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| EXCERPT |
| The Second Overrun |
As the squads of Marines moved toward the compound, the VC broke contact and began to flee. I had flashbacks about the first time Papa 3 was overrun. Here I was again back at Papa 3. It was like a dream, yet real. We moved down through the field. As we entered the compound, a medivac chopper came in for a landing. Through the dust of the hellicopter I saw dead bodies. I counted eleven dead Viet Cong. Several were in the compound perimeter wire. The air stank of gun powder and burned flesh. The tin backs were smoldering and the wind was blowing the black and gray smoke in all directions. The body of private Banes lie lifeless on the ground. There were several bullet wounds in his chest. His rifle was on the ground just inches from his hand. His eyes were open in a look of shock. I hated this f---ing war.
Corporal Slang walked over and knelt next to the body of Banes. Tears ran from his eyes, as he stood up. He slowly walked toward what was left of one of the tinbacks. He was carrying his rifle in his hand by the barrel. He cursed out loud. In anger he swung his rifle like a baseball bat into the corner of the building. The rifle smashed, and pieces of it flew in different directions. Then he sat with his back to the building and his head between his knees.
Sgt. Perez walked over to say something to him,but he pushed him away. I stood and watched the sun rise as day broke. The sun rays felt warm upon my face and body. It felt as if God was touching me with his fingers. It was good to be alive.
I walked over to the chopper and helped them load Well's stretcher into the helicopter. He had been shot on the inside of his leg, in the area of his groin. The bullet passed through his leg, intestines, and out of his buttocks. He was conscious and in great pain. He looked at me and said, "I'm hurt bad, Skin."
I said, "Don't worry, Buddy. You'll be fine. You're in good hands now." He said, "We kicked Charley's F---ing ass, didn't we?"
I said, "You got that right! We have a body count of eleven and we ain't been outside the wire yet!" I backed away and covered my face, as the chopper rose.
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