Vietnam Journal
1968-1969
Travel to the A Shau Valley
Chaplain (LTC) Grover G. DeVault USA Ret.
It was a memorable trip to the A Shau Valley in the I Corps sector of Central Viet Nam. Starting out from our base of operations with the 80th General Support Group of the 1st Logistical Command located on China Beach in Danang, we took off with large loads of troops and supplies with the 515th Transportation Company. Supplies for the troops up North included a heavy load of ammo. We had to maneuver over jagged mountains and through the HI Van Pass which was primitive terrain. The drivers had to use every trick-of-the-trade to get up the rugged mountain slopes and winding paths. It was the very first time any convoy had ventured into the war-torn valley, known for its furious combat battles. “Hug the mountain” was the command all the drivers received. I felt almost like I was driving myself up the Rockies in the U.S. The turns and twists made my stomach turn over as we went up into very high altitude. Much needed supplies were being delivered at a great cost and at a great risk under the command of Captain Ronald Ash, Q.M. Corps, the supply officer in command.
Protection on the trip was provided by the artillery based at Fire Base Blaze and the helicopter gunships, as well as tanks placed strategically among our trucks. It brought the troops some comfort knowing at the very least we would not be overrun by the Viet Cong, or NVA. This mission called for large quantities of supplies that were much needed for the relief and support of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). This unit was located at the Fire Base Rendezvous. The operation took about three weeks. I was at the formation of troops at the onset of this mission to lead the unit and troops in prayer and give spiritual guidance. First the men were asked if they would like to volunteer for this mission. You can imagine the outcome. Few men knew what they would face in the next few weeks ahead.
I had, however, no idea what I was getting into…
Lieutenant Colonel John Groff, Commander of the 39th Transportation Battalion designed this convoy to deliver, in a timely manner, materials for the 101st. I gave these men the utmost of respect and my prayers to be willing to undertake such a dangerous mission. I was well pleased that my Commander, Col. Edwin S. Goeper, 80th General Support Command, ordered me to accompany them for moral and spiritual support on this mission. I had, however, no idea what I was getting into, having to face extreme danger and serious combat. Not knowing where the enemy was, or when or if they might attack, and not knowing about the land mines we would encounter it took its toll on every man who had placed himself in harms way. To me every man deserved a medal for this most risky undertaking. Only with such support could the A Shau Valley be secured from the enemy. It was another achievement in a long list to be added to our support troops and Infantryman in Viet Nam. I was proud of the proficiency of these men in accomplishing this mission, and I told both them and Col. Goepper so.
“How come they are not behind us back home?”
We still had to make the arduous trip back to Danang. These men will always stand tall in my memory among the troops of I Corps Tactical Zone. Men who would not receive praise or gratitude from the folks back in “the good old U.S.A.” At that time we knew of the resistance to the war by people like John Kerry, who was then giving testimony against the war before Congress. These actions became a serious moral problem. Most of the men would do all they could to get out of there alive and longed to get back to “the good old U.S.A.”
Many of the men on the trip were asking lots of questions. I was frequently asked; “What is this war all about?” “Why am I here?” “What can we do for these people?” “Is it really worth all of this effort and the lives of these men?” “How come they are not behind us back home?” These questions weighed heavily on me but it all seemed so surreal. The soldiers most often referred to the US as “the REAL world”; feeling that what surrounded them there was difficult to grasp and comprehend.
Our men in uniform carry out national policy, but really have no role in formulating it. They were the ones being asked to be courageous, have determination, to be loyal, to undertake hardships and take all the risks. What a high price for real security in an uncertain world! I have experienced, first hand, just how brutal war can be on a person. War must always be our last resort! We must continue to pray for peace and ask God to protect us!
June 1969
-End of entry 11/15/01
Ggd: Vietnam Journal, Travel to the Ashau Valley,