We start our second week in the valley with a lot less excitement our first. The name of the game today is resupply. We have negelected the firebases for several days because of all the assaults and combat.
Ch-54s are now working in the valley. Their job is to resupply the artillety units with ammo. The Crocs have been given the job to provide cover for them. Ch-47s are now bring water trailers into the bases because the shortage of five gallon cans has forced most of the troops to live on one canteen of water a day. With all this air traffic the skies are a little crowded today.
The only move on tap is Task Force Swift moving from LZ Brace to Hill 947. They do complete this force march without any problems. They will regroup there before moving into the areas where the B-52s have pounded the enemy for three days. A few ships report enemy fire today but for the most part things are quiet.
After lunch we are moved to the northern part of the valley. For the first time we resupply places like LZ Turkey, LZ Susan and FSB 20. Troops from the 1/8th are working these areas. Farther north troops of the 2nd Brigade work the areas around Mile High and LZ Roberts.
Because of all the aircraft working the valley by mid afternoon the POL is low on JP-4. The larger aircraft are sent to Kontum to refuel as well as the 7/17th Cav. Our long day becomes longer by late afternoon. Two platoons from the 1/12 working near Hill 994 have discovered a large bunker complex. Before they are able to withdraw, they make contact with a large enemy force. We are held at Kontum in case we are needed. It will be 20:00 hrs before we are released.
The nightly flights back to Holloway has become a familar routine. We are getting very good at spotting Artillery Hill and the city of Pleiku in the darkness. Another post flight with a flashlight. Maybe crackers and cheese for dinner. We look at our mail but don't read it. The only thing worth its weigh in gold right now is sleep. It may not bring rest to our bodies but it is the only escape we have from the valley if only for a little while.