Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The MORNING after...

"Chicken Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnn!!! He's EVERYWHERE, He's EVERYWHERE!!!"


That was a VERY welcome sound that morning. I knew that "Chicken Man" was the start of a new day. My crew was still asleep, so I cleaned and dressed up to catch the last serving of breakfast. I stopped by EN2 Davis' room, but he was already out. As I stepped inside the improvised MESS HALL, I could feel all eyes staring at me. The BATTLE AT TINH LUONG was already known and was the topis of conversation for everyone inside the mess hall. I could see in their eyes the PRIDE and JOY they felt towards me.


Suddenly, a familiar voice came out saying "Hey Huk! Get your ASS down here!" Well, what more could I say? My tray was full and there was nothing better than to sit down with my best friend while FEASTING on the "Good Ol' Navy Chow".


Late in the afternoon, both crews of PBR-142 and PBR-139 were told to take four (4) days off BUT TO STAY WITHIN THE HEADQUARTERS COMPOUND AT ALL TIMES. Undoubtedly, this was to let the Tinh Luong incident COOL DOWN. Needless to say, the Vietcong were SO PISSED that they would try ANYTHING to even up the score.


On the morning of the fourth day, we were informed that twenty-seven (27) bodies floated in the Tinh Luong River. Vietcong were known to carry the bodies of their dead comrades out of the battlefield to CONCEAL THEIR LOSSES. Nevertheless, the number wasn't bad for one (1) firefight. I CUT A NOTCH on the handle of my .38-Cal pistol. This was for that "something" that was bobbing in the water. I'm DAMN SURE of that one.


After having lunch, both crews of PBR-142 and PBR-139 went to the boat pool to get the our boats ready for next day's patrol. As usual, my "transistor radio" was playing as we did our chores. Consequently, "Radio Hanoi" was on the air and "Hanoi Hannah" was blasting away with her usual "war news" in english.


Most of it were propagandas detailing the Vietcong "victories" in the battlefield and one of which was the Battle of Tinh Luong including the American Casualties". We laughed at it and simultaneously said, "You Lying Bitch". I shooked my head and changed the station to the "FAR EAST NETWORK" or "FEN". The song that was playing was more encouraging and soothing to my ears." 'TYRONE DAVIS' was just starting his rendition of "BABY LET ME CHANGE MY MIND".


This trully made me laugh because I am now on my first month of extension of duty in VIETNAM. It is rather too late for me to change my mind. This song became a part of me. O made sure to have a copy of it at this time. Each time I play it, all the memories of VIETNAM, particularly the'BATTLE AT TINH LUONG' starts flashing in my mind. For the VIETCONG? Well, Good Luck next time" However, unless they will have eyes in the dark, the odds remain same and still, 'THEIR ASSES ARE GRASS'. For EN2 DONALD DAVIS and the crews of PBR 142 and PBR 139? "THEY ARE BEYOND COMPARE". They are the 'DREAM TEAM' that can only be formed inWARTIME. FEAR OF VIETCONG? I honestly doubt that.


The VIETCONG'S blood at TINH LUONG RIVER is the testimony that ",IT'S THE OTHER WAY AROUND'. FOR LT. GEORGE STEFFEN CAVAGE and LT. KEN NELSON? This I can proudly say,"THEY ARE NOT ONLY OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN, THEY HAVE "GUTS". This is same with, CAPT. FUSCALDO, LT RICHARD CRAGG,LT. JAN GILBERTSON,LT A.W. CHIARUTTINI, LT. PARKER and other officers that served in the "RIVERINE FORCE". THEY ARE A CUT ABOVE THE REST.


I consider it an honor to serve these NAVAL OFFICERS in VIETNAM or in any war that may come. We might be world apart at this present time or we might not be able to see each other in this lifetime, nonetheless in my reveries and dreams they all come to life. These memories will stay with me even in my after life.


Next: "USS Hunderton County (LST-821)..."

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

FIREFIGHT at TINH LUONG RIVER




It was a HOT and HUMID day with intermittent rain. This added more inconveniences to our life at My Tho, South Vietnam. The meal for lunch was not the cause for my stomach to churn, but rather, it was the WORDS that was passed around the mess hall. These words were: "RIVER SECTION 532, WILL SEND UNITS INSIDE TINH LUONG RIVER TONIGHT."


This was August 18, 1968.


The villages along the banks of the Tinh Luong River were considered as the Vietcong's SPHERE OF INFLUENCE. These villages were known to be the stomping grounds of the Vietcong's "ZAPPER SQUAD", and due to that, units of other River Sections have been ambushed and suffered heavy casualties in that river. Hence, the mere mention of "Tinh Luong River" caused my stomach to churn, and I felt chills run down my spine.


