Taithí an Deiscirt Utah

Teas an tsamhraidh i Saint George, is féidir a bheith Utah opressive, más rud é nach deadly. Fiú amháin leis an easpa taise go plagues uaireanta dTuaisceart Utah, a bheith cliste faoi cad am den lá a hike na cosáin máguaird St George, Utah é do rogha is fearr.

Más féidir leat, tá sé beartaithe go hike ceart ar shiúl ar maidin díreach roimh éirí gréine. Ansin, bac a chur amach ar an rian de do rogha ar feadh cúpla uair an chloig. Ceann ar ais sa bhaile le bricfeasta mór! Beidh tú taitneamh a bhaint as taithí i bhfad níos taitneamhaí agus ní bheidh ort a fháil discouraged ag ár teas Desert.

An Chéad Leifteanant William "Kirk" Kirkpatrick

 

            Is cuimhin liom an chéad Leifteanant Kirkpatrick níos mó ná aon ceannasaí buíon eile go buíon dara, bhí Echo Cuideachta i Vítneam le linn na 12 mhí a chaith mé sa tír.   Bhí mo chulaith Echo de Cathlán an 2 ^ú, 5 ^ú Mara Reisimint, 1 ^ú Rannán Mara (níos coitianta dá dtagraítear mar Echo 2/5).   Chaith mé mo thuras ar fad de dhualgas a shanntar don buíon céanna, agus go bhfuil áit ar bhuail mé Leifteanant Kirk.

            Tá roinnt de na ceannasaithe buíon Tháinig agus chuaigh sé ó Iúil, 1968 go dtí Meán Fómhair, 1969 agus bhí mé i Vítneam .   Chaill mé i ndáiríre a chomhaireamh áit éigin feadh na slí, mar ní raibh sé ag súil go mbeadh leifteanant gung ho-deireanach nach mó ná cúpla seachtain gearr sa tír Bush Theas Viet Nam, má bhí sé ina ceannasaí buíon chomhrac, ar aon nós. Más buan mo chuimhne dom i gceart oibrigh mé ar feadh trí 1 lieutenants sa buíon dara roimh turas Kirk de dhualgas, agus b'fhéidir dhá níos mó tar éis Kirk d'fhág an tír.

Tionacht Kirk ar a bhfuil buíon dara exquisitely i gcuimhne, agus tá roinnt cúiseanna cén fáth a fheiceann mo intinn air sin vividly fiú roinnt blianta tar éis a chabhraigh liom a luchtú a chorp go mór wounded isteach ar héileacaptair Medivac éigeandála.    

            Leifteanant Kirkpatrick Bhí gealltanas fíor fad saoil.   Raibh mé in ann a insint go mbeadh sé 'é a dhéanamh', ar a laghad ar feadh tréimhse níos faide ama ná mar cheannasaithe buíon roimhe seo.   Faoin am a chuaigh Kirk Echo Cuideachta a bhí mé sa tír ar feadh 6 mhí.   Go raibh a dhéanamh dom 'salann sean' trí mhodh ar bith agus ní raibh go gciallódh sé go raibh mé Superman.   Mar sin féin, aon grunt Mara grungy go ndearna riamh níos mó é ná bliain go leith sa Nam d'fhéadfadh ciall ach a bhí ag dul chun é a dhéanamh agus nach raibh a bhfuil, agus go bhfuil san áireamh an oifigigh.

            Bhí ar a dtugtar A lán de na ceannasaithe buíon as an Helm de buíon chomhrac agus ansin láithreach ag tosú le kicking asal agus ainmneacha a ghlacadh.   Bhí go leor cocky agus sotalach agus bhí a fhios acu i bhfad níos mó ná aon duine eile ar an cháir, fiú amháin dá mbeadh na Marines eile sa tír ar feadh seal agus bhí a fhios a gcuid gnó ar aghaidh agus ar gcúl.   Ní raibh Kirk mar sin.   Bhí sé ciúin agus d'éist sé le gach focal. Cuireadh gach giotán ábhartha nó nach mbaineann le hábhar na faisnéise go bhféadfadh sé a fháil amach óna saighdiúirí veteran amach ina bhanc sonraí lena n-úsáid sa todhchaí. Chaith sé am leis na fir liostáilte agus theastaigh ar an eolas faoi gach aon duine againn, ó rang na chéad newest príobháideacha chun an sáirsint gunnery sa réimse sin.   Tá fiú grianghraf snámh thart ar Kirk gearradh an ghruaig ar corpartha Lance féidir mar Suíonn an corpartha ar uisce amach sa tír Bush.   Ba mhaith liom a rá go raibh Kirk an Leifteanant consummate Chéad Mara i gceannas ar buíon chomhrac i TAOR infamous (Limistéar Freagrachta Oirbheartaíochta) i Vítneam .   Bhí sé an-muiníneach agus poised.   Thóg sé aon cacamas ó dhuine ar bith, ach i gcónaí meas a thuairim réasúnach óna NCO.

            In a lán bealaí is é seo conas Lieutenants Chéad Mara, nó "barraí airgid," a ghearradh a gcuid fiacla sa Chór; i gcáil ina ceannasaí buíon i gcrios chomhrac.   Tá sé an deis iontach é a chur ar taispeáint a gcuid eolais agus scileanna, agus a bheith ina cheannairí míleata fíor.   Más féidir le duine é a dhéanamh mar ceannasaí buíon chomhrac is é is dóichí go mbeidh siad a chur chun cinn captaen agus níos airde, ag glacadh leis go bhfanfaidh siad sa Chór chun freastal, agus fanacht beo ar ndóigh.   D'fhéadfá a rá go bhfuil gceannas ar buíon chomhrac saghas an abairt deiridh de dúil i gcás ina leifteanant óga gairme ceannteideal.   Tá sé an deis a thaispeáint a gcumas, chomh maith le cén leibhéal baol ann go mbeidh siad a bheith compordach leis.

