Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376
Years ago, I worked at the LA County Mechanical Department main shop.We had a building manager who was a veteran. In discussing it with him, he mentioned that he had three Purple Hearts. He also said that he didn't discuss it. Later, one of his friends said he was part of a unit of around 140 soldiers. He was the ONLY survivor of that unit. He also said that he and three friends went out one evening a few weeks or so after his discharge and some little liberal puke made a disparaging remark about him for serving. All he knew is that it took all three of his friends to pull him off the antagonist. He thumped him bad enough that they got out of there ASAP before any heat got there. Apparently, there was one of the little basket of failures that needed a lesson in how to properly respect our veterans. Long may our flag wave over those who served.
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Greg, my friend, I am sure the story told by your friend was intended to be accurate, and I am sure that he saw action. I would not recommend calling him on his story. The memory gets a little rusty after about 50 years.
Three purple hearts means "wounded in action 3 times". In Viet Nam...2 WOI and you were out of there. Now, conceivable the guy could have also gotten wounded in Korea.
Additionally..the only survivor out of 140 fighters, does not sound realistic. Was he a medal of honor winner?
140 men is approximately the size of a Company....5 officers, 20 NCO's, 16 M60's, 16 radio operators with M16s, 16 M79 grenade launchers, and the remaining with M16s and grenades. Plus we always had artillery behind us plus gun ship and fighter jets if necessary. Additionally..search and destroy was on the squad and platoon level. As I recall, all combat involving a company or battalion was to secure a position and had lots of artillary.
I never heard of a company getting wiped out in Viet Nam...maybe, but doesn't sound likely.
Please do not "call" your friend on his story, but it seems unlikely. In any regard, I am proud of him for serving his country.