Ever think about returning?
I always told the guys I served with this place would be there someday.
was invited to share an inhouse mail to Ronnie.
It comes from study of 3rd Marine...and of course Nolans excellent book *Into Laos.
Hi Ronnie
I too feel "We were soldiers" is the most honest un P.C. project to reveal the character of the U.S. serviceman and his ability to perform the task at hand sent to him.
A family member now deceased was a 'Gunny' with 3rd Marine Quang Tri Prov..65 -69.
entering country *Operation Starlite.
back and forth Ronnie...up to the DMZ..then down to the Khe Sanh hillcountry complex.
I read the stories of so many who were just glad to make it from Rockpile to Khe Sanh..route 9 being an attrition reality like going after a RPG team which just wolloped a Sheridan tank logger in the night.
appologies...just seems the Logistical ident was allways left for last..the reality sucking life from the Army as each day past.
Into Laos..by Keith William Nolan..Operation Dewey Canyon II or LamSon 719.
W**!!... Intel in Quang Tri had to know the North was getting intel leaks from ARVN...that they would be waiting.
the ROE was insane...100 helo's lost..600 shot to pieces. Guys driving down Route 9 start getting pasted just after leaving Rockpile....and the guauntlet doesn't ebb all the way into Laos.
so many brave serviceman..trying to cope..trying to save their friends who are down..cut off.
meanwhile..ARVN mechanized units sit and watch others get the chop to a man on a hilltop firebase....just a hundred yards away....having a smoke while thier own get slaughtered..and while brave U.S. Helo crews try to extract some very brave ARVN units fighting for their lives.
just a debacle..
Grant [my Family member] saw 3/3/3 pulled out of the Khe Sanh area,moved back to DMZ...shortly after..Charlie just phased back in....secured more trail outlets.
then the seige of Khe Sanh.
3/3/3/ were to be sent to Khe Sanh..then things changed....and 26th Marine got the call.
Grant survived and returned home....maybe that would have changed if 26th Marine had not replaced them.
from studying 3rd Marines operations..and the goings on in Quang Tri...seems to me that Intel was allways changing logistics...and logistical movement meant Charlie got more opportunity to do what he was good at.
this reality I see occuring again in Iraq..
wish the U.S. could get a handle on logistical planning..less moves....more firepower and sustained engagement.
So very proud of Grant and 3rd Marine..
proud of your Troop Ronnie too.
somehow..if the knowledge of your gens experience could be applied to today.....things might go better.
regards Light Speed
You got that right!
This is so different from the McNamara doctrine that gave the enemy safe havens.
This is so different from the McNamara doctrine that gave the enemy safe havens.
I have been to "The Wall" only once. It's something I can't relate in this forum. Moving doesn't even touch what it is for a Vet. I survived and I don't know that it was fair. Sometimes I wish I would have died with them, but I didn't and I went on to college and medical school. Everyday, everyday, I think of my fallen brethern and everyday I work harder for their memory. I MUST be the best for those that saved me to come back and make a difference. Dear God, let me do the very best for their memory.
My Lady protested when I got the portrait "The Wall" but when I explained to her that I must never forget, she understood and let me hang it, nice frame and all, in in my computer room. She has excepted that it is not depressing, but uplifting, especially after 911.
Rule number one, in war; brave young men die in defense of their country. Rule number two; nothing can be done to change rule number 1, and there are no other rules. My life has been enriched by those men that are gone, those brave men that fought with me. They are saving lives today, but they know that. They are looking down from Heaven and helping me EVERYDAY. Thank you, my brothers. You are not now, nor will you ever be just a name on a wall, you are in my heart, and you are in my soul, and you are in my hands, and you are the better part of a healer of mankind. Every one of you make up the man that I am now.
Got something in my eye, gotta go!
Timy
I have been to "The Wall" only once. It's something I can't relate in this forum. Moving doesn't even touch what it is for a Vet. I survived and I don't know that it was fair. Sometimes I wish I would have died with them, but I didn't and I went on to college and medical school. Everyday, everyday, I think of my fallen brethern and everyday I work harder for their memory. I MUST be the best for those that saved me to come back and make a difference. Dear God, let me do the very best for their memory.
My Lady protested when I got the portrait "The Wall" but when I explained to her that I must never forget, she understood and let me hang it, nice frame and all, in in my computer room. She has excepted that it is not depressing, but uplifting, especially after 911.
Rule number one, in war; brave young men die in defense of their country. Rule number two; nothing can be done to change rule number 1, and there are no other rules. My life has been enriched by those men that are gone, those brave men that fought with me. They are saving lives today, but they know that. They are looking down from Heaven and helping me EVERYDAY. Thank you, my brothers. You are not now, nor will you ever be just a name on a wall, you are in my heart, and you are in my soul, and you are in my hands, and you are the better part of a healer of mankind. Every one of you make up the man that I am now.
Got something in my eye, gotta go!
Timy
"WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE and YOUNG"
A truly awesome movie, possibly the best to portray the Viet Nam Experience.
I have been to The Wall only three times. On my first visit I could only close to within about fifty yards. On my second I had my late wife with me and actually made it up to the grass in front of it. On my third try we touched it and looked up some names.
A powerful place.
Thank you Ronnie, and thanks to your Brothers in Arms,for all you have done for our country, and are still doing today.
God Bless All You Beautiful Guy and Gal Vets!!!