My brother-in-law was a LRP (Lerp) in nam in the sixties. Though we don’t get along all that well (largely because of my sister), I have written him many times over the decades about his extraordinary military service. I think at least arguably that the Vietnam War was more terrifying for the average grunt because u most of the time didn’t get to see the enemy. Many times our guys were just feet from the enemy and could not see them until a flash bang went off in their face.
Before anybody jumps me, I’m not taking away one ounce of credit from any other vet in any war. They are all heroes!
I just thank my lucky stars that the closest I got in 71 was Keelung Port City on Taiwan aboard the USS Hector, AR 7.
“My brother-in-law was a LRP (Lerp) in nam in the sixties. Though we don’t get along all that well (largely because of my sister), I have written him many times over the decades about his extraordinary military service. I think at least arguably that the Vietnam War was more terrifying for the average grunt because u most of the time didn’t get to see the enemy. Many times our guys were just feet from the enemy and could not see them until a flash bang went off in their face.
Before anybody jumps me, I’m not taking away one ounce of credit from any other vet in any war. They are all heroes!
I just thank my lucky stars that the closest I got in 71 was Keelung Port City on Taiwan aboard the USS Hector, AR 7”.
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you want to learn more about LRRPs (Long Range Recon Patrol), I highly suggest you read the following -
Sog: The Secret Wars of America’s Commandos in Vietnam Mass Market Paperback – July 1, 1998
by John L. Plaster
This was a highly classified unit that did not exist, who had ‘get out of jail free’ cards, carried exotic weaponry, dressed like the enemy, boobytrapped enemy ammunition, etc. I believe their existence remained classified until the late 80s or early 90s. Not to diminish the LRRPs, but SOG (Studies and Observation Group) seemed to be a step above everyone else, as they hand picked the best of all branches of special ops guys. I believe their mission was primarily outside South Vietnam (Laos, Cambodia, North Vietnam). The author points out that on numerous occasions, a team was being hunted by enemy units as large as a battalion. You may want to skip the 1st one or two chapters, as I recall it is mostly hierarchy type stuff. I gave my copy of this book to a neighbor who flew the F105 in Vietnam. Otherwise, I would send it to you.
This unit (SOG) pioneered the first HALO junp, at least in combat.