Fallen Angel
Chapter 5

In the distance, we heard the choppers coming.  
Lieutenant Graves radioed in that everything was okay 
and he would let off a flare so they could locate our 
position.  After landing, a platoon of men rushed into 
camp, making sure everything was secure. 
"Raven, I'm Captain Holly, Bloodhound.  I spoke to you 
over the radio.  Are you ready to go?"  He asked, 
kneeling down beside me, speaking softly. 
I rose to my knees and turned to Sian Moc, hugged and 
kissed her.  "We made it." 
I turned, looking at bloodhound.  “How many did he 
Murder?”  I asked.
“We recovered two bodies,” he replied.  I shook 
my head.
Everyone loaded in the choppers and we headed to the 
firebase.  My mind remained in disbelief that we 
wouldn't have to spend another night in the jungle.  I 
had my arm wrapped tightly around Sian Moc as I 
could only imagine what was in her mind. 
The co-pilot handed me a headset and I put them on. 
"I figure you'll be going home soon.  How does it feel?" 
Bloodhound asked. 
"It hasn't sunk in yet Captain, and all I can think about 
now is a hot shower." 
"I think we can arrange that.  I just spoke to Lieutenant 
Graves and he told me what happened.  Yeah, I think 
we can arranged a hot shower for you and the misses," 
he said, smiling. 
Apparently, he had radioed ahead.  Just as soon as we 
stepped off the chopper, we were escorted to the 
shower.  I knew there were no hot showers in LZ's, but 
they must have boiled water and poured it in the small 
water tank that hung just above it.  I covered my wound 
with plastic and tape.  Sian Moc took her time, washing 
and rinsing me for nearly twenty minutes, and then her. 
Fresh fatigues hung for each of us and after dressing, 
we walked out and Captain Holly was waiting. 
"If you two will follow me I'll take you to the bunker 
where you'll be sleeping," he stated as we followed. 
He led us into a bunker where there were two bunk 
beds, but the mattresses were laid on the floor making 
one larger bed. 
"Lieutenants Pratt, Levy, Hartford and McMillan 
volunteered to let you have their bunker for the 
 night," he said, smiling and patting my shoulder. 
"They don't have to do this Captain!"  I said, trying 
to bow out. 
"Those are four mean son-of-a-bitches and I wouldn't 
argue with them," he said, making his point. 
"I'll thank them in the morning," I said, shaking his 
hand. 
"See you in the morning, Raven," he said, and walked 
out. 
I removed my clothes, dropped to my knees, and 
turned lying on my back, stretching out. 
"This feels so good.  Come here," I said looking up at 
Sian Moc. 
She removed the loose fatigues they had provided and 
lay next to me.  I was exhausted and wanted to sleep 
but I had to perform one more duty. 
"Come up here," I said, tugging on her. 
Unsure of what I was doing she gave me a look while 
getting on her knees.  "Come here, put your legs over 
me, right here," I instructed, patting on my chest. 
She straddled my chest while I smiled at her.  I began 
pushing her butt forward as her cunt moved to my 
mouth.  I began licking between her lips, flicking my 
tongue against her clit.  She looked at me smiling, and 
then leaned her head forward, bracing her upper body 
with her arms stretched forward above my head. 
Her cunt moved in gyrations as she groaned and panted.  
I continued licking and sucking her while she became 
vocal. 
"Oh Brian, Brian, I love this so much.  Please don't stop. 
It didn't take but two minutes and she was rocking hard 
on my face, having a wild orgasm.  Even after I knew 
she was over it, I continued until she fell over on her 
side, breathing heavily as I do when I come. 
The following morning we were treated to hot C-Rations.  
After that, we walked over to the Commanders bunker.  
Sian Moc stood outside. 
"Glad to have you back, Captain.  I'm Colonel Martin, 
commander of Firebase Beaver." 
"Thank you Colonel.  It's great to be back." 
"There's a chopper on its way to pick you up." 
"What about the villagers Colonel, did all of them 
make it?" 
"No, I'm sorry Captain," he stated, reluctantly.  I 
looked at him with concern and anticipation.  "But 
those that did make it were lucky we had a patrol in 
that area.  My men came upon a squad of VC that 
were escorting these villagers back to their village 
when we got in a firefight with them.  I lost one good 
man but we finally killed all of them.  My men turned 
the villagers loose but one of the old men was carrying 
a map with your note on it, so they were brought here 
and I sent them and the map to Saigon." 
"Do you have a list of the names of the ones that made 
and do you know what happened to the ones that 
didn't?"  I asked as my heart began fluttering. 
"There were two women and one of the old men that 
didn't make it.  They were shot by the VC because they 
wouldn't tell them where you were," he explained, 
handing me the list. 
