A long, long time ago.

[Arrow]

here you go....

[Gimpy]

for your kind thoughts and words. It really does mean a lot to me to know my brothers and sisters on Patriot Files are thoughtful enough to respond to my request.

Here is a poem about my old unit from one of my friends that served with me. Hope you enjoy it.

God bless and good night to all.

######################################

THE OLD RELIABLES

They were called "Old Reliable" and they garnered lots of fame
Those familar with their story know they lived up to the name

From the forests of Ardennes to the land of Charlie's birth
"Old Reliable" set the standard; to a man they proved their worth

Riverene Infantry was a concept that was tested once before
With a group of Union soldiers in the Civil War

But the 2nd Brigade went for perfection in the war in Viet Nam
By invading Charlie's hideouts from its home base in Dong Tam

Those who sit and count their blessings in this land of liberty
Aren't aware of hardships suffered in the quest to keep it free

From the rivers of the Delta to the jungles filled with death
Fighting hand-to-hand with Charlie, "Old Reliable" passed the test

The "Brownwater Navy" and "Old Reliable" formed a solid plan
That would bring the war to Charlie and drive him from the land

The Navy had the boats that would take them to the places
Where the soldiers went ashore and destroyed the VC bases

Riding Tangos up the rivers proved at times a deadly chore
Taking mortar rounds and rockets from the bushes on the shore

Delta canals were so narrow that they couldn't turn around
So they slugged it out with Charlie as they raced for safer ground

In his strongholds in the Delta, Charlie thought he was secure
But he failed to comprehend the things that soldiers will endure

Waist deep in Delta mud as they struggled through the mire
"Old Reliable" kept on pushing, laying down a deadly fire

There were many fearsome battles for the men of this brigade
And accolades were common for the role the soldiers played

Dinh Thuong, Long An, Song Rach Gai, where so many brave men fell
Strange sounding names from long ago with stories yet to tell

The soldiers of "Old Reliable", who played the stakes so high
Rousted Charlie from the Delta, by water, land and sky

The records of their bravery are now etched in history
For the 2nd of the 9th was known as Riverene Infantry

So as you sit and count your blessings in this land of Liberty
Think of all the brave, young soldiers who have died to keep it free

And rest assured, if ever needed, "Old Reliable" will heed the call
To fight your wars and shoot your guns and defend you one and all.

######################################

God bless the old "mud" troopers of the 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division.

[Arrow]

God Bless them one and all. Thanks for posting this piece of historyfor us Gimpy.

Peace....

[1CAVCCO15MED]

Here's to you , Gimp and all the good men of both sides. May you have peaceful dreams.

[39mto39g]

seems im a day short, Well I was drinking Two days ago and I had a few yesterday and Im on my third one today, Sooo I guess Im caught up.
You guys in the 9th caught hell down south, Wasn't much better up north around Oct and Nov of 67.
I need another beer.

Ron

[blues clues]

Gimp didn't have a beer did have some milk was thinking of you at the time.
razz

[Keith_Hixson]

Water had to do!

Keith

A late-but heartfelt-tip of the ole coffee cup to you,your's,and our's!While I live I will remember and appriciate what was done.

[White Oak]

I toasted all the brave men of Alpha Co 2nd/60th and a special toast to your medic. Welcome home brother

[Jerry D]

God Bless them one and all. Salute!