I arrived at Danang on the Marine Corps birthday in 1968. There was a steady rain falling. We FNG's made our way to the Transit Barracks, and passed by a table, with a half eaten cake, covered by a wind blown canopy. Once inside we chose our bunks and waited to be assigned to our Units. An E5 approached me and asked that I get three buddies for a "detail". He then told the four of us to grab our ponchos and he handed us two broom handles. He then walked us out to the back side of the "shitters", lifted the hinged hatch and told us to thread the broom handles through the holes which had been cut near the top of the 55 gallon drums (cut in 1/2 for depository purposes). We proceeded to slosh our way' to the distant "burn area" and ignited the fuel & feces. We made several trips. What a warm welcome it was.
I was picked up by 7th Comm Bn. We were on a hill near 1st Tanks and ASP 2. I escorted a trash truck around the compound for the first couple of weeks. I then settled into a routine as a supply clerk. Drew straws and won a trip to the Bob Hope Christmas show ('68). Many interesting occurances during my tour that I look forward to sharing in future letters. I am so very proud to be a Marine!!