"Luc Bien, Tan Nai, Oh my god!  Lin Li!"  I gasp for a 
breath.  "Excuse me Colonel," I said rushing out of the 
bunker.  I ran around to the side and cried. 
"What is the matter Brian?"  Sian Moc asked, rushing to 
me. 
"Lin, Luc Bien and Tan Nai, those son of a bitches shot 
them because they wouldn't tell them where I was." 
She put her arm around my waist and cried with me. 
"I really wanted all of them to make it, but especially 
Lin," I said, continuing to cry. 
"She knew that Brian, she loved you, she told me." 
I turned, putting my arms around her.  After I had let 
it all out, I went back in to see the Colonel. 
"I'm sorry Colonel, these people saved my life and I 
guess I got too close to them." 
"I understand son.  Your family has been notified that 
you're no longer MIA.  You'll be leaving Saigon 
tomorrow and headed home," he stated.  I looked at 
him, surprised.  "I can't leave yet.  I need to make a 
couple of changes on the map and I have to go get 
someone I made a promise to." 
"I sent the map to Military Intelligence." 
"There are three targets on it that are not accurate. 
I have to make the changes.” 
"I'll notify MI, and they'll probably send someone to 
Saigon tomorrow to meet you.  There's plenty of time 
Captain.  They won't make any decisions on that one for 
a few days anyway." 
"Colonel, the Captains chopper is here."  A soldier 
said, standing at the door. 
"Good.  Go home Captain.  After two tours, you've done 
all you can do.  There will be another chopper in this 
afternoon to pick up the Vietnamese girl." 
"She goes with me Colonel!"  I stated firmly. 
"Captain …  Hell, take her with you," he said, shaking 
his head.  "Good luck Captain." 
"Thank you Sir," I said and walked out. 
I walked out of the bunker and saw Sian Moc sitting on 
sandbags looking up at a soldier that was speaking to 
her.  I approached them and the soldier said, "Damn 
Captain, where did you find this gook?  I'd like to get 
me some of that ass.  You want to share her with me 
and some of the men?" 
"No Private.  Sian Moc," I said, extending my hand to 
her.  She took it and we started walking to the 
chopper. 
"Shan-mac, that's a nice name.  Too bad she doesn't 
speak American, I have a few things I want to tell 
 her!" 
"She doesn't speak American!"  I stated, looking back 
at him.  "You don't speak American do you?"  I said 
turning at her. 
"No, but I speak American English," she said, as we 
laughed together. 
I helped her into the chopper and struggled getting in, 
and then buckled her up. 
"Captain Hill, Raven!  I'm Captain Newark, and this is 
Lieutenant Craft.  It's great to have you back.  Your 
name is already a legend in the Cav Captain!"  The 
pilot shouted, so I could hear him. 
"It's good to be back Captain!"  I replied, shaking his 
hand. 
"Anywhere you want to go Captain.  I'm your chauffeur 
today." 
"Saigon Hospital," I stated. 
"Saigon hospital it is." 
After lifting off, I looked back at the LZ, and then 
looked in the distance, toward the Da Fu River where I 
had spent the last five weeks.  I didn't want to see 
that river but one more time.  Sian Moc squeezed my 
hand.  I turned looking at her, knowing she was feeling 
the same as me.  I squeezed her hand, smiled and kissed 
her forehead. 
For the next three hours, we didn't speak a word, but 
thought a million thoughts.  I wasn't ready to go home 
yet, nothing and no one could get me on the plane until 
Cal was on his way home too.  The only way that was 
going to happen was if I showed them where his body 
lay. 
We landed on the helipad next to the hospital. I 
saluted Captain Newark saying thanks, and entered the 
hospital walking to the front desk. 
"Do you have a group of villagers that were brought in 
a week ago?"  I ask. 
"Yes, you will find most of them in the west wing, down 
the corridor all the way and turn right, Captain Hill," 
she said smiling. 
I was about to ask her how she knew my name but 
didn't.  I propped my arm as we walked the distance.  
I opened the door for her. 
"SURPRISE!"  Everyone shouted.  I looked around 
seeing everyone from the village standing. 
"Where the hell did they learn that English?"  I asked 
the nurse standing at the door. 
"Most of them only know that one word.  We've been 
practicing on it all morning, Captain," she replied.  
Sian Moc and I burst out laughing as she helped me to 
each of them, shaking hands and hugging, as best I 
could.  We spent most of two hours reminiscing, and 
enjoying our last time together.  Contributions were 
coming in from everywhere, paying for their new living 
quarters for a while and money to get them home 
when they were ready.  