I was sure that the other PBR crews of River Section 532 felt the same, PARTICULARLY those scheduled for the night patrol. Unfortunately, PBR-142 and PBR-139 WERE SCHEDULED FOR NIGHT PATROL - THAT NIGHT!!!


I went straight to our room. My gunner, GMG2 Dave Meshako was sitting at the edge of his bunk. He looked at me and said "Did you hear it?" I knew EXACTLY what he meant and responded "Yes, I did. Let's hope it WON'T be us. Get some rest. We might need it tonight."


As all the Boat Captains gathered for the "night briefing", all their faces had the look of ANXIETY. That included me. "BIG GEORGE" himself gave the briefing. I'm referring to Lt. GEORGE STEFFENCAVAGE, USN, the "Officer-In-Charge" or "OIC" of River Section 532. He was a BIG man, and wearing the "green fatigue" uniform, he was like a "G.I. Joe" character come to life. Also with him was LT (JG) KEN NELSON, USN who was new to the country, and he would also have his first patrol that night.


Big George's words were FIRM and STRAIGHT. "Tonight, River Section 532 is tasked to go INSIDE TINH LUONG RIVER. Lt. Nelson will ride PBR-139 and I will ride PBR-142. Inside Tinh Luong River , the REST of the unit will PATROL their respective areas. Be on standby. Are there ANY questions?"


Only sighs of RELIEF from the other b Boat Captains broke the silence. With this, Big George confirmed "If there's none, then LET'S GO."


EN2 Davis looked at me and said "Let's go, Huk." I gave him a nod and said "I'll make sure my 'first aid box' has enough painkillers (MORPHINE). We might need it tonight." Honestly, I couldn't explain WHAT I was feeling that night. I would be a HYPOCRITE to say that FEAR was not a part of it. The previous reports of an AMBUSH and casuaties, as well as scenarios of what COULD possibly happen at Tinh Luong River started flashing in my mind. NERVOUS? OF COURSE I WAS!!!


The twenty (20) minutes drive to the boat pool gave me enough time to put myself in the proper state of mind, place everything in perspective. I said to myself "George, you have SURVIVED all the FIREFIGHTS during the TET OFFENSIVE, BENTRE RIVER QUI NHON BAY and all the other corners of the MEKONG. Tinh Luong is JUST ANOTHER RIVER. Trust your instincts, and DON'T HESITATE. Your 'GUARDIAN ANGEL' will be there to guide you."


That moment of reverie was broken by "Okay, we're HERE." by the driver. At the boat pool, the mere presence of LT. George Steffencavage was enough for my crew to know that it was into Tinh Luong River we will go. A proper SALUTE was given by my crew as "Big George" stepped aboard PBR-142. Once on board, I placed my 'first aid box' on the deck, in front of the HELM (steering wheel). This is what I always STAND on to have a clear view.


As the lines were 'cast-off' I swung my boat around the boat pool's pier, and steered PBR-142 in a WESTERNLY direction, following the dimming rays of the setting sun. As darkness started to loom, I looked upwards and observed the formation of the DARK CLOUDS spreading across the Vietnam Sky. With this, feelings of encouragement started to creep into my veins, anabling my SENSES to be as keen as a CAT in the dark. This would be a MOONLESS night and this only showed that the weather was starting to turn the odds in our favor. My confidence became stronger knowing that my 'GUARDIAN ANGEL' was already somewhere in Tinh Luong River to make sure that everything would be alright.


The initial hours were spent doing what a regular night patrol does: drifting and 'speed run' along the banks. The sun had already set, hence my concern was NOT the RIVER TRAFFIC, but rather the 'watchful eyes' of the SNIPER(S) that were well hidden and camouflaged somewhere along the river bank. With this in mind, I was careful not to make any patterns that could give away indication of our plan to enter the Tinh Luong River. LT. STEFFENCAVAGE was calm and casual. He never interfered in the way I was handling my boat. I admired and respected him more for that.


At 23oo hours, "Big George" sent a coded message for PBR-139 to come alongside. Within minutes, PBR-139 was alongside. "Big George" gave us the final 'rundown' of his plan to enter the Tinh Luong. There were some questions asked, but we were all assured. When all the details were clearly understood by everyone, "Big George's" last words were "OK, let's GO, and good luck."


At that moment I looked up and observed the moon as it hid behind the darkened clouds. I knew that this was the signal to make our move towards the river's entrance and start this GAME of "Cat and Mouse". I often dream about this particular moment, and I can still vividly recollect this event in my thoughts.


