Sp/5 Thompson

Had bad experiences with medics returning from Vietnam as…PFCs. Promotion slots were decent for combat field medics. Most solid medics returned as Sp/4. When I was promoted, I felt pretty content with that. The military has a pragmatic way of measuring your worth.

We got a radio call in the field…somewhere in Vietnam. That’s typically no big deal. Then I heard the Lieutenant say,”Doc, come on over here.” I’m thinking to myself, ‘Nobody has been hit lately. I have been hiding out in the field, minding my own business. What to hell did I do now?’ With a big grin on his face, LT adds, “You’ve been promoted to Sp/5 doc. Congratulations soldier.”

One of the squad leaders had privy to a set of collar pins.  We held an informal ceremony right there in the bush. For the rest of the day I heard, “Good job doc.” You would have thought it was my birthday. Medics are always attached from Headquarters. I knew there had to be some leadership banter on, ‘How is he doing?’ The LT must have put in a good word.

Many of the very best combat troops have…character. They may never win a good conduct medal, but you would give your right arm, to have them in your foxhole. When the firing starts…they are all soldier. The cream rises to the top. The ‘boots on the ground’ experiences serve as the ultimate litmus test of rank and position. I had managed to get into minor troubles stateside. This rebound exceeded all my expectations. My Dad was a career soldier; this promotion would make him proud.

From then on I watched my step carefully. The field duty was less complicated.  The rear area remained the political mine field. I never stayed in the rear more than a day or two. Life was simple that way.

Currahees…you were the best. Finding place among you remains a great honor.