"Soonest was soon enough". The orders came and RIVER SECTION 532 was tasked to send the "RE-INFORCEMENTS". By this time, the units (BOATS of RIVER SECTION 532 were being manned by newcomers.
With this, I am hoping that our chances be better off than the other riverine units that met their fate at the VAM CUU DONG RIVER. With all the deaths and casualties suffered by the riverine units, this river became known as the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". Nonetheless, this didn't bother me. I am confident as ever, that the enemies will have their match with the units of RIVER SECTION 532, this time around.
I can't recall the exact date that the "re-inforcements" departed from MYTHO. It was around the middle part of January 1968. How many boats? As I recall five (5) boats under the command of BM1 RAY WALKER, SM1 KUHN, sm1 jack miles, BM1 BILL AKIN and myself were the first batch of re-inforcements. The patrol officers that accompanied us were LT. CHIARATTINI, LT PARKER and QMc DAWSON. Our task is to operate with the remaining riverine units (BOATS) left at TRA CU. It was one of those mornings of January 1969 that I made my final maneuvers out of the boat pool at MYTHO. I took a last glance at the boat repair shop. SEAL HEADQUARTERS and my favorite restaurant, the "CUU LONG". Soon, they're all be memories that will stay within me the rest of my life.
All the boats stayed at the middle of "CUA TIEU" and headed towards an easterly course. As we made the turn to port towards "GIAO HUA CANAL". I had my first view and bid farewell to MYTHO and CUA TIIEU. I knew that in TRA CU that I will spend the remaining months of my tour of duty in VIETNAM.
GIAO HOA CANAL is a tributary of the MEKONG RIVER that leads to a northward direction. It's northern end branches off with the VAM CUU DONG river. The entire stretch of this canal is narrow and within the range of SNIPER'S SHOT. Worse yet, some bends are within an"ARM'S THROW" of a hand grenade. With this topography, an ambush attempt can happen anytime and anywhere along either banks of this canal. Occassional gunfires were heard coming from villages inland, however, enough to make us concern for a possible firefight.
Fortunately, we've reached the first leg of our destination safely. It was mid-afternoon when we reach the northern end. We made a brief stop alongside a YRBM anchored off the NAVAL SUPPORT BASE at NHA BE. This is where damaged boats (PBR) are being repaired. This stop gave us time to have our lunch and extra time to visit the YRBM'S ship's store. This brief stop became so memorable for me.
Here is where I bought a pair of engagement and wedding rings for the girl I plan to marry in the Philippines.
However, with the danger(s) still ahead of us. I put this idea aside and concentrated more on the enemy that waits at the VAN CUU DONG RIVER and TRA CU . After having briefed regarding the enemy's movements in the area. We are on our way to TRA CUU VIA VAM CUU DONG RIVER. It's width and continuos narrow bends are perfect sites for an ambush and the enemy use this topography to his advantage. Now I know how it feels to be in the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". It was dusk when we arrived at TRA CU. We are met by the remaining RIVERINE UNITS (PBR) and escorted us to the make shift boat pool.
The boat pool is an open slot alongside the western bank of the river. After securing our boats, we are escorted to our "QUAARTERS". This "QUARTERS" is similar to a "CAMPSITE", because of it's tent like features with canvass roof and wooden cots for our beds. For "PROTECTION", the camps is surrounded by barbed wire fence and at night, the only sentry is "DUFFER BAG". HONESTLY, I don't have any idea what "DUFFER BAG" is made of. It looks like a balloon that floats up in the sky well beyond the range of sniper's bullet. This can be easily seen at night with "TRACER'S BULLETS" trying to hit it. It's purpose is to detect any metal materials within 100 200 yards around our campsite as well as the adjacent "ARMY SPECIAL FORCES COMPOUND". The monitoring devices are controlled by the "ARMY SPECIAL FORCES". Nonetheless, this did not deter the enemies from "WELCOMING" us, with barrages of mortars that night and the following nights. As we scramble and run toward our boats, some of us got entangled with the barbed wire fence. This caused lacerations, cuts and gashes on our arms, legs and bodies as well as our faces. I can't forget that norning that I've chance to talk to ENFN FEDE. I've noticed the gashes on his (FEDE) face and I asked "WHAT HAPPENED?" YOU LOOK LIKE YOU HAD A FIGHT WITH A PUSSY CAT !" FEDE'S reply was ,"PUSSY CAT MY ASS ! IT WAS THOSE DAMN WIRE FENCES". Everybody that heard us can't help but laugh.
