MY LAST PATROL...

There were no "let-ups" on the side of the enemy during the days, weeks, and months that followed.


MORTARS kept coming on a NIGHTLY basis and the ambiance of danger looms at every corner of the VAM CUU DONG RIVER. The '69 TET OFFENSIVE is still in full blast and it's intensity is being felt throughout South Vietnam. Reports that the enemies are using the neighboring Cambodian border as transitory stations for moving troops into Vietnamese soil kept the ALLIED FORCES in full alert. As ever, the GOAL of the enemies is to ATTACK and CAPTURE the City of Saigon. Here is where the mainstay of the South Vietnamese government and the Main Headquarters of the Allied Forces are situated. However, for the enemies to do so, they (enemies) have to cross the VAM CUU DONG river. And in doing so, this could only mean TROUBLE for us at Tra Cu.


A CLASH with the enemy was inevitable.


In lieu of this situation, it is suffice to say that each patrol could be your LAST patrol. For some of us, this had been the fate. However, I just could not accept this same fate to befall on me, my crew and our boat, PBR-142. As always, I've treated this notion the other way around. That is - -"...cross, and you'll be CRUSHED...", and I kept these words as a reminder at all times.


With those words in mind, it kept my whole being well-focused on every area of the river that I'm in, while on patrol, my mind continuously processed the "step-by-step" actions that I should take and make in case any ambush should occur. Often, I put my boat (PBR-142) through "mock" maneuvers to test how well she would respond in a tight situation. This was not a GUARANTEE for SAFETY, however this practice worked for me then, and I was confident that it will would for me here at the Vam Cuu Dong river. With "IMMINENT DANGER " looming each day, keeping track of time was no longer a concern of mine. My spare time was spent on my boat (PBR-142) together with my crew. Needless to say, we all knew that our lives depended on how our weapons would perform and how PBR-142 would respond. With this in mind, we made certain that our weapons and boat are well-kept and in TOP FIGHTING FORM at all times.


Going into battle with DOUBTS in mind is simply letting your fate rest in "CHARLIE"S" hands.

It was a bright and sunny day. A perfect time to INDOCTRINATE a new Boat Captain. This was the first time I met this fellow and I can't recall his name. In war, people just COME and GO. At times, it's not long enough to remember his/her full name. Anyway, he was a 1st Class Boatswain Mate, Caucasian. A bit TALLER than me, but pudgy and pot-bellied. As usual, he was also COCKY. He was SUPPOSED to be my relief. As protocol and good practice, I handed him the helm (STEERING WHEEL), this would give him a "feel" for the boat. After some manuevers on his own, he told me that he was READY to take the boat to the patrol area. With this, I radioed the cover boat of our intentions and off we went to the lower Tra Cu.

PBR-142 had just made a slight turn to starboard entering entering the bend when a sudden JOLT was felt on out PORT side. The JOLT was strong enough to throw all of us off balance. I knew INSTANTLY that we were hit and ordered my crew to OPEN FIRE towards the eastern bank. I took the helm and radioed home base at Tra Cu and our cover boat and informed both of our situation .

I checked both engines but the STARBOARD one was the ONLY one RESPONDING. I goosed that engine for whatever power I could get, at the same time looking for a safe spot to BEACH the boat. As I swung the boat to starboard towards an open spot at the western bank, a sudden DRAG astern was felt. I looked back and saw the WATER COMING OUT of the engine space and starting to FLOOD the stern deck of the boat. Seeing this, I ordered my crew to "KEEP FIRING! DON'T JUMP, I'LL BEACH THE BOAT!!!"

The "open spot" was approximately 25 meters away, but with PBR-142 slowly sinking, it looked like we'll never get there. It was so close but yet so far.


I continuously ordered my crew " DON'T JUMP, KEEP FIRING!!! I'LL BEACH THE BOAT!!!" At this time, we were FIGHTING FOR EVERY INCH to reach the open spot. I ordered my forward gunner to direct his fire towards the open spot hoping to keep the enemy, if there was any, PINNED DOWN or RUN. Soon as a soft, CRUNCHING sound and a SLIDING MOTION was felt on the forward keel, I knew that we were on the edge of the bank and getting closer to the open spot. As the bow hit the banks, an ENEMY BUNKER, a few feet away, was facing us. Without hesitation, my forward gunner blew that bunker apart. Without any response, I ordered "CEASE FIRE!!!"

Thereafter, I ordered my crew to keep focused on the area in front of us and OPEN FIRE if they SEE or HEAR any type of movement within that area. Meanwhile, the cover boat was on the scene and making firing runs at the eastern bank.

Soon, the rescue team arrived and came alongside PBR-142. By this time, PBR-142 was almost FILLED with water, and resting on the muddy banks of Vam Cuu Dong river. Despite being EXHAUSTED and TENSE, we were STILL full of fight. Before I boarded the rescue boat, I took a last look at the "busted bunker" and felt really good at the sight. I looked at the incident as "one damaged boat and one busted bunker". It was an even score and I could not ask for more. After the initial assessment of damages, we all headed back to Tra Cu. The rest of the rescue team stayed with the boat (PBR-142) for further assessment and got the boat ready for towing back to Tra Cu.

Back at Tra Cu, I made my report and headed back to our tent to be with my crew. We looked at each other with smiles on our faces. It was a HELL OF A DAY, but we made it through. Needless to say, we all have fun telling stories of our previous experience, PARTICULARLY each other's REACTIONS during the ambush. Our discussion ended with one question: "WHAT WAS THE STATUS OF PBR-142?" Nontheless, one thing was certain...and that was, we were all ALIVE and well. Only then I did I realize it was already the middle of March.

Within a few days, I happened to meet and talk with the REPAIR OFFICER of River Section 532. As far as I can recall, he was CWO ANDERSEN. Anyway, I asked him about the status of PBR-142 and her whereabouts. I was told that my boat (PBR-142) was taken to Nha Be for repairs. Furthermore, I was assured that PBR-142 will be back on patrol in the soonest of time. With this, I felt good knowing that at this moment, PBR-142 was in good hands. As we finished our conversation, the Repair Officer's parting words were: "George, if EVER I ride a PBR, I'll make sure it will be with YOU." Coming from a Naval Officer, I took it as a compliment, and felt really good about it.

By this time, my crew were already assigned to other boats. Me? I was STILL AWAITING ORDERS. At Tra Cu, besides going on patrol, there was nothing to do, and nowhere to go. Boredom is WORSE than a firefight. To compensate for this, I spent the days at the BOAT POOL talking to the Boat Captains and their crew, as they prepared their weapons and boats for their next patrol. As the days would end, it was quite IRONIC to think that tomorrow might not come for all of us. Nontheless, I was full of HOPE that my orders would be "shore duty". Eighteen (18) months in Vietnam deserves a break. As good as it sounded, my orders FINALLY came, but it was OTHERWISE. It read: "REPORT ONBOARD USS HASSAYAMPA AO 145 NLT 09 May 1969".

Honestly, I didn't have any qualms about it. First of all, I am a Quartermaster, and NAVIGATION is my FORTE. I still considered it as a break. For, at least I'm SAFE and there will be no more AMBUSHES in the open sea.

This order was no longer my worry. For now I was focused and concerned for what awaits for me in the Philippines. Honestly I was a bit nervous, because soon I'll find out whether or not the ENGAGEMENT and WEDDING RINGS will be accepted by the GIRL that waits for me in Pasay City Philippines. This was now 31 March 1969.