Embarassing Lt. Story:

I decided to Helo out for some action. I had been trapped at Firebase Charlie most of the day (actually most of the weekend. The VC were sneaky, persistent and agressive. Great job!)so I wanted to get to a new part of the field. I decided to get in the brush near Alpha, and comandeered a chopper for that purpose. Myself and a mixed team of marines and Rangers went out, and just went past the base 50 yards or so when the VC had a fantastic and crazed one man charge that nearly took the base (good one, Mark Olivera). I was so shocked I instantly started back to reinforce the base, letting go of the rope as I did. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! (Thud) (Bleed) End of Lt Walrath's skydive to glory.

Lt Nathan Walrath

Another good Firebase Charlie moment:

Much was made of the ranger/marine rush of Charlie base at the end of the game sunday, and deservedly so (It was glorious), but what made that necessary was the VC rush that TOOK the base before. I was in the base when the VC began the operation that took it. A group of VC was loitering at the fence near charlie, so we had to keep an eye on that. They started a charge. In fact, TWO charges that began to thin us out.

It took our attention, then a bunch from the brush towards Bravo started to light us up. Then more from the north treeline, and the fence... I got shot up real fast, lit up heavily by direct and richochet fire. It was a great push on the base that took it. I saw a couple of the guys charging got frustrated, but they should know that it made the whole takeover possible by hitting us from both sides. Very effective and impressive coordinated attack.

Lt Nathan "Swiss Cheese" Walrath

VC #1 we tell you that all weekend.

Firebases, hmm I got left a firebase first thing saturday morning. It was me and (Roger)the motor man.

I held that base for the 2 1/2 hours after we took it. I only had to kill on GI. But then I thought the GI's knew better than to come after me. :-)

-John M

As a soldier of the peoples army, I too witnessed the firebase changing control from one side to the other.

We came in from the direction of Bravo and entered the large thicket closest to the crossroads. From the treeline, we would have a clear shot on the base.

Fire from US Forces took down many VC but we finally got enough into position to form an attack. Just then, fire erupted as Americans were still in the bushes right in front of us!

I took a wound and my comrade, Alex, returned fire to eliminate the American. Our attack was foiled for the moment as we did not know whether or not there were still more Americans waiting so close...

I returned from the First Aid Station ready to take them on once again. The situation was the same and I pressed forward through the bushes to reach the outer treeline only 30' away. From there, we could rain down fire on the base.

Moving forward, I was only 15' from the treeline when a sniper in full ghillie suit popped up with a pistol at extremely close range! I instinctively reacted by pulling the trigger as I heard a shot whiz only inches from my head! This was followed by my yelling 'SURRENDER!' repeatedly as I felt one of the rounds hit.

Both in shock, we stood there for a moment staring at each other with a pistol in my face and an AK-47 shoved directly into the Americans. Suddenly, I hear 'SURRENDER!' as another Marine popped up right next to my victom!

'Good job!' was all I could say to the excellent play and great sportsmanship. The two had been working together as sniper and spotter and had kept my forces at bay while hidden in our own position. Wow!

With the last of the Americans gone, the VC moved up to the treeline and had a clear shot on the base at last. The Americans had been falling back in the process and our flanks were relatively clear.

Falling back to the First Aid Station once again, I can only relish in the stories from my comrades as they began to enjoy direct fire upon the base.

Having only a flesh wound, I returned eager for battle once again. I was pleased to see our most fearsome VC battlewagon approaching the base from the North. The RPG began to rain down fire upon the base as the VC moved up even closer...

A number of well placed RPG rounds leveled what was left of the base and most of the surrounding Americans as well. One American tried in vain to charge the convoy but a well placed RPG round landed within 10' and vaporized him before he could reach cover. The effect charged up both sides. The US reinforcements fought valiently but the VC continued to maintain momentum.

Then, the Vietcong deployed a huge smokescreen and their troops used the cover to reach the base itself. Hordes of black silouhettes swept though the thick swirls of white among the sounds of cannon fire, gunshots, and the screams of both charging forces -and dying men.

