A Minnesota PBS Initiative
A Day Like All of Them
Only told to three people.
June 8, 1967 C/2/22 Mechanized, 4th ID. My squad was leading the company on patrol and discovered a base camp. 1st LT Roger Frydrychowski, CO told me to set up an ambush on the edge of the BC. I told Rice and Daniel Morris to check out a well worn trail while the rest of the squad was setting up the ambush.
A stupid FO Sgt from the 4.2 mortars took out C-4 and lit it for hot C rations. I put out the C-4 with confrontation from him.
As the patrol was digging in a black pj, VC stepped out and was gone. The vegetation was close/thick. I turned and pulled my trigger and pulled to no avail. The safe was on. Know one else saw him and I have never said anything to anyone.
Guilt for not getting him and for what I could have done. Had I fired I would have also hit some of the men in the ambush. And "perhaps" the VC still lives today. We did not enter the BC as too many other booby traps could be easily seen.
Roger Borgheiinck, George Dahl, Russell McCarty.
I was told at Dan's house 40 years later with 25 guys from the company present Rice was KIA, and I did not know it for 40+ years. I hadn't seen any of them for 40 years, but we talked lilke we knew each other forever.
Dan said I have someone who wants to talk to you. I heard him laugh and knew who it was... Roy Harbour, someone else from my squad. Dan 70% and see him at most of our reunions. Roy comes to all of them. I trained with an entire battalion for 9 months before Vietnam and can still name 100+ guys.
When we see each other its shake, hug, and its like family. It is family, except we are all 70+ years old and remember those who are forever 19. Just one day!
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Woodbury, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Dau Tieng, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Dates of Service: 1965 - 1967
Unit: C/2/22 Mechanized 4th ID
Story Themes: 1965, 1966, 1967, Booby Traps, Brotherhood, Close Call, Combat, Daniel Morris, Dau Tieng, George Dahl, Read, Relationships, Reunion, Roger Frydrychowski, Roy Harbour, Silverdale, Viet Cong, Woodbury
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