It was always that first round that was so lethal.
By the time the others came in everyone was down. I was Don Gibler's medic. A chunk of shrapnel had penetrated his abdomen and exited out his back apparently severing a major artery. He was in deep hemorrhagic shock while I struggled with him, providing IV fluid and getting him out were the limits of what I could do. The following day I would learn that my efforts had been in vain. It was a hot steamy morning back then, and today it is a snowy morning here in the State of Washington.
Suddenly, the space of forty years seems greatly diminished.
Francis E. Bowen, Medic, Alpha and Bravo Batteries, 1970-1971
NOTE: Francis E. Bowen was awarded the Silver Star for his service in Vietnam.
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