Destination...UNKNOWN.

"RETURN TO HOME BASE ,READY BOAT FOR HOIST".

This coded message was a big surprise to all of us that were on patrol that morning. PBR-139 and PBR 142 just reached their station when I received this message. We were at the mouth of the Ham Luong River when this message came. Without hesitation, I turned the steering wheel to starboard and steered PBR 142 to a north-westernly heading to rendezvous with the USS Hunderton County which by now was steaming towards the mouth of the Ham Luong River.

PBR 139 was ahead of me, and most of the boats had already been hoisted on board when PBR 139 and PBR 142 made the rendezvous. PBR 142 was the last to be hoisted. As I climbed the "JACOB'S LADDER", my mind can't help but wonder, "Where the HELL are we going?!"

This was around the last week of April 1968." On board, we were told that our destination will be known once we get there. However, as soon as the ship entered the South China Sea and made a turn to "PORT", I knew that we were heading up NORTH. The next morning, after having a good NAVY BREAKFAST, I went up the main deck and took deep breaths of the fresh sea air. I watched the sun rise above the horizon from the starboard, and Vietnam's Eastern Coast was within view at the port side. Viewing this coastal scenery brought back memories merely a year ago.

By heart, I knew most of the landmarks on this coast, as well as the possible dangers within 15 nautical miles off the shorelines. These waters were my stomping grounds on board the USS CALIENTE (AO-56).


POINT ST. JACQUES or "VUNG TAU", NHA TRANG, QUINHON, DA NANG, CAMRANH and CHU LAI are all located on this eastern shore that ends up to the TONKIN GULF. I was now sure that one of those places were our destination. Exactly WHICH one was still the question.


Guessing got me nowhere, so, I put my mind to rest and accepted the fact that, "...regardless of place, it is "CHARLIE" that we'll be facing with." This made me more EAGER to reach our destination and finish what we were here for.

FINAL DESTINATION..........I can't recall the exact number of days we've stayed at sea. It was more or less four (4) to five (5) days. During this time, it was the ship's "IMC" that became the MOST ANTICIPATED sound through out the ship. The sound of the "BOSUN'S PIPE" playing "ALL HANDS", followed by this announcement:


"Tomorrow the ship will be at the mouth of QUI NHON BAY. Qui Nhon is our destination." This still remains vividly in my mind.

That evening went so fast. I was up before "reveille" was piped down. Soon as I dressed up, anticipation brought me to the main deck to watch the USS HUNTERDON COUNTY make her approach towards the mouth of QUI NHON BAY. As I stood there I watched the shoreline and what I saw was a picture of calmness and serenity.

However, my mind says otherwise. I knew that this is only a mask that cover the dangers that lies within. This is no longer the MEKONG RIVER wherein the enemies are SCATTERED and stretched along it's endless banks. This is now QUI NHON BAY, wherein the enemies are are WELL ENTRENCHED and confined within it's shoreline. Hunting the enemies is NO LONGER a TASK. They're HERE, and the question is who'll play the roles of "CAT" or "MOUSE".

QUI NHON BAY is an added chapter of RIVERINE WARFARE AND I'm trully honored to be a part of it. The morning muster was longer than usual. LT. GEORGE STEFFENCAVAGE and all his staff were present. "BIG GEORGE" was very specific with the details of this "operation". The word "VIETCONG" did not cause any of us to heed, however, the mention of "NORTH VIETNAM'S REGULARS", pumped blood to my head and adrenalin to my veins...Is this caused by "FEAR"? By this time, I can honestly say that I no longer have any fear for the enemy. I have encountered and engaged the enemies in countless firefights and in worst situations that could be imagined.

Through these experiences, I've learned that "FEAR" is what you think and made something out of it. "FEAR" is merely a product of imagination. If allowed to linger, "FEAR" will control your well being hence diminishing your grasp of reality, which inevitably turns into "PANIC", when "PANIC" sets in, that is whe "DISASTER" happens. To say, "TO FEAR IS HUMAN" is not appropriate in VIETNAM nor in any war. Considering ours or any soldiers' situation that's either be a casualty or killed in action (KIA), fear is an invitation for disaster. Nonetheless, I have no wish to be included in any of these situations. I've learned to trust my "GUT FEELINGS" and never allow myself to be persuaded nor be inclined to take the least favorable view of any situation(s) unfolding in front and around me. This kept my composure un-pesturbed even in the midst of battle.

This fact was literally expressed in my evaluation that says, "QM1 TRONO IS COOL IN BATTLE". A tap on my shoulder made me realize that the briefing have ended. Honestly, I was not able to pay any attention with the briefing, my mind became pre-occupied with the "NORTH VIETNAM'S REGULARS" and the urge to do battle with them was so strong within me. Only the voice that says, "HEY HUK LET'S GET SOME BREAKFAST, THIS COULD BE A LONG, LONG DAY", woke me up from my reverie, that voice gave me the assurance of safety for the days ahead and the offer was as earnest as it can be. It can only came from my best friend and partner, EN2 ROY K. DAVIS, BOAT CAPTAIN OF PBR 139. I turned and gave him a smile and said, "SURE"and down to the mess deck we went. Anyway, a good breakfast often leads to a good day, and this is what I'm looking forward to see. Our first patrol in QUI NHON BAY was merely for familiarization with the waterways.