 

 

            Bhí Kirk 24 bliain d'aois nuair a tháinig sé i Vítneam agus chuaigh Cuideachta Echo.   Bhí sé an-ard agus, an-lean - d'fhéadfadh a bheith níos cruinne skinny - Bhí ​​sé Ivy League scolaíocht (Penn) agus thaitin mé go.   Chiallaigh sé seo go raibh a fhios Kirk conas é a úsáid a Dhia-tugtha brains, rud a bheith go luath ríthábhachtach do rathúlacht ár misean uaire níos mó ná mar is féidir liom cuimhneamh orthu.   D'fhéadfadh Kirk a léirmhíniú agus, níos tábhachtaí léarscáil cosúil le aon duine eile a fhios agam riamh ionsú; bhí sé saineolaí ag glaoch in aon chineál tacaíochta tine is gá dúinn mar airtléire, moirtéal, tacaíocht aer, nó ar mhisiúin Cabhlach tine gunna; bhí sé ina cheannaire fíneáil, duine uasal, ina inspioráid dóibh siúd a breathnaíodh air i réimse; raibh tú a leanúint air isteach de mhuintir na ríse nó an jungle, mar gheall ar mhothaigh tú cinnte go mbeadh sé in ann a dtiocfadh leat amach arís nuair a rinneadh an post.   Kirk cúram faoina Marines, agus go mbeadh sé bás a chosaint ar a buíon.   Ba mhaith linn an rud céanna le haghaidh Kirk, d'iarr aon ceisteanna.

            Nuair a Echo Cuideachta ath-iontráil ar an Arizona Críoch , A chuma linn a dhéanamh ar bhonn cothrom comhsheasmhach, i lár mhí na Bealtaine, 1969 lean ár buíon Lt Kirkpatrick le muinín ach an oiread agus na críche sin mar a tháinig muid a bheith ag súil aon uair infiltrated againn ar an tor le Kirk.   Maidir de mhí roimh i mí Aibreáin, bhí an dara buíon agus Lt Kirkpatrick thástáil crazily ar réimse na chomhrac.   Cuideachta Echo raibh níos mó ná a sciar den troid gruesome agus ár buíon thóg a scair de thaismigh.   Ach, ní mór dúinn a chur freisin hurtin fíor 'ar an VC NVA agus áitiúla sa Arizona .   Cuid mhaith againn le haghaidh gníomhaíochta a bhuaigh duaiseanna i mí Aibreáin, agus an chuideachta fuair deireadh sos dhá lá ag deireadh na míosa tar éis níos mó ná 100 lá faide ó bhaile.   Kirk a dhéantar an chuid is mó admirably i rith na laethanta agus oícheanta fada, agus an grunts sa buíon d'fhoghlaim chun muinín an leifteanant nua hintuigthe.  

            Tar Bealtaine, thosaigh rudaí a théamh suas go léir ar fud an bonn An Hoa chomhrac nuair a bhí lonnaithe ar an 5 ^ú Marines.   An NVA bhraith an phráinn le dul i ngleic níos deacra, agus bhí plagued an fad 5 ^ú Mara Reisimint leis an dá NVA agus ionsaithe Viet Cong; cathanna le maith cheilt saighdiúirí NVA tháinig chun bheith ina tarlú go rialta, agus Marines tripping gaistí booby leagtha síos ag an VC raibh ionchas laethúil ó Aibreán go déanach go maith agus i mí na Bealtaine.   De réir an 15 ^ú rudaí a tháinig go dtí pointe fiuchphointe agus showdown fuilteach leis an namhaid a bhí go leor dosheachanta i bhfad.   Ar go leor bealaí relished againn ar an cumha a duking sé amach leis an bastards, do bhí muid tinn tuirseach agus a chur ar ár grunts eile ar éin Medivac agus loingseoireachta iad go dtí an stáisiún cúnamh cath in An Hoa.   Bhí muid ar fad ag lorg troid, dea-aimseartha d'aois, an cineál atá againn a léamh ar fad faoi na hannála na Mara Cór finscéal.

            Go bhfuil na míreanna seo a leanas, i measc mo scéal féin, iontrálacha DECLASSIFIED iarbhír a rinneadh ar an 2 ^ú Cathlán 5 Marines ^ú 'iris oifigiúil ar 15 Bealtaine, 1969.   Tá míreanna go léann tú taobh istigh lúibíní iontrálacha a rinne mé chun na críche sin amháin a shoiléiriú script oifigiúil.   Na hiontrálacha logáil i láthair focal ar fhocal:

 

            Beal 15, 1969:

           

            "0015H: Cuideachta G ag (comhordanáidí) AT830475 a fuarthas mionarm, B-40, 60mm agus uathoibríoch airm tine.   Cuideachta G ar ais tine le hairm, grenades beag, M-79 (Tosaitheoir grenade), 60mm agus uathoibríoch airm tine.   Torthaí:   Cúig USMC WIA EVAC (Medivac ó réimse an cath) agus ceithre USMC WIA Neamh-EVAC (fhan i réimse a throid).

 

           

 

 

 

"0615H:   Cuideachta G ag AT830475 a fuarthas mionarm, B-40 roicéad agus dóiteáin moirtéal.   Cuideachta G ar ais tine le hairm orgánacha (i dtéarmaí míleata chiallódh sé seo airm cheimiceacha, mar shampla grenades canister CS), agus a chuardach ar an cheantar.   Torthaí:   Trí NVA KIA agus a ghabháil de RPG-2 (Tosaitheoir grenade roicéad ghluaiste), ceann AK-47 raidhfil, sé B-40 roicéid le boosters, ocht grenades chicom (a grenade beagán cumbersome cosúil le 'masher prátaí' na Gearmáine grenade le fada déileáil le haghaidh níos mó achar throwing), dhá pacáistí, trealamh leighis, bia, trí AK-47 irisí agus fearas pearsanta.