As PBR-142 made her way inside the Tinh Luong River, PBR-139 remained momentarily at the mouth with her engines on idle. As planned, the sound of her engines would be the "RUSE" to confuse the Vietcong as to WHERE the PBRs supposed whereabouts. And to be in tune with this, I placed my engines on SLOW SPEED. I used my radar INTERMITTENTLY, just enough to see and interpret all the "dots and blips" on the screen.


LT. STEFFENCAVAGE was standing on the engine cover, keeping an eye for SLIGHT MOVEMENTS on the banks on BOTH sides of the river. PBR-142 was approximately 50 meters inside the Tinh Luong when I checked my radar screen again.


On the screen were three (3) "DOTS" that where NOT THERE BEFORE. These "dots" were in an "inverted V" position and approximately fifty (50) meters from us. I quickly put the engines on IDLE and told my FORWARD GUNNER, "Dave, I have CONTACTS DEAD AHEAD. Check it out."


Big George hurriedly stepped inside the cockpit and checked the "dots" himself. By this time, my forward gunner looked through the STARLIGHT and said "They're just FISH STAKES". I goosed the engines back to SLOW SPEED, without taking my eyes away from the radar screen.


But my "gut feeling" was telling me OTHERWISE. I again placed the engines on idle and told my forward gunner "Dave, look AGAIN". Those three (3) dots were now within 25 meters from us, and still maintaining an inverted V formation. SILHOUETTES were now slowly taking form when my gunner yelled "VIETCONG!!!"


In a SPLIT SECOND, Big George popped a flare, and as BRIGHT AS DAYLIGHT, there they were: THREE (3) LARGE SAMPANS EACH CARRYING A FULL OAD OF VIETCONG AND NORTH VIETNAMESE REGULARS!!!


There were AT LEAST ten (10) hostiles on each sampan. I ordered "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!!!" and all HELL BROKE LOOSE!!!


With one (1) enemy boat AHEAD and one (1) on EACH SIDE, I knew that my initial manuevers would be CRUCIAL. My "gut feeling" overwhelmed me and dictated my actions. I goosed both engines on FULL SPEED and headed STRAIGHT towards the ENEMY BOATS on my STARBOARD, then swung LEFT TO PORT towards the boat ahead and to my port.


The "WAKE" that my boat, PBR-142, made on FULL SPEED, combined with the SUDDEN TURN to port caused the enemy's boats to ROLL, thus they were UNABLE to HOLD STEADY and negated any clear line of fire. Meanwhile, Big George and my crew were busy firing our guns! Our aim was STEADY and DEADLY, causing fear and death to the enemy. As I side-swiped the THIRD boat on my starboard, PBR-139 with LT. Ken Nelson was already taking on and firing at the other two (2) boats left on my flank. The PROXIMITY of the firefight was SO CLOSE that you could hear the MOANS of dying enemies when they were hit by the rounds of our .50-Cal guns.


Flare after flare were popped, making the battle scene lit like the 4th of July. PBR-142 and PBR-139 kept RUNNING and FIRING in circles until ALL the sampans were empty. What was left of the enemies PANICKED and jumped into the river. Now I knew that the Vietcong WEREN'T SO TOUGH after all! They couldn't even defend or hold their own turf.


Like all of us, they were also AFRAID TO DIE. However, thinking that they would be safe in the water was wrong. DEAD WRONG. I was certain to make sure that their mistake of seeking refuge in the waters of Tinh Luong would be the LAST MISTAKE they would make. As I stated before, I was not an "Ambassador of Good Will", rather, I was here for the kill. Soon, U.S. Army GUNSHIPS were hovering above, and helped illuminate the scene of battle. I could no longer recall HOW MANY gunships there were, but some of them took on the enemies on the banks on both sides of the river. The noise of their ROTOR BLADES were a welcome sound that night.


It was only then that I noticed that battle was OVER. Big George ordered "CEASE FIRE!!! Look for 'SWIMMERS'!!!"


I placed both engines on IDLE and looked around for PBR-139. Seeing her AFLOAT with engines running drew from a huge SIGH OF RELIEF, knowing that my BEST FRIEND, EN2 Davis, and his crew, as well as LT. Ken Nelson were out of harm's way.


I ordered my crew to remain in their "battle stations" and stepped out of the cockpit to make a quick check around my boat. While at the BOW, I accidentally TAPPED the barrels of one of the .50-Cals. They were STILL HOT and caused a slight BURN on the palm of my right hand. On my way to the stern, my AFTER GUNNER pointed at something bobbing up and down iin the water within five (5) ASTERN. My .38-Cal took care of that "SOMETHING", and that "SOMETHING" wasn't bobbing anymore.


