Veterans

When our unit in Nha Trang stood-down, I was assigned as OIC on two convoys down QL-1, through the notorious Nha Trang Pass, to Cam Ranh Bay. I was a 23 year old Army CWO-2 with no combat experience other than flying (and Basic & AIT).

Fortunately, the convoy NCOIC was a salty Master Sargeant on his third tour in Vietnam. He and I were to ride together in the command jeep behind a heavly armed Duce-and-a-Half (20mike-mike duster).

"Sir," the 40+ year old sarge said to me, "you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Take some pictures with that camera you have. I'll run this motherfucker if you will let me." That was music to my ears!

We got into the tail-end of a VC ambush against a ROC convoy ahead of us that was hit when they stopped at the RR crossing in the pass. Thank god for the NCO with two tours with the 173rd, combat at Dak To, and a Silver Star and CIB!