Sergeant's Cool Clobbers Enemy By PFC David· Sumrall · OASIS - Thanks to the coolness and combat savvy of a ser- geant with 36 months of experience in Vietnam, a harrowing game of hide and seek that might might have endeil in disaster for a short range patrol (SRP) from the 4th Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, ended instead with fom' enemy killed in action. Sergeant Kim Potaczela, a native of Brisbane, Australia, who is serving his fourth tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, was leading a SRP on a routine overnight mission 14 miles southeast of Camp Enari when the deadly game began. · The patrol was preparing a night location in an area of large Gunships boulders and ·Ught vegetation . E~SY DOES IT - An infantryman from the Third Brigade provides assistance as a helicop­ when they first sighted the ene­ \' ~· ter from the 4th Aviation Battalion, fly ing in support of the brigade, lands in a field of my. "About 100 meters from our : ~ , elephant grass in the Central Highlands. (USA Photo By lLT Jim Hughes) position we saw two figures in the moonlight," explained Ser­ geant Potaczela. "We laldi low Smash and observed them until we were sure they were enemy sol­ diers, then we called fer mortar THE STEADFAST fire." Enemy As the movement all around them came closer and closer, AND CAMP ENARI - The Ruth· the men threw fragmentation less Riders from Troop A, 7th grenades and took cover in LOYAL Squadron, 17th Cavalry, while dense brush. flying in support of the 4th In­ From this position they reset FAMOUS FIGHTING FOURTH fantry Division's 1st Brigade, their Claymores and called for killed seven NVA , southwest of artillery support " It was a diffi· Camp Radcliff, the brigade base cult situation, but we got the Vol. 1, No. 19 September 21, 1969 camp. message through, andi the mor­ While searching the area, 1st tars an<\' artillery gave us tre­ Lieutenant William H. Luken of mendous support," · said PFC Self Satisfying Assis'fC:mce Cincinnati, Ohio, and his observ· Ernest Barrios of .Gard'ena, Ca­ er, spotted a storage structure m. and fields showing recent use. Moving to the south, the patrol At this time, the aero-rifle pla­ forded. a stream and agairi took toon, led by Sergeant First Class cover. Once again they set their _Artillery Unit Helps Orphanage· Lowell E. Bowman of Crestline, Claymores. Soon they heard the Ohio, was inserted to recon the enemy. "From the noise I esti­ . By lLT Kurt Browall area. During their search, they mated the enemy force 'to be . CAMP RADCLIFF-"! asked my interpreter, a s"rgeant in the Army, of the Republic of Vietnam uncovered three hootches and _aboqt squad size," said Sergeant · (ARVN).. why the children wece _removing their hats and bowing as they passed me on the dirt path," four bunkers. Potaczela. " We let them ap­ said S~rgeant · John H. '.'Jock'' Handley of Brimingham, Mich. While this was taking place, proach until we could see two of · Truopg Due Hien replied, ''These children shJw :heir respect in this manner because you are · Warrant Officer James R.. Muse them silhouetted against the sky. their teacher. Only wis~ elders' "!nd instructors are afforded Jhis-com:ten·." •. of Marietta, Ga., who at that We detonated a Claymore just Sergeant Handley is a membe~ of Jleaaquarters· Battery, ·~nd Battal'ion, 17th Artillery, at eamp time was. flying • lead LOH, as ' they walked in front pf it." ~ Radcliff, near An Khe. - ,. · · · · . moved south and spotted five to The SRP once ;igaf.\t encoun­ The artillery unit, whkh proyides base camp defense for men 9f the 4th Infantry Division at Camp six enemy soldiers, trying to tered the enemy. "We received Ra~cliff, is also providing much-needed support for more than 60 children who depend on the Phuoo take cover under the heavy fo­ heavy AK47 fire as we moved Thien orphanage for their support. · liage. Mr. Muse immediately out," said Sergeant Potaczela, "Until mid-July," says Sergeant Handley, " the orphanage was assisted by the 4th Battalion, 60th opened fire with his minigun "and we returned· fire with our Artillery, v;hich helped with its medical needs, then we moved in." : . · · killing three. Ml6s. That was the last we · "One afternoon· I was driving through the vicinity of the orphanage and saw a small sign. I The Cahra gunships led by 1st tieard' of them." decided to see what it Jed to. It Jed to Phuoc Thien orphanage and, ultimately, to our support of it," Lieutenant Donal W. Osborn of The next day a platoon patrol Sergeant Handley said. • · Joplin, Mo ., rolled in and ex­ traced tne SRP's movements "Phuoc Thien is a nondenominational children's hom e," said Sergeant Handley, "which ac­ pended over the area killing four and confirmed four enemy sol­ cepts chil~ren between six and ten years old who have lost both parents, or for one reason or another more NVA. diers killed in action. receive no other support." · On the same day the 2nd Bat- R __...,.,..., __ _ talion, 17th Artillery presented .angers the orphanage a washing ma­ chine they also gave about 1,200 pounds of food. Harass Another project is already under way. Installation of elec­ trical wiring to better utilize the generator. E The men also plan to construct nemy a kitchen for the home. Once the kitchen is completed, an Army ' cook plans to . go to the By SP4 Al Erickson orphanage to .teach principles of HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS . food preparation both to the staff Landing Zone (LZ) Bunker Hill, and to children who are old 15 miles west of the Famous enough to help with the cooking. Fighting Fourth Division's 2nd Brigade at Highlander Heights, However, to inake a kitchen was relatively quiet before a functional, hot water is a neces­ t e a m o f S e c o n d Brigade sity. Rangers was inserted on the "At present, the orphanage LZ's crest. has cold showers," Sergeant Their first night proved to be Handley said. " We're going to a taste of what was .to come. convert the facilities they now Private First Class William have into both hot and cold Dennis of Dayton, Ohio, de­ running water." _ scribed it. " Late in our first night we Phuoc Thien orphanage is like heard movement 200 meters any other institution of its type; across from us on a small hilltop for support it draws on a number that ran parallel to our LZ. We of sources, ranging from indi­ were connected to it by a ridge. viduals to civic groups and line that ran down the side of our church congregations. position then up !o that hill. We "It's becoming a more viable called in artillery but we were unit," said Sergeant Handley. not sure of the results." "Projects such as taking in The following morning was as laundry, growing crops and quiet as their insertion, but the starting a pig farm anticipate second night was more active the time when the orphanage than the first. • WHAT NEXT? - The monsoon rains cause many a problem for 4th Division field troops and will be entirely self supporting,'· Specialist 4 Steve Smock of this soldier is no exception. With his Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) stJ'ck in "the mud 1-e concluded. (Continued. on Beck Page) . h<; is faced with the problem. of what to do next. !USA Photo By 4th Div IOI Page 2 THE STEADFAST AND LOYAL September 21, 1969 ' .