To make sure that all the "swimmers" STAYED UNDERWATER, Big George ordered "Okay, throw CONCUSSION GRENADES!!!" And throw we did. When all was clear, and all signs of the enemy erased, Big George called for PBR-139 to come alongside. We made a quick check for damages, and for any casualties on our side. Besides the PAINT SCRAPES, on the starboard side, PBR-142 had NONE. However, PBR-139 had one (1). EN3 JORDAN, BOAT ENGINEER suffered a LACERATION on theSHIN of his RIGHT LEG. After Big George finished his radio conversation with the Army Zone Commander and the Gunships, he turned to us and said "GOOD JOB GUYS. Let's go HOME and call it QUITS for tonight."


By this time the FLARES were getting DIM and the water around us were GLEAMING with BLOOD. As PBR-142 sliced through this "pool of blood", I turned my radar on and said "Thanks for being my EYES in the DARK." As we exited the Tinh Luong River, I turned the helm to port and steered PBR-142 to an easternly heading towards My Tho. I goosed both engines on FULL SPEED and soon we were making headway. I looked astern and looked at the STARS AND STRIPES standing tall and flying as proud as ever. After the boats were properly secured inside the Boat Pool, Big George's PARTING WORDS were " Get a good night's sleep. You're ALL EXCUSED from the morning muster."


As I stepped on the pier, I looked up and saw the MOON peek out from behind the clouds as if GIVING me a SMILE. I returned the smile and said " Thanks for being on MY SIDE tonight."


NEXT: The morning after...

Monday, June 22, 2009

L.R.R.P. United States Army Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol


Besides the "Green Berets", the U.S. Army had other Special Forces deployed in South Vietnam. One of the these were the Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol, or the L.R.R.P.s


Similar to the Navy S.E.A.L. s, the L.R.R.P.s operated INSIDE enemy territory. Considering that the most feasible access to these areas were the river waterways, the U.S. Navy PBR's are often requested to assist in the "INSERTION and RECOVERY" operations. In these operations, PBR-142 and PBR-139 became acquainted with the L.R.R.P. team based at Dong Tam, South Vietnam. In one of these operations, there was an INCIDENT that often mingles with my memories of Vietnam. This was NOT about a FIREFIGHT, but rather, about the TRAGIC DEATH of a member of the L.R.R.P. The following is my account of that incident...


I cannot recall the EXACT date, or day that this incident happened. I'd been in Vietnam for over a YEAR, and now within six (6) months of EXTENDED duty. My body and mind were already conditioned to that ardous job, and KEEPING TRACK OF TIME was no concern. "Come What May" became my attitude towards life, and having a glimpse of tomorrow was the least of my worries. My only concern at that time was to FIGHT and KILL the enemy, that was all.


This happened about the later part of Sept. 1968, almost a month after the PBR-142 and PBR-139 had a FIERCE FIREFIGHT with the Vietcong at the TINH LUONG RIVER. The briefing for the night patrols were the usual Vietcong's activities in My Tho, Dong Tam, Tinh Luong and adjacent villages. The villages along the Tinh Luong River were considered the "SPHERES OF INFLUENCE" of the enemy, hence becoming a BIG concern for the nearby U.S. Army base at Dong Tam.


In lieu of this, the Army requested the assistance of a PBR team for the "insertion and recovery" of their L.R.R.P. team inside the Tinh Luong River. Upon hearing this, I knew EXACTLY what the Briefing Officer's next words were going to be: "PBR's 142 and 139 will pick up the L.R.R.P. team at Dong Tam at 2200 hours. Coordinate with the team leader. Keep us informed and good luck." I was right!


On our way to the boat pool, I said to myself "Yeah, we're gonna NEED all our LUCK. I'll be calling my 'guardian angels' again." I was sure that this was the same thought running through the mind of EN2 Donald Davis, skipper of PBR-139. This was due to the fact the it was only a month earlier that we found out what was waiting for us inside the Tinh Luong River...


A month before, PBR-142 and PBR-139 made the enemy pay a heavy price. Twenty seven (27) bodies of Vietcong and North Vietnam regulars floated in that river after the fierce encounter with our patrol boats. The stench of death STILL lingered there. The memories of this encounter kept FLASHING BACK in my mind. And as darkness filled the night, I knew something SIMILAR to that encounter could happen. That moment of reverie was broken by the sound of the boat's radio with a coded message that said "Meet you at Dong Tam."


We all looked at each other, and I ASSURED my crew that everything's going to be alright. I turned the boat to port and to Dong Tam we went.


