The air is a little tense today. There has been lots of movement around the bases in the valley last night. The amount of artillery used during the past three days has been stagering. The CH-47s are busy this morning taking sling loads of shell to the bases. The resupply area is busy. It will prove to be a long day.
The first sortie today is hot chow for Task Force Alpha. After two weeks of cold C-rations and warm water, powdered scrambled eggs, ham and hot coffee may breathe some life back into these guys. We arrive at their location without any trouble. They load several sand bags which is full of enemy leaflets which exploded near the perimeter last night. As we return to Polei-Kleng, I read on of the leaflets. It tell me that I should quit fighting and come over to their side. It also contains statements from POWs saying how well they have been treated. At supply a runner is waiting to collect the leaflets. He grabs the one out of my hand. I must have looked like I wanted to surrender or something. The morning passes without any trouble. The only thing which is wrong is that nothing is wrong.
Shortly before noon elements of B/1/8 and C/1/8 move from TF Alpha's perimeter to assess artillery damage from last night's support. Things seem pretty quiet. This will end around 1300 hrs. A/3/12 has gone back into yesterday's contact area. Their mission is to recover the missing. They encounter contact as soon as they enter the area. Gun ships are called and artillery again pounds the area. They were unable to recover the missing but their have no casualties.
During the afternoon we are ordered to fly at three hundred feet and make wide cicles as we resupply the bases. The Cider and Headhunter aircraft have been unable to locate the other enemy artillery pieces. We are to help in the search and also we are being used as targets to draw enemy fire. Another fine idea that the higher ups have come up with. I would love to have a heart to heart with the clown who came up with this one.
During the late afternoon Task Force Alpha starts to receive 105mm fire. Over the next ten hours a total of 120 rounds would impact in and around their location.
For the first time in several days we deliver all the sorties to the bases today. Ground fire has been light and the only other enemy contact was the report of a convoy north of D/1/8's location. Artillery was called but no assessment had been made. The return flight to Holloway is the only time when I am at ease. These twenty five minutes are mine. Just sit and enjoy the ride. I hope September will get here soon.