Being exposed to the Military way of life though my second step father I knew the only way to survive was to blend in an not be noticed. Which I did, thinking a time would come when I could tell someone my story about my back and why I shouldn't be in the Military. I couldn't find anyone to help me, I figured blend in don't be noticed, figuring there was no way I would end up in Vietnam, I have a back problem an the Military knows about it. (yeah right). Well I did end up In Vietnam 101st airborne 1st 0f 501st Charlie Co 3rd platoon. Arriving in Vietnam there was no one to complain to, (they were in hell and now so was I). They didn't want to be there anymore then I did. ( Suck it up soldier). It now became a live or die situation. You now had a new family. You were put into a buddy on buddy situation. Combat came fast and your buddy depended on you. (what you going to do whippier out on your buddy when he's depending on you) I couldn't do this this was my new family and brothers.
If you wanted a chance to survive you learned quick to work with the other guys. We saw more then our share of combat and hardships. We had to carry lots of weight as we lived in the field.
The machine gunner carried more
weight then most. I was appointed the M60 Machine gun shortly after
arriving in country. No one wanted to carry the M60 because of the weight
and dangers. The M60 was 23 lbs the pack I carried was approx 80 lbs and
then there was canteens, ammo, hand grenades etc. You carried the M60 on
your shoulder which was painful along with the straps of your pack cutting
into your shoulders. (now that was torture). Lost a lot of good brothers
during my time in Vietnam. I met a lot of guys that I still keep in
contact with. There are lots of bad stories and a few good stories. Life
goes on for us that survived . But we relive the Nam everyday.
PFC Jack
C/1/501: Vietnam 1968-'69