We explored the entire area and made mental notes of all the possible dangers that we could possibly enco. FISH TRAPS in all varieties congest the water area and locations of SANDBAR'S gave us the most concern. Depending on the tides, hence they are often mislocated. This becomes so dangerous particularly during night patrols. Inland or the western side of QUI NHON BAY lies the city of QUI NHON, which we considered as the "friendly side". Adjacent to the SOUTH CHINA SEA lies it's eastern banks wherein the enemies were entrenched throughout it's shores. With trees and heavy foliage of bushes and wild gross that cover the area, this is a perfect sactuary for the enemies. Wreckage and ruins of fallen brick houses compounded the dangers that lie within. needless to say, all our firefights and SNIPER SHOTS came from this area.

This, however, worked to our favor because it made certain where the enemies are. Hence, the "Operation" was focused on this eastern shores of QUI NHON BAY. In lieu of this, it is now just the question of time to get this "Operation" unfold. I can honestly say that we are all excited for this operation to get started. The "question of time" was answered that evening when the "ROK (Republic Of Korea) TIGER DIVISION" came on board. We all knew that tomorrow will be the "D -DAY""BRIEFING" was held that same evening. Details of the "OPERATION" were discussed. Each PBR was given each assigned position with members of the "TIGER DIVISION" assault team on board. PBR-142 had the honor to have the "ROK" GENERAL on board.

Again, that evening went so fast. I was AGAIN up before reveille was piped. I went to the main deck and watched the sun as it breaks out of the horizon. I watched it rise and felt the warmth of it's golden rays touching my face. For a sailor, these warmth and brilliance are harbingers of a good day. As my mind wanders in the reverie, a tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality. As ever, the tap came from my partner, EN2 ROY K. DAVIS. With a grin on his face, he asked, "HUK ARE YOU WORRIED?" I replied, "Nah!"

He then replied, "WELL THEN, LET'S GET SOME CHOW BEFORE THE "ROKS"GET IN THE MESS DECK. "


Next: "The ASSAULT..."

"USS Hunderton County (LST 821)..."

February 1968 opened a new chapter of my war experiences in SOUTH VIETNAM.

RIVER SECTION 532 was transfered on board USS HUNTERDON COUNTY [LST-821) For sailors, to be onboard a ship is like being at ho the me. Honestly, this is how I feel on board each ship that I have sailed. My world evolves in the Pacific and other oceans as well as seas in the Western hemisphere including the Antarctic. However, on board the HUNTERDON COUNTY, it's neither an ocean nor sea that I'm dealing with. Instead, it is one of the "CUU LONG", or "NINE DRAGONS".

This is the vietnamese name for the nine branches of the Mekong river that flows out to the South China Sea. And the "DRAGON" that I am refering to is the "HAM LUONG RIVER". Once a safe commercial waterway, HAM LUONG RIVER is now a "DEATH ALLEY" with the VIETCONG and NORTH VIETNAMESE REGULARS infiltrating the local villages located on both river banks. Hence, snipers and ambush squads became our daily concerns and worst nightmares.
The major city, BEN TRE, once prosperous is now partly devastated by war. The resident,s are now either friendly, enemy or enemy symphatizers. At it,s entrance, or "BEN TRE CANAL", stood a '"RED BRICK HOUSE" that became a landmark for every PBR crew that patrolled the HAM LUONG. I can honestly say that in one of our patrols whether day or night, each of us was fired at by VIETCONG SNIPERS-positioned somewhere inside that RED BRICK HOUSE. To express our spite, each patrol tacitly made firing runs that almost leveled that BRICK HOUSE to the ground. Needless to say, this stopped the "SNIPER"S ACTIVITY" in that area.

Nonetheless, we all know that this is not the end of it. There's still the whole stretch of the HAM LUONG RIVER to worry about. The entire area of the HAM LUONG RIVER is designated as a "FREE FIRE ZONE". This means that the entire area was considered as a "SPHERE OF INFLUENCE" of the enemy. In lieu of this, all boats on patrol must constantly move. This is same with the HUNTERDON COUNTY. The HAM LUONG is not as wide as the CUA DAM RIVER where staying in the middle is considered safe. On the other hand, in the HAM LUONG RIVER any spot is within the sniper,s range. Furthermore, being only a month since the start of the "TET OFFENSIVE", the NORTH VIETNAM'S REGULARS[NVR] are still well entrenched in the area. To have the combination of the NVR and Vietcong only meant "DOUBLE TROUBLE" for us. With this in mind, each of us became more observative and speculative in regard to any obvious or peculiar scenes and activities of the river traffics. This is same with the movements on both river banks.

All of us knew, that any mis-judgement on our part could lure and lead us into an ambush, which the enemies are well capable of. Most of us had been through this situation before and needless to say, none of us like to go through it again. Each patrol could be our last, and honestly speaking, I don't want to push my luck. I believe that I can contribute more to the WAR EFFORT by staying alive rather than being a statistic of WAR.

Being new in the area, getting familiar with the topography of the area is imperative for all of us. This contributes highly to our safety. Each estuary canal and nooks at the riverbanks are potential sites for an ambush. Hence, every bit of information is a blessing for all of us. But, who will be the source of these informations? Surely not from the enemy. It will be from no one else but us. Thereafter, at the end of each patrol, We have made a point to share each experiences of the day including river traffics and human traffics at the riverbanks. Repetitive as it may seem, nonetheless, this gave us the "RIVERSMARTS" that helped us elude numerous ambush attempts by the enemy.

Although the river traffic was not as congested as the "CUA DAI" and "CUA TIEU", the firefights, however, were plenty. '"PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE" were conducted constantly, particularly by the night patrols. As I've said before, this type of warfare is an invitation for a firefight.

