Matterhorn_ A Novel of the Vietnam War Part 54

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE.

The operation kicked off at 0600 as planned. By 1000 the company was set in and Mellas had three patrols out. Only with the coming of evening and its soft fading light could he finally be alone. He hid behind a blasted stump and he tried to think about meaning. He knew that there could be no meaning to someone who was dead. Meaning came out of living. Meaning could come only from his choices and actions. Meaning was made, not discovered. He saw that he alone could make Hawke's death meaningful by choosing what Hawke had chosen, the company. The things he'd wanted before-power, prestige-now seemed empty, and their pursuit endless. What he did and thought in the present would give him the answer, so he would not look for answers in the past or future. Painful events would always be painful. The dead are dead, forever.

Mellas longed to go out on patrol, back to the purity and green vitality of the jungle, where death made sense as part of the ordered cycle in which it occurred, in the dispa.s.sionate search for food that involved loss of life in order to sustain life. He thought of the tiger that killed Williams. The jungle and death were the only clean things in the war.

The warm evening was a harbinger of the post-monsoon heat that would soon follow. Mellas felt the dark night beginning to enfold him like a woman's arms. The listening posts were out. So were the major stars, brilliant in the sky. Toward Laos, lazy green NVA tracers and antiaircraft fire floated beautifully above the horizon. The NVA were trying to kill an American pilot, but the distance made the effort seem no more than a slow-motion fireworks display. Mellas felt a slight breeze from the mountains rustling across the gra.s.s valley below him to the north. He was acutely aware of the natural world. He imagined the jungle, pulsing with life, quickly enveloping Matterhorn, Eiger, and all the other shorn hilltops, covering everything. All around him the mountains and the jungle whispered and moved, as if they were aware of his presence but indifferent to it.

He started to fix coffee, knowing he'd need the caffeine to stay awake through the night, and it would soon be too dark for him to heat anything safely. Hawke's old pear-can cup felt familiar and good. Mellas had found comfort in it several times already that day as he carefully and mindfully brewed coffee, remembering Hawke. When he finished making the coffee he took a careful first sip; the edge of the cup was heated to a satisfying lip-burning temperature.

He became aware of someone, down on the lines below him, tapping out a rhythm on a drum made from a C-ration box. It was a strange, wild, strong rhythm. It grew loud, then soft, but it was always fierce. Then soft voices, chanting in a weird atonal harmony, rose like spirits from the earth below him. As the rhythm became stronger, the voices became more intense, although not really louder. Gradually he could make out the words of the chant, as if he had tuned in to its frequency. The words chilled him but at the same time lifted his soul skyward.

The voices were chanting the names of the dead.

If it's good enough for Jacobs, then it's good enough for me.

If it's good enough for Jacobs, then it's good enough for me.

If it's good enough for Jacobs, then it's good enough for me.

Good enough for me. Good enough for me.

The voices chanted on. With each new name the rhythm would be altered to fit the syllables. Mellas walked slowly down the hill to find the chanters, being careful not to spill his hot coffee. They were Conman, Mole, and Gambaccini. Mole was drumming the C-ration box. The three of them were staring into the darkness, lost in their rhythm. Mellas sat down. He didn't disturb them.

He heard a slight noise behind him and looked up. China was standing there listening and watching. Mellas moved over slightly and patted the ground next to him. China sat down. Mellas lifted the hot tin-can cup in a silent toast to Hamilton. He handed it to China, who took a drink and handed it back. Neither said a word.

If it's good enough for Shortround then it's good enough for me . . .

Each of the names evoked a remembered face, an outstretched hand reaching down from a rock or across a rushing stream-or a look of fear as a friend realized that death had come for him.

If it's good enough for Parker then it's good enough for me . . .

Mellas tried to shake off the other images: the burned bodies, the smell, the stiff awkwardness beneath the wet ponchos. He couldn't. The chanting went on, the musicians giving in to the rhythm of their own being, finding healing in touching that rhythm, and healing in chanting about death, the only real G.o.d they knew.

Mellas didn't sleep that night. He sat on the ground and stared out to the northwest, toward Matterhorn. He watched the mountains subtly change under the shadows of clouds cast by a waning moon as it moved across the sky until the shadows began to fade with the coming of light in the east. He tried to determine if there was meaning in the fact that cloud shadows from moonlight could move across the mountains and yet nothing on the mountain would move or even be affected. He knew that all of them were shadows: the chanters, the dead, the living. All shadows, moving across this landscape of mountains and valleys, changing the pattern of things as they moved but leaving nothing changed when they left. Only the shadows themselves could change.

GLOSSARY OF WEAPONS, TECHNICAL TERMS, SLANG, AND JARGON.

actual Specific person commanding a unit, as opposed to just the unit in general. For example, if someone calling on the radio said, 'This is Charlie One,' this would mean that it could be anyone on the radio, usually the radio operator, calling from First Platoon of Charlie Company. If the person said, 'This is Charlie One Actual,' it would mean that the speaker was the actual commander of First Platoon. 'Put your actual on' meant 'I want to talk to your commanding officer.' Specific person commanding a unit, as opposed to just the unit in general. For example, if someone calling on the radio said, 'This is Charlie One,' this would mean that it could be anyone on the radio, usually the radio operator, calling from First Platoon of Charlie Company. If the person said, 'This is Charlie One Actual,' it would mean that the speaker was the actual commander of First Platoon. 'Put your actual on' meant 'I want to talk to your commanding officer.'

A. J. Squaredaway Marines used made-up names to personify conditions or standards. A. J. Squaredaway meant looking sharp. There were others. Joady was the guy s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g your girl back home and Joe s.h.i.t the ragpicker was the opposite of A. J. Squaredaway. Marines used made-up names to personify conditions or standards. A. J. Squaredaway meant looking sharp. There were others. Joady was the guy s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g your girl back home and Joe s.h.i.t the ragpicker was the opposite of A. J. Squaredaway.

