He must be one helluva mature 'kid' for 17 and handle himself as well as he did. He could have just sprayed the 30rd mag everywhere.
On another note, I was 17 with an M16 sent to stage at the Detroit riot in '67. But I wasn't alone or untrained. I was in the 101st at the time. So this young man handled his personal hell the best he could.
I promise you that your squad leader, papa, and your Lieutenant would never have put you in the situation this kid got stuck in.
Thank you for your service and “Air Assault”!