Operations with the "NAVY SEALS" were also conducted often. In retrospect, one of the biggest "ARMS & AMMUNITION CACHE" made by units of RIVER SECTION 532 and the US NAVY SEALS was in one of these operations. Notwithstanding all the dangers that we"ve faced each day, I can honestly say that our morale stays on it's highest. This can only be attributed to the leadership of our NAVAL OFFICERS in the persons of LT. GEORGE STEFENCAVAGE, LT. CHIARUTTINI, LT. KEN NELSON, LT. JAN GILBERTSON, and LT. PARKER. These NAVAL OFFICERS goes out on patrols; get into firefights and eat "C-RATS" with us. They are one of us and this takes "GUTS'. This emphatic behaviour kept our "FIGHTING SPIRIT" burning at all times. Their"SOLIDNESS"was the virtue that made RIVER SECTION 532 a "FORCE" to be reckon with, particularly to the enemies. This notoriety have spread and reached the NORTHERNMOST tributaries of the MEKONG RIVER including the VAN CUU DONG RIVER (PURPLE HEART ALLEY), QUI NHON BAY and TRACU.


Next: "Destination...UNKNOWN"...

Steffencavage

LCDR George Steffencavage. Commanding Officer of River Section 532 from March 1968 - March 1969. He was one hard-charging, no bullshit sonuvagun. I was hoping I would run into him again after our time in Vietnam, but unfortunately I found out that he had PASSED AWAY in 1989.


At the battle of Tinh Luong River, he was SO COOL in battle. He has GUTS. I am so honored to have served under him.


Rest easy, Sir. I wish that I could have fought alongside you once more. Until we meet again.

"Tet."

Like any festival held in various parts of the world, including SOUTHEAST ASIA, the celebration starts and ends up with a "BANG'. These "BANGS" were made mostly by "FIRECRACKERS, ROMAN CANDLES and any other man-made contraptions that could make loud noises with a "BIG BANG" impact. Being new in VIETNAM, this is what I've expected. However, the "TET FESTIVAL" that I've experienced in SOUTH VIETNAM, was not in it's normal script. The "BIG BANGS" that I've heard during the dark hours of 28 January 1968 were not from "FIRE CRACKERS" nor "ROMAN CANDLES", and rather, these "BANGS" were louder and deadly. These "BANGS" were made by live MORTARS, B40 ROCKETS and VIETCONG'S AK-47 aimed on all U.S. and SOUTH VIETNAMESE military and government installations, including our RIVERINE HEADQUARTERS at MYTHO,SOUTH VIETNAM. This shower of live MORTARS and ROCKETS started shortly after MIDNIGHT and continued until the dawn of the new day. This was too "BLOODY" to be a festival, rather, it was a "MILITARY OFFENSIVE" executed by NORTH VIETNAM'S REGULAR ARMY together with the communist guerillas of SOUTH VIETNAM or "VIETCONG". This "OFFENSIVE" was concieved and masterminded by non other than GENERAL BO NGUYEN GIAP [SUPREME MILITARY COMMANDER OF NORTH VIETNAM] with no other goal but to destroy all US and allied military forces and destabilize the current SOUTH VIETNAMESE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT. Needless to say, this "offensive" was patterned with the "BATTLE OF BIEN BIEN PHU", where in he (Giap) emerged the victor against the FRENCH ARMY. This victory ended the colonization and rule of the FRENCH GOVERNMENT over the "FRENCH INDO CHINA" which is now the modern day "VIETNAM". However, to dwell on past "KUDOS"did not work to GIAP'S favor. GENERAL GIAP'S expectations for another "BIEN BIEN PHU" did not unfold. He (GIAP) now realized that it is not the FRENCH ARMY that he is faced with. Undermining the resiliency of the UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES is like "PISSING AGAINST THE WIND ". This he soon found out.


In retrospect, there were no peculiar nor obvious incidents that could be describe as harbingers of the '68 TET OFFENSIVE. It was the usual traffic and same faces in the Mekong River. A reddish hue covers the horizon as the sun starts to descend in the west. In my years at sea this foretells a fair weather for tommorrow, and I am truly looking forward to it. As I head towards MYTHO after a days patrol, my mind was full of anticipation for what tomorrow may bring. With all mooring lines secured and all the maintenance checks were done, I told my crew to call it a day and head up to the mess hall to catch the last serving of the evening meal. This was 27 January 1968. In the mess hall, the ambiance was the usual fun with the "Head Cook". I can't remember his name. I think it's MS1 JOHNSON, an African American with a grumpy attitude on late meals. Knowing this, EN2 DAVIS, myself and crews of PBR 139 and PBR 142 intentionaly take our time in eating our meals. He (JOHNSON) continuosly remind us about the closing time. Each time he does this, we just continue our meals without minding him. And this really pisses him off, nonetheless this is what we really want. A few minutes after closing time, we will all stand up and often EN2 Davis will make a comment about the meal and laughter soon followed. Hearing this, MS1 Johnson's reply were always these words,"YOU ASSHOLES WILL COME LATE AND EAT MY CHOW AND STILL COMPLAINS. NEXT TIME GO TO THE MOTHER-F__KING CUU LONG' (Cuu Long is a local restaurant). With this , all of us will burst into laughter including MS1 Johnson himself. He will shake his head and make a pushing gesture of his hands and walk off. I am sure that he knew that after a day's patrol we just want to have fun, and Johnson played along with us. Having "Combat Rations" or "C-Rats" day in and day out, night in and night out, any cooked meal is a luxury for us. Considering the make shift galley and the wartime conditions that we are in, MS1 Johnson did his very best to serve us this 'LUXURY'. I am trully grateful to him for that. The "Fun" that we had with him will always be a part of my Vietnam experience.


