Professional Soldiers ® - 45 Years Ago, May 10th, 1970

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK (Post 582715)

Thanks, to all..

I spent a week formulating this little tail. I wanted to make sure I didn't stretch nor miss the hi-points. The problem for me, was not drifting into a self patronizing ego spin.

I think I missed on the severity of my wounds.

I did spent 10days in ICU that I have always thought was wrong. Wrong because I was the only that could get out of bed. I had a couple IV bottles and a 2gal chest pump, but with a little help from the nurses, I would stay up at night and play card, help where I could, and go to the john...

In retrospect, I think it was a case of SF can-do attitude, I don't know, but it has been a small concern all these years..

On the flip,, at the end of my ICU stay, I snuck out with the ward nurse to the O club for a stake n Lobster dinner, ++ couple of Whiskey's, back by 3AM. She arranged to have a ambulance for a taxi and carried extra compression bandages, they hadn't stitched me up yet, wanted as much drainage as possible. The hole in my back was?? Sloppy??

When I returned, The new ward nurse was livid,, She had listed me as AWAL, she had no sense of humor.. I went to bed..

Next morning I was in front of some bird-col who also did not have a sense of humor.. Put a note in my 201 file about being A BAD BOY, and determined that as punishment I should be sent the Camp Zama Hospital, Japan. (where I spend three months in rehab).

Alone with a lack of humor, he didn't comprehend the dichotomy of his "punishment". :D

"Oh please Brer Fox, whatever you do, please don't throw me into the briar patch... please" Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby

Anyway, That's another story for telling,, probably more fitting for the local watering hole.. :D

Now you're my hero !!! ;)

Thanks for the post, JJ!!!

Great AAR!! We need more like this!!

Spent May 10th, 1968 with some friends at a little place called NGOK TAVAK.
May 10th has a special place in my heart, too.

Jack
Have Yards Will Travel

Salute, JJ! :lifter

(It was Mother's Day that year)

Pat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scimitar (Post 643219)

Great AAR. :)

S

A little more...

It started with my platoon/company doing a sweep mission to support another company that had been hit by and pinned down by a snipper.

I have since found out not only the CO & 1st Sgt were hit but also one of the platoon leaders.

1st Lt James Stokes was hit by the snipper on May 10th, but did not die until June 2nd. His parents flew to Japan to be with Jim when he passed.

Jim was one of my classmates in OCS and prior to enlisting he was a member of Co C, 3rd Bn, 20th SFG in Ft Lauderdale Fl. Where I spent 5yrs after AD.

I knew that Jim had died of his wounds in June, but it was another alumnus of C/3/20th that sent me the news article with the details.

Additionally, I have found the chunk of shrapnel that lodged in my rib. Not a large piece, but it was traveling at a good pace, and SUCKED big time.

RIP Brother, Vaya con Dios. DOL

Thanks JJ. Glad you are still with us to pass those stories along. Keep 'em coming.

JJ BPK,

As Memorial Day approaches, I truly hope that one day our nation's history books will give you, and your fellow Vietnam combat vets, the honor and respect you so richly deserve. I was on active duty at a time when almost every senior NCO with whom I had contact wore a CIB from that particular war, and I know I became a better soldier as a result.

Thanks for your service and your stories.

Interesting story JJ.

In May 1970 I was eight years old and watching the Vietnam War in black and white with my parents in the living room. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojaveman (Post 643250)

Interesting story JJ.

In May 1970 I was eight years old and watching the Vietnam War in black and white with my parents in the living room.

I do not know your mother,, If that's what you're thinking,, Son :munchin

Great read JJ....in May of 1970 I had just arrived in Ft. Ord...just beginning my journey...seems like the brass dance has been going on awhile....my father used to tell me they would land on him from the overhead turret as he was flying the B-17..:D

Thanks for the post JJ.

I was 5 and ramping up for my 6th Birthday party. :D

I look at this young man, James Stokes and so many more on the Vietnam Virtual Wall http://www.virtualwall.org/ and think how much potential these kids had and makes you wonder what wonderful things they could have accomplished had it not been for that damn war.

And like JJ and all Vietnam combat vets when asked "when were you in Vietnam" the answer is always: last night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Jarvis (Post 643290)

I look at this young man, James Stokes and so many more on the Vietnam Virtual Wall http://www.virtualwall.org/ and think how much potential these kids had and makes you wonder what wonderful things they could have accomplished had it not been for that damn war.

And like JJ and all Vietnam combat vets when asked "when were you in Vietnam" the answer is always: last night.

I'm thinking one could say this about all wars...…. great men dying much too soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Jarvis (Post 643290)

And like JJ and all Vietnam combat vets when asked "when were you in Vietnam" the answer is always: last night.

Not all have problems. I count myself very lucky
Prayers out to the many that do have problems