PUSH: One man’s journey from Ranger school to the jungles of Vietnam

By David Ware

In life, the question is not whether you will face adversity but when. For Raylan Dansby, the main character in this novel, adversity comes early in life when his Air Force pilot father’s jet crashes in Korea.
Growing up on a farm, as we used to say, way out in the country, most of Raylan’s life advice comes from an older cousin, a disabled former U.S. Marine, who told him as a youngster the best way to deal with adversity is to “push through it.”
When David Ware was writing this novel, it was just as if someone kept whispering the word “Push” in his ear. And as a decorated Vietnam War vet, former Atlanta beat cop, and Louisiana State Trooper, a Law Enforcement pilot, and Medivac pilot. David faced adversity and found a way to push through it.
So, there it is. The title of the book was decided. It would be “Push.” Not just a word, or a book title, but a mantra for survival.
The dialog and accounts of Vietnam jungle missions are highly accurate for one simple reason: David Ware was once there hunting - and being hunted by - the enemy.
And that level of engaging accuracy is why I’m sure you will enjoy the second in - what I hope to be - a long series of well-written works by author David Ware.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781678022549

David Ware

From the Author David Maurice Ware Sr. was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1968. He is currently residing in the Atlanta Metro Area. He grew up in and overcame the mean ghetto streets of Detroit and now writes entertaining Urban fictional tales, (With a message to the maddness). His first book titled A True Thug Willsin Shot up the charts from #4000 to the top 10 in under three months, setting a record and receiving very high praises. View some of the comments for yourself. http://authonomy.com/books/40607/a-true-thug-willsin/ contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

PUSH

PUSH

by

David Ware

EDITED BY

SANDY WARE & RANDY ROGERS

Table of Contents

Foreword……………………………………………………………………….……….1

Prologue......................................................................................3

The Dansby’s...............................................................................5

The U.S. Army............................................................................23

Tigerland....................................................................................80

Cowboy Clean............................................................................87

Aggressors................................................................................114

Jennifer Michaels.....................................................................124

Goodbye, Ft. Polk.....................................................................144

A Change of Orders/State Fair.................................................165

Rangers All the Way.................................................................209

Ranger Qualified…………………………………………………………..………215

Stateside Skating/Vietnam.......................................................223

173rdAirborne Brigade…………………………………………………………..224

Jen’s Decision…………………………………………………………..…………..226

30 Day Leave………………………………………………………….….………….235

2nd Lt Jennifer Michaels………………………………………….….………….248

Vietnam Bound…………………………………………………….……………...252

Raylan’s Orders……………………………………………………………………263

IN-Processing………………………………………………………………………276

The Rubber Plantation………………………………………………….…….286

Back in the Bush………………………………………………………………...302

The Hobo Woods………………………………………………………………..349

After-Action............................................................................365

Recruiting Sergeant, Clean…………………………………………………..368

No Cheese for You, Mighty Mouse…………………………….………..436

The Village...............................................................................450

Long Bien Field Hospital..........................................................482

And Just Like That................................................................... 486

Back to the World…………………………………………………………………491

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson..................................................................513

Surprising Jen……………………………………………………………………….516

Moving On................................................................................556

An Khe......................................................................................577

Gearing Up...............................................................................601

Launch and Insert.....................................................................620

The NVA...................................................................................649

24th Evac Long Bien..................................................................658

Isabella.....................................................................................689

MACV-SOG...............................................................................693

Vung Tau..................................................................................697

A Vietnam Paradise.................................................................713

Epilogue...................................................................................760

FORWARD

In life, the question is not whether you will face adversity but when.  For Raylan Dansby, the main character in this novel, adversity comes early in life when his Air Force pilot father’s jet crashes in Korea.

Growing up on a farm, as we used to say, way out in the country, most of Raylan’s life advice comes from an older cousin, a disabled former U.S. Marine, who told him as a youngster the best way to deal with adversity is to push through it.

When David Ware was writing this novel, it was just as if someone kept whispering the word Push in his ear.  And as a decorated Vietnam War vet, former Atlanta beat cop, and Louisiana State Trooper, a Law Enforcement pilot, and Medivac pilot. David faced adversity and found a way to push through it. 

So, there it is.  The title of the book was decided.  It would be Push.  Not just a word, or a book title, but a mantra for survival. 

The dialog and accounts of Vietnam jungle missions are highly accurate for one simple reason:  David Ware was once there. 

A person holding an object Description automatically generated with low confidence

And that level of engaging accuracy is why I’m sure you will enjoy the second in - what I hope to be - a long series of well-written works by author David Ware.

Randy Rogers

PROLOGUE

Raylan Dansby realized at a young age there were no guarantees in life. Life would shove you around and you had to push back. There were those who helped you, but he soon realized that when all was said and done, a man must gather his fate, lift it to his shoulder, and either good or bad, carry it.

It is said that leaders are born, others say that leaders are made. He came to believe it was a combination of both. Yet, fate was always lurking and only a fool would dismiss it.

His is a story of pain, grief, love, joy, friendships, family, and war. The reader will find themselves walking beside him in his journey, hour by hour, day by day, and year by year. No man really travels alone, and the journey is long.

THE DANSBY’S

Seven-year-old Raylan Dansby was sitting under a Mimosa tree at his grandfather’s farm, playing in the sand with his toy soldiers as a dark blue sedan drove up the gravel road and turned into the yard.

Grandpa Mac, sitting on the front porch; sharpening a pocketknife with a wet rock, stood up slowly and threw the knife on the porch floor. His face was stern, almost angry, and Raylan was confused; Grandpa Mac was not a man to anger easily.

Two men slowly exited the sedan, both in U.S. Air Force blue uniforms. Raylan in a moment of excitement, jumped up, and ran towards the sedan, hoping to see his dad, but there were just the two men and their somber faces.

They both looked at Raylan and did their best to smile as they gave a polite hello and then turned to Grandpa Mac.

Sir, I am Major Morris, and this is Chaplain Kirklin. We need to speak to Cassie Dansby, wife of Captain Robert Dansby.

Is my son dead?