"HUMOR" is a good start to begin our first morning at TRA CU . After our usual breakfast of "C-RATS", all of us went for muster.
During "MUSTER" all boats captains and patrol officers were told to standby and wait for a" ARMY GUNSHIP" (HELICOPTER) that will arrive inside the "GREEN BERET"S" compound. We didn't wait too long and the gunship arrived. Soon as we boarded, the gunship took off and up in the air we went. The pilot gave us an aerial tour of the VAM CUU DONG RIVER and adjacent areas. This tour gave us a "BIRD'S EYE VIEW " of the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". It's curve s and bends resembled a "SNAKE" and it's width is continuosly narrow, hence giving all the odds in favor to the enemy. However, this didn't bother me at all. As ever, I am confident that "speed and firepower" will compensate for all of these negative conditions. Soon as we landed, I already have a "MENTAL MAP" of the area together with a plan of actions for my patrols to come. I am ready to confront "CHARLIE" anyway, anywhere and anytime in his own turf.
Besides us and the "SPECIAL FORCES", these are locals that are present inside the "SPECIAL FORCES" compound. I happened to ask one of the "SPECIAL FORCES" about the status of these locals. I was told that these locals are "CAMBODIAN MERCENARIES". With this, my reply was, "THEY ARE GETTING PAID, AREN'T THEY"? The answer was, "YES, THEY ARE PAID PER ENEMY'S EAR". I didn't ask anymore question, but that answer kept me to wander, "WHAT IF THE EAR ISN'T FROM THE ENEMY?" Well, if this is so, then there will be a lot of local vietnamese that will run around with one or without both ears.
Our first week at TRA CU was hectic. With showers of mortars at night, getting a "GOOD NIGHT SLEEP"becomes a problem. Most of us got fed up with it and just stayed in our tent and slept through it. With or without mortars, we are going to get our "GOOD NIGHT " sleep. Fortunately, none of us got hurt. In lieu of this, I can honestly say that, "THE ENEMIES WERE EITHER BLIND OR CROSSEYED. THEY ARE BAD SHOTS".
The following week spelled disaster for us. PBR 40 and PBR 140 were ambushed. The boat captains, BM1 RAY WALKER and SM1 KUHN together with their crew were either killed or mortally wounded. As I recall, GMG3 LUCKETT, ENFN HOOPAUGH and ENFN FEDE were KIA'S while the rest were taken to the nearest ARMY HOSPITAL. I was hoping but never heard nor seen any of them again. In a visit, ADM. ELMO ZUMWALT, COMNAV FORCES VIETNAM together with GEN. CREIGHTON ABRAMS COMUS FORCES VIETNAM arrived in TRA CU and gave a eulogy for our fallen comrades. Here in TRA-CU GEN. that GEN. GEN. ABRAMS referred our boats (PBR) as "FLOATING COFFINS". Each boat captain have his own way in handling his boat (PBR) while on patrol I cannot say that "HIS WAY" contributed and resulted to fail into an ambushed. I've learned this "LESSON" through experience and never allowed these lessons to come out of my mind.
Awkward as it may looked, 'ZIGZAGGING" was one of my 'MOVES' on patrol particularly while transiting a bend. I'm sure that this "MOVE" resulted to numerous missed. "B-40 ROCKET" shots at my boat {PBR 142) that caused disgust to the enemy.
I know that "DOGS" are being used by the military and airports as "SNIFERS" for drugs and other contrabands. These canines are referred to as "MILITARY DOGS or K-9". Howecer, using this "K-9" on board our boats (PBR) as "RADAR" while waiting in ambush trully amazea me. The fact that the enemy need to cross the VAM CUU DONG RIVER to transport troops, ammunitions, medicines and etc. makes them (ENEMY) vulnerable for an ambush.... from us. This is when the K-9 becomes instrumental. Laying prone and positioned at the bow, the "K-9" and "MASTER" dictates when to fire. Waiting for the dog's ear to prop-up sounds funny, but this is the signal for us to open fire. Trully, I can say that these "AMBUSHES" thwarted numerous attempts by the enemies to cross the VAM CUU DONG RIVER.
