Larry Taber

Rank:

Sgt

MOS:

Year(s) in Nam:

67/70

Unit:

Delta 1/5

Contact Info Available?:

No

Status:

Status Unknown

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Tell me about the time you found out you're going to Vietnam up to the time you left for Vietnam.

I dropped out of High School In 1966, hell I already knew more than the
Teachers anyway. I was your typical 6' 120 pound smart ass. You know the
type. I joined the Marine Corp in April 67 at the suggestion of a Judge, went
to see the recruiter
He said my little ass would never make out of Boot Camp.It was in Boot camp I
learned of Viet Nam. Again I was told my skinny little ass would not make it
out of Boot Camp well I did.

Tell me something about your time in Vietnam.

I arrived in Viet Nam in Sept. 67. Flew into Da Nang, We were held in a hanger
waiting for transport to our units. I was sent on 6 bys(truck) to Hoi An
about 12 miles south.It was there I learned of Horse Shoe Island, this place
was wide opened beach sand. Field of fire 500' + we took sniper fire every
time we went out. Delta moved north for TET 68 Hue City. Hue City You would
have had to be there. That can't be told seen, or watched on TV, No movie, No
Bar Talk. Hue, had to be lived. I remember before Tet 68 ( Hue City) we were
moving from Hoi An to Phu Bai courtesy of 11th. Motors when we passed through
Hue City. I though to myself " what a beautiful city" who would have though
it would have turned into such a deadly hell hole.
Then came them Damn Bridges,
. Hell, I didn't even know until after I was home the name was Liberty
bridge.We were guarding the Bridges and patrolling the area around them. we
lost a lot of good men
at those damn bridges. On 29 May 68, we lost about half of our damn platoon.
Phu Bai what can I say warm meals, Beer, dry place to sleep, Beer, warm cot
with a rubber lady (air mattress) to sleep on and cold Beer.When we were in Phu Bai
We were on perimeter defense, rotating from the bunkers on the perimeter to a
dry cot inside the perimeter. One night while inside the perimeter we started
receiving in coming so those of us in the rear started running to defend the
perimeter. Well, about three of us were heading for the Tanks and Amtrak's
crossing through there area to the bunkers. The area was very wet, because of
the monsoon and muddy because of the tanks and tracks. Here we are knee deep
in mud and can't move a inch. we are receiving incoming and small arms fire,
the damn tracks are moving, its darker then hell and I am about to be crushed
by a tank. Looking back I can Laugh, at the time I was scared shitless.

Tell me about your first few days back in the USA

I came home three times. Each time passing through Camp Hanson, Okiniawa
where I was advised to change to civilian clothing so I could take part in
the Parades
when I got State side HaHa. I didn't find it so damn funny. I got to Los Angles
there were a couple of donut dollies, with coffee and donuts. We were rushed
through the air port ( I can still hear the crowd screaming WELCOME HOME
although the bands were so loud it was tough to hear) caught my flight to
hell out of there to Tampa, Florida were I caught a Cab home to Lakeland.
Second time home not much changed. The Bands were a little louder. The
commie basterds with there Beads and flowers were every where. My parents separated
and again I took the Cab home. Hell I felt more wanted with my brothers in Nam.
Third time home my life changed. I meet L' Wanna who would later become my
wife of thirty years. I spent the month with her and her family. Leaving to
go back to Nam this time was the hardest thing I ever had to do.

Tell me about you today, and how Vietnam has influenced what you do and how you live today..

Today after thirty years of marriage and my two daughters, three
grandchildren
I feel blessed. About my time in Viet Nam, hell I'm still there it's always there
I have learned to accept it. I have been to the Wall in DC about eight or nine times
and to the Traveling Wall even more times trying to put some meaning to it all.
It's kinda hard to find names like Andy, Chriss, Lt. Imlah, Chief, Cuba and most
of all Aunt Jemima. When I was in Phu Bai there was a black Marine I'd called
Aunt Jemima, I'd say Hey Aunt Jemima He would say I'm not your mama I'm your
Daddy. Over the years I have thought of Aunt Jemima many times. I hope he
made it out of that hell hole and is home with kids of his own.

Give me a 1 or 2 liner about anything you want to say.

Q with this Web Site has done more for finding my brothers in about
six months than I have been able to do in thirty years. GOD BLESS Q
Thank You.

 

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