Our battlewagon neared the base and the troops using it for cover as well. Being one of them, I followed Mark as he charged Firebase Charlie and took cover behind it.

Now opposite to the American reinforcements, we looked up over the base just in time to see a huge charge begin towards us.

Screaming battlecries, a human wave of raving Marine and Ranger forces charged for the base across the wide open.

Mark and I opened up into the wall of green flesh coming towards us and it seemed our guns weren't shooting fast enough!

I remember seeing St Cin go down as I fanned my muzzle from left to right in a hail of full auto. They were screaming and dying but continued on towards us in a wild frenzy. This lasted only seconds while we cut the Americans down and I felt a hit on the top of my head from which I would not recover....

That moment was one of the finest airsoft events I have seen and will always be held as one of my favorite memories.

Hai Bong Fai
274th PLAF

First I would like to say What a great weekend. Even though we were only there Sat night & sunday. Again Dave has raised the bar. The sunday battle was just wonderful. And everything we always expect from a Combat Enterprises engagement. OOOO AWWW to Dave once Again. I think the moment that will stick in my head. And I might say inflated it a bit more. Like I need that LOL. I am in the bush in a fierce firefight with some VC across the way. BBs flying everywhere. RataTatTat and a guy comes in with some support. RataTat some more. We are firing away bbs going everywhere and he fires off a couple of bursts I fire off a couple of bursts in middle of all that he says Hey you were the singer in the band. It took me by suprise A couple more bursts from each of us I said hastly Yea. More bursts He says You guys kicked •••. More bursts, by this time I just didn't know how to respond. I was getting shot at All I could say was thanks man. Whoever you were? Thanks Again.

Thanks everyone for such a great welcome. I knew what to expect but the members of the band didn't And all of you were so cool & complementary to all of them. They were shocked & might I add very impressed with all of you. They send their thanks & I of course wish to thank you all again. You are all such great people. I am proud to call you friends. Great job Dave & the whole Combat Enterprise Crew Great Job.

D (STORM) HUFFMAN
Dave Storm & The Thunder Creek Band
3rd Marines 6th Squad
Rifleman

After action report dated 5/17/03 1830 hrs

Early indications this year led US Inteligence to suspect that the NLF 274th PLAF Reg had infiltrated the1st Bat. 3rd Marine Division's AO. Elements of F Company, 51st Inf (LRP) were asigned to assist in gathering intel and destroying the enemy's ability to launch any attacks in this area.

Early on in the operation an informant surfaced who had recently been humiliated by one of the 274th PLAF's Lieutenants. The "Peddler" as we refered to him informed intel that a high ranking member of the PLAF was on Monkey Bone Island awaiting escort ot the PLAF's HQ in 1st Bat's AO. Other information on the enemy's strength and disposition was inconclusive.

7th Squad Co F, 51st Inf (LRP) led by Sgt. "Blackjack" Broumand, a 3 tour veteran of fighting on Monkey Bone, was asked to locate and recover any documents carried by this high ranking individual known only as "Blackbeard". To assist in the mission, 1st Bat. Marine, 3rd Squad led by Sgt Sherman Gong, was linked with 7th Squad.

At 0900 hrs on the morning of 5/17/03 7th and 3rd Squads forded the Cung Pau River on foot at GS O/12. No activity on the island or the river indicated that the crossing had been observed. The progress of the two squads was slow going at first due to the thick growth on th East end of the island. In the area of GS O/9 the squads went on line 7th squad to the South and 3rd to the North, both proceeded West.

3rd squad reported slow going with no contact from GS O/12 to N/5. 7th squad made contact with a solo indig wood cutter at GS N/8. 7th sqaud point came out of hiding to contact the local who the earned the nickname "the Screemer". The indig was silenced, subdued and searched. No weapons were found but other items and clothing indicated that this individual was part of the VC force we were looking for. The local was released unharmed and fled rather quickly West. 7th continued West at a slow pace when we encountered a second indig at GS M/5. This rather large Vietnamese refused to stop and was later forced at gunpoint to the ground and searched. It became clear that the VC were monitoring our progress with these locals. Although this individual was armed 7th squad let him go but limited his direction to West only. As expected 7th sqaud came in contact with an unknown size VC force (GS L/4) killing one shortly there-after. 7th squad broke contact and linked up with 3rd squad on the North side of the island.

