Author Unknown - April 17th 1968
The Devil himself reached from the jungle and dragged me into hell.
A minute before, the jungle across the shallow valley swayed in the spring breeze. Minh glared over the stock of his RPD he had arranged in the brush nest. It was well concealed, and the veteran of three different colonial wars hated how we moved along our trench atop the gently rising hill. Bao and Tran smoked and lounged against the dirt wall. We dug while they smoked, always. I hated them.
Then came the thunder, and they turned to ash.
I fired my rifle aimlessly over the lip of the trench as the opposite treeline came alive. My hands went numb as my clip emptied into the onrushing invaders. They breathed fire as they advanced. Minh stayed at his post, unleashing hell until one of their dragons swooped low and unleashed a rocket into his position. A few of my squad fled only to catch bullets between their shoulders. I was no such coward.
The edges of my vision blurred as the smoke became overwhelming. I succumbed. When I awoke, I was covered in dirt and bodies, alone amongst our fallen heroes. I cannot say how many I killed. We were outnumbered and outgunned, but honor held me.
Let our struggle against the invaders echo through history!
May songs of our squad's bravery forever be sung!
///
After Action Report - April 17th 1968 - Pvt. James Franklin
We experienced light resistance on Hill 184
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A/N:
In preparation for the next Writing Battle, expect a weekly 250 word microfiction from me. Enjoy!
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About the Creator
Matthew J. Fromm
Full-time nerd, history enthusiast, and proprietor of arcane knowledge.
Here there be dragons, knights, castles, and quests (plus the occasional dose of absurdity).
I can be reached at [email protected]
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Comments (4)
I am 75. 1968 memories exploded in my head. I had a friend who survived Vietnam and after he came back home he was killed in when his truck Jack knifed and turned over. So 😔
I was transported to "back in my day." You nailed it, Matthew!
An appropriate story for the upcoming Memorial Day.
I recognized the reference in your title right away, and the subject matter did not disappoint. The best part is James and his company likely remained in place for a week, then left the hill so yet more Mihns could reoccupy it to then be thrown off by another James and his company. Repeat while bodies pile up on both sides. Also, what's the Writing Battle?