Chapter 4
THE OPERATION

The experience that stands out most for me on this particular operation was when we were leaving our blocking position (Co. B 1/27 Infantry). I became acutely aware of the enormous craters left from the B-52 carpet bombing where one could see the sound waves bouncing off the canopy of vegetation and all the uprooted, split, and shattered trees. Even the smell of napalm was present everywhere, but the highlight of this operation for me was when we stopped for one reason or another and everyone began taking off their boots. I didn't know why, but I decided to do likewise. It was then that I discovered the reason for their actions. After removing the boots and socks, I found to my dismay some four or five leeches on each foot. I had been told to use a lit cigarette or match to remove them and not to pull them off. (The reason for not pulling them off is that their head may remain in the skin and cause infection.)

The fact that our hands were dirty and grimy, and our uniforms were soiled from perspiration over having been in the field for nearly a month now. But I couldn't stand seeing those creatures on me, so I pulled them off as fast as I could. As it turned out, I did not get any infection from them. I guess they had just recently attached to my foot and hadn't gotten a good hold at that time. At least that was my thinking ...