After a cold shower, I quickly jump in my rack hoping to get a good start with my sleep. In this humid weather, the best time to hit your rack is right after a cold shower, while your body temperature is still cool. If you can't catch a sleep at this stage, it will be hard to catch one when humidity starts to set in. I said "Goodnight" to my crew; said my prayer and hope for a safe patrol the next day.


The noises were unfamiliar. It was still too dark and I'm sure that it was not 'CHICKEN MAN' that woke me up. Sounds of footsteps were echoing on the corridors of HOTEL MYTHO with loud voices that said, "WE'RE HIT, WE'RE HIT'. I jumped out of bed and woke my crew. I told them to dress up and be ready for whatever is coming, because I myself don't have any idea what is going on. Sounds of gunfires are now being heard coming from the streets of MYTHO. Words came about to report to the HEADQUARTERS, with utmost caution because of the firefights between the South Vietnamese Army and the Vietcongs in the streets and alleys of Mytho. The HQ is only across the street and being caught in a crossfire is a high possibility. The Vietcongs have already infiltrated the streets and to be ambushed added more dilemna to our present situation. I looked at my watch and it was around 3:00 AM 28 January 1968. At the HQ, we were told that a rocket landed on the water reservoir on the roof of Hotel Mytho. Fortunately nobody was hurt. We were ordered to get all the boats out of the boat pool. With enemy bombs and rockets falling everywhere, it will be just a matter of time that it will find it's mark and cause casualties to the 'PBRS' tied up in the boat pool. At the same time, driving to the boat pool was as much dangerous itself. Nonetheless, we all jumped into any vehicle available , and without minding the dangers of the present situation, drove as fast as we can to the boat pool. Amidst the sound of gunfire we reached boat pool safely and dashed to our boats. Unfortunately, I had a misfortune jumping into my boat (PBR 142). The deck plate that covers the STARBOARD BILGE PUMP was left open, and my right leg went in. I yanked it out and twisted my knee in the process. Without minding the pain, I ordered my crew to 'CLEAR ALL LINES' and steered PBR 142 out of the boat pool to safety. All the boats converged at the middle of the river to wait for further orders. Soon, orders to resume the scheduled patrols came with words of caution, 'BE VIGILANT AND BE MORE CAREFUL. THIS IS THE TET OFFENSIVE', added to it.


Our patrols that day were longer than scheduled. We remained on station until the coded message was received that informed us that it's akready safe to return to homebase. It was already dark when we reach homebase. Late meals were served and the mess hall was buzzing with all the stories that happened that day. In the headquarters, we were briefed about the other river units that suffered casualties. I was sad upon hearing these reports, because members of my PBR class are attached to some of these units. On the other hand I am glad that RIVER SECTION 532 suffered no casualty at all.


It was a long and hectic day, my mind and body was already feeling it's toll. Beside the busted water reservoir, HOTEL MYTHO was still standing and I can't hardly wait to get into our room. The cold shower took all the stress out of my mind and body. After a short discussion with my crew, I look out of the window and stared at the moonlit sky and said , "Thanks for sparing us today". I hit my rack hoping to hear the voice of "Chicken Man" at the break of dawn as the start of a new day.

The initial wave of the 'TET OFFENSIVE' truly caught the ALLIED FORCES by surprise, particularly the ones stationed up North. "HANOI HANNAH'S' voice constantly covers the VIETNAMESE AIR WAVES blaring about the NORTH VIETNAM REGULARS and VIETCONG'S victories in all battlefields. The siege at KHE SAN, CU CHI and other ALLIED BASES up NORTH as well as the sinking of a YRBM, homebase of a RIVERINE FORCE that patrols the HAM LUONG river, caused sadness to all of us. On the other hand, these reports made us more aggresive. With these, each patrol intensified it's search and inspections of all river traffic without exception. Inevitably, this yielded 'CACHE' of enemies' supply provisions, particularly medicines. These medicines were often hid inside obvious places such as 'BRASSIERES', underwear and inside the loaves of 'FRENCH BREAD' stacked on board water taxis supposedly headed for the public markets. I'm sure that our interventions also caused problems and concerns to the enemies. And as ever, the PBR and crew remained on top of the vietcong's hit list.

Although the Vietcong's activities were rampant, a "HEAD-ON" confrontation with the PBR'S were avoided. The Vietcong resorted to "SNIPERS" taking pot shots at us from the riverbanks. This kept us on edge and vigilance became our top concern at all times. In the midst of all of these, MEDICAL EVACUATIONS of local civilians caught in the middle of AERIAL BOMBINGS of NAPALM became one of our constant chores. The smell of the burnt and blistered bodies often remained stuck in my olfactory nerve for days hence affecting my appetite. Worst of all, most of us suffered LBM (Loose Bowel Movement) for reasons nobody seems to know. For remedial purposes, we were given "quinine tablets". For days we took these tablets. In lieu of this, the headquarters, particularly the mess hall became a bedlam of causation informations. Although we were not given any official reasons, in regards to it's source or cause, most of us believed in one unofficial source. That is-----decomposed bodies of Vietcongs were found at the bottom of the water reservoir wherein our drinking water was coming from. The thought of this still gives me the creeps and make my stomach turn up to this present time.

The MORNING after...

"Chicken Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnn!!! He's EVERYWHERE, He's EVERYWHERE!!!"


That was a VERY welcome sound that morning. I knew that "Chicken Man" was the start of a new day. My crew was still asleep, so I cleaned and dressed up to catch the last serving of breakfast. I stopped by EN2 Davis' room, but he was already out. As I stepped inside the improvised MESS HALL, I could feel all eyes staring at me. The BATTLE AT TINH LUONG was already known and was the topis of conversation for everyone inside the mess hall. I could see in their eyes the PRIDE and JOY they felt towards me.


