Worst Moment
At about 1000 hrs on February 14, 1970 a flight of four took off from Nha Trang AAF enroute to the Dong Bo Mountain. (about 4 miles South West of our airstrip).
I was flying the Command and Control UH-1 on this combat aviation support mission for the 5th Special Forces Group at Nha Trang, Vietnam. I was flying from the right seat and the Aircraft Commander was Warrant Officer Allan R. Larson.
Another slick (Army Aircraft 67-17127) was equipped with an Airborne Personnel Detector. We refered to it as a "sniffer" because it's purpose was to detect any smoke in the area. Smoke = fire and only people use fire. If we detected smoke we knew Charlie was in the area. That's why we also had two gunships in the flight. Smoke = fire = Charlie = getting shot at!
In flight, 2" hoses would scoop up outside air and feed it to the machine. The detection method used by people sniffers depended on effluents unique to human beings; such as those found in urine and sweat. The machine would read the amounts and ratios of ammonia and carbon from smokein the air and give the operators information about things on the ground such as campfires, body wastes, body sweat, body gasses, etc. Animals also produce ammonia in their body waists. Ever clean the litter box? Animals do not create fire/smoke so the machine used the combination to minimize false alerts. The air would have to be collected at the lowest possible altitude to get the samples as undiluted and close to it's origin as possible. "As low as possible" can only be comprehended by people who crewed helicopters in Vietnam. And since the missions were flown directly above suspected enemy locations, as much speed as the sniffer machine could handle was also critical for survival against small arms, RPGs, hand grenades, rocks and sticks thrown, etc. The Sniffer operator had a radio channel through which he would report indications of recent human presence to a partner map marker.
The crew of the sniffer ship consisted of the Aircraft Commander Warrant Officer Eldon Ray (Duke) Payne, Pilot Thomas Andrew Guenther, Crew Chief Specialist 5 Michael Allen Hughey, Door Gunner Platoon Sgt Bobbie Herald Brewer and two Special Forces sniffer equipment operators CPT Ronald George Neubauer and SGT Kenneth Leon Delaney.
The Lead Gunship was Piloted by WO1 Gardner and 1st Lt Thomas J. MeKeegan Jr. I don't remember who was in the 2nd gunship.
The mission of the sniffer ship was to fly 50 feet above the trees at 70 knots to detect any smoke in the area.
At about 1005 hrs the sniffer machine started getting medium to high readings. The lead gunship was about 100 meters behind the sniffer ship and based on their observations reported that the sniffer ship may have had an equipment failure causing to aircraft to nose down which resulted in a lose of altitude which put it into the trees. At this point the aircraft had a very slow airspeed and low rotor RPM which caused it to hit the trees and roll to the ground and explode. About 2 Seconds after impact the aircraft burst into flames.
I immediately flew to the crash site and hovered overhead. I sent my Door Gunner, Sp4 Johnson down on the helicopter hoist near the crash site and stuggled to maintain a steady hoover which would not entangle him in the trees. I was quided by verbal directions from my door gunner, SP4 Beck. SP4 Beck spotted a man in a green uniform running from the top of the hill towards the wreakage. This observation coupled with the medium to high reading from the sniffer machine was a good indication that we were sitting ducks.
My "pucker factor" was at an all time high. I expected to recieve fire at any moment. - "Pucker Factor" is the formal name of the equation that states the more hairy the situation is, the more of the seat cushion will be sucked up your asshole. It can be expressed in its mathematical formula of S (suction)+ H (height) above ground) + I (interest in staying alive) + T (# of tracers coming your way) - Thus the term 'SHIT!' can also be used to denote a situation where high Pucker Factor is being encountered.
SP4 Beck said that he saw the man again, this time running up the hill.
We got word from SP4 Johnson that the aircraft was burning so intensly that he could not get very near it and there were no survivors to extract.
We brought SP4 Johnson back up and asked him if he saw a man in a green uniform. He said that he did not see anyone while he was on the ground and we were never able to identify this person.
We returned to Nha Trang airfield, sadened but glad to get back.
Chain of Command
Commanding Officer Maj. Darryl M. Stevens, 16 Jan. 70-7 Jul. 70. XO CPT. Roger Green
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Best Moment
Qualified for and was awarded my Parachute Instructor Licence.
One of my best moments was completing work on my hooch. I added plywood to the interior walls. Acoutic tile on the ceiling and recessed lighting. A mini hot water heater and sink and a built in bunker next to my bed. And an air conditioner to make life comfortable.
Worst Moment
My worst moment was the fragging of CW2 Richard Maxwell Arann.
Chief Arann was on his second tour in Vietnam when he died on the night of 24 June 1969.
I was the Bn Signal Officer for the 10th CAB at Dong Ba Thin when CW2 Arann was fragged by PVT William E. Sutton, a Pole lineman in my Signal Platoon. Sutton was angry at his CO, Cpt Angeli because he recieved an Article 15 for smoking pot. He detonated a claymore outside the billet where he thought Angeli would be sleeping. He killed Arann by mstake while he lay in his bunk in the hooch next door to mine. I was also asleep when it happened. I awoke to the explosion and buckshot holes all over the wall. At first I thought we were being mortared again, a regualar occurance at Dong Ba Thin.