Shortly after linking up a member of 7th squad located a fixed gun position on the island at GS K/4. With 7th flanking right and 3rd left both elements made contact right away. Progress was good until 3 members of 7th were ambushed by what was believed to be a caucasian with a French accent an RPK and parachute material camo (reported by Sgt Ken Clow). (NOTE: "Frenchy" was killed soon after by Blackjack. The large caucasian VC's Nationality could not be confirmed.) VC killed and wounded were everywhere including the body of the Offical (Blackbeard) we were looking for. 7th and 3rd pushed on to the emplacement to secure it. We were getting heavy fire from the last hold-out when our push was stalled by a sniper who killed our point man. The sniper was dispatched by 7th squad. With 3rd squad's medic working overtime and no further distractions from the VC a perimeter was secured and the VC position GS K/4 was searched yielding a brown document pouch. Things were heating up and 7th and 3rd wanted to get off of Monkey Bone ASAP before the VC could mount a counter attack. 7th evacuated by boat, as did 3rd right behind them.

Sgt Sherman Gong combined 7th and 3rd and led them to assist the convoy.

Sgts Blackjack and Lenhardt Sr. hunkered down in the bush near GS N/11 waiting for extraction when they were discovered by a VC patrol. In one of the finest expresions of military courage Sgt John Lenhardt held off the enemy patrol while Sgt Blackjack fled into a swamp for cover. Sgt Lenhardts cries for a medic could be heard going unanswered as he placed his life on the alter of sacrifice for South Vietnam, his country and his fellow soldiers.

The mission of 0900 5/17/03 on Monkey bone island was a success, but not without cost.

US KIA: 5
VC KIA (confirmed): 7

Both Sgts Gong and Lenhardt were recommended for the silver star.

Sgt Clow and Medic James Porter were recommended for the Bronze star.

-BlackJack

Date: 17 May, 2003
Time: Unknown

U.S. Army Rangers 5th Squad Helo dropped at firebase Alpha and secured it until 4th Squad Rangers could arrive and relieve us from duty. Private Mark "Trout" Marrero set a C4 charge to the flag at the firebase to insure it's safety for american forces, Corporal Sean "Saint" St Cin on an order by Sergeant Steve "Weasel" Griffiths started a long distance recon mission and set up a perimeter for firebase Alpha. Private Paul "Zero" Meijer the medic on 5th Squad raised his weapon as VC forces started to close in on our position, we sent mortar fire in the direction of the invading VC troops many died but wave after wave hit us, and hit us hard, Pvt. Meijer did his best to keep everyone alive but his first mission was to protect Sgt. Griffiths. After 68 minutes firebase Alpha was down to it's last guardian until more troops could be sent, and just as we thought all had been lost, Cpl. St Cin comes back from his recon mission to kill off the remainding VC forces, thus keeping firebase Alpha in the control of the U.S.

I could not have done this without the support of the Marines, Lt. Walrath, Lt. Meijer, the Rangers, and of course 5th. Squad.

-Steven G

Last game of the weekend:

