1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Randy Cox Page 6

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Randy Cox

Page 6

Excerpts from letters with associated memories

C/1/22

March 23, 1970

On March 22 I got to my new unit C/1/22 which should be operating in the same area as D/1/8 and we got word about a post office strike in the US and that mail delivery to and from the states would not be dependable.

March 24, 1970

Several of us have been missing formations to stay off details. Naturally, I am concerned about working with the new company and personnel. From Glenda’s letters, she has been spending a fair amount of time with my sister and brother-in-law playing cards and visiting with them.

March 25, 1970

On the 24th they rushed us to the helicopter pad to join our new company in the field. I am pleased with my new group, and they work like what I was accustomed to while at D/1/8, but they appear to be a little more experienced. Our Platoon is called SIDEWINDER and we think we are the best company in the unit and naturally the best platoon in the company. They are saying next month we will be going to An Khe to pull bunker duty.

March 29, 1970

Today is Easter Sunday and we are on an ambush and I am pulling 30 minutes guard duty out of every 2 ½ hours. I am getting to know the guys and there is one from Wedowee, Alabama, Sgt Whatley.

March 30, 1970

Today, while I am set up on my air mattresses, I made a mixture of C Rations-peaches and pound cake. Last night, Easter, I was on ambush and decided it was time to open a can of chicken and dumplings which you had sent me 3 weeks prior. I made a little hot cocoa and invited the guys to come up for a sample of the chicken and dumplings. Everyone, 6 of us, got 3 or 4 bites out of it.

April 3, 1970

We are on a two-day ambush then it is back to the fire base for 5-10 days. I got a package from you with tea and lemon aid plus a surprise of Jiffy popcorn which we were able to pop with the heat tabs. I was asking if my wife got the necklace, I had sent home.

Reprint: Attacks on Camp Radcliff 1970

April 6, 1970 Nighttime Sapper-attack (infiltrators). 17 aircraft damaged/destroyed. No casualties.
(from Headquarters MACV, Monthly Summary, January 1970)

Often, the Vietnamese we hired to work on base would be Viet Cong which would attack us at night. Which makes sense because they would have knowledge of equipment and supply locations. At night sappers would slowly inch their selves forward crawling over wire and evading detection to breach our perimeter. In the book “12 Days in May” they mention they would get carbon paper to wipe their bodies to dull their shine and blend in with the darkness.

April 8, 1970

We humped about 5 miles to the firebase. At the firebase, we got mail, hot meals, soda, and beer. I am going to try to get my R & R in June. For the past couple of days, I have been getting antibiotic shots, four within the past 18 hours. I just got word we are going to An Khe for bunker duty. The firebase is like being on an Alabama mountain, Double Oak near Birmingham, or Horn Mountain south of Sylacauga. Our current firebase is high up giving us an opportunity to look down on the valley which is strategically located for artillery.

Above: Excerpt from the Daily Staff Journal of 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry for April 8, 1970,
indicating that Company C is on duty at at the Battalion Firebase (LZ Terrace), performing
FSB Security (Fire Support Base Security).

April 10, 1970

I have a bad cold and a small sunburn. I mentioned the paper I am writing on is dirty because of the choppers coming and going stirring up the dust. Today, they brought out ice. We put plastic in the bottom of a wood box to make a cooler. Then we filled our canteens with water and adding a tea mix. Now, we can have ICED TEA which is a treat. Two hot meals a day and in that afternoon, we got ice cream.

April 13, 1970

In the last couple of days they had us tear down a bunker and rebuilt it. It was work details to keep us busy. Yesterday, a flying PX arrived with different items for sale. I was able to buy a transistor radio. Tomorrow, we are supposed to go back into the field. My wife informed me she had decided against renting a trailer when I come home and will start looking for an apartment.

April 14, 1970. My company moved out, but I had to remain because of the boil and possible infection. Meaning, I had to remain in the medical bunker for app four more days. The weather looks like rain and it is just before the rainy season.

Reprint: Attacks on Camp Radcliff 1970

April 14, 1970 Mortar-attack, 82 mm, less than 15 rounds. No casualties or damage.
(from Headquarters MACV, Monthly Summary, January 1970)

April 15, 1970

Yesterday, I got one of the calendars with the word “HOME” broken into segments for each day in a year. You color one per day you have in country and it shows daily how many days are left. Today was 198 days remaining in country. On the radio I heard President Nixon was to start the next pull out in Viet Nam.

April 17, 1970

Everyone went to a new firebase but I went to AnKhe because of a boil on my butt. While there I was assigned to small details, and I expect to return to my platoon soon.