 

            "0930H:   A scuad ó G Cuideachta ag gluaiseacht 100 méadar ó dheas Poist Ceannais Cuideachta G ag AT830476 a fuarthas mionarm, B-40 agus uathoibríoch airm tine.   An scuad ais dóiteáin agus ionsaí ar an treeline (nuair a tháinig an tine as).   Torthaí:   Dhá NVA KIA agus a ghabháil de RPG-2, ceann amháin RPD machinegun (a gunna éadrom meaisín forbartha san Aontas Sóivéadach ag ceann Degtyaryova Vasily, in ann a sheachadadh tine marfach ag oibreoir oilte; RPD sheasann do Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova), 11 B- 40 roicéid le boosters, sé chicoms, dhá pacáistí, bia agus cáipéisí ilghnéitheacha. "

 

            Bhí léir patrún méadú de ionsaí agus daring ón dá thaobh ar an lá seo Bealtaine, go háirithe ar an chuid den NVA.   Ó díreach i ndiaidh mheán oíche, i gcomhréir leis an iris, thosaigh an NVA a bhriseadh na línte agus an Marines na Cuideachta Gailf chiapadh.   Echo, Fox agus Óstán bhí ag oibriú freisin sa réimse seo ar an Críoch Arizona, agus bhí sé is gaire Cuideachta Echo le Gailf más gá leo i ndáiríre le fórsa coisithe reactionary.

  Níos luaithe sa mhí a bhí an chéad buíon na Cuideachta Echo hit deacair go leor agus bhí ravaged mar thoradh ar fuilteach agus fada battling le saighdiúirí NVA.   Mar thoradh air sin, bhí ar iarraidh siad sáirsint buíon.   Cuireadh Sáirsint (E-5) Bruce Olson as ár buíon leis an buíon gcéad ar dualgas sealadach a líonadh an neamhní i n-slabhra ceannais. Tá sáirsintí Buíne criticiúil éifeachtúlacht aon buíon comhraic.   Go bunúsach, tá siad an dara i gceannas ar an buíon má tharlaíonn rud éigin ar an leifteanant i gceannas.   Sáirsintí Buíne é a choinneáil ar an buíon ag gluaiseacht nuair a bhíonn ann troid agus a choimeád siad an tsíocháin i measc na Marines.   Is féidir le Teagmhais a réiteach de ghnáth ag an leibhéal sáirsint buíon fada sula dtiocfaidh sé i gceist ualach an ceannasaí buíon. Ba mhaith Olson bheith níos déanaí ina Mara lárnach ag casadh ar ais go NVA an linn ionsaí mór ar platoons chéad agus an dara Echo mar an scéal de 15 Bealtaine go mall forbartha.   Go deimhin, bheadh ​​Olson bhuaigh an Star Silver roimh an lá sin os a chionn.  

An tábhacht a bhaineann le Sáirsint Olson ar iasacht á amach chuig an buíon chéad go Ba mhaith liom a chur ina áit sa buíon dara don chuid na hoibríochta.   Mar corpartha ag an am, bhí mo sannadh oifigiúil an treoir buíon; ach i easpa mhór a fhoghlaim Marines le "oiriúnú agus a shárú", de réir mar a théann an rá.  

 

 

Tá an treoir atá freagrach as cuidiú leis an sáirsint buíon go pointe áirithe, agus le deimhin a dhéanamh de na fir ar an buíon na soláthairtí a theastaíonn uathu ar nós bia agus an lón lámhaigh.   Beidh siad maoirseacht a líonadh ceaintíní uisce nuair a bhíonn ciondáil in ord, agus beidh Marines eile cabhrú le fadhbanna beaga mar sin nach bhfuil siad a fhoirceannadh ag an sáirsint buíon ar leac an dorais.

D'fhéadfadh an treoir chomh maith leis an duine a fháil Corpsman Navy suas go dtí Mara lucht créachtaithe, nó a ghlacadh ar láimh mar an buíon ar radioman má ba chóir don oibreoir a chur as a choimisiúnú le linn troid.   Sa deireadh, bhí muid go léir sásta a bheith ag gníomhú i gcáil cibé thóg sé ag aon am ar leith, a chur i gcrích ár misean, agus mar sin ar feadh beagán rinne muid cuid athrú timpeall.

 

Leanann na hiontrálacha iris reisiminte do Beal 15, 1969:

 

"1200H:   A patróil F Cuideachta ag AT833504 faighte mionairm agus M-79 dóiteáin ó namhaid ag AT834503.   (Bhí sé cur isteach ar dúinn go NVA an raibh armtha chomh maith le lainseálaithe grenade M-79).   F Cuideachta ais tine agus a chuardach ar an cheantar.   Torthaí:   One USMC WIA EVAC.

"1315H:   A Mara mbealach chun post breathnadóireachta ó Chuideachta H mhaidhmigh a booby gafa 60mm le madhmadh brú atá suite ar rian ag AT851501.   Torthaí:   Dhá USMC WIA EVAC.

            "1600H:   Cuideachta G swept cheantar ag AT835475 aimsiú comhlachtaí NVA agus trealamh.   Torthaí:   Ceithre NVA KIA agus a ghabháil de chás amháin NVA léarscáil, ocht babhtaí 82mm, 20 grenades chicom agus sé AK-47 irisí.

