Christmas Eve 1970

[Bastogne71]

On Christmas Eve 1970 my battery fired two 105mm rounds at what was supposed to be an unoccupied hill north of Fire Base Bastogne. The mission was to adjust in a defensive target for infantry in the field just prior to the Christmas truce. What my fellow forward observer calling the mission, the infantry battalion, and my battery did not know that a platoon of the 1/327th was lost and had grossly misreported their position and were on the hill. Nine men were killed instantly and three more died of their wounds. All the survivors but one man were wounded.

I'll never forget my brothers in arms that died that day fifty years ago.

When you are opening presents and enjoying the Christmas feast, please remember the men and women that are serving far away from their homes and families and are putting themselves in harms way so you and I can be safe and secure.

 

[44specialfan]

The Fog of War sir. Yet another reminder of the true cost of war that most can not understand and damn few would even choose to try. Merry Christmas

Another Old Redleg, Cannon Cocker

 

[Tom Kent]

The "Christmas Truce" was something I could never understand. The NVA did not believe in or celebrate Christmas and apparently our political leaders never heard of Washington crossing the Delaware or the Battle of th e Bulge. Rant over.

 

[usmc2427765]

The various " truces" were given to allow the NVA/VC to resupply. A lot of young men died in Vietnam because of really stupid, ignorant and selfish goals and decisions made by career types that would do anything get their ticket punched and make rank. In a few minutes, I will tell you how I really feel!!!!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

For those with no experience in these things, a "forward observer" is the guy assigned to be in a position to observe the impact of artillery fire and call in orders to adjust the firing onto a specific target or area. In Vietnam the FO was typically a junior officer (occasionally an experienced NCO) deployed as part of a small team (usually a radio operator, sometimes a couple of riflemen for security) assigned to a field unit in combat operations. The FO team was usually way out in front of friendly forces in positions that allowed for direct observation of the actual impact areas of artillery fire.

Short version: Not a "walk in the park" assignment.

Artillery is primarily employed as an indirect fire weapon system. The guns are situated in rear areas and fire various types of munitions (high explosive, incendiary, impact detonating, proximity fused, and others) on high trajectories at targets determined by map coordinates, ambient weather and atmospheric conditions, and instructions from the forward observers. "Cannon cockers" (artillery crewmen) seldom see the actual targets, relying entirely on precise calculations and constant instructions to adjust fires as needed for the mission, with everything done under pressures of time to deliver accurately and without delay for ground troops in contact or under attack.

Perhaps needless to say, but the Forward Observer carries the weight of the world on his shoulders with every decision made and instruction given.

Just the sort of assignment our Army gave to young guys barely old enough to vote, after a few months of intensive training and an all expenses paid vacation to exotic places.

Very early on this Christmas morning I ask the blessings of peace on all who have been through the evils of combat. Those who were lost will remain forever in the memories of those who managed to return.