When I left El Torro Air Base in California on a commercial airline for Viet Nam, I began writing into a journal that I kept during my tour. This book is relatively an exact transcription of what I wrote, as nearly as I could replicate it. I have not attempted to correct or update anything that was found in the journal, but merely replicate it on these pages. Words shown in Italics are usually there to fill in missing words to help explain the statement as I now understand it.

For most of 1967 and a very brief part of 1968, I was assigned to an Artillery Battery there as a radio operator. During that tour, I maintained an unofficial daily journal. The ink color varies from page to page, depending on the pen available when that day’s entry was made.

That journal was kept in a letter size, wire bound, blue lined spiral notebook. When interesting and pertinent articles and mementos were made available to me, I included copies of many of them in the journal as well. They are still, for the most part, taped to the pages near the back of the original journal. The pages have grown yellow and brittle. The tape is loosing its grip on the attachments. The wire spine is taking its toll on the paper. Effective, hands-on review of this original journal will not be available much longer.

Therefore, now, over one third of a century after it was originally put down on paper, I have transcribed my hand written document, word-for-word into a more legible, printed format. When possible, I have included a scan of the front, and if appropriate, the back of the leaflet within this transcription of my journal

When I felt it beneficial, additional words have been inserted (in Italics) that may assist the reader in better understanding the meaning or intention of the statement that was written over 30 years ago. At least it did for me. Footnotes have also been included to define certain terms and acronyms. These were not in the original document.

Though anything but fiction, this journal is not in any way to be interpreted as an historical document. Every word of it is true, because I wrote it down almost as it happened, or as I was told it happened. Notes were taken while in the field so the journal could be "caught up" when times and situations allowed. Those occasions are so noted. When I "learned" of a (friendly) KIA, I often had little means of verifying it; yet the statement is passed along in the journal as a matter of fact. If I have prematurely reported the mortality of anyone within this journal, I sincerely apologize to them and to their family.

Names of individuals have been included, as I knew them at that time. Occasionally, only one name is mentioned. Whether that name is the given name or the family name may remain indiscernible today. I leave that determination up to the reader. Hopefully, some of those named will read this document and may be able to clear up those uncertainties.

As I read back through my journal, I realize that much more detail could have been included at the time this journal was written. Today, in the year 2000, I cannot determine what may have prevented me from being more descriptive, except that there was a CONFLICT going on and I was being shot at, along with my fellow Marines.

I relived many moments while transcribing this journal, and wanted so much to elaborate on what was being referenced. I however, managed to refrain from embellishing, in order to maintain the integrity of the original piece.

Some day, I hope go back and write a piece, loosely "based" on the journal. I cannot wait another 30 years, however. All interest in that conflict will have dwindled and the piece will have no merit…and no readers. Besides, I would be in my 80’s by then and my mind may not be as sharp and witty as it is today.

The illustrations found within this Journal were either collected in 1967 and taped within the journal, or were 35mm color slides that were developed in 1967-68. The rendition of the color is poor due to the conditions and the capability of my photography at the time. I went on to become a semi-professional Wedding Photographer for about 15 years. Looking at these photos would cause one to question that career move.

Copyright © 2000-2003 Mike Worden

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