That is what they said.   

  Skipper wanted a patrol sent out.   Company Area was up on a hilltop, along with a few 105mm guns.   It seemed that the "Bad Guys" were using an old trail to supply their units with guns and such.   Old Trail was maybe two "Klicks" away.    Half of it was downhill, then across a little creek.   From there, one went up a small ridge.   Trail was on the far side of the ridge.    We were to just go over to the small ridge, and watch for them bicycles to come down the trail.    Then call in a few Arty rounds.    Then go back home.   

      At least, THAT was the plan......

 Thee squads, with Medics in tow.     Leader of the patrol was to act as a Forward Observer too.     Left bright and early the next morning.     Got down to the creek.....

   They say any good battle plan lasts as long as it takes the first shot to go off.....

 Someone throws a grenade at our "pointman"  He "D-Ds"  to the side.     BOOM!  Then a cracking noise starts up.     It seems that the delivery today got diverted!

RTO was facing away from the creek.     Another BOOM.       He yelps, says the radio is going bad. 

Everybody is firing at any tree that moves.     Got a second PRC-25 up and working, while the Doc is working on the RTO.   Called in a few shots to the ridgeline.    Everything goes QUIET!.    

"Walked" a few rounds back over the ridgeline.      Still quiet......Ok, send a few people across the creek, and then up the ridge... still quiet?    Hmm

"We have a blood trail"   someone calls out.   "Find the little SOB!"   calls out the squad leader.

  "Anything?"     "NOPE!"     "Found something!"   What?     Just pieces...

 "Can you see the trail?"     "All clear,  just a few mangled bikes is all"   

"Ok, who all is hurt?"      "Just the RTO,  just a few cuts,  radio took most of it"   

"ok, nothing more to do today.  head back to the hootch"

You know what?    I never even got my feet wet!      Long walk back up the hill, searching for someone called Johnny Walker.....

---

Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...

Thanks Steve, for a glimpse in a day during a difficult time for you, and our country. I love your excerpts, please keep them coming. I changed this discussion to go into our Forum "Veterans Corner". It seemed more appropriate there instead of the Free For All. I think an important share of experience like this belongs in an honorable space.

How long were you over there Steve? Am I correct in stating that the average tour of duty was 12 months?

Johnny Walker and 2 percent beer?

---

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

RMN saved my rearend, by dropping combat troop levels in 72.      I  got an IRR because West POINTERS  wanted my job.   Hey, go for it, ring banger!    NOV 71-MAR72,  then stationed back at Ft Ben Harrison, IN.  for the remainder of the 4 year hitch. 

Mr Walker, and his brothers Black and Red.   Had a lot of a certain rice beer, though....

---

Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...

---

Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...