“My platoon was ambushed in the jungle by a large VC force. I tried to keep my head down as I returned fire into the ambushers. In an instant, I saw my Lieutenant toss a white phosphorus grenade into an enemy trench. Just after the WP exploded a VC rose out of the trench.

Although he was screaming from pain from the burning phosphorus that seemed to be all over him, he continued to fire his AK-47. The lieutenant rose to one knee and returned fire with his M-16.

It was like an Old West showdown as they continued to blast away at each other. Literally blowing pieces of each other off until they both fell dead. The fight continued for what seemed like an eternity – likely about five minutes or so. Two men died right next to me, one on each side.

I don’t know how I kept from getting hit.”
– James Daughtry. 25th Infantry Division. II Corps, Vietnam 1967.
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As we always say here at Battles and Beers (TM) Every soldier has a story, and every story deserves to be told.