I said my good-byes and Sian Moc helped me back to 
the front entrance of the hospital where my jeep awaited.  
She was staying to get a check-up, and get back healthy 
from malnutrition, and to take care of Tan Nai. 
"I wouldn't have made it without you," I said, looking 
into her eyes. 
"You will always be in my heart," she replied, and 
began crying. 
"Stop that or you'll get me to crying." 
"Are you going back to get your friend before you go 
home?" 
"Yes, I promised him I would." 
"Will I see you again?" 
I held silent for a moment and then answered, "No. 
When I get Cal's body, I'll be going directly home.  I 
have your aunts address and you have mine, and we 
promised we would write, right?" 
"I promise, I will write to you." 
"Oh, I forgot to ask something of Tan Nai.  I know she 
doesn't write so, would you give her an envelope with 
my address and put stamps on it.  Tell her to put marks 
on it if any of her sons make it home and send it to 
me.  I'd like to know." 
"I will, I promise." 
"Good bye Sian Moc.  You take care of yourself and the 
others," I said, leaning to kiss her. 
Her eyes moistened.  "You take care of yourself too." 
I turned to leave, placing my wrist over my drivers 
shoulder as he helped me out, holding the door.  We 
walked down the wheelchair ramp as I looked back one 
last time, seeing her standing at the door, looking 
through the glass. 
I looked closely to read her lips because I couldn't 
hear her.  She was saying, "I love you, I Love you."  I 
smiled and continued walking. 
The driver helped me in the jeep and drove me to the 
military hospital on the East side of Saigon where I 
would get a checkup.  After hours of exams and feeding 
nutrients intravenously, I was left alone.  Because the 
wound was too old and had begun healing, stitches were 
not recommended, but it remained tightly wrapped. 
The following morning a Major Davis and Captain Willcocks 
visited me from Military Intelligence about the map.  I 
had awakened early in the morning and was anxious to 
leave.  After re-examining the map, I gave them the 
exact location. 
"Are you sure this time Captain?  You say the first 
locations were inaccurate on the east side of the 
river, now you give us new locations and you say they 
are accurate this time.  What makes them right this 
time when they weren't the first time?"  He asked 
sarcastically. 
"You stupid fuck.  Because I say, that's why.  Get the 
fuck out of here!" 
"I'll remind you that you haven't been discharged, yet, 
CAPTAIN."  He said, with arrogance. 
"Do I have to call my driver in here to run your ass's 
out?"  I said my driver because I couldn't think of 
anyone else.  "Military Intelligence, now that's a 
contradiction in itself," I commented, loud enough for 
them to hear me, after I had rolled over on my side 
away from them. 
"We'll see you again Captain."  Major Davis said as he 
was walking out. 
"Don't let the door hit you in the ass," I replied, 
angrily. 
I think I spoke to them in that way to them because I 
had been lying in this bed for twelve hours or more.  
This is driving me crazy, lying here and not able to do 
anything.  I need to get out of here. 
I forced myself up on the edge of the bed and stood, 
walking to my locker.  I took my fatigues out and put 
them on.  I tried standing up straight to look like I 
was casually walking out like anybody else but I 
wouldn't know until I made it outside. 
"Who are you driving for corporal?"  I said, walking up 
to the first jeep I saw with a driver. 
"He jumped at attention, saying, " the Chief Medical 
Officer, Colonel Romford sir!" 
"The Colonel won't mind if you take me to the 204th 
helipad.  Hurry up son, I can't wait all day," I said 
getting in the jeep. 
"But sir … 
"How would you like to spend a week in the stockade for 
disobeying and order, corporal?" 
"Yes sir, I mean no sir, I mean, ___ that was the 204th 
Helipad wasn't it sir?" 
"Right!" 
"He had me there in fifteen minutes. 
"Don't forget to tell the Colonel, Captain Hill said 
thanks." 
"Yes sir." 
I walked over to the flight office of the 204th and 
entered, and then walked over to the operations desk. 
"Do you have a Captain Newark in this outfit." 
"Yes sir, but he's sacked out in back.  Not even the 
president himself could get him out of the sack now 
sir." 
"Would you tell him that Raven needs a favor?" 
"Raven?  Raven?  Are you Raven?  Yes sir Captain, I 
mean Raven," he replied, nervously, rushing to the 
back. 
A minute later Captain Newark came out saying, 
"Damn Raven, ain't you suppose to be in the hospital?" 
He asked, rubbing his face. 
"I need a favor Captain." 
"Bigbird, everyone calls me Bigbird." 
"Where the hell did you get a call sign like that?"  I 
asked laughing. 
He rubbed his crotch.  "Oh."  I said, and dropped my 
smile. 
