I traded my bayonet for a letter opener

Vietnam

IN THE BEGINNING, we believed President Johnson when he said that there was an important mission for us in South Vietnam. President Eisenhower had warned us that all the nations in Southeast Asia would fall like dominoes if Vietnam fell to the Communists. President Kennedy sent advisers there to train the South Vietnamese to fight for themselves, but they were outgunned, out-maneuvered, and out-smarted by the Soviet-backed North Vietnamese. So, when President Johnson said it was time to go, we went. Only later did some begin to question his judgment.

Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana

If you've been following this blog, you already know that I spent a year getting ready to go as an infantry officer, but was commissioned into the Adjutant General's Corps at the last minute. Along with my commission, I was handed orders to report to the 185th Military Intelligence Company in Saigon after a brief - six week - stint at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana to learn how to be an administrative officer.

During a week layover at home, I reconnected with my girlfriend - the one who had sent me a "Dear John" while in Officer Candidate School - and we "reconnected." Yes, I was really that dumb. (That last statement shouldn't require any explanation if you think about it or if you have been following my blog for any time.)

When I arrived at Ben Harrison, I was told that there was only one room left at the Bachelor Officer's Quarters on post. I slipped away and didn't return until after another lieutenant had taken it. That way I was able to collect a substantial amount of TDY (Temporary Duty) money for living off post, and was able to replenish my savings that were sorely depleted after I had to buy new uniforms as an officer.

I met up with three other lieutenants who had graduated from Officer Candidate School with me and we found a two-bedroom apartment to rent by the week. It was located in a building filled with a surprising number of young women. Only one of the other lieutenants was married and we became popular additions to the community. 

The girls took pity on us and we were treated to many "home cooked" meals. Unfortunately, most were pretty bad and the guys insisted that I do the cooking. (I had been cooking since I was eleven years old.)

A trio of young women lived across the hall and I became friends with one of them. Unfortunately, I maintained a hands off policy in deference to the girl back home (yeah, the one who had sent me the "Dear John" and who would repeat the performance while I was in Vietnam. Now you must understand the part about me being really dumb.)

Playing a joke on the girls next door (That's their front door)

After learning the intricacies of Army paperwork and the Functional Filing System (aren't you just dying to know the intimate details - the filing system, not the blonde), I went back home to dump my excess gear and have another week with my girl friend.