When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
While you guys were sent to stop the spread of communism; how do you feel about those who stayed here and voted it in? This country makes deals every day with communists; how do you feel about that?
PS Thank ya'll for your service to this country.
Thank YOU. for your time, and service.
Bear, I am sick to my very marrow that we long ago started the slide to socialism. Hell, Bernie Sanders brags that he's a Socialist - and he's got a bunch of people voting for him.
The lure of "no responsibility and let the government support me" is a powerful one. It has even blinded people to what happened to Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, and everywhere else that has gone that route.
Thank YOU. for your time, and service.
Ditto
True heroes
Once again,,,,THANK YOU SIR!!
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
Rocky, I never did tell you how much I enjoyed reading both of those books.
Thank you sir, for the insight into what was looming for me in a few years. I graduated in 1975, and missed having an opportunity to visit that part of the world.
I'm still broken up over it.
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
I doubt any of us will ever forget that first few moments stepping of the airliner and getting hit in the face with that heat and that smell. Mine was Tan Nhut, no different than
that described above. No, there was no sense even trying to get used to it.
Welcome Home, gahuntertom.
I’m glad you made it home and I’m grateful for your service to us.
That opening sentence is like a punch in the gut for everybody who served there. To say that it strikes a chord is a gross understatement.
With no humility or modesty whatsoever, I think it ranks up there with "Call me Ishmael" as one of the great opening sentences. But I'm biased.
I was too young to have been involved with Vietnam, but I thank all of you that served for me and my family.
Rocky, I really enjoyed your books. Gave me a tiny inkling of what it was like for fellows like you. I know that there were others that had it a ton rougher than you while there, but from what I can gather, you captured the mood of the time and place quite well. Thanks!
When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
Geesh, why didn't you hang around so we could have a drink? 1 May '69 was the epic day for me. Saigon smells crappier than Cam Rahn, trust me.
When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
50 years, big number and a long time........
Thank you for your service to this Great Nation.
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
Thought I might like a copy but it is a little steep!
Amazon
get the used copy, at only $820.92..
Thank you for your service.
Ho Li Wow.....$3600 for a new copy! Someone's laffin' behind our backs I'll betcha! LMAO
Fifty years...I remember my Dad's departure and return (3 Jul 68/69) like it was yesterday. He was so brown and had this big mustache.
Ho Li Wow.....$3600 for a new copy! Someone's laffin' behind our backs I'll betcha! LMAO
I think that is for an autographed copy...
Loved both books more than once.
Glad you made it home ok. Many didnt. Thats why i hate LBJ.
First of all thanks for all who served and spent time in SE asia. I left ohio April fools day 1971 for Staging Battalion Camp Pendelton expecting my trip there. Arrived in Okinawa in May and was told this is as far as we were going. Lots of new guys and many of those on their second tour breathed a sigh of relief. There was no plan to win that war.
Rocky
I just found a copy!!! cant wait to read it.
When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
I too read Rocky's books. I went the college route out of high school, then joined the Marines in 1972 after I flunked out. Missed the war by one year. Thanks to both of you, and all the other Vietnam vets here on the fire for your defense of our Constitution and American Exceptionalism.
Thank you gentlemen, and welcome home.
A buddy of mine is fond of saying "we used to hunt commies down and kill them. Now we elect them!"
We owe you and we know it. We are proud of you. We are grateful.
We owe you and we know it. We are proud of you. We are grateful.
+ 325 million and me 😎
Guys, the best way to buy them is directly from the publisher. I have them at 40% off the print version and you can get the digital versions for about ten bucks for both. Here's the
LINK
Fifty years...I remember my Dad's departure and return (3 Jul 68/69) like it was yesterday. He was so brown and had this big mustache.
Somewhere in my trove of photos is one taken the day I boarded a C130 at Phu Bai for the trip down to Tan Son Nhut and the magic carpet ride home. Sitting on a rail tie in front of the terminal biding my time when the Herc rolled up, parked and began to unload. Young boys, lily white with sweat rings to their belt line in new dark green jungle fatigues, some a bit heavy for the style of weather I was accustomed to. Just about ready to move out when the last two newbies came off with full duffels on their shoulders, good blush on the cheeks and maybe 20# of lard on the waist line they would soon be bidding adieu.
Opposite direction with half full duffels came two of my kind. Skinny as rails, brown as a walnut, fatigues faded and colored by the red water all laundry was done in over there. 1,000 yard stares that didn't even see the quizzical eyes of the new guys as they approached with yard long strides. -click- Classic pic in my opinion, but one that would only be understood by those who made the trip. The newbies came from Earth, but only the spirits know where we had been.
Yes for sure...Thank you for your service !!!!!
When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
Thank you for your service.
My Dad was killed there on March 15, 1968.
Larry
So sorry to hear that Larry.
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
The air in Kabul will tell you in a very persistent way you are in a 3rd world country.
kwg
My Dad was killed there on March 15, 1968.