At the same token, this gave more reasons for the enemies to even-up the score with us. The living conditions at TRA-CU made me realize how little things can mean so much. This goes with our daily meals, drinking water, the tent and the cots we sleep. Unlike mytho and the HUNTERDON COUNTY were some amenities are available, here at the TRA-CU, WE have to do with what we have. A "COLD DRINK OF WATER" became a luxury for us. However, a "BLOCK OF ICE" means a boat ride to the closest village. This is approximately an hour boat ride, if no ambush nor firefight occured during the trip and back to TRA-CU. Nonetheless, even with all the possible dangers, each one of us are always willing to make this boat trip. We treat this boat trip as a "MISSION ", hence it's quite imaginable to see one "HAPPY FACES" every time the "BOAT TRIP" return with 'ICE BLOCK" on board
In lieu of this, I can honestly say that, TRA -CU is war in it's purest form. It didn't take long enough that I had the sniper shots at VAM CUU DONG. Clear enough, the flashes of gunshots came from a bunker at the Western bank of the river. As we peppered the bunker with our twin .50s, a man was spotted running on the rice paddies. It so happened that members of the other riverine unit are onboard the boats (PBR-139 and PBR -142), and decided to go after the running man. As we beached the boats, the running man was still on sight. As members of the river unit went in pursuit, we (crews of PBR-139 andPBR-142) were able to have a good look at the busted bunker and it's layout. The layout was so simple yet so effective.
A trench, deep enough for cover is dug behind and connects three(3) bunkers which are positioned approximately 30 meters apart. This gives the sniper an easy access to the next bunker for safety after firing his first shot. With this layout, it is suffice to say that, while the boats (PBR) are bursting the first bunker, the enemy was already at the nest bunker laughing his ass off.
With this finding, our reaction to sniper's became more evasive rather than engaging. We just fire for cover and get out of the "KILL ZONE" as fast as we can. The pursuit didn't last long. The man was corned in a bamboo hut within the p;roximity of the rice paddies. The man and two (2) other companions surrendered without firing a shot. Considering that it was safe enough, I walked and looked around the capture site. What caught my attention were the large clay pots or vats positioned around the hut. Being anxious, I was in for a surprise. The clay pots are full of "DEAD RATS" in all stages and sizes. From newly boarn mice to adults rats. At the backyard were rows of bamboo strips assembled as bins and full of rat meats being dried. Without question, these "VATS OF RATS" are enemy's food supply.
The three (3) men were taken back to TRA-CU for questioning, in lieu of this, I was grateful as ever to have a box full of "C-RATS" every day. Each can has special taste and I trully savors every bite of it. From the experience, I've learned to appreciate the basic necessity of war...."C-RATS". I'll take "C-RATS" anytime rather than "DEAD RATS".
With this, I am hoping that our chances be better off than the other riverine units that met their fate at the VAM CUU DONG RIVER. With all the deaths and casualties suffered by the riverine units, this river became known as the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". Nonetheless, this didn't bother me. I am confident as ever, that the enemies will have their match with the units of RIVER SECTION 532, this time around.
I can't recall the exact date that the "re-inforcements" departed from MYTHO. It was around the middle part of January 1968. How many boats? As I recall five (5) boats under the command of BM1 RAY WALKER, SM1 KUHN, sm1 jack miles, BM1 BILL AKIN and myself were the first batch of re-inforcements. The patrol officers that accompanied us were LT. CHIARATTINI, LT PARKER and QMc DAWSON. Our task is to operate with the remaining riverine units (BOATS) left at TRA CU. It was one of those mornings of January 1969 that I made my final maneuvers out of the boat pool at MYTHO. I took a last glance at the boat repair shop. SEAL HEADQUARTERS and my favorite restaurant, the "CUU LONG". Soon, they're all be memories that will stay within me the rest of my life.
All the boats stayed at the middle of "CUA TIEU" and headed towards an easterly course. As we made the turn to port towards "GIAO HUA CANAL". I had my first view and bid farewell to MYTHO and CUA TIIEU. I knew that in TRA CU that I will spend the remaining months of my tour of duty in VIETNAM.
GIAO HOA CANAL is a tributary of the MEKONG RIVER that leads to a northward direction. It's northern end branches off with the VAM CUU DONG river. The entire stretch of this canal is narrow and within the range of SNIPER'S SHOT. Worse yet, some bends are within an"ARM'S THROW" of a hand grenade. With this topography, an ambush attempt can happen anytime and anywhere along either banks of this canal. Occassional gunfires were heard coming from villages inland, however, enough to make us concern for a possible firefight.
Fortunately, we've reached the first leg of our destination safely. It was mid-afternoon when we reach the northern end. We made a brief stop alongside a YRBM anchored off the NAVAL SUPPORT BASE at NHA BE. This is where damaged boats (PBR) are being repaired. This stop gave us time to have our lunch and extra time to visit the YRBM'S ship's store. This brief stop became so memorable for me.