"Anything for you Raven, watch ya need?" 
"I need to get to Base Camp Dover, ASAP. 
"Hey shit for brains, tell the chief to have my chopper 
ready in five minutes," he said to the orderly, 
continuing to massage his face. 
We walked out toward the flight line. 
"Here, let me help you," he said, seeing I was 
struggling.  I put my hand on his shoulder. 
When we reached the chopper, he and his crewchief 
helped me in and I buckled up.  Bigbird looked at me 
shaking his head.  I smiled in return. 
"You wanna tell me what's this is all about?" he asked. 
"There's going to be some fireworks pretty soon and I 
have a buddy buried on the Da Fu River.  I promised I 
wouldn't leave him."  I explained. 
He looked at me with an, I know what you mean 
expression, and nodded his head. 
_______________________________________
  
"We'll be setting down in twenty, Raven," Bigbird 
shouted, pointing to the right.  I nodded, motioning 
for a headset.  He handed me a pair of headsets with 
a mic-switch.  I put them on to have a little fun. 
"Backlash this is Raven, copy," 
"Go Raven.  Raven!  Where the hell are you?" 
"Affirmative Backlash, in sector 1-8-7, I have a scrape 
on the grid, 1303, 2084, primary target, tower." 
There was a hesitation. 
"Backlash, this is Raven, copy that?" 
"Hell no Raven!  That's us, Me!" 
"Is that an abort Backlash?" 
"Damn you Raven!  I was about to scramble an Assault 
Team." 
"Ha, ha, ha, ha," I laughed in the mic. 
"Is that really you Raven?" 
"The one and only.  You tell that little shit, Barney, 
he better have me a couple of Buds on the pad when I 
set down in fifteen minutes.  You tell him word for 
word what I said." 
"You have a shit for brains too, huh?"  Bigbird asked. 
"Na, Burney's a great kid.  I just like to have a 
little fun with him.  I don't know how he does it but 
that little shit can get anything." 
"Same here, Shit for brains can get anything too," he 
said, we laughed. 
I knew I was taking a chance, but this would be my only 
opportunity to get Cal out, and I had to be there for the 
B-52 strike. 
"A Coupla minutes Raven.  Damn, now all you need is a 
marching band."  Bigbird said, looking at the thirty or 
so men waiting at the pad." 
We sat down and they all rushed up to me and started 
shaking my hand and patting me on the back.  They 
were killing me but I didn't say anything.  Bigbird saw 
this, climbed back, fended them off, and then helped 
me down.  It went quiet for a second as everyone 
stared. 
"Beers on the house!"  I shouted and everyone started 
shouting, getting back to normal. 
I saw Burney working his way through the crowd, 
holding two cans of Budwiser.  He walked up and 
handed one to me.  I handed it to Bigbird and kept 
the other. 
"Budwiser!  That little shit 'can' get anything." 
I walked to the colonel's office and Burney helped me 
up the step and in the door.  I hobbled toward him.  
He looked, shaking his head, stood up and walked to 
me. 
"Good to see you Son.  Come over here and sit down," 
he said helping me to a chair. 
"Barney, go get the colonel a Bud." 
He turned walking out. 
"Raven, you know my policy on drinking.  Oh, what the 
hell."  He said shooing Barney who had stopped a 
second. 
"Oh Barney, bring Mac back with you." 
"Mac, hell, we don't need anyone to dictate," the 
Colonel stated.  I shooed Barney, who had stopped again. 
"Damn son, you have been through a lot.  We're damn 
proud you made it back.  Aren't you suppose to be on 
your way back to the states?" he asked, as Burney and 
Mac walked in and handed the Colonel a Bud.  The 
Colonel looked at Mac, wondering what I wanted with 
him. 
"Barney, have you got any kids?"  I asked. 
"Yes sir, one, a son." 
"How long have you been here?" 
"Eight months sir." 
"What are you going to do when you get out?" 
"I'm staying in, sir." 
"You have a son, you've been here eight months, 
you're staying in the army and you're only an E-3," I 
asked, but didn't get an answer.  "That's all, I was 
just wondering." 
"Yes sir," he said and began walking out. 
"Mac, cut some E-4 orders on Private Stabler and have 
them on my desk at 0800 for me to sign," the colonel 
stated.  I cocked my head, giving him a look.  "And 
remind me about him in another month." 
"Yes sir," Mac answered, walking out. 
The Colonel looked at me smiling.  "Anything else 
Raven?  I know you didn't come back here just to help 
Private Stabler." 
"When is the strike going to take place?" 
"The day after tomorrow, 1200 hours.  The only day 
predicted to have mostly clear skies for the next two 
weeks." 