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By Chaplain (CPT) Virgil G. will among his people? I'm not responded by saying, "ChaplainI, Iverson going to recite the stories, but I'm glad you asked me that only to point them out, for I be­ question. When I was at the per­ How many times lately hav? lieve that these men could have sonnel center at Ft. Lewis be­ you heard the phrase, "It don't been tempted to say while walk­ fore I came over here, I had a mean nolhin' "? As you care­ ing some pretty trivial yet couple of days to do some good rully examine it in its context, it scathing paths, "Aw, it don't thinking. I even went to the will be noticed that it is used as mean nothin' ". But as we have Chapel there. I went to the front a reaction toward certain dog­ the advantage of looking at the and knelt at the altar and asked Protect Yourself matic statements. Thes? stale· total perspective of their lives, God to be with me. At that time ments may be used to proclaim we see that even the trivia, the I marked the place, day, and l\f alaria continues to be one of the most serious health threats an authoritative opinion to which disconcerting, had gigantic in­ time of day in my little New one may reply, "It don't mean to soldiers of the Famous Fighting Fourth Division. Since fluence late ~ on in life. Their ex­ Testament. I left a blank space nothin'." Also these statements perience dill mean something. the, beginning of the year, nearly 1,000 cases have been called under that line to record the day may be uttered io expr2ss pride Look at Da'vid and · Goliath. Gi­ arid the time or day that' (would ta my attention. What is most significant, ho,.}ever, is that nearly in attainme~t .or good fortune. deon needed assuriuice before come back to the same spot at all cases might hav~ been prevented if a few common sense rules And, again/ the wet blanket he met the armies of Midian. It that altar to thank God for being pounces on the exuberant spirit had been followed. meant something. A nation was with me. And Chaplain, Hz has proclaiming, "Ah, it don't mean rescued. B£:cause Joseph main­ been with Irie here!" .. We know and are constantly reminded that mosqµitoes spread nothin'." tained his i 1tegrity in the house Yes, I know that the Lord has malaria as well as dengue fever and encephalitis. Knowledge or This thinking not only per- of Pharaoh he went to jail. It been with this Staff Sergeant. the diseases, however, is not enough. What we must do to combat vades our daily speech but it don't mean ~ nothin'. Not only in preserving his life, these dreaded diseases is to practice sound personal preventive also rinds its plac2 in our music. Yes, it did, be~aus e it was but in helping him to help oth­ medicine. Have you listened to some hard throu'gh the. associations in pris­ ers. Too numerous to mention Mosquito-borne diseases such as those I have already mention- rock and some acid rock lately? on that his talents were recog­ were the times under all condi­ ed can and unfortunately do cause permanent injury to the brain, We are hard put to find meaning nized for saving his people in the tions when this man would in­ the kidneys, and other organs of the body, which in turn may in anything and this takes into land· or Egypt. troduce to me new members' or lead to paralysis, Insanity and moderately shortened life spans. account human relationships. Several evenings ago a friend the platoon. He enthusiastically To protect yourselves from undue discomfort and perhaps We might even ask someone if dropped into my tent to say supported the religious services permanent disability or death, I urge you to take a few minutes he is engaged in a meaningful good-by. He was going home. In by personal attendance and en­ each day to practice the following means for the prevention of existence and we had better not the course or the conversation· I couraging others to do the same. malaria. be surprised if he says, with a asked him, "What did you think I daresay that one who would doleful look in his eye and shrug or your time spent here this ask this particular E-6 about A The first protective measure is the conscientious use of malaria of the shoulder, "Not really!" year?" He was a platoon ser­ • nills. In the Highlands you must make it a point to take Vietnam would definitely not get both the weekly and daily tablets. The weekly· "orange" anti- Now as I see it, there are a lot geant in a line company and I the reply, "It don't mean noth· malaria pill will provide 99% protection against vivax malaria. of us who do care but° do not was interested in his reply. He in' !" Yet there is an additional strain of malaria-falciparum-which want to become too singularly · vocal about it. necessitates a seconc( malaria pill. It is the daily white Dapson We need to emphatically make table which will protect you against this deadly malaria strain. Taken religiously, the combination of pills will keep approximately that statement, not just because CSM Talks h f 1 we delight ' in counteracting , : .~; . 95% of all 4th Division soldiers safe from bot types o ma aria against a negative philosophy, during your tours. When you consider that malaria is rampant but because it is the way we . throughout Asia, you see that taking the pills on a regular basis reel. Is there anything wrong puts the odds. overwhelmingly in your favor. with making an utterance that B. It is equally important that you protect yourself for other does not have negative under- To His Men " mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese Enchephaitis (a brain tones? It might even be the pri- fever which causes sleeping sickness and death) and filariasis (a mer which will encourag2 others CSM STRI CKLAN D disease which makes legs and other organs swell t.o enormous size). lo think that possibly they also Some types of disease carrying mosquitoes make no sound; to niake , have and are having meaningrul detection even more difficult, the bite or some cannot be felt and'· experiences. These ·experiences 1 afterwards remains inv.isible. Once again, personal preventive will be looked upon in .futur> · Weapons Sa/ety . measures {:an be taken quite ,easily. ·· Remembe"r to button up collars years~ wilh a great 'deal of re- · ·(· ' ' -- ~-'l:i• • o H ..