This past few days have been a trip down Memory Lane as I struggle to recall my history from 1969 to 1972. Perhaps this ought to be considered an Autobiography of sorts. Maybe "My Autobiography, The War Years." Catchy, don't you think?
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Friday, July 28, 2023
Oppressive Heat
From FB Group "Vietnam Vets ONLY,"
Mitchell Bober Post
Thinking about the heat here in Virginia and remembering arriving in Chu Lai. During in-processing at the Americal Combat Center, we were told that when we got to our units we would get a few days to adapt to the heat/humidity.
Three days later as a casual in the 123rd Avn Bn, I was building hootchs, installing metal roofing in 108F. So much for adapting.
In May of 1970, I had a 30 day leave back in Baltimore. I thought Baltimore summers would be a snap after more than a year in-country. WRONG! Hot is hot. Maybe as a kid it is easier to adjust? Anyway we old guys need to take it easy in this weather. Stay cool.
Replies Below
Bill Hunt
Cam Ron Bay 69, building aircraft hanger at night. Tin too hot to touch during day. Walking rafters 40 feet above ground at night
Michael Morris
My third day in-country I woke up to incoming mortars in a foxhole with guys I still didn’t know the names of. Later that morning I was with a squad following a human blood trail in the jungle. And, yes, it was hotter than hell out there. Welcome to Vietnam. 2/35 Infantry, 1967-68.
Jose Cajigas
Because I was born in the tropics (PR), heat and humidity was almost OK. Almost because it was Hot, Humid and Wet!!
Jerry Bransford
I'll never forgot how I felt so frigging cold after coming home to SoCal even though there was a "heat wave" at that time in July. Everyone was wearing shorts and t-shirts and I was too cold in those, I wore long pants and long sleeve shirts enough to make people wonder about me lol.
Sam P Becerra
To be honest’ January 1967 arrived in Vietnam.. from Ship to beach to truck and 4 hours ride to Bear Cat .. Yes’ Hot .. but really never thought of it .. Yes hot and monsoon rain.. maybe cause I was young..
John Rafter
With this current heat it is easy to remember that In I Corps’s Summer months of humping the steep mountains, steaming jungles, and shadeless hills in ‘68 I found it necessary as an 82nd platoon medic to try and carry 8 canteens of water in order for my own serious thirst, and that of the others running down to the final half drop sucked from their last canteen. Water was survival…. plain and simple, and finally realizing all your water was gone was an unnerving surreal moment.
John Rafter I carried about 8 qts of water. Had a soft bag that I think held 2 qts. Never seemed like enough though. The water was always hot and tasted like the plastic canteens.
Gregory Hamilton
Brutal heat and humidity in 71-72 in Phu Bai and Brutal heat and humidity in Texas today. Welcome Home Brothers and Sisters. Stay Cool.
Scott Pusey
Then you get jungle rot on top of the heat and it stays with you for your whole
Lou Eisenbrandt
Scott Pusey saw lots of jungle rot as a nurse at the 91st Evac in Chu Lai 69–
Louis G Patnode
I left northern NY in June of 70 and arrived at Cu Chi and was just shocked at the oppressive heat and humidity!!
Bill Wigginton Jr.
I’ll always remember that first time, and will never forget the heat and the smell! When I left, it was 109 degrees at 8 in the morning. When I got home to Jacksonville, Florida 54 hours later on December 21st, 1972, it was about 68 degrees. Everyone was wearing shorts and t-shirts and I was freezing my butt off.
Peter Keane
hell, i fell out at long binh filling sandbags. heat exhaustion. missed my first order call
Jerry Pope
My adjustment to the heat at 176th AHC was on a tower putting holes in 55 gallon drums to fill up the Seabees truck that was putting tar on the runway and revetments
Lou Eisenbrandt
Old gals too! Chu Lai 1969-70
Darrell R. Beard Sr.
I Got there in June 67 just in time for July & Aug. I remember so well especially getting off the plane. I come home in Jan. 68 after i extended for 6 months & had a 30 day leave. Everyone said where have you been, them looking at the deep tan i had. January in Ohio, god i forgot how cold it could be !!
Tom Curran
They sent me from Vietnam to Alaska. I must have pissed somebody off. I damn near froze that first year home. Dec 71
John Eroh
I was raised in Los Angeles so hot summers was normal but the humidity was low. Arrived Can Ranh Bay in Jan 70. Company was across from the AF beach where we headed after our equipment school. 2nd week we thought we were acclimated enough, so we spent all day Saturday on the beach. Monday I was at sick call getting Darvon for the sunburn pain. Fortunately, I could still do class so no Article 15. Now due to age & some meds, my thermostat doesn't work to well. At 1700 it's 86 deg with 56& humidity, tomorrow will be just as bad, so going to the Hamfest (amateur radio) is out for tomorrow.
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