Yes sir, it is with great sadness that we bring you this horrible news. Captain Robert Dansby was killed in action four days ago.

Grandpa Mac slowly sat down on the porch step, his head down, saying nothing more. Raylan stood next to the men in uniform, confused and bewildered, and then broke into a run towards the hay barn. Grandpa Mac raised his head and yelled, Raylan, come to Grandpa. Come on son.

Raylan never looked back, he kept running.

Cassie Dansby opened the screen door, curious about the voices. When she saw the two uniformed men, she froze in her tracks, knowing the horror that awaited.

The Officers spoke in hushed tones, conveying words that would haunt the Dansby family for life. Cassie sat on the front step with Grandpa Mac as he put his arm around her trembling shoulders. There were tears, shock, fear, and disbelief.

The military protocols were explained, and paperwork was handed out to give guidance as to what would follow. To Cassie Dansby, it was just noise and words, she was unable and unwillingly to comprehend.

Robert Dansby was a fighter pilot in the Korean War. He had launched on a mission from Suwon Air Base near Seoul and engaged North Korean MIG 15 fighters. In previous engagements, he was one shoot down shy of becoming an ace, four confirmed kills of enemy combatants.

According to the two officers, Robert Dansby engaged three MIG 15s, taking one of them down, when his F-86 Saber fighter took a direct hit, rolled inverted, and crashed. He was not able to eject. His body was recovered by some US Marines and would be sent home in a closed casket. 

Grandma Dansby had followed Raylan’s mom out the door and had taken a seat in a porch rocker, saying nothing, just staring off into the distance, lost in her own misery. Her baby boy was gone.

The Air Force officers continued to explain that a Public Affairs Officer would contact them and help with the funeral arrangements with full military honors.

Grandpa Mac finally stood up and said, Truman needs to nuke those sons of bitches. He then walked off towards the fields, mourning in his own way, seeking solitude.

Martin Marty Dansby walked slowly from his parent’s house across the gravel road. He had seen the Air Force staff car and unfortunately understood. He pulled the two officers aside and had a conversation.

Marty walked with a pronounced limp; a Marine who had been discharged three months prior. A Chicom bullet had shattered the bone in his right leg as he fought against Chinese soldiers in the Frozen Chosen of North Korea. His battles were over at age 24.

The Air Force officers left, and Marty asked, Where is Raylan? No one knew and Cassie said, Marty, find him; find my baby. Oh my God. This cannot be real.

Marty was a big brother to Raylan, a hero in Raylan’s eyes, a Marine who had fought bravely and been wounded; a surrogate for a dad who was away fighting a war.

Marty found Raylan sitting in the hay barn, hugging the old Tom Cat, Fluff. Marty could see that Raylan’s eyes were red from crying, snot dripping from his nose, and in deep, frightful despair.

Marty sat down beside Raylan, putting his arm around him, saying, nothing until Raylan asked, Marty, do you think daddy was hurt a lot before he died?

"No, Raylan. I talked to the Air Force officers and they said a wingman flying with Uncle Robert saw his aircraft take a direct hit. Your daddy did not suffer. He had no idea of what hit him. He just saw darkness, then light, and was on his way to heaven within seconds. He is in a wonderful place now, a place where he can watch and smile as you grow into a man.

There is nothing I can say to you that will make the pain, sadness or fear go away, but it will. But you need to understand, your dad will always be with you. He will be watching and guiding you in ways that none of us will understand." 

Marty’s strong arm was around Raylan’s shoulder as he continued to speak softly, "I saw my friends dying when I was in Korea, and it hurt, so, so bad, and it was scary. I wondered if I would live, but I remember talking to your dad before I shipped off to Korea. He told me that you must push, always push past the fear, the pain, and the unknown. You cannot quit, you cannot give up; you push on. You are young and it will be hard for you to understand, but in time, you will.

You need to understand that you are not alone or lost. When I was in Korea and fighting, I always knew I had my family. They were always there for me, and this gave me the strength to survive. I see you as my younger brother and if I am breathing, I will always be there for you. These next days and weeks will be awful; I will not lie to you, but we have no choice.

Now leave old Fluff to go catch a mouse and let us go take care of your mom. She needs us now and we both need to be strong for her."

The funeral at the small Methodist church in North Louisiana was packed. There were tears, anguish, sadness, and yet pride as Taps was played and a 21-gun salute was given to Robert Dansby. He had served his country in WW2 and Korea and had paid the ultimate price. Now his family was left to pick up the pieces.

Living in the country, Raylan had no close playmates other than a kid from a black family who lived about a mile away. James Robinson and his wife, Annie B, had a son Raylan’s age, Johnny Joe Robinson.

Raylan and Johnny Joe spent many hours together fishing, building forts, playing Army, throwing a football, or just exploring the woods. Johnny Joe was a tall, skinny kid for his age and always had a smile on his face, just a good kid.

Many times, Raylan sat at the Robinson table and ate the fabulous cooking of Annie B. On other occasions, the two of them would sit on Raylan’s porch and share a watermelon or homemade ice cream. Johnny Joe was family and a great companion and a well-mannered kid.

As a sign of the times, he and Raylan went to separate schools due to segregation, yet it was not until the two of them were teenagers that the two of them realized how foolish and shortsighted this practice of segregating people was.

Johnny Joe played football at his all-black school and Raylan played at his all-white school. Many times, Raylan as a quarterback, would have loved to have had Johnny Joe catching his passes. Johnny Joe Robinson could run like a deer and could catch a football as if he were running down the field holding a peach basket; but it was not to be. Johnny Joe Robinson would eventually find himself at Grambling State playing football for the great Coach, Eddie Robinson.

Time passed and Raylan grew into a young man. He was popular, played high school football, baseball, and ran track, and became a good athlete, but in many ways, he was a loner. He had a few close friends, but often, he preferred being alone or with Marty or Johnny Joe. Raylan began to realize that Johnny Joe Robinson was his best friend, notwithstanding Marty.

Raylan and Johnny Joe were two peas in a pod and were often into mischief and doing stupid kid’s stuff. On more than one occasion each of them tried to outdo the other when it came to dumb stuff.

