I was there in the year of the big Tet, and the year after. I was with the First Medical Battalion, First Marine Division. (Busting mine to save yours...) I spent time in the bush near a little piece of hell called An Hoa with the 5th Marine Regiment, and we covered a place code named the Arizona Territory. I spent more time in helicopters than I care to remember, flying into LZ's and hilltops with no names, and to this day, while a person with an obsessional love of flying antique and aerobatic planes, will not not get into a helicopter. I spent time in other areas, as Marine units did not take and hold. I have an equally obsessive love for my Marines. I also spent time in the rear with the First Hospital Company in DaNang, and got my first dose of dental doing dental ID's on KIA's in graves registration there. I think I can chart teeth faster than any dentist having done so many. We didn't cross paths with the Army much, though I spent a bit of time with ROK (Korean) Marines, who left nothing alive when they went through an area. (Rules of engagement? What rules?). Vietnam was 40 years ago and yesterday at the same time. I went as a 19 year old and grew up fast.

I don't discuss my time there much, nor the things that I saw or did. It's one of those you had to be there kinda things. I sent all my commendations etc. to NIxon (at the time a very radical thing to do) shortly after my return to the world, and became a voice against the war. I am against this one too, and am not fond of those who got us into this mess with no military experience of their own. You want to bring this thing to a conclusion quickly start sending politician's sons and daughters to fight in it.....