___~ and roll down sleeves at dusk. Use your insect repellent freely ·spect and admiration. Many or JT IS OFl'EN SAID that an empty weapon is one that kills. Sounds ' on all exposed skin surfaces, reapplying liberally every two to four . them will be honored because of hours. Whenever possible, sleep under your mosquito net and the contributions they gave in ridiculous, but how ·often have you heard the excuse, "I didn't know the gun was loaded" or "I didn 't know that the pin had been spray the inclosed area 'with an aerosol bomb. developing our character and pulled on that grenade." Remember, your loved ones are anxiously awaiting your Teturn. moral depth. Have you ever Do everything in yout power to return liealthy. Take a few read some of'the interesting sto- · These denials usually follow an "accid~nt '} in.valving firearms. minutes each day to practice preventive medicine that will help ··· ries · or · the lives of great men These· accidents usually take place while either perlcirrriing you stay healthy-stay alert;-stay alive. whom God used to promote His maintenance on the weapons, carr1ing the weapons precariously over rough terrain, through brush, or clirhbiitg over obstacles and too often they are the result of childish·horseplay. Accidents such as these can be prevented ir the individual takes' the time to make sure the weapon .is clear, and if it is necessary, ' to have the weapon loaded, the sarety should be on. Valor Awards Further, the weapons should be pointed up and away frcim the SILVER STAR Stewart,' Larry J., SP4 individual's body and definitely should not . be pointed in the Church, Samuel W., PFC direction of his comrades. . - Carroll, Francis W., lLT Dixon, Lloyd, PFC The best weapon against these "accidents" is knowledge. Keane, James E., lLT Know how these pieces of the Army's arsenal operate before Mc Gunnigle, Paul E., lLT Garrett, Richard D., PFC attempting to use them. Nathan, Alan, lLT Kaye, WilEam F., PFC Pyle, William H.,, Jr., lLT O'Brian, Patrick T., PFC Martin, Willie 0., PFC Page, Franklin J., lSGT Ranker, Roger J.,., PFC Tibbit, James F., SFC Smith, Fred D., PFC Crown, Edward, SSGT Williams, Robert L., PFC Hedemann; Larry N., SGT Wunschel, Rodney, PFC Todd, Stephen C., SGT ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL FOR Davidson, Alfred C., SP4 (Circulation 8,000) Garrett, John C., SP4 VALOR Philips, James 0., SP4 Keane, James E., lLT STEADFAST AND LOYAL, on authorized weekly publication, is Richardson, Udell, SP4 Raney, Paul, PSGT published b.Y the INFORMATION OFFICE, 4th Admin' Co., 4th Infantry Lancaster, Jimmy L., PFC Butler, William A., SGT Division, A~O San Francisco 96262, for 4th Division forces and is BRONZE STAR FOR VALOR Chavis, James P., SGT printed in :'rokyo by Pacific Stars and Stripes. Gritzmacher, Gary L., SGT The o~inions expressed in this publication are not necessarily Salciado, Oscar A., lLT Clayton, Paul, SP4 those of thi! Deportment of Army. Moiling address' STEADFAST AND Bailey, PhilEp W., SGT Dockery, Charles, SP4 LOYAL, INFORMATION OFFICE, 4th Admin Co,. 4th Infantry Division, Berling, Williard J., SGT Ero, Roy L., SP4 APO U.S. Forces 96262. Telephone, Comp Enori 2318. Bowes, Lyle F., SGT Gabler, Carlos, SP4 Commanding General ...... Major General Donn Royce Pepke Greene, Dan Jr., SGT Gordon, Issac B., Jr., SP4 Information Officer ...... Major Kenneth 8. Abel Bailey, Dillivan D., SP4 Goschen, Charles W., SP4 Bevilacqua, Epifanio, SP4 Grinde, John D., SP4 STAFF Cardenas, Richard, SP4 Kaeding, Gary E., SP4 Command Information Officer . .. , , . , , . . .'. , llT John Doran Dart, Harold, SP4 Mac Donald, Norman A., SP4 Editor . , ...... , .. . .. , , , ...... , SP4 David C. Drew Forbes, Michael, SP4 Peterson, David L., SP4 News Editor .... , ...... • ...... SP4 Michael 0 . Jones House, And.rew, SP4 Rape, William W., SP4 Kreichauf, Bernard·, SP4 Watson, Earl R., SP4 Editorial Assistant ...... SP4 John Rowe Louiselle, Lloyd M., SP4 Bracken, Kenneth M., PFC . Battallop Correspondents PFC Gerold Krepps ...... 1/ 1 PFC David Sumrall · •••• •• •·••••••· 1/ 1" Peek, Johnny G., SP4 Crane, James F., PFC PFC Eddie Roberts •.•..•• •• , • . • •. • 3/ B SP

By SP5 Mike Johnson phone , ' ' adds Specialist 4 CAMP RADCLIFF - The Charles Rainey, ol Birmingham, daily safety of more than 800 air Ala . operations in the First Brigade, This type or Job requires ex­ tensive tralnlng. Air controllers 4lh I.nfantry Division's area of must complete an Intensive 13- ' operations is the mission as- week course In meteorology, na­ signed the air traffic con lrollers vigational aids, airport control, •. at Golf Course Tower. And it's a communications ancl a practical ap11llcallon or !hat training. c· .-tough mission. "Probably the· hardest aspect 1 traUic controllers work­ Ni,;~ of the job is learning to und~r­ ,.: ing six-hour shiits staff the con­ stand what the pilots are say­ ,. 'trol tower 24 hours a day. ing," explains Specialist Rainey, The prefabricated, atr-condl­ " because each tower's speaker system sounds a little bit differ­ lloned 62-foot high structure ent from any other." commands a view of most of To give the air controller a • · Camp Radcliff, near An Khe. chance to £amlllarlze hlm.~ell TH E IRON MEN -The sold iers of the 4 th Division's 2nd Batta lion (Me chanized!, 8th Infan­ The tower Is the nerve center with tower operations and' voice try do some quick reconnoitering before they and their Arm ored Personnel Carrier con­ for., hellcopler and air reconnais­ communication, each traffic tin ues a trek through the dense jungles of Vietnam's Centra l Highland s. controller Is given an additional IUSA Photo By 4th Div 10 ) sance missions In the An Khe one to two monthS' on the Job area. ·• training at each new duly as­ Golf Course Tower's personnel signment. provide a source of weather in­ Pilots who fly missions in sup­ port of the 4th Infantry Division formation, barometric readings, rely on accurate and safe direc­ Rats Provide Village Security wind direction, and landing and tions from the man they know take-off instructions for the air­ only as "the voice" coming from By PFC David! Sumrall military roles. With the in­ ing security for mine sweeps craft which are based per­ Goll Course Tower. OASIS · - Since proving its itiation of a motorized scout and convoys. "This is the kind of Excellent training has made worth on th e North African force designed to protect vil­ work that we do on a routine ' manently at Golf Course Field. · that voice responsible and de­ desert during World War II, the lages in Phu Nhon District, still b11sis everyday," said SpecialiSt The tower also coordinates op--· pendable. jeep has been employed in many another use has been found for Simpson.