One afternoon, Raylan was at Johnny Joe’s house and Johnny’s mom told the two of them to go to the hen house and gather some fresh eggs; she wanted to make a pound cake. As they entered the hen house, they saw a long, black speckled chicken snake.

Raylan had once watched his grandpa grab a chicken snake by its tail and swing it around and then snap the snake like a bullwhip and nearly take the snake’s head off. To Raylan, this was the coolest thing he had ever seen.

Cautious Johnny Joe said, Whoa, let me get a rake and scoop that sucker out of there. Look, that sucker has swallowed a couple of eggs; look at his neck.

"Naw, watch this. Back up and open the gate. I am gonna grab his tail and then swing him and pop his head off.’

No fool, you gonna get bit…is what you are gonna do.

Back up, give me some room. I am going to snap that sucker.

Raylan was not to be deterred and slowly eased his hand into the hen’s nest and grabbed the snake by the tail, ran backward holding the snake at arm’s length. As the snake attempted to free himself, the snake somehow wrapped around Raylan’s leg. Raylan danced backward in a panic, crashing into Johnny Joe, knocking the two of them down as they rolled into the chicken house gate.

The snake, still being held onto by Raylan, turned and struck at Raylan in a defensive move. Raylan let go, kicking at the snake. The snake slithered right across Johnny Joe’s face and fled into the weeds. Johnny Joe let out a terrifying scream and Annie B came running out the back door.

Raylan jumped to his feet, composed himself, and then began laughing. That was when Johnny Joe attacked him, tackling him, knocking Raylan flat on his back, and began pounding him. All Raylan could do was throw his arms up to fight off the blows.

Annie B yelled, JJ, you stop that right now. What in the Tom Foolery are you two on about? Get up, both of ya. I am gonna get a switch to the both of you.

Raylan, stood, wiping blood from a busted lip. Johnny Joe was silent, but visibly angry and shaking from his snake encounter. Raylan began to explain, giving his version of the incident. Johnny Joe interrupted, That damn fool threw the snake on me, momma. That snake was trying to bite me. I coulda died.

You wouldn’t have died, that snake ain’t poisonous. It is just a chicken snake; and I didn’t throw it on you. You were just in my way. I told you to back up.

Annie B had heard enough. You two get in there and find me some eggs like I sent ya. I swear to God, you two are going to be the death of me.

Momma, I think there were only two eggs and the snake had swallowed them.

Annie B looked at Raylan and said, Boy, you started this, now get in there and see if you can find me some eggs in them nests.

Yes Ma’am. Raylan went back in the chicken coup and found three eggs, so Annie B was happy.

Annie B took the eggs and told Raylan and Johnny Joe to get the hoes from the tool shed and get out in the garden and hoe the tomato plants. Keep them busy and they may stay out of trouble.

Raylan and Johnny Joe dejectedly walked to the garden with their hoes in hand. Johnny Joe looked at Raylan’s fat lip and asked, Your lip hurt much?

Hell, yeah it hurts.

Good And that was all there was to be said.

Marty was true to his word; he was always there for Raylan. He and Raylan and Johnny Joe would spend hours hunting, fishing, tracking, camping out along the creek bank, and learning the wilderness.

Marty had married a girl he knew from high school, and he worked for an oil service company. They had a son named Michael and Raylan found himself as a big brother to Michael.

Marty and his wife Ann sat up a trailer home behind Marty’s parents’ house till they could afford to build a home of their own and it allowed him to look after his aging parents. All the Dansby’s were close by, and this was fine with Raylan. He wanted and liked Marty being close by.

Young Michael was Raylan’s shadow. The six-year-old thought that Raylan Dansby was the greatest person in the world, and it was not unusual to see Michael tagging along with Raylan and Johnny Joe. Raylan and Johnny Joe taught Michael what Marty had taught them.

Raylan’s Grandmother passed first and a few years later, Grandpa Mac. They were placed in the ground next to their son, Robert, in the cemetery of the country church.

Raylan’s fondest memories of his grandpa came one Saturday afternoon as the Dansby family were all sitting on the front porch. Grandpa Mac was sitting in his porch rocker reading his Farmer’s Almanac. He had sent Raylan and Johnny Joe to the garden fence which was full of blackberry vines and told them he would give each of them 50 cents apiece if they went and picked a lard bucket full of berries. Grandma Dansby would make some of her delicious blackberry cobblers.

Raylan and Johnny Joe were walking from the garden with an almost full bucket of berries when a pickup pulled up. It was a distant cousin of Grandpa Mac’s, but not someone Raylan knew other than occasionally seeing him. Raylan had heard in conversation that this individual was not well thought of, even though he was kin by marriage, but not a Dansby.

Raylon and Johnny Joe walked into the yard, and both walked up the front porch steps with Johnny Joe carrying the bucket of berries. Jack Hicks had made himself comfortable and was spitting his chewing tobacco. He looked at Johnny Joe and said, Boy, you just walk up on white folks’ porch without being invited?

Johnny Joe stopped in midstride, unsure of what to do. Grandpa Mac said, Jack, Johnny Joe has been on this porch since he was a toddler and he needs no invite, but I can’t say the same for you. You come here and began preaching to me how you found Jesus after all your drinking, wife-beating and whoring around with other women, and now you want to tell me who can and cannot come on my front porch.

Grandpa Mac looked at Johnny Joe and said, Son, hand me the bucket.

Johnny Joe handed the bucket of berries to Grandpa Mac. Grandpa stood up and walked over to Jack Hicks and slammed the bucket of berries down on his head while yanking Jack from his chair and sending him headfirst down the steps and into the yard.

Grandpa then leaped down the steps and kicked Jack Hicks in the ass and said, Carry your sorry ass out of here and don’t come back unless invited.

Jack Hicks got in his truck, spinning gravel and dust as he sped away with blackberry juice all over his white shirt.

Grandma Dansby said, Mac, that was sure a waste of good berries on that bastard. You boys see if you can pick up as many as you can. I will wash them good and maybe we will have enough to make that cobbler.

