War Story #8

It was the summer of 1965. My first company command, the 615th MP Company, was assigned to Viet Nam. We were not sure where specifically, because that would not be divulged until the troop ship was almost to our destination. At the appointed time I was informed it would be Cam Ranh Bay. That was a seaport location and we would be providing physical security. OK, that will work. We can do that.

A day later we were informed that our assignment was changed. Now we were assigned to the Saigon area. We were to be attached to the 716th MP Battalion. And, that brings me to the primary topic for this issue. Our duties would include the usual routine police work as well as physical security.

At that time the US Navy was responsible for the security of the area of operation (AO). The battalion was given the duties of securing the various important sites. These included supply sites and billeting sites for US forces. Each of the billeting sites had one or two US MPs and a Vietnamese policeman. Every effort was made to make it difficult for attackers to make entrance and do damage.

The naval commander at the time ordered that the men on the security posts at the billets could only be armed with shotguns and .45 caliber side arms. His rationalization was that he didn’t want the VC to think we were afraid of them. At least, that was the story that was going around at the time.
Unfortunately, the VC didn’t get the message, or maybe they did. Anyway, the VC maintained their weaponry. Primarily AK-47s. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that there is an advantage here for the guy who has the biggest “stick”.

That is the situation Captain Chet Lee and his troops faced on April 1, 1966 when the VC chose to attack the Victoria Hotel. There is no doubt in my mind that the troops at the hotel did their best to protect the hotel. I am equally sure that Chet gave his last true measure of devotion when he turned around to provide reinforcements to his troops.

When you’re outgunned you’re outgunned. All to assuage the ego of a person who hadn’t the foggiest notion of what his decision would bring.

Chet, thanks for the time I had to get to know you. Thank you for the example you set. We love you man.