Here is where I bought a pair of engagement and wedding rings for the girl I plan to marry in the Philippines.
However, with the danger(s) still ahead of us. I put this idea aside and concentrated more on the enemy that waits at the VAN CUU DONG RIVER and TRA CU . After having briefed regarding the enemy's movements in the area. We are on our way to TRA CUU VIA VAM CUU DONG RIVER. It's width and continuos narrow bends are perfect sites for an ambush and the enemy use this topography to his advantage. Now I know how it feels to be in the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". It was dusk when we arrived at TRA CU. We are met by the remaining RIVERINE UNITS (PBR) and escorted us to the make shift boat pool.
The boat pool is an open slot alongside the western bank of the river. After securing our boats, we are escorted to our "QUAARTERS". This "QUARTERS" is similar to a "CAMPSITE", because of it's tent like features with canvass roof and wooden cots for our beds. For "PROTECTION", the camps is surrounded by barbed wire fence and at night, the only sentry is "DUFFER BAG". HONESTLY, I don't have any idea what "DUFFER BAG" is made of. It looks like a balloon that floats up in the sky well beyond the range of sniper's bullet. This can be easily seen at night with "TRACER'S BULLETS" trying to hit it. It's purpose is to detect any metal materials within 100 200 yards around our campsite as well as the adjacent "ARMY SPECIAL FORCES COMPOUND". The monitoring devices are controlled by the "ARMY SPECIAL FORCES". Nonetheless, this did not deter the enemies from "WELCOMING" us, with barrages of mortars that night and the following nights. As we scramble and run toward our boats, some of us got entangled with the barbed wire fence. This caused lacerations, cuts and gashes on our arms, legs and bodies as well as our faces. I can't forget that norning that I've chance to talk to ENFN FEDE. I've noticed the gashes on his (FEDE) face and I asked "WHAT HAPPENED?" YOU LOOK LIKE YOU HAD A FIGHT WITH A PUSSY CAT !" FEDE'S reply was ,"PUSSY CAT MY ASS ! IT WAS THOSE DAMN WIRE FENCES". Everybody that heard us can't help but laugh.
"HUMOR" is a good start to begin our first morning at TRA CU . After our usual breakfast of "C-RATS", all of us went for muster.
During "MUSTER" all boats captains and patrol officers were told to standby and wait for a" ARMY GUNSHIP" (HELICOPTER) that will arrive inside the "GREEN BERET"S" compound. We didn't wait too long and the gunship arrived. Soon as we boarded, the gunship took off and up in the air we went. The pilot gave us an aerial tour of the VAM CUU DONG RIVER and adjacent areas. This tour gave us a "BIRD'S EYE VIEW " of the "PURPLE HEART ALLEY". It's curve s and bends resembled a "SNAKE" and it's width is continuosly narrow, hence giving all the odds in favor to the enemy. However, this didn't bother me at all. As ever, I am confident that "speed and firepower" will compensate for all of these negative conditions. Soon as we landed, I already have a "MENTAL MAP" of the area together with a plan of actions for my patrols to come. I am ready to confront "CHARLIE" anyway, anywhere and anytime in his own turf.
Besides us and the "SPECIAL FORCES", these are locals that are present inside the "SPECIAL FORCES" compound. I happened to ask one of the "SPECIAL FORCES" about the status of these locals. I was told that these locals are "CAMBODIAN MERCENARIES". With this, my reply was, "THEY ARE GETTING PAID, AREN'T THEY"? The answer was, "YES, THEY ARE PAID PER ENEMY'S EAR". I didn't ask anymore question, but that answer kept me to wander, "WHAT IF THE EAR ISN'T FROM THE ENEMY?" Well, if this is so, then there will be a lot of local vietnamese that will run around with one or without both ears.
Our first week at TRA CU was hectic. With showers of mortars at night, getting a "GOOD NIGHT SLEEP"becomes a problem. Most of us got fed up with it and just stayed in our tent and slept through it. With or without mortars, we are going to get our "GOOD NIGHT " sleep. Fortunately, none of us got hurt. In lieu of this, I can honestly say that, "THE ENEMIES WERE EITHER BLIND OR CROSSEYED. THEY ARE BAD SHOTS".