Suddenly, a familiar voice came out saying "Hey Huk! Get your ASS down here!" Well, what more could I say? My tray was full and there was nothing better than to sit down with my best friend while FEASTING on the "Good Ol' Navy Chow".


Late in the afternoon, both crews of PBR-142 and PBR-139 were told to take four (4) days off BUT TO STAY WITHIN THE HEADQUARTERS COMPOUND AT ALL TIMES. Undoubtedly, this was to let the Tinh Luong incident COOL DOWN. Needless to say, the Vietcong were SO PISSED that they would try ANYTHING to even up the score.


On the morning of the fourth day, we were informed that twenty-seven (27) bodies floated in the Tinh Luong River. Vietcong were known to carry the bodies of their dead comrades out of the battlefield to CONCEAL THEIR LOSSES. Nevertheless, the number wasn't bad for one (1) firefight. I CUT A NOTCH on the handle of my .38-Cal pistol. This was for that "something" that was bobbing in the water. I'm DAMN SURE of that one.


After having lunch, both crews of PBR-142 and PBR-139 went to the boat pool to get the our boats ready for next day's patrol. As usual, my "transistor radio" was playing as we did our chores. Consequently, "Radio Hanoi" was on the air and "Hanoi Hannah" was blasting away with her usual "war news" in english.


Most of it were propagandas detailing the Vietcong "victories" in the battlefield and one of which was the Battle of Tinh Luong including the American Casualties". We laughed at it and simultaneously said, "You Lying Bitch". I shooked my head and changed the station to the "FAR EAST NETWORK" or "FEN". The song that was playing was more encouraging and soothing to my ears." 'TYRONE DAVIS' was just starting his rendition of "BABY LET ME CHANGE MY MIND".


This trully made me laugh because I am now on my first month of extension of duty in VIETNAM. It is rather too late for me to change my mind. This song became a part of me. O made sure to have a copy of it at this time. Each time I play it, all the memories of VIETNAM, particularly the'BATTLE AT TINH LUONG' starts flashing in my mind. For the VIETCONG? Well, Good Luck next time" However, unless they will have eyes in the dark, the odds remain same and still, 'THEIR ASSES ARE GRASS'. For EN2 DONALD DAVIS and the crews of PBR 142 and PBR 139? "THEY ARE BEYOND COMPARE". They are the 'DREAM TEAM' that can only be formed inWARTIME. FEAR OF VIETCONG? I honestly doubt that.


The VIETCONG'S blood at TINH LUONG RIVER is the testimony that ",IT'S THE OTHER WAY AROUND'. FOR LT. GEORGE STEFFEN CAVAGE and LT. KEN NELSON? This I can proudly say,"THEY ARE NOT ONLY OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN, THEY HAVE "GUTS". This is same with, CAPT. FUSCALDO, LT RICHARD CRAGG,LT. JAN GILBERTSON,LT A.W. CHIARUTTINI, LT. PARKER and other officers that served in the "RIVERINE FORCE". THEY ARE A CUT ABOVE THE REST.


I consider it an honor to serve these NAVAL OFFICERS in VIETNAM or in any war that may come. We might be world apart at this present time or we might not be able to see each other in this lifetime, nonetheless in my reveries and dreams they all come to life. These memories will stay with me even in my after life.


Next: "USS Hunderton County (LST-821)..."

FIREFIGHT at TINH LUONG RIVER

It was a HOT and HUMID day with intermittent rain. This added more inconveniences to our life at My Tho, South Vietnam. The meal for lunch was not the cause for my stomach to churn, but rather, it was the WORDS that was passed around the mess hall. These words were: "RIVER SECTION 532, WILL SEND UNITS INSIDE TINH LUONG RIVER TONIGHT."


This was August 18, 1968.


The villages along the banks of the Tinh Luong River were considered as the Vietcong's SPHERE OF INFLUENCE. These villages were known to be the stomping grounds of the Vietcong's "ZAPPER SQUAD", and due to that, units of other River Sections have been ambushed and suffered heavy casualties in that river. Hence, the mere mention of "Tinh Luong River" caused my stomach to churn, and I felt chills run down my spine.


I was sure that the other PBR crews of River Section 532 felt the same, PARTICULARLY those scheduled for the night patrol. Unfortunately, PBR-142 and PBR-139 WERE SCHEDULED FOR NIGHT PATROL - THAT NIGHT!!!


I went straight to our room. My gunner, GMG2 Dave Meshako was sitting at the edge of his bunk. He looked at me and said "Did you hear it?" I knew EXACTLY what he meant and responded "Yes, I did. Let's hope it WON'T be us. Get some rest. We might need it tonight."


As all the Boat Captains gathered for the "night briefing", all their faces had the look of ANXIETY. That included me. "BIG GEORGE" himself gave the briefing. I'm referring to Lt. GEORGE STEFFENCAVAGE, USN, the "Officer-In-Charge" or "OIC" of River Section 532. He was a BIG man, and wearing the "green fatigue" uniform, he was like a "G.I. Joe" character come to life. Also with him was LT (JG) KEN NELSON, USN who was new to the country, and he would also have his first patrol that night.


Big George's words were FIRM and STRAIGHT. "Tonight, River Section 532 is tasked to go INSIDE TINH LUONG RIVER. Lt. Nelson will ride PBR-139 and I will ride PBR-142. Inside Tinh Luong River , the REST of the unit will PATROL their respective areas. Be on standby. Are there ANY questions?"