AK-47 Standard-issue automatic weapon used by the North Vietnamese Army and the Vietcong. It fired a 7.62-millimeter bullet at a lower velocity than the M-16. It was much less accurate than the M-16, but far easier to maintain under jungle conditions; and in close-in jungle fighting, accuracy at a distance was not a significant factor. Standard-issue automatic weapon used by the North Vietnamese Army and the Vietcong. It fired a 7.62-millimeter bullet at a lower velocity than the M-16. It was much less accurate than the M-16, but far easier to maintain under jungle conditions; and in close-in jungle fighting, accuracy at a distance was not a significant factor.

Arc Light missions 'Arc Light' was an Air Force operation that used B-52s based on Guam. These B-52s were modified to carry thirty tons of conventional bombs, which were guided to the targets by ground-control radar. The missions were most often flown at night against enemy base camps, troop concentrations, and supply lines. 'Arc Light' was an Air Force operation that used B-52s based on Guam. These B-52s were modified to carry thirty tons of conventional bombs, which were guided to the targets by ground-control radar. The missions were most often flown at night against enemy base camps, troop concentrations, and supply lines. arty arty Artillery. Artillery.

ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the South Vietnamese army-allies of the United States. Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the South Vietnamese army-allies of the United States.

ASAP As soon as possible. As soon as possible.

Avenues A gang of the 1960s in Los Angeles. A gang of the 1960s in Los Angeles.

baseball team Radio brevity code for a squad (thirteen Marines). Radio brevity code for a squad (thirteen Marines).

Basic School, the Lowest-level Marine Corps officer school, where all Marine officers, including Marine pilots, are given the basic education needed to run a rifle platoon and company. It is located in Quantico, Virginia, and its name is abbreviated TBS. Lowest-level Marine Corps officer school, where all Marine officers, including Marine pilots, are given the basic education needed to run a rifle platoon and company. It is located in Quantico, Virginia, and its name is abbreviated TBS.

basketball team Radio brevity code for a fire team (four Marines). Radio brevity code for a fire team (four Marines).

battalion A battalion, usually about 1,200 to 1,300 Marines and sixty naval medical personnel, had four rifle companies, and one larger headquarters and supply company (H & S) that held the 106-millimeter recoilless rifles, the 81-millimeter mortars, and the supply, maintenance, communications, mess, medical, and administrative personnel. Each battalion usually had a specific 105-millimeter artillery battery attached to it permanently from the regiment's artillery battalion. A battalion was usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel, often called a 'light colonel.' That rank is designated by a silver oak leaf. In the Marine Corps during the 1960s, command of a battalion was critical for advancement to high rank. A battalion, usually about 1,200 to 1,300 Marines and sixty naval medical personnel, had four rifle companies, and one larger headquarters and supply company (H & S) that held the 106-millimeter recoilless rifles, the 81-millimeter mortars, and the supply, maintenance, communications, mess, medical, and administrative personnel. Each battalion usually had a specific 105-millimeter artillery battery attached to it permanently from the regiment's artillery battalion. A battalion was usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel, often called a 'light colonel.' That rank is designated by a silver oak leaf. In the Marine Corps during the 1960s, command of a battalion was critical for advancement to high rank.

battery Artillery unit roughly equivalent in size to a rifle company. A battery in Vietnam had six 105-millimeter howitzers. One battery was normally a.s.signed to one infantry battalion and whenever possible was situated on the highest ground in the area it was intended to support. Artillery unit roughly equivalent in size to a rifle company. A battery in Vietnam had six 105-millimeter howitzers. One battery was normally a.s.signed to one infantry battalion and whenever possible was situated on the highest ground in the area it was intended to support.

The battery often sent out forward observers to move with the infantry to help call in artillery missions. All Marine infantry officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) can call in artillery fire; however, lacking detailed knowledge of the immense amount of technical difficulties faced by artillerymen, they are usually more impatient than the forward observers.

bingo fuel Out of gas. Out of gas.

bird Any helicopter, but for the Marines it was usually a CH-46 helicopter. Any helicopter, but for the Marines it was usually a CH-46 helicopter.

blowing a dump Destroying an ammunition supply storage site (or ammo dump) by setting off explosive charges in the midst of the ammunition. Destroying an ammunition supply storage site (or ammo dump) by setting off explosive charges in the midst of the ammunition.

Brown, H. Rap A 1960s black radical and defense minister of the Black Panther Party. A 1960s black radical and defense minister of the Black Panther Party.

b.u.t.terbar A second lieutenant, often new and inexperienced, so called because the rank was designated by a single gold bar. A second lieutenant, often new and inexperienced, so called because the rank was designated by a single gold bar.

CAG Acronym for combined action group. This was a small group composed of Marines and local militiamen called popular forces (in slang, ruff-puffs, from Republic of Vietnam Popular Forces) that was placed in a small specific area to protect villages from intimidation and terror. This idea achieved considerable success, and the Marines who fought in CAG units were brave and competent, having to operate on their own away from traditional unit structures. Unfortunately, following the iron law of manipulation-that if a system can be invented, a countersystem can be invented-Marine infantry commanders would often 'volunteer' shirkers and troublemakers for duty with CAG to get them out of their own units. Acronym for combined action group. This was a small group composed of Marines and local militiamen called popular forces (in slang, ruff-puffs, from Republic of Vietnam Popular Forces) that was placed in a small specific area to protect villages from intimidation and terror. This idea achieved considerable success, and the Marines who fought in CAG units were brave and competent, having to operate on their own away from traditional unit structures. Unfortunately, following the iron law of manipulation-that if a system can be invented, a countersystem can be invented-Marine infantry commanders would often 'volunteer' shirkers and troublemakers for duty with CAG to get them out of their own units.