            "1630H:   Leanúnach sweep ionsaitheach d'achar ag AT826473, fuair Cuideachta G mionairm agus airm tine uathoibríoch ó thuaidh.   Teagmháil ba luaithe dian agus leathnú chuig an thuaidh, thiar thuaidh agus siar ó dheas. Cuideachta G ais dóiteáin agus ionsaí na seasaimh namhaid ach go luath tháinig pinned síos ag bhfeidhm namhaid measta de 80 NVA arm maith dhomhain agus lámhaigh beag agus airm uathoibríoch.   Cuideachta G Coimeádadh teagmháil go dtí go taismigh a cheanglaítear a tharraingt siar le haghaidh medivacs. Cé gunships agus OV-10 (ar a dtugtar Bronco i Vítneam, baineadh úsáid as an eitleáin le haghaidh tacaíochta breathnóireacht agus coisithe; bhí mé ag guessing an Bronco ina réamhtheachtaí chun an lae inniu A-10 Warthog go bhfuil tógtha le gnéithe den chineál céanna) tine faoi chois fired, Medivac Ní fhéadfaí héileacaptair ar a dtugtar go dtí tar éis dorcha mar gheall ar arm beag dian agus B-40 dóiteáin.   Ag 2300H ocht iarracht NVA chun infiltrate imlíne Cuideachta G, ach bhí á thiomáint ar ais.   Baineadh úsáid as Aeir agus airtléire ar fud an oíche agus bhí sé briste teagmhála ag 2330H (ar an 16 Bealtaine).   Torthaí:   Ocht USMC KIA, dhá cheann déag de USMC WIA EVAC, cúig USMC WIA Neamh-EVAC, trí NVA KIA agus a ghabháil de 10 tuanna chicom, trí pacáistí agus trealamh leighis. "

 

            Faoin am seo, (ag dul siar go dtí 1600 uair an chloig ar an 15 Bealtaine), bhí seoladh an chéad agus an dara platoons na Cuideachta Echo chun an troid chun cabhrú le faoiseamh ar an mbrú ar an gCuideachta Gailf, a bhí timpeallaithe ag lucht cath-iarrachtaí NVA.   Sáirsint Olson agus an buíon chéad thóg seasamh tionlacain agus maneuvered isteach ar na himill agus féara ard go timpeallaithe Cásca Ville (i ndáiríre Hamlet), a fhios agam go raibh poised an namhaid agus réidh. Bhí i gceannas buíon Dara ar ndóigh ag Chéad Leifteanant William Kirkpatrick.

I gceannas ar againn do na Hamlet. Ba mhaith leis an buíon tríú na Cuideachta Echo fós grúpáilte ar fud an CP chuideachta (iar ordú) thart ar leath cliceáil ar shiúl (500 méadar) taobh thiar dúinn i stádas ullmhacht.   Ár Buíne chuaigh i bhfoirmiú tuislithe agus in ord cróineolaíoch; is é sin, scuad an chéad phointe ar, ansin scuad an dara leis an leifteanant (Kirk) agus a gar radioman ar láimh, mé féin mar Buíne Guide / Buíne Sáirsint, a Corpsman Navy, agus ansin an scuad tríú a thabhairt suas ar chúl.   Ba é an cuspóir atá againn braisle beag, botháin ceann tuí Vítneaimis go iarr muid affectionately "Cásca Ville" le linn oibríochtaí ann i mí Aibreáin.

 

            An iontráil seo chugainn san iris reisiminte do 15 Bealtaine doiciméid neartófaí cad buíon dara uair amháin i shroich an comhlacht is mó d'ár foirmiú na Hamlet.   Ár scuad an chéad bhí iarbhír swept cheana féin go hiomlán trí mheán na Hamlet, agus gach 8 Marines a bhí ag trasnú a Paddy rís agus a bhí faoi lé go hiomlán ar aon bhagairt nuair a bhris sé ar fad a chailleadh.  

 

            "1630H:   Cé gur ag gluaiseacht trasna oscailte ríse Paddy ag AT832478, tógadh E Cuideachta Chéad Buíne faoi tine namhaid trom ag fórsaí 10 méadar siar ó dheas an fhir phointe.   Buíne Dara, ar athraíodh a ionad E Cuideachta chun cabhrú le Buíne Chéad agus pinned luath síos.   An Chuideachta Post Ceannasaíochta E le dhá umar ar athraíodh a ionad i chun tacú lena n-aonad.   Tógadh na umair (M48A1 atá armtha le gunnaí 90 MM) faoi tine ag B-40 roicéid go cruinn agus go raibh a rinneadh bhfeidhm i leith.   E Cuideachta ais tine suppressive go dtí go bhféadfaí gach Marines a ceirteacha tarraingthe ar ais.   Mar a tharraing an Chuideachta ar ais, fuair siad 60mm tine moirtéal ó láithreán moirtéal anaithnid.   Bhí ar a dtugtar arm Tacú, stailceanna aer agus gunships Spooky (AC-130 gunships, ar a dtugtar "puff an Dragon Magic").   Torthaí:   Sé USMC KIA, 16 USMC WIA EVAC agus 18 USMC WIA Neamh-EVAC. "

 

            Bhí mé i measc an ghrúpa deireanach de Marines lucht créachtaithe ach in ann fanacht sa réimse.  

            Coinnigh i gcuimhne go bhfuil na hiontrálacha logáil gearr agus go dtí an pointe ach go gcuimseodh tréimhsí fada ama i bhformhór na gcásanna.   An fhoinse faisnéise chun an Marines ar ais sna réimsí seo a chúl a bhí freagrach as logáil isteach an lá le gníomhaíochtaí a tháinig ó na ceannasaithe i réimse.   Sa chás seo, bhí na tuarascálacha tar éis an-gníomh bailiúchán giorraithe na n-imeachtaí sonracha a cuireadh ar ais go dtí An Hoa via tarchuir raidió PRC-25.   Sin an post a thit ar an captaein a bhí i gceannas ar a gcuid cuideachtaí agus a fuair siad a n-eolas ó na ceannasaithe buíon.   Mar sin, má bhí leifteanant nó captaen in ann a dhéanamh mar gheall ar dhíobháil (nó níos measa), ansin an post faisnéise ar chúl trí "REPS den" ó am go chéile (tuarascálacha staid) flowed síos an cnoc leis an gunny cuideachta, agus mar sin de .

