During the period '69 - '70, I was assigned to the 1st. Platoon, 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion.  During the summer of '70 (late May or early June) our team of six Marines was assigned the mission of determining the size and capabilities of a new Viet Cong base camp which had been spotted in Elephant Valley.  Additionally, we were to utilize the supporting arms of artillery and air to levy interdiction and harassment fire upon the base camp.

The insertion was normal and we spent all of day one maneuvering to a position where we could observe the enemy.  The second day we spotted troop movement and called in an artillery fire mission.  This provided secondary explosions so we then called upon the "fast movers" to rain down their lethal loads for additional damage.  This air strike caught the VC in the open right at sunset.

We moved back to the harbour site that we had selected and were preparing to settle down for the night when the Viet Cong opened up on us with their AK-47s on full automatic.  That was a mistake because the recoil ratcheted the rifle barrels upward and none of us were hit.  We executed a well rehearsed quick reaction defense plan and were able to control the area by the time darkness fell upon us.  Our mission and location had been compromised and there was no other choice but to call for an emergency extraction.

The "Purple Foxes" came with their Cobra gun ship escorts.  We provided them with a briefing of the situation, a description of our location which would not allow the helicopter to land, and the location of enemy forces.   The Cobras raked the perimeter of our site as the lead CH-46 dropped the Stabo-Rig, jerked us out, and flew to a safe site.  I remember the night was crystal clear and the ride 100 or so feet below the helicopter was spectacular.  You lowered us to the ground at the safe site, we unhooked and entered the cabin of the helicopter to be greeted by your crew chief with a beer for each of us which was truly appreciated as we proceeded back to the MAG-16 flight line at Marble Mountain.  Oh yes, the crew chief also gave each of us a calling card and I still have mine.

 Don't remember if I thanked you then, but if I didn't, I now say, "Thanks."

Raymond P. Moon, former Sgt. USMC
rpmoon@hotmail.com