-- . eratlons for the 119th Assault the versatile vehicle. The motorized scouts have two Helicopter Company, the 278th Uncovers Explosive Dubbed the "Rat Patrol" after types of ·reconnaissance mis­ Helicopter Company, Troop A, a ·popular television adventure sions. One Is road reconnals­ sance. "This Is. our most u~ual 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, series, the motorized scout force is a part of the Reconnaissance type of recon mission," explain· and 2nd Platoon, 203rd Air Re­ Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 14th ed Specialist Simpson. "This Is connaissance Company's Hawk­ Infantry. The new unit, tlie first basically routine paltoillng of Police Call ·(ops Mine the road's In this area In which eyes. of its kind in the Famous Fight­ we search for any enemy activi­ "It can get pretty hectic when ing 4th Division, consists · of By PFC Dan Weaver jeeps, each manned by a crew of ty." everyone needs to take off or HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS - This police call was something three - a driver, an observer The Rat Patrol operates in the land at the; same tim ~ ." com­ special to Specialist 4 John Fogarty. In fact, one mig ht say he and a machine gunner. plateau area ol Phu Nhon Dis- · ments Specialist 5 Dennis Hom­ plunged into his work when a routin~ . police call led l_o \)le .

SEEKING THE ENEMY - PFC Roland Anderson of Thorp, Wisc., di­ KEEP ON PUSHING - SP4 Jim Rome of rects his M 16 fire at suspected enemy positions. This type of activity Newark, N.J. searches for possible enemy was a daily occurrence for the Dragoons as they cleared the Valley. locations in the tall elephant grass of Happy Valley.

TREES - Two Famous Fighting Fourth Division soldiers scan the trees for enemy CANTEEN-SP4 Gary Hugo af Detroit shows haw he guards against being snipers as they sweep through Happy Valley. The Dragoons from the 3rd Bat­ thirsty. The assortment of canteens can come in handy as the 4th Division talion, 8th Infantry took nearly three weeks in clearing the valley. soldier moves through the dense jungles of the Central Highlands. A DA Y'S WORK - Dragons look fo r a night posltion to set up their perimeter and rest from a long day's activities. Picking the right location can be worlh a little extra walk. · Clean. NVA Sanctuary

ARMED TO THE HILT - PFC Joe Tran kier of St. ·Louis carries a full load of am­ HELPING HAND - Two Dragoons kneel and alter spotting a sniper begin the munition during the operations of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry. PFC process of flushing him out of the jungle. In their sweep of Happy Valley north .Trankler wants to be sure to have enough for his M6\> machine gun. of An Khe the Dragoons killed 14 NVA and captured 2 ·ions of rice, Page 6 THE STEADFAST AND LOYAL September 21, 1969 ·' Poiiltman: A Joh ~ Singer For Tlie Dogs Returns· By SP4 Gary Clark iar with the men in the Ameri· OASIS - Walking point is ·a can forces and will not confuse lon ely job and it's more than a their scent with that of the ene· comfort to have a man's best my. friend along. Since the handler devotes al. "I feel a lot safer with the dog most all of his attention to the To Nam along," said Sergeant Cecil action of his dog while on a pa­ Shook of Slalesvflle, S.C., 401h trol, on e member of the line By PFC James Cosgrove Dog Section leader. "Alter you company acts as his bodyguard CAMP RAD CLIFF - The work with you r dog a Hltle, you or "shotgun." men or the 1st Brigade's for· gel to know whal he wilf d'o and Training Is rigorous !or scout ward firebases recently took a you have confiden3rd Brigade, walks point, approximately 13 weeks of train· Miss Virginia Bodkin, who Is he has his dog with him, leading ing. The first lwo weeks are con­ cu rrently making a concert tour the way and providing silent cerned with basic obedience, of mill(ary installations and hos· early warning or lhe enemy's •te aching th e do g to heel and so pitals throughout Vietnam. presence. lorlh. The remainder or the time Miss Bodkin, who teaches mu· From their lead position, lhe Is spent on basic scouting tech· sic at North Texas State Univer­ scout dog team often gives nlqucs, with lhe dogs and han· sity, sang a collection of spiritu· warning against snipers or hid· dl ers staying oul In the ffeld. als, folk songs and show tunes. den enemy soldiers. Scout dog The handler lives In a pup tent Chaplain (Major) Allen Brown, learns are also utilized at tim es most of the time. Jr .. escorted Miss Bodkin and on listening and observation Upon completion of Scout Dog her accompanist, Miss Cynthia posts al ni ght. School, most men are assigned a Nelson, on their firebase tour A man and hrs dog stay out dog that is about a year old. The and introduced them at each se••e ral days al a time. "During dogs are shipped to Vietnam performance. lhal time a man can pull 10 lo 15 ahead of their handlers. When Although a forward firebase missions. He might go out on a the handler arrives in Long has little in common with a con· sweep In the morning and a re· Binh, he is reunited with his dog cert hall , Miss Bodkin's enthus­ con (reconnaissance) mission in and the man to become accus· iasm and charm easily bridged lhe allernoon." tomed to the climate, and the the gap as she received a warm When a man and his dog re· training is a little more exten­ reception from the men in the turn from a five.day tour in the sive than what they already field. field , another handler and his · have had. The two ladies are on their dog are sent out to replace the Men in the field like having a second tour of Vietnam . . They team coming in . dog on the point element. It's made a similar trip to the war "After a dog works for so long better to be warned that some· zone in the summer of 1967. he has to have time to rest or he body is ahead by a dog that Commenlihg on the changes won't work as well," Sergeant perks up his ears than by catch· which have taken place since Shook said. in g a bullet. •"' ·..