C-4 Composition C-4 plastic explosive was used for virtually anything from cooking coffee to blowing up ammunition dumps and clearing landing zones. It came in white bars about one foot long, one inch thick, and three inches across, wrapped in olive drab cellophane. It could be safely dropped, cut, pulled into long cords, or stuffed into cracks. It was detonated by blasting caps, which had to be carried in special small wooden boxes and were much more dangerous. When ignited in the open, C-4 burned with an extremely hot white flame but did not explode. Its primary use in this configuration, strictly against policy, was for heating C-ration cans. When detonated by a blasting cap, C-4 was a powerful explosive. A thin cord wrapped around a two-foot-diameter tree would cut the tree in two, although a preferred method was to put one charge slightly higher than another on opposite sides and cut the tree between the two offset blasts. Composition C-4 plastic explosive was used for virtually anything from cooking coffee to blowing up ammunition dumps and clearing landing zones. It came in white bars about one foot long, one inch thick, and three inches across, wrapped in olive drab cellophane. It could be safely dropped, cut, pulled into long cords, or stuffed into cracks. It was detonated by blasting caps, which had to be carried in special small wooden boxes and were much more dangerous. When ignited in the open, C-4 burned with an extremely hot white flame but did not explode. Its primary use in this configuration, strictly against policy, was for heating C-ration cans. When detonated by a blasting cap, C-4 was a powerful explosive. A thin cord wrapped around a two-foot-diameter tree would cut the tree in two, although a preferred method was to put one charge slightly higher than another on opposite sides and cut the tree between the two offset blasts.

CH-46 Twin-rotor a.s.sault helicopter called the Sea Knight, used by the Marines for a.s.saults, resupply, and medevacs. It had a crew of five: pilot, copilot, crew chief, and two aerial machine gunners. It had a long fuselage and a ramp at its tail where Marines got on and off. This ramp was pulled up to serve as the rear door when the CH-46 was airborne. Depending on the alt.i.tude, temperature, how many gunners were carried aboard, and how much risk the pilot was willing to take, a CH-46 would carry from eight to fifteen Marines as far as 150 miles. In emergencies more people were carried, but then the risks went much greater. Alternatively, the CH-46 could carry about two tons of 'external load,' slung beneath it in a cargo net. Its maximum speed was approximately 160 miles per hour. The CH-46 Sea Knight was smaller and carried less load than the more familiar CH-47 Chinook used by the Army, although the two helicopters looked similar. Because of the requirement for folding rotors and efficient storage aboard ships, the Marine CH-46 was not capable of carrying the heavier loads that the Army CH-47 helicopter-with its permanent rotor blades and larger engines-could manage. The Marine Corps depended primarily on the CH-46 to deliver its units to combat. The CH-46 also doubled as the supply and medevac workhorse because the Marines were insufficiently supplied with the more mobile and versatile Huey. Twin-rotor a.s.sault helicopter called the Sea Knight, used by the Marines for a.s.saults, resupply, and medevacs. It had a crew of five: pilot, copilot, crew chief, and two aerial machine gunners. It had a long fuselage and a ramp at its tail where Marines got on and off. This ramp was pulled up to serve as the rear door when the CH-46 was airborne. Depending on the alt.i.tude, temperature, how many gunners were carried aboard, and how much risk the pilot was willing to take, a CH-46 would carry from eight to fifteen Marines as far as 150 miles. In emergencies more people were carried, but then the risks went much greater. Alternatively, the CH-46 could carry about two tons of 'external load,' slung beneath it in a cargo net. Its maximum speed was approximately 160 miles per hour. The CH-46 Sea Knight was smaller and carried less load than the more familiar CH-47 Chinook used by the Army, although the two helicopters looked similar. Because of the requirement for folding rotors and efficient storage aboard ships, the Marine CH-46 was not capable of carrying the heavier loads that the Army CH-47 helicopter-with its permanent rotor blades and larger engines-could manage. The Marine Corps depended primarily on the CH-46 to deliver its units to combat. The CH-46 also doubled as the supply and medevac workhorse because the Marines were insufficiently supplied with the more mobile and versatile Huey.

CH-47 Twin-rotor turbine-driven helicopter called the Chinook and used by the Army. It was made by Boeing Vertol and from a distance looked like a very large CH-46. Its crew consisted of a pilot, a copilot, a crew chief, and one or two waist machine gunners. The Army chose the CH-47 as more of a workhorse supply vehicle and depended on the smaller Hueys to deliver its infantry units into combat. Twin-rotor turbine-driven helicopter called the Chinook and used by the Army. It was made by Boeing Vertol and from a distance looked like a very large CH-46. Its crew consisted of a pilot, a copilot, a crew chief, and one or two waist machine gunners. The Army chose the CH-47 as more of a workhorse supply vehicle and depended on the smaller Hueys to deliver its infantry units into combat.

chi-comm Hand-thrown antipersonnel fragmentation grenade used by the NVA and Vietcong. It had a wooden throwing handle and a round cylindrical form; hence the nickname 'potato masher.' Hand-thrown antipersonnel fragmentation grenade used by the NVA and Vietcong. It had a wooden throwing handle and a round cylindrical form; hence the nickname 'potato masher.'

chopper Any helicopter. Any helicopter.

chuck Among Marines in the bush in Vietnam, a non-derogatory term for a white Marine, used by both races, as in 'He's a chuck dude.' It was more along the lines of jive talk, like calling someone a cat. It most likely was derived from 'Charles,' also slang for 'the man.' It was usually opposed to 'splib,' commonly used slang for a black Marine. Among Marines in the bush in Vietnam, a non-derogatory term for a white Marine, used by both races, as in 'He's a chuck dude.' It was more along the lines of jive talk, like calling someone a cat. It most likely was derived from 'Charles,' also slang for 'the man.' It was usually opposed to 'splib,' commonly used slang for a black Marine.

CID Acronym for criminal investigation division. The Marine Corps CID was responsible for investigating and uncovering criminal activity taking place within Marine units. Major concerns during the Vietnam War were drug dealing and fragging. Agents, in many cases civilians, often worked under cover posing as ordinary Marines. They had roughly the same standing among Marines as narcs or snitches did among civilians who used drugs. Most Marines saw drug use in rear areas as a victimless crime and the penalties-long prison terms and dishonorable discharges-as unfair. Drug use in the bush, where lives could be lost as a result of failure to perform, particularly on watch, was discouraged through what could politely be described as self-policing activities. Acronym for criminal investigation division. The Marine Corps CID was responsible for investigating and uncovering criminal activity taking place within Marine units. Major concerns during the Vietnam War were drug dealing and fragging. Agents, in many cases civilians, often worked under cover posing as ordinary Marines. They had roughly the same standing among Marines as narcs or snitches did among civilians who used drugs. Most Marines saw drug use in rear areas as a victimless crime and the penalties-long prison terms and dishonorable discharges-as unfair. Drug use in the bush, where lives could be lost as a result of failure to perform, particularly on watch, was discouraged through what could politely be described as self-policing activities.

