Jack Fink's Diary, January–August 1971
Jack Fink served with Range Platoon (D Co, 2nd Bn, 8th Cav, 1st Air Cavalry Division) from late 1970 into 1971. This is his full personal diary, January 1 through his emergency leave home on August 8, 1971 (his father had suffered a heart attack; he did not return to Vietnam). It is transcribed here in full, organized by month, with only light cleanup (spelling, stray formatting from the original typed transcription) — content and voice are otherwise Fink's own.
The entries for April 20–23, 1971 — the day of the ambush this archive is built around, and the days immediately following — are given here in the more carefully preserved transcription already published separately as fink-jack-diary-042071, which retains Fink's own crossed-out corrections. See that document's note on why one detail (who, exactly, had died of his wounds) was wrong in the moment and corrected within the diary itself.
A separate list of notable events flagged for further research — contacts, cache discoveries, a POW capture, USO/entertainment visits, and a few items bearing directly on this archive's open questions — accompanies this document as fink-jack-diary-notable-events-1971.
January 1971
Friday, January 1
Spent New Year's eve in Vietnam pulling guard. We got resupplied today. Got clean clothes, C rations, & hot food for lunch. Today was a cease fire. For a moment we thought we were under attack because we heard shots, but it was only C ration cans exploding in a fire.
Saturday, January 2
We pushed hard today deeper into Viet-Nam jungle. Must have went 3 clicks (3000 meters) took us all day & finally came to our night location. Dave set off a trip flare when he went too far outside our perimeter to shit. Heard rumors that the Cavalry will go home in 3 months.
Sunday, January 3
Woke up early and moved. Always looking for the V.C. in order to kill them. All day we were on patrols looking but no dice. We did come across an open field where we can get logged tomorrow. Stayed at the same night loc. and wrote letters & played cards. Found 3 empty bunker complex.
Monday, January 4
This morning we cut down & blew up trees to make an area large enough for helicopters to land. The birds came & we got resupplied. Then we pushed to a new night location where we can bed down. While placing his trip flares out, it went off and Dave burnt his hand real bad. We had to medivac him out by chopper.
Tuesday, January 5
Last night we heard movement outside the perimeter. We called in arty and he sent us 30 HE rounds. They landed practically on top of us but just outside the perimeter. We pushed today & our Kit Carson Scouts read some signs & said there are about 20 Viet Cong in this area. Now at night loc.
Wednesday, January 6
Woke up and almost froze to death. Mornings in Viet-Nam are sure cold. We pushed, stopped once, thought we heard movement. Was Nothing. Now at night Loc. Will push to LZ tomorrow to get on birds back to LZ silver for 5 days of rest. I just put out my night work & now my Mosquito Net.
Thursday, January 7
Today we leave the bush. We arrived at an old cut area & the birds came & we flew back to Silver. I drank much beer & got very drunk
Friday, January 8
Now at Silver. Did I ever have a case of hangover! Fired my duppers from my weapon. Had chicken for supper. Didn't touch a drop of beer all day. Now in the reading tent will write some letters. And watching TV.
Saturday, January 9
On the LZ saw a movie the Lawyer which was great. Was in a rifle competition & won a case of beer. I am quite an excellent shot. Sam & Leo almost fought! Got a haircut.
Sunday, January 10
Went before a board for E-4 promotion. I have no idea how I did. Went to classes all day.
Monday, January 11
Last day on the LZ. Played some baseball. Saw a movie, Capt. Nemo & the Underwater City. Received pictures of standdown. Rested all day.
Tuesday, January 12
Left the LZ today. Got on Huey & took off. Now we're only having 10 day missions instead of 15. This part of Nam has thick shit. Humped a lot & built up a good sweat. The Chaplin is with us & we spoke to each other.
Wednesday, January 13
Walked all morning now stopped for lunch. Heard machine gun fire a mile away. Cat platoon was in contact with the enemy. Just found out they killed one Viet Cong. Just pushed "TT" to night location. Also found some type of construction the VC did a long time ago.
Thursday, January 14
This morning Cat platoon had sniper fire. In the afternoon Cat got in contact one GI wounded. Late this afternoon at our night location Leo heard gooks only 30 meters from our position. Lt. Druener & Leo took off after them, spotted them and fired at both of them, but missed them, Then moved to a new night loc, & we heard movement. Everyone on the alert. Arti dropped bombs everywhere. All's quiet now.
Friday, January 15
Last night the gooks tried to mortar us but they didn't know our position. Today Delta Company united at the log sight & we got resupplied. Now at night location in company perimeter. Tomorrow we get on the birds & be taken south of Firebase Mace where the gooks are by the hundreds. LT seems like something big will happen very soon. Also got rid of my M-60 ammo can today.
Saturday, January 16
Early this morning we got on the helicopters & got Charlie Alphaed to a new A.O. (Area of Operation) Came across a large river which the entire company crossed. The water was rapid & came up to my waist. Many recent trotters in this area. Now at night location next to the river.
Sunday, January 17
We pushed all day. It must have been over 100 degrees. Cat platoon spotted 5 Viet Cong. I don't know why they didn't shoot them. We get logged tomorrow & we're camping next to the river again. I got a feeling we're getting very close to the VC or a bunker complex.
Monday, January 18
Today we got logged. It took all day. This morning Range 2 spotted 4 gooks. Lt Druener left Range for a rear job. Our night location is exactly on the log sight -- it was a dumb move. My score on the E-4 promotion board was 167/250, and I'm 47 from the top.
Tuesday, January 19
Last night Skull platoon heard movement outside the perimeter & he threw a hand grenade. I couldn't sleep for hours. We humped today and came across a stream and washed up. I went on a typical patrol & we came across a very old bunker complex and a gook grave which we dug up. Joe & Ray brought back the VC's teeth to show skipper.
Wednesday, January 20
We pushed 2 clicks today. It was a dull day. Nothing new, or exciting happened. Almost time for the sack. Joe, Dave Neal & Brad are talking school stories. We get logged tomorrow. A company had an accident when their automatic went off killing one GI & wounding 2.
Thursday, January 21
Instead of being logged we're going to the LZ a day early. I'm now at the LZ drinking of course. It's now 8 o'clock & we see the Charlie recon is in trouble. 5 guys being chased by a company of gooks. Blue Max is working out. Flares and HE dropping. It's now 1:30 AM we're getting a 3 day log. What a hangover. It's completely dark now the entire company leaves in the morning to find the gooks.
Friday, January 22
We got on the birds at 7:30 this morning left the LZ & went back into the bush. We humped all day about 4 clicks in total but didn't find the VC or any trace of them. The pack on my back was definitely an ass kicker. We continuously humped for 9 hours & at 5 o'clock PM we got to an open area the birds came in & took us back to LZ Silver. My feet hurt and I'm tired as a ?
Saturday, January 23
Messed around the LZ. Played much baseball, Range 1 vs. Range 2. Fired weapon at the range. Trying to exchange dupper for 16. Jan 30 still humping with the M-203 Grenade Launcher. Sgt. Joe Smith says I'm the best man for the weapon.
Sunday, January 24
A band came to LZ Silver. They were great. One girl singer was fabulous. Ani of course I drank much & got very drunk. And I can't remember what I did the rest of the day, but I know I almost got into a few fights.
Monday, January 25
Had a typical hangover which lasted the entire day. Had a run in with Sgt. Smith. Everything turned out alright though. Definitely staying off the sauce on the LZs, I slept all day since I couldn't move.
Tuesday, January 26
I woke up feeling pretty good, today we started tearing down the LZ & move it to a new location in the jungle. I spent the entire day emptying sand bags & burning them. Tonight is the eve of Tet Vietnamese New Year. I sure hope nothing happens tonight.
Wednesday, January 27
Today we worked all day destroying the LZ. Tet hasn't hit LZ Silver yet. Beautiful girls flew in to do a strip tease show. But they came to the wrong LZ & went away. Tomorrow we go into the bush on top of a big mountain & work our way down.
