“This assault operation must be supported by the maximum amount of small arms fire available!” This means that all machine gunners must produce overwhelming firepower to win the firefight and take the initiative! The position you are going to attack has no depth, so a directly aggressive fight! That's all, and good luck! “Pre-deliberate attack briefing, Reed Plains, 1967. Once again we were in the boonie working with the South Vietnamese Marines on one of their expeditions to Reed Plains. There were two other Mike boats in our small attack flotilla, both of which were standard troops and freighters that carried the main attack troops. This area of ​​the plain was thick with tall elephant grass infested with large red ants and mosquitoes. The stagnant, putrid water was almost full of leeches. Looking out from our cover into the elephant grass and into the artificial clearing, it was the first time I observed North Vietnamese regulars up close. These enemy grunts looked tough and fit. They looked disciplined and were armed with new Chi-com, Chinese Communist and AK rifles. Their combat gear, uniforms, and pith helmets appeared well maintained. Essentially, we would be facing properly trained and dedicated soldiers. I spotted movement out of the corner of my eye, but it was only the machine gunner in our group squirming into position with his M60 light machine gun, digging his toes into the ground. gun recoil, which would occur once he starts shooting. He was in a small water trough in the swampy ground, a good natural weapons position that reduced his ground profile to virtually zero. However, it absorbed water like a sponge and probably picked up leeches at the same time. However, adrenaline...... middle of paper......, whoever contacts you first would help you. Mildly injured men, like myself, could continue fighting once treated and were actively encouraged to do so. An encouraging word from a doctor could get them going again, but sometimes it took physical encouragement like pushing, slapping, or a good kick in the ass to motivate them. For me, self-help took the form of strong speech. saline solution from my salt tablets and the contents of my water bottle, and irrigating my wounds as a hopeful preventative measure against infection. Then I stuffed my hand into a half-clean sock and tied it all together with electrical tape. Most of our guys carried a roll of them to make or repair equipment. My hand now looked like it was encased in a winter glove, but I have to say I was actually very proud of my first aid efforts, as I was not a combat medic..