LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
October 19, 1971 I was notified by the American Red Cross that my mother has passed away while I was nearing the end of my second tour in Vietnam.
Rode a Huey helicopter from Dong Ha to Camp Eagle, turned in my weapons, picked up emergency leave orders, on to Da Nang same day. Waiting for priority transportation, 2-star general from I Corps HQ ordered me on his aircraft (nifty little executive-type jet), hopped me to Cam Ranh Bay for out-processing. Next morning I climbed onto an airliner carrying troops home, participated in the shouting and applause when the pilot announced we had left Vietnamese airspace. Couple of hours in Japan for refueling, then on to Anchorage, Alaska, where I had a cold beer in the airport bar.
Next stop, McChord AFB, Seattle, after about 33 hours in transit. Still in my jungle fatigues and carrying a rucksack. Fumbling around inside, found a couple of claymore mines, box of detonating caps, and a few fragmentation grenades. Made my way to the Security Police duty officer, presented myself with emergency leave travel orders, explained that I had a few things that should be disposed of properly. Probably not the young lieutenant's best day on duty. Several hours with EOD crew and lots of explaining to do.
A C-141 transport was scheduled to fly out non-stop to Dover, Delaware, and I caught a hop. Long flight, halfway decent box lunch (about 50 cents I think), into Dover mid-evening. The C-141 was carrying coffins with remains of soldiers from Vietnam, Dover is the "big military mortuary".
Overnight bus ride to Richmond, Virginia, Mom's hometown and where her funeral was scheduled. Uncle I barely knew took me to JC Penney's for trousers, sport coat, shirt, and tie for the services.
Then onward to Hampton, VA where my young wife and son waited. Cab from the bus station to the apartment was driven by a Vietnam vet, refused to take my money. A few days later I received orders by telephone for my new duty station, packed up and moved on again.
Other times.
Rode a Huey helicopter from Dong Ha to Camp Eagle, turned in my weapons, picked up emergency leave orders, on to Da Nang same day. Waiting for priority transportation, 2-star general from I Corps HQ ordered me on his aircraft (nifty little executive-type jet), hopped me to Cam Ranh Bay for out-processing. Next morning I climbed onto an airliner carrying troops home, participated in the shouting and applause when the pilot announced we had left Vietnamese airspace. Couple of hours in Japan for refueling, then on to Anchorage, Alaska, where I had a cold beer in the airport bar.
Next stop, McChord AFB, Seattle, after about 33 hours in transit. Still in my jungle fatigues and carrying a rucksack. Fumbling around inside, found a couple of claymore mines, box of detonating caps, and a few fragmentation grenades. Made my way to the Security Police duty officer, presented myself with emergency leave travel orders, explained that I had a few things that should be disposed of properly. Probably not the young lieutenant's best day on duty. Several hours with EOD crew and lots of explaining to do.
A C-141 transport was scheduled to fly out non-stop to Dover, Delaware, and I caught a hop. Long flight, halfway decent box lunch (about 50 cents I think), into Dover mid-evening. The C-141 was carrying coffins with remains of soldiers from Vietnam, Dover is the "big military mortuary".
Overnight bus ride to Richmond, Virginia, Mom's hometown and where her funeral was scheduled. Uncle I barely knew took me to JC Penney's for trousers, sport coat, shirt, and tie for the services.
Then onward to Hampton, VA where my young wife and son waited. Cab from the bus station to the apartment was driven by a Vietnam vet, refused to take my money. A few days later I received orders by telephone for my new duty station, packed up and moved on again.
Other times.
