Submitted 02-07-03

In 1967 my duty station was Khe Sanh, Vietnam.  Early in 1968, I was transferred to the Hill 881 South. As the Tet Offensive of 1968 arrived, we were very busy on the hill.  My MOS was 0844 Fire Direction Control.  We plotted targets for the artillery.  One evening while the hill was taking a pounding from the North Vietnamese Army's rockets and mortars, I was in the FDC bunker with Sgt. William Hubbard plotting targets (attempting to give our artillery the ability to fire back), when a 82 mm mortar penetrated our bunker with a thunderous explosion.  I was wounded severely in the lower back and left hip.  A Navy Corpsman aided and treated me.  The pain was just incredible.  He stated that he would give me medication for pain, but nothing could be done until I was medically evacuated by helicopter.  I was wounded approximately 6pm.  No choppers could land on the hill until the next day.  With being incapacitated I was worried that the NVA, that night, would penetrate our lines.  The corpsman informed me that if so, there was nothing I could do, therefore he would do whatever he could to protect me!  Without being able to move, I laid on the ground of that bunker all night, not knowing if a NVA grenade or satchel charge would be tossed inside the bunker.  However, somehow I knew the corpsman would do his best to protect me.  I truly believed him.

Eventually, I was transferred to the medical facility in Phu Bai.  While sleeping on a gurney waiting for surgery, a corpsman awaken me, he was standing in front of me.  The corpsman looked at me and began to pour water from one container to another, over and over and over.  I became very concerned, not knowing why, I asked the doctor if the corpsman was mentally stable and I wasn't sure if he should be on the operating team.  After their great laughter, they explained that the corpsman's action was sensible and it was an attempt to force me to urinate immediately, rather than during the operation procedure.  I stated with laughter, “why didn't you ask me, I do have to go!  With respect, we all laughed before they got down to business.

Later, I was transferred to the Air Force Medical Facilities, Cam Ran Bay, Vietnam.  That night as the wounded Marines were being settled, the Viet Cong begin to shell the base with mortars and rockets.  We were required to remove ourselves from our bunks and slide under the bunks for minimal protection.  Of course I was in no shape to do such, therefore, two Air Force Women Doctors gave assistants in moving me.  However, just as they accomplished their mission, the shelling stopped.  They begin the process of returning me to the bed.  Both Lady Officers shared a laugh, I asked why?  One stated jokingly, “Darn you Marines, when ever a shipment of you guys arrive, we get shelled”.

In conclusion:  I've had great experiences with our military medical personnel, particularly during 1967-1968.  I have found them to be especially caring, funny, understanding, and very brave in the line of fire.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for those Americans who cared for us under those circumstances.  Thank You!

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