-' . J. . her last, Miss Bodkin says, A handler and a dog generall y Sergeant Shook aptly summed "Things are much more setlied stay at Landing Zone (LZ) Oasis up why it's good to have a four· MAN'S BEST FRIEND - Dog handlers in Vietnam, like SGT down here now. The flights from for three days before going out legged friend along. "They help Cecil M. Shook of Statesville, N.C., rely on man's best friend place to place are scheduled and again. . accomplish the mission and low­ to accompany them on missions in the Central Highlands. lrans11ortalion In general . is Before a handler and his dog er the chance of casualties." . !USA Photo By SP4 Gary Clark!' much more highly organized." go out on a mission, the dog is Mi_ss Bodkin, who is active in introduced to the members of . I both 'the Dallas Symphony and lhe unit he will work with. · In l. 1, .,.._ the Fort Worth Opera Company, !his way the dog becomes famil· atiributes her initial ·interest in coming to Vietnam to her stu· Early MOrnin9· ROaa Clearing dents. , " As a teacher I was naturally interested in young people. Vi et· - HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS - Periodically lhe men switch means th ere are probably 'beau­ nam is one of the main things Ne w CA around . ~ , In the early hours of sunlight, roles, each spending an equal coup' which concerns them today. In the men of Company A, 2nd Bat· amount of time at one position. Within minults the operation order to understand · the effects . · talion, 8th Infantry have already Minutes after Private First is again in progress, •the mortal' , of tl'lis experience on them. I · been at work for some time. Class Larry Farmer. or Gain· having been disposed or care­ warited to come to 'Vietnam and ·Assistance Their Job ls to make sure cer· svllle, Ga., began his shl£t as £ully by Sergeant Curtis. The see for myself what it- is really lain sections of Highway 14 are mine sweeper, lhe dttector re· learns, now aware of the in· like." free of mines and safe for Fa· sponded positively. creased poss(bility or more l\llss Bodkin Is glad she came. mous Fighting 4th Division Sergeant Curtis Fox of Wich­ mines being present In the area, " It Is really an inspiration to me troops traveling between Camp ita Falls, Texas, acting platoon become a little more deliberate to see· how well the me,n here as· Dirt Cheap Enarl and the home of the Sec· leader, delicately brushed away in their movements. sume the responslbllllies of their · on d Br I gad e, Highlander the sand from an almost unnoti· Specialist .4 James White of jobs. Their morale is very Heights. - ceable mound in the roadside. A Salisbury, N.C. manning the good." By SP4 Al Erickson The' 2nd Battalion, 8th · 1n: live mortar round appeared as APCs 50 caliber machinegun re­ Miss Bodkin will continue her HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS fantry, whose primary mission Private First Class George Kirk­ calls, "A month ago we uncov· tour until the middle of Septem· A 2nd Brigade Civil Affairs is to prc>Yide security along the land, · of Tampa, Fla .. watching ered one mine near a bridge site ber when she will return to Dal­ Team (CA) of the Famous highway, conducts mine sweeps from atop the track remarked, and . then followed that one up las for the Opening of the fall Se· Fighting . 4th Division has pro· from the main convoy "Usually when you find one that with 30 disooveries." mester. vided a new type ·of assistance checkpoint to the gate .of High­ to villages in the Kontum area. lander Heights daily. The impor· The aid comes in the form ·of lance of such a task is proven dirl. each day by the heavy traffic New York -Performer Finds The CA team helped the sur­ which travels Highway 14 , the . . rounding villages refinish a .road main throughway ·in Kontum thal led from the string or ham· Province. Jets to the city of Kontuni, five mi 1 es north of Highlander Alpha Company, under th e Musical Apprec·iation·In Nam ccmmand of Cap•tain John J. Heights. The vital road was By PFC Richard Souto and college dances, weddings and small clubs. partly washed away from heavy Kalen of Milford, Mass., Is re­ rain in the past weeks and was sponsible for a ten-mile stretch HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS - The mmimum Each engagement increased his sk!ll and growing scarr~d by holes and large of road. Working out of Landing may , not be the same as the Copacabana, but reputation. rocks. Zone (LZ) Joyce, each platoon then the canvas walls are somewhat less sophisti- OHered a position ·with the . Rhythm Kings, "The villages," said Specialist of Company A Is assigned a pre· ·cated. Nightly performances by Specialist 4 Specialist Pace accepted and his. career sky. . 4 Joseph Cartwright, a member lfetermlned' section or the com· Dominick Pace Qf New Rochelle, N.Y ., a former rocketed. The ensemble be.came a familar feature of the brigade CA team from pany's area or responsibility. musician at many New York night spots, pro· at such New York clubs as the Peppermint Long Beach, Calif.. "requested Two Armored Personnel Car­ vide a great morale boost for th ~ men or lhe 1st Lounge, Round Table. Metropole and Copaca- some material to help them fix riers (APC) head for their start· Battalion, 22nd Infantry. bana. the road. In recent weeks, we've ing point. At the outset of the Specialist Pace, a resupply man for the Fa- While not performing in the evenings, he play- given them truckloads of gravel mission, teams of two assume mous Fighting Fourth Division's Company B, was ed background music for vocalists in many New and equipment to refinish the positions on both sides of the lead guitarist for the Rhythm Kings, a popular York recording studios. The Rhythm Kings had road and they have been doing highway. New York group, befor e he entered the Army. also begun to cut th!!ir own records. the task of turning the road into On th e dirt shoulder of the Traveling extensively to East Coast nightspots, With the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Specialist a , safer and more passable highway, both mine-sweepers the group specialized in rock, jazz and blues Pace manages the flow of supplies to assure that · route." move cautiously, examining the renditions. Bravo Company receives the essential supplies for The project is completed now, area while employing electrical His first contact with the guitar was at the a successful error!. Specialist Pace performs this and the road is holding up well mine detectors. Simultaneously . age or 12 when he purchased a one string, two task daily and during the evening hours he enter­ to the heavy traffic of the sur· both men investigate the road· dollar instrument. Shortly thereafter, he began tains th'e Regulars. " These performances help us rounding villages, thanks to the sides visually for any signs eight years of lessons and his musical career. to relax and enjoy our time," said Specialist 4 consideration and help of the which may pinpoint an enemy During the early years, he perrormed with a Rick Manahl or Waterloo, Iowa, an armorer for 2nd Brigade Civil Affairs team. explosive. · number of groups ·workin)l at local · high school the 1st ·BattaliQn, 22nd Infantry., .. •:: · .. · '· '·' ~ 'S;I' ... .