This story is about a U.S. Army Captain on his first day in Viet Nam. I do not recall his last name but the story he told in 1970 I have never forgotten. All I remember about him is that his first name was Mike and he was a graduate of Texas A&M. We served in the same battalion at Ft. Bragg.
Before finishig this story I want to take this opportunity to inform you about an event which will take place the 28th of this month. Post-17 is hosting a Veterans Day at the American Legion building. There will be officials from the Department of Veteran Affairs there to answer any questions about your or family members benefits and entitlements. Many widows and family members of veterans have no idea about benefits to which they are entitled.
There will also be post members to record the stories of veterans. These great stories of your family members will soon be lost if not recorded. Most veterans of WW11 are over 80 and quickly disappearing. Lunch will be served and a great time will be had by all.
This story is is a war story. If you think you will be offended please stop reading.
Viet Nam was fought in some ways different from other wars. In one way, after the initial build up, most soldiers were sent there as replacements rather than going with a unit. You could be watching soap operas in your den and then in less than 2 days be in a war zone.
As an example, I left Camden on a late Thursday afternoon. I can recall looking down on lit football fields and thinking about junior varsity teams playing. 48 hours later I had already spent my first night 'in country and woke up and listened to a radio broadcast of the Alabama vs. Ole Miss football game, where Archie Manning was playing quarterback for the Rebels.
Mike's situation was somewhat similar. He kissed his wife good bye and 2 days later he was in the jungle with his new unit. He did not know anyone so he spent the first day becoming adjusted to his new enviroment.
Viet Nam did not have front lines so toward the end of the day you 'circled the wagons.' The night also belonged to "Charlie." It was his backyard.
Toward dusk, after the perimeter was established, Mike realized he needed to answer a call of nature. He asked and was told to go outside the perimeter. No one wants to inadvertantly run into night fertilizerinside the secure area. An Australian Captain and another soldier also had to go. So the three of them grabbed some stiking paper and moved to a near and small clearing after alerting the sentry as to their purpose.
They were sitting in a triangle and had just started their business when a Viet Cong woman popped out of a spider hole and aimed her AK-47 directly at Mike's nose. The end of the gun barrel was 6 inches away. As Mike stared helplessly, she pulled the trigger.
Fortunately for Mike, her gun jammed,but not the Austalian's.
You would have to classify this as the ultimate 'no where to run or no where to hide.' Not that you could run very far or very fast with your pants around your ankles.
It was a long time before Mike felt comfortable in a squatting position.
Thank you for your attention.
(note: This article is from Buster Beckham)