During the Vietnam War, US forces were fighting in terrain very different to what they're used to at home. One of these key differences in the lack of purpose built roads across the country. The Vietnamese instead use the rivers and waterways that run through their country. As these routes were so vital to the Viet Cong, US forces had to patrol them extremely carefully.
VIDEO HERE (57:11 minutes)
My friends Dad Paul, was in the army on patrol along a river in Vietnam. Someone heard or saw something and they were ordered to freeze. They were on the ground as the patrol boats who didn't even know they were there came under fire from the Vietnamese. The patrol boats opened return fire. Paul said they were just stuck in the middle. He said most of his patrol was killed, and he did not understand how he lived.
ReplyDeleteHe was a good man, a good husband, and a good father.
Steve in KY
Uncle wanted to follow his big brother, my dad, into the marines. My dad, trying to protect his baby brother, convinced him to join the navy instead.
ReplyDeleteOf course, he ended up on a swift boat in 1970.
Been there, done that, and all I got was an OD Green T-shirt.
ReplyDeleteWell, that and a small scar. But, at least they supplied my brand, Chesterfield Kings, in the C-rats.
Inbred Ha, I remember pulling C Rat Chesty Pullers outta the pack and they were so dry the tobacco stayed in the pack and ya just had paper tween yer fingers. Or get one out, put it in your mouth and a good wind come up and the tobacco was gone. But get one lit and by gar they burned good.
DeleteWar in the Shallows, published by the US Navy is available as a free download here:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.history.navy.mil/research/publications/publications-by-subject/war-in-the-shallows.html
Definitely worth a read if you have any interest in this subject.
Phil B
Worked with a guy that was a Brown Water Navy vet. He told a few interesting stories. I sourced some Tokarev ammo for his trophy bring back, a CZ 52 type. Not sure how he managed it, and he was amazed I could find the proper ammo to feed it. That was back in the early 90's...
ReplyDeleteSame here. Worked as a die maker/machinist in the foundry I worked at. Dave Hoettels. Wouldn’t talk much about it. Was surprised when I called it the “brown water navy.”
DeleteWiscoDave