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“Sir, with support leaving Lai Khe, where will the ration supply point be located?”
“Ration supply point will remain where it is, only it will now be operated by a civilian contractor who is going to be responsible for the fire department at the airfield, tower operations, the electrical generators and the water point. We should see no changes in those operations. If you see a degradation in the quality of our rations, you get with me immediately. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
Another hand went up.
“Yes, Doc Christeson.”
“Sir, will the MASH unit be staying here, or are they departing?”
“For now it appears that they’re staying here, supporting the Fifth ARVN Division and us, but I suspect they will be leaving shortly as well. If you hear different, I want to know about it right away.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Any others?”
“What about our mail, sir?” was asked from the group.
“No change. Courier bird will bring it to us each day from wherever the post office will be. I suspect it’ll be coming out of Bien Hoa for whatever time we have left here. Any other questions?” Major Adams asked. No one responded this time.
“Okay, then I have nothing else. You’re dismissed. Top, Doctor Christeson, may I see you for a minute please?” With that, everyone got up and started moving out, talking in small groups as they did so. Comments opposed to the unit remaining could still be heard, but there was nothing to be done about it. Soldiers not complaining about something were generally soldiers with low morale. If they were bitching, then they were probably content, but not happy.
As the room cleared, Doc and 1SG Miller stayed behind. They knew what was coming but really did not want to address the issue with the major.
“Okay, what have you determined about our VD situation?” Major Adams asked. Doc and Miller exchanged looks, and the major could see that this was not going to be a good answer. “Well, someone speak up.”
“Sir, I just examined them and found that a couple of the kitchen helpers were infected,” Doc answered.
“A couple! We only have a couple, so how many exactly?” The major’s voice went up a note.
“All of them, sir,” Doc responded.
“All of them!” repeated the major, looking at the first sergeant. “First Sergeant, I want them fired and out of here tonight.”
“Now, sir, let’s not be hasty about this. If we fire them tonight, then we have to put together a KP roster, and that will take some time to coordinate with the flight platoons as to who is flying and not flying. And besides, you know the morale is going to go to hell in a hand-basket if we put people on KP,” First Sergeant Miller explained—stalling for time, Doc Christeson could see.
“Sir, the women have been identified and I’m treating them, so they’re no danger working in the kitchen. I spoke with Sergeant Greeko about sanitary conditions, and he’s taking all the precautions that need to be taken,” Doc interjected, hoping to buy time for First Sergeant Miller to come up with something.
“Sir, I think I’ve put the fear of God in them. I don’t think they will be carrying on any business for fear of losing their jobs, and I’ve passed the word to everyone that they’re contaminated goods, so the boys won’t be sniffing around,” First Sergeant Miller added, buying some more time while he was thinking. “Besides, sir,” he continued, “we’re leaving shortly, so putting people on KP is only going to cause problems trying to get out of here.”
The major stood silently for a minute, thinking and looking at the two as if they were schoolboys caught in a lie. “How long were you hoping I wouldn’t ask about this?” he asked.
“Until we moved up north, sir,” the first sergeant answered, “and then it wouldn’t matter.”
“I have learned that some things are officers’ business and some things are NCO business. This is NCO business now. Take care of it, First Sergeant, but don’t let it get elevated any further or it will become my business. Do I make myself clear?” he said, looking at the first sergeant, then glancing at Doc.
“Yes, sir,” First Sergeant Miller responded.
“Good, let’s go get a beer. I’m buying,” the major said, and they left and headed to the club.
Chapter 25
Oh My God
“Mr. Zuccardi, time to wake up. It’s oh five hundred and you have an oh-six-hundred departure, sir,” announced the Ops clerk.
“Okay, I’m awake. Who am I flying with today?” Bob Zuccardi asked as he rolled out of bed.
