Each
Company formed a forward area orderly room in late 1967. Due
to the fact that I had been familiar with the duties previously as Company Armorer and
Supply clerk, and had actually filled in for the Company Clerk at Fort Hood on occasion, I
lucked out and got the job (Ill always remember them coming to me with the 3rd
platoon of Charlie Company and asking if I wanted the job!). Our regular Company Clerk stayed at An Khe in our
Battalion area with the 1st Cav and subsequently with the 173rd. Often, at night after regular duty hours, I would
dress in civies (Civilian Cloths) and read and write letters home. I also would monitor the radio we kept for
communication with Charlie Company while they were in the field. Here I am
looking more like someone on a
camping trip than in a war zone! |