Just a few of the photos from Vietnam. I'm currently scanning
hundreds of others that I took there, and will add more humor
and stories. Here's one:
We were "on stage" finishing our act after another
two or more hour performance. I was impersonating Elvis and
was just beginning to announce the next song, "Heartbreak
Hotel."
I began, in my best Elvis voice, " Right now I'd like
to.."[SIRENS BEGIN WAILING, SIGNALING INCOMING]
"get the %#@* outta here!"
Removing the guitar, I began herding our small troupe into
a bunker. Looking back to see that all were in, I smacked
into a 4 by 4 in the middle of the bunker, and began to bleed...you
know scalp wounds.
After the "ALL CLEAR" was sounded, we went back
and finished our show. I put in for a "Purple Head"
but never received a reply.
No doubt the most exciting and fearful moments were during
the Tet Offensive of 1968 when we were with the Marines in
Chu Lai, and later moved on the An Khe. During that period,
we were rocketed, mortared, and sniped at. Photos and stories
from that later.
Meanwhile, all of the cigarette lighters, patches, green
beret, and other assorted hats, badges and other items given
to me by our soldiers, are all proudly on display in my home.
THANKS!
Note to DOD. I left the M1 and M16 in Saigon!
Jimmy Wallis 1 May 2002