Grandpa Mac reached into the watch pocket of his overalls and pulled out four quarters and gave Raylan and Johnny Joe two quarters apiece. He looked at Johnny Joe and said, JJ, you just need to understand, some folks is just sorry, no good. Don’t pay them no mind.

Yes, sir, ain’t no never mind to me.

With all the excitement over, Johnny Joe and Raylon went to dig some worms behind the old outhouse. They would go down to the bridge crossing the creek and try their luck at catching some sun perch and figuring out what they would do with their newfound riches the next time they went to town. Raylan felt great about being a Dansby.

Raylan and his mom had continued to live with the grandparents before their passing. As they got older, Raylan’s mom became their caretaker and her life revolved around the Dansby family. It was not easy on her, but it gave her the strength to continue and kept her close to the family.

Raylan’s mom was a beautiful woman and there were numerous men from the church and the local society who wished to court her. She had gone to dinner or a movie with a few, but eventually, they would disappear, which was fine with Raylan.

Johnny Joe was still at his home and he and Raylan as teenagers had drifted apart more out of logistics than anything else. They would occasionally run across each other in the town and catch up on their lives, but they were now on different paths as society steered them apart.

Raylan and his mom now lived in town. When the grandparents passed, Cassie Dansby sold her share of the land and farmhouse to Marty. Marty, Michael, Ann, and a new baby sister renovated the old farmhouse, sold their trailer, and moved in.

Raylan and his mom’s new home was nothing fancy, but it was functional and in a good neighborhood in a town of about five thousand. The big events in the town were high school football and it was typical of a small southern town.

Raylan’s mom had been working at the local bank for several years and became the loan officer and a key executive in the bank. Many in the town had wondered how such a beautiful woman had not remarried and some of his mom’s lady friends were always trying to fix her up with a suitable suiter.

Cassie Dansby was an orphan from birth. She had no idea who her mother and father were, and it was assumed she may have been a bastard child. She spent most of her youth until she was 11 years old in a Catholic orphanage in New Orleans. At 11 years old she was adopted by a couple from San Antonio, Texas.

Carla and Dave Lemieux were fabulous parents, although both were in their late 50s at the time. Cassie was a student at The University of Texas at San Antonio when her adoptive parents both died within a year of each other. Once again, Cassie found herself alone in the world working her way through college.

She and a few of her girlfriends would often go to the Air Force Officer's Club at Randolph Air Force Base and that is where she met a young pilot instructor named Robert Dansby. She was no longer alone and would have a family of her own.

But fate or God’s hand always came into play, call it what you may. There are many truths to the adage; if you want to make God smile, tell him of your plans.

It was dusk dark, and Raylan had just pulled out of the stadium parking lot after early spring practice. Snow was falling, mixed with freezing rain and the roads were already beginning to ice over in a late winter storm. Raylan could feel his wheels sliding on his pickup and was driving with caution.

He had just begun to drive up the hill about a mile from his house when a logging truck was meeting him and going too fast for conditions. The huge truck began to jackknife, and the logs broke loose, slinging them in all directions. Raylan turned sharply, but one of the logs crashed into the front left wheel, sending his truck into the air and lifting the back wheels of his pickup off the ground. Raylan’s truck spun sideways and began to roll, crashing into a sycamore tree. His truck then caught on fire.

He awakened in the local hospital to find his mom, Marty, Ann, the baby, and Michael in his hospital room. Standing next to the hospital room door was a Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and Johnny Joe Robinson.

Raylan had little memory other than remembering his truck turning over and then he went blank. There were hugs all around and a sigh of relief. Raylan had a nasty cut on his forehead and a broken left wrist, but other than that, he was none for the worse.

Johnny Joe initially hung back, standing in the doorway when Raylan motioned for him to step to his bedside.

Johnny Joe gave Raylon a big smile and said, Well, I am glad you banged your head up a bit. Ain’t much harm gonna come from that. You don’t look no worse than when you fell out of that sweet gum trying to get that stupid cat, Fluff, down from that tree. You landed right on your head. Most folk’s head would have burst like a watermelon, but not you. That fool cat then crawled down the tree trunk, same way he got up, and then went over there rubbing on your leg and purring. You hurtin’?

Not much. I have hurt more in two-a-day August football practice. Thanks for coming to check on me.

Well, get better. I got to get back to school. I told the teach I had to go check on my homeboy. Momma said she was going to bake you an apple pie. Save some more for me. I like apple pie. Your momma invited me to stay when I brought the pie, cut me a piece to take home. I am guessing she figured my game out. Check you later.

Aw right, thanks for checking on me. I am ready to get out of here.

As Johnny Joe exited the room, the Deputy said, Son, I have heard you are quite a football player. Stick with it, study hard, and do not get your head turned sideways. Tell your dad I said hello.

Yes Sir, thanks. Mind my asking how you know my dad?

He had a flat on one of his gravel trucks a few months past and I stopped and helped him with a hydraulic jack I had in my unit. He told me all about you; very proud of you.

Johnny Joe gave his normal big smile, nodded towards Rylan, and said, Thanks for helping my dad and keep an eye on my boy Raylan here, he has a heavy foot.  I won’t tell ya about all the other stuff he has done.

Raylan smiled and said, I thought you were late for school. Get on out of here.

The doctor came in along with a nurse to check his vitals and the doctor said, Well, son, seems you are going to do well. Lucky for you that you have a hard head. I had to put 14 stitches in your noggin, but your skull remained intact. Two things saved your young life; luck and Deputy Jake Williams here.

Raylan looked at the deputy, who was smiling. He was a stout-looking man and looked like his uniform was made just for him. Raylan noticed the deputy had a bandage on his right hand. Raylan asked the doctor, Sir, what happened?

Well, your truck caught on fire, you were unconscious, and Jake here, just happen to be a witness to the accident. He pulled you free and burned himself in the process. The man saved your life, no doubt about that.

Raylan looked at the deputy and said, Thank you, sir. Was the driver of the log truck hurt?

