on Sarubachi,
Internet searches all spell it as Mount Suribachi
Mailing home for “free,” the word has to printed in the upper left corner of the envelope
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=17111
Item 4 (b) says upper right hand corner
Once more reality bit deep down deep in the rain, leeches
Seems like an extra “deep”
Maybe “Once more reality bit down deep in the rain, leeches”
OR “Once more reality bit deep down in the rain, leeches”
I thought about the last resupply, if we could get it,
Context seems to be future resupply
Maybe substitute “next” for “last”
I thought about the next resupply, if we could get it,
that there would be no ability of the companies to go back
Minor: “of” reads smoother to me as “for”
that there would be no ability for the companies to go back
Gunny, Jurgens, and Hutzler crawled under the poncho and adjusted themselves along the bottom of the cave., only a few feet from
Extra period after “cave”
Gunny, Jurgens, and Hutzler crawled under the poncho and adjusted themselves along the bottom of the cave, only a few feet from
“Complicated,” he said. Simplicity usually works better,
Add a quote before “Simplicity”
“Complicated,” he said. “Simplicity usually works better,
Their counter-attacks were always slow in coming although ferocious when it came to risking and expending men when finally came.
Maybe add “it’ before “finally”
Their counter-attacks were always slow in coming although ferocious when it came to risking and expending men when it finally came.
could call that close to lip of the cliff’s edge that might not end up falling into the valley
Maybe add “the” before “lip”
could call that close to the lip of the cliff’s edge that might not end up falling into the valley
The two lieutenants into the FNG classification, although, having lasted a few days
Maybe add “fit” before “into”
The two lieutenants fit into the FNG classification, although, having lasted a few days
Hang in there. Blessings & Be Well
I cannot imagine doing this work all the way through without you…and I don’t even know you. It’s like having Fusner right there behind my shoulder, not only operating
a radio like a wizard but able to to just about anything else he was asked to do…
Thank you does not quite get it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Thanks for the new chapter I was afraid I lost you, glad to see ya back, thanks again and be safe ✌️🇺🇸
Coming strong Carroll, and the go fund me campaign has helped me be that strong right now as I head toward the finish line, and then
move to the first book of the series afterwards…
Thank you,
Semper fi,
Jim
I too was worried you might not be able to finish this book and deal with those memories. I salute you sir ,and please continue. Today’s young men need to know what that war was like. God bless and keep you sir.
I appreciate your comment, Howard.
Please share these stories with many who may benefit.
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome Home James
Thanks very much Bruce, it is, indeed, good to be here!
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim,
Good to see another episode get posted.
Needs to be told…
Thanks…we in your ghost army are once again “on the move” with your real men.
Continue to wish good things for you in the “here and now”, and continued recovery for you, LT.
Thanks Walter. Go fund me helped bring me back too, not just this site. https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september
Funny how the contributions people have made have translated into emotional meaning inside me.
Semper fi
Jim
James, a very nice job of painting pictures with words. Read, close my eyes, and see the scene. Good job. Semper fi
Thanks for the neat compliment Joe, got it and appreciate it…
Semper fi,
Jim
“Complicated,” he said. Simplicity usually works better, but then I’m the one who blew the bridge. I thought it’d make things simpler but I was wrong. I should have let you know first. Let’s get to it.
Needs quotation marks before Simplicity.
Thanks. Have been waiting for this. Hope all is well!
Thanks for waiting. Much appreciate that and am responding to it…
Semper fi
Jim
LT, Good to have you well and writing again.
Looking forward to more 30 days.
You have the next segment that followed now, as I write this. Thanks for hanging with me and caring by writing about it here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great read as usual. Had to read it all three times over and again in case there are no more of them to come. J.
Oh, they are coming, as you noted in getting the next segment already. The go fund me site motivated the hell out of me because the guys and gals contributing reached inside me somehow. https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september. Thank you for this short but great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
“wondering fleetingly how the wildly brutal stage play of shattering life had come to be my home”
wonderful closing sir
Glad you noted and liked that phrase or sentence. I wrote from feeling and not for effect but sometimes the two things
come together without volition. Thanks for the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome back LT., happy
You’re doing okay under the circumstances. Gut churning feelings here.
