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Page 6
MAGGIO WOULD BATTLE IN 'HELL' ......from page 5
Thin and sinewy, the officer in charge of Delta Company is a no nonsense major
by the name of Deighton. I watched him at his briefing prior to the patrol ...
and noticed with a soldier's critical eye that his staff were given ample time
to give their own views.
During the patrol he led by example and even though I was a civilian and senior
by a few years, I found myself addressing him as "Sir". But it is as it was and
rightfully so. Major Deighton's poise and grasp of the situation at -hand is the
hallmark of the good leader.
The first noticeable, from the confusion and chaos of the American
hurry-up-and-wait method, is the crisp orderliness that awaited me when I
applied for the right to visit them at the Task Force Headquarters south of
Saigon at Nui Dat.
Dropping from dense clouds that are spread like thick marshmallow across a plate
of blue, you can gaze from a window of the "Wallaby Airlines" caribou flight,
and see the old rubber plantation that serves as the "Aussie" headquarters.
Ringed with rubber trees and remnants of banana groves, the setting is cool
efficiency and clean. Clean is everywhere and it is a welcome change to what the
rest of Vietnam offers.
Tanned "Diggers" go about their duties under the whipping sun and are pleasant
regardless of the situation. Even under the most trying of conditions, deep in
leech-infested waters where every step was a pain as the thorns and barbs tore
at your skin I heard none of the bitching and complaining that I have heard on
other patrols. They are here for ajob needing to be done and they do it. The
risks, hazards and sacrifices are just part of the duty. The Australians have
learned a very important thing that seems to escape Americans.
In the words of author, teacher and combat cameraman, Elliot Parker:
"Americans take America with them no matter where they are. They have yet to
learn how to live in another country with only that ~ which the country
provides. This is why they are losing the war.
The
Australians have
learned this. They don't need USOs, especially clubs and other trivia. "The
early dew was still wet upon the trees when Lt Ross Sillar, 10 Platoon
commander, inspected his "Diggers" to see if they were prepared for their first
attempt at patrolling in this war. They were! Lt Sillar, a former student at an
Australian university, is on active duty for only two years after which he will
return to his studies. A fine host and active conversationalist, he is an eager
student of his environment and is doing his service well.
I went with his patrol and admired the way he and an old campaigner .... Sgt Ray
(Shorty) Hannah, ... handled a most trying day. The day ended with no contact.
"Charlie was watching us I'm sure but didn't want to fight."
No matter. There will be other days for D Company of the Fourth Battalion.My
visit ended but arrangements were made to return and spend some time with them
on another operation. I will go.
Even though contact was not made and most have never been fired upon, I would go
at a moments notice under any circumstances with Delta Company into whatever
this war has to offer.
Click to page 7
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