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Old 05-11-2015, 15:24   #16
MtnGoat
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Thanks for the post, JJ!!!

Great AAR!! We need more like this!!
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Old 05-11-2015, 19:59   #17
spiceygoggles28
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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
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Old 05-13-2018, 21:38   #18
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Salute, JJ!

(It was Mother's Day that year)

Pat
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Old 05-14-2018, 05:25   #19
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Great AAR.

S
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:01   #20
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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
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File Type: jpg JimStokes_OBIT.jpg (90.5 KB, 89 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0737s.jpg (246.8 KB, 94 views)
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Old 05-14-2018, 09:17   #21
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Thanks JJ. Glad you are still with us to pass those stories along. Keep 'em coming.
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Old 05-14-2018, 19:26   #22
tst43
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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.
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Old 05-14-2018, 21:48   #23
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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.

Last edited by mojaveman; 05-16-2018 at 17:58.
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Old 05-15-2018, 05:50   #24
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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
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Old 05-15-2018, 18:55   #25
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1970

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..
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Old 05-16-2018, 12:03   #26
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Thanks for the post JJ.


I was 5 and ramping up for my 6th Birthday party.
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Old 05-16-2018, 15:52   #27
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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.
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Old 05-16-2018, 20:21   #28
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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.
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Old 05-17-2018, 05:34   #29
JJ_BPK
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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
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Old 02-01-2019, 12:05   #30
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I wanted to thank you for the account. You all certainly inspired me. I have always been ashamed of the people back in this country that could not diverentiate the difference between policy and the men and women who showed up to do their duty. OCS officers always struck me as being well rounded bringing a depth of experience to the table others might not have.

Noticed this: http://soldiersystems.net/2019/02/01...es-in-vietnam/
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