Vietnam Reflections 220 Part 1

vietnam reflections 220 in triplicate 1st day 0500 hours... we trod silently unobserved just inside the edge of the tree line until we found an old tree scrub whose branches brushed the earth at the very edge of the clearing this would be our observation point for our time here we immediately set about bolstering our perimeter with branches and foliage making us invisible from even five feet away we had just four days to find what we had to find and to do what we had to do we’re hoping the heavy rains will continue and literally drown out errant noise and help keep us concealed we will rest by day and venture out by night with utmost care sounds carry far across open fields we communicate mostly with gestures and hand signals 2nd day 1500 hours... we have observed increased activity in the opposite tree line approximately a half klick straight across from our position. about twenty individuals moving about freely. we can see them we can hear them we can smell them we must now be even more careful and observant. 3rd day 0700 hours... their force has doubled overnight. they are making excursions into the open field sweeping the area 200 meters in front of their camp probing for mines and tripwires and searching the tree line for any sign of movement. these are NVA regulars, a highly trained and efficient force to contend with. we did not expect this. 3rd day 1100 hours... the NVA have all moved back into the tree line with seven of their number spread out on perimeter guard. they still do not know we are here.