Only sighs of RELIEF from the other b Boat Captains broke the silence. With this, Big George confirmed "If there's none, then LET'S GO."


EN2 Davis looked at me and said "Let's go, Huk." I gave him a nod and said "I'll make sure my 'first aid box' has enough painkillers (MORPHINE). We might need it tonight." Honestly, I couldn't explain WHAT I was feeling that night. I would be a HYPOCRITE to say that FEAR was not a part of it. The previous reports of an AMBUSH and casuaties, as well as scenarios of what COULD possibly happen at Tinh Luong River started flashing in my mind. NERVOUS? OF COURSE I WAS!!!


The twenty (20) minutes drive to the boat pool gave me enough time to put myself in the proper state of mind, place everything in perspective. I said to myself "George, you have SURVIVED all the FIREFIGHTS during the TET OFFENSIVE, BENTRE RIVER QUI NHON BAY and all the other corners of the MEKONG. Tinh Luong is JUST ANOTHER RIVER. Trust your instincts, and DON'T HESITATE. Your 'GUARDIAN ANGEL' will be there to guide you."


That moment of reverie was broken by "Okay, we're HERE." by the driver. At the boat pool, the mere presence of LT. George Steffencavage was enough for my crew to know that it was into Tinh Luong River we will go. A proper SALUTE was given by my crew as "Big George" stepped aboard PBR-142. Once on board, I placed my 'first aid box' on the deck, in front of the HELM (steering wheel). This is what I always STAND on to have a clear view.


As the lines were 'cast-off' I swung my boat around the boat pool's pier, and steered PBR-142 in a WESTERNLY direction, following the dimming rays of the setting sun. As darkness started to loom, I looked upwards and observed the formation of the DARK CLOUDS spreading across the Vietnam Sky. With this, feelings of encouragement started to creep into my veins, anabling my SENSES to be as keen as a CAT in the dark. This would be a MOONLESS night and this only showed that the weather was starting to turn the odds in our favor. My confidence became stronger knowing that my 'GUARDIAN ANGEL' was already somewhere in Tinh Luong River to make sure that everything would be alright.


The initial hours were spent doing what a regular night patrol does: drifting and 'speed run' along the banks. The sun had already set, hence my concern was NOT the RIVER TRAFFIC, but rather the 'watchful eyes' of the SNIPER(S) that were well hidden and camouflaged somewhere along the river bank. With this in mind, I was careful not to make any patterns that could give away indication of our plan to enter the Tinh Luong River. LT. STEFFENCAVAGE was calm and casual. He never interfered in the way I was handling my boat. I admired and respected him more for that.


At 23oo hours, "Big George" sent a coded message for PBR-139 to come alongside. Within minutes, PBR-139 was alongside. "Big George" gave us the final 'rundown' of his plan to enter the Tinh Luong. There were some questions asked, but we were all assured. When all the details were clearly understood by everyone, "Big George's" last words were "OK, let's GO, and good luck."


At that moment I looked up and observed the moon as it hid behind the darkened clouds. I knew that this was the signal to make our move towards the river's entrance and start this GAME of "Cat and Mouse". I often dream about this particular moment, and I can still vividly recollect this event in my thoughts.


As PBR-142 made her way inside the Tinh Luong River, PBR-139 remained momentarily at the mouth with her engines on idle. As planned, the sound of her engines would be the "RUSE" to confuse the Vietcong as to WHERE the PBRs supposed whereabouts. And to be in tune with this, I placed my engines on SLOW SPEED. I used my radar INTERMITTENTLY, just enough to see and interpret all the "dots and blips" on the screen.


LT. STEFFENCAVAGE was standing on the engine cover, keeping an eye for SLIGHT MOVEMENTS on the banks on BOTH sides of the river. PBR-142 was approximately 50 meters inside the Tinh Luong when I checked my radar screen again.


On the screen were three (3) "DOTS" that where NOT THERE BEFORE. These "dots" were in an "inverted V" position and approximately fifty (50) meters from us. I quickly put the engines on IDLE and told my FORWARD GUNNER, "Dave, I have CONTACTS DEAD AHEAD. Check it out."


Big George hurriedly stepped inside the cockpit and checked the "dots" himself. By this time, my forward gunner looked through the STARLIGHT and said "They're just FISH STAKES". I goosed the engines back to SLOW SPEED, without taking my eyes away from the radar screen.


But my "gut feeling" was telling me OTHERWISE. I again placed the engines on idle and told my forward gunner "Dave, look AGAIN". Those three (3) dots were now within 25 meters from us, and still maintaining an inverted V formation. SILHOUETTES were now slowly taking form when my gunner yelled "VIETCONG!!!"


In a SPLIT SECOND, Big George popped a flare, and as BRIGHT AS DAYLIGHT, there they were: THREE (3) LARGE SAMPANS EACH CARRYING A FULL OAD OF VIETCONG AND NORTH VIETNAMESE REGULARS!!!


There were AT LEAST ten (10) hostiles on each sampan. I ordered "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!!!" and all HELL BROKE LOOSE!!!


With one (1) enemy boat AHEAD and one (1) on EACH SIDE, I knew that my initial manuevers would be CRUCIAL. My "gut feeling" overwhelmed me and dictated my actions. I goosed both engines on FULL SPEED and headed STRAIGHT towards the ENEMY BOATS on my STARBOARD, then swung LEFT TO PORT towards the boat ahead and to my port.