"No, son. Not a scratch, but he has other problems. He is now residing in the parish jail, driving under the influence. I am just thanking the good Lord I was at the right place at the right time. I was right behind you when the trucker jackknifed. He was going too fast and then got on the brakes too hard and the truck swapped ends with him.

Your gas tank erupted, and you were crumpled up inside; stuck under the dash. Fortunately, the flames were going straight up, and I was able to drag you out before the flames got to you. The log truck driver seemed to be in shock as I ran past him. The logging company will owe you some money for a new truck, but I told your mom that it would be best if she gets a lawyer to manage all of that. Anyway, that is the sum of what happened."

Cassie Dansby shocked Raylan as she walked to the door and hugged the deputy and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you, Jake.

The deputy was pleased, blushed, and smiled.

Jake Williams was retired Army, an MP. He had been with the Sheriff’s office for about two years and most of the locals knew of him and respected him, yet he lived in another town about twenty-one miles away, so he still lived a private life. He had been married but had no children. His wife had died of breast cancer shortly before he retired from the Army.

Things were changing in Raylan’s life. Cassie Dansby was spending a lot of time with Jake Williams. Raylan liked him. Jake was a quiet man, but when one looked at him, one could see strength in him and a man you would not wish to cross.

Raylan got 700 dollars from the insurance of the logging company for the value of his truck. Shopping around, he found a 48 Chevy pickup for 300 dollars and pocketed the other 400 dollars. Jake was often around and a skilled mechanic and helped Raylan get the 48 Chevy in good working order.

Jake Williams and Cassie Dansby were married in April of Raylan’s senior year. The wedding was a family affair, and everyone seemed pleased for Cassie. The thing that Raylan liked most about Jake was the fact that Jake treated him as a man, not a teenager; mutual respect.

Raylan found himself thinking a lot about his future. Two weeks after graduation, Raylan picked up the phone and called Marty.

Marty, hey, it's Raylan.

Marty laughed and said, Dumbass, of course, it is you. What’s up?

We need to talk. Well, I need to talk. What are you doing?

Well, Ann and the kids are headed to Shreveport to do some shopping and take in some Disney movie. I am not excited about the whole idea of seeing a Disney movie, much less shopping. What is on your mind? You haven’t knocked up one of those little cheerleaders I have seen hanging all over you?

Raylan laughed said, Hardly. But I have considered auctioning off my letterman jacket to the highest bidder, but so far, no takers. But seriously, I need to talk to you.

Well, drive your butt over here. You are now eighteen and I have some cold beer.

Ann won’t be mad if you bail on the shopping, will she?

Naw, she won’t miss my whining as we walk around Sears.

I will be there in about 45 minutes. Need a quick shower and to stop for gas. See ya in a bit.

Raylan pulled into the gravel driveway and saw Marty sitting on the front porch. Walking up the front steps, Marty handed him a cold PBR.

Take a load off and sit down and tell me what is on your mind. When I hear an 18-year-old say, ‘we need to talk’, I get nervous.

Raylan took a sip of the beer and said, "I need to hit the road, get on with my life. Mom has Jake and they are happy, and he is a good man. As you know, I have football offers from La Tech and Northwestern State, but I have no idea of what I want to do as a career or even what to study in college.

Football is a game to me, but not an obsession. I am kind of burnt out on it. I just feel as if I need to move on, find my own way, sort things out. High school is boring as hell, and I fear that I might find college the same way."

Raylan, I have always thought you might go to La Tech and get involved with the Air Force ROTC and maybe become a pilot like your dad. They have a fantastic Aeronautical Science program and the fact your dad was a pilot, would give you a leg up as far as getting an Air Force pilot billet.

I know, but I don’t have the passion to fly as dad did. I know I could do it, but I do not know if that is something I genuinely want to do. I just know that I need to get going and make some of these life-altering decisions later when I am a bit older.

I had even thought of the Marines, but as you often said, the Marines are looking for men who will stick a grenade up their ass and run through a brick wall. I think I would prefer a way to just go around the wall. I am seriously considering going Army Airborne, Rangers, and maybe even Special Forces.

Damn, Raylan, you are full of big ideas. Do you have any idea of what this plan of yours entails? You are talking about some heavy shit here. I know you are young, strong, and full of confidence, but mentally you will be challenged as you have never been before.

I remember Marine boot camp and training as a rifleman. Physically, I was able to hold my own, but mentally and dealing with the stress was off the charts. Going Airborne and Ranger will push your young ass up against the wall. It is your wagon, and you will have to pull it, but you had better give this a lot of thought and do not fool yourself into thinking you will skate through.

If you are looking for my blessing, I will abstain. Personally, I think you could cut it, but do not delude yourself, you are setting the bar pretty high for a snot-nosed 18-year-old full of piss and vinegar."

Raylan smiled, Snot-nosed 18-year-old, uh? Well, I remember a 7-year-old with a broken heart and you telling me that I must always push. Never give in, never quit; remember that?

Well, talking and doing don’t always meet in the middle, but you do what you wish. I did the same thing when I was 18 and ended up freezing my ass off in North Korea and walking with a limp for the rest of my life. You just make damn sure you tell your mom you are an idiot and that I advised you to go to college and be a high school history teacher or manage a hardware store. You know she will not buy into this shit. Mothers tend to be a bit protective and rightfully so. So, when do you see yourself joining up?

Well, I have already met with the recruiter out of Shreveport. I leave on May 19th for Fort Polk.

Have you raised your right hand and been sworn in?

Yeah, it is done.

Damn, Raylan. Why are we having this conversation?

Cassie Dansby was not happy and that would be putting it mildly. But it was Jake who was able to smooth the waters a bit. He understood but did not necessarily agree with Raylan’s decision.

He and Raylan had a long talk and Jake explained to Cassie that Raylan was 18 and if he did make it with his dreams of becoming a paratrooper and a Ranger, he would still be young enough when his tour of duty was over to go to college and maybe even get into Air Force flight school. He explained that this was just a sideline adventure that many young men go through; all part of growing up.

He went on to tell her that the country was not at war and if Raylan wanted to get his ass wrung out by the US Army, it will make him more appreciative of other choices he may have later in life. Jake did not mention his worries about what was developing in Southeast Asia; more specifically, Vietnam.