-"-' :.r' .'. s~~tember 21, 1969 THE .STEADFAST AND . LOYAL · Page 7 f R & R Information Center J ~ t . ·Manila-Blend Of Old ·And. N·ew· ( · EDITOR'S NOTE : This is the third install­ rather than the exception in Manila. Most of the ex­ Manila, the gateway to the Philippines, is a bustling cellent hotels in Manila offer special rates to personnel metropolis with a population of two million. It offers ment on R & R sites that may be visited on R&R. interesting opportunities for exploration, such as: by Fourth Division soldiers. For the next Civilian clothes are worn on R&R in the Philippines, . Intramuros with its ruins of Fort Santiago, historic four weeks The Steadfast and Loyal will y;ith . lightweight slacks and .sportshirts able to suit al­ churches and convents; the Metropolitan Cathedral, most every occasion. The Philippines has two curren­ several times rebuilt after being destroyed; the Rizal introduce you to ·these interesting cities cies-the pesos and centavos. The rate of exchange Park, Manila's colorful garden and memorial to Dr. and countries so you may better under­ fluctuates from 3.85 to 3.90 pesos per U.S. dollar. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero; the public Travelling· through the Philippines is a journey markets, abundant with fresh fruits in . season and na­ stand the places you might want to through time. You have the city like atmosphere of tive handicrafts; and beautiful Roxas Boulevard, along visit. Manila, featuring the night life, and the beautiful coun­ Manila Bay. By SP4 John Rowe try landscape, with its provinces and primitive regions. Manila by night is a virtual playground. Floor An inside look at the traditions of the Filipinos can shows are the best, and American singers, bands and Question: Where can I find an R&R site which has be acquired by attending a fie'sta. A joyous occasion, other entertainment groups frequently perform in the ..all .the luxuries of the other R&R locations, but lacks the traditional fiesta is ,a time f01· the people to · cel~­ better night clubs. the constant hustle and bustle which the other sites brate a bountiful harvest and thank God and his saints. Sports events are regularly scheduled at the Araneta seem to possess? ' Shopping in Manila is a delight for the lover of Coliseum, the Rizal Memorial Stadium and the bigger A:nswer: Manila, the 20th century city whic!l off~rs handicrafts as well as for the curio and souvenir college gymnasiums. Spectator sports like basketball, an intriguing blend of the old and new. hunter. Things to buy are buntal h'ats, jusi (cloth from baseball, volleyball, tennis, boxing and swimming are The PIJ.ilippines in general and Manila in particular raw silk), delicate pina (pineapple fabrics) cloths, bags very popular. offer the combat weary soldier a chance to rest and and handkerchiefs, shell and coral jewellries and wood­ The exasperated GI is at a loss for words when his relax, with· a touch of enjoyment always added. An enware. Manila R&R comes to an end. But as he boards the R&R visit to Manila is five days of discovering what a For those who enjoy· a good cigar Manila is a para­ plane to take him back to Vietnam he can always wonderland of adventure is like. dise. Philippine cigars are world famous and several remember the words of a late fellow soldier who said Frequent beautiful and sunny weather is the rule brands. are sold in Manila. of the Philippines: "I s~all return." Games- Aloha Airlines Flies A Common Multiple Missions By SP4 Gary Clark Landing Zones with smoke for OASIS "Aloha Airlines,. the gunships and Slicks," Lieu­ Vietnam Branch." tenan~ May said. "Then we re­ That's how the shirt patch of a main on station while the com­ language· bat assault is going on." unique Army aviation unit in the Central Highlands reads. Sup­ In emergencies, Aloha per­ By PFC Philip Kenny porting opera lions in the Third forms many other missions. In· Brigade of the 4th Infantry Divi­ serting and extracting troops, OASIS - The Civil Affairs (S· mail delivery and flying convoy 5) team of the 4th Division's 1st sion, Aloha Airlines has racked up a distinguished record . . cover are among the jobs . Battalion, 35th Infantry has they've been called on for at one - scored a big hit with the Mon­ Aloha Airlines sounds· like a commercial airline. When the time or another. tagnard children with the ·in· A former Aloha pilot, Warrant troduction of some new games 3rd Brigade was stationed In Hawall as part of the 25th In­ Officer Elmer Vaughn of Ph0e: to their regular recreatio!l pro- nix, Ariz., won the Sl)ver Star, gram. · fantry Division, Its avialion sec­ tian began using Aloha Airlines the Air Medal and the Dis­ Old American favorites ·such as Its call sign. The name stuck.' tinguished Flying Cross. Aloha as basketball and the backyard Ever since, they have been re­ pilot Warrant Officer Charles {· swing are the number one child ferred to as Aloha Airlines. Meadows of Memphis, Tenn., - pleasers In the villages of Piel The 3rd Brigade Aviation Offi­ has won the Distinguished Fly- Bong · Chong, Piel .Rongo! Dogr- cer is trying to carry the theme . ing Cross and the Air Medal. , ang and Piel .Xo . .The boys also '\. one step further. '·'I've been try­ Warrant Officer Larry Larkin of . i·,· enjoy·. tag, hopscMch and a sing- «: ing to make ·this Aloha Control,'' ' Belmont, ,Va., has won both a-long featuring "Old l\lacDo­ said First Lieutenant Joseph awards twice·. Lieutenant May ' .. nald's. Farm'.' and "Land of l,· May of Xenia, Ohio. -. w0n ·the Distinguished Flylqg 000 Dances." Cross and the Air l\ledai while · Lieutenant May coordinates 1 Basketball, however, has been all rotor-wing aircraft in the flying for Aloha. . the biggest success with the chil· Third Brigade. The brigade em­ dren. Although