The Major pressed the point and asked directly for some criticism of our operation. The Lt. then made note that we had a map made up like a chart, “just like all the other FDCs,” but we weren’t plotting missions on this chart, “at worst it was just abusing a map”. The Major made note that this was the shortest report the Lt. had ever given, and he shrugged his shoulders. I was excused to get back to work.
I happily reported back to the guys in the FDC how well they had done, my head was spinning a bit because I knew some of the prior criticisms were crumbling. I think I even told them that this was the second time I had served with the best FDC in the Corps. There was little difference. The first time, dedication and teamwork in Alpha had probably saved my life, now dedication and teamwork in Bravo definitely saved my reputation. The report on the test was sent to the highest level at the Pentagon.
I finished my tour of duty in Bravo Battery in mid December 1970. My extension was approved and I took advantage of the 30 day leave to spend the holiday season at home. I had not told my mother I would be going back for six months until I got home. The first day, I informed her that I didn’t want her to worry, so I waited to tell her in person. She expressed surprise that I thought she would be worried about me. I had kept her reasonably informed of some of the action I had been involved in. She said that I was quite capable of taking care of myself; I had always been a good shot.
My mother was a U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reservist WWII veteran. I tried to explain to her that shooting squirrels in the back yard was not the same, the squirrel wasn’t shooting back. I was an Artillery officer. If I was using my personal weapon for anything other than plinking, we were in trouble. I still don’t think she understood. Marines train everyone to be a rifleman first, I felt being one of eight, my mother figured she had plenty of spare children.
My father was also a veteran, 113th Cavalry. Redhorse Regiment: cavalry reconnaissance through France, Belgium, and Germany during WWII. Upon reflection, it’s understandable I carried admiration for, and protection of members of the 11th ACR, the Blackhorse Regiment. I have no idea how these things are carried genetically, or how the Army knows that it’s possible to take advantage of hidden loyalties in order to draw out the best possible response from a soldier. I do believe a heritage of service is a gift to our descendants.
I arrived back in country mid January, 1971, and was informed upon reporting in that I would hold the S-2 position informally, but could have the Aerial Observer slot, and fly enough time to qualify for flight pay. Our restrictions were becoming more severe. All Army units were being asked to make do with less than the full complement of authorized personnel. I will skip this phase of my service in order to bring this story to its’ proper end.
I was authorized, and took my second R&R in Australia, early May 1971. Returning to Phu Loi, Battalion Headquarters, mid day on or about the 13th or 14th, I immediately reported into the S-2 section to read through the reports to see if there were any changes during my absence. I also spoke to the Operations staff to let them know I was back. We worked closely to coordinate through some problems. I then left the HQ bunker to tend to some other business.