At 2200 hours, PBR-142 and PBR-139 were moored at Dong Tam. After a brief discussion with the team leader, the team members started boarding the PBR's. Considering the fact that SPEED and MOBILITY were the PBR's EDGE against a sudden attack by the enemy, the BOAT Captains opted to have equal numbers of the L.R.R.P. team on each boat. As PBR-142 exited Dong Tam harbor, a question started flashing in my mind: "Will the extra weight affect my handling of PBR-142?" I would soon have that answer...


PBR-139 was the LEAD boat as we entered the Tinh Luong River. I kept PBR-142 within 30 meters ASTERN to provide cover. I turned off the boat's RADAR, and just followed PBRF-139's wake. Soon as PBR-139 off-loaded her troops and was off the river bank, I manuevered PBR-142 to place the STERN towards the river bank, and placed my engine on idle. The last of the L.R.R.P. team gave me a "thumbs-up", and PBR-142 slipped out of the bushes to meet with PBR-139. I was about to come alongside PBR-139 for a brief discussion for our next move, when the sound of RAPID GUNFIRE broke the silence of the night!


All we could hear on our boats' radios were "PICK US UP! PICK US UP!!!"


Within seconds, PBR-139 and PBR-142 were back in the same spot we had dropped them off, and positioned our sterns towards the river bank for pick-up. It was SO DARK that I ordered my gunners to HOLD THEIR FIRE. Splashes on the water caused by running boots were echoing through the heavy bushes and soon we had the L.R.R.P. team scrambling to get onboard.


As soon as my AFTER GUNNER yelled "GEORGE!!! GO! GO! GO!!!" I GOOSED that engine "FULL SPEED" and PBR-142 responded with FULL FORCE and got us out from a possible ambush. I looked astern and saw PBR-139 was riding my wake with ALL GUNS BLAZING!!! My boat's radio was blasting with "MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE! MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE!"


Out of Tinh Luong River, I reduced my speed to allow PBR-139 to catch up and come alongside. Only then I became aware that I had more L.R.R.P. members than I dropped off. With PBR-139 alongside, a quick head count was made, and unfortunately, ONE (1) L.R.R.P. team member was MISSING, the RADIO MAN.


During the discussion, it was stated that the he (the Radio man) was ahead of the pack running towards the PBRs. Thus the possibility of him being SHOT was negated. We could only speculate as to what happened to him. Going back to Tinh Loung or head home were the only two options we had. The team leader opted for the latter.


The remaining hours of our patrol were spent discussing/speculating what happened. If he (the radioman) wasn't shot, then he could have DROWNED. W e came to this conclusion after considering these following facts:


(1) He (the radioman) was AHEAD of the pack


(2) The radio was on his back, and...


(3) That the radio was used as a "step" by the other members that followed him.


This idea was so IRONIC, but all the facts pointed to this conclusion. Our answer came about four (4) days later. The body was found, and WITHOUT gunshot wounds. I have no idea how this incident was OFFICIALLY recorded, but up to this present time I can firmly say that our conclusion was RIGHT.


For the radioman, I can say that was "...a HELL of a way to go...". This incident sustained my belief that "You can choose the way you'll be born, but you can't choose the way you'll die.".


I'm always reminded of what my Grandfather, Joe Rourke Herman, once told me: "George, you are the MASTER of that boat. She is your OTHER SELF. Treat her the way you treat yourself, and she'll RESPOND anyway you want her to." The SUPERB performance of our boat, PBR-142, can be highly attributed to EN3 Larry Lafontaine, who kept the two (2) jacuzzi engines in top condition at all times.


For my GUNNERS? What can I say? GMG2 Dave Meshako and GMG3 Williams..."THEY'RE THE BEST!!!" I consider myself VERY LUCKY for having them as part of my crew of PBR-142.


And did I mention something about GUARDIAN ANGELS? Well, I believe that each of us has one. I believe that this is the "gut feeling" that we all have, and manifests itself at the "POINT OF EXTREMIS". It's the feeling that enables us to do the UNEXPECTED, and if you do OTHERWISE, you'll be sorry and say "I should have done that".


In war, if you survive a firefight, people will say you're LUCKY. Surviving two (2) firefights? People will say you're VERY LUCKY. However, surviving three (3), four (4) or more and people will say "You've gotta be KIDDING!"


Well, I ain't kidding...


NEXT: Firefight at TINH LUONG RIVER...

The S.E.A.L.s


The hijacking of the MAERSK ALABAMA by pirates off the COAST OF SOMALIA brings back memories of my hand-in-hand experiences with the U.S. NAVY S.E.A.L. s.


Right from the beginning of this incident, I told my sons that if ever an attempt to rescue the Alabama's skipper would be put into action, there is only ONE Special Forces unit that could successfully this clandestine type operation. That job was tailor-made for the Navy S.E.A.L.s


And I was RIGHT. Watching the dramatization of this rescue operation through CNN triggered "flashbacks" of my experiences with the S.E.A.L.s during my tour of duty in Vietnam.