Is é an pointe seo:   Cé go tapa, gearr, agus go leor giorraithe, tá tonna de giotán na faisnéise riamh go bhfuair ar ais chuig An Hoa i "den Ionadaí" agus riamh a rinneadh dá bhrí sin isteach sa dialann laethúil na Reisimint Mara 5 ^ú.   Tidbits de info Ba léir d'fhéadfadh a bheith ag súil leis faoi éigeantas an chatha, go mbeadh tuarascálacha a bheith comhdaithe níos déanaí, agus ba mhaith cruinnithe faisnéise fíor fanacht go dtí go bhféadfadh an bosses sa Bush, cén d'fhan acu, a fháil chun a n-bosses sa chúl le duine aonair scéalta bravery, líon comhlacht, agus a leithéidí.  

            Le linn an cath go iompú go tapa ferocious ar na forais bloodied na Cásca Ville an lá sin, thuig Chéad Lt Kirkpatrick go raibh an umair sheoladh i chun cabhrú le cosaint ár bpoist a rinneadh bhfeidhm i leith, díreach mar a dúirt an iris.   Mar sin féin, an focal 'bhfeidhm i leith' sa chás seo a chiallaigh go raibh séidte na rianta ar an dá umair ar leith ag B-40 dóiteáin roicéad, rud a chiallaíonn sé dodhéanta iad a chur chun cinn i réimse na chomhrac.

            Ach, bhí a gcuid gunnaí móra 90 mm ​​agus .50 gunnaí meaisín scoth i gcruth fíneáil agus go hiomlán oiriúnach don dualgas!   Gach bhí ag teastáil go raibh duine éigin a insint do na gunnadóirí umar nuair a ordú a n-tine, agus Lt Kirkpatrick ghlac ar an misean seo tábhachtach.

            Kirk Bhí a fhios go raibh na platoons chéad agus an dara i straights dire agus desperately gá faoisimh.   An scuad chéad buíon dara pinned hopelessly síos taobh thiar de rís dikes Paddy agus an chuid is mó de na Marines bhí wounded cheana féin nó a maraíodh i ngníomh.   Bhí a fhios againn go léir an scuad scéal uafásach a bhí i dtús, agus aon cheann de dúinn go raibh níos mó i gceist ná an leifteanant a bhí ag rushing cheana féin i dtreo an umair crippled thar 50 méadar den tírdhreach lé lena radioman i barrach.   Babhtaí moirtéal exploded sna crainn thuas Kirk, agus piléir zipped tríd an Hamlet leis go gránna fuaime "snapping" gur dearmad aon veteran comhraic riamh don chuid eile dá saol.

            Tá an M48A1 fón ar an backside an umair ionas gur féidir le duine éigin ar an taobh amuigh den Hulk déanta as cruach labhairt leis na daoine taobh istigh.   Chomh luath agus a shroich Kirk an umar chéad agus an bhfón, thosaigh sé ag orduithe a eisiúint ag an tiománaí chun dul a gunna 90mm i dtreo an daingean NVA go raibh ár scuad chéad pinned i gcoinne an dikes muddy.   Díreach ansin, ar roicéad B-40 pléasctha le soinneáin ollmhór miotail agus salachar ach cúpla méadar ó Kirk.   Chomh maith leis sin ag an nóiméad sin cruinn, bhuail le piléar an leifteanant in aghaidh tríd an droichead ar a shrón scor a shúil chlé (a ní raibh mé ag fáil amach faoi go dtí 41 bliana ina dhiaidh sin), agus chuaigh sé síos i gcarn crumbled troid a bhealach a dhéanamh tríd an pian iontach go wracked a cheann tattered.   Bhí sé beo, áfach, mar a ghlac an piléar cosán sé as láthair ón inchinn; bhí curtha os comhair Kirk ach orlach go leith i gceachtar treo mbeadh sé bás cinnte as créachta ceann Uafásach.  

            An comhrac ar aghaidh agus a bhí ag rith Marines íseal ar lón lámhaigh.   Fir eile is gá aird láithreach chun a n-wounds.   Cuimhnigh go bhfuil ceann de na freagrachtaí atá ar an treoir buíon a dháileadh lón lámhaigh ríthábhachtach agus, ó bhí mé an duine sin sa buíon, bhí sé de dhualgas orm chun iarracht a athsholáthar na trúpaí má thiocfadh liom.   An chéad, an gá dom a fháil ar roinnt ammo, agus b'fhéidir Corpsman Navy, agus ansin a dhéanamh ar ár mbealach amach chun áit a raged an troid dóiteáin.   Ba é mo sheal a rith.

            Tháinig mé ar an dá umair crippled a fháil Leifteanant Kirkpatrick troid ar feadh a shaoil.   Bhí an leagan corpsman Kirk síos ar a chúl, ba chúis leis sreabhán fola agus nasal a rith síos a scornach. Dúradh liom go raibh creased piléar an droichead ar a shrón, ba chúis leis turraing traumatic láithreach ar a cheann ar fad, agus méid ollmhór de cnámh fola, fíocháin agus bhagair chun bealach go hiomlán a aerbhealaigh.   Bhí mé astounded a fheiceáil go raibh Kirk fós comhfhiosach.   Ba mhaith liom a shíl go mbeadh concussion mbeadh an toradh an-a laghad tar éis a bheith buailte chomh crua.   Mused mé freisin go raibh sé ádh nach raibh sé ag cuartú ach cúpla céim chun tosaigh agus lár, toisc go mbeadh bullet tagtha is dócha a cheann cheart a fháil idir na súile agus ní thar a shrón.  

