Sept 6 2150 Vietnam Time - Nhi Ha Battle Site & Nhi Ha School

Yesterday Nhung & I loaded 2,770 writing tablets in a SUV taxi and set off for Nhi Ha, about a 30-minute drive. The taxi driver assigned was unaware that we would be filling his vehicle to the max with a heavy load and argued that he should get more than the negotiated price. I agreed to his requested 250,000 VND increase (about $10) and off we went, feeling every bump in the road. 

Approaching Nhi Ha, the topography was all too familiar, basically unchanged from May '68. Jones Creek, which provided a degree of cover for my squad on May 6, is the dominate feature. The bomb craters saved my 4-man LP (listening post) during one NVA night attack. Our incompetent, asshole company commander wouldn't allow us to attempt making our way back to our perimeter after we reported advancing NVA troops coming up from Jones Creek. With NVA troops swarming all around us through the attack, I don't know how we weren't spotted. You can see the craters in the photo below.

 Jones Creek; Our Position Marked by Enemy Artillery    

 

 

 Jones Creek Today

Even being my 7th return to this former battleground, the gripping, indelible feeling in my gut is always there.

Yesterday was the first day of school and the students, faculty, and village officials were waiting for our arrival. After introductions, I was honored with a seat at the administration table.

 




The opening day ceremony is quite impressive. There were numerous speakers, student drummers, songs, and flags.

As I looked out at the hundreds of students, I was struck at the contrast with that very spot in May '68. The school is located in what was our former entrenched position.
 

With the ceremony finished, it was time to begin distribution of the tablets. Declining an offer for assistance, I personally handed each out each tablet to the students. The one-on-one is just plain inspirational. 

 




 




 


Then I joined the students following distribution.  A polite, courteous, and respectful group they are.


Then came faculty and village official group photos. I was asked to join. Everyone is all dressed up except me!


And some individual requests:



Many thanks to Nhung for being so on-the-spot for photos! She not only coordinates our activities, but is a great photographer. 

 With Nhung of D.O.V.E. Fund

After tea and conversation with school and village officials, we drove a short distance to visit the widow of Mr. Ba, who had passed away since my last visit.

 

 With Mr. Ba - 2018


We were greeted by his widow, daughter, and granddaughter. They were excited to view a video of Mr. Ba and I had taken several years ago. I promised to email all photos and videos of Mr. Ba to his daughter.


Rice was drying in front of the house.


I paid my respects at Mr. Ba's Memorial Altar.

 


We gave Mrs. Ba a water kettle.

It feels like she is still heavily grieving the loss of her husband. He was a good man with quite a sense of humor.


 

We said goodbye with an assurance that I'd be back on the next trip. The taxi driver was sorta patiently waiting on the road when we returned. We had already exceeded the agreed-upon time. But, there is no way that I would leave without visiting the May 6 Battle Monument.

 

There I took some time to gaze over the surrounding terrain and bow my head in honor of the 29 men that we lost taking and defending Nhi Ha.

I needed more hours at Nhi Ha, but the driver was ready to go. I did manage another photo of Jones Creek, which runs through what would be our left flank at the May 6 engagement.


Then it was a straight shot back to Dong Ha. A day of mixed emotions had left me pretty drained.





 

 

 

 










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