"I know the 23rd is going to do the sweep-up, I have to 
be there." 
"I can't do that Raven, you're suppose to be on your 
way home."  He looked at his watch.  "As we speak." 
"All I need is a Huey and one body bag, Cal is buried 
one kilometer up river from the target." 
"Damn Raven.  There won't be nothing left within a 
kilometer of the target." 
"I can't go home without him, I'll steal a chopper if I 
have to." 
He swiveled his chair until his back was facing me, and 
held it there while he was thinking.  He then swiveled 
back around.  "First, we don't have a Huey." 
"Barney!"  I shouted. 
He came walking in.  "Yes sir," 
"Go get Bigbird." 
"Bigbird, Bigbird?  Who the hell is Bigbird?"  The 
colonel asked. 
"The Medi-Vac Pilot who flew me here." 
"Who the hell would want the call name, Bigbird?" 
"I heard he's hanging fourteen inches, colonel." 
"Really!  Damn," he said, squinching his face. 
Moments later Barney came in with Bigbird. 
"I have a feeling that I shouldn't be here," Bigbird 
said, grinning. 
"I need a Medi-Vac chopper, the day after tomorrow, 
at1200 hours, at the Da Fu River," I stated. 
"How many do you need," he asked, offering his full 
support, without question. 
"Just one …
"One Medi-Vac and a couple more for a platoon of 
infantry.  You're not going in alone Raven, not without 
support.  The strike and our sweeper team may not get 
them all," the Colonel said, interrupting. 
"Why not just give the location on the map and let a 
recovery team go in and get him?"  Bigbird asks. 
"Because I'm the only one who knows exactly where he is 
buried, and I made him a promise." 
"Good enough for me!  I know a guy in the 101st 
airborne that owes me.  What time do you want us here, 
Raven?" 
"0900." 
"Done!  Do you need a ride back?"  Bigbird asked. 
"I'm staying here." 
"I'm going to lose my command over this, but, if we get 
Cal's body, it'll be worth it," the Colonel stated. 
I smiled, to thank him.  
  
The Strike!

"Bigbird, have you ever seen a B-52 strike from the 
air?"  I asked, sitting in the back with his crewchief. 
Lieutenant Craft was co-piloting.  Three more UH-1 
choppers were following with volunteer Rangers from the 
101st Airborne Division.  They were risking their necks 
to recover one soldier." 
"Can't say that I have." 
"It's awesome!  When we get five kilometers from the 
target, circle at 5000 feet.  It will last about ten 
minutes, the sweeper team will go in twenty minutes 
later when the smoke clears and clean up with rocket 
and mini-guns.  Then, they'll then give us, the all 
clear and we'll move in.  We'll set down in an 
abandoned village about one kilometer north of the 
target, and make our way to the river on foot." 
"You able to make the walk?" 
I held my cane up that Barney had gotten in some deal 
he had made the day before.  He looked, shaking his 
head, and smiled. 
"Look, it's got a gold plated handle," I said, smiling. 
"Bigbird, tell the other choppers to keep their eyes at 
eleven o'clock in about sixty seconds.  They'll see 
something they'll never forget. 
We all watched as the first wave started exploding like 
a pack of five hundred pound firecrackers, 
approximately one hundred consecutively.  Large balls 
of mushroom clouds rose for the length of one mile, 
east to west across the river. 
"Mother Fuck!"  Bigbird stated, in awe. 
"They didn't get the ammo dump, damn!  Maybe the next 
wave," I said, in anticipation. 
"Son-of-a-bitch, would you look at that!" he continued, 
seeing something that few have ever seen. 
"Watch this!"  I said, expecting they second wave to 
start. 
Moments later the second wave started, just as awesome 
as the first, then it happened. 
"My god, look at that!  The whole side if that hill 
went up in a ball of fire and dust," Bigbird said, 
totally amazed. 
"That was the cache of ammo, awesome isn't it?"  I 
asked, with my eyes focused on the destruction. 
For over thirty seconds, the mushrooms bloomed, 
billowing clouds of fire and smoke rose until the bombs 
were spent, and then the clouds of smoke and dust began 
moving east by the wind. 
Twenty minutes later, the teams of Cobras went in 
searching for life, only to snuff it out if it existed.  
After a thorough search, we were cleared to go in.  The 
village one kilometer north was untouched, the strike 
was precise. 
We sat down in the center of the village; blowing down 
two weak huts and the small shower caused from the wind 
of the rotors.  Quickly, the Rangers exited, scouring 
each hut, finding no signs of life and signaling, all 
clear.  The crewchief helped me down, and I leaned one 
my new cane, supporting myself as I began walking 
toward the river.  Three rangers remained, to guard the 
choppers as we walked the distance. 