Thursday, January 28
We woke up at 4AM in order to fully tear down the LZ. With mortar illumination as light. It was completed in 5 hours. We then got on the birds and this started my fifth mission. We landed on top of a big mountain & we'll work our way down it.
Friday, January 29
Slept well the first time in a week. Started walking down the mountain it is definitely a bitch It's very hazardous and unfortunately Chip of Range 2 twisted his ankle & was medevac'd. On our decent we smelled a fire. It had to be the gooks. We followed the scent but couldn't locate them.
Saturday, January 30
Today we went up a large mountain, it's like a mountain on top of mountain. And again unfortunately the point man of Range 2 broke his leg & we called for medivac to take him away. I wonder about tomorrow! So far no sign of gooks but we know they're around somewhere.
Sunday, January 31
Today we got logged. We chopped an open area so the birds can kick out the stuff. We spent all day & night at the log site. Cat Platoon had incoming rounds almost on top of them by our own artillery. We don't know who called for it, the only possible answer is that the gooks were calling our arti on top of them.
February 1971
Monday, February 1
All day today we remained at the log site waiting for more water that never arrived. We pushed late in the afternoon & finally came to a new night loc.
Tuesday, February 2
We pushed early this morning, came to a mine field and stopped. Wesaw 3 gooks & opened fire. They fired back. Joe Smith was hit in his hand losing his thumb & was medevac'd. A round hit Dave on his magazine around his waist, no harm done except to the mag. We killed one gook, blew his head open. We pushed & again another contact. Range platoon assaulted the mountain but the gooks were gone.
Wednesday, February 3
Today we got logged on the peak of the mountain. Tomorrow we finally descend it. All Range got was one quart of water apiece. We better find a stream fast. All was quiet today thank God. The Colonel has a surprise for us when we get back to the LZ for doing a job well done yesterday.
Thursday, February 4
We pushed down the mountain today. Came across a deserted VC bunker & many old & deserted hooches (30). Always on the alert & dying of thirst we finally came across a stream & filled our canteens. Now at night location, We push towards the LZ tomorrow.
Friday, February 5
Last night at 4:30 AM during the silence of night someone in Range 3 fired a shot. I happened to be on guard then & heard that someone shot a snake which crawled into bed with him. In the morning we went to the stream and washed up. We pushed closer to the LZ Fontaine & tomorrow we arrive there.
Saturday, February 6
Humped to LZ Fontaine this morning. Speed marched down a road 2 clicks in an hour. Now at LZ Fontaine my first time here. It's very sandy but the helicopter pad is off at a distance so the sand doesn't affect us too much. It's now 6:30 & I'll see a 2 movies at the theater.
Sunday, February 7
The entire company was on QRF (Quick Reaction Force) at the LZ, Early this morning we were ordered back in the bush to help "B" company who were in bad trouble. 6 men wounded. We got on birds & then humped to "B" company. It took many hours to arrive there, the VC were gone. 5 GIs dead, 15-12 wounded. My squad had to get the 5 dead bodies & bring them up the mountain. I helped carry one dead GI.
Monday, February 8
The entire night Artillery was dropping bombs & the Air Force worked over the area. I couldn't sleep for 5 reasons. We humped, "B" company carried the dead men & soon cut an open area to have helicopters take the men away. We humped again and came across a bunker complex which was deserted. The gooks cut out because of the bombing & now we're after them.
Tuesday, February 9
Last night LZ Fontaine was hit with rockets. 4 mortar men were wounded. All day today we humped in the mountains. No sign of the enemy anywhere. We're trying to track them down the best we can for revenge sake. Tomorrow we hump to our log site. All's been quiet today. Thank God.
Wednesday, February 10
We humped a great deal today and got logged. Didn't stay to log at the LZ last time. We go back to LZ Fontaine the 12th. Unfortunately we missed the strip show where the Vietnamese girls take everything off. Now on top of a mountain & the scenic terrain is just beautiful. Now at night loc, ready for bed.
Thursday, February 11
We humped to the bottom of the mountain today. Now at night location on level ground. It was very hazardous going jumping from rock to rock & one slip would have been a definite broken leg or head. Anyways I made it down in one piece as did the entire company. Tomorrow we go back to LZ Fontaine.
Friday, February 12
Today we went back to the LZ. All day I filled sandbags.
Saturday, February 13
And again all day today I filled sandbags. Tonight we go on an ambush 500 meters outside the LZ.
Sunday, February 14
Another hot day on the LZ. Road the mule all day. Last night's ambush was OK. Nothing happened except a good night's sleep.
Monday, February 15
Didn't work too much on the LZ. Relaxed quite a bit. Everyone got drunk today and we had to put out an automatic ambush. We did it & luckily no one was hurt. Saw a movie tonight called "Sweet Charity". There were many scenes from NYC & being drunk I yelled and cheered.
Tuesday, February 16
I woke up today with a slight hangover. Didn't get to bed until 3:30 AM. Me & Sam both drunk, knocked down bunker 12. This afternoon we saw a strip show. 2 girls took off their clothes & danced around for ½ hour. Saw a movie & went to sleep. Received orders for my CIB.
Wednesday, February 17
Today we left the LZ by foot. I sweated like a dog & drank much too much water. We humped a click & a half. Sgt. Dillon said that the next time we're at the LZ we won't work so hard. Now at night location. The days are getting longer because it's 7:00 PM & still very light out. Nights seem warm.
Thursday, February 18
We humped all day today. Came across an old bunker & grave. Also passed many old bunkers and ate lunch on a VC made table. My water is almost gone & we came across a dry stream.
Friday, February 19
We humped & that ammo can is kicking the hell out of me. Completely out of water we went on a patrol to find some. All we found was old cloudy dirty stagnant water. We filled out canteens with it & drank it. We're now between the mountains as a blocking force so that no VC can pass us.
Saturday, February 20
We got logged today on a road between 2 mountains. Eco recon was ambushed by the Viet Cong on one of the mountains. I sure hope we won't go anywhere near the mountain. Neil & Leo got jobs as a door gunner & now there are only 2 guys in Range 1. Scull's automatic went off last night when a limb fell on the wire.
Sunday, February 21
This morning Cat Platoon spotted and shot at one VC and missed. Their Kit Carson Scouts said there were about 9 VC setting up an ambush for Cat. So my platoon got up & looked for the VC to interrupt their ambush plans. We never found them & nothing happened to Cat. I went on a small patrol looking for an automatic ambush site & walked into a mosquito nest. I then proceeded to see the medic.
Monday, February 22
Today was a very relaxing day, didn't do a darn thing. We get logged tomorrow & proceed up the mountain again to demolish the bunker complex we found on Feb. 8. Pushed "TT" to a new night loc. Where I am now. I hope to get rid of the Ammo can I've been humping for the last 6 days.
Tuesday, February 23
It took us all day to get logged by the stream & road junction. Tomorrow we start up the mountain with all sorts of demolition equipment including 2 cases of M-72 Laws. Dave Goulf & Gene Sumish both got transferred to Echo Recon. I still got the Ammo can & our mission is now 15 days.
Wednesday, February 24
It took all morning to get to the top of the mountain. For the first time I couldn't take the humping. I could hardly walk & I almost passed out. But with tears in my eyes, I made it to the top, with a little help from Doc. Now 300m from the bunkers we will blow up tomorrow.
Thursday, February 25
We just sat around all day while Skull Plt. Went on a seven hour patrol. While Skull was walking in a column formation a gook cut right across them. Everyone fired and at 15 meters they missed the VC. Late afternoon we pushed "TT" to a new night location.
Friday, February 26
Last night 5 VC were outside our perimeter whistling to annoy us. Today "D" company searched the area where "B" company was hit. Signs of heavy fighting & clothes of the dead men. We searched through a tremendous VC bunker complex. All afternoon we blew them up.
Saturday, February 27
Me & Sam stayed at the night loc. all day while the rest of my squad & platoon went on an ambush right by the bunker complex. Our perimeter is pretty weak as we'll have to stay alert. I'll just relax all day and write some letters.