claymore Popular fan-shaped antipersonnel land mine that used composition C-4 as its explosive. It produced a directional, fan-shaped pattern of fragments and was usually placed aboveground in front of a fighting hole or alongside a trail for an ambush. When detonated, usually by pulling manually on an attached cord, the M18A1 Claymore delivered 700 spherical steel b.a.l.l.s over a sixty-degree fan-shaped pattern that was more than six feet high and fifty yards wide by the time the fragments reached fifty yards out. It was named after a large Scottish sword by its inventor, Norman A. MacLeod. One side of the mine was inscribed with the bold embossed words, THIS SIDE TOWARD ENEMY. Popular fan-shaped antipersonnel land mine that used composition C-4 as its explosive. It produced a directional, fan-shaped pattern of fragments and was usually placed aboveground in front of a fighting hole or alongside a trail for an ambush. When detonated, usually by pulling manually on an attached cord, the M18A1 Claymore delivered 700 spherical steel b.a.l.l.s over a sixty-degree fan-shaped pattern that was more than six feet high and fifty yards wide by the time the fragments reached fifty yards out. It was named after a large Scottish sword by its inventor, Norman A. MacLeod. One side of the mine was inscribed with the bold embossed words, THIS SIDE TOWARD ENEMY.

CO commanding officer. commanding officer.

COC combat operations center. This was usually a tent with sandbag walls, or, if the unit had been in place long enough, a bunker made entirely of sandbags with a roof usually made from steel runway mat, also covered with sandbags. It contained all the maps, radios, and personnel that ran a battalion or regimental combat headquarters. It was the tactical nerve center of the battalion or regiment. combat operations center. This was usually a tent with sandbag walls, or, if the unit had been in place long enough, a bunker made entirely of sandbags with a roof usually made from steel runway mat, also covered with sandbags. It contained all the maps, radios, and personnel that ran a battalion or regimental combat headquarters. It was the tactical nerve center of the battalion or regiment.

company During the Vietnam War a Marine rifle company consisted of 212 to 216 Marines and seven Navy hospital corpsmen. It was designed to be led by a captain (two silver bars), and at the beginning of the war the majority of companies were. By 1969, however, many were being led by a first lieutenant (one silver bar); and during intense periods of fighting, a second lieutenant (one gold bar) could end up running a company until a higher-ranking replacement arrived. The company consisted of three rifle platoons and a weapons platoon. The weapons platoon was designed to have a second or first lieutenant in charge and consisted of nine M-60 machine-gun crews and three 60-millimeter mortar crews. But in the jungle and mountain fighting during the Vietnam War, machine guns, which were originally in the weapons platoon, were attached directly to the rifle platoons, usually one per squad. This left only the 60-millimeter mortar squad as the entire weapons platoon, usually led by a corporal or sergeant who reported directly to the company commander. Companies usually operated with 160 to 180 Marines, because of attrition. During the Vietnam War a Marine rifle company consisted of 212 to 216 Marines and seven Navy hospital corpsmen. It was designed to be led by a captain (two silver bars), and at the beginning of the war the majority of companies were. By 1969, however, many were being led by a first lieutenant (one silver bar); and during intense periods of fighting, a second lieutenant (one gold bar) could end up running a company until a higher-ranking replacement arrived. The company consisted of three rifle platoons and a weapons platoon. The weapons platoon was designed to have a second or first lieutenant in charge and consisted of nine M-60 machine-gun crews and three 60-millimeter mortar crews. But in the jungle and mountain fighting during the Vietnam War, machine guns, which were originally in the weapons platoon, were attached directly to the rifle platoons, usually one per squad. This left only the 60-millimeter mortar squad as the entire weapons platoon, usually led by a corporal or sergeant who reported directly to the company commander. Companies usually operated with 160 to 180 Marines, because of attrition.

conex box Short for 'container, express.' A conex box was a heavy corrugated-steel shipping container about eight feet long, six feet high, and six feet wide. One end was hinged and could be opened like a heavy door to facilitate loading. Short for 'container, express.' A conex box was a heavy corrugated-steel shipping container about eight feet long, six feet high, and six feet wide. One end was hinged and could be opened like a heavy door to facilitate loading.

Coors Radio brevity code for 'killed in action.' These codes changed frequently. Radio brevity code for 'killed in action.' These codes changed frequently.

cordon and search Operation in which an entire village or even an area (if enough troops were used) was surrounded: i.e., 'cordoned off.' Units were then sent in to search the houses and hiding places for NVA or Vietcong. If any were flushed out, they could not escape through the ring of surrounding troops. Operation in which an entire village or even an area (if enough troops were used) was surrounded: i.e., 'cordoned off.' Units were then sent in to search the houses and hiding places for NVA or Vietcong. If any were flushed out, they could not escape through the ring of surrounding troops.

CORDS Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support. A hybrid civilian and military organization under the Department of State that was formed to coordinate the U.S. civil and military pacification programs. Some of its personnel actively tried to make pacification work, exposing themselves to danger, but far too many were seen as rear-area fat-a.s.ses. Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support. A hybrid civilian and military organization under the Department of State that was formed to coordinate the U.S. civil and military pacification programs. Some of its personnel actively tried to make pacification work, exposing themselves to danger, but far too many were seen as rear-area fat-a.s.ses.

corpsmen Navy medical personnel a.s.signed to Marine units, the equivalent of the Army medics. They provided the first medical care received by a wounded Marine and were highly respected. Many sacrificed their lives trying to save wounded Marines. At full strength, every Marine rifle company had two Navy corpsmen a.s.signed to each of the three platoons, and one additional senior corpsman, usually an HM-1, their boss, a.s.signed to the small company command post or CP. Because of shortages later in the Vietnam War, many platoons got by with a single corpsman, and companies got by with HM-2s instead of HM-1s. Navy medical personnel a.s.signed to Marine units, the equivalent of the Army medics. They provided the first medical care received by a wounded Marine and were highly respected. Many sacrificed their lives trying to save wounded Marines. At full strength, every Marine rifle company had two Navy corpsmen a.s.signed to each of the three platoons, and one additional senior corpsman, usually an HM-1, their boss, a.s.signed to the small company command post or CP. Because of shortages later in the Vietnam War, many platoons got by with a single corpsman, and companies got by with HM-2s instead of HM-1s.