I stopped, looking at the small cubical, Lin and the 
others used to hide me.  I pulled the small camouflaged 
door away and peeked a last look.  No one asked, but 
knew this is where I had stayed.  We continued on, 
walking down the hill, working our way through the 
vegetation until we reached the river, where Lin had 
once jumped in. 
"Right over there about ten meters," I said pointing. 
Four of the Rangers walked that way until I said, 
"Stop, right there, now go up about twenty steps." 
They climbed, reaching where I said.  "Right there, 
rake the leaves and you'll see a mound." 
"We found it!"  One of them shouted.  They each put a 
mask over their face and two began digging as the other 
two laid out the body bag. 
They each held a corner strap, bringing it down and 
walked by me.  I stopped them, placing my hand on the 
bag. 
"I told you I wouldn't leave you here," I said, tears 
flowing down my cheeks. 
They loaded his body on the chopper and we headed back 
to Bien Hoe Air Base, where his body would be sent 
home. 
When we had dropped his body at the central morgue, 
I asked to be taken to the hospital.  The conditions in 
Vietnam, because of the humidity, were of the worst 
condition for wounds to heal.  My side had opened up 
and I was bleeding.  I was taken to the military hospital 
where they attempted to stitch my wound.  I was 
ordered to stay in bed for two days so I could be given 
antibiotics to counter the infection. 
Late that evening, I sneaked into the day room to call 
home, not having talked to my family, which expected 
me to be home now. 
"Hill residence." 
"Could I speak to Miss Hill?" 
"Just a minute, I'll get her," she said, holding the 
phone while talking to someone.  "My mother said I was 
Miss Hill." 
"Hi Karen." 
"BRIAN!  Where are you?  You were supposed to be 
home today.  Momma, it's Brian!  Steven!  Steven!  
Brian's on the phone.  Where are you Brian?" 
"Slow down sweetie, I'm still in Nam, I've been delayed 
a few days, maybe a week." 
"Stupid Army!" 
"It's not their fault honey.  I had something to do before 
I came home." 
"Here, Momma wants to talk to you.  I love you!" 
"I love you too, put her on." 
There was silence. 
"Mother, are you crying?  Mother?" 
"Why aren't you home?"  She asked, crying. 
"Everything is fine, there was something I needed to 
take care of before I came home.  It's all taken care 
of now so it won't be long." 
"How long is long?" 
"Three, four, five days at the most." 
"For god sake Brian, you have been over there for two 
years, isn't that enough?" 
"Just a few more days mother." 
It was silent for a moment.  I heard her whimpering.  
"Carol was here today.  She wants you to give her 
another chance.  Brian, I know she means it.  She said 
she was sorry for not having patience.  Will you give 
her a call?" 
I didn't know exactly what to say, or how to explain 
what I was feeling.  I had not held a grudge with 
Carol, because I understood that what I did was not 
normal.  However, I didn't have the same feelings of 
love as before.  This is the first time in years that I 
felt at peace, since Dads death. 
"Brian ___ are you still there?" 
"Mother, I fell in love with a girl while over here." 
She hesitated, and then asked.  "Does she speak 
American?" 
"No Mother, she doesn't speak American." 
"What are you saying Son?" 
"I'm saying that tomorrow I am going to see her, and 
ask her to marry me.  If she says yes, I'm going to 
marry her before I come home.  I know that you didn't 
raise me to think this way but I couldn't come home 
unless she was with me.  Please try to understand 
Mother.  I love her." 
"What's her name?" 
"Shawn Moc." 
"I don't know Brian, your father." 
"Well, either way I'll understand.  I love you and I'll 
be home soon.  I have to go now." 
"Bye Brian, oh, Steven says bye." 
"Tell him bye for me, bye mother." 
"Bye." 
My heart felt torn with two possible flaws in my life, 
one, Sian Moc may not marry me, two, if she did, mother 
and my family may never accept her. 
I went back to bed and fell asleep.  I had a nightmare, 
not one pertaining to the war, but that I went looking 
for Sian Moc and couldn't fine her.  I searched 
everywhere, the hospitals, and her relatives and even 
began knocking door-to-door, searching in every house, 
never finding her.  I awakened several times with 
severe pain because I had tried turning over in my 
sleep.  The nurse would give me pain medication and 
I'd fall asleep. 
The following day, again I was restless and needed to 
get out of bed.  I felt the antibiotics could work just 
as well if I was standing, and I had the bottle with 
me.  Also, I wasn't feeling pain because of the 
medication. 
"Nurse, I can't lay here anymore.  I've got to get up 
and move around." 