Watching the dramatizations of the S.E.A.L. s operations on television or the movies are TRULY exciting as well as entertaining. With the special effects and the scripted "lingo", the scenes become as REAL as possible. However, these CINEMATIC scenes are NOT ENOUGH to exude the TRUE ambiance of FEAR and DANGER that surround these covert operations.


Mere words aren't enough to express how it feels when adrenaline rushes into your veins when anticipating the unexpected attacks by the enemy during the INSERTION and EXTRACTION or RECOVERY operations of the S.E.A.L. s team inside enemy territory. Truly speaking, I can say that the only person(s) that PARTICIPATED or took part in these operations can convey this intrinsic feeling. Unquestionably, these are the PBR (Patrol Boat River) SAILORS.


A part of the PBR's duties were the INSERTION and RECOVER/EXTRACTION of S.E.A.L. s inside enemy territories along the Mekong Delta and it's tributaries. Most of the operations are done during the hours of DARKNESS. Hence, the Boat Captain's knowledge of the river's CONTOURS or TOPOGRAPHY were very instrumental during the first stage of the operation - that is, the "droppin-off" or INSERTION. It was imperative that the drop-off was done in a designated place of insertion. This was Charlie's territory, and there was absolutely no place for error.


The S.E.A.L. s team leader picks the drop-off point, which from previous reconnaisance patrols was the "safest" spot, although safety was not always guaranteed. This spot was then marked on the GRID CHARTS to get the coordinates. There after, it's all up to the Boat Captain's expertise to ensure that the drop-off be in the proper coordinates, no more, no less.


RECOVERY/EXTRACTION or "pick-up is not necessarily done that same night. It could be a day or DAYS depending how bad a situation the S.E.A.L. s encounter while inside the enemy's territory. There is no DESIGNATED hour nor location for this "pick-up. On the PBR's, all ears are on the radio waiting for the "pick-up call". Most pick-ups that PBR's 142 and 139 have done were during the NIGHT PATROLS. The SAFEST spot for these pick-ups were the MIDDLE of the RIVER. The S.E.A.L. s team leader directs the boats to their location and when within VISUAL range, the team leader will intermittently FLASH an INFRA-RED light for the boat crew to spot through the "starlight". When all the S.E.A.L. s are safely aboard, only then do all the ANGST and ANTICIPATION end. O n out way home, conversation is often punctual. Besides the question of "Are you guys alright?" and " Is everyone on board?" there were NO OTHER questions that needed to be asked.


My job was to make the "pick-up" and bring them home safely. Whatever happened during the S.E.A.L. s operation would be discussed in the briefing room, and not on my boat. I do respect the CONFIDENTIALITY of their job, and I'm sure that this was the same with the S.E.A.L. s.


HOWEVER, there ARE times when MUTUAL RESPECT results in FRIENDSHIP, and friendship often OVERRIDES confidentiality. This was between myself and a Navy S.E.A.L. by the name of "Fraley". We enjoyed sharing our experiences each time we meet in the mess hall and at the NAVY HEADQUARTERS at My Tho. There were two (2) operations that we often shared our experiences, which would result in laughter, and these were:


(1) the S.E.A.L. operation at the Upper Cua Dai, wherein a WHOLE VIETCONG WEDDING ENTOURAGE was CAPTURED. This included the BRIDE, GROOM, SPONSORS, GUESTS, and the officiating PASTOR. HOW they DID it? Only the S.E.A.L. s knew.


(2) The second one was at the Western Banks of the Upper Ben Tre River. This was the LARGEST WEAPONS and AMMUNITIONS cache ever captured in the area. I could not (and STILL NOT) believe seeing those crates of WEAPONS abd AMMUNITIONS, still UN-OPENED with the country manufacturer's name (East Germany and People's Republic of China, PROC) still stamped on them.


There WERE Vietcong CASUALTIES in that operation, but there is one (1) incident that has stayed with me, and that I can still recall VIVIDLY in my mind. This was about a Vietcong "AMAZON" who tried to JUMP a S.E.A.L. from BEHIND. With quick reflexes, this Navy S.E.A.L. , SICKLE in hand, turned and stopped her in her tracks. The S.E.A.L. was the last thing she ever saw, and after a few seconds, she wasn't jumping anymore. It was an ugly sight that blended in perfectly with the picturesque of that brutal war. The stench of DRIED-UP BLOOD made you realize that what you saw was no illusion, but the harsh reality of war. A war that was VOID of AGE, ETHICAL CONDUCT and GENDER.


Even the dead had NO guarantee of staying intact and resting peacefully.