THE US ARMY

May 20th, 1964. It was 7:00 am and Raylan stood at his front door awaiting the Army recruiter to pick him up and drive to the recruiting office in Shreveport. He had already said his goodbyes to Jake and his mom.

The OD green staff car pulled up and the horn blew, and Raylan hopped in the front seat with the Sergeant.

Morning recruit. You ready for your big adventure?

Yes sir, ready as I will ever be.

Good. We have to make one more stop to pick up another recruit over on Magnolia Street. Do you have any idea where that might be?

Yes Sir. Over in the colored part of town. I can get you to the street.

Raylan guided the Sergeant to 312 Magnolia and a young, short, stout black male came bounding off his porch and hopped in the back seat.

"Good morning, Jackson. This is Raylan Dansby. Dansby, this is Delvin Jackson. You two will be seeing a lot of each other in the next few months.

Raylan offered his hand, and they shook.

Raylan asked, You know Johnny Joe Robinson; ya’ll play ball together.

Sure did. JJ my ace, that dude can motor. He is on his way to Grambling. Wish I was going with him. How you know him?

We grew up together. We were tight as ticks till my family moved to town. I taught him everything he knows about football. I bet I threw him a thousand passes in our back yards as kids growing up; my best friend.

Wait, I know of you. You the QB; ‘member reading about you in the paper. I figured you would be playing college ball. You didn’t get any offers?

Yeah, I got several, La Tech and Northwestern State, including a few schools in Arkansas, but I was kinda burnt out on football. Felt I needed to get out and see the world.

Yeah, I hear ya, ain’t nothing here, but I don’t think Ft. Polk is seeing the world.

Raylan laughed and said, Well, it is just the first step. Hopefully, they won’t send us back home.

The sergeant laughed and said, "You boys will survive Ft Puke if you pay attention, follow orders, and don’t draw too much attention to yourselves from the Drill Sergeants.

tball players can usually handle the physical demands, but the mental aspects can wear on you if you think too far ahead. Take it a day at a time and every day you make is one less day to deal with. You will be surprised at the difference in you when you complete basic. No more Harry High School. You will be soldiers."

Raylan and Delvin shared football stories and Raylan entertained Delvin by relating some Johnny Joe stories, especially about the chicken snake. The Sergeant found it entertaining and Raylan thought that this Army business would not be too bad if all the Sergeants were like this one.

They arrived at the recruiting office about an hour later and the place was a beehive of activity and more paperwork. They had already done their medical workup in the previous weeks along with blood samples of each recruit to get their blood type. Raylan was O-Positive. 

The morning drug-on, and there was a lot of sitting around waiting. The Army always worked at their own pace and the adage of hurry up and wait must have originated with the military.

At noon the 7 recruits were dismissed for lunch; there were sack lunches of some type of ham sandwich and lukewarm Kool-Aid. Raylan and a few others decided they would head over to Texas Avenue and find a diner and get a hamburger and fries.

All 7 recruits made a break for freedom and were told to be back by 1400 hours. One of the recruits asked, What time is 1400 hours and Raylan replied, 2:00 pm and I would suggest you be back here by 1350 hours…that would be 10 minutes till 2."

One of the four black recruits said, Damn, we got us a Drill Sergeant here. I am going to stick close to him. Keep my ass out of trouble.

The herd of recruits walked about four blocks to Texas Avenue and spotted a drug store with a soda and grill bar. The group piled in and sauntered up to the bar and the waitress and fry cook looked a little overwhelmed.

Delvin eased up to Raylan said, Look man, them folks ain’t going to take kindly to us black boys sitting at the counter. That dude behind the cash register is giving us the stink eye and we don’t want any trouble. We got some time, you know of where we could get some eats that serve black folks, maybe down towards the river?

Raylan thought for a minute but finally said to the black recruits, Y’all good with a burger, fries, and coke? I will get it to go, and we can sit outside here.

One of the recruits asked, How much is it? I ain’t got no more than a few dollars. Recruiting Sergeant said we won’t have any need for any money, nowhere to spend it.

Don’t worry about it. I brought more money than I can spend. My treat. We get through Ft. Polk and maybe y’all can buy me a beer with all the big money you going to be making.

Delvin laughed, Big money? Hell, I heard it was about $86 a month for a raw recruit. Get me some dollar beer and I am buying.

Raylan finally got the busy waitress’s attention and ordered 5 burgers with fries and cokes for each. The guy behind the counter looked as if he had been eating green persimmons with a scowl on his face, but business was business and Raylan waited patiently.

The black fry cook had an assembly line going on his grill but was whipping out the burgers left and right. Raylan stepped to the cash register and pre-paid and said to the manager behind the counter, Soldiers, headed to Ft. Polk. I am sure it is an honor to serve us.

The manager did not respond, and Raylan got a sack full of burgers and fries from the cook but realized he could not navigate 5 drinks in Styrofoam cups. He walked to the door and motioned for Delvin to come in. Delvin walked in, smiled at the manager, and helped Raylan with the drinks. Raylan gave the fry cook a dollar tip.

The five of them sat on the curb under the shade of a River Birch and ate their burgers and fries. A Shreveport police officer stopped in the street, reached over, and rolled down the passenger window.

How you boys doing? Looks like ya’ll eating well.

Raylan replied, Yes sir, we are, officer. Headed to Ft. Polk.

The officer replied, Yeah, I figured as much. I am an ex-Army myself. Be safe and good luck to all of ya.

Raylan could not help but wonder if the manager had called the police.

At 1400 hours all the recruits were back in the recruiting office, and it was difficult to keep their eyes open. Their stomachs were full, and they were bored from just sitting and waiting.

Eventually, a black Master Sergeant showed up wearing a campaign hat and khaki uniform. Raylan figured he was a former Drill Sergeant or on temporary duty. Raylan could see his nametag said Rhodes and he had numerous medals on his chest, plus a CIB (Combat Infantry Badge).