Larry
Larry, hope you see many more 3/15s and enjoy the life he missed out on.
Never talked to my dad about Vietnam. He was 21 when your dad passed and I was 6 months old:
I don't remember the exact date, but was about this time in '72. Philippine's at Olongapo in transit barracks, then Taiwan where I met the ship. Tonkin Gulf and a beach Det at Dang Nag for a couple of months. Retired and still work for the Government, and still go "camping" Middle East, Barhrain, Dubai, Oman, Yemen, Emirates etc. They have the "smell" but are just such a dichotomy, dirt poor, but anything and everything money could buy. One round about a cop has a donkey cart pulled over, the next round about a Rolls Royce. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan as well, again we're not in Kansas anymore. The place that reminds me the most about The smack off the plane is Djibouti, that is a third world third world country.
Thank you! All of you who were there!
Seems like another lifetime doesn't it ? I remember stepping on the tarmac at Cam Ranh Bay glancing over my shoulder at the Flying Tigers DC-8 we arrived on when Rocky's en trow to "Baggy " hit me like a sledge hammer. ...Welcome home !
I've been watching interviews video recorded for the Veteran's History Project the past couple months on youtube. I've focused on the Vietnam War and have watched first hand veteran accounts from all service branches, all ranks, and nearly all MOS. Each veteran gives their family background, if they enlisted or were drafted and the path they took from there right up to the present. Sometimes it's around 45 minutes, sometimes it takes them 3 hours. All are pretty remarkable, no matter what they did in uniform. To hear it from their perspective, with their emotion, the good, the bad, the similarities, the differences, well, it really gives one a profound respect for those individuals who stopped communism dead in it's tracks.
For some reason I don't reflect much on anniversaries. Now that you brought it up, I made it to Da Nang 50 years back this coming November. An exciting time indeed.
Aug 28 1968 landed at Danag what a shot hole.. I didnt think it could get any hotter , well guess what yaa it can .. 3rd Bat 26th Marines. Dam that was a long time ago..
Thank YOU. for your time, and service.
Ditto
True heroes
Yes, thank you.
Just seeing this, but thank You and all others who served our nation
in that Thankless War....for an ungrateful nation...
There were those of us still at home who revere your sacrifices...
and your service to our nation...
Although a veteran, I did not see Combat, being sent elsewhere to serve..
My best friend growing up went over there at 18 and never came home after
turning 19.....
a Salute of Respect and a Prayer of Gratitude...
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
Thought I might like a copy but it is a little steep!
AmazonHeck Rocky.. Amazon thinks you are more famous than William Shakespeare!!!!
When we landed at Cam Ron bay at 1:00 in the morning, it was hotter than hell. For the next 13 months and 6 day I spent most of my nights in a communications bunker in the central highlands.
Interesting... Literally, about the same time our sub arrived in the war zone for operations.. I guess I didn't even think about the dates..
Rocky's opening lines sure as hell nailed it.
As I just read thru this thread, my gut has tightened up a bit and a small lump in my throat.
April 68 - May 69.
Thank you gentlemen, and welcome home.
"
My sentiments as well. God bless you men, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
For you, my friend, the first bits of my first book...
Baggy Zero Four
CHAPTER ONE
It was as if the world had farted in his face. The air that came in through the jetliner’s door hit him like garbage gelatin: smothering hot, with overtones of sewage, dead fish, diesel smoke and jet exhaust. It was Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, and First Lieutenant “Rusty” Naille knew his nose would never forget that first olfactory assault as long as he lived. How long that might be was up for grabs.
“Jesus H Christ, what is that?” He asked, staggering back a half step and bumping into the Army sergeant behind him.
“Just ‘Nam, sir,” the sergeant answered laconically. “You won’t get used to it.”
Thought I might like a copy but it is a little steep!
Amazonit's the $4.97 shipping that pushes it over the edge.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you gentlemen, and welcome home.
A buddy of mine is fond of saying "we used to hunt commies down and kill them. Now we elect them!"
That's a great line there, and unfortunately true.
Lost my brother there on April 16 1968.......
50 years ago this month.....
Khe Sanh......he was 21.....we missed out on a lot.....
![[Linked Image]](https://i.imgur.com/JJ8dRqQ.jpg)
Thank You, all for your service in "the Nam"
I was draft age in 1971, but my draft number was to high to be called.
Would have went, gladly, if called.
Virgil B.
I was discharged in fall of 64 so I just missed out.
Our troops went to Vietnam to supposedly fight communism.
It's now evident we should have been fighting communism at home in stead.
Thank you for your service
Landed in Kabul 10 years and 9 days ago, walked down the flight line and climbed onto Russian helos flown by Afghan pilots. Off on the great adventure. Two Infantry advisor tours and straight Infantry tour in both Astan and Iraq. As screwed up as it is, I want to do it again.
The best of times and the absolute worst of times. God bless our fallen Warrior, never let their memories fade.