Sgt. Grit,
I hail from a family of Marines. My dad, like you, served in Vietnam. He was awarded a Silver Star with purple hearts in 66' Operation Hastings for his actions. I actually went to Vietnam for two weeks in 2010 with my dad's skipper to see their combat sites. My dad has passed but leaves a strong legacy. My three brothers also served in our beloved Corps ranking from a WO3, Sgt and a CPL as you can see the Marine Corps runs deep in the Brickey family.
My dad was in I 3/5 and was in the BLT for Operation Deckhouse II /Hastings. It started on July 17 66'. On the 22nd my dad Sgt. Brickey on point with his squad. Being the squad leader he was about four man back when they were ambushed killing 8 and wounding 4.
My dad and his Skipper then Lt. Mike Carey received a Silver for their actions. My dad was wounded and evacuated out with the other 3 wounded. The company on the 24th came into contact with the VC on hill 362 and took heavy casualties. From the 7-22 to 7-24 three days there was 1 Medal of Honor, 1 Navy Cross, 3 Silver Stars and 116 Purple Hearts. http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=23307
After researching and going to the I 3/5 reunions I've learned there are many other Marines that were wounded that did not claim a purple heart. For what they had endured they just wanted to go home. The operation entailed way more and there were other blood baths from Marine units as well. I'm very proud of my dad and his unit. That's why I went to Vietnam to see where this happened. Ok, I could go on forever.
If you would please check out these links, I've posted videos honoring my dad and India Three-Five. I will attach the poem that I wrote (titled Three Days) and dedicated to the Marines and Corpsman of I 3/5 who fought in the streambed and on hill 362 in 2010. This event is documented in Marine history books.
All of these videos are on you tube under Brickeyboy:
The poem "Three Days" on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyv74tx1LRE
Vietnam 2010 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLxN9fAvHAk&feature=relmfu
The Brickey family all 3rd heard Marines – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w98KmEz2yA&feature=relmfu
A video of my dad, this is a little long but at the 7 min mark is my dads Marines pics, it's cool because Retired Major Mike Carey makes a toast to dad, Me, the Major are on the beach at Chu Li with other members I company 4/2010- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pel1fMFQBow&feature=relmfu
I could go on forever about my dad, in the video above it also show another platoon pic of dad in L 3/2 dad was the squad leader for then 2nd Lt. Ron Christmas. It was this Lt's first rifle platoon. I'm sure you know this Lt. Christmas went on to become a major player in the battle of Hue City and earned a Navy Cross and then on to become a LT. General.
I spoke with the General when dad passed and he told me that dad was instrumental, laid down the fundamentals of a rifleman and him becoming a good platoon commander and officer, (not exactly in them words). They were pretty good friends but had lost touch over the years. Being in the Corps I'm sure you know how that works.
I also documented writing a journal of my two weeks in Vietnam some say it 's interesting. Heres the link to it. http://www.funinvietnam.com/blog/trip-of-a-lifetime-introduction.html There is a introduction 4 chapters and a summary.
Ok I tink this is enough, I certainly don't want to bore you. I'm sure in your position and profession you here a million stores like my dads. But this is what sets us apart because we are Marines.
Be well and Semper Fi,
Danny Brickey SSgt
Leader of Marines
ps. I'm going to try and drive over for the "Grittogether", ya'll ain't but about 5 hours away. I think that would be fun and I'd like to meet you. Sf.