TO THE MOST HIGH.....and for all those scattered anon.

My site is a labor of love of family and country from a Caribbean Man; one that had the fortunate opportunity to travel beyond the borders of his native geographical boundaries.

My travels involved me in a War (Vietnam), like most, that I had no immediate act in causing but has brought life long consequences. I am able to garner reflective, emotive, livable highlights and incisive memories from this encounter. I reminisce over the rigors of preparation and involvement of the activities as a Medical Corpman. I also remember the faces and contributions of those fellow GIs caught up in the same war challenge.

This is all painted against the familiar landscape  backdrop of a place called home - Lucea, Hanover, in Jamaica. Proud and distinctively Caribbean and Jamaican, this website provides insights on war, information on culture and Reggae music.

Speaking of Reggae music, the only Reggae I heard over the Armed Forces Radio out of Saigon was Poor Mi Israelites by Desmond Dekker and the Aces.

Vietnam Service Medal

The Travel

My travels began on a journey that began one hundred and fifty (150) miles from Lucea to the US Embassy on Duke St. in Kingston. Before receiving my visa to depart Jamaica, I had to say The Pledge of Allegiance that I will join the US Army. Was I in the "man's Army" then or not? A few months later, I flew out of Palisadoes Airport, Kingston on the 5th January 1967, into the Big Apple (New York).

One year later, I left Fort Hamilton enroute for Fort Jackson, South Carolina for ten weeks basic training. I departed afterwards for Fort Sam Houston-San Antonio, Texas (an exciting city) to be a Medical Corpman.

I took my first trip to Jamaica, before going on to Fort Benning, Georgia, where I eventually was stationed with the Med Evac team.

I receive my orders to Vietnam in January of 1969, I decided to take a vacation in Jamaica, there I noticed a lot more Americans than in 1966 on their way to Negril to hide out. Lucea Post Office was also used as their mail drop.

I departed from Fort McGuire, New Jersey to Vietnam, with some sight seeing stops in LA(1 day), Hawaii(3 days) and Guam(2 days) the air carrier Tiger Transport broke down at all these locations.

I was the fourth and last GI from the town of Lucea-Jamaica to smell that first odor off the plane, that odor that stayed with me during my tour, it was the smell of Death.

Welcome to the Republic Of South Vietnam, the first War without a defined FRONT LINE, especially south of Saigon where there were a lot of villages close to each other.

National Defense Service Medal

My Immediate Impressions Were

Vietnam was hot in more ways than one, the temperature in the 80's by 7AM, billowing black smoke on the horizon and fighter Jets on strafing and Napalm runs.

At the in-country reception area, I learn that I will be placed with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, the 199th WHO? oh no, I was looking forward to be with a Division size.

I was told that the 199th General was a Black man, Fredrick Ellis Davison was his name and the only Black General to lead a Brigade size command in combat in Vietnam, hummm I thought, time to shape up.

The 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate) is rated by many veterans who have fought in different units, as one of the best fighting units in Vietnam from 1966-1970.  This Brigade was not attach to any Division. 

Some GI's refer to the Redcatchers as General Westmoreland's Fire Brigade, due to our often rapid deployment by helicopters to the Hot-Zones, with Back Packs that weigh more than 70 pounds and jumping out out of the chopper at heights from 7-10 feet..
 

Army Commendation Medal

Perspectives On War

I am the first and only soldier in any generation of either side of my family. Soldiering is good experience for youngsters.

For the most part, it helps separate the Men from the Boys, "War makes you a Man".

The memories will never go away, so you must learn to manage it, period! I do hope that my sons, or any other member of my generation will not have to experience war.

Thanks to all the GI's that prepped me before I went in country and to GI's that I served with in the Da Nam.

Ever forward, never backward, in this concrete jungle. Walk with Honor, Respect, Prosperity, Good Health and Peace. One Love, One Heart, and One Destiny.

Good Conduct Medal

Finally

Welcome Home.

Vietnam Campaign Medal