CP A command post. Technically, the term refers to a spot on the ground where the company or platoon commander set up with his radio operators and staff. An equally common use of the term referred to the group of people, not the place, as in 'the CP group.' In a typical Marine company in Vietnam, there was no 'post'-that is, no physical structure such as a bunker (as seen in movies). Instead, there were just fighting holes like those on the lines or, when a unit was on the move or in action, simply any place from which a company or platoon commander would direct the unit. A command post. Technically, the term refers to a spot on the ground where the company or platoon commander set up with his radio operators and staff. An equally common use of the term referred to the group of people, not the place, as in 'the CP group.' In a typical Marine company in Vietnam, there was no 'post'-that is, no physical structure such as a bunker (as seen in movies). Instead, there were just fighting holes like those on the lines or, when a unit was on the move or in action, simply any place from which a company or platoon commander would direct the unit.

C-ration Often called C-rats or by less neutral nicknames. The standard C-ration, used beginning in World War II and believed by most Marines in Vietnam to have been packed at the same time, came in three 'styles' or 'units,' contained in thin cardboard boxes. The B1 style had a single small can, the size of a tuna fish can, full of chopped ham and eggs, ham slices, beef, or turkey loaf; and a larger can of fruit, such as applesauce, fruit c.o.c.ktail, peaches, or pears. The B2 had larger cans of beans and wieners, spicy meatb.a.l.l.s, beefsteak and potatoes, spaghetti and meatb.a.l.l.s, and ham and lima beans (considered inedible except under extreme duress). This package also contained a small can of pound cake, pecan roll, or fruit cake, and cheese spread (caraway and pimento) and thick crackers. The B3 unit contained meat loaf, chicken and noodles, spiced meat, and boned chicken. All three styles also came with an accessory pack containing a white plastic spoon, instant coffee, sugar and nondairy creamer, two Chiclets, cigarettes in a four-smoke mini pack (Winston, Marlboro, Salem, Pall Mall, Camel, Chesterfield, Kent, and Lucky Strike), a small roll of toilet paper, moisture-resistant paper matches, and salt and pepper. Often called C-rats or by less neutral nicknames. The standard C-ration, used beginning in World War II and believed by most Marines in Vietnam to have been packed at the same time, came in three 'styles' or 'units,' contained in thin cardboard boxes. The B1 style had a single small can, the size of a tuna fish can, full of chopped ham and eggs, ham slices, beef, or turkey loaf; and a larger can of fruit, such as applesauce, fruit c.o.c.ktail, peaches, or pears. The B2 had larger cans of beans and wieners, spicy meatb.a.l.l.s, beefsteak and potatoes, spaghetti and meatb.a.l.l.s, and ham and lima beans (considered inedible except under extreme duress). This package also contained a small can of pound cake, pecan roll, or fruit cake, and cheese spread (caraway and pimento) and thick crackers. The B3 unit contained meat loaf, chicken and noodles, spiced meat, and boned chicken. All three styles also came with an accessory pack containing a white plastic spoon, instant coffee, sugar and nondairy creamer, two Chiclets, cigarettes in a four-smoke mini pack (Winston, Marlboro, Salem, Pall Mall, Camel, Chesterfield, Kent, and Lucky Strike), a small roll of toilet paper, moisture-resistant paper matches, and salt and pepper.

Crotch, the Slang for the Corps, the Marine Corps. Slang for the Corps, the Marine Corps.

c.u.mshaw A bribe. Pidgin English, from Chinese (Amoy) A bribe. Pidgin English, from Chinese (Amoy) gamsia, gamsia, an expression of thanks. an expression of thanks.

dee-dee To run away or exit quickly. From the Vietnamese To run away or exit quickly. From the Vietnamese didi mao, didi mao, 'go away.' One example would be 'Let's dee-dee,' meaning, 'Let's get out of here fast.' Another would be 'The enemy dee-deed,' meaning that they left quickly. 'go away.' One example would be 'Let's dee-dee,' meaning, 'Let's get out of here fast.' Another would be 'The enemy dee-deed,' meaning that they left quickly.

division Large unit, approximately 13,000 to 14,000 Marines, usually commanded by a major general (two stars). It included an artillery regiment, three infantry regiments, and supporting units such as engineers, heavy artillery, intelligence, reconnaissance, and supply. Large unit, approximately 13,000 to 14,000 Marines, usually commanded by a major general (two stars). It included an artillery regiment, three infantry regiments, and supporting units such as engineers, heavy artillery, intelligence, reconnaissance, and supply.

DMZ A demilitarized zone. In Vietnam the DMZ was a zone about five kilometers (just over three miles) wide on both sides of the seventeenth parallel, established by a treaty that attempted to disentangle the French forces from the Vietminh forces. It came to form the border between North and South Vietnam. The Ben Hai River ran through its center in its eastern half. The eastern end stopped at the China Sea. The western end stopped at the Laotian border. A demilitarized zone. In Vietnam the DMZ was a zone about five kilometers (just over three miles) wide on both sides of the seventeenth parallel, established by a treaty that attempted to disentangle the French forces from the Vietminh forces. It came to form the border between North and South Vietnam. The Ben Hai River ran through its center in its eastern half. The eastern end stopped at the China Sea. The western end stopped at the Laotian border.

dozens The dozens is an African-American oral contest in which two compet.i.tors, usually males, go head-to-head in usually good-natured, ribald trash talk. Example: 'Your momma's so fat I had to take two buses to get on her good side.' They take turns insulting each other or their adversary's mother or other family members until one of them has no comeback. The dozens is an African-American oral contest in which two compet.i.tors, usually males, go head-to-head in usually good-natured, ribald trash talk. Example: 'Your momma's so fat I had to take two buses to get on her good side.' They take turns insulting each other or their adversary's mother or other family members until one of them has no comeback.

