Flashback…On Being Useful

This post is dedicated to Frank Vinales, machine gun squad leader of the 3rd platoon, C Company, 3/506th.

The M-60 machine gun was always the immediate ‘support’ in any direct contact with the enemy. The M-60 provided a steady stream of fire, allowing us to engage the enemy on our terms.  That steady stream required a lot of ammo! Therefore all troopers were required to carry one  100 round belt of M-60 rounds for the cause, in their pack or on their shoulders (per Frank Vinales).

We typically covered a lot of ground on search and destroy missions. Some ground provided great natural cover…for us. Some ground gave the enemy advantage. We crested a ridge and began a descent into a questionable area. My personal radar went off. I didn’t like the looks of it. I walked with the middle squad, my typical home of choice. The lead squad was well committed to an open area framed with thick brush.

All hell broke loose just as the rear squad began descent. Two thirds of our platoon was completely committed on open ground.  Our command did the smart thing. They called for an advance to the rear. Our rear squad secured the rim and fired over our heads. Their fire kept the enemy from raising up, for a clear shot at us. Our middle squad quickly reached the rim to add additional fire power.

I was caught in a quandary. The lieutenant was heavily engaged in leading the first squad to safety ; the platoon sergeant manned the situation from the rear. No one was hit. That wouldn’t last long in this firefight. I wanted to stay fairly close to the troops at greatest risk, without getting pinned down or killed.

About this time, a machine gun crew edged partially down the slope to improve their fire. My gut instinct told me to stop and stick close to them. A medic doesn’t have much to do until someone gets hit. I didn’t dare shoot because I didn’t know the position of all our friendlies.  The gunner stopped momentarily. I asked, “Is there anything I can do?” He threw a belt of ammo at me and asked me to straighten any loose rounds on the belt. (They could jam the machine gun if not detected.) I straightened the first belt.  Next thing I heard was, “Here’s another one Doc!” I had a part time job with the crew!

I couldn’t believe we were getting out of this mess without a scratch. The ambush may have been far more effective, if we were completely off that rim. Our retreat was well disciplined. Elements of the lead squad finally made their way past our position. I kept my ears open for a cry for MEDIC; my fingers were busy helping the M-60 crew. Finally the gunner said, “Get up the rim Doc. We’re right behind you.” Good news!

Currahees…I got a little hell for not immediately retreating to safety. However, the position made sense to me in the chaos. We shortly pushed forward without further contact. I never got that close to a machine gun again. Thanks to all those M-60 teams that gave us  a fighting edge. Thank you for your service and technical expertise Frank Vinales!