"Fraley" and I could have had a lot more stories to share, had it not been due to the sad fact that "Fraley" was accidentally KILLED by his own "BOOBY-TRAP". You see, he once told me about a "flashlight" he was converting into a "bopby-trap". I am not sure if this was the SAME one that blew up while he was still putting it together. I could not believe that a slightest error woul;d have cost him his life.


"Fraley" will ALWAYS be a part of my Vietnam experience. I've shared HIS stories with my sons, and with my friends, as well. Each time the question of "WHO'S THE BEST SPECIAL FORCES UNIT?" comes up in the conversation, WITHOUT HESITATION, my answer is ALWAYS...The Navy S.E.A.L. s


Next: L.R.R.P. United States Army Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol

Friday, June 5, 2009

Psychological Warfare..."Game of Fools"


PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE...for PBR sailors, this type of warfare is an INVITATION for a firefight. I can say that most Boat Captains FROWN each time his patrol was scheduled to conduct this type of warfare. Personally, I tried to avoid it. But I had no choice. Nevertheless, through this "warfare" I had learned to control my FEAR and keep a cool and calm mind in the midst of a firefight. Most of all, it HONED my senses to the point that the so-called "Gut Feeling" within me. In retrospect, I can say that this "Gut Feeling" helped, and guided me to steer PBR-142 and my crew out of harm's way during my entire tour of duty in Vietnam.


WHEN and HOW this type of warfare was conceived was no concern of mine. However, I can say that WHOEVER conceived this idea had NO CONSIDERATION whatsoever for the WELFARE of the PBR and and it's crew conducting this operation. I can say this because I had done this not ONCE, TWICE nor THRICE...but COUNTLESS times. And each time, PBR-142 and PBR-139 came under fire. For this reason that I came up with a "proper" term for it, and that is..."The Game of Fools". And whether it IS or it ISN'T, here are my reasons why...


"Psychological Warfare" operations are conducted at NIGHT, and WELL INSIDE areas designated as "FREE-FIRE ZONES". These areas are the Vietcong's sphere of influence, wherein the enemies' activities are reportedly RAMPANT. In layman's terms, this was a "Hornet's Nest".


Needless to say, it needed no explanation of WHAT the CONSEQUENCES would be if this 'hoenet's nest' would get disturbed. However, in our case, it wasn't the HORNETS we were worried about. Rather, it's the BARRAGE of LIVE BULLETS, B-40 ROCKETS, GRENADES, etc...that was waiting for us somewhere along the stretch of that "free-fire zone". Now the question was: "Why did the Vietcong HATE this 'psychological warfare' so MUCH?"


I can say that NO ONE in his RIGHT STATE OF MIND could have likened it at firsthand. This type of warfare is composed of a LOUDSPEAKER, TAPE RECORDER , and of course, a RECORDED TAPE. Technically, these three pieces of audio equipment couldn't harm a fly. However, it was the WORDS being spoken on the tape that caused the enemies' blood to RISE, and filled their HEARTS with ANGER.


For us, though, we could care less about it, because it's narrated in VIETNAMESE. And most of us do not understand a word of it. Being curious, I once asked the PR man at the headquarters
about it, and this was what I was told: The STORY being narrated on the tape is about a Vietcong GHOST. This ghost tells how MISERABLE he is the afterlife. And whatever he was told or promised while he was alive were all LIES. He was now in HELL because of all the wrongdoings he had done while on Earth. And now in HELL, the flies and worms are FEASTING on him like "SHIT". And the story goes on and on and on and at the end, this same ghost will ask the Vietcong to SURRENDER their weapons and come into the fold of the government for a better life, on Earth AND in the afterlife.


Often, the tape NEVER reaches this part because somewhere at the middle of the tape, some PISSED OFF Vietcong would start shooting their AK-47's, B-40 Rockets and etc...in order to stop the tape and put an end to it's source.


In order for the message to be heard, the PBR's patrol SO CLOSE to the river banks, WELL WITHIN the range of the enemies' weapons. Hence, giving the enemies' a TARGET they could not resist. We had DEFINITELY stirred up the hornet's nest.


For PBR-139, PBR-142 and their crews, I'll say that we were VERY fortunate for coming out unscathed and without a scratch from all the firefights that these "psychological warfare" patrols got us into. Unquestionably, being in war was ALREADY in harm's way. However, PROVOKING the enemy in THEIR OWN TERRITORY was either SUICIDAL or LUNACY. I never thought of it this way before. Looking back, most WARS were either started or created by FOOLS. Hence, in Vietnam, it was only suffice to say that were all part of a "Game of Fools".