DShKM .51-caliber machine gun A Soviet machine gun similar to the American .50-caliber Browning machine gun, although its round had a somewhat longer case. The initials stand for Degtyraov and Shpagin, the two people most instrumental in the weapon's development. The K is for A Soviet machine gun similar to the American .50-caliber Browning machine gun, although its round had a somewhat longer case. The initials stand for Degtyraov and Shpagin, the two people most instrumental in the weapon's development. The K is for krupnokalibernyi, krupnokalibernyi, large caliber, and the M is a development model designation. This weapon was used extensively by the North Vietnamse Army as an antiaircraft device, primarily for shooting down helicopters. large caliber, and the M is a development model designation. This weapon was used extensively by the North Vietnamse Army as an antiaircraft device, primarily for shooting down helicopters.

elephant gra.s.s Huge stalks of bamboo-like gra.s.s. It grew higher than a man's head in thick, nearly impenetrable stands that could cover an entire valley floor. Its sharp edges drew blood. Huge stalks of bamboo-like gra.s.s. It grew higher than a man's head in thick, nearly impenetrable stands that could cover an entire valley floor. Its sharp edges drew blood.

E-tool Entrenching tool. A small folding shovel about two feet long, carried by all combat Marines. Designed primarily to dig fighting holes, it was also used to dig latrines, bunkers, and firing pits and to clear brush for fields of fire. On rare occasions it was used as a weapon. Entrenching tool. A small folding shovel about two feet long, carried by all combat Marines. Designed primarily to dig fighting holes, it was also used to dig latrines, bunkers, and firing pits and to clear brush for fields of fire. On rare occasions it was used as a weapon.

executive officer, XO The second in command of a Marine company. The XO handled the administrative details of the company and acted as general counsel to the commanding officer (CO) and platoon commanders. On combat operations, the CO and the XO were usually physically separated so that if the commanding officer was. .h.i.t the executive officer would probably be able to take command. The second in command of a Marine company. The XO handled the administrative details of the company and acted as general counsel to the commanding officer (CO) and platoon commanders. On combat operations, the CO and the XO were usually physically separated so that if the commanding officer was. .h.i.t the executive officer would probably be able to take command.

FAC The forward air controller, an enlisted man from the air wing who was attached to a company-size unit to coordinate all air support from resupply to bombing and strafing. An officer pilot usually occupied the same position at battalion headquarters. The Marine Corps pioneered close air support tactics and procedures in World War II, and the close working relationship between Marine Air and Marine Ground is a specialty of the Marines. The forward air controller, an enlisted man from the air wing who was attached to a company-size unit to coordinate all air support from resupply to bombing and strafing. An officer pilot usually occupied the same position at battalion headquarters. The Marine Corps pioneered close air support tactics and procedures in World War II, and the close working relationship between Marine Air and Marine Ground is a specialty of the Marines.

FAC-man Nickname commonly given to the enlisted forward air controller. Nickname commonly given to the enlisted forward air controller.

fire team Smallest unit in a rifle company. A fire team was designated to be four riflemen, but under combat conditions, because of attrition, fire teams quite often consisted of only three riflemen. Smallest unit in a rifle company. A fire team was designated to be four riflemen, but under combat conditions, because of attrition, fire teams quite often consisted of only three riflemen.

Five In radio code, the company executive officer, the second in command; for example, Bravo Five. In radio code, the company executive officer, the second in command; for example, Bravo Five.

flat-hatting Flying extremely close to the ground. Flying extremely close to the ground.

FLD The final line of departure, an imaginary line behind which the a.s.saulting troops wait for the signal to move forward. Once this imaginary line is crossed, the unit is irrevocably committed. The final line of departure, an imaginary line behind which the a.s.saulting troops wait for the signal to move forward. Once this imaginary line is crossed, the unit is irrevocably committed.

football team Radio brevity code for a platoon (forty-three Marines). Radio brevity code for a platoon (forty-three Marines).

foxtrot whiskey Fixed-wing aircraft (as opposed to helicopters). Marine Corps, and occasionally Navy or Air Force, fixed-wing jet aircraft delivered almost all the close air support. Fixed-wing aircraft (as opposed to helicopters). Marine Corps, and occasionally Navy or Air Force, fixed-wing jet aircraft delivered almost all the close air support.

fragging Murdering someone, usually an unpopular officer or sergeant, by throwing a fragmentation grenade into his living quarters or fighting hole. The Marine Corps had forty-three fragging incidents during the Vietnam War, although not all ended in fatalities. Murdering someone, usually an unpopular officer or sergeant, by throwing a fragmentation grenade into his living quarters or fighting hole. The Marine Corps had forty-three fragging incidents during the Vietnam War, although not all ended in fatalities.

frag order Fragmentary order. This term has nothing to do with fragging. It was an addendum to a larger original order. Frag orders were usually more prevalent than original orders and were done for the sake of efficiency (at least as far as issuing orders was concerned). For example, an original order might have told a unit to enter a certain valley, destroy what it found, and return. A frag order could amend that original order, telling the unit to continue the mission for another week, or to proceed to a certain place, with the same mission but without having to repeat everything over the radio. Fragmentary order. This term has nothing to do with fragging. It was an addendum to a larger original order. Frag orders were usually more prevalent than original orders and were done for the sake of efficiency (at least as far as issuing orders was concerned). For example, an original order might have told a unit to enter a certain valley, destroy what it found, and return. A frag order could amend that original order, telling the unit to continue the mission for another week, or to proceed to a certain place, with the same mission but without having to repeat everything over the radio.