Sunday, February 28
And for the second day in a row I'm left to guard the perimeter while the rest of Range Platoon go on an all-day ambush. We go back to the LZ tomorrow. I relaxed all day & then late in the afternoon we pushed to our PZ where we'll go back to the LZ tomorrow.
March 1971
Monday, March 1
We got on the birds this morning and arrived at the LZ. As soon as we got here we were put on road sweeping detail which lasted all day. There won't be any more movies shown on the LZ the Colonel is afraid we might be attacked.
Tuesday, March 2
This morning we went to Bien Hoa for a class on booby traps. The VC and NVA are starting to use booby traps to the max now. It's a hot day on the LZ & I'm very tired. Read comic books all day. Fired many duppers last night when we heard movement. Today I finally DX my dupper to Range 3 after 4 months of humping it,
Wednesday, March 3
Last night on the LZ we had an alert. The enemy mortared us with tear gas. We put on gas masks & manned the berm waiting for a ground attack. I saw movement & fired my weapon. No more happened that night. This morning I spoke to the battalion commander & told him what I saw & did for his report. And tonight I'm going on a 7 man ambush.
Thursday, March 4
The ambush went fine, nothing happened; came back to the LZ safe. Relaxed all day & cleaned my M-16 & mags. I took a shower & pulled a 3 hour guard. Leo got a door gunner job but on guard tonight the major caught him sleeping. Sam went to Mace and will sham if he can.
Friday, March 5
This morning we mine swept the road. No village this time & was all prepared. We leave the LZ tomorrow with a 6 day log. We go on seven man ambush tonight. I filled out a form to take a 2 week leave in April. Now humping an M-16 & still got a can of 60 ammo. Echo recon was in contact. Cat Plt. Went out to help them.
Saturday, March 6
Today we left the LZ, got on birds to the base of a mountain and humped a little. Sam P. is no longer coming out to the bush. He has a profile against mosquitos. All we did today was to act as a blocking force. It worked because sandy saw a gook coming towards us & fired but missed. Tomorrow we get on birds & go to the top of the mountain.
Sunday, March 7
This morning we humped off the mountain for a Charlie Alpha. We cut 2 LZ's and got on birds to almost the top of the mountain. I had to repel off the bird at about 5 feet. We got a small resupply. Mail water and 3 new mess. Got to night loc. very late (6:30). We will be a blocking force by the blue (stream) to cut off the VC's water.
Monday, March 8
Today is another relaxing day in Vietnam. We're located on a mountain by a trotter just sitting & waiting around waiting for the enemy to stumble onto our position so we can blow his shit away. Also got rid of ammo can to a new man. Caught up on some letter writing. Our night loc. Is where we've been sitting all day.
Tuesday, March 9
And today we stayed at the same location. Range 2 went on an ambush patrol and shot a 2 foot tall monkey. I listened to the Clay Frazier fight & Frazier won the world's heavy weight title. I cleaned my rifle, magazines & bullets & took it easy all day.
Wednesday, March 10
Today was a hectic day for myself. I went on 5 patrols. 2 water & 3 engage & destroy. The water was pretty bad. I hope I don't get sick from it. On my 4th patrol we found signs of bunkers, then our Scout Dog got the scent. First the dog found bags of flour & eventually we found a bunker complex consisting of 5 bunkers all evacuated recently.
Thursday, March 11
Early this morning my squad went back to the bunker complex & tore apart the houches. We then humped to our logging site. Relaxed the entire day. We get logged tomorrow. I sure hope that when the Cav. Breaks up I won't be transferred up north! But time will tell.
Friday, March 12
All day today we got logged. I got much mail & packages. The major came out & told us we're going on a 4 day stand down Mar 15. Now at night loc. & will sleep on my new air mattress.
Saturday, March 13
This morning we were logged more water & new men. Now Range 1 will have 13 men for guard. It is early in the afternoon now & we're at our night location relaxing.
Sunday, March 14
This morning believe it or not it was raining, It seems the rainy season is here 3 months early. All morning we sat around and played cards. I put up my poncho to be used as a tent & boy did it rain hard from 7-10. We leave the bush the 16th at 2:00 PM & set up outside Fontaine.
Monday, March 15
This morning Cat Platoon had a fire fight with some Viet Cong. There were three gooks & blood trails. We pushed "TT" to a new night loc. Where we did nothing but relaxed.
Tuesday, March 16
This afternoon we pushed to the PC & got on birds & was taken to Fontaine. We DX'ed our ammo & got on a shit-hook & went to Fire Base Mace. Showered & took a haircut. We go on stand down tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 17
This morning we got on fixed wings and went to the China Beach. It's a beautiful place. Went to the village of Vong To & stayed all night. Met a Vietnamese girl & did my thing all night.
Thursday, March 18
Left the girls house & walked back to the beach. Did some swimming in the Sea. Me and Jim stayed in the village until 11 O'clock & had a ball. There are 122 bars and 3300 whores in Vong-to I was told and that's a fact.
Friday, March 19
Did some swimming. Me and Howard went to the village in the afternoon. Me & a few guys screwed around the town. We leave China Beach come morning. Spent about fifty bucks & it was all worth it.
Saturday, March 20
Today we left China Beach & came back to Fontaine. It all seems like a 3 day dream. I had a great time. We go back to the bush with a 4 day log. A recon plt. Is now in contact in the mountains,
Sunday, March 21
Got on birds & went right back into the mountains, thus starting my 11th mission. "B" company has been in a few contacts. Now at night loc. & sleeping on the hillside. We'll do a lot of humping this mission & check out possible cashes & bunker complexes and radio signals. Cat Plt. Already found a bunker complex.
Monday, March 22
What an unbelievable day! We humped to our night loc. & someone in Range 3 stirred up a bee hive. There were thousands of one inch bees stinging us. We all ran, some without weapons. Guys were screaming with pain. An hour later we gathered together, slowly got our rucks & formed a new nite loc. 5 guys were med-evaced. Luckily I was never stung.
Tuesday, March 23
This morning we woke up & many guys had delayed reactions from the bee stings. Squad leader for one can barely see from one eye. 2 GI's had to be med-evaced but the birds couldn't come because clouds covered our position. They came when it was cleared up. We humped a great deal today. Came across signs of a bunker complex but did not investigate.
Wednesday, March 24
We're running very low on water & we moved to a loc. Where the birds can kick out some. We waited for 5 hours but the birds never came. The clouds are dark & it looks like rain. We then pushed long & hard up to the top of the mountain. We met Skull plt. Cutting a sit down for our log tomorrow.
Thursday, March 25
Today we made the log site much bigger so the birds can land. Late in the afternoon they came & we had hot food, clean clothes, etc. Range 1 went on a light patrol to find gooks but we didn't. A letter I got told me Sgt. Joe Smith called the house & spoke to my dad. We're still at the log site & will spend the night here.
Friday, March 26
Today we left the Log site with a 4 day log mostly consisting of C-rations. We humped a click & the ruck sacks never felt heavier but it didn't kick my ass any. In the next 3 days we'll hump 5 clicks checking various locations for enemy communication centers. We're in platoon size & we'll to watch our every step.
Saturday, March 27
Today I've been in Viet Nam exactly five months. WE humped today to the max. We're trying to push the Viet Cong off these mountains to the waiting APCs in the flat lands. Never thought I'd be able to hump but I did it. Now at night loc. We'll push 2 clicks tomorrow & hit high ground.
Sunday, March 28
Today we pushed off the mountain & am now on level ground. The Descent was a bitch & boy did my feet sting. No signs of any gooks -- don't know if we pushed them off the mountain -- personally I doubt it. We will walk a click tomorrow — go to a PZ & then get on birds & back to LZ Fontaine we go.
Monday, March 29
Today we left the bush & I'm back at LZ Fontaine. No beer few socks. Might possibly got the clap. Too soon to know exactly. This LZ is flakey I feel much safer in the bush. Eating hot food is better than C's. It's great to get the rucksack off my back for a while.
