Remembering the Beginning
David Dulin Dentinger
Company A, 2/12 Cavalry, 1967-68
The 707 made a low approach over the South China Sea heading toward Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam. Looking out of the airplane window, my first impression was what beautiful water! The beach looked like the setting for a movie made in the south Pacific. The sand was sugar-white and there were actually people surfing and playing on the beach. I said to myself, “So this is Vietnam, maybe this won’t be so bad.” That was October 26, 1967.
When the airplane doors opened a blast of heat and humidity immediately filled the cabin. That was highest humidity I had ever experienced. I grew-up in Kentucky where we had some hot and humid summers but this takes the cake. Or should I say? “This Bakes the cake” As I disembarked I was told where to go; Hell? I thought I was already there, or at least that’s what it felt like.
Within ten minutes my Khakis were soaking wet and my shoes were filled with sand. Once you leave the tarmac, one needs to keep on the walkways. I was trudging through the soft sand in one-hundred and ten degree heat and “what felt like” one-hundred and fifty percent humidity. Now that will “kick your butt”.
I had a while before I needed to board my flight to An Khe. With my shoes in hand and my pants rolled-up, I set off to see the beach. Than I walked through the largest PX I had ever seen. I had instructions to bring any toiletries or personal items with me. These things may not be available at my finial destination. That PX had a much larger selection at a better price than the PX in Ft. Lewis Washington. It was obvious to me, who ever wrote the instructions hadn’t been to Cam Ranh Bay.
Next stop was An Khe, the base camp for The 1st Cavalry Division. There isn’t much to say about An Khe --- good or bad. I spent about ten days there – routine indoctrination and such. Sleeping on a crummy army cot in a non-air-conditioned building; what I would have paid for such luxury in the months to come.
On November 6th, I boarded a Chinook headed for LZ Ross in the Que Son valley. When I arrived at Ross I was instructed to report to the supply tent. At that time I was told that I was assigned to Company A-2/12, Captain Helvey’s company. However, they had hit the shit that day (the words that were used) and it was not a good time to join them.
The sun was just about to set when the supply sergeant told me that a chopper was on its way in for supplies. He told me to offload the chopper, help load the supplies, and get on board. That bird would take me to my unit.
When the chopper arrived, I discovered the offloading to be done was 4 bodies. WELCOME TO THE REAL VIETNAM. I’ll never forget the feeling; these were the folks that I would have known had I gotten there a couple of days earlier. One of which, a lieutenant would have been my Platoon Leader. I can only assume that these were the 4 Great Americans listed on this web site who were KIA on November 6th 1967.
Webmaster note: Four men from Company A died on November 6, 1967 - Ralph Avery, Robert Carter, Martin Sterud and William Michael.
When the chopper approached my unit, I saw a smoldering village with an LZ set up in the center. I can still smell that burning rice grass and palm leaves.
Captain Helvey greeted me and introduced me to my squad members, two of which were Bill Yankowy and Frank Sutton. Frank was killed on January 7th 68; Bill and I were wounded that same day by the same 82mm mortar round. That is for another story!
To me Captain Helvey looked like a leader, not like the Company Commander I had back at Ft. Carson who resembled a hair-dresser. I felt as if I could follow this man anywhere.
The guys took me under their wings and scared the #@$*^ out of me with stories of the happenings of that day. I don’t think I slept at all that night. I was told to fire a round from an M 79 now and then while on guard to keep Charlie from sneaking up on us. The next morning a case of 79 rounds were gone. I even fired one so close that I set off our trip flare. No one was going to get by my side of the perimeter.
Certain times in my life are etched in my mind so deeply that even acid couldn’t remove them and these are some of those times. However, I treasure my memories of Vietnam. That’s where I evolved into the man I am today.
The bonds forged among men in combat; the camaraderie between friends; the total dependence of one man upon another; the necessary faith in one’s leaders; the indomitable courage of men in conflict and under stress - this creates a true brotherhood!
I wasn’t given the choice at the time, but in retrospect I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve. I’m extremely proud of my service in Vietnam.