Chapter 18: Ia Drang Valley (Part 6)

We were stranded for the night as the sun has already fallen casting a pitch black blanket making it harder for us to see. Traveling in these conditions was out of the question as the risk of an ambush by another wave of NVA soldiers was too great.

With no other choice, we resorted to waiting for reinforcements rather than risking movement throughout the night, it was safer that way.

The situation was dire. We had no food, no water, and we were bruised and wounded. Our ammunition was running low as well due to the relentless combat for hours straight and the only thing keeping us going was our will to live.

We sat in silence, forming a defensive perimeter around our makeshift camp. The lieutenant and me did not argue anymore as doing so would risk for us being discover. Instead he just go where Sergeant Palmer is, taking care of him while me, Mack, Sarge, and Bungum was keeping our eyes peeled for any suspicious movement.

"You holding up, Jim?" Mack whispered, he was probably worried about me during my outburst earlier.

"I'm alright, just a little tired that's all. You?" I replied.

He let out a quiet sigh. "Same here. We just have to hold on until our guys get here."

This made me smile. 'Heh, I doubt that they're gonna make it here tonight, I'll bet it its gonna be tomorrow. If not, I'll break us out of here even if I lose a limb or two, we can't risk to stay for another night with how little resources we have left.'

I mused but suddenly, I feel a tingling feeling crawling up to the back of my neck, it was not a chill mind you, it was like it was trying to warn me something.

I could have ignored that but my instincts told me otherwise, and I trust my instinct pretty damn well. I readied my rifle and prepared to aim it while whispering. "They're here Sarge, I can feel it."

Mack looked at me for a good while and said. "Its probably just ants crawling up your legs.

Sergeant Savage also nodded. "Your just probably tired."

Unexpectedly, Bungum is also feeling sure they're already creeping up on us. "Sarge Jims right, even though it pitch black and cant see anything but I can smell them."

"Dead bodies stinks Bungum." Savage replied.

"No its not the dead ones. I can smell them crawling up on us."

Now clearly more worried that two of his men was being adamant, he could not have just dismiss their claims and call it a day. He decided to trust them and contact trough the radio.

"I need illumination at 6-1-0-1-5-0-1."

Then the rest also readied their rifles while waiting for the illumination. After awhile the surrounding area was illuminated with white light, temporarily erasing the blackness of the night. As the white light flash, they've seen another group of soldiers slowly advancing to their location. 

Not wasting anytime, we riddled them with bullets, killing tens of men among them.

"I need artillery fire on previously established targets! Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Fire for effect! Fire for effect!!" Savage requested an Artillery strike, killing a whole bunch of them. 

"Save your ammo! Cease fire! Is anybody hit?" Savage commanded and asked.

"Were good Sarge!" I said while silencing those that did not die from the airstrike.

While Savage quickly contacted the reinforcement that will get them. "Captain, if you guys are coming you gotta let us know. Its pitch black out here, I don't wanna shoot any of our own guys. Copy?"

The radio crackled for a moment and replied. "Savage... we can't make it tonight."

It was expected, the gooks are lying everywhere and every wrong move causes casualties. Even more so in this darkness.

This stuns Savage as the radio continued crackling. "Dont worry, your going to make it. We'll come get you in the morning."

Bungum and Sarge looked at each other for a moment with hopelessness in the eyes, and then replied. "....Yes Sir."

"....Out."

While Jim and others were stranded, news about the battalions precarious situation and the bodies that are being bagged back in the base, was being broadcasted that made someone that cared for Jim worried sick.

*********************************************************************************************************

(EMILY'S POV)

Even when I was young, I looked up and adored my Brother. He was always there for me, protecting me and keeping me safe. I still remember one day when I was about six years old, a farm ostrich got loose and started chasing me. I was terrified, I screamed and ran as fast as my little legs could carry.

Just when I thought the ostrich would catch me, Jamy appeared with a wood and swung it at the ostrich, knocking it out in the process. He then scooped me up in his arms and comforted me with his reassuring words and strong embrace.

"Don't worry, Emi," he said with a smile. "I'll always be here to protect you."

Later that day, we have a dinner with a tasty roasted ostrich as I chow the stupid bird who dared to scare me.

That moment was just one of many where Jamy proved to be always there for me. Whether it was helping me with my homework, teaching me how to ride a bike, or standing up for me at school, he was always there. I relied on him more than my parents.

Even though I loved my brother dearly, I found it hard to express my feelings openly. So instead of telling him how much he meant to me, I resorted to teasing him. It was my way of showing affection, my way of connecting with him. I would joke about his ponytailed hair, his terrible jokes, or how he always seemed to be late for everything. And he would laugh, ruffle my hair, and call me a brat.

It was the special bond I build with him even if I couldn't always say the words out loud.

When Jamy decided to go to war, it tilted my world upside down. The worry, fear, anger and sadness all swirled in me. I tried to keep my composure, but inside, I was worried sick. The thought of him heading off to a distant place was almost to much to bear.

The once loud house turned quiet, it feels emptier without his presence. I missed his laugh, his jokes, and ruffling my hair.

Months began to pass as we also exchange letters, then November 14 came.

It was Sunday afternoon and I tried to relax so I sat down at the couch, opening the TV. But then a sudden breaking news made my world stop on track.

"We have breaking news from Vietnam. The 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment is currently engaged in a severe battle in Ia Drang Valley. Reports indicate that the situation is precarious, with heavy casualties on both sides."

My breathing hitched as I thought. ' Isn't that Jamys battalion?'

My heart pounded in my chest as I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the couch. The room seemed to close in around me, the air is suddenly thick and hard to breathe.

The camera panned to rows of body bags being lined up and multiple wounded soldiers being disembarked from the helicopters and soldiers boarding them as reinforcements. 

"The battle has resulted in significant losses, and the fight continues with no end in sight."

Silent tears began to fall, tracing cold paths down my cheeks. Each body bag on the screen could be Jamy with each one could hold my brother. The thought was unbearable and I felt a sob rise in my throat but I swallowed it down as my breaths coming in short, sharp gasps.

I clasped my hands together tightly, pressing them to my lips as I started to pray for whoever is listening. "Please, God, let him be safe. Please let Jamy survive this. Bring him back to us. I can't lose him. Not like this."

The news anchor continued to speak but his words were lost on me. All I could think about was Jamy. "Jamy, please," I whispered into the quiet room, my voice trembling. "Please come back to us.....

...come back to me. And this time, I can say it, for sure.