The sirens went off as we scrambled to our defensive positions. Ilumination mortars lit up the perimiter and the 92nd AHC gunnies (Sidekick) were airborne within minutes but soon confirmed that we were not under attack. At least not from Charlie. When the all clear sounded we returned to our hooches. I checked out the damage to the adjacent quarters and when I got to WO Arann's room I saw Doc Melton Roof Stuckey doing all he could to comfort him but Arann didn't make it. He died in Doc's arms.
There was a huge hole in the outside wall of his hooch were the Claymore had been dentonated.
Colonel Stanley, our Battalion Commander initiated an investigation and I soon learned it was done by one of my men, a pole lineman in my platoon.
Sutton was Court Martialed and sentenced to life imprisonment.
From George Lepre - " Ex Pvt William E. Sutton will be released from the Federal Prison in Yazoo City, MS. Although most military offenders serve their sentences at Leavenworth, during the early 1970's a number of particularly incorrigible inmates were sent out into the regular Federal system. Sutton, a Signal wireman in HHC, 10th Aviation Bn. 1st Aviation Bde, hed recieved an Article 15 for smoking marijuana from his Company Commander, Cpt Robert Angeli. On the night of 23-24 June 1969, Sutton placed a claymore outside the CO's quarters and detonated it. However he was so stoned when he did it that he placed it in the wrong part of the building and he killed CW2 Richard M. Arann by mistake. He then ran to a second mine he had set up to kill the company first sergeant. This mine too was set up in the wrong place and it seriously wounded the battalion sergeant major, Grant McBee.
CW2 Arann was an outstanding pilot and was on his second tour in Vietnam.
Sutton proved to be a disiplinary problem while he was at Leavenworth. He was charged with failing to stand count, disrespect to a guard, homosexual assault and a number of other offenses. As a result, he was quickly sent to the regular Federal system.
He was briefly paroled in 1980 but quickly re-arrested on a violation of this conditional release (I presume he burned a piss test).
George Lepre Co. A, 2d Bn., 4th Inf. (Warriors)"
I heard latter that he was killed in a drug shoot out after his final release. I have not been able to verify this but I sure would like to know.
I always felt responsibe somehow, since Sutton was in my Signal Detachment. I keep telling myself that I should have known, saw some signs or something.
I was assigned as the Officer to assist Arrons next of kin and had to correspond with his wife and assist her in anyway I could.
This was a memory that haunts me to this very day. See letter from Col. Stanley in photo section below.
Chain of Command
Cpt Robert Angeli CO, HHC, 10th CAB Col. Davey Stanley, Bn. Cmdr. 10th CAB (See photos below) Ltc. John R. Jeter, Jr., Bn. Executive Officer (See photos below) Major Claude T. Ivey, S1 (See photos below)
Other Memories
I made three sport parachute jumps while I was with the 10th CAB, two at CamRhan Bay and one at Dong Ba Thin with B-51. See photos below of my log book entries.
I also remember getting my ass torn on barb wire as I climed over the chain link fence the Signal Bunker which was my duty station during attack. See the photos below. We were mortared one night and somehow I managed to get unharmed through the attack but some of the rounds landed close to me. Too close for comfort. One of them severly wounded one of my men and I visited him in the hospital a Cam Rhan Bay. He was sent back stateside.
When I reached the gate of the Signal Bunker I frantically pushed the doorbell buzzer on the gate. One of my men came out to open the gate for me (everyone in the bunker was in my Signal Detachment and I was the Bn. Signal Officer.) Well before he could get the gate open Charlie shifted the mortar fire towards us and my man ran back inside the bunker for cover. The only thing I could do was go over the fence and in doing so the wire ripped my trousers and my rear.
Once safely inside one of me me said I should see the Doc as soon as the attack was over and that I'd probably get a Purple Heart out of it. I responded "If anyone in here mentions a word of this I'll Court Martial them".
So for the next week or so I went around with a very sore bottom and Col. Stanley never got wind of it. I left Nam without a Purple Heart but my conscious is clear that there are more deserving ways to earn one.
Right John Kerry? I'm sure you would have done the same.
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressiThis campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressive allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAGLE, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date.... More
Chain of Command
CO Captain Norman Sheldon Saliman Wall Panel: 29W Wall Line: 020 Full Name: Norman Sheldon Saliman Hometown: Denver, CO Age: 33 Race: Caucasian Gender: Male Religion: Unknown Marital Status: Married (Spouse Listed) Military Information Branch: Army Rank: Catpain / O3 Regiment: Macv Advisors Casualty Date: 12-Mar-69 Casualty: Non-Hostile - Died of Illness/Injuries
Other Memories
In the late summer of 1964 the 509th Signal Battalion and the 596th Signal Company moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona in the 6th Army area. This move was due to Fort Chaffee being closed by Defense Secretary McNamara. By this time the company had been reorganized into a Headquarters Platoon, a HF Radio Platoon and 3 Signal Center Platoons each containing a Radio Relay and Carrier Section, a Teletype (Comm Center) Section and a Wire Operations Section.
