powell-dl881s06

Dave Powell's Hill 881S Collection - Page 6

Combat Operations Center (COC)

From left, Lt. Richard Foley (XO I/3/26), Capt. William Dabney (CO I/3/26), Lt. Thomas Esslinger (CO M/3/26) and Lt. Charles Schneider (Artillery Forward Observer C/1/13). The flag had been flown this day, drying out to be folded and mailed to next-of-kin of Warrior who had been killed on the hill. They had an ample supply of flags donated by folks back in the States.

**Incoming from the NVA have torn this one to shreds, it will not be sent back to the USA.**

From left, Lt. "Tom" Esslinger and Lt. "Chuck" Schneider. You might ask, " Why does Chuck have a guitar?" Chuck was a 'cannon cocker' and could bring a kitchen sink if desired 'cause he didn't have to carry it. Chuck had a fine voice and played well. Folk songs, including anti-war songs, were popular and Chuck knew them all. Often 5 to 10 troops at a time would be invited into the COC bunker for a few minutes of sing-along. Was good for the morale, especially after a baaad day.

**Trench by entrance to the COC bunker. Individual not looking at the camera is HN Ronald V. Bowling.**

From left, Lt. Foley and Capt. Dabney. Capt. Dabney recalled they used many VT (Variable Time) fuses for their 105mm rounds. It would burst about 20 feet above ground and mowed NVA troops in the open like a John Deere does a lawn. Not only was it a good fuse but, Lt. Foley's father owned a factory in the Philadelphia area that made the fuses so, "No reason not to make a buck or two in the bargain!"