[Bob]

Right next to a crate of oranges. All swift boats carried these provisions so the crew wouldn't get scurvy on long voyages.

That detail strikes me as a little strange, too. Prehaps they were on their way home from the grocery store when they were attacked.

Oranges I could easily understand. You wouldn't need any kind of galley for the crew to eat oranges while out on a patrol. But potatoes?? As I said, this makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Maybe that grocery store was in Cambodia. (yeah, that's the ticket.)

[Homer_J_Simpson]

But potatoes?? As I said, this makes no sense to me whatsoever.

I got it! The spuds were ammo for their potatoe gun. I've read about these weapons here on FR. They leave a nasty red welt, and, if the VC weren't wearing their safety goggles, they can put yer eye out.

I imagine the DOD was experimenting with this type of ordinance because it is silent, and thus, ideal for secret missions to Cambodia.