"Captain, the doctor gave you an order to stay in bed, 
don't even think about pulling that stunt you pulled in 
Saigon.  Yes, I heard about it," she explained, 
snickering. 
"Go get the doctor." 
"It won't do you any good." 
"Go get the doctor!"  I said again, raising my voice. 
She looked at me, shaking her head and walked away. 
Minutes later she came back with the doctor walking 
beside her.  She had a smirky see I told you so grin on 
her face. 
"What is it Captain?" 
"Doc, I can't lay here anymore." 
"Doctor or Major, but not Doc," he stated, establishing 
his authority. 
"Doc, have the nurse bring my uniform to me," I said, 
establishing that I didn't give a damn. 
He stammered for a moment, and then said, Nurse 
Chelsea, get the Captains uniform." 
"Nurse Chelsea, bring my dress greens and some clean 
underwear too, don't forget the socks either," I said, 
giving her that same look. 
"I'm releasing you temporarily for a few hours under 
one condition, no walking, I'll have an orderly bring 
you a wheelchair, agreed," he explained, trying to 
re-establish his authority. 
"Agreed!"  I said, not wanting to strip him of all his 
dignity. 
"Furthermore, you will be back in this bed at sundown." 
"Agreed." 
He began writing something down on a pad, and then 
handed it to me and said, "Pick these up at the 
pharmacy on your way out, for pain."  He then walked 
away. 
"Thanks Doctor!"  I said as he continued walking.  He 
raised his hand and waved without looking back. 
Soon, Nurse Chelsea returned with my uniform, and 
clean underwear, throwing them on the end of my bed. 
"I need help changing." 
"Fat chance!" 
"Would you call the doctor back in," I said, implying I 
would use his authority. 
I sat up, removing my gown from the front, exposing my 
nudity and tried reaching for my underwear that was out 
of reach.  Taking pity, she picked them up and moved in 
front of me, kneeling down, allowing me to put my feet 
in them, and then stealing a quick glance at my penis.  
I chuckled. 
"You didn't expect me not to look did you?"  She stated 
having a serious expression. 
I slipped down off the bed smiling and she pulled them 
up, enough for me to finish before the orderly walked 
up pushing a wheelchair. 
"Help the Captain with his uniform Sidney," she said to 
him. 
He helped me as she said and then into the wheelchair. 
"Where to Captain?"  Sidney asked. 
I looked at Nurse Chelsea.  "Saigon Hospital, Sidney." 
I knew when the medication wore off I would need 
something so I instructed Sidney to stop at the 
pharmacy.  I gave him my prescription, and then wheeled 
myself to an office where I saw a telephone. 
 "204th." 
"Let me speak to Bigbird." 
"Sorry, he's not in." 
"Okay, shit for brains, put him on." 
"Raven!  Is that you, hold on a second." 
A minute later he answered, "I'm holding a strait, what 
is it this time, you want me to fly you to Paris?" 
"I'm in Bien Hoe, at the hospital.  I need a ride to 
Saigon.  Do you know anyone here?" 
"Yeah, ole Doug Prague, a lieutenant with the 36th, he 
owes me.  How soon you need him?" 
"I'm headed out to the helipad now." 
"I'll see what I can do buddy." 
"Captain Newark, if you ever get to Georgia look me 
 up." 
"Captain Hill, you take care of yourself." 
We waited about fifteen minutes on the pad, when a UH-1 
Huey helicopter landed.  Sidney wheeled me to it. 
"Saigon?"  The pilot asked. 
I nodded and he pointed his thumb to the back.  We got 
in with the wheelchair and took off, and in a little 
over an hour we were landing at the hospital. 
I asked the nurse at the station about Sian Moc and she 
said her room was 123, down the same corridor as I had 
been before, and then warned me to be quiet that she 
shared a room with others.  I was nervous as Sidney 
wheeled me down the corridor, not knowing what to 
expect.  The closer I got counting room numbers, the more 
nervous I had become.  Finally, I sat just outside her 
door and was afraid to knock.  
Sidney walked around me and knocked.  "That's all there 
is to it," he stated, with a grin. 
Komi opened the door and screamed, "Brian!"  Turned and 
began speaking Vietnamese to the others, and then 
grabbed my wheelchair and rolled me in the room. 
There she sat, on her bed in the corner, tears forming 
in her eyes as she looked at me.  I struggled getting 
up when Sidney helped me.  I walked to her and knelt 
before her, placing my hands on hers.  I stared for the 
longest, fearing the worst, and then picked up her 
hands and kissed them. 
