2 Chapter 2, Baptized in fire

Before even the sun rose, we were already on the trail to our objective; We're suppose to clear our a spider hole.

The Objective given to Sarge which he debrief to us on the trail was to locate the spider hole, destroy any weapon cache and taken out any VC.

I was given a M1 Carbine, Revolver which I brought from home , knife strapped to my chest, some exploives, one grenade and a smoke grenade. Paul spat on the ground after what he said some big flew into his mouth.

Kyle was looking around making sure we don't step on some traps, apparently Vietnam is filled with traps all over the place.

I heard stories of soldiers being impaled by sticks or even stepping on landmines whether it's their own or the enemy. I can only imagine how I'll die in Vietnam.

"Alright boys there it is" Sarge said, indeed it was a spider hole big enough to squeeze a small enough man through. To be honest I'm kind of scared and only imagine how many are there.

Maybe a entire unit of them, hell it could filled with traps or even snakes. "Alright Private your up" Sarge said smacking my uniform, I looked at him with widen eyes I wanted to tell my Sarge is it safe?

But I kept my mouth shut and leaned into the hole, one of my members of my unit held my legs as I looked around aiming my rifle.

I use the butt stock to check the ground luckily it was solid, "Ground clear" I said as I got deeper into the hole "Clear out entrance while we clear out the exit, also the code is Texas and the password is Alamo"

"Yes sir" I answered then traveled into the tunnel, I put my rifle back and took out my flashlight and revolver. The path was solid and I shined my light one some bugs and a tiny spider which crawled away.

I still wonder how did Charlie do this? how do they make these tunnels? how many are there? I listen closely to any noises like feet or talking.

It was nearly pitched black in there but thanks to my flashlight it made it easier. I started to hear someone walking so I whisper not to loud but loud enough if it's one of my comrades.

"Texas!" I whispered, but I got nothing I bite my lip as I slowly pulled the hammer of my revolver back as I whispered again "Texas!"

Still I gained nothing, no doubt it has to be Charlie I slowly walked towards where I believe Charlie to be, I found a corner which was hollowed enough to fit a man.

Then I heard running I turned as a small man tackled me to ground. I let out a gasp as he held a knife and tried to stab me but I grabbed his wrist.

I couldn't tell what he was saying since I only know english, but I'm pretty sure he's cursing me. I struggled with him as his arm was pressing against my chest and my palm was pushed into his cheek.

"Get the fuck off me!" I said, he tried pressing the knife down til I swung my leg between his legs and toss him over. He groaned but continue to attack, I punched him hard as I could into his jaw which I got him to stagger.

I grabbed my revolver aimed at his chest, I closed my eyes tightly then I heard the bang. I open my eyes afterword the man was dead.

He had a hole in his chest and he was dead, I let out hard breaths and kept my gun focus on him I was gripping my weapon tightly felt like my hands were bleeding.

The man I killed looked like a farmer, we were fighting NVA or North Vietnamese Army but I killed myself Viet Cong which are the Guerillas. I dread at the thought of killing someone but after killing that man I felt calm.

My head snapped to the sound of gun firing so I ran down the tunnel and towards a wooden door. I breathed heavily and prepared for the entire enemy group, I kicked the door open and aim my revolver til my Sergeant said "At ease Private"

I lowered my revolver and I looked around, there at least five dead VC's and my group were gathering around.

"Hey Anthony! you missed the fun" Paul said with a laugh, Bucky kneeled down to one dead VC and searched through his uniform "Bastard swung his weapon for my head"

Kyle was in the corner vomiting with Scully checking on him, Sarge turned to me and said "What took you so long?"

"Uh enemy ambushed me Sir had to fight him off" I answered, "Boys you just had your baptism by fire, welcome to Vietnam" Sarge told us.

The tunnel had no weapon cache but it was cleared, I put down C4 and reeled the line back once we got outside.

Once I was given the okay, the tunnel exploded and made it collapse now it was no longer any use.

January 15, 1972

Paul and I were in the mess hall getting some chow, me and him got to know each other more since we're apart of a unit.

Paul told me he was transfered to this unit by the Australian Military as the Tunnel Rats are made up Australian and American engineers and infantry men at least he tells me.

He showed me a photo of his girl back home, honestly she's pretty cute Paul must be a lucky guy.

Says he'll be writing letter to her which makes me write one to my family.

Honestly Paul was a joker he would always crack jokes.

After our meal we went back to the barracks as we watched some tv, people back in the States are protesting the war.

I heard Marshall groan out at the News which made Scully change it to something better. Loony Tunes was on so we watched some it, before our Sarge came in and told us to get ready.

Said we'll be linking up with the 8th Division as they are to be taking out an Armored column and our job is to scout ahead and take out some hidden artillery.

I thought our job was mostly taking out tunnels but we're taking out artillery? We all saluted and grabbed our gear and followed Sarge to the helicopter and aboard it.

Kyle spoke to the Sergeant saying "Sir, how much are we facing?" "Well private while the 8th focus on taking out some tanks that'll leave their artillery undefended so they'll won't know we're coming"

I spoke out as well "Sir what's main purpose of our unit?" Sarge turned to me and said "Try to remember this MACVSOG exists to ruin the enemy's day that's our job so focus on the mission and you'll probably survive"

"Yes Sir, sorry Sir" I said.