Just a little war story about Valentine Day 1970

[White Oak]

We had just stopped midday and took up our normal 360 degree defensive positions.We were about 25 to 30 men platoon size.We had stopped on a small hill with a pretty good field of fire all around.I was the point for the platoon and after everyone moved on to the hill,I went to the center where the Command Post was at,the Lt,platoon sgt and all squad leaders,also came up and the LT stated we would stop and break for chow.After showing me the way he wanted me to lead out after the break,I headed out to my position with my squad.I had only made it a few feet when I heard the first thump,which I knew to be a 60mm mortar,followed by 3 more.I hunched down and ran and the first one landed right outside the perimeter.My luck ran out at this point,the second one landed to my left about 15 to 20 yards away.The concussion blew my shirt and most of my pants off and picked me up and threw me maybe 10 to 15 feet.I never let go of my weapon.It knocked me out for just a few seconds and when I came to,all the world was quiet.I couldn't hear a sound.I had blood coming from my ears,nose,mouth and many small holes up and down my left side.I remember being rolled over by our Medic,Doc Jernigan and him talking to me but I couldn't hear what he was saying.I was filthy,scared and hurt and was just realizing that I wasn't bulletproof.A resupply chopper was in the area and it was called in and it took me to LZ Center to the Battilion Aid station.There the BN Doc picked out bits of metal and dirt.Nothing vital was hurt except my left eardrum,it had burst.Doc kept me on the firebase for about 2 weeks until I had recovered and sent me back out.I couldn't hear anything out of my left ear but that was ok,I had been promoted to Sgt and I couldn't walk point anymore.A few weeks later I received from our company clerk a copy of my orders for a Purple Heart.After I came home I was fitted for a hearing aid but I don't like to wear it.I guess Valentine Day has a different meaning to everybody,I know it does to me.

[White Oak]

After reading my first post I realized there was more to this story,After I received a copy of my orders for a Purple Heart I sent my copy to my Mother for safe keeping.When I got ready to leave Vietnam there wasn't a copy in my 201 file and nobody could find one.Now fast forward to about 1982,my mother gave me several items she had been keeping for me over the years and in that stuff was my copy of the Purple Heart.I sent it to St Louis,Mo Army personel and received a Purple Heart via US Mail.Now fast forward to 2002,the news of the traveling wall coming to our little town on Veterans Day was just what me and Frank Skokan needed.Frank,my wife Sandy and I went up and worked for several days helping get it set up and getting the grounds just right.My wife went behind me and went to see the Mayor and set it up to have the Purple Heart presented to me during the events on Nov 22,2002.She also went behind my back and told 1stSGT Gatewood and he surprized me and showed up and read the presentation and an Air Force one Star General from Maxwell AFB(who name I can't remember now) pinned it on.It took 32 years to get it and I'm very proud of it.

[White Oak]

Me and Mack Gatewood

[White Oak]

Pinning on the Purple Heart

[White Oak]

Me and Torch hard at work.

[White Oak]

Just to let the people that are new to the Patriot Files,1st SGT Gatewood and I served together in 1969-1970(but he wasn't no 1st Sgt then)he stayed in,I got out,and we served proudly with Delta Company"Black Death" 3/21th 196 Light Infantry Brigade.Americal Division

[catman]

Welcome home brother and thanks a million for your service!!!

Trav

[DMZ-LT]

Thank you Danny. Remember Frank was so proud to be helping.Hope to see you in April

[frisco-kid]

Great story Danny. Typical Army ineptness, but it worked out for the better anyway. Thumbs up to your wife and Top Gatewood. It was your day and well deserved, Bro. Welcome Home.

AIRBORNE!!

[formergrunt70]

Danny how are You "Brother"? It was one Day I will never forget.
Thanks for the memories, and the opportunity to honor You. Take care.
Topp