Tuesday, March 30
This morning we went on a manned ambush class given by the skipper. Chow for lunch was the best I've ever ate, This afternoon a gospel chorus group sang for an hour. Tonight we go on a manned ambush outside LZ Fontaine. We'll hump a click with 7 guys.
Wednesday, March 31
We completed our ambush no "?" gooks. LZ had a practice alert last night. We have the morning off. The weather in Nam is back to normal. No clouds and very hot! We had a demolition class this afternoon. And a briefing of what we did on our last mission. Seems we ain't killing off our quota of VC. We'll have a practice alert tonight. We have details tomorrow.
April 1971
Thursday, April 1
This morning I filled a few sand bags but mostly goofed off. This afternoon we went to the rifle range. They got a pretty good practice course with competition involved. Jim Catterson & Stan Dillon got the highest scores in the company & the Sargent Major gave them each a case of beer. Sgt. Dillon put me in charge of bunker 12 guard duty. Did a good job.
Friday, April 2
This morning again I filled sandbags. The flying PX came around which was as bad as ever. Read the book "Love Story". Skull Plt. Went to the bush today to chop LZ'z. Tomorrow we leave the LZ & work with the tanks for a few days. We were supposed to have an alert tonight but we never did.
Saturday, April 3
Today we got on the birds and was CA'ed to the 11th ACR (11th Armored Cav. Regiment). Range Plt. Rode on a tank convoy into the bush. In 2 days we will meet them again 4 clicks away. We are humping along a stream trying to kill VC who travel freely in this area. We hump in the hot sun and the thorn bushes are terrible.
Sunday, April 4
We humped all morning & met up with the tanks again. They took us to where they let us off last time. But now we'll hump in the opposite direction. The tanks made me very sandy so I washed up in the stream. This mission isn't as easy as we all thought it might be. LT bought the plt. sodas.
Monday, April 5
Again today we humped a great deal. The point tem fired 2 shots, we thought we were under attack & we hit the ground, but it was only a monkey. I believe we'll meet the tanks again & get resupplied. Guys are seeing the medics because of poison bamboo thorn scratches.
Tuesday, April 6
This morning we met up with the tanks. We drove with them for many hours & relaxed for many. We were going to our night location at 5:30 when someone in the first tank spotted a gook. All hell broke lose. We opened up with everything we had. 50 Cal. 60 cal, M-16's Range plt. then swept the area but found nothing. Wed April 7 All day today we got logged. With the tanks. Tonight we go on a platoon size ambush. The tanks took us to the site for night location. At 10:30 a fire started coming our way. Howard heard movement & blew a claymore. We packed up our gear & met the tanks on the road to take us to the tank base.
Thursday, April 8
We woke up early this morning, got on the tanks & prepared for a long ride. We had a convoy of about 30 tanks. After 4 hours of riding towards the mountains a tank in front of us hit a mine & blew up. Only the storage van was hit. No one was hurt. Everyone's pretty shaky now. We dismounted & pushed into the wood line.
Friday, April 9
Today Range plt. patrolled about 2 clicks. We found one old bunker & no other signs of gooks. Range 1 went on a patrol & flash our point man got us lost. While pushing to our night location we came across an 8 inch dud bomb. At our night loc. LT & Dillon saw 2 gooks, shot at them but missed. We all tried catch them but we didn't.
Saturday, April 10
This morning we were picked up by the tanks & taken to their location so we could get logged. I drank beer got a little high. We spent the night with the tanks & no guard. Some of us in Range 1 had a free for all & started fighting in the sand.
Sunday, April 11
We spent almost the entire day relaxing with the tanks. I listened to a Met game, and Range vs. Tank Drivers in volley ball. Never found out the final scores. Late in the afternoon the APC's took us back into the bush & we humped a click & a half. Now at night Loc.
Monday, April 12
We pushed all morning & came across a dry stream bed & ambushed it for a few hours with negative results. Range 1 got lost from the rest of the platoon but our KC got us on the right path again. We pushed hard again this afternoon & we are now at night location. We get logged tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 13
This morning we got on tanks & road for about 2 hours towards Fontaine. We set up for the day & will continue towards Fontaine tomorrow. We only got one day log. I pilled an hour guard on the APC with a 50 cal.
Wednesday, April 14
We road on the APC's al the way to LZ Fontaine. I figure we'll be on the LZ for a week. Today Echo Recon found a tremendous cache & brought it to the LZ. The word is that the gooks are pissed & might mortar us tonight.
Thursday, April 15
Today most of Range went to FSB Mace to pull guard. We relaxed in the afternoon & ate good chow. 3 men to a bunker which is greatly spread out. Mace which is our rear is moving to Bien Hoa in a few days. Me & Tom & Howard pulled guard using a truck as a bunker.
Friday, April 16
Guard went alright & we were taken back to LZ Fontaine on the convoy. Being there for a few hours we were told to go back to Mace & pull Guard again. I'm at Mace now. We pulled guard back to the inside berm. Very few men to guard a large Fire Base. I will pull a 2 hour guard. I stole a cot to sleep.
Saturday, April 17
Guard turned out OK and we were taken back to LZ Fontaine on convoy. We met the new skipper & seems to have his shit together. We went to the rifle range & zeroed our weapons & had a squad tactical drill simulating the real thing. Guard duty tonight will be 6 hours for each man.
Sunday, April 18
I sure am tired. Got little sleep last night. All day today we sat around & talked. Put $5.00 in a soda fund but are receiving few sodas. We had a platoon bull session. Few men going into the bush many shammers. Also tonight we will pull another 6 hour guard.
Monday, April 19
This morning I was told to go to relay mountain to pull guard duty for a 10 day sham. I arrived on the mountain, found my hooch & caught up on some sleep. I'll have plenty of time here to relax & write letters. From the mountain top I can see the South China Sea & Bien Hoa.
Tuesday, April 20
I feel pretty good this morning. It's now afternoon & I just heard that Range PLT. got into a bad contact. They humped into a bunker complex which was waiting in ambush. Results: 3 – 4 men dead & 8 wounded. Med is working out & there are 2 air strikes going on. I'm watching it all from the top of Relay Mountain. All in could have been me down there if I wasn't called up here.
Wednesday, April 21
It's hard to believe that buddies who I've been with for a long time are dead & wounded. Alpha Company was rushed into the area. And I'm getting my stuff ready in case I have to leave Relay Mountain to be with Range PLT. again. The gooks are still in the area. Range is unable to recover the 3 dead men or their heavies. There was another air strike.
Thursday, April 22
Range cut a log pad to get resupplied. Range recovered the 3 bodies & the rucksacks. Just found out one more man died of wounds. I'm still on Relay Mountain & haven't been called down yet. Note: Man did not die of wounds. Stan Dillion is still in critical condition. Delta Company is still humping, the mission must continue no matter what.
Friday, April 23
Last night everyone on Relay Mountain had a mad minute firing their M-16's. This morning 2 red cross donut dollies dropped by & entertained us. We got resupplied with clothes & hot food. It's hot today & I'm just soaking up the sun & writing some letters. I've been taking a shower every day. No word today about Range Platoon.
Saturday, April 24
Last night's guard was long & wet. We were in a cloud & couldn't see 10 feet. I woke up late this morning. The mail bird never came. A Major dropped by to look over the area & asking for complaints. He told me Sgt. Dillon was doing all right & tomorrow a General would award him a Silver Star for valor, the third highest medal in the Army.
Sunday, April 25
Today is my 6th day on Relay Mountain. The mail bird dropped by & I got mail & packages & pictures. I took a shower. I fired my rifle for about half an hour at tin cans as targets. I might leave the mountain & rejoin my company at LZ Fontaine.
Monday, April 26
I'm still on the mountain even though the company left to the bush. We got logged here today. My back is pealing to the max. I just found out that I finally made Spec. 4. Everyone in Range plt. is doing fine. I heard we go to Vong Tau again May 4th.
