Vung Tau, South Vietnam is where I was stationed in the U.S. Army from February, 1967 to February, 1968. The name means "anchorage." The French named it Cap St. Jacques. Today I will recount my lucid memories as a soldier in a war torn country. It is also the crude oil extraction center of Vietnam. All of my data is obtained from Wikipedia.
It was by happenstance I landed duty in this resort town of over 300,000 residents! It was the luckiest twist of fate my duty would be both at the 36th Evac hospital and the 345th Dispensary. The airfield was across the street where I took x-rays in an air-conditioned facility. We served some 9,000 troops and civilians in the area. I worked for 5 doctors and 2 dentists.
The geographical location has coordinates of 10 degrees N and 107 E. There are two seasons: Summer and Monsoon. I arrived in the dry season and by May the incredible rains necessitated wearing a poncho!
As a resort town temptations confronted the troops. Prostitution in the Village was rampant. Many guys age 19 fell to the prey of the whores. The guys would pay a monthly fee for a "house." VD was incredible. Doctors were so discouraged it wasn't funny! Believe it or not Dr. Moss recruited me to be spokesperson for the Hospital!
Dr. Thomas Hudson Moss gave me some books, slides and allowed me to speak to groups. I said 'you can't get VD by wearing your brother's underwear." Some wise guy yelled out.. "yea, if you like boys." VD lectures was a formidable challenge. The end result was receiving procaine shots in the rump to eradicate the disease. One soldier wanted to marry a Vietnamese. The lab tests revealed the young lady had 5 types!
In my last month I drove an ambulance. Enlisted men drank in their clubs and fought. Vung Tau was a location for all seasons and all reasons. It sucked!
As Mail Clerk for my Detachment I got to see the other side of the troops. "Mail Call" was the most rewarding aspect of my duty. To see a young man's face light up gave me satisfaction and diversion in my activities.
as a stamp collector I had a highlight in receiving a $5.00 stamp on a package.
To be continued in my next blog entry.
SP/5 Bob Potvin
US 51574051
MOS 91p20
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