I don't remember Fred Salyer by name but I may recognize him. I left Sept of 1967 and don't remember when TET was but I know we were sent all over the place to cover when the ARVN took off to celebrate New Year. The hill where we were sent to was quiet. There was one marine and I at one security location. I don't know what I was supposed to do if we got attacked.

It was recent that I learned about the Fr.Cap in the process of sainthood. A group I recently discovered  is totally 1/5 during Viet Nam. One  of the features is a map showing every operation and move 1/5 made. I have a difficult time remembering a lot of details but the reason listed for Hill 54 cleared some things up. I completely forgot that Hill 54 was out of Chu Lai and not Danang. Anyhow a note came through about Fr. Cap being in the process and the groups new web site. It was only then that the memories of him came flooding back. I hadn't thought about that since I left VN.

Did you ever maintain contact with Dr. Donnelly? Do I have some stories about BAS before you came. When we were out on Union he told me that he was so hurt, that he had such high regard for me and I spent so much time hanging out with you. Actually hanging out with you helped keep me sane my last few months. You were always such fun to be around and had such a great sense of humor. Most of us avoided Dr. Donnelly as much as we could. He really taught me a lot though including suturing. I was the suture corpsman and anyone needing sutures got me even when I didn't have duty and was asleep. He sent me to Chu Lai hospital lab to learn how to do a CBC and malaria smear. I was only there a day when a jeep came to bring me back to go to Quay Son Valley. He was trying to talk me into going to medical school when I returned home.

I didn't adopt an alternative lifestyle; it adopted me. ;-)  I just uploaded a bunch of pictures that I have been scanning.

I am on facebook too.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1090102251

 

 

I am  not sure about the point of Okinawa Gin but I guess it was a variation of Gin Rummy. I am not sure why just the 2 of us were in the bunker playing cards all day. I know all of the BAS was out with us somewhere.

During Union - I was told to report to H&S area. When I got there the General and other big wigs were there with an injoured prisoner. The general said it was vital that they kept the prisoner alive to question. He had a severe leg wound that had been dressed by a corpsman and there was a tourniquet applied. The general said that I should chop off his leg to keep him from bleeding to death. I must have had a funny look on my face because the general said, "That is an order!!!" The marines often gave us more credit for our medical skills than we warrented. Obviously I didn't even know where to begin and obviously the only tool I had was a shovel and K-Bar. I excused myself and went to find Fr. Cap. I told him the story and my lack of experience in orthopedic surgery. He said not to worry that he would handle it. A while later he returned to me and said go back to my company that I wouldn't have to do the surgery. I am not sure why the general sent for me and not a more senior corpsman or one of you doctors.

The second story was also during Union. It was during a heavy battle. I was going from one injured marine to another. Right behind me was Fr. Cap. giving last rights to whoever I just treated. One time when raising his right hand he got shot in his hand. As I remembered I turned to go back to him but he said he would be OK to get onto the next marine. When I looked back a while later he was still giving last rights using his left arm to hold up his injured  right to give absolution.You mentioned this in the introduction to the book but I don't remember applying a bandage as he told me to go on treating the marines. I could be mistaken as I haven't thought about this until recently and little memories are creeping in.

9 children. I can't imagine meal times or getting everyone ready for school. Is everyone out of the house now?

Okinawa Gin was a game we played from sun up to sun down. As I remember everyone had to be on the line before dawn (stand to?) This was during a quiet time after Union. We were in a sand bag bunker and for once we had a lot of time to kill. It was just you and I. I am not sure where everyone else was. I am just remembering a lot of details and my timeline is a little messed up after we left Hill 54.

 

After Viet Nam I went back to Philadelphia Naval Hospital in the Lab then was sent to my last duty, Annapolis Naval Base. I decided to live in Phila and worked in the flower business which was my trade. At this point I never wanted to see anything medical again. I took a job as an ICU tech and went to our community college and became an RN and moved to Delaware where I remain. I spent the beginning in ICU then went to psyc where I spent the rest of my time. I kept going to school and earned a BS, an MS in management and an MS in Psychology. I topped it off with a Doctor of Education. I became a pioneer in the distance education trend which is now  online courses. I worked full time for one school and part  time for about 8 colleges over the years. I retired almost 2 years ago but still work from one college part time. I have had the same partner for over 40 years and many dogs over the years. I have 2 good stories about Fr. Cap. which I can tell you about. Enjoyed your pictures so much as I know so many of the corpsmen, the chief, and Dr. Donnelly.

thanks for sharing your photos, great pics-Vietnam 1968-1969

Hey Dr. P, How about sending the pic's to my e-mail. I can't seem to save them off dryhootch. My e-mail is rrw2001@ hotmail.com. thanks Ron

Good Morning, Yes I saw them. I recognize Browny, not sure of others. Just to let you know. I spell my name Weimer. I am so happy that you got and still have these photos.My family finally has seen a pic of my when I was younger. Thanks a lot Bacsi ! Doc Ron

You got the right Ron Weimer, right now is great for me. 303-829-7568

Not sure I want to admit that is me. As I recall it had somethng to do with Ron Bacardi 151 .If you don't mind I would like to talk to you on the phone. Doc Weimer

Hi Bacshi (sic) Long time since last talked with you. I have tried to contact you a couple of times over the last 40 years but didn't persever. I would like to speak with you about old times and fond memories. Doc Weimer 1/5 66-67