Comments:
I served as 1st Inf Div FWD CP OIC on major opns in 67-68.
On one Col Patton asked, since I was up in an OH6 in the NE Michelin area, if I thought I could get into a small open area near the very NE corner where he had a single tank engaged with VC that he, and everybody, had lost contact with.
I wasn't far away, flew over, saw the tank and the Lt busy,and his nearest help was also engaged about a half mile away to the East. Patton said, "He couldn't get infantry help to the Lt for at least another 2 hours, so would I try to get down there and tell him that Patton said to get his * * * out of there right now, before they nailed him with an RPG. He was about 50 yds from the jungle edge in the rubber trees. Since I had lots of infantry ground combat experience, I said sure. So my pilot dropped me on the edge of the area about 100 yds behind the tank and took off to circle until I returned. I made it to the tank and there was absolutely no infantry or other elements anywhere. Rear phone was squashed, so I climbed up and got around the turret to where the Lt saw me and then.... (that's another story) ...after which,I gave him the message, and after a couple of minutes, I left the tank and worked my way back to the open spot. Pilot picked me up. I told Patton what happened. Next day I learned the tank was hit later by an RPG and crew killed.
Does anyone know who the Lt was, unit, and crew? He was a tall fellow. Did they get any combat awards for heroism? If not, I sure would like to write the Lt and his crew up for at least a Silver Star. Brave, but dumb they were. I only had a pistol. If I had a rifle, I would have stayed; am a damned good shot.
Joe Shea, Colonel, RA, Inf Ret
I served as 1st Inf Div FWD CP OIC on major opns in 67-68.
On one Col Patton asked, since I was up in an OH6 in the NE Michelin area, if I thought I could get into a small open area near the very NE corner where he had a single tank engaged with VC that he, and everybody, had lost contact with.
I wasn't far away, flew over, saw the tank and the Lt busy,and his nearest help was also engaged about a half mile away to the East. Patton said, "He couldn't get infantry help to the Lt for at least another 2 hours, so would I try to get down there and tell him that Patton said to get his * * * out of there right now, before they nailed him with an RPG. He was about 50 yds from the jungle edge in the rubber trees. Since I had lots of infantry ground combat experience, I said sure. So my pilot dropped me on the edge of the area about 100 yds behind the tank and took off to circle until I returned. I made it to the tank and there was absolutely no infantry or other elements anywhere. Rear phone was squashed, so I climbed up and got around the turret to where the Lt saw me and then.... (that's another story) ...after which,I gave him the message, and after a couple of minutes, I left the tank and worked my way back to the open spot. Pilot picked me up. I told Patton what happened. Next day I learned the tank was hit later by an RPG and crew killed.
Does anyone know who the Lt was, unit, and crew? He was a tall fellow. Did they get any combat awards for heroism? If not, I sure would like to write the Lt and his crew up for at least a Silver Star. Brave, but dumb they were. I only had a pistol. If I had a rifle, I would have stayed; am a damned good shot.
Joe Shea, Colonel, RA, Inf Ret
Added: June 20, 2012
Name: Dave Torok
From: Springfield, OH
E-mail: Contact
Fellow veteran (Desert Storm) who just finished reading Black-Horse Riders by Philip Keith. Impossible to put down once I began reading. American grit and determination at its best. As an Air Force veteran I am humbled by such courage and sacrifice.