"I love you so much.  You are everything to me, and 
have been for the past two weeks.  I can't go home 
without you, I would be unhappy for the rest of my 
life.  Will you marry me?"  I asked as she turned her 
eyes from me, causing my heart to sink. 
Komi walked over and knelt beside me, saying something 
to her.  She smiled and hugged her. 
I watched, wondering what was said. 
Sian Moc turned and looked at me saying, "Komi has 
accepted responsibility for Tan Nai.  Yes, I will marry 
you." 
I leaned over and kissed her with tears forming in my 
eyes.  She looked at the other and spoke to them.  
They all began laughing and clapping as each of them 
came to us, and showing enthusiasm in our decision.  
Yam Nah and Komi went out and told all the others, 
and one by one they each came in congratulating us.  
As before, the celebration went on for a while, but I 
knew the next step would be the biggest hurtle.  
Getting a marriage license, a visa, security clearances, 
background checks etc. etc.  Who should I call? 
“204th.” 
"Let me speak to Bigbird.”
"Ah come on Raven.  I can't this time.  He's right in 
the middle of." 
"Planting that fourteen inches, get him on the line, 
shit for brains." 
A few minutes later he answered, "Damn Raven, I was 
in the middle." 
"I know a nurse Chelsea that you might be interested 
in," I said, catching his attention. 
"What does she look like?" 
"More importantly, is what she likes to look at," I said, 
knowing I had hit a home run. 
"What is it, what do you want?" 
"I want to get married." 
"Here, in Vietnam, to a local, to that girl?" 
"Yes." 
"Forget it.  That will never happen my friend." 
"Give me a name or a number." 
"Robert Herring, US Consulate at the Embassy.  I'll 
make a couple more calls.  Now, can I get back to 
business?" 
"By the way, her name is Dianne Chelsea, Medi-Vac 
hospital in Bien Hoe." 
I called and was able to get an appointment in three 
hours, at 1400 hours. 
 I gave Sidney $40.00 for he and the pilot to go to 
lunch or whatever and Sian Moc and I took a cab to the 
Loom Foo restaurant.  We ate fried chicken with a glass 
of wine and talked a while. 
"Brian, you don't look too happy, is there something 
wrong?" 
"Yes, the system.  It will take a miracle to get you into 
the states, much more than that for us to get married 
before I go home." 
"I have never known love before you, and I feel I will 
never know it again.  For however long it takes, I will 
wait." 
"Come on, let's go," I said, standing up with my cane. 
"Where are we going?" 
"To get a room."  She smiled. 
We took a cab to the Saigon Royal, only it wasn't 
Royal, but it wasn't sleazy.  We entered the room and 
sat on the edge of the bed, holding hands. 
"I don't know why I brought you here.  I'm not sure if 
I want to do anything, maybe I just want to be alone 
with you." 
She moved to her knees in front of me.  "There is so 
much we can do," she said, undoing her top and 
letting it fall to the floor, and then stood, removing her 
bottoms.  I felt myself becoming hard looking at her.  
She knelt again; placing her hands on my thighs, 
moving them up and began undoing my pants.  I 
started removing my coat; she stopped and helped me 
remove it and my tie.  I fell back, unbuttoning my shirt 
while she unzipped my pants, removed them and my 
shoes.  My prick was so hard it was busting through the 
opening in my underwear. 
She opened my fly letting my prick out all the way and 
began stroking it while I closed my eyes and lavished 
in what she was doing.  Each stroke of her hand brought 
pleasure that bathed my body and senses. 
"Ooh," I said, tensing up, surprised by the warmth of 
her lips.  I felt her tongue licking about the head as 
if it were searching.  My eyes remained closed as her 
tongue began slithering its length, flooding my mind 
with erotic thoughts of past pleasures.  She began 
stroking again as her lips followed, reaching new 
depths of her throat with each stroke.  The pace 
quickened and my body reacted with short pushes from 
my hips, faster and faster she moved, beginning within 
me the tingling sensation that would end only with 
complete satisfaction.  My hips continued lunging 
against each stroke as I was nearing that moment, 
wanting it more, faster, harder, and then I erupted, 
numbing my mind and body as if morphine flowed in 
my blood to every nerve.  The slight pain in my side 
suddenly vanished as she continued her strokes, 
draining me of fluid and strength.  Then, slowly the 
feelings and awareness returned to me as the sensation 
subsided, my mind began clearing bringing me back 
with each second until I lay satisfied. 
"Come here, I need your pussy in my mouth, hurry," I 
said, tugging on her. 
She quickly climbed over me, placing her knees on 
either side of my face.  I clutched my hands to her 
hips, forcing her pussy onto my mouth and then dug my 
tongue deep into her.  Her hair fell to my forehead as 