He told the recruits that a chartered Trailways bus would be arriving at 1700 hours and departing for Ft. Polk, La. The trip would be about 5 hours and they would make one stop in Alexandria, La to pick up three more recruits. There would be no pit stops en route other than in Alexandria as there was a lavatory at the back of the bus.

He said that when the bus arrived at the recruiting depot at Ft. Polk there would be helpful Drill Sergeants there to assist them with any needs they may have. Raylan could not believe that MSgt. Rhodes could say this with the sincerest look on his face. Raylan suspected what was awaiting them.

MSgt. Rhodes went on to say that they would be mustered inside a room and there would be some minor paperwork to fill out. At some point, they would be marched over to the Quartermaster and draw their linen, blankets, and a laundry bag and then allowed to get a restful night’s sleep.

At some point the next morning after the sun was up, they would enjoy a bountiful breakfast and then march over to get haircuts and then to the medical dispensary to get a few shots and pick up their shot records, which one never wanted to misplace, unless one wanted to repeat all the shots.

Rhodes went on to say that they would be introduced to the numerous Drill Sergeants whose sole duty is to make them into soldiers by teaching and guiding them in the most positive way possible.

Raylan knew that the shit was about to hit the fan when they stepped off the bus at Ft. Polk. Jake Williams and Marty Dansby had given him a heads up. MSgt. Rhodes was scary looking and his smirky, less than sincere smile was a roadmap as to what was coming.

At 1630 hours the Trailways bus pulled up to the curb at the recruiting office. Each recruit had a manila envelope with all their pertinent paperwork, and they were told to protect it as if their lives depended on it. Do not lose or misplace your paperwork.

At exactly 1645 hours the recruits were boarded on the bus. Raylan found himself an aisle seat, second row from the front, and placed his small gym bag with a pair of clean underwear and socks in the overhead rack. Jake had told him to carry only the essentials, all else would be provided for him. In his billfold, he had his driver’s license, social security card, and now $39.

At some point on arrival, the recruits would be required to place all personal items on their bunks while a Drill Sergeant went through each item and if it were non-essential, it went into the trash. Do not bring your favorite pocketknife, a nude photo of your girlfriend, condoms, playing cards, and dozens of other forbidden items.

The recruits settled in quietly and then MSgt. Rhodes stepped onto the bus. Raylan figured he was going to give them last-minute instructions. MSgt. Rhodes stood at parade rest and glared at the back of the bus.

The four black guys were sitting in the last four seats at the back of the bus. Devlin Jackson was one of them.

MSgt. Rhodes walked down the aisle of the bus and Raylan looked to the back after the Sergeant had passed his seat.

What the fuck are you four clowns doing?

Not one of the four black guys said a word, they were confused and afraid.

I asked you, what the fuck are you four doing? Why are you four sitting in the back of the bus?

Delvin made the mistake of answering. Sir, we just assumed this is where we are supposed to sit.

Really? You assumed this on your own. No Non-Commissioned Officer or Commissioned Officer gave you a direct order to sit in the back of the bus.

Delvin sheepishly responded, No sir.

Well, you assumed that you four ‘colored boys’ should get your young asses to the back of the bus. If you break down the word assume it spells out very clearly that you clowns have made an ‘Ass’ out of ‘U’ and ‘Me.’ You are new recruits in the United States Army. You do not assume anything. You are not civilians, you are recruits and maybe, someday you will become soldiers. The U.S. Army does not condone segregation. Am I clear on that?

All four of them replied, Yes Sir.

The proper response is Yes, Drill Sergeant and it is said in a forceful manner as if you totally understand. Now stand up, get your paperwork and your personal gear from the overhead rack, and get your asses up to the four front seats. MOVE!!!

MSgt. Rhodes turned about rapidly and yelled to the four guys sitting on the four front seats, Unass your seats, grab your shit and get to the back of the bus. That is a direct order.

Within a minute it was all sorted out and the bus was deathly quiet. This bus ride was not off to a good start and Raylan was anxious to get the bus rolling.

MSgt. Rhodes was not done yet.

Let me explain something to all you slapnutz. All of you will be training together, sleeping together, and getting your asses reamed out together. The US Army is an equal opportunity outfit, we do not play favorites. The military is about teamwork, leadership, and looking out for the guy next to you. At some point there is a strong possibility that some of you, or all of you, may find yourself in a foxhole with each other, smelling each other’s farts, and trying to keep each other alive. There is this little country called Vietnam and things are heating up and it will be your dumbasses that will be sent to fight. Think about it and enjoy yourself these coming weeks.

MSgt Rhodes exited the bus and told the driver, Hit the road, sir, and drive carefully. These are America's finest.

Raylan detected a bit of sarcasm in MSgt. Rhodes’ statement to the bus driver.

Once the bus hit Highway 167 South, the recruits relaxed a bit and conversation began.

One of the black recruits asked Delvin, Where is this Vietnam…never heard of it?

One of the others said, I think it is over by Japan somewhere.

The recruit sitting next to Raylan asked, I thought we already fought the Japs.

Raylan interjected for all of them to hear. Before leaving he had a long talk with Jake and basically got schooled up on what was going on in Vietnam.

"Okay guys, listen up. I know a little bit about Vietnam. Vietnam is in Southeast Asia, about 2000 miles southwest of Japan.  Japan is an American ally and has nothing to do with the conflict in Vietnam.

Vietnam is surrounded by Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand to its West, and China to its North. The country is divided between North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. The North is controlled by the Communists and supported by Russia and China.

The South is somewhat of a democracy supported by the U.S. and other democratic nations. The Communists in the North, the North Vietnamese Army, and the local Communist forces in the South, the Viet Cong, are attempting to overthrow the South Vietnamese government and bring them under Communist control.

We, the United States, already have military forces in South Vietnam in an effort to help the South Vietnamese contain and fight back the Communists. It is my understanding that we have Army Special Forces in-country along with U.S. Air Force personnel and we have already had casualties."

Raylan continued the conversation with the knowledge he had gotten from Jake and Marty and what he had read on his own from various publications.

"Before President Kennedy’s assassination, it is believed he was going to great lengths to keep the United States from committing more troops to Vietnam. What President Johnson’s feelings or intentions about the situation are anyone’s guess.

