Sgt. Phillip Chassion giving a briefing. Photo credit to Robert C. Lafoon
Infantry instruction would normally be a hardsell to medics. Like any typical paratrooper, we thought our personal mission was the ‘be all end all’ of the army. We were airborne medics. Is there anything better than that?
However, the instructor was none other than Sargeant Chassion. He was a combat veteran and mastermind of our newly formed long range recon platoon. Sgt. Chassion was in effect a living legend. He also hailed from New England, my own home of record. Need I say anything more?
We were well enroute to Vietnam aboard the vintage troopship USS General Wm. Weigel. Sgt. Phillip Chassion would speak from personal experience on how to thrive and survive the hostility. I pushed as far forward as I could, to hear every word.
His talk was convincing. He tried to encourage us by stating the army had put up some additional money and resources to insure our readiness. He said we were one of the best prepared units to set foot on Vietnamese soil. We would do well.
What struck me most was the conclusion of his talk…those final reluctantly stated thoughts. During a long pause, he chose these words carefully…
“I may not be the best qualified to say this, but I feel strongly that this is important. If you have a faith, keep it. You will need it in these coming days.”
Sgt. Chassion wasn’t selling religion nor taking the chaplain’s place. He knew that we looked up to him and wanted us to give credence to our personal sources of inner strength.
Those ending comments encouraged me to hold on to my own faith. We would soon see things that defied any loosely held notions. Everything we thought we knew would be totally challenged.
Within weeks…we lost friends. We lived in constant danger of both life and limb. We killed and destroyed. We were there to win a war. We learned firsthand that war is truly hell.
I saw a lot of men speak a quick prayer on the fly. If nothing else…’God help me’ works pretty well. Sometimes an expletive was thrown into the prayer. In hindsight, those prayers were just as genuine and valid as any others. I truly believe in the Divine care of soldiers, on both sides of the battlefield.
Sgt. Chassion was killed Feb. 2, 1968. We lost a great one…of many great ones. Although not in his proximity at death, I mourned his loss upon hearing the news that eventunally spread throughout the unit. A remarkable 34 year old leader made his way into eternity. Military families also serve, Sgt. Chassion was married with three children.
Currahees…as a returning veteran, I am sure that Sgt. Chassion knew firsthand the loss of friends. If we were fortunate enough to live…he knew full well we would be living with the burden of our own losses. We did and we are to this very day. The words still ring true now, “If you have a faith, keep it. You will need it.”
Slow salute…First Sargeant Phillip R. Chassion.
He was a lovely man, and an awesome soldier. No BS, just solid technique and preparation. He died trying to help a friend, SFC James Albert Bunn, my platoon sergeant. Unfortunately SFC Bunn also died that day. It was a very bad day. Currahee!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it was one of our worst days Lt. Harrison. Trust all our comments will remain on the Web for their loved ones to see. Families also serve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why wouldn’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We assume the www is forever. Assumptions have a way of biting us sooner or later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Al,
Thank you for taking time to record these important memories and related analysis. You lived it.
Ron
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has been an amazing run of stories. I am thankful for the comments of fellow Currahees that always add value to the events. It’s our story…a piece of history.
LikeLike
Great piece Al, it’s hard to put into words when you hear or see February 2nd it brings back a flood of emotions.It was a physicly and mentally 24 hour plus day that’s lasted for years in every ones mind that was involved that day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those days could have happened a any moment that year. Hate it that you took the brunt that day. Although we did our job well…Mr. Charles put some hurt on us at times.
LikeLike
Al, thank you for your well written blog about my father MSG Philip Chassion. He was and is our hero! It moves me to see my Father’s quote of “keep your faith, you’re going to need it”. My father accepted Jesus Christ as his savior before going to Vietnam the first time 65-66′ and I followed him down the aisle of that little Baptist church that reached out to military families. I find it an amazing part of my own life journey — my earthly father quietly led me to my Heavenly Father. I have read so many stories about my heroic father (I was 12 when he was killed and the oldest child among three), but what you and your readers don’t know is that Philip Chassion was a wonderful, loving, and encouraging father! God Bless You and all those who serve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precious news on all counts. I pray to see you some day soon.
LikeLike
Lost track of you. Some if us visit the Wall on Feb. 19th each year to remember, and I do have reservations this year. Always touch your Dads name. You will see Currahees there, especially from A Company, his final assignment. We stay at hotel on Fort Mead prior to going to the Wall.
LikeLike