By: brendan Mc Carron
Reading one of the story’s about Da Nang and MPC’s Exchange reminded me of a similar experience.
I had a buddy named Dave Hill while stationed with the 1st MAW at Da Nang. Dave was a member of a group called the “CAT” which stood for civil affairs team. It was a position you wish you had.
Anyway Dave had access to a Jeep and carried a 45 on his belt.
One evening Dave and I decided to take a trip into Da Nang and party with some contractors he knew.
He also had a set of Captain and 1st Lieutenant bars. You now know where this story is heading.
The guards at the gate saluted us and waved us out.
When we got into the city of Da Nang and hooked with the contractors at their apt we sure did party. At this party was a Sergeant Major and a Master Sergeant.
I guess they had privileges the grunts did not. I swear these guys were calling us sir as we drank together. Any way we got bombed and then it was time to leave.
I still don’t know how we survived the trip back to base. I do remember one of us steered the Jeep
While the other one did the shifting and clutch work. I swear this is all true. We did survive and got saluted as we entered the tent area. Never got caught and i still have those Captain bars today.
And they bring back this memory every time I look at them.
As to the story on getting caught in the village/ MPC. This one reminded me of a party we had for a Sergeant ball who was going home. It was at the air force club on the other side of the airstrip at Da Nang airbase. Again we partied and I decided to take on any or all air force personal in the club. Next thing I know the MP’s had me and delivered me to our Sergeant major. He in turn put me in cage made from 4 metal pallets. It was 4ft by 4ft. There i spent the night hung over and very sore. You try sleeping on a metal pallet. Along with this punishment he also held up my promotion to Sergeant for six months if I stayed out of trouble. I was cured.
Vietnam sure sucked but some of us tried to have some fun.
I sure love those memories.
You marines who have story’s like these should share them with your buddies in this newsletter.
Semper fi marines and happy birthday to us all. Those of you that drink have a beer on me.
Send me a bill.
Brendan McCarron Nam 66/67.
A metal pallet floor.
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or submit your own story!
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