            Ar cheann de na corpsmen a bhí i bhfeidhm cheana féin cóirithe réimse éagsúla hasty go ceann Kirk agus a bhí ag ullmhú a dhéanamh ar tracheotomy éigeandála, toisc nach bhféadfadh an leifteanant ghabháil le anáil iomlán mar gasped sé tríd an praiseach ina bhéal agus scornach.   Ach, a cinneadh Kirk a ghlanadh a aerbhealaigh féin ag rollta níos mó ná ar a taobh agus ag baint úsáide as a mhéara agus a toil féin chun maireachtáil.   I Ní mór níl fhios agam conas a bhí sé in ann a chur i gcrích an tasc seo is cosúil gcruthaíonn sé dodhéanta, ach rinne sé, agus díreach i leasainm an am, mar an doc bhí an dara ar shiúl ó dhéanamh incision.   I gcarn ídithe leagan Lt Kirkpatrick ar an ithir ghainmheach na Cásca Ville chun fanacht ar Medivac, chomh maith le go leor eile Marines lucht créachtaithe agus marbh.

 

 

 

 

            Bhí lón lámhaigh an-bheag ar fáil ar an umair gur féidir linn a úsáid le haghaidh ár Marines ar na línte tosaigh.   An chuid eile den Chuideachta Echo bhí suas agus bogadh i dtreo dúinn ach rinne siad an-beag ar an mbealach a athsholáthar iomlán lón lámhaigh.   Ba iad na umair 'gunnaí .50 scoth agus mar sin bhí an urchair useless chun ár fir a rinne an raidhfil M-16, mar sin bhí gach raibh mé in ann muster suas ó cheachtar de na humair a M-16 agus spártha cúpla irisí.   Glacfar bhain le ceann de na tiománaithe umar a bhí maraíodh níos luaithe nuair a bhí ionsaigh an umair le B-40 ar.   Bheadh ​​mo teacht a bheith ar sólás beag chun na fir ar an scuad chéad a lean, ar bhealach, de bheith i seilbh a gcuid amach féin sna réimsí a ríse oscailte.

            Ansin, tharla rud iontach.   Like right out of a movie about the Marines in combat, a PFC by the name of Arthur Villalobos who was a member of second platoon's weapons squad, grabbed his M-60 machine gun and a couple belts of ammo and dashed across the Hamlet with absolutely no regard for his own safety.   Villalobos was bound and determined to kill the NVA who had first squad pinned down in the rice.   Diving into a position where he could steady the M-60 on its bipods, Villalobos laid down a field of fire like none of us had seen before.   It was accurate, deadly, and it brought instant relief and protection to the Marines out in the embattled red zone.   Villalobos tore fighting hole after fighting hole apart with the sticky stream of death that rattled from the barrel of his M-60.   He did so until he eventually paid the ultimate price for his heroism; the NVA fired back and eventually killed Villalobos.   For his actions that day, PFC Villalobos was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.  

            Also, Sergeant Bruce Olson seized this opportunity to move the first platoon into a better position to defend it and second platoon from the enemy.   Olson's Silver Star citation reads, in part,

           

“Sergeant Olson rapidly analyzed the tactical situation and quickly deployed his men to return fire upon the enemy positions.   With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved form one position to another, directing the fire of his men.   Upon the arrival of supporting tanks, Sergeant Olson fearlessly led his platoon across the fire-swept terrain in an effort to evacuate the casualties from the hazardous area and, despite the heavy volume of enemy fire, boldly boarded a tank and directed its fire at the enemy emplacements until the vehicle's ammunition was depleted.   Instructing the men to provide covering fire, he then supervised the evacuation of the wounded Marines.”

 

            Soon after Villalobos' and Olson's heroic actions the fighting waned.   It was dark out by then and we were able to get our squad of Marines out of the rice paddies and into the relative security of the Hamlet we called Easter Ville.   There was action around us still, but very limited.   A rifle pop might be heard out in the distance, and artillery flares were shot out to us to decrease the blackness and provide some visibility.   Ambushes were sent out for the night, and one of them was activated when some NVA soldiers came back to attempt to drag out their dead and wounded.  

 

The regimental journal would state that the next day many blood trails were found in areas where Echo and Golf Company had pounded it out with the NVA.   Our two companies also located several bodies of the enemy, mostly NVA regulars in full uniform and some Viet Cong who dressed much more casually, of course.   During our sweep of the battlefield and the surrounding areas, Echo Company suffered another setback on May 16 ^th when one of the tanks that had been damaged the day before, and was now outfitted with fresh tracks, rumbled over a buried box mine that exploded with a tremendous roar.   Here's how the official regimental journal reads:

 

16 May 1969:

“1133H:   A tank supporting Company E detonated a pressure type 75 to 100 pound box mine.   Results:   Seven USMC WIA Evac and six USMC WIA Non-Evac.”

 

This had been one hell of an operation for Echo (and Golf) Company, 2/5.   In the two days of fighting Echo Company alone lost 6 killed in action, 23 wounded and evacuated, and 24 wounded that remained in the field.   First Lieutenant William Kirkpatrick was well on his way to 1 ^st Med in DaNang, and then to a hospital in Japan . I didn't know if I'd ever see or hear from him again.   I didn't know if he would live through his ordeal.   Sergeant Bruce Olson was on his way to 1st Med, too, and I suddenly found myself with a bunch of new friends in the second platoon command group.   That's how it goes in war.

 

40 years came and went in a flash, it seemed.   Through conversations with Bruce Olson, now living in An Astráil , I found out that Lieutenant Kirkpatrick had indeed survived his horrific wounds and that he was married, had kids, and was living in Pennsylvania .   Apparently, Bruce and Kirk had occasion to get together a few times since May, 1969 and they had been corresponding regularly.   I asked Bruce for Kirk's e-mail address and he willingly obliged.

