Vietnam Memoirs Quotes

“I told the "doc" to keep an eye on the bites and to make sure everyone had bacitracin available.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“Once on the trucks we lost control of our destiny. It was like getting in an airplane back in the world.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“Our patrols during the day and ambushes at night were designed to prevent the enemy from getting close to Con Thien in force without being detected.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“platoon liked to complain when we were the only ones who had to do something, but you could see they were proud of their reputation of being able to get the job done.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“A listening post was supposed to be "eyes and ears." If it detected heavy enemy movement it may be recalled rather than fight, but not an ambush. The ambush patrol is out there to fight.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“was a lonely time for me, especially since I was normally such an outgoing person. The war was forcing me inside myself, more than I was used to and more than I wanted. The brief moments of closeness, like the time on the rock, were valuable to me.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“He asked the CO to verify our location and then asked for clearance to use his minigun.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“Because the plane carried flares it was nicknamed "Puff." And then because of its incredible firepower, the name was expanded to "Puff, The Magic Dragon.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“They would quickly carry the gear and weapon of anyone who was having trouble to avoid his becoming a casualty.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“They had completed their preparations like true professionals. No one had to holler at them or scream any threats. They were told to get ready and they did. They were quiet, efficient,”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“was mad and embarrassed not knowing where we were but pleased to see the platoon didn't seem to mind. They just did what they had to do. No bitching, no complaining, just work.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“My body acclimated quickly to the physical requirements of the patrols. It was still hot and humid but I slowly felt stronger and better able to cope.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“to be water conscious all the time.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“The time without water during the day had impressed upon me the need”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“But here on my first operation, I felt as though I hadn't prepared at all. I had used most of my water just like the troops. What kind of an example was that? I would have to do better next time...that is if I got a chance at a next time.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“there was the flak jacket. This was my first encounter with the beast; we hadn't used them in basic school. It was like a suffocating oven, causing me to stew in my own sweat. I could open the front of the jacket to expose my sweat-soaked shirt to the air, but that provided little relief.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“Each man carried three canteens and most of them were already drinking”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“hard to associate the ground with the map because of the dark, and”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“Someone said the mud of the wet season becomes the dust of the dry season.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1

“The heat and humidity were alive. They were like creatures, or a jelly covering and squeezing you. They choked you with their intensity. You felt caught in something you couldn't take off.”
― Don Bonsper, Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1