Short timer's calendar

Photo by Randy Cox

Short timer's calendar

Photo by Randy Cox

April 18, 1970

I have been out of the field 4 days and expect to be here an additional 3 days. Last night I was able to go to a movie. In my letter I was asking about Glenda’s brother Terry, and his return from being in the Navy.

April 19, 1970

I have a catch in my knee, and they want it x-rayed. I wonder why I had this catch: jumping out of helicopters, hiking with 50-100-pound packs on my back, jumping when necessary and falling on occasions. Nothing was wrong but it did give me the opportunity to see several friends from D/1/8. Several of us went to an outside movie. I probably go back in the field tomorrow.

April 20, 1970

X-ray’s came back, and everything is OK. I am supposed to go back in the field in the morning. My detail today was to move sandbags to a truck and stack them around a box.

April 21, 1970

Today, we are to go on a 3-day patrol out of this base camp. While I was here, I got to eat 3 hot meals a day and within a week I should be back in the field with my battalion.

April 22, 1970

Today, we started a 3-day patrol. We were to hump 1500 meters outside the perimeter then hump 3000 meters to our night location, but the person in charge had us patrol to our destination waiting on our pickup on at the end of 3 days. There is a lieutenant who has overseen my detail asked about my name and time in country. It seems my work habits made an impression, and it appears he might try to get me stationed on the base camp but because I only had 5 months in country, they were looking for someone with more time. For this patrol, I was the M-60 Machine gunner. I think this is the time I mention later about an ARVN convoy being attacked and our seeing the NVA on the hillside. More details later on.

April 23, 1970

We packed up and moved 300 yards. It was HOT and I was able to sit up using my poncho liner for shade as I wrote a letter and relaxed in the field.

April 24, 1970

I got off patrol, received mail and mailed information concerning R & R on the island of OAHU. I have been away from my company for 18 days and in base camp 7 days. I underlined a couple of hotels which had a price of 18-23 Dollars.

April 26, 1970

Yesterday, I made it to the firebase, and I am waiting to be choppered to my company. When I arrived, there was a chopper going out, but it was 3 in the afternoon and I cannot believe it, but they asked if I wanted to go. My reply-NO.

May 2, 1970

I got into the field and was assigned to lead a squad for a nighttime ambush. I put in for R&R in June but based upon time in country it appears I might not get it so for now it is undetermined

May 4, 1970

We are going in for a stand down. It is nice to go in and see old friends but for now we must deal with small ambushes around Ankhe.

May 4, 1970

Tomorrow we go to our new field of operation. Just got word I did not get my R&R in June. Now I am trying for July. Requested Glenda to get both parents a Mother’s Day present and one for herself.

May 6, 1970

I got word we are going into Cambodia. Last night we were transported to an Air Force base close to Pleiku. It was unbelievable they had nice places to sleep, good food, a swimming pool, post office, and individual mailboxes, flush toilets, and hot water. I am thinking I should have joined the Air Force but that would have meant 2-4 more years in the military after my return from Viet Nam. I got a picture from Glenda showing her with Partial blond hair (frosted) and I did like the way she had it fixed.

Photo by Randy Cox

(Website Ed., The river in the above photo is not the Mekong. It is most likely the Se San River.)

May 9, 1970

I Joked my wife that I was wishing I were in Viet Nam!! Cambodia is hot and DRY. I was saying that in the past two days I have consumed over 9 quarts of water. I remember filling my canteen with rusty red water, dropping in purification tablets, shaking, and waiting for an hour before drinking. For the present we are assigned to the 2nd Brigade. We are to get resupplied tomorrow.

May 11, 1970

We have been humping a lot. It seems that within 5 minutes of humping my shirt is soaking wet and sweat is dropping off my head. They are saying we are going back to Nam anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

May 15, 1970

On the 14th we returned to Viet Nam, An Khe. The feeling was it was a bad place for the 8 days we were there, but we did not see much action. Discussed my cut and scratches and a few scars being caused by infections.

Reprint: Attacks on Camp Radcliff 1970
May 11, 1970 Mortar-attack, 82mm 18 rounds, no specifics about damage.

(from Headquarters MACV, Monthly Summary, January 1970)

May 15, 1970

It is the start of Monsoon. Only 169 days left in country. For the next couple of days, we will have training on our weapons.

May 16, 1970

We started the training and during our spare time I was able to read what has happened in Cambodia.

May 16, 1970

Classes were cancelled, giving us time to set around write letters, played cards, etc. I was a winner in one poker game to the tune of app $100-$150. Which will come in handy since R&R is only 55 days away. I went to the service club for writing paper and after returning they turned the lights off to show a movie. On returning to our tent my mates asked if I had anything to eat before breaking out the popcorn. I got a care package from home which included a spoiled, green and growing banana nut cake caused by the heat and humidity. At the service club last night, I got another short timers’ calendar.