not usually a ploys Huey Slicks (UH-ls), Chi­ contact sport the games take on nooks (CH47s), and Crane the resemblance of a football (CH54) helicopters. Regulars scrimmage at times due to the Al<>ha Airlines Itself has Light enthusiasm. Observation Helicopters (LOHs) which are used to support the Physical roughness is . one of brigade staff on liaison-type Find Enemy • the aspects of the game that the missions, combined operations boys like, at times to the cha­ and for visual reconnaissance grin of their tutors. Picture, for missions. LOHs transport the example, the surprise of team brigade and battalion command­ Campsite leader Specialist 4 Gary Melchi, ers to firebases and out to the By PFC Richard' Souto of Champaign, Ill., when a rou­ troops In the field. "What It tine layup he was making was amcunts to is taxi se-rvice," HIGHLANDER HEIGHTS met by a knee-high tackler. No Evidently, explosions from in­ A HAPPY MAN' - SP5 Thomas S. Marks of Jackson, Miss., a Lieutenant May said. "And the one gets hurt, however, and the Donut Dollies use our LOHs as coming artillery rounds con­ contact is stimulating and fun technician with the 4th Medical Battalion, is content after their primary means of trans­ vinced a platoon of enemy sold­ for all. reenlisting for six years. Specialist Marks holds his $9;414 portation." iers it was time to move on. Specialist 4 Roger Armstrong, reenlistment bonus after the ceremony•. at Camp Enari. The LOHs are also used on The enemy soldiers were of Rockford, Ill., says this of the (USA Photo By SP4 John Warwick) combat assaults. "We mark the sighted by members of Company project, "The kids catch on fast. A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry They pick up the rules and In no while conducting a sweep time are dribbling and faking through an area of suspected like old pros. Since they are -Cacti Green Cache ln-.1 enemy activity 12 miles south· very agile they develop the west of Kon tum city. Captain physical skills more quickly By SP4 Gerald E. Ducharme one consisting of 50 positions, located only a few Louis R. Sustersic of Cincinnati, than the average boy back OASIS - Companies of the Famous Fighting miles north of their first find. Ohio, company commander of home. And yet, they are just like 4th Division's 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry found The enemy structures, which could house the Famous Fighting 4th Divi­ the kids back home when It two bunker complexes and one ton of rice in re­ three to four men, all had a foot of overhead sian unit, immediately called comes to having fun ." cent action seven miles north of the Oasis. cover, and were well camouflaged by thick under­ artillery in on the NVA soldiers, Company C uncovered a bunker complex which brush and bamboo. causing their retreat. The Montagnard boys are not " It looked as though the complex was well the only ones learning. The boys consisted of five structures with two to three feet of overhead cover. Connecting the bunkers, which used at one time, but the bunkers were now be­ The Regulars found a deserted reciprocate in kind for the coming dilapidated from the recent monsoons," enemy campsite which contained American games by showing were able to hold four to five men, were four freshly built tunnels. said Private First Class William J . O'Meara, of 16 rucksacks the enemy had some of their pastimes to the · One of the most interesting features of the Boston. scattered, about in their haste. soldiers. complex was a bathing point that had a reinforced Company D of the Cacti Green, in an operation The rucksacks contained 100 The Montagnard children are stairway leading to the enemy bun)

list Evac Hospital Bolsters Defenses I By PFC Dan Weaver ron, Pa., commanding officer of is located on the outskirts of material." flares, mines and dug supple­ HIGHLANDER HE IGHTS the evacuation hospital. It was Pleiku City and aids men of the Following sessions in the mentary fighting positions be­ What can ihe medical corpsmen carried out by_infantrymen from 4th Division and other units op­ classroom and on the firing tween b1,mker towers before the from the 71st Evacuation Hospi­ the 4th Division's 2nd Platoon, erating in the Central High­ range, the medics toured their ·Panthers completed their 10-day tal do to protect their patients Company C, 2nd Battalion lands. This objective was ac­ bunker line. course of instruction. from an enemy ground attack? (Mechanized), 8th Infantry. complished throug_h classroom " We showed them where ene­ "Our people will incorporate Until recently the answer was "Before we could make effec­ discussion and field demonstra­ my sappers might breach the everything the platoon sug­ not much. But thanks to the tive improvements we needed tion, directed by platoon leader per i m e .t er, and what pre­ gested as quickly as possible," foresight of a commanding offi­ professional advice," said Colo­ Second Lieutenant Ron Ries of ventative measures could be remarked Colonel Bellas. "We cer and the innovations of an ex­ nel Bellas. "We got it from an Atkinson, Nebr. taken to repel them," said Lieu­ have always offered our patients perienced inrantry platoon, hos­ excellent and very cooperative "The classes consisted of in­ tenant Ries. Suggestions in­ an outstanding medical facil­ pital defense is now more than group of soldiers from the 2nd struction in weaponry, bunker cluded the addition of Claymore ity," he said, "and now we can adequate. Batalion, 8th Infantry.'' line improvements and sapper mines and trip flares in strate­ in c 1 u de sound security and The idea to strengthen the per­ The platoon's primary objec­ activities," remarked Lieuten­ gic positions, and the blocking of strong defense to our services.' '. imeter defense and reaction tive centered on the prevention ant Ries. "The classes were led a large drainage ditch with " We want the men in the field capability was conceived by of enemy success in a ground at­ by platoon members who did an strands of concertina wire. to know we can protect as well ~ - Colonel Joseph Bellas, of Sha- tack against the hospital, which excellent job of presenting the The medics set additional trip as heal," said Colonel Bellas. R.angers Enemy Equipment..;.. -- Check Functional Simplicity By PFC Philip Kenny . OASIS - A North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldier traveling down an infiltration route into