As an infantryman with the 9th Infantry Division from August, 1968 until June, 1969i n the Vietnam War, I was a part of over 200 combat missions during my tour of duty.
Each of these missions contained different levels of danger. Some were short and relatively safe. Some were more aggressive and deadly and lasted for several days. These combat missions offered up many risks and afforded us few rewards. The Lord was our point man, that I truly believe.
On the longer missions resupplies were brought out to us by helicopters. The supplies were routinely the same. They would bring us more ammunition for our weapons , c-rations for our meals, and dry socks for our feet. Occasionally we would get a special treat like the watermelon, like we are eating in the attached picture. The smiles were sincere. After being stripped of all of the basic comforts that most Americans take for granted, we felt special in receiving the watermelon treat. Our basecamp and battlefield bonds were built on the backs of brothers. What an awesome band of brothers! This picture was taken in 1968 at our base camp in Rach Kien, Vietnam.
I advanced from fire team leader to squad leader to platoon sergeant and, on numerous combat missions, platoon leader. Opportunities for advancement often came suddenly with combat casualties, end of tour rotations and other duty assignments. At full platoon strength we would have had 32 soldiers. We operated with 21 to 22 men the majority of my tour. My platoon was the 1st Platoon of Alpha Company, 5th / 60th, 9th Infantry Division. The platoon leader position was supposed to be held by an officer. They would come and go for various reasons.
Pictured here is one of our operational briefings the night before a mission. Lt. Pinkston was our Platoon Leader at that time and was discussing the details of the upcoming mission. If the mission was to be near the Parrot’s Beak area or the Plain Of Reeds, we knew that it would be difficult and extremely dangerous. Pictured ( L-R) SGT. Mike Murrell, 1LT. John Pinkston, SSG. Barney Tharp, SSG. Ed Reiser, and SSG. David Lockwood. I also had ” The Lord Is My Pointman” on my steel helmet cover.
It’s amazing how wartime experiences can make one appreciate the most basic things in life, like life itself.
~Barney Tharp, Vietnam Veteran
We are very grateful to Barney for sharing his personal story and invite you to share your family military service here as well.
God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.
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