Tuesday, April 27
Today the Chaplin Came up & we got more men for guards. We got hot food & Ice cream. Today I've been in Nam exactly 6 months. I've been having an alright time on the mountain so far.
Wednesday, April 28
Today is a cloudy & cool day. I could see rain pouring from a cloud a mile away. Many gooks around silver. The Battalion Colonel placed "A" co, "C" co. & "D" co in the area to push the VC to the 2nd of the 5th Cav unit who is waiting in ambush. It's like a squeeze play.
Thursday, April 29
Well today is my 10th day on relay mountain but it seems I'll be here for a few more. It rained hard for about ½ an hour yesterday and today at 4:00 PM. The rainy season is here & for the next few months I'll suffer with it. Relay is now getting hot chow once a day. It's very foggy now.
Friday, April 30
Today is just another say on the mountain. Birds coming & going but no mail. It rained today & the fog is thick as shit. Played cards with Hawk & Jim & Ash to pass the time. One gets lazy of the good life here.
May 1971
Saturday, May 1
Well May 1st is here & Nixon said all combat troops will be out of the bush but we didn't leave yet. He extended it until Dec. 1. All day today I played cards and scrabble. Last night until late me, Hawk & Jim played a word game "You Don't Say". I sure don't look forward to humping the bush again.
Sunday, May 2
We got logged up here today. Got chow, clean clothes & mail. It rained at noon today. Figure we leave the mountain tomorrow. I'll play me some scrabble. Guard duty was bitch. It rained hard & I got soaked.
Monday, May 3
Well I got on birds & left relay Mountain & finally rejoined my platoon. It sure was good seeing them again. We then left the LZ in a truck and was taken to LZ Danna to guard it. Tomorrow we get on shithooks & go to Vong Tau.
Tuesday, May 4
We got on a shithook & fixed wing & arrived at China Beach, the R&R center hardly changed at all. I then proceeded to the village of Vong Tau. Prices went up a little & the girls are the same. Met a few girls, had a good time & spent 20 bucks.
Wednesday, May 5
I went swimming in the morning & the water was great. I went to the village again & did much bar hopping. I took a few pictures & bought a few gifts. Spent almost 20 bucks today.
Thursday, May 6
Today is our last day here we leave tomorrow morning. I swam in the morning & went to the Vil. in the afternoon. I went back to the R&R center that night & saw a movie. Shared a bottle of whisky with Tom & Ash.
Friday, May 7
We left the R&R center this morning & they lost no time getting us back to the LZ. This time we're at a new LZ being built called Fanny & LZ Fontaine is being torn down. Range Plt. spent the night there & in the morning tomorrow we go to the bush. LZ Fanny is located just off highway one.
Saturday, May 8
Today on the LZ Fanny the Battalion Colonel Bacon himself briefed us on our mission today & what the other companies were doing. We got off our truck transport & pushed into the bush. We humped & it poured hard. I was soaking wet first time in a long time. Today is a cease fire because it's Buda's birthday. We came across 2 gook woodcutters. They didn't see us. We never opened up on them & eventually they left.
Sunday, May 9
Until noon today is a cease fire. Come noon we went on a patrol looking for cache's which is our mission. The platoon pushed & each squad went on clover leaf patrols but found nothing. There's been much thunder but no rain. It will probably rain tonight. Now carrying the 60 ammo can & there are many mosquitos at night now.
Monday, May 10
We hump a lot today & sweated greatly. Late afternoon we got logged. We pushed to our night loc. And set up. The Colonel spotted a truck parked on the highway. Range Plt. sent out a volunteer patrol at night to ambush the truck if it leaves the highway and sneaks inti the bush. IT never came & it poured hard tonight.
Tuesday, May 11
We humped this morning around OP4 ARVN compound & came across a 250 Lb. cache. The VC were coming to get it as we made a perimeter & waited for them. Late afternoon a gook came but we never spotted him. The VC fired & wounded Ron of Range 2. We called for Max & a med-evac. The VC cut out. It rained heavy & we found a new night location.
Wednesday, May 12
This morning we got reinforcements "C" co. Now there are 60 of us GI's to go back to the cache. While humping toward it "C" co. came across another large cache where we are at now. (1:30 PM). Took a pair of "Ho Chi Min" sandals as a souvenir. A bird came & we back logged the cache & now we also have a scout dog. We moved to out night loc. & saw many indications of VC activity.
Thursday, May 13
Us & "C" co. proceeded to the cache we found on May 11th, it was there intact. "C" co. proceeded to chop an LZ to back log the cache and Range platoon pushed to highway one & went back to the LZ. We logged & went through the usual LZ security crap. We were told of our hazardous mission in the days that follow.
Friday, May 14
It was real hot today. I went to a mortar class & saw them operate. This afternoon I was on a sand bag detail & had to go to LZ Donna & get them. Late afternoon we had a class & demonstration of Cobra (Max). We leave the LZ tomorrow on a 4 day mission & operate by highway 1.
Saturday, May 15
We left the LZ this afternoon to start on a 4 day mission with 18 guys & searching the area around the highway 1 for caches & gooks. Squad Leader Don Miller & 6 other guys like a large team went on a separate mission. I am now temporarily with Range 3, thus starting my 12th mission.
Sunday, May 16
We moved all morning & broke for lunch. The area we are in is a no fire zone, unless the person (VC) has a weapon. After lunch we came across an old S. Vietnamese woodcutter. We never fired at him & after seeing his ID card & papers we said he was free to go & he went. Tomorrow we get logged. Now at night loc.
Monday, May 17
Early this morning we heard a truck & voices outside our night location. We investigated & they were wood cutters. They left peacefully. Now cutting a logging site. Just got logged & I attended services. After while looking for a night loc. The Scout Dog smelled VC or bunkers. Helicopters flew around & searched area. We also searched but found nothing.
Tuesday, May 18
We pushed 2 clicks back towards the highway. We rejoin Miller's ? team tomorrow & then take off to the other end of the mountain where we will secure a newly built fire base. It rained heavily this evening. Now at night loc. & all is quiet & well.
Wednesday, May 19
We left the bush & at noon time we got a convoy & was taken to the other side of the mountain which we'll be on tomorrow. The entire battalion is over here & the VC & NVA are definitely in those mountains with every conceivable weapon. We'll be working in company size & we best have our shit together.
Thursday, May 20
This morning Delta Company got on shithooks & was taken to a temporary FSB & then got on hueys & was taken to the top of a mountain. During the process 2 birds were shot at by VC. What a welcome! The entire battalion will work the mountain for one week. Humped 500 m today, no sign of gooks yet, now at night loc.
Friday, May 21
Woke up this morning & started to hump. It was rough going, up & down mountain & rocks. We didn't see any recent signs of enemy activity. It's scary moving around these mountains especially over small patrols. Now at night loc. And all is quiet -- we get logged tomorrow. It's like the old days sleeping on mountain sides.
Saturday, May 22
The entire day today we got logged. And our night location is exactly where we got logged. This morning the Air Force was working over an area a click away where possibly 100 bunkers are located. Tomorrow we find out if we head for the bunkers or go in a different direction.
Sunday, May 23
We humped all day down a valley looking for gooks & bunkers. We came across a recent trotter & 2 caches of gook hand grenades, about 100 in all which we blew up. Now at night location & heard movement. Squad leader thinks we might be hit tonight. Might not get logged tomorrow may storm.
Monday, May 24
Today we pushed off the mountain & searched & passed through a recently deserted bunker complex back, told the others & we all opened fire. We also called in Max & Arti.
Tuesday, May 25
This morning we went back to the LZ & got more ammo & I told skipper what Chris saw & what we did & then was Charlie Alph'ed to a new AO on the base of the mountains. Just found out that these are some hard case VC looking for us. Now at night loc. & must be very quiet not to make any noise.
