After R&R following the US forces’ recapture of the ammo dump, I was informed that I was temporarily reassigned from the 1st Ranger squad to the 2nd Ranger squad to assist in the defense of the ammo dump. Sgt. Rick Weiner ordered me to stay at the dump and defend it at all costs. Talk about boring! As the battle raged in the distance, I spent my time harassing a bothersome villager shouting, "G.I. you #1" as he stopped and took pictures suspiciously close to the ammo dump (Dave Dollarhide). "Boy, did I get the good duty!" I thought to myself. "All that training so I can defend a stupid tent at the rear!"
Suddenly, another Ranger and I are taking extremely heavy fire from the grove of trees behind the ammo dump! Three VC had worked their way around our lines and now I was at the front! (Typical Vietnam - What front?) Using the ammo dump for cover (now, there’s a concept to ponder), I was able to return fire and ascertain their location. The mortar team was within shouting distance and also enjoyed the cover of the ammo dump. After the mortar team turned the mortar 120 degrees, I served as the forward observer and directed fire into the VC position. The first shot was dead on and I screamed. 'Fire for effect!' By the second shot the mortar team scored a direct hit on one of the VC!
Then it became very quiet. It seemed the rest of the VC squad had retreated due to the heavy, and accurate mortar fire. I remarked to Sgt. Weiner that it didn’t make sense that the other VC just left and that I felt in my gut that the VC were still there and waiting to attack.
The Sarge yelled, "I need a rifleman!" and I raised my hand. He looked at me and said, "I need a brave rifleman." I found myself still holding my hand up knowing he needed someone to flush out the possible hiding VC. Moments later I left the cover of the ammo dump rapidly walking in the open toward the grove of trees with my M16 pressed against my cheek.
Suddenly, I see the two VC! But wait! One of them shot the other just before he shot me! The second VC was Ranger sniper Keith Nelson, who upon returning from the aid station noticed the VC taking position and circled around behind them under concealment. Pvt. Nelson saved my life, but I got confused and almost shot him! "Where is the second VC!?" The answer to my question came as a hail of automatic weapon fire, which seriously wounded me. As I lay screaming for a medic, I heard Pvt Nelson take out my attacker.
-John L
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