There were the unfortunate ones that were wounded or lost their lives playing this game. And it is for the latter that I am writing this story, for they no longer have a chance to speak their minds and express what's in their hearts. Together, we have showed common feelings of ANXIETY and FEAR, and had experienced the same dangers in "life-and-death" situations. In lieu of all these, it's only suffice to say that we also shared the same opinion regarding this PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE, or simply The Game of Fools...


NEXT: The NAVY S.E.A.L.s...

Where's the MOT?!


It was one of those DREADFUL night patrols. The details of the night briefing kept lingering in my mind. I was sure that this was also on the minds of my crew and the crew of PBR-139. The Patrol Officer was "MOT" Davis, and he was riding onboard PBR-139.


The weather was HUMID as ever with intermittent rain. The sky was overcast with brief moments of the moon peeking out behind the clouds. It was dark and the DANK smell of the river was compounded by the ODIOUS smell coming from a nearby "NUC MAM" factory added to the eerie ambiance of the night. I could feel that something was weird was about to happen, but I couldn't figure out what.


This was the UPPER CUA DAI, the area where the Vietcong's rampant activities were reported. Knowing this, it was only prudent and good to practice EXPECTING the UNEXPECTED.


I had already made several passing runs in my patrol area. I knew that there WATCHFUL eyes somewhere in those river banks, STUDYING every move I make. The speed, turns, the points of runs, etc... is a description of a PATTERN. With this, "CHARLIE" knows exactly what PBR, and Boat Captain, is on patrol in the river.


But, I never made such PATTERNS. This also included the minimal use of the RAYTHEON 500 Series Radar. At night , this radar scope emits a GLOW when being used. It becomes a "DEAD GIVE-AWAY" for snipers and ambush squads to sight on. To compensate for this, I had studied the CONFIGURATION of the TREE TOPS (or "tree line") during the day patrols, and compared their SILHOUTTE at night. Through months of practice, I was able to NAVIGATE and know my position at night just by LOOKING at the silhouttle of thos tree tops. This put a step ahead of "Charlie". I believe that best offense AND defense in this type of war is to THINK LIKE THE ENEMY.


Suddenly, my radio sounded with a message coming from "Mot" Davis to rendevous with PBR-139. As I came alongside, "Mot" Davis pointed to an object in the water approximately 30 meters away. At first glance, it was just the TRUNK of a BANANA tree, however, the CLOSER we got, a HUMAN BODY started to become visible. I ordered my crew to point our searchlights at the object, and it was only then that we had a clear view of what the object was.


It was a CORPSE, with it's HEAD and HANDS "staked" on the trunk of the banana tree. Both PBR's made several passes to MAKE SURE that it wasn't BOOBY-TRAPPED. After making sure that it wasn't, the crew of PBR-139 used a BOAT HOOK to get the reel in the corpse, tied a rope around the trunk of the banana tree, and towed it. "Mot" Davis soon called MY THO headquarters and reported the incident. HQ replied and advised us to take the corpse to the nearest ARMY HEADQUARTERS at "Dong Tam".


It was a good 45 minutes run to Dong Tam and I placed my boat (PBR-142) within 30 meters ASTERN of PBR-139. With them towing our find, It was a slow-paced and VERY TENSE run. As I watched PBR-139 come alongside the ARMY pier in Dong Tam, my radio sounded: "Huk, WHERE's the Mot?"


This truly PUZZLED me, and my reply was: "What do you MEAN? The Mot was on YOUR boat!"


EN2 Davis replied: "He's IN THE WATER. He JUMPED and MISSED the pier."


All I could say was: "WHAT?!"


My crew were as PUZZLED as myself, and all I could say was: "Look for the Mot, he's SOMEWHERE in the water!"


Soon after, the "Mot" was spotted "bobbing up and down" by the SPLASH BOARD" of PBR-139, close to where the floating corpse was. The crew of PBR-139 pulled the "Mot" out of the water, and soon after he was safely on the pier. He started talking with the U.S. Army representatives in Dong Tam.


We really didn't get a good look at the corpse. All I knew is that it was a MALE wearing a green uniform. It was a day later that we were informed that the corpse was an American G.I.


For the "Mot"? Well, he probably had a REAL GOOD look at it. He was IN the WATER WITH the corpse. Had it not been for the quick reaction of PBR-139, there would have been TWO (2) bodies FLOATING IN THE WATER in Dong Tam rather than one (1). That being said, I was sure the "Mot" had a COOL and REFRESHING evening throughout the night.


For us, it was just "one of those patrols with the 'MOT' ". It our get-togethers, often one (1) of our crew would jokingly say "Where's the MOT?" It became one of those incidents that would give us some laughter.


NEXT: "Psychological Warfare"...Game of Fools