Wednesday, May 26
Today our LT Butts has 13 days left in Nam so I doubt if we'll be doing much today. I was sight -- we moved to a stream where we washed up & shaved & stayed there for a few hours. Then pushed "TT" to our night location & set up. Was definitely a relaxing day. Leave the bush the 28th.
Thursday, May 27
Today I've been in Nam exactly 7 months. We stayed at out night loc. Almost all day. Heard movement outside the perimeter, we got down & sent out a patrol but no one was lurking or probing around for us. Then pushed to our new night loc. By the PZ & Skull Plt. joined us.
Friday, May 28
We got on birds & was taken to FSB King. We'll be here for 5 days in which we'll tear it down. We only get 2 meals here. I just heard that the 5th of the 7th another battalion is in contact & we're on QRSF. We supposed to get a flying PX. Most of the guys are now playing cards. I won 10 bucks
Saturday, May 29
This morning we had a class which skipper gave. We got beer, soda & mail. This afternoon Navy men left the ship & came to LZ king to see how the Army is like. We also sent Tom and LT to their ship. The Navy couldn't believe the conditions in which we work. At night we had a mad minute which they joined us in.
Sunday, May 30
Today the Navy men fired 60's and 16's & I watched them. They also went on a patrol. I'm one zero for the meanwhile. Tom came back & told us how it was aboard ship. Received mail & sodas the only moral boos we have. We work real hard for the Army but all they give us is a hard time & disappointments.
Monday, May 31
Didn't so much of anything today. Just relaxed. Tonight things were pretty noisy. We had to fire up all the ammo supply in the dump. I also spoke to skipper about a little matter regarding my ?. I hope all goes well regarding it.
June 1971
Tuesday, June 1
This morning we took down Fire Base King. We're now on the log pad & will get CA'd to Fanny for a small log & then out to the bush. We got to Fanny and ate dinner there & then me=oved into the wood line where we'll spend the night. We'll get out to the bush tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 2
Today we ate breakfast at Fanny & then got on birds & was taken to the flatlands between Fanny and Mace. Now we stop to eat lunch. We push a little & then we all hit the ground. The point team saw claymore wire. Could mean an ambush for us. After checking it out it was only a GI ambush set off some time ago. We then pushed to our nite loc. And it rained.
Thursday, June 3
This morning Cat platoon & the CP joined us at our night location. We were then told of a change in mission. June 4th we will build a new Fire Base named Dillon. We humped a great deal along a stream bed. We came across no signs of gooks yet. We move to the PC tomorrow.
Friday, June 4
We pushed this morning at the break of dawn & got transported to an LZ where we got logged. We stayed there all day & then pushed into the wood line to our night loc. Tomorrow we get on birds & be taken to an area to build a new base.
Saturday, June 5
This morning we got on a shithook & was taken to an open field. It's hard to believe there'll be an LZ here tonight. All morning we took it easy as the engineers blow up the trees & choppers brought in supplies. All afternoon we busted ass filling sandbags. The berm is up, Bunkers & hooches built. Guard duty was hairy tonight.
Sunday, June 6
We woke up this morning at 5:15 AM still dark, the entire company manning the line for an attack that never came. We're supposed to go to LZ Fanny today. Loafed around all day, the birds never came for us & we'll spend another night here in fear of enemy mortar & ground attack. Today 2 companies were in contact ½ mile away. Many NVA & VC in the area all hard core. We're all using flight jackets & hope that tonight is quiet.
Monday, June 7
This morning we finally left LZ Hall & am now at LZ Fanny. I was just told that I'll pull guard at Mace. The Australian Battalion working by LZ Hall is expecting a big attack. Rumors are the next LZ we build will be near Cambodia & the Cav will stand down the first week in August.
Tuesday, June 8
Guard duty at Mace was all right. Back at Fanny everyone was asleep since they pulled an all-night guard. All I did was relax today. Played cards & drank soda & beer. Tonight guard will be 2 hours. We head for the bush tomorrow with 18 man platoon on a 4 day blocking force mission.
Friday, June 9
This morning all 18 of us got on birds & taken to an area in the bush called Swan Loc. We humped in company size. Many recent signs that gooks have left this area. I am now on a squad size ambush which will continue all night.
Saturday, June 10
Got one hell of a good night's sleep. We will ambush this location for 3 days. We are a pivot point meaning all the companies are pushing the VC & NVA to our position. We can't set up hooches so will be wet most of the time. So far all is quiet except for monkeys that shake us up.
Friday, June 11
Slept well, wrote letters, good sham so far. Spotted a 6 Ft. long lizard. Afternoon we met with CP & we cut a log pad to extract a captain. It rained a great deal & I'm wet. A lot of bombs are dropping to our front to keep the enemy moving towards us.
Saturday, June 12
It's late afternoon now and it seems like another quiet day. I can hear the Australian tanks coming towards us. The bombs dropping closer to us but so far no major swarm of gooks coming our way. Tomorrow we leave here, get on birds & be taken somewhere. I have now heard that there are 40 5 foot tall monkeys coming our way.
Sunday, June 13
Today is our last day of ambush in this AO. We just got logged & got a new platoon leader -- West Point Man. We then got on birds & was taken to a new AO by LZ Hall. We'll be ambushing there until the 20th & then Vong Tau. So far we recent signs of enemy activity. This AO is mostly a swamp area.
Monday, June 14
This morning we pushed a great deal to find a suitable spot to ambush. No where especially great to ambush, but we're now set up by a little clearing. I doubt if we'll have any visitors but will still be alert. It's cloudy now & it'll rain pretty soon.
Tuesday, June 15
This morning we had a change in mission. It seems LZ Judy located by highway 1 got mortared last night & A co. ran into a bunker complex near there so we'll get on birds tomorrow and check out the area. Humped through open areas so it wasn't as bad. Absolutely no signs of the VC just water buffalo.
Wednesday, June 16
This morning we got logged & got on birds & went to Fanny. Just heard that 3 companies are in contact & we'll get on birds again to see what's up. We arrived at an LZ which might have been Hot but wasn't. Then pushed & came across a bunker complex. We moved back & put Arti in it. We'll check out the complex tomorrow. This AO is definitely swarming VC.
Thursday, June 17
This morning we put more arty into the complex & then the entire platoon entered it very carefully. It was very big & luckily mostly deserted. 20 bunkers & hooches & signs showing that gooks were in it early this morning. We checked it all out & then pushed to our night loc. We sent out a patrol & found 2 bunkers 50 meters from our location. Then pushed again to another nite loc. Rained all nite.
Friday, June 18
We pushed this morning in order to find where the gooks are. We came across a bunker & very slowly assaulted it. It was empty & then we patrolled the area & found out we were in another deserted bunker complex. We're in it now & we'll ambush it all day & night with 7 guard positions to see if the VC will return here.
Saturday, June 19
This morning we were told to ambush this complex another day & night. We went on a patrol and found a few more bunkers. We're just taking it easy all day & hope that the enemy stays clear from us. Tomorrow morning we get picked up & prepare for Vong Tau.
Sunday, June 20
Early this morning we pushed to the same LZ where we were dropped in. Birds were supposed to arrive but the ETA was always boosted up an hour. Breakfast was out last meal and come afternoon we were pretty hungry. Eventually at 5:30 it rained, winds were strong & couldn't land. We pushed into the wood line, wet, mad & hungry.
Monday, June 21
This morning the birds came & we started our Journey to Vong Tau. We finally ate lunch at the R&R center & then went to the village. Did much drinking & bar hopping. Messed around with a few chicks & finally I met this girl Snow. Unfortunately my resources were low so I spent the night at the R&R center.
Tuesday, June 22
Woke up this morning with a mild hangover. Proceeded to the Ocean & swam. Me and 9 other guys had a few games of volley ball. Stuck around the center all afternoon & come supper time I ate at a restaurant with the majority of my platoon. Later on I found snow again bought her someteas. But unfortunately I couldn't go home with her so I spent another nite at the R&R.