G-2 Also, G2. Division intelligence. American military organizations designate staff functions and organizations with letters and numbers. G stands for a division-level staff, R for regimental level, and S for battalion level. Staff functions are designated by numbers: 1 for administrative, 2 for intelligence, 3 for operations, and 4 for supply. So, at the division level, the intelligence staff would be G-2 and at the battalion level it would be S-2. The officer in charge of that staff function would be called 'the S-2,' or 'the Two.' Major Blakely, as head of operations at the battalion level, is called 'the Three,' because he is in charge of battalion operations, S-3. Also, G2. Division intelligence. American military organizations designate staff functions and organizations with letters and numbers. G stands for a division-level staff, R for regimental level, and S for battalion level. Staff functions are designated by numbers: 1 for administrative, 2 for intelligence, 3 for operations, and 4 for supply. So, at the division level, the intelligence staff would be G-2 and at the battalion level it would be S-2. The officer in charge of that staff function would be called 'the S-2,' or 'the Two.' Major Blakely, as head of operations at the battalion level, is called 'the Three,' because he is in charge of battalion operations, S-3.

grid coordinates All military maps are divided into one-kilometer squares (that is, each side of a square is six-tenths of a mile). A baseline point is established and designated 000000. The first three digits refer to the distance east from the base in tenths of a kilometer, and the last three refer to the distance north. For example, grid coordinates 325889 would refer to a point 32.5 kilometers (about 20.3 miles) east and 88.9 kilometers (about 55.5 miles) north of 000000. All military maps are divided into one-kilometer squares (that is, each side of a square is six-tenths of a mile). A baseline point is established and designated 000000. The first three digits refer to the distance east from the base in tenths of a kilometer, and the last three refer to the distance north. For example, grid coordinates 325889 would refer to a point 32.5 kilometers (about 20.3 miles) east and 88.9 kilometers (about 55.5 miles) north of 000000.

gunjy Slang for zealous and combative, or overly zealous and overly combative, depending on the context and the tone of voice. It is probably derived from 'gung ho,' a Marine expression borrowed from Chinese meaning 'work together.' Slang for zealous and combative, or overly zealous and overly combative, depending on the context and the tone of voice. It is probably derived from 'gung ho,' a Marine expression borrowed from Chinese meaning 'work together.'

gunny A company gunnery sergeant. During the Vietnam War, with the companies operating at long distances from headquarters, the company gunny was usually the highest-ranked noncommissioned officer out in the bush. The company first sergeants, one rank higher, usually handled administrative functions in permanent headquarters at locations like Quang Tri. The company gunny, who reported directly to the company commander, handled most of the supply functions and had a strong tactical and personnel advisory role. Although the gunny was not directly in charge of the platoon sergeants, who reported to their platoon commanders, he had a very strong dotted-line relationship with the platoon sergeants. A gunny's 'request' was the equivalent of an order. A platoon sergeant could go around the gunny by working through his commanding officer, but this was exceedingly rare. In peacetime the company gunny would normally be an E-7 gunnery sergeant, but because of wartime shortages this position was often filled by E-6 staff sergeants. A company gunnery sergeant. During the Vietnam War, with the companies operating at long distances from headquarters, the company gunny was usually the highest-ranked noncommissioned officer out in the bush. The company first sergeants, one rank higher, usually handled administrative functions in permanent headquarters at locations like Quang Tri. The company gunny, who reported directly to the company commander, handled most of the supply functions and had a strong tactical and personnel advisory role. Although the gunny was not directly in charge of the platoon sergeants, who reported to their platoon commanders, he had a very strong dotted-line relationship with the platoon sergeants. A gunny's 'request' was the equivalent of an order. A platoon sergeant could go around the gunny by working through his commanding officer, but this was exceedingly rare. In peacetime the company gunny would normally be an E-7 gunnery sergeant, but because of wartime shortages this position was often filled by E-6 staff sergeants.

H & S Stands for headquarters and supply. Stands for headquarters and supply.

heat tabs Blue 1, 3, 5-Trioxane (sometimes called trioxin) wafers about one inch in diameter that could be placed in the bottom of 'field stoves' made by punching holes in C-ration tin cans. Because the heat tabs didn't oxidize well in the field stoves, they gave off noxious fumes that stung the nose and eyes. Heat tabs also took too long to heat anything. In the bush, most Marines preferred to cook with C-4 plastic explosive, often digging apart claymore mines (this was very dangerous and strictly forbidden) to get something less noxious with which to heat their C-rations. Blue 1, 3, 5-Trioxane (sometimes called trioxin) wafers about one inch in diameter that could be placed in the bottom of 'field stoves' made by punching holes in C-ration tin cans. Because the heat tabs didn't oxidize well in the field stoves, they gave off noxious fumes that stung the nose and eyes. Heat tabs also took too long to heat anything. In the bush, most Marines preferred to cook with C-4 plastic explosive, often digging apart claymore mines (this was very dangerous and strictly forbidden) to get something less noxious with which to heat their C-rations.

heli team The weight, or load, that a helicopter can carry varies with the alt.i.tude and temperature. The higher the alt.i.tude and temperature, the lower the possible load. Although tactically it would be most effective to load entire organizational units, most often tactical units had to be divided into units called heli teams in accordance with the weather and alt.i.tude. Upon arrival in the landing zone, the heli teams would immediately disband, and the Marines would re-form into standard tactical units such as fire teams, squads, and platoons. The weight, or load, that a helicopter can carry varies with the alt.i.tude and temperature. The higher the alt.i.tude and temperature, the lower the possible load. Although tactically it would be most effective to load entire organizational units, most often tactical units had to be divided into units called heli teams in accordance with the weather and alt.i.tude. Upon arrival in the landing zone, the heli teams would immediately disband, and the Marines would re-form into standard tactical units such as fire teams, squads, and platoons.

HM2 Also HM-2: hospital corpsman second cla.s.s. Sh.e.l.ler, the senior squid, has this rank. Also HM-2: hospital corpsman second cla.s.s. Sh.e.l.ler, the senior squid, has this rank.

HM3 Also HM-3: hospital corpsman third cla.s.s Fredrickson, the platoon corpsman, has this rank. Also HM-3: hospital corpsman third cla.s.s Fredrickson, the platoon corpsman, has this rank.

hooch Any shelter, permanent or temporary. A hooch could be anything from a rough plywood building in a rear area to a couple of rubberized ponchos strung together over some communication wire out in the bush. Sometimes spelled 'hootch.' Any shelter, permanent or temporary. A hooch could be anything from a rough plywood building in a rear area to a couple of rubberized ponchos strung together over some communication wire out in the bush. Sometimes spelled 'hootch.'

