Jerry Lewien Remembers (continued)
Sick in the Jungle
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As we moved further into the DMZ we took up another CP. It was then that we had two individuals come down with a bug.
That night one man was in such pain that the doc [corpsman] was giving him morphine to keep him quiet. The next morning it was decided to Medevac both men. One was enlisted and the other was I believe our FO [forward observer].
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I called in the Medevac and when it arrived the gun ships were circling above wanting to know where last enemy contact was. Well since we were in the DMZ I said, “All around.”
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As I positioned the chopper above the open spot in the canopy they started to lower the sling. The pilot said there was an open area about 500 meters away. I informed the pilot we had not been that far out and did not know if the area was safe.
I believe the CO [1stLt Bob Riordan] had the same symptoms but refused to be Medevaced.
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The next day Lt Riordan wanted to take a patrol deeper into the DMZ and I was selected to go along as his radio operator. (Read Lt. Bob Riordan’s account here.)
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Into LZ Duster in the DMZ
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It was the first of October when we were choppered into LZ Duster, sent in to relieve another unit.
As we landed and moved out, I remember the Lt [Bill Wentworth] asking the other lieutenant “Where was the last enemy contact?”
I remember the reply, “about 500 meters out!”
As we cleared the LZ we halted, and the lieutenant sent Corporal [Robert L.] Knisely out with another corporal to check out the trail.