Wednesday, June 23
Swam in the morning & had a bar-b-q in afternoon. I stayed with Dave Gary & Oscar & we rented a room at Hotel Belair. Did some more bar hopping & came back to the Hotel. The band there was good & met this girl. She said she'd ? me herself for the night so I said why not & off to her place I went. Did not get any sleep all nite.
Thursday, June 24
Left her place early in this morning to make 7 O'clock formation at the center in order to leave. We arrived at LZ Fanny got logged& we thought we'd spend the night in the wood line but someone saw gooks in the mountains & off we'll go. While waiting to be CA'd our Max didn't land right & crashed. Pilots were OK. Was then CA'd in the mountains & pushed to night location.
Friday, June 25
Had a good nite sleep. We'll hump in company size & sweep some bunkers in platoon size. I'm use to the mountains since I've been doing it before. Humped quite a deal & range platoon found a cache of rice. Destroyed it, we'll skip the bunkers today, met up with Scull & now at night loc.
Saturday, June 26
Today Range & Scull pushed down the mountain flowing a stream — came across bunkers & houches & cache. We burned and destroyed. Our platoons split up & on our descent we found a houch & 250 lbs. of rice. Scull plt. found boocoos houches with supplies, clothes, sewing machines, etc. It's late & we'll move to level ground & form in company size.
Sunday, June 27
This morning we checked out the VC supply complex. When Max and Artillery started dropping the gooks cleared out. We found one dead body. Tons of flour, grenades, B-40 rockets, or 6 SKS rifles. I happened to search a cave & found one which I'll take home. Now cutting an LZ & we'll get logged soon. Our new mission will be to go back up the mountain and ambush.
Monday, June 28
This morning Range PLT. being slightly pissed off moved to the top of the mountain with a 4 day log. It kicked ass & I'm surprised I made it but I ded. We divided the platoon in half & we'll ambush for 3 days. I hope I'll have time one of these days to do paperwork for my SKS. It's raining now, we're set up by a road and hope we don't have passer bys.
Tuesday, June 29
We spent all day waiting in ambush & all was quiet. Just heard that yesterday "C" co. set up by a bunker complex & the gooks made a surprise attack on them. 4 dead -- 25 wounded. Then "B" Co. was called in & they had 3 wounded. There's definitely many VC around the whole area. My SKS is safe in the Colonel's office. "C" co.'s automatic ambush went off when a limb fell on the trip wire.
Wednesday, June 30
Today seems to be another relaxing day. Just heard that we'll remain in the bush instead of going to LZ Fanny tomorrow. For some strange reason I have stomach cramps today & the shits. Passed the time with Flash (Gorden Pitts) and Gary (Collins) some. I doubt if the gooks are in this side of the mountain. Still caches around which we'll search for tomorrow on our descent.
July 1971
Thursday, July 1
This morning Range PLT. humped off the mountain & met up with the rest of the company. We got logged & everyone received a care package from the people back in the world. We were supposed to get CA'ed to where "C" co. was hit but the birds never came so we pushed into the wood line for the night & tomorrow we'll be picked up.
Friday, July 2
We had a change in mission. Stay in the area & look for more Caches because intelligence says there's more around. Swept the area in company size & Skull PLT. found 25 lbs. of rice. Range went on a patrol but just found old bunker complexes. A LRP team spotted 60-100 gooks & Max & rash birds worked out. Colonel says the gooks are pushing our way back towards the mountain so Range PLT. now in ambush.
Saturday, July 3
Hectic day today. Got CA'ed to log site near Fontaine. Colonel said we'll move along the stream by the village on HW1 in company size, Range alone on left side of stream. Also said we'll be getting cherries soon. While humping we stop for a break & LT & a few guys went on a patrol and spotted a VC type gook. They then opened up & the VC ran across the stream & Range platoon opened up on him. He was shot in both legs. Cat PLT. swept towards the stream bank, fired a shot and the VC surrendered. Range gets a POW.
Sunday, July 4
This morning we pushed from our NDP & found a cache 100 meters away. 18 sandbags of rice which was destroyed. Moved around all day looking for more but found none. Finally went to a NDP & it rained hard. We were hoping to stay in this area but will get CA'ed tomorrow to a somewhat dangerous area.
Monday, July 5
This morning we humped to the Village again & got CA'ed to the LZ Stination in company size. Colonel says there're many gooks in this area as we'll ambush most of the time, We humped a great deal — broke off into platoon size, We walked down a huge trotter & came upon a possible bunker complex. It was too late to investigate as we pulled back & set up an NDP. It poured unbelievably
Tuesday, July 6
This morning we moved from our night location & tried to find some type of road crossing in which to ambush. While moving down a trotter we didn't know that Skull PLT. was also ambushing it & we almost walked into their ambush but they warned us in time. Then us & Skull formed a perimeter by a cut LZ where we'll leave tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 7
This morning we made the LZ larger & come afternoon the birds came & I'm now on the LZ. We'll be here for 2 days & 3 days on signal mountain. I took out my SKS & hope to register it tomorrow. They show movies in the afternoon now. Hope to see one. We had a steak bar-b-que which was good & we hope to play softball sometime.
Thursday, July 8
This morning we fired our weapons including my SKS. Never was allowed to register it. 1/12 is in contact, we're on QRF& might have to help them. Just found out that 1/12 is kicking ass so we ate lunch and played a game of softball. Night came & a monsoon that hit Saigon also hit us.
Friday, July 9
This morning we had an S-2 ( intelligence) briefing of what we did in the past months. There're many gooks in the area & we're trying to eliminate the powerful ones like VC headquarters companies. This afternoon Range PLT. went up to Signal Mountain by LZ Mace. It's a big place, movies, good chow, basketball etc. We live 3 men to a bunker. It's cold up here & foggy but a good sham.
Saturday, July 10
It was a nice day on signal mountain. LT assigned it so the platoon won't have to pull details like KP & shit. Took some pictures & played some basketball. The movie projector wasn't working. Found the general store where everything is free. Unbelievably cold here at night. We leave tomorrow morning.
Sunday, July 11
This morning when the fog lifted a shithook came to signal mountain & took Range PLT. off it and went back to LZ Fanny for a small resupply & was then CA'ed to the bush with a 17 man platoon. We'll be working with CP & we'll move around this AO with the rest of the Battalion looking for the 33rd NVA Regiment. Pushed a few hundred miles & now at nite loc. Range 3 got lost on a ricky.
Monday, July 12
This morning it's raining hard & the Colonel informed us not to move around because the helicopters were grounded so they couldn't give us any support. They said a Typhoon was coming our way but it never did. In the afternoon we went on a ricky & we too almost got lost. The weather cleared up & we humped to a new night location. We all set up & I just heard that Steve Wilson has 104 degree temperature & will be Medevaced.
Tuesday, July 13
Somewhat of an exciting day. This morning we chopped an LZ to get logged. Tomorrow "B" company ran into a bunker complex near by. Air strikes continuously going on. Sounds like 4th of July fireworks. Air Force jets joined in, the Pink Team got 2 kills. CS a (tear gas) was dropped, the wind came our way & we felt it. Pick & shovel team repelled from a bird to cut the pad. Hawk and Mississippi might have seen a gook on OP. Set up nite loc. in company size.
Wednesday, July 14
Well Today we got logged. I work pretty hard as a squad "one zero". We still have a 17 man platoon but still working with CP. Skull PLT. received a "cherry" from the world, first one in 6 months. Now at night location & everything is peaceful. Our mission is to find the gooks that departed the bunker complex.
Thursday, July 15
We relaxed all morning. Afternoon we pushed hard & set up night loc. early. A monkey had us pinned down, didn't know what it was until we saw it's hairy body. Tomorrow we search for an LZ to cut. Started reading a book called "A house is Not a Home" about a Madam in NYC not bad reading.
Friday, July 16
It rained hard today so we couldn't move due to lack of support. I read most of the time & bullshitted. LT Guidara was sharpening his knife and as he tested it, it slipped from his hand cut his leg and hit ? Lester White's foot. Both in bad shape but no need for Medevac. Went on patrol & Doug's smoke grenade got caught on a vine & went off which is the same reason I don't carry frags.