I sent Kirk an e-mail right away and got a response back that day.   The lieutenant's message was friendly and full of humor.   He had done well since his days in Vítneam and I wasn't surprised.   With his intellect I knew he could master anything.   Kirk had regained his strength and his weight (in one of his e-mails he told me he had gotten down to 112 pounds at one point).

Over the next couple of years I was included in all of Kirk's e-mails that he sent around on a distribution list.   Stuff like what was happening with the Marine Corps and patriotic musings by certain politicians or key personalities.   You know, good stuff that all of us former Marines love to hear (remember, there is no such thing as an ex-Marine).   By and by I got kind of curious as to the extent of Kirk's injuries from Nam , but I was always afraid to just come out and ask him.

In October, 2010 Kirk sent an e-mail out to Bruce and I.   We were preparing to head to San Diego , California for a reunion of Echo Company 2/5 slated for early November.   Kirk told us about another former Marine from Echo Company who had called him up on the phone, out of nowhere according to Kirk.  

 

 

Dave Corona was the former Marine's name, and he claimed to have also been in Easter Ville during our operation there.   Dave was one of the WIA Evacuees on May 15 that the 5 ^th regiment journal spoke of; Dave now lived in Salt Lake City , Utah and had heard about the reunion from a veteran's magazine.  

Kirk included Corona 's phone number in the e-mail so I picked up the cell and I called Dave a couple days later. We spoke for just a few minutes, and then Dave told me something that sent chills up and down my spine and brought tears to my eyes.   You see, Dave was with Kirk for many weeks in 1st Med back in DaNang and then at the same hospital in An tSeapáin where they recuperated.   Dave knew about Kirk's injuries; the last time I saw Kirk was when he left the field with bandages tied all around his head.

So, curiosity getting the best me after forty-one years, I asked Corona what the final outcome was for the lieutenant.  

Corona seemed sort of surprised that I didn't know this, but then he told me that Kirk was blind in one eye.

The news of this struck me like a hammer, because I didn't remember the outcome of his wounds to be that way at all.   I thought it was a simple grazing on the bridge de Kirk 's nose, at least that's what the corpsman had told me.   I didn't know the incident had actually blinded him in one eye.   The other reason I was so shocked was that nobody had told me.   Not Kirk, not Bruce Olson, not anyone.   After all the correspondence with Kirkpatrick and Olson, no one had mentioned this to me.   Of course, I never asked, either, so I only had myself to blame.

My next e-mail to Kirk was to confirm Dave Corona's story.   His response back was this:

 

“Pat – Dave was, indeed, quite voluble as he spoke to me.   As you say, 41 years of memories that has not been reviewed with others.   The fact that he counts me as a 'fine Marine officer' tells me that his memories are fading.   I am completely unable to remember time in 1 ^st Med as they had me doped up until I went to another hospital in Japan .

“I was shot in the face through an eye.   Lost total vision for several weeks but got back the use of one eye.   Took me a bit of time to figure out depth perception but at least it was amusing for those around me.   I count myself lucky as I'm still vertical after 41+ years.  

“Sounds like everyone will have memories flooding back in San Diego … good and bad.   Most of us have moved on and put those difficult times behind us.   We'll need to remember the youngsters who we 'left behind.'

Keep well, Kirk”

 

The reunion of Echo Company, 2 ^nd Battalion, 5 ^th Marines kicked off on November 3, 2010.   It was held at the Handlrey Hotel in San Diego which is conveniently located right along Hwy 8, a mere couple miles from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.   My wife and I checked into the hotel at around four in the afternoon, and after stashing our things in the room I headed down towards the swimming pool area where our organizers had set up a hospitality room.  

 

As I approached the gate to the pool I noticed Bruce Olson up ahead, and alongside of him a taller individual with well kept and lighter hair than I remembered.   His back was to me, but I already knew that it must be Lieutenant Kirkpatrick.   I called out something like, “Hey you two old-time Marines – Semper Fi!”   They turned to face me, and we shook hands and hugged.

Bruce looked pretty much the same as I pictured him in my mind over the past four decades, but just a bit older and graying.   I would have known him anywhere.

Kirk was different.   He almost appeared shorter than I remembered, but frightfully skinny people do look taller than they really are.   He was slender but at a normal weight.   He wore clear glasses and I guess I was looking for a patch over his left eye – the blind side.   Actually, it was hard to tell that the eye was even injured let alone unable to see.  

Upon closer scrutiny there was a 'milkiness' in the corner of the eye and I could tell that Kirk needed to favor the other one.   But, for what had been an incredibly horrible injury, I would say he looked pretty darned good.   I would not have recognized him if we had crossed paths on a street somewhere before this reunion.   I was absolutely relieved to see that he wasn't disfigured, and his demeanor from then on told me that he has dealt with the demons and has moved on with his life.   And, that is what's most important.

The next four days were fantastic.   About 20 former Marines from Echo Company showed up for the reunion.   We toured Camp Pendleton and ate at the mess at the 5 ^th Regiment Headquarters.   We also went to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and watched a graduation ceremony of almost 500 new Marines.   There is a wonderful Marine museum there, and we also visited some vintage Quonset huts the likes of which most of lived in during boot camp back in the 60's.   The other Quonsets have been replaced by more modern barracks.

My wife and I, Bruce Olson, Kirk, and Lynn and Joyce Dixon pretty much chummed together during the periods when we were on our own.   It wasn'ta long enough cluster of days, though, and I can't wait for the next reunion which is scheduled for 2012, probably in Quantico , VA.   Some of us will be getting together before then, rest assured, because the bond that forms between fellow combat Marines is incredibly strong.  

Kirk is right when he says, “The important thing is that we are all still vertical after 40+ years.”   And, we will never forget those Marines who did not make it back alive.