Huey The UH-1 single-rotor helicopter. There were several variations, such as UH-1B and UH-1G, ranging from a 'slick' (which had little armament and firepower and was used for evacuating the wounded and inserting ground forces) to a 'gun ship' (which was armed with rockets, machine guns, or 20-millimeter cannons and was used for close air support). Hueys had many uses, including close air support, medical evacuations, inserting and extracting reconnaissance teams, and transporting high-ranking officers. The Army used them as a.s.sault helicopters, and Army airborne and cavalry units had the use of many times more Hueys than similar-sized Marine units. The UH-1 single-rotor helicopter. There were several variations, such as UH-1B and UH-1G, ranging from a 'slick' (which had little armament and firepower and was used for evacuating the wounded and inserting ground forces) to a 'gun ship' (which was armed with rockets, machine guns, or 20-millimeter cannons and was used for close air support). Hueys had many uses, including close air support, medical evacuations, inserting and extracting reconnaissance teams, and transporting high-ranking officers. The Army used them as a.s.sault helicopters, and Army airborne and cavalry units had the use of many times more Hueys than similar-sized Marine units.

humping Aside from the obvious s.e.xual connotation, humping meant hiking out into the bush with seventy or more pounds of gear on one's back, the normal weight carried by the Marine infantryman. 'They humped me to death' was a common complaint about being forced to do more walking than one thought reasonable. Aside from the obvious s.e.xual connotation, humping meant hiking out into the bush with seventy or more pounds of gear on one's back, the normal weight carried by the Marine infantryman. 'They humped me to death' was a common complaint about being forced to do more walking than one thought reasonable.

huss A favor granted by a superior or by the system in general. Example: 'He caught a huss when he got out of the bush to pick up the paychecks.' A favor granted by a superior or by the system in general. Example: 'He caught a huss when he got out of the bush to pick up the paychecks.'

IFR Stands for instrument flight rules. These 'rules' were procedures and standards put into effect whenever visibility was so limited by bad weather or darkness that the pilot had to rely on flying with instruments. When IFR was not in effect, VFR-visual flight rules-would be used. Stands for instrument flight rules. These 'rules' were procedures and standards put into effect whenever visibility was so limited by bad weather or darkness that the pilot had to rely on flying with instruments. When IFR was not in effect, VFR-visual flight rules-would be used.

immersion foot Condition in which the foot becomes numb and then turns red or blue. As the condition worsens, the feet swell and open sores break out, leading to fungal infections and ulcers. If left untreated, immersion foot usually results in gangrene, which can require amputation. Immersion foot develops when the feet are constantly cold and damp and are enclosed in constricting footwear. It is also known as trench foot. Condition in which the foot becomes numb and then turns red or blue. As the condition worsens, the feet swell and open sores break out, leading to fungal infections and ulcers. If left untreated, immersion foot usually results in gangrene, which can require amputation. Immersion foot develops when the feet are constantly cold and damp and are enclosed in constricting footwear. It is also known as trench foot.

ITR Stands for infantry training regiment. Upon graduation from boot camp, Marines are a.s.signed their military occupational specialty, or MOS. They then undergo training in their MOS at various bases. Those a.s.signed an MOS of 03, infantry, went on to the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California. 'Oh-three' was far and away the most common Marine MOS. Stands for infantry training regiment. Upon graduation from boot camp, Marines are a.s.signed their military occupational specialty, or MOS. They then undergo training in their MOS at various bases. Those a.s.signed an MOS of 03, infantry, went on to the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California. 'Oh-three' was far and away the most common Marine MOS.

John Wayne Small thumb-size can opener that folds the blade against itself and is usually worn with the Marine's identification tags (dog tags). Its official military designation is the P-38 can opener. Small thumb-size can opener that folds the blade against itself and is usually worn with the Marine's identification tags (dog tags). Its official military designation is the P-38 can opener.

K-bar Knife with a seven-inch blade and a wrapped-leather handle. It looked like a large bowie knife and has been standard issue to all Marines since World War II. It could be a lethal and effective weapon, but it was most often used for numerous more utilitarian jobs, such as cutting brush, opening cans, whittling short-timer's sticks, and cleaning fingernails. The name is of obscure origin, but the likely source is 'Knife Accessory Browning Automatic Rifle.' Knife with a seven-inch blade and a wrapped-leather handle. It looked like a large bowie knife and has been standard issue to all Marines since World War II. It could be a lethal and effective weapon, but it was most often used for numerous more utilitarian jobs, such as cutting brush, opening cans, whittling short-timer's sticks, and cleaning fingernails. The name is of obscure origin, but the likely source is 'Knife Accessory Browning Automatic Rifle.'

KIA Stands for killed in action. Stands for killed in action.

Kit Carson scout North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers who surrendered were offered the opportunity (and good pay) to become scouts for Marine units, using their knowledge of NVA tactics and the terrain to help direct the Marine units on operations. Often these men were disillusioned with communism and fought from idealistic motives, but sometimes they were simply cynical mercenaries fighting for whoever would pay them the most. They were generally regarded as traitors by the Marines, however unfair that image may have been. North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers who surrendered were offered the opportunity (and good pay) to become scouts for Marine units, using their knowledge of NVA tactics and the terrain to help direct the Marine units on operations. Often these men were disillusioned with communism and fought from idealistic motives, but sometimes they were simply cynical mercenaries fighting for whoever would pay them the most. They were generally regarded as traitors by the Marines, however unfair that image may have been.

KP Stands for kitchen police, i.e., the menial ch.o.r.es of running a kitchen: peeling potatoes, washing dishes, etc. Usually, in peacetime, KP is considered something to avoid and is often a.s.signed as a punishment for mild infractions. In Vietnam, however, if a Marine got KP duty, he got out of the bush and into a place of safety, so the punishment became Stands for kitchen police, i.e., the menial ch.o.r.es of running a kitchen: peeling potatoes, washing dishes, etc. Usually, in peacetime, KP is considered something to avoid and is often a.s.signed as a punishment for mild infractions. In Vietnam, however, if a Marine got KP duty, he got out of the bush and into a place of safety, so the punishment became not not allowing the Marine to get KP duty. allowing the Marine to get KP duty.