The following week spelled disaster for us. PBR 40 and PBR 140 were ambushed. The boat captains, BM1 RAY WALKER and SM1 KUHN together with their crew were either killed or mortally wounded. As I recall, GMG3 LUCKETT, ENFN HOOPAUGH and ENFN FEDE were KIA'S while the rest were taken to the nearest ARMY HOSPITAL. I was hoping but never heard nor seen any of them again. In a visit, ADM. ELMO ZUMWALT, COMNAV FORCES VIETNAM together with GEN. CREIGHTON ABRAMS COMUS FORCES VIETNAM arrived in TRA CU and gave a eulogy for our fallen comrades. Here in TRA-CU GEN. that GEN. GEN. ABRAMS referred our boats (PBR) as "FLOATING COFFINS". Each boat captain have his own way in handling his boat (PBR) while on patrol I cannot say that "HIS WAY" contributed and resulted to fail into an ambushed. I've learned this "LESSON" through experience and never allowed these lessons to come out of my mind.
Awkward as it may looked, 'ZIGZAGGING" was one of my 'MOVES' on patrol particularly while transiting a bend. I'm sure that this "MOVE" resulted to numerous missed. "B-40 ROCKET" shots at my boat {PBR 142) that caused disgust to the enemy.
I know that "DOGS" are being used by the military and airports as "SNIFERS" for drugs and other contrabands. These canines are referred to as "MILITARY DOGS or K-9". Howecer, using this "K-9" on board our boats (PBR) as "RADAR" while waiting in ambush trully amazea me. The fact that the enemy need to cross the VAM CUU DONG RIVER to transport troops, ammunitions, medicines and etc. makes them (ENEMY) vulnerable for an ambush.... from us. This is when the K-9 becomes instrumental. Laying prone and positioned at the bow, the "K-9" and "MASTER" dictates when to fire. Waiting for the dog's ear to prop-up sounds funny, but this is the signal for us to open fire. Trully, I can say that these "AMBUSHES" thwarted numerous attempts by the enemies to cross the VAM CUU DONG RIVER.
At the same token, this gave more reasons for the enemies to even-up the score with us. The living conditions at TRA-CU made me realize how little things can mean so much. This goes with our daily meals, drinking water, the tent and the cots we sleep. Unlike mytho and the HUNTERDON COUNTY were some amenities are available, here at the TRA-CU, WE have to do with what we have. A "COLD DRINK OF WATER" became a luxury for us. However, a "BLOCK OF ICE" means a boat ride to the closest village. This is approximately an hour boat ride, if no ambush nor firefight occured during the trip and back to TRA-CU. Nonetheless, even with all the possible dangers, each one of us are always willing to make this boat trip. We treat this boat trip as a "MISSION ", hence it's quite imaginable to see one "HAPPY FACES" every time the "BOAT TRIP" return with 'ICE BLOCK" on board
In lieu of this, I can honestly say that, TRA -CU is war in it's purest form. It didn't take long enough that I had the sniper shots at VAM CUU DONG. Clear enough, the flashes of gunshots came from a bunker at the Western bank of the river. As we peppered the bunker with our twin .50s, a man was spotted running on the rice paddies. It so happened that members of the other riverine unit are onboard the boats (PBR-139 and PBR -142), and decided to go after the running man. As we beached the boats, the running man was still on sight. As members of the river unit went in pursuit, we (crews of PBR-139 andPBR-142) were able to have a good look at the busted bunker and it's layout. The layout was so simple yet so effective.
A trench, deep enough for cover is dug behind and connects three(3) bunkers which are positioned approximately 30 meters apart. This gives the sniper an easy access to the next bunker for safety after firing his first shot. With this layout, it is suffice to say that, while the boats (PBR) are bursting the first bunker, the enemy was already at the nest bunker laughing his ass off.
With this finding, our reaction to sniper's became more evasive rather than engaging. We just fire for cover and get out of the "KILL ZONE" as fast as we can. The pursuit didn't last long. The man was corned in a bamboo hut within the p;roximity of the rice paddies. The man and two (2) other companions surrendered without firing a shot. Considering that it was safe enough, I walked and looked around the capture site. What caught my attention were the large clay pots or vats positioned around the hut. Being anxious, I was in for a surprise. The clay pots are full of "DEAD RATS" in all stages and sizes. From newly boarn mice to adults rats. At the backyard were rows of bamboo strips assembled as bins and full of rat meats being dried. Without question, these "VATS OF RATS" are enemy's food supply.
The three (3) men were taken back to TRA-CU for questioning, in lieu of this, I was grateful as ever to have a box full of "C-RATS" every day. Each can has special taste and I trully savors every bite of it. From the experience, I've learned to appreciate the basic necessity of war...."C-RATS". I'll take "C-RATS" anytime rather than "DEAD RATS".
No comments:
Post a Comment