Well back to my story our team of all 8 Marines and the helicopter crew are all most Vulnerable in the air as history has proven over time. A small team of Recon Marines are safer on the ground and moving.
The only thing I can say about the ride is the view is spectacular at times. And on this day with the wind in my face why no different as I recall as we approached our area to start our mission the areas names that come to mind at this time are
Quan Duc Valley, Happy Valley, Charlie Ridge, Hai Van Pass,
Hiep Duc Valley, Dai Loc, Thuong Duc, Bach Ma, Quang Nam,
Elephant Valley, Phu Loc Valley, or some when out of Da Nang.
I’m not entirely sure about this day. As we approach the area I recall seeing a snaking river through a valley high elevation on one side of the river and grass on the other side. As we approached it seemed to be flat ground on our side of the river with thick bush behind the grassy area. We were headed for the thick bush and a small clearing. I recall the team to be on high alert. No Hoo-ya from this bunch of Marines this time it’s all business, this is enemy controlled territory.
I can recall we are all on high alert. I’m at one of the CH46 windows which have been blown out by a previous recon team. With my M16 and looking for movement on the ground, box mines or booby traps. We approached by circled and hovered briefly as I stood ready to return enemy fire if necessary. As gun ships over flight the LZ survey the area as the crew of the CH46 stood ready to return enemy fire with the 50 caliber machine guns. Before we given the enemy any idea or a thought of launched an attack on us. The CH46 hovering and setting down as the chopper stirred up dirt I recall the gate of the CH46 coming down and someone maybe 1st Lt. Riley Shouting move, move, move, I’m at the gate as it hit the ground looking for enemy movement.
I’m the first or second one out of the C-46 chopper.
Running point I’m searching the ground for signs of booby traps and at the some time searching for the enemy movement. As the chopper stirred up dirt move off the LZ “landing zone” I recall the CH46 flying off and circled the team and moving off in the air.
Moving the team into thick bush this Recon Team of eight Marines is on the ground and moving. I can recall after my team was just inserted into the bush as the two chopper gun ships flew over us as to say good luck marines as the choppers moved off flying back to their base in Da Nang.
I realized that what once was sealed away in my mind is now racing through my mind like a wild fire out of control.
