Body Count

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” is a quote attributed to W. Edwards Deming. From a military perspective, this was accomplished through a body count. However, on many levels…our enemy knew the futility and made this task nigh impossible. They scurried their wounded away and quickly buried their dead. On typical days, you were left with one list…your own casualty list. Facts are, we did inflict heavy casualties and our troops were highly effective. However, the war is always won or lost between the ears. We all carried the casualty list between the ears.

I remember the first time my lieutenant needed my assistance. Privates were always wary of superiors…for very good reasons. However, I liked this line officer much. He led me to the troops digging up a fresh grave. They had exposed the top of the corpse. The Lt. asked me, “Doc, give me an official autopsy.” I replied, “Sir, he is dead! You can count him.” The Lt. probed further, “Doc how did he die?” I replied, “The large hole in his skull is definitely the cause of his demise, Sir. In my military opinion, he was shot fatally in the head!” With that the Lt. said, “Thank you Doc. We can count him.”

Our officer didn’t need me. He wanted to see my reaction to death. I was sharp and tough under that kid exterior. However, that was exactly my first brush with military death. Life is dang cheap in the battle zone. It never let up after that day. I was tough, but respectful in the glib soldier talk over this fallen enemy. I didn’t want anyone to die. However, those of us in the killing zone knew that it was kill or be killed.

Some time later, I approached a severely wounded enemy with one of our squads. We got the best of a quick firefight. One of the guys shouted, “He’s got a grenade!” The salvo was short and sweet; he didn’t have time to pull the pin. I cussed at the squad leader, “Kill him dead next time. One in the chest and one in the head!” We were all within range of the blast..it was a close call. Rumors were spread of atrocities on both sides. The man had made a choice in not being captured alive. I think most of our prisoners were handed to the South Vietnamese intelligence. He may have chosen the best route, but he didn’t have to take us with him…and he didn’t.

Some time later, as a seasoned Sp/4, another Lieutenant asked for my assistance. He was forthright, “Doc, we got a grave.” I looked over the situation. We were in rainy season. This grave was a few days old. I said, “Sir, he is dead and a good body count. With all due respect, in my medical opinion, I would count it and walk away. This one is ripe.” After a brief exchange, he agreed to call me after they had successfully exhumed the body. [I think this was his first grave.]

Within about ten minutes the officer approached. I said, “Sir, are they ready for me?” He replied, “Doc, you were right. We got about a foot deep from him. He stank so badly, I ordered the men to cover him back up.” The Lt. won my full respect that day. It is rare for a leader to admit anything less than a perfect image. We were all on a learning curve. It was guys like that that I would follow to hell and back…and I did.

Toward the end of our street fighting in the Tet Offensive, I remember taking a break. I found a spot with a curbing on the street. While opening a can of chow, my nose filled with a pungent odor. I looked down to see the sparse remains of an enemy body still smoldering. The townspeople had poured gasoline on him in place. I moved two feet on the curb and turned my back, to continue eating.

I had one prayer, that I prayed over and over again. ‘Lord, I would like to know what it is like to be 20, to go home and see a bit of life. If I am not going to make it…please make it quick.’ I also promised to serve him the remainder of my years, should I live. As best I could, I have given back for that answered prayer.[We lost some men…far better than I.]

Currahees…I will never understand violent death, never in this lifetime. I think all combat veterans pray for peace. We never forget our own. We Stand Alone, together.