Pleiku - Dau Tieng Vietnam Feb 1967 - Surfing With Cancer My 2nd Vietnam

C Company, 4th Engineering Battalion, 4th Infantry moved from Pleiku to Dau Tieng Vietnam in February, 1967. The company had helped convert a mud hole at the base of Dragon Mountain, into an operating bass camp. Will Lucas uses letters written home that month as a basis for the movie. D Company soldier, Melvin Pope shares two of his letters as well.

[@mamabearC879]

Thank you.

[@syn707]

I arrived in Nam March 1968. As an RTT operator I had it made in Dau Tieng. Dodging mortar and rockets now and then was the sport of us dumb kids.
But we had the above ground French swimming pool, the shops and snack bar below and the place where we coukd buy those awful Vietnam guitars. I wished I would have brought one back though. I did score a Gibson J-45 via the black market, that I did bring back.
Interesting time. I never have understood why we were there though. I have my thoughts but I keep ‘em to myself.
There were quite a few French building at Dau Tieng. My unit, 2/77 Artillery’s headquarters were in one of the two story buildings. Behind it was a non functioning fountain. One day a friend brought in two ducks and two chickens he bought in the village. The battalion colonel saw them and commented how he was a Iowa farm boy. He then ordered the water truck guys to fill the fountain for the ducks. We built a gazebo over it, made tiki torches out of tent poles, beer cans, sand and gasoline. We lit them once then figured we didn’t need to give ‘Charlie’ a good target.
I remember a large single floor building. I was just walking around and saw some kids practicing karate. I walked in and I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was a big band in baby blue blazers playing to no one. I remember the guitarist had a light blue Fender Stratocaster and played incredible Asian licks. It was quite a surreal experience.

[@diannesapp5984]

I remember watching Rat Patrol from my tent, the guys next door had the TV. Camp Holloway 66/67. William

[@stephenblake2196]

I'm sorry that you had your musical dream and shot (stolen!!! )And all the other boys in exchange for nightmares?? Hopefully!!! you veitnam combat vet's never feel like you owe any apologies for what you had to do and what you said??? ( you earned that ) you fought and some lost their life for us to have certain rights??Thank you!! Also for sharing this story they need to b told and MOST OF ALL (HEARD!!!) YOU ARE ALL (HERO'S !! ) YOU VET'S SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE NFL PLAYERS AND THOSE HOLLYWOOD SCUM BAGS TAKE FOR GRANTED??? THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE?? THEY ARE THE REAL STAR'S???