The crack of the bullets is hurting my left
ear—the one pointing up and the thought suddenly
pops into my mind, “You’re going to die.” I
clearly recall the next thought, which is, “Isn’t
it amazing that I’m so calm about this?” It was
like I was talking to myself--first and last time
that this sort of thing happened.

Minutes
later, the return fire drives back the NVA and
their fire dies down. Doc Brian Lisk is with the
CP element behind some good-sized rocks, 10m or so
uphill from where I’m lying. He calls to me to
take cover up there and hoping there won’t be a
problem with friendly fire, I grab my rifle and
leap (it seems like a single bound) behind the
rocks with Lisk. He gives me several magazines and
reloaded, surrounded by the rocks and realizing
happily that somehow I’m still alive, I take stock
of the situation.

The NVA hit us a second time.
We’re ready and pour the fire on them til they
disengage. In the midst of all this I hear 6 on