South Vietnam must carry what will Enemy probably be his only equipment issue for many months. With limited resupply his gear must be simple, and rugged, and when the jungle takes its toll in wear and tear, he must improvise to (Continued From Page 1) remain combat ready. Broadville, Ill., and PFC Dennis As a result a North Vietnamese Army· soldier's equipment is swept the area of the hill across lightweight and reflects complete simplicity of design. from their location to assess the Beginning with the uniform the well dressed NVA soldier wears either a green fatigue 'outfit or. a tan khaki uniform and a results of the artillery bJ!rrage. • pair of sandals. made or tire tread. Jle carries a canvas rucksack, The hill's crest contained sev­ an AK47 ar SKS rifle and web eral enemy bunkers that had gear with a canteen. been hit by the accurate artil­ - Inside the rucksack he will lery. pack such items as a hammock, Munitions an aluminium cooking kit, a Suddenly, Specialisl Smock poncho and ammunition. Addi­ saw an NYA running from one ttional equipment may include a bunker to another. protective mask, a comb, an oil flask for his weapon, and per- "Artillery," he said, "was Factory sonal belongings. , called in once again as we took The NV A soldier's cooking cover. we had no idea how utensils consist' of a small cov--­ m~ny · NVA were around us. Ar­ erecl aluminium pot and one or D·is.co,vered two aluminium spoons. There is ter the artillery ceased, we OASIS - What apparently was also a porcelain dish and chop checked out the bunkers. There sticks. His food consists mainly were signs which made us figure a Viet Cong (VC) jungle muni­ of rice which he takes from 1jce that there was at least an enemy tions factory was unc9vered by fields. squad in the area." Company D, 1st Battalioq, 14th For a poncho, a thin sheet of Infantry while on a reconnais­ plastic is used. The rucksack in The two Rangers blew the re- • sance mission 11 miles south which he carries all of this gear maining bunkers and returned has no frame such as !he Ameri­ of Camp Enari. 10 Bunker Hill where, on their can pack and is made entirely of third night, they saw enemy The men of Company D walk­ canvas. ed up to a small hootch which movement on the same artillery Even when it comes to anunu· was set beside an excavation nition the NVA travels light. He scarred hill. four . feet deep. Upon examining seldom carries more than two or "We spotted movement to our SHE 'S GOT All THE E'QUIPMENT - Recreation is part of the inside or the hootch they three magazi11es of ammunition southwest," explained Specialist everyone's daily activity and some good healthy exercise found small metal and wood for Ws weapon which may ex­ Smock. "I could pick out one keeps every 4th Division soldier sharp in both mind and containers, 15 pieces of lead plain his reluctance to stand and stock 15 inches long, two dies NVA and we could hear one of body. Miss Sylvia Delpral, a 19-year-old Aussie, is going fight if taken by surprise. the enemy say, 'GI make bad and wax. The dies and wax are After long periods of time mistake.'" fishing. We have lo wonder what she is going to use for believed to have been used in bait? fighting disease, terrain and cli­ Suddenly Specialist Smock molding bullets. mate, not to mention South Viet­ heard a thud to his right. namese, American and allied "Everybody hit it!" Healthy Recreation forces, much of an NVA sol­ A satchel charge exploded in dier's equipment will be either their position then five more lost or worn out. Since resupply went off in quick succession. is orten impossible the NVA Heavy small arms fire was ex­ must make do with what is -changed and more artillery was Sports Accent Daily Activity available. called in, followed quickly by a By SP4 Gerald E. Ducharme talion, 35th Infantry arrive on are -fast becoming a daily occur- For example, one NV A soldier gunship which raked the hill­ OASIS - Three hots and a col. t h e b a l l a I i o n ' s LZ Gypsy, ence. .. who was killed recently by a 4th side. The enemy fled, leavi11g That's what an infantryman of planned recreation and educa­ Classes on small weapons and Division unit was found to be b e hi n d several unexploded the Famous Fighting Fourth Di­ tion are also part of the day's explosives are also given during carrying a sand bag in place of satchel' charges. vision expects when his com­ activities. the day, mosUy by a platoon ser­ a rucksack. l't1an.y NVA soldiers "We also found footprints on pany arrives on a forward land­ Volleyball, basketball and geant or squad leader who can have do1med the clothing of local our southwest side," concluded ing zone (LZ) for a few days of horseshoe equipment has been be certain that every man in his citizens, having lost or worn out PFC Dennis, "that ran into the relief from the field. set up at the Cacti Green's LZ element knows how to safely their own clothes. Pith helmets valley below us." Now, when men of the 1st Bat- and contests between platoons handle weapons. are standard issue and are often "Sarety in the field cannot be replaced with woven straw or stressed enough," commented bamboo hats. .-----....,Vietnamese Language Lesson------· Sergeant Kenneth Danford of Perhaps this rugged hand-to­ Waco, Texas. "The only time we mouth existence, contrasting can talk about safety at length is with the comforts and equip­ Understand Your Neighbors when we are free to talk and all ment he sees in the South Viet­ together, which is only when we namese and American camps, ENGLISH PRONUN CIA TION VIETNAMESE are on an LZ." accounts to a large degree for Duwng laai. , Duwng sho. Dung Lai. Dung so. Through the aid of Special th e success·of !he Chieu Hai pro­ Halt. Don't be afraid. Services at Camp Enari, movies gram. Mok ngioy trawng sho kaak Mot nguoi trong so cac ong One of you come closer for awng den hon de noy are being flown to the LZ and The NVA, however, should not den' gan hon de noi chuyen. shown nightly to the , combat . be underestimated. They have a talk. chwiang. troops who are temporarily sta­ shown the capability to utilize Sit down. Ngoy suang. Ngoi xuong. tioned at Gypsy, an event which what equipment they have effec· Smoke if you wish. Awng duak Ep huk thuak. _Ong duoc phep hut thuoc. is rather rare in forward field lively and should be respected Relax. Awng duak ngee. Ong duoc nghi. areas of the Central Highlands. ror this ability.