It is a political mess and yet there is a huge fear that if the Communists get control of all of Vietnam, they will expand into Laos, Cambodia, and more importantly Thailand. My gut feeling is that things will get worse before they get better. MSgt Rhodes may be correct. We could find our asses in Vietnam fighting Communists."

Delvin said, Damn, Dansby, you know some shit. I never heard of the place.

Well, most people haven’t, but I suspect before long many will be very familiar with Vietnam. At least my Marine cousin thinks so.

One of the guys asked, What’s it like over there; hot, cold? Is it like one of the islands we fought at in WW 2 with the Japs?

It is hot, tropical, with lots of mountainous jungles and low-lying areas of swamps and rice paddies and lots of waterways in the lower delta area of the country. A tough place to wage war as the enemy has so many places to hide. Not to mention the snakes, critters, mosquitos, leeches, malaria, and the humid heat you find in that part of the world.

Damn. I wonder if the Army would let me go back home if I told them, I changed my mind?

Well, you can forget that, but if that crap breaks loose over there, they will draft all our dumbasses anyway. Maybe we should have all gone to college and got a deferment or gotten married and had a half dozen kids.

Delvin piped in and said, Well, I don’t have the money to go to college and I am sure not getting any scholarship and I had rather go fight in the war than be home with a half a dozen kids and a fat wife. Guess I better learn how to be a good soldier. But your dumbass turned down football scholarships. I was thinking ‘bout hanging with your ass. You seem to have it together, but I may have to give that subject a little more thought. You knew all this shit and you still joined?

Well, actually I did not know as much until after I was sworn in, but I would have joined up anyway.

See, you just made my point. I’m gonna take a nap. Wills, move your big ass leg over to your side of the seat. Army gonna get some of that baby fat of your big ass.

Wills, a chubby black kid, shuffled in his seat, which was a bit small for him and said, My girl said I ain’t fat. I am just fluffy. Go on and take your nap before I come over and sit on your short stack ass.

The bus rolled down through the farmland and the sun was getting lower in the sky. Everyone was in his own thoughts. Raylan closed his eyes.

The hissing of the bus air brakes awakened Raylan and he saw they were pulling into the small bus station in Alexandria.

An Army Sergeant boarded the bus and told them they would be there for 30 minutes to refuel and change drivers. A Corporal inside would have a sandwich and cold drink for them. Raylan assumed the sandwiches had been brought from Fort Beauregard just northeast of Alexandria. He was not hungry but ate the sandwich, anyway, not knowing if that would be his last meal ‘til the following morning.

They reboarded the bus and the Sergeant made each recruit hold up their manila envelope to make sure some recruit had not their left packet in the station; Army efficiency.

Raylan had been sitting in an aisle seat and not having to share any space with another recruit. Three additional recruits boarded the bus and one guy, who had to have been 6-6 in his bare feet began to look around for a seat. Raylan slid over to the window and said, You can have the aisle so you can stretch those long legs.

Thanks, Charlie Davis, as he extended his hand.

Raylan Dansby, welcome aboard.

Charlie Davis was a big black man and looked as if he could be playing in the NFL or NBA.

So, Charlie. What are looking for regarding your MOS?

MOS, not sure what you are talking about?

Military Occupational Specialty. What field are you looking to get into in the Army?

Oh, okay. I am thinking of being a paratrooper, assuming I make it through basic.

Alright, that is my goal also, and then Ranger School. Man, big dude like you with those long legs, you will always be the first one on the ground.

Charlie smiled and said, You funny. I guess I will be the first one the bad guys shoot at.

Well, when they see you, they may just throw down their weapons and surrender. However, they may think you are in charge and all of them aim your way. I will make it a point not to get too close to you; in case they can’t aim straight.

Charlie burst out laughing and asked, How bad you think boot camp will be?

Won’t be easy, but just follow orders, pay attention and try to not draw attention to yourself from the Drill Sergeants.

Well, with my big ass, that may be a problem. Kinda hard for me to hide. Dudes in school always wanting to take me on, trying to make a name for themselves.

You got a nickname? I heard Drill Sergeants love to give recruits nicknames.

Yeah, I suppose so. My buds called me, Clean. I kinda kept the court clean under the net and cleaned some quarterbacks."

Well, ‘Clean’ it is. I will make it a point to call your name within earshot of the Drill Sergeants. Maybe they will pick up on it.

Charlie and Raylan hit it off from the beginning. Marty had told him it was always good to have a barracks buddy, someone to watch your six.

Darkness arrived and they were near the main gate at Ft. Polk. The bus pulled to a stop and an MP came aboard, looked around, and asked the driver if he needed directions or an escort to the Recruit Induction Center. He said he had been there numerous times and knew the way. Raylan watched another MP pick up a landline phone and guessed he was calling the DIs to tell them the recruits were inbound.

Within five minutes the bus came to a halt at a long green building with an overhang pavilion. Four Drill Sergeants were standing at parade rest, campaign hats properly affixed on their heads and none of them were smiling.

Raylon had a private thought, "well, here we go."

A drill Sergeant stepped onto the bus and just stared at the new recruits. After a moment he said in a loud stern voice, You will stand up, remove your personal belongings from the overhead rack and carry these items in your right hand. You will carry your packets in your left hand. There will be three responses while you are under the command of the drill sergeants. They are as follows, ‘Yes, Drill Sergeant … No, Drill Sergeant…No Excuse, Drill Sergeant.’ Do you understand?

There was a weak response from the recruits and the Sergeant yelled, WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

YES, DRILL SERGEANT.

You will see yellow footprints on the tarmac. Find you a footprint and place both feet on the footprints Now get your asses off the bus. MOVE.

The recruits rushed off the bus in fear and some confusion. Within a few minutes, each recruit found a footprint.

Recruits were being yelled at for various offenses and the Drill Sergeant said, You will look to the recruit in front of you. If you are taller than the recruit in front of you, swap places with him. MOVE.

There was more shuffling and more confusion. One of the Drill Sergeants had a five-foot-long stick and walked up and down