In a valiant effort to keep the enemy from taking our beloved commander, members of the PLAF, TAG detachment moved up the road, completely unmolested by US forces. When we found our commander by his lonesome off to the side of the road, the 5 men in our squad moved to help him. He immediately commanded us down and quiet. US voices from the other side of the treeline, near the beach!! We made our way one by one throught the heavy branches, unseen and unheard. Haji, our squad sergeant, stuck his head out the end of the opening to ascertain the enemies position - and the brush exploded around him! He went prone and crawled backward to avoid being hit, coming to his knees when he reached dense cover. I then began firing bursts from further back in the trees to draw fire when he said "My brothers, the ammo case is right THERE!" With me drawing GI fire, he crawled forward and managed to shoot two Marines - they called "MEDIC!!!", and the medic's were treated to doses of 6mm as well. I exited the bush, "cutting the pie". and spotted another GI. BRAAPPP - down he went(excellent theatrical death, BTW, I think it was Roach's name I heard). Two more came out of the brush to assisst me, and drag the crate to safety, when THE JEEP showed up, and showered us with BB's, courtesy of BBMagnet and his gasgun, who I had taunted and killed the day before("GI gas gun no workee - hahaha...")

We died.

5 minutes later, we busily made our way up the river to assault the Marines from the other side of the beach. After more than 100yds of silent wading, we were spotted. We neutralized the first Marine, then my squad took two casualities, then we killed a few more Marines, and another of my comrades fell. I was all alone, up to my nuts in the river, and firing my AK blindly into the GI position when SMACK! It's a funny feeling when you see the BB that tags you coming, and it lands squarely on your goggles.

I had an absolute blast this game, guys. Everybody did a bang up job, and I never once felt like I hit someone and they didn't call it, and I was impressed at the guys who called the shots I hit them with from loooong ways off, when they couldn't even see me. I got killed a bit, once knee deep in the mud and the reeds by a guy in tigerstripe(you had me that whole time, man...much thanks for a memorable moment, and I owe you a beer, whoever you are!) I killed a lot of you guys, too, much more than I expected too. Among the confirmed dead on my list: the Weasel, the Rabbit(I saw your distinctive weapon after I shot you), the Roach, Kagato twice ;), BBmagnet and Kyle. Got you all, and many more I didn't know.

Thanks a bunch for the memories, guys! See you all at the next op, when you come down to San Diego, my hometown! I live twenty minutes from OP:CD2's location, so Firebase Beergarder Mk.V will be awesome-er...yeah, that's it.

-Bounce

During the first game, I was the RPG operator for the VC battlewagon, began moving from firebase Alpha to firebase Charlie. We encountered the US vehicles, including the hammer on that road. After me and the hammer operator began to get used to our weapons and range, I placed an RPG round straight into his hood. The jeep was already dead and so were all of the US cavalry.

I sat in the back of the truck, with loaded and charged RPG in hand waiting for the US vehicles to take life after some "repair". Dave ran over and placed a smoke grenade in front of the US so all I could see was smoke. Many VC troops came up behind me to support me as we began to move again. Our truck immediately stopped. I looked forward and out of the smoke came the hammer. (Close your eyes and imagine this while still reading, lol) To the left and right of the US truck were troops, who were straffing looking into the bushes on the side. The truck and men kept moving towards us slowly. Then a troop of about 30 American soldiers emerged out of the smoke, just behing their vehicle. It was an amazing site, and one that I hope the video captured.

After I finished pissing myself at this awsome sight, that appeared so realistic, yet something strait out of the movies, I popped off some RPG rounds at the vehicle and took out the men and the vehicles once again. Then we just continued to firebase Charlie and walked all over the American scum that game and the rest of the weekend.

Sorry, it's true, VC numba 1. It was a fun weekend and I am sure this is just one of the many amazing sights. Thanks Dave for the pyrotechnics and the entire game. Thanks to everyone else for making it so realistic, including the deaths. It's kinda funny to hear hundreds of grown men moan and shout all day, but it was so fun! Thanks. Already packed for Nam IV!

Twitch, John Hinderman
VC RPG Operator

The fire fight action described by "Weasel" was indeed intinse. I was operating the mortar on FireBase Alpha and the 5th Squad did a great job there. They had me placing mortar rounds 360 degrees around Firebase Alpha. They had me constantly re-positioning my mortar fire. I had one mortar round find a direct hit on a soldier there, all wet... Oh, well!!! Mess with the best, pay the price!!! We took out a lot of Vietcong there, and they just kept coming at us from all directions. The 5th Squad did one hell of a job at Alpha firebase all weekend long. Mark Marrero did a good job of placing a C-4 charge on the flag. When the Vietcong finally occupied the Firebase Alpha they missed his well hidden charge.