Thanks for that uncommon compliment and for writing it on here Michael.
Semper fi,
Jim
Out of the frying pan into the fire. Making me feel right along with you.
Glad to have you aboard and with me Pete, for all the time too…
Semper fi,
Jim
Thankful for the third part and a great read, Thank you. Hope you are doing well during these days of isolation.
Yes, I am okay, past the surgery and the depression afterwards….and writing again.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m fired up again
Great to have you with me, as I persevere here and move on through the end of the book…and the beginning of the book about
after.
Semper fi,
Jim
Nice. Straight forward… Seemingly the only logical action to accomplish is to get out of the A Shau Valley…
Thanks Terrance, really appreciate the compliment.
Semper fi,
Jim
You are doing every thing right JAMES !!
Thanks Harold, really appreciate the compliment and the care and writing it on here….
Semper fi,
Jim
Still sitting on the edge of my chair. One little correction: You got your left and right mixed up. The stamp (or free in our case) is always in the upper right.
Yes, not in my mind but in my presentation. Thanks for the correction.
Semper fi,
Jim
Excellent writing Sir! You make a situation come to life putting clear pictures and emotions in the head of a reader!
Much appreciate that professional critique my friend. And also for putting it up on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Welcome back LT. We all missed you.
Thanks for that Tony, and it is really good to be back. go fund me brought me back, unexpectedly! https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september, and, of course, the comments
of people like you!
Semper fi,
Jim
you really capture squad communications under stress brilliantly
Thanks mightily my friend, you short critique hits the spot for certain.
Semper fi,
Jim
thanks, for another round of this great story. I enjoyed the distraction much better than the ( well written) commentary, which to me was obvious, of our current state of affairs
Thanks Keith, for the compliment about the story and also the commentary I write about life going on around us.
Semper fi,
Jim
As engaging and frightful as always. You write more descriptively then any author I have read about war and battlel
Thanks Richard, that is one hell of a great comment to read. There are some extraordinary authors in that group and it is wonderful to be include among them by you.
Semper fi,
Jim
I can feel the heavy burden on your shoulders as I read the words you write. Not many men know the weight you had to carry. You are not speaking of monetary loss or of personal loss, but the loss of human life that can never be replaced. A lot to bare for such a young man. Thanks for another chapter.
That and more, as the next chapter is now up and running. I am working on the third from the last of this book. Until the next book begins,
which is called The Cowardly Lion.
Semper fi,
Jim
Dang LT! The time off hasn’t done anything to quiet the turmoil!
No, the turmoil goes on and the A Shau tries to claw us back into its deadly grip.
Thanks for the great short comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Woof, OK , It was well worth the wait LT! Will wait as ordered for the next installment, Thank you kind sir, stay safe.
The next installment after this one is already up and running. Thanks for the comment and the support in the writing.
Semper fi,
Jim
👍 glad to see another episode, 👍
Yes, and there’s one more after this and I am working on the third as we head into the ending of the third book.
Thanks for the comment and good wishes…
Semper fi,
Jim
Once again you amaze me with your narrative, it has to be hell for you to relive this as well as having gone through it. Praying for you to have the courage to finish this book. My SOG buddy has been reliving some of his excursions over there, mostly put of Phu Bai, so this has been a sort of a trip down memory lane. Take care and peace.
Glad you are taking this all in and appreciating it Peter, as that is what I am writing for.
Thanks for the kind words and the support. The next segment is up, as you probably know.
Semper fi,
Jim
I think a map, and some aerials would compliment the story. Artillery locations and landmarks. Illustrate the artillery trajectory down into the valley.
Yes, that will come with the third book when we publish it using Amazon.
Thanks for bringing it up…
Semper fi,
Jim
Glad you’re okay, LT. Been waiting for this. Another edge of the seat installment. Stay Safe! Thank You.
thanks for the compliment Al and the latest segment after this one is already up and I am writing away.
Semper fi,
Jim
Tough for you to write, but I’m glad to see you back at it.
Thanks Arnie, I have been ‘repackaged’ and reinvigorated by the go fund me campaign, even if that does not seem entirely reasonable! (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thirty-days-has-september)
Semper fi,
Jim