Tam Ky

39mto39g · #1 05-19-2006, 04:56 AM

I was going through some VN junk the other day and found a picture of Tam Ky. I was there for a few days, as I recall, and while there I (we) went on a patrol with an Armored unit. I really don't know much about armored units , except , I (we) worked with the 69, and 77 . When I asked what armored unit this was , The guy said he was with the 111. He had a cav and a Americal patch on his APC. My (our) LT said they were 1 Sqadren, 1st Cavalry, 1st Armord div. LT's are so smart. I din't know we had a first Armored div.
This was (according to the picture date) around the end of Feb 1968. As I recall, I (we) went from there to LZ Baldy, Just up the road a short distance , Off Rt1. I also Have a pictuure of the quad 50 on Baldy.

Ron

DMZ-LT · #2 05-19-2006, 05:35 AM

My CO.in Germany wore and Armored Division patch on his right shoulder , I really don't remember which one but I guess it must have been the 1st , he said they then became part of the Americal Division. Lt's were very very smart.

Packo · #3 05-19-2006, 06:36 AM

Well....most I guess.

Think I know some exceptions to the rule!

Dead Man Walkin'

39mto39g · #4 05-19-2006, 08:58 AM

So , if LTs are so smart, why is it every guy in my Platoon/company came to ME for anything, and not the LT. Because I was His RTO and without me he aint going nowhere.
You know, when I became an RTO I thought the LT knew what to do and where he was at all times, it turned out he did, he asked me. I carried the map, the compass, the flashlight, The breffing codes, pass words, and a breff discription of what ever "mission' we were on, BN radio contact along with all friendly units in area contact and call signs.
But, You are mostly correct, LTs were smart, but some, lacked "Street" smarts. and sometimes street smarts is more betterness er than book learnin. So LT. You may be smart but don't foget your RTO.
Ron

DMZ-LT · #5 05-19-2006, 10:23 AM

I never forgot my RTO or any of the other guys in my platoon. 2nd platoon wasn't me it was us. We worked as a team. I really was the Old Man at 23 years old. Only thing my RTO carried was the radio and radio contact freq's and his weapon I carried the map and compass and called in resupply and arty. If anyone wanted something they came to me. I still consider it an honor to have served with these guys , we fought for each other. Went to my first reunion last year and met 3 guys who were in my platoon. All three said I did good and they would follow me to hell and back again anytime. What a relief that was to hear. I thought my leadership was saving lives but their bodies kept telling me otherwise.

39mto39g · #6 05-19-2006, 12:14 PM

A LT that carried his own compass, what is this war comming to. Your guys may follow you to hell but you ain't leavin. You called in re-supply, are you sure. Quick , how many case's of C's do 60 guys need? (one day).

Ron

DMZ-LT · #7 05-19-2006, 12:46 PM

5 ! but really I never had more than 24 people in my platoon at any one time, many times less. Since we had ACAV's we could also tote a lot of stuff so we did not need resupply but every two weeks or so. During Lam Som 719 we could hear NVA tanks in the next valley and they dropped us a bunch of LAWS. I was more scared of the infantry that I knew had to be with the tanks than the tanks. We never saw the tanks. My track also was the post office. As I recall we had a red or orange mail bag that stayed on my track that guys would put letters in and when be got resupply or dust offs the mail bag would be thrown on the bird. We got mail the same way. Cool t shirt

39mto39g · #8 05-19-2006, 04:25 PM

answer is 8 for 60 people for one day. There were heavy eaters and crap food.
24 people , what did you have , 2 squads.
Thats right, you were in a track. I never liked those things, They made way to much noise, you couldn't hear if you were being shot at until it was to late. And a death trap for RPGs. But, oh my, that 50 was soooooo good.
Mail bag, I carried that also, Ours was just a sand bag, I would give it to a door gunner.
Yea, I like the t-shirt, Got it on right now.
Ron

Advisor · #9 05-22-2006, 02:16 PM

LT's carried stuff? Huh? Why, if I ever get my hands on him I'll kick is butt. But, I did have my pride. I wouldn't tuck him in and kiss him nighty night like he wanted. I did have limits.

39mto39g · #10 05-22-2006, 05:44 PM

Im sure you know what you are talking about , But I haven't a clue, Some kind of code?
Please splane
Ron