Charley Don't Surf-

[KILLADEUCE]

-Con'td from above-

We mustered about 50 feet from a lone makeshift helicopter pad. The red clay of the area was plowed down and then built up to form a plateu-like lip that was reinforced with steel grating that the combat engineers flew in from Tang son Nhut. Romain had not yet arrived at this point so we all used the time to chat, smoke and relax. LRRP teams are considerably smaller than most platoons, usually formed into 4 man or 6 man squads called "Sticks" My squad was a 4 man team composed of PFC Summers, CPL Stevens, Myself and Romain.

Me and Romain held the highest ranks in the stick do to our Training. Steven's Was the Radio Operator, a young youth from Minnesota with an accent that defintely gave away his birthplace. Summers was sipping from his canteen. I could already see black and blue marks on his elbows where he rolled up his sleaves, I looked away and kinda chuckled...
"Any word on what the hell is going on?" i asked to Stevens, pondering our current situation. Stevens looked up from checking his radio , "Not that a know of, Romain kinda came out of nowhere with this one... I thought we had the fucking day off." I nodded in agreement, nothing is worse than going back into the bush with a hangover.

Before i had time to retort, Romain moved up on us. "Alright Gentleman, here is the Situation report. Word from intel says there is a brigade sized unit with what apears to be North Vietnamese regulars. Also confirmed may be the presence of chinese advisors." He paused a moment to let it sink in... "Chinese advisors?!" i thought to myself almost shocked. Diplomatically speaking this could be cause for concern. If Officially recognized as helping the North Vietnamese, China could seriously break a number of politcal ties in Washington. It was already well known that the Russian's were helping out the North, but nothing as of yet could be proven. As to the the mission it didn't take much to put 2 and 2 together.

After his pause, Romain continued "We are going to be flown about 2 clicks behind where intel confirmed this troop movement. From there we are to observe and report any enemy positions, troop sizes and types of weapons, etc. As usual we are not to engage unless absolutely necassary. If anyone gets lost, follow this vector back to the firebase" He said showing us the topographical map he had broken out. I shuddered at the thought. After folding up the map and putting it back into his breast pocket, Romain returned to the briefing. "I want all gear that could rattle or make noise taped down. Last thing i need is to be compromised by some Fucking mistake." We all grunted in agreement to that one, when going into battle it is absolutely essential to check and double check all equipment. Men have been killed for something as simple as a broken shoe lace, and I would be damned if i would go out like that.

"Chopper should be coming any minute, use this time to check gear and get one last cig, there wont be any smoking out in the bush!" Romain finshed, he really didnt need to say much more. We all knew what was expected of us, and he had already decided on the mission particulars. It was his show and we would follow him into hell if we had to. I used this time to tape down most my gear, paying special attention to my webbing and the O-rings on the pins of my grenades. Once i was satisfied that was completed, i double checked my canteen was full (Half full canteens swish around making an enormous amount of noise) and stretched. I knew this would be the last bit of rest i would get for at least 24 hours so i tried to make the best of it.

Then, as if almost on cue a Bell UH1 helicopter bearing a First Cavalry isignia on its nose came swooping in low and fast. The force of the rotor blades nearly blew me off of my feet. I stood my ground however and squinted as dust and other debris swirled in seemingly all directions at once. It finally gently landed in front of us, and idled, allowing us to get close enough to board. With one big leap i hopped into the door, and sat down on one of the canvas seats. I took my rifle and cradled it my lap, checking for any dirt and grime. Now was the time. Everyone boarded in what seemed like mere seconds, and Just as Romain entered and sat down the Helicopter Revved engines and took off. The force of the lift of planted my ass firmly in the fragile seat.

With one hand on my helmet and the other on the rifle in my lap, i could'nt help but feel the adrenaline and fear of men about to head into the unknown... I looked over at Summers and Stevens. They both were in various forms of deep thought, contemplating numerous scenarious as to what would happen over the next 24 hours. I glanced at Romain, he had a block of wood and pocket knife out carving away, humming some unkown tune. I couldnt beleive how cool-headed he was in this situation, i could barely compose myslef and this guy was humming a fucking song! Romain caught my look and smiled back. I suddenly felt almost safe... If anyone was gonna make it through this war it would be him, I made a mental note to keep as close to him as possible. I shifted gaze out the open bay-door and watched the trees and jungle canopy below. The droning of the engines almost hypnotic. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, I thought to myself , "Once again into the breach"

To be Continued-