The "WAKE" that my boat, PBR-142, made on FULL SPEED, combined with the SUDDEN TURN to port caused the enemy's boats to ROLL, thus they were UNABLE to HOLD STEADY and negated any clear line of fire. Meanwhile, Big George and my crew were busy firing our guns! Our aim was STEADY and DEADLY, causing fear and death to the enemy. As I side-swiped the THIRD boat on my starboard, PBR-139 with LT. Ken Nelson was already taking on and firing at the other two (2) boats left on my flank. The PROXIMITY of the firefight was SO CLOSE that you could hear the MOANS of dying enemies when they were hit by the rounds of our .50-Cal guns.


Flare after flare were popped, making the battle scene lit like the 4th of July. PBR-142 and PBR-139 kept RUNNING and FIRING in circles until ALL the sampans were empty. What was left of the enemies PANICKED and jumped into the river. Now I knew that the Vietcong WEREN'T SO TOUGH after all! They couldn't even defend or hold their own turf.


Like all of us, they were also AFRAID TO DIE. However, thinking that they would be safe in the water was wrong. DEAD WRONG. I was certain to make sure that their mistake of seeking refuge in the waters of Tinh Luong would be the LAST MISTAKE they would make. As I stated before, I was not an "Ambassador of Good Will", rather, I was here for the kill. Soon, U.S. Army GUNSHIPS were hovering above, and helped illuminate the scene of battle. I could no longer recall HOW MANY gunships there were, but some of them took on the enemies on the banks on both sides of the river. The noise of their ROTOR BLADES were a welcome sound that night.


It was only then that I noticed that battle was OVER. Big George ordered "CEASE FIRE!!! Look for 'SWIMMERS'!!!"


I placed both engines on IDLE and looked around for PBR-139. Seeing her AFLOAT with engines running drew from a huge SIGH OF RELIEF, knowing that my BEST FRIEND, EN2 Davis, and his crew, as well as LT. Ken Nelson were out of harm's way.


I ordered my crew to remain in their "battle stations" and stepped out of the cockpit to make a quick check around my boat. While at the BOW, I accidentally TAPPED the barrels of one of the .50-Cals. They were STILL HOT and caused a slight BURN on the palm of my right hand. On my way to the stern, my AFTER GUNNER pointed at something bobbing up and down iin the water within five (5) ASTERN. My .38-Cal took care of that "SOMETHING", and that "SOMETHING" wasn't bobbing anymore.


To make sure that all the "swimmers" STAYED UNDERWATER, Big George ordered "Okay, throw CONCUSSION GRENADES!!!" And throw we did. When all was clear, and all signs of the enemy erased, Big George called for PBR-139 to come alongside. We made a quick check for damages, and for any casualties on our side. Besides the PAINT SCRAPES, on the starboard side, PBR-142 had NONE. However, PBR-139 had one (1). EN3 JORDAN, BOAT ENGINEER suffered a LACERATION on theSHIN of his RIGHT LEG. After Big George finished his radio conversation with the Army Zone Commander and the Gunships, he turned to us and said "GOOD JOB GUYS. Let's go HOME and call it QUITS for tonight."


By this time the FLARES were getting DIM and the water around us were GLEAMING with BLOOD. As PBR-142 sliced through this "pool of blood", I turned my radar on and said "Thanks for being my EYES in the DARK." As we exited the Tinh Luong River, I turned the helm to port and steered PBR-142 to an easternly heading towards My Tho. I goosed both engines on FULL SPEED and soon we were making headway. I looked astern and looked at the STARS AND STRIPES standing tall and flying as proud as ever. After the boats were properly secured inside the Boat Pool, Big George's PARTING WORDS were " Get a good night's sleep. You're ALL EXCUSED from the morning muster."


As I stepped on the pier, I looked up and saw the MOON peek out from behind the clouds as if GIVING me a SMILE. I returned the smile and said " Thanks for being on MY SIDE tonight."


NEXT: The morning after...

L.R.R.P. United States Army Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol

Besides the "Green Berets", the U.S. Army had other Special Forces deployed in South Vietnam. One of the these were the Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol, or the L.R.R.P.s


Similar to the Navy S.E.A.L. s, the L.R.R.P.s operated INSIDE enemy territory. Considering that the most feasible access to these areas were the river waterways, the U.S. Navy PBR's are often requested to assist in the "INSERTION and RECOVERY" operations. In these operations, PBR-142 and PBR-139 became acquainted with the L.R.R.P. team based at Dong Tam, South Vietnam. In one of these operations, there was an INCIDENT that often mingles with my memories of Vietnam. This was NOT about a FIREFIGHT, but rather, about the TRAGIC DEATH of a member of the L.R.R.P. The following is my account of that incident...


I cannot recall the EXACT date, or day that this incident happened. I'd been in Vietnam for over a YEAR, and now within six (6) months of EXTENDED duty. My body and mind were already conditioned to that ardous job, and KEEPING TRACK OF TIME was no concern. "Come What May" became my attitude towards life, and having a glimpse of tomorrow was the least of my worries. My only concern at that time was to FIGHT and KILL the enemy, that was all.


This happened about the later part of Sept. 1968, almost a month after the PBR-142 and PBR-139 had a FIERCE FIREFIGHT with the Vietcong at the TINH LUONG RIVER. The briefing for the night patrols were the usual Vietcong's activities in My Tho, Dong Tam, Tinh Luong and adjacent villages. The villages along the Tinh Luong River were considered the "SPHERES OF INFLUENCE" of the enemy, hence becoming a BIG concern for the nearby U.S. Army base at Dong Tam.