Reprint: Attacks on Camp Radcliff 1970

May 16, 1970 Mortar-attach 82 mm 8 rounds, no specifics about damage.
(from Headquarters MACV, Monthly Summary, January 1970)

May 17, 1970

This morning we were supposed to go to the firing range to fire our weapons, but I was able to get out of that training by walking around looking important. We were informed we might be going into the field around May 19. It is now 11:00 pm as I lay in a hammock listing to the radio and relaxing

May 18, 1970

Last night I was able to go to the club on base with some friends from D/1/8. After returning from the club, I opened a can of ham Glenda had sent me. Tomorrow, we are supposed to go back into the field.

May 20, 1970

Back in the field and the terrain is filled with many thorns. I had an air mattress but upgraded to a hammock. The main purpose for the air mattress is to cover the ground. Most of the time they are flat because of thorns and such. In addition, they make too much noise if inflated. I put in for R & R for July 10th. As I was laying in my hammock, I got quite a scare. There was a loud POP, and everyone started crawling and grabbing their weapon until we realized someone had gone outside the perimeter to go to the bathroom and set off a trip flare. It is a wonder that everyone did not open fire on him. Friendly fire kills you just as dead as hostile fire. Stupid things can get you killed. The following day we went on a long patrol through bushes which looked like a holly bush with all their thorns. It was especial bad on those up front which included me. As we set up for the day it all seemed worth it, I was able to set up my hammock and it appears we will be here a couple of days. We set guard and relaxed a little, grabbed a bit to eat and write a few letters as we are on ambush and the LP (guards) were in place. No one bothers us, we just keep quiet and pay attention to the surroundings. I wrote a letter requesting additional film for my camera, plastic bottles of sweetener and not to send any more instant soup since it is so hot, and water is sometimes scarce. Rumors have it that the division might be going home in August, but you will have to have 10 months in country to go with it. I was able to finish one of the books Glenda sent me and start another. We saw different types of lizards and four of the guys saw a lizard saying it was 3 to 5 feet long. An insect that I call a B-52. As we pull guard, you start to hear a large insect flying at you getting louder and louder then SPLAT it runs into you or the tree. It seems it is so large it cannot turn once it is in flight. Then it crawls around you or the tree and starts flying in its original direction. Same sound but going away from you. Next, there is a lizard yelling “F___ You”. When I first came into country, I was on an ambush when one scared the heck out of me, and my thoughts were what kind of people are these that yell “F___ You” in the middle of the night in the jungle while you are on ambush. (pull it up on YouTube I you would like to hear it).

May 24, 1970

It has been raining lately, and I and others have been able to fill our canteens. I carry 9 quarts, 18+ pounds. At the same time, I filled my steel pot with water and washed the sweat out my shirt and clothes. I tried to write but after arriving at the designated spot, setting up and putting out ambushes it was too dark. On one occasion, it was rainy and dark to such an extent I could not see my hand 6 inches from my hand.

May 24, 1970

Ron (doc) Sorrento arrived in-country

Reprint: Attacks on Camp Radcliff 1970

May ??, 1970 2 sapper attacks “during this period” Vehicles and buildings damaged.
(from Headquarters MACV, Monthly Summary, January 1970)

May 27, 1970

This morning, we are on ambush. At 6:00 am we got a call to get up at 6:30 am. A couple of us got up and at 7:00 several were still laying down.

May 28, 1970

I got a letter from you chewing me out because I had sent you a letter meant for Dan, who served in the Korean War, in which I got into a few details of what we were actual doing and a few events. I had to explain it was not as bad as you might believe but we are in some fighting. In three days, we are to go into the base camp for a week. Glenda had requested I inform her of more events. Last night we were on ambush and fixed our Fox Holes, 6” deep, too many roots, rocks, etc. This morning we hear shooting about 1000 meters away, a result of a helicopter seeing about 10 DINKS. Because of that report, we made our holes 12” deep. Our main battle is with the flies-millions. One of the guys is going to get married when he goes back to the world and he was getting our address to send invitations. I was writing about attending the wedding in NEW YORK then come back through Myrtle Beach. Glenda mentioned she went to Wind Creek. Currently, I am in my hammock looking at my pictures of Glenda in her bathing suit and in the white dress with brown trim.

May 30, 1970

I found a few French coins while we were checking out some huts. I will look back on this year with many fond memories, but I do not want to do it again. Today, we are to stay on ambush and tomorrow we are to be picked up for a trip to An Khe. Glenda has changed jobs and I have a little concern if she will be able to keep the job and still come to meet me in Hawaii.

