Right after Dewey Canyon we received a new platoon commander, Lt. R. We were his first command and I’m sure he wanted to do everything right. I’m almost positive it was operation Apache Snow, of course the Lt. was the last one on the chopper to lead us off. This was only my second operation but after life in the Valley it seemed I had been in Vietnam forever! Our new Lt. with map and compass in hand stood by the ramp ready to lead us into combat. Thank God it was a cold LZ, we touched down and he walked off the chopper? Still looking at his map and compass, a lowly private ran past him and the others followed to set up our section of the perimeter. That lowly private just happened to be me, little did I know I was about to receive a royal a$$ chewing. After all was secure I was singled out and told in no uncertain terms never to run past my commanding officer(putting it lightly). Later on that day our new Lt. called a break, our 10 minutes was almost up when in the distance we heard the tupe, tupe of incoming mortars. Needless to say we all did the Marine Corps disappearing act. I looked up from my small depression in mother earth only to see the new Lt. still looking at his map and compass oblivious of what was about to happen. Thankfully the mortars fell short of the target and all of us were spared. I’m not sure whether he got a heads up from our NCOs or he just figured it out all by himself but later that evening I received a visitor with an apology, it was our new Lt. He turned out to be one of the best officers I ever served under. Wishing you well Lt. R and hope life has treated you well!
Semper Fi
W. Whitley, Corporal of Marines!
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Thanks to all my fraternity brothers and sisters past, present, and future. I served from 1981 – 1987 my Commander in Chief was President Ronald Reagan needless to say he didn’t take shit from anyone. I tell people I was fortunate not to see any action except from Susie on Saturday nights ( lol ) Semper Fi!! Happy Thanksgiving to all. Lcpl Held
Semper Fi for the new looie.
“If you think about it, he was probably more concerned than you were because his first thought I’m sure was that “he” was responsible for “you” as well as himself.” I like what you said there, Billy. We Corpsmen felt that very same way as well with every new unit we may have joined. As I have often said, It was the best job in the world that I hated so much. Doc John
Great story. Your story is one we probably all had some insight into at one time or another. The thing is, we all had to learn our jobs regardless of what our rank was, pvt or Lt. However, a brand new 2nd Lt in a combat situation is a really scary thing. If you think about it, he was probably more concerned than you were because his first thought I’m sure was that “he” was responsible for “you” as well as himself.
Harry, ya forgot the sound of shrapnel twanging in the air from artillery rounds hitting. On operation Buffalo, we were in two man fox holes. The guy with me was married and after every volley he would dig the hole deeper, I remember telling him, it made no difference how deep we were, if they put it in the hole we are done. We could hear them fire their guns so we always had a couple of seconds to jump in the hole every time. I was with Lima 3/9 that time, pulling out what was left of 1/9.
After I was in country about 1 month, we received a new 2nd Lt. Come to find out that he was a mustang. Best Lt that I ever had! I was also in Dewey Canyon and Main Craig. Bat times in country then. Loved your story. Really brings up a lot of forgotten memories and places.
More like Thum-pring!,always that slight ring at the end.Of course its been over 50 years since I have heard one.Just like incoming rifle snap crack or pop,green tracers verses red tracers (The VC had all M-!,M-14 M-16, Carbine, BAR,SKS and AKs) never knew who was shooting what! And yes I am feeling better .Thanks Just had to vent a little Thanx Murray! Harry 1371
Harry,Good to see your not bumming out any more. Would it be spelled more like, Thuemp, Thuemp.?
Hey Cpl.Whitley, You are right about Apache Snow. It was soon after Dewey. I know the sound of a mortar leaving the tube but, And I’m just messing with you, “TUPE” Pronounced to-pee or to-pay But I know what you mean.You do not stand around and wait for the hit! SEMPER FI Harry