In lieu of this, the Army requested the assistance of a PBR team for the "insertion and recovery" of their L.R.R.P. team inside the Tinh Luong River. Upon hearing this, I knew EXACTLY what the Briefing Officer's next words were going to be: "PBR's 142 and 139 will pick up the L.R.R.P. team at Dong Tam at 2200 hours. Coordinate with the team leader. Keep us informed and good luck." I was right!


On our way to the boat pool, I said to myself "Yeah, we're gonna NEED all our LUCK. I'll be calling my 'guardian angels' again." I was sure that this was the same thought running through the mind of EN2 Donald Davis, skipper of PBR-139. This was due to the fact the it was only a month earlier that we found out what was waiting for us inside the Tinh Luong River...


A month before, PBR-142 and PBR-139 made the enemy pay a heavy price. Twenty seven (27) bodies of Vietcong and North Vietnam regulars floated in that river after the fierce encounter with our patrol boats. The stench of death STILL lingered there. The memories of this encounter kept FLASHING BACK in my mind. And as darkness filled the night, I knew something SIMILAR to that encounter could happen. That moment of reverie was broken by the sound of the boat's radio with a coded message that said "Meet you at Dong Tam."


We all looked at each other, and I ASSURED my crew that everything's going to be alright. I turned the boat to port and to Dong Tam we went.


At 2200 hours, PBR-142 and PBR-139 were moored at Dong Tam. After a brief discussion with the team leader, the team members started boarding the PBR's. Considering the fact that SPEED and MOBILITY were the PBR's EDGE against a sudden attack by the enemy, the BOAT Captains opted to have equal numbers of the L.R.R.P. team on each boat. As PBR-142 exited Dong Tam harbor, a question started flashing in my mind: "Will the extra weight affect my handling of PBR-142?" I would soon have that answer...


PBR-139 was the LEAD boat as we entered the Tinh Luong River. I kept PBR-142 within 30 meters ASTERN to provide cover. I turned off the boat's RADAR, and just followed PBRF-139's wake. Soon as PBR-139 off-loaded her troops and was off the river bank, I manuevered PBR-142 to place the STERN towards the river bank, and placed my engine on idle. The last of the L.R.R.P. team gave me a "thumbs-up", and PBR-142 slipped out of the bushes to meet with PBR-139. I was about to come alongside PBR-139 for a brief discussion for our next move, when the sound of RAPID GUNFIRE broke the silence of the night!


All we could hear on our boats' radios were "PICK US UP! PICK US UP!!!"


Within seconds, PBR-139 and PBR-142 were back in the same spot we had dropped them off, and positioned our sterns towards the river bank for pick-up. It was SO DARK that I ordered my gunners to HOLD THEIR FIRE. Splashes on the water caused by running boots were echoing through the heavy bushes and soon we had the L.R.R.P. team scrambling to get onboard.


As soon as my AFTER GUNNER yelled "GEORGE!!! GO! GO! GO!!!" I GOOSED that engine "FULL SPEED" and PBR-142 responded with FULL FORCE and got us out from a possible ambush. I looked astern and saw PBR-139 was riding my wake with ALL GUNS BLAZING!!! My boat's radio was blasting with "MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE! MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE!"


Out of Tinh Luong River, I reduced my speed to allow PBR-139 to catch up and come alongside. Only then I became aware that I had more L.R.R.P. members than I dropped off. With PBR-139 alongside, a quick head count was made, and unfortunately, ONE (1) L.R.R.P. team member was MISSING, the RADIO MAN.


During the discussion, it was stated that the he (the Radio man) was ahead of the pack running towards the PBRs. Thus the possibility of him being SHOT was negated. We could only speculate as to what happened to him. Going back to Tinh Loung or head home were the only two options we had. The team leader opted for the latter.


The remaining hours of our patrol were spent discussing/speculating what happened. If he (the radioman) wasn't shot, then he could have DROWNED. W e came to this conclusion after considering these following facts:


(1) He (the radioman) was AHEAD of the pack


(2) The radio was on his back, and...


(3) That the radio was used as a "step" by the other members that followed him.


This idea was so IRONIC, but all the facts pointed to this conclusion. Our answer came about four (4) days later. The body was found, and WITHOUT gunshot wounds. I have no idea how this incident was OFFICIALLY recorded, but up to this present time I can firmly say that our conclusion was RIGHT.


For the radioman, I can say that was "...a HELL of a way to go...". This incident sustained my belief that "You can choose the way you'll be born, but you can't choose the way you'll die.".


I'm always reminded of what my Grandfather, Joe Rourke Herman, once told me: "George, you are the MASTER of that boat. She is your OTHER SELF. Treat her the way you treat yourself, and she'll RESPOND anyway you want her to." The SUPERB performance of our boat, PBR-142, can be highly attributed to EN3 Larry Lafontaine, who kept the two (2) jacuzzi engines in top condition at all times.


For my GUNNERS? What can I say? GMG2 Dave Meshako and GMG3 Williams..."THEY'RE THE BEST!!!" I consider myself VERY LUCKY for having them as part of my crew of PBR-142.


And did I mention something about GUARDIAN ANGELS? Well, I believe that each of us has one. I believe that this is the "gut feeling" that we all have, and manifests itself at the "POINT OF EXTREMIS". It's the feeling that enables us to do the UNEXPECTED, and if you do OTHERWISE, you'll be sorry and say "I should have done that".


In war, if you survive a firefight, people will say you're LUCKY. Surviving two (2) firefights? People will say you're VERY LUCKY. However, surviving three (3), four (4) or more and people will say "You've gotta be KIDDING!"


Well, I ain't kidding...


NEXT: Firefight at TINH LUONG RIVER...