  “Semper Fidelis” is much more than a Marine tag line – it's really a way of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint George Utah is Buzzing with Deals

Are you considering buying property in Saint George, Utah? Right now couldn't be a better time. Interest rates are at a really low point, so you absolutely need to take advantage of this situation and come to Saint George. St. George Utah real estate is abundant. Our MLS is stacked with wonderful properties that you will surely appreciate. Not sure about buying during the holidays? Hey, what could be a better Christmas gift than a brand new house purchased at 2002 prices and at an interest rate of 4%? It seems like a no-brainer.

Interest Rates are Crazy Low

Saint George Utah real estate is exploding with value. The average price of home in the $350 – $700K range will cost you $100K less than it did two years ago. And, homes in the $200K range a year and a half ago are selling for $150K and less. It's time. Get the family in the car and head down to St. George, Utah to do some shopping. Christmas presents can wait until next year, right now you need to make the decision to quit renting and start living in your own house.

Lisi & Associates of Southern Utah – Here to Help

Call us at Lisi & Associates for help. We know the St. George, Utah market inside and out and we'll help you make the right choice. Call us 435-215-3090 so we can get started today. We'll send you listings right to your computer from the MLS. Then, when you are ready to come look at your favorites we'll assign a trusted Realtor who will make the necessary appointments, and sooner than you can say, "I saved a bundle," you'll be living in your new home.

Saint George Utah. It's where the best buys are in the entire state. Make the comittment today to get your share of St. George Utah real estate!

Above is a photo of a star trail made in Snow Canyon State Park, Saint George Utah. If you can pick it out, locate the North Star which is the focal point of the picture. Note how the other stars 'circle' the North Star as the earth rotates. The exposure time on this picture was 1 hour. It was taken with 35mm, Fuji 50 film. the camera's shutter was set to 'bulb' and then locked open with a remote control. The lens is a Canon 50mm.

Fall Means Saint George Real Estate is Cheaper

Fall in Saint George, Utah typically means a decrease in real estate sales. This is not altogether surprising. Kids are in school, so mom and dad aren't as anxious to cause an upheaval in the family by moving into another house. Yet, there is plenty for sale on the St. George Utah real estate marketplace, and it is a very good time to make good deals even better.

Don't Wait for Christmas to Make the Move

Sellers know that the Fall slump is not going to help their cause, so they respond by lowering their prices. The next expected, short spike in sales will come around the end of November, but real estate sales will go to sleep once again right around Christmas time here in St. George, Utah. Of course, the reason for that is folks are saving their money, or spending their extra cash, on Christmas gifts.

Saint George Utah Real Estate Inventory is High, and Ripe!

This year (2010) there are about 2700 homes on the market in Saint George, Utah. That's a lot of inventory for such a small community. And, that doesn't even include the 'for sale by owners'. So, even though it isn't the time of year that most people think about relocating or buying a piece of Saint George Utah real estate, they might do good to reconsider. Again, Fall in general is a tremendous time to invest in Southern Utah real estate. So, pick up the phone and give us a call at Lisi and Associates so we can help you find, and obtain, your next real estate investment. We can be reached at 435-215-3090.

Can you pick out the north star?

Saint George Utah is Spactular at Night

Look at the photo. It appears to be a bunch of stars photographed in a circle. Well, that's sort of how it is, except the camera was stationary and didn't have to be rotated to get the desired effect.

Saint George, Utah is a perfect place to take night shots of the heavenly bodies. Especially if you get out of town where there is no ambient light to ruin the pictures. The shot you see here was taken right outside the lower gate of Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins. There is actually a mountain that normally shows up in this shot, but I cropped it out so that you would see how perfect the circle looks when you do it right.

Scout Your Saint George Utah Real Estate for the Best Angle

This picture was taken with 35mm Fugi film rated at an ASA of 50. You can experiment with all sorts of films including black and white, or you can really get inventive if you have a digital camera and an editing program on your computer. You also need a really sturdy tripod, and you need some time to sit out in the desert and let the camera work for you. Bring some coffee and plan on staying ahwile.

A 50mm lens works the best for circular start trails like you see here, but anything from 28mm to about 130mm will also work.

You need to think about your photograph beforehand. This means scouting the area you want to shoot from. Consider the background and what you may or may not want in it. But, for sure you are going to need to know where the north star is likely to show up just before dark, because you will be aiming and focussing directly at it. The way it works is, once you open your shutter (and leave it open by whatever device comes with your camera for 'timed' or "bulb" exposure), the earth keeps rotating and makes the trail appear as a circle of stars with the (stationary) north star in the center.

So, you're set up and just waiting for the stars to appear for the evening. Your camera is mounted and pointed in the general direction of north. As soon as you can make out the north star aim directly at it with full focal length, and focus to infinity. When you are sure everything is perfect, wait for darkness, at which time you will open the shutter, lock it, check your watch, and then sit back and enjoy the desert night.

You Can Put St. George Utah in the Photo, but Watch for Ambient Light

How many stars you see in your star trail depends on how long you expose the film, or the pixels, to the scene. The photo with this story was taken with a one hour exposure. You can have fun trying different exposure times, and if you want to maximize your efforts on this take more than one camera set-up with you to allow for different timed exposures in a single evening.

About the only thing that can ruin your good photograph is ambient light. I took this photo by the park and was concerned that headlights from cars would interfere. During that one hour only one vehicle left the park. I had a black cloth with me for just such an occurrence, which I gently placed over the lens until the car had disappeared down the hill. It didn't interrupt the exposure at all, as you can see.

So, give this a try. Night photography is really fun and there is a ton of different effects you can achieve by using timed exposures, taking photos by the light of the moon, or 'painting' a subject with a flashlight (like a petrograph) while you expose the camera for 10 or 20 seconds. Saint George, Utah is perfect for this.