John Bryce Arrived in country May 31, 1970. He later became one of our M-60 Machine Gunners.

June 1, 1970

Today, we are in An Khe pulling 6 hours of guard duty at night in addition to the details we pull all day. I was able to clean up today for the first time in two weeks. We are to pull guard duty at the helicopter pad starting at 10:00 pm but as we worked our way there a 7:00 pm we heard a band. I talked to a couple of guys about R & R and they said the REEF in Hawaii was a nice place and we should plan on having between $800 and $1300 for the week.

June 3-4, 1970

Glenda talking about her job and how nice everyone seems. I had just got off guard duty and was tired. As I was returning to my hut, I ran into an old friend currently in the K-75 ranger unit and then another. It was good to talk to old buddies.

June 5, 1970

Today, I came in from guard duty grabbed a pail of water for the second shower in three weeks which is a record because most of the time it is about one shower per month. I'm still waiting on my orders for R & R. When they come down, I will get a copy and the company clerk is to mail you a copy. He suggested we make hotel reservations at the “Reef” from what others are saying it is nice and the rate is between $18-$25. Others are saying there should not be a problem getting a room because there are so many hotels in the area. I was asking Glenda to bring $800 with her and I will have $500 which should be more than enough for our trip. The airplane trip should be about 8-hours from Vietnam will hold over 200 soldiers. This means there will be app. 200 wife’s /girlfriends looking for their loved ones. I question how we will see each other especially since it has been over 8 months since we have been together. (Glenda found me, Hit me like a freight truck with a large hug around my neck. Boy, did it feel good.)

Photo by Randy Cox

Moments after a rainstorm

Randy Cox

Photo by Randy Cox

June 6, 1970

It is a pretty day, so I grabbed my pen and paper and moved outside to write this letter. Earlier, I bought three cans of sardines, couple of cans of soup, Chile con Carne and Beef Hash at the PX before laying down for a nap. Upon waking up I walked around while waiting for mail call. Last night, I had to set up guard duty around the helicopters and upon completion I was off to the club. To my surprise, they had a Philippine band and it was nice to relax and listen to music.

June 8, 1970

We were supposed fly out yesterday but because of the weather we sat on the helicopter pad from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. At that point we were dismissed and told to return to the barrack. Then, they brought in soda, beer, mail, and hot chow. Later we went on guard duty at the helicopter pad. I was on duty from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am. At this point we were not supposed to leave the area, but we did. We found the Club which had a band. We sat around socialized and listened to a live band until 9:30 pm then relieved the others on guard duty. After my tour, I went to sleep app 1:15 am only to be woken up at 3:30 am for duty again from 4:00 am to 6:00 am. I was exhausted but it was nice to experience normal events. Today, because of the events of yesterday sitting on the helicopter pad my back is sunburn and I am feeling the effects.

June 11, 1970

On the 10th we came to a firebase and had to rebuild bunkers. For the present, I am the platoon sergeant primarily because I have more time at grade than any other E-5. This was because the lieutenant was out of the field and the Platoon sergeant got elevated to leader and I was pulled along. Today, our duty was putting out barb wire when we were not running for cover between the rainstorms.

June 22, 1970

Have not been able to write as much because of being platoon sergeant, it takes more time. Just got word my R & R is on July 17th.

June 24, 1970

Now, I have 19 days to R & R, and I am excited. I should be leaving the field around July 13, your birthday, and with payday and what I currently have I should have $500.00 plus what you bring. I have been thinking about relaxing and sleeping. Yesterday, I got 5 letters, two from my wife, one from mother, Wayne, and Helen plus a package which I cannot take with me in the field and I had to send it back. That evening, I am in my hammock with a poncho over me like a tent trying to stay dry as the sky darkens. It was explained to me the mail will be delayed because of the strike in the states.

June 28, 1970

We were not supplied yesterday, and now, I am down to two meals. I am thinking about exercise and trying to stay trim by doing something besides humping. Lately, the days have been exceptionally nice.

June 30, 1970

Today, we set up around 2:00 pm. This allows time to relax and write a few letters but weather changes rapidily and starts to rain shortly after we set up. I am in my hammock with a poncho set up like a tent over me. This means the water runs down the strings from both ends and the center stays dry. Yesterday, I did a little work on my lips. While walking down the trail I got tangled in briars we call “bear claws or come back vines”. It is big brier which is thick at the vine and when turned upside down it looks like a claw. I got one on the face and one on the lip which left a scar. I told the medic he needed to do a good job because I had a date in a few days with my wife while on R & R.

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