Being on the Staff I worked for who ever had controll of Firebase Alpha. As the Vietcong occupied the FireBase later I must commend them for their efforts to take over the Firebase all day to the end as they did.

On Sunday my Vietcong Brother Cloan Sgt Tran Li (Patrick Gentry) emerged from the brush packing his M60 Machine Gun, a welcome site to see!!! I knew that the Alpha Firebase would not fall back. We held the Firebase to the end.

-John P
Mortar Operator

I'll have to admit, that fighting on Monkeybone Island on Saturday was incredible!

We soldiers of the NLF 274th PLAF Reg, 5th squad RECON were tasked with safekeeping a dispatch bag that contained important intelligence to the People's cause. Our Sgt. Tran Li, being familiar with the layout of the island, positioned us along a narrow trail that dead-ended at a clearing that surrounded a mouldering ruin of a colonial era gun emplacement. It was my duty to guard our sniper with covering fire, but the trail was so narrow, I found myself creeping far forward of his position in order to find adequate concealment. I ended up in an uncomfortable position, out of communication with my comrades, and the virtual "point man" on the ambush.

I found some weeds that matched the same colors as my camouflage poncho, made from a scavanged G.I. parachute. and I laid down to conceal myself as best I could. The wait was long, the sun hot, and the swamp flies unmerciful. From my position, my neck ached to hold my head crooked in such a fashion as to observe the path, and the RPK rifle was difficult to manuever around the branches and vines in the thick undergrown by the river's edge.

The wait dragged on, and I summoned my discipline to deal with the discomfort and boredom. I reflected on Chairman Mao's words of courage and purpose, words I had read several hours before as I had brewed my cup of strong tea over a small bed of coals---my only breakfast for that day, as supplies were low. My stomch growled so fiercely I feared it could be heard from several meters away!

Finally there came the sound of branches breaking and the thud of heavy-soled boots. Undoubtedly, American soldiers. I repositioned my unweildy RPK for a better sweep of the trail close by and reacted with alarm at the soft grinding sound it made, tearing through the vegetation. However, the tromping enemy could not hear my subtle moves for all his racket, and in a moment an American soldier crept slowly past my position.

I wondered if my partner, the sniper had a shot on him, so I paused and let my breath out slowly. But there was no sound, and the G.I. continued to pass me. I reached out to press the muzzle of the RPK against his back and whispered "surrender". He sighed and dropped his hand to his sides in resignation. "Keep moving" I urged him, but he turned to go back down the trail. As I rose to stop him, I spotted another soldier and called out once more, in a low but steady voice "surrender!"

The second man also gave way and the situation seemed solved for the moment. But in a flash, the second man reached for his pistol and I reacted as best I could. I battered the first soldier in the side of the head with the heavy muzzle of the RPK and he went down like a sack of buffalo hooves. Turning, I charged the second man and speared him in the abdomen with the barrel of my gun, then quickly turned the butt for a quick stroke to his head. The wood cracked aross the bridge of his nose and he too fell unconscious.

I checked both men quickly for signs of movement and finding none, went to rejoin my company---there had been the sounds of muffled gunfire coming from their position. Upon reaching the clearing, I saw a member of my squad, gesticulating furtively from some shadowy concealment. I thought he was bidding me to join his position, but soon discovered that he was trying to warn me of danger close by. Distracted, I blundered across the path of three American soldiers, crawling down an intersecting trail.

These three took me prisoner, but I managed to escape their control by the help of a friendly boatman. The G.I.'s I clobbered must've survived! I wonder what tall tales they told their superiors about their fate on MonkeyBone Island?

Sincerely,
Your Comrade(or Worthy Opponent),
Pvt. Tai Dai Fong "Forest Shadow that Kills"
NLF 274th PLAF Reg, 5th Squad, Recon