Ann Margaret

[sfc_darrel]

Here's a copy of an e-mail that has been making the rounds. I'll post it here for those that have not received it.

____________________

A special 4th of July story:

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Vietnam
other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black & white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann
Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to
see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the
bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work,
the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and
disappeared behind a parking garage.

Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was
disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much
those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out
looking as beautiful as ever and, as 2nd in line, it was soon Richard's
turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo.
When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not
sign it. Richard said, "I understand, I just wanted her to see it".

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said,
"This is one of my gentlemen from Vietnam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for "my gentlemen". With that, she pulled Richard across the table and
planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them.

There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there. Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. "That's the first time anyone
ever thanked me for my time in the Army", he said. Richard, like many
others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly things at him.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.

I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small
act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say Thank You
to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their
country.

[39mto39g]

Viva Los Vegas.

Ron

[Andy]

In 1966 Bob Hope's USO show came to the 25th Division HQ at Cu Chi. They put the show on and all who saw it were happy. However lots of men didn't see the show.

Ann Margaret got into a jeep with an officer and drove to the West Gate at Cu Chi. She was in a knit mini-skirt and white go-go boots. She talked and laughed and hugged the men on duty who were guarding that post. A photographer was there who got some very nice angle shots.

When I left the 25th's AO in December of 1968 they were still calling the West Gate at Cu Chi, Ann Margaret Gate. She left an impression.

Stay healthy,
Andy

[PHO127]

It was still Ann Margret Gate when we turned the base over to the ARVN in late 70. When the division stood down the 1/27th inf along with D battery 2/77 artillery stood base camp defence for the stand down. The last major fight we had at Cu Chi was near Ann Margret Gate. Had the pleasure of being there when the entire division was on parade at the formal stand down ceremony. LTG Johnny J. Johnston (then LTC) turned the base over to the ARVNs. He and I were the last to leave the base. I think it was December 1970.