I was at LZ Grant on March 8, 1969.

I remember five of us were out on LP that night. Charles Snyder, Larry Evans, Monte Martin, Carl F. and I Bob or Robert Jones. We left the LZ around 7PM. We were on the east side of the LZ beyond the second or third row of wire. Got situated in a large depression or hole in the ground, 10 to 12 feet in diameter. Thank GOD it was there.

Around 10PM to 12PM we heard movement out there. Larry radioed to let LZ know that something was up. We were told to hold tight. Shortly afterwards we heard mortars and rockets coming in. Then all hell broke loose.

We held our position all through the night. All conserved the ammo and frags we had due to the fact there was so many NVA out there. We all knew this was going to be a long night. The NVA were very persistent  they just kept coming.

Thank GOD for the artillery people. I think but not sure, they lowered their barrels almost ground level and let it fly. We had to keep low, we could hear their stuff right above us. Also I want to thank the people for the flares in the air and air support.

Some time early morning I was hit in the right temple with a bullet or shrapnel. Knocked me out cold for half hour or so. Later that morning, just before day light we all decided to try to make it back to the LZ. We lost radio contact long before this. We got half way back to the LZ and ran into NVA, we were out numbered. Larry Evans and Charles Snyder were hit with very heavy fire. At that point Carl lost it. Monte Martin and I tried to calm him down, we just knew our position was exposed. One NVA came up on us. I prepared a grenade very slowly, counted three seconds and let it fly to get an air burst, did the job.

Shortly after all that Monte, Carl and I made a mad dash to the LZ running in a crouched position, we made it.

Monte told all what happened and where Larry and Charles were at. I was in a daze from head wound and if I remember correctly Carl was taken away quickly. We never seen or heard from Carl again. Hour later I was flown some where for medical attention for head wound.

Three days later I was back out with my unit. I then first heard about  1st Lt. Grant Henjyoji, he also was gone that night.

Webmaster note:   Company D lost three men during the March 8th attack on LZ Grant - Larry Evans, Charles Snyder, and Grant Henjyoji.

 

[ Home ] [ Up ]