I was part of the Radio Relay and Carrier Section.
Other Memories
I made my Class D Parachutist water qualification jump on 27 August 1965 into Lake Popolopen, Camp Buckner, West Point, N.Y. It was my 147th jump and from a U1A. I need 200 for my Class D licence so I have 53 to go.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Other Memories
My most vivid memory was before Basic Training Started.
I grew up in Canada and came from a family of eight. I was the oldest.
During High School I joined the Cadet Corps. This was the equivalent of ROTC in the States. I would spend my summer vacations at Camp Ipperwash, where I learned military drill and leadership. At the end I was paid $100 and that was a lot of money.
When I turned 18 joined the Essex & Kent Scottish Regiment. We wore kilts - the McGreggor Tartan.
I finished High School and Dad had no money to send me to College.
I decided to join the Army. The thing which influenced my decision most was the end of World War II. I was only six at the time but I remember how happy my relatives and neighbors were. "The Boys were finally comming home." One of the boys was my uncle. I remember what a hero's welcome he had. I guess I made a decision way back then to join the Army and make a difference in the World, just like my uncle.
There is no draft in Canada. It is all volonteer and very difficult to get in the Army.
One day I saw a Recruiting Ad on TV. We lived right across the lake from Detroit, Michigan so we got all the Detroit TV channels.
The recriting Ad promised career training and I thought this is for me so I decided to apply for immigration to the United States. Back then in 1960 a lot of Americans were going to Canada to avoid the draft. I guess I was "wrong way Kerrigan".
Emmigrating to the United States was not easy. I had to have a Citizen of the U.S. put up a $15,000 bond so that I wouldn't become a burden to the country if I didn't find work. I didn't have $15,000, my father didn't have $15,000. Finally a friend of the family that lived in Detroit agreed to put up the bond for me. Oh how different things are now!
On 31 March 1960 I was granted immigration into the United States. I got my affairs in order and on 7 April 1960 joined the U.S. Army at the Recruiting Station in Detroit, Michigan.
I was immediately put on a bus to Ft. Knox, Kentucky for Basic Training.
When we arrived at Ft. Knox we were put in a holding company for a few days while we were given haircuts, military clothing, and all sorts of vacinations. It was during this time that I met Harry Winton. I will never forget that name. We rapidly became "buddies." He was one heck of a character.
On day two after a rude awakening we dressed in very wrinkled fatiges and were put in formation and the roll was called. The Sgt. then asked for two volunteres. Now all my Military training in Canada had taught me NOT TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING.
But as fate would have it I was standing in formation right beside Harry Winton who immediately raised his hand and shouted "We will." The Sgt. bellowed "Who's we?" and Harry immediatedly grabed my hand and held it up.
I thought, nothing good can come from this.
The Sgt. told us to go to the back of the formation and told the rest of the formation that he need 28 men for a detail and had 30 so that the two volunteers could have the rest of the morning off. Well I'm thinking this guy Harry is good luck.
When the rest of the group left Harry turns to me and says "Lets go to the Mess hall and get a pie. They had me wash pots and pans there last night and I know where they keep them."
This did not seem like a good idea. I resisted. Harry said, "Alright wait here and I'll go get one". A minute later he came back holding an Apple pie in his hand and we both headed back to our bunks.
On the way a jeep pulled up in front of our barracks and two men got out. One had stripes up and down his sleeves so I figured that he must be a Sgt of some kind and the other had at least one silver star on his shoulder. I knew this must be a high ranking officer so I saluted, Canadian style with my flat palm facing outward. Nobody had taught how or when to salute American style and I was winging it the best I could. Harry didn't salute. He just stood there with the apple pie in his hand.
The guy with all the stripes yelled at Harry, "Soldier, don't you know how to salute?"
Harry looked at me and then saluted the Sgt. The Sgt. shooted, "Not me, him."
At this point the General motioned to the Sgt that he would take care of it.
The General turned to me and asked me where I was from. I told him Canada. He returned my salute and I put my arm down.
Then he turned to Harry, looked at the pie and asked Harry how long he'd been in the army.
Harry said "Two days, how long have you been in?"
The General said "30 years", at which point Harry grabbed him by the sleeve and said "Thirty years and you still don't have a damn stripe to show for it!"
I thought I'd wet my pants. Visions of a trip to the stockade and a very short career flooded my mind.
I was in such shock I can't remember much of what happened next but the General had a few kind words and wished us the best in our training.
I'll never forget Harry.
And all this before I got to my Basic Training Unit.
Col Michael F. King - classmate
Broke my arm on landing after a sport parachute jump at