In 2002 at age 61 after 22 years living alone and dealing with my demons, I met and later married a beautiful Thai woman, quit self medicating and settled in for the duration in Northern Thailand. Due to language differences I spend most of my time alone tinkering with one of my motorcycles and hiking with my German Shepherd, Bruno. A comfortable life waiting for the next big adventure...............Update June 4, 2015 my best friend Bruno died in my arms today as the result of advanced hip displacia. For eight years we were together every day. I am very sad.
Other Comments:
The Vietnam War changed my life. I went there seeking adventure without thought of the burden I would carry for the rest of my life. UPDATE: I have just returned from Vietnam. On 25 Nov 2009 I was on Hills 37 & 65, my home when in the rear. Then on to Arizona territory, Phulong 1 & 2, the site of the Battle at the Graveyard exactly 42 years to the hour. The war is over for me now; I have come to realize it exists only in my mind .....See FORUM/Stories of Combat/Baptism of fire.
Description This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressive allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAG:E, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
February / 1969
To Month/Year
June / 1969
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2023
Personal Memories
People You Remember Oct 1967-Feb 1968 Lima Co 3/7 rifleman
Mar 1968-Nov 1968 H&S 3/7 S-2 scout
Dec 1968 -June 1969 MAG36 1st MAW S-2 & Door-gunner
