powell-dl881s08

Dave Powell's Hill 881S Collection - Page 8

Low Clouds & Poor Visibility

Since early in February when LCpl. Marvin C. Brown, LCpl. Barry L. Ulrich and Lt. Owen S. Mathews first braved hostile fire to render a formal raising of the colors, it has been a daily occurrence. There were always troops volunteering, Lt. Mathews was the only one who could play the bugle, played "To The Colors" each morning and "Retreat" each evening.

Threat of mortars and rockets were minimal during these weather conditions so troops would inspect and repair the wire damaged by errant external helo loads which sometimes were dropped outside intended landing zones, or by enemy rounds.

Socked in. One of those many days when weather conditions precluded any resupply by the helo community. Conditions could last for several days. On those days when only the highest hills were above the clouds, they would try to lure NVA on Hill 881N into a machine gun duel using .50cal. guns they'd 'borrowed' from downed helicopters. The gunners, using the .50cals. would provoke NVA into shooting back, their muzzle flashes (Russian gunpowder was flashier) were easy to spot, then blow the NVA gun away with 106mm recoilless rifle.

Faces of Warriors

**His Name? Webmaster**

**David L. Powell (the photographer) was given the handle of Hollywood Six. Beneath that handle, and supplied by one of the troops, is written "War Photos Anyone"**