Saturday, July 17
This morning Skull platoon joined us & we took off to a log site. It started to pour & we stopped, formed a perimeter since we can't move when it's raining. It stopped & we pushed & then all of a sudden something hit Jim Linton. He got a rash all over him, went into hysterics, and passed out. We medevac'd him immediately. Was too late to get so we formed a nite loc. in company size. I ran out of food and grubbed some.
Sunday, July 18
Somewhat of a hectic day. We moved a click to our log site. The rain postponed our logging so we had to push in order to get CA'ed to another AO. I was on the first bird which is the most dangerous. Max opened up which I didn't expect & scared the shit out of me. At our NDP Don Miller cut his wrist with his knife & we medevac'd him immediately.
Monday, July 19
The area we are in now is especially hot. We checked out the area & came to a very recent trotter which we're ambushing tonight. Tomorrow we go to a cleared area (daisy cutter) & go back to LZ Fanny. We're with Skull PLT. & have 35 total GIs which ain't much. Nixon's pulling out guys alright but he's leaving us a handful of guys to actually fight a way powerful and numerous enemy.
Tuesday, July 20
Today I am a 2 digit midget with 99 days left in Nam. This morning we humped a great deal to a pick up zone with a brief intermission to check out a bunker complex which was deserted. Arriving at LZ Fanny we were told to go to LZ Jefferies where we'll secure it for a few days. All 15 of us will guard the mud hole which has miles of barbed wire & a mote that completely surrounds it.
Wednesday, July 21
This LZ is a nice place. We are free to do anything we wish. It's quite relaxing here. We had a brief briefing this morning of platoon tactics. Lost 10 smackers playing cards. Tomorrow we tear the place down.
Thursday, July 22
This morning we dismantled LZ Jefferies & got on a convoy & was taken back to LZ Fanny. Still in dirty clothes we found out our 1st Sgt. Back logged them but then Skipper dug some up for us. We took showers & we heard we'll get cherries tomorrow. They have a MARS station here now which I hope to use.
Friday, July 23
Guard was long & I'm tired. As "senior" Spc. 4 in charge I'm head of a bunker, big deal! This afternoon we were gonna play softball but Range PLT was put on a barbed wire detail. They're showing movies on the LZ now which I missed. Drank beer, bullshitted with one of the new guys.
Saturday, July 24
This morning we took off to the bush & again I was on the first bird. They're really screwing my PLT. over. So we pushed a click in company size to our NDP. Arriving there we discovered that our medic was missing. The results were that he fell asleep on the LZ & we pushed without him. And the Colonel's bird picked him up.
Sunday, July 25
This morning we moved in company size, heard some movement towards our front. Stopped & set up a patrol base. Began patrolling the area Range PLT. came across a bunker complex, swept through it but it was deserted. The gooks probably heard us coming & cut out. So all say & night we stayed in the complex & ambushed it. Our KC Yak accidently set off a claymore and LT Guidara & Mississippi slept in the bunker.
Monday, July 26
This morning we went on a patrol to look for a suitable log pad & found one. Me & Range 3 stayed behind while the others cleared the pad. So all day I took it easy & read a dirty magazine. Tomorrow the Battalion Colonel will be out & work with Range PLT/ for 4 days to see how we operate. Now at the same NDP until tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 27
All day today we got our usual log day special. We received one new guy in the squad with 11 months in country. Couldn't say if the Col. Came out. Tomorrow we get CA'ed to another AO. The engineers blew the bunker which gave off CS. A Daisy Cutter was dropped nearby it's like a moving shock wave. Now at NDP & everything's peaceful.
Wednesday, July 28
This morning we moved back to the pad & got CA'ed to an instant LZ. The terrain is easy moving, a little too open for me. We're walking with CP & we're ambushing a stream. Got 2 more men in the platoon, we're really shaping up. It rained before & the mosquitos are super bad. It won't be long before I'm home
Thursday, July 29
Pretty easy going today, just ambushing. We're on the bank overlooking a stream which had many foot prints on it. We get logged tomorrow. I just heard a rumor that drops are coming back. We go back to Vung Tau the 8th.
Friday, July 30
This morning we humped our asses off to a log pad where we got a kick out log, the first in a long time. So far no signs of gooks in this area. I'm now at our NDP bullshitting with "Cool Alvin". August 1st we go to LZ Fanny for a day or so. Just a pretty easy mission so far.
Saturday, July 31
Today was another dull & relaxing day. Stayed at the same location, no patrols or anything. I did go down to the stream & washed up so I was able to take an actual bath, the first one in nine months. A LRP team met with Charlie 4 clicks away. No rngr lost. The weather has been good hasn't even rained for 8 days
August 1971
Sunday, August 1
Well it's a new month and closer to home. This morning we pushed hard to the commando vault and got extracted to LZ Fanny. We'll be there for 2 days. It is good to be on a fire base again having mail, socks, beer & a delicious bar-b-q. Played cards half the night, unfortunately luck was elsewhere. Say no more.
Monday, August 2
Took it easy all day. Played more cards & won't play again for quite some time. Sgt. McKinley is our new 1st Sgt. We DX'ed Top Sharp the thief. LRP team captured a gook NVA cherry by the mountains. Seems there are 60 of them, lost, confused & low moral. Skipper says we're really blowing their minds in the entire AO keeping the enemy on the move. We leave in the morning with a small PLT. & ambush for 4 days.
Tuesday, August 3
This morning we left the LZ & will be on a 4 day platoon size ambush acting as a blocking force. We sat up on a hill overlooking a stream & we have an advantage from up here. There's a disease in Vong Tau called Pink Eye, the majority of "C" co. has it. But we're still scheduled to go the 8th. I'm quite tired & plan to get a good night's rest.
Wednesday, August 4
I woke up at 12 noon feeling great. Ate chow and went back to sleep. One guy in the platoon caught pink eye on the LZ. It's very contagious. The months of Aug. & Sept. are the real hard rain months. It already rained "TT" this afternoon. The platoon has very good noise discipline with CP gone. It's evening now, the day went by extremely fast.
Thursday, August 5
Didn't do much of anything today. This morning the 2nd of the 5th saw gooks & opened up only 350 meters from Skulls ambush position. The 2/5 is moving towards our blocking force & we seem to be squeezing the gooks. Tomorrow something should break loose. Nothing to do now but wait.
Friday, August 6
This morning was just another day. Not too much to do but lie around. I was sharpening my knife & accidently cut my thumb, not bad at all. At 2:00 PM LT told me I would have to go on an emergency leave. I'm shaken up now. I'm hoping nothing too serious happened at home. With 82 days left in Nam I go home tomorrow.
Saturday, August 7
Well I found out my Dad had a heart attack & I'm now in the rear (Bien Hoa). I'm moving all over the place getting my papers in order so I can leave tomorrow & never come back to Nam. So I got an 80 day drop the hard way. I registered my SKS, everyone has been very kind & helpful towards me. I pray that my Dad is out of critical cond. & doing good. This morning I got 3 stitches in my finger & it's doing good. Today is my last night in Vietnam.
Sunday, August 8
I'm Home!
Transcriber's notes on illegible words
A handful of words in the original diary were illegible or ambiguous at the time of transcription. Rather than guess, they are rendered as "?" in the entries above. For reference, their locations:
- January 22 — last line, "tired as a (what)?"
- February 18 — table sketch in the original, not reproduced here
- March 31 — first line, "no '?' gooks"
- May 18 — "Miller's ? team tomorrow"
- May 30 — last line, regarding "my ?"
- June 12 — "no ? swarm of gooks"
- June 23 — "had a ? in afternoon"; also "she said she'd ? me herself for the night"
- July 5 — "CA'ed to LZ ? in company size"
- July 11 — "got lost on a ?"
- July 16 — "hit ? ? White's foot"
- July 31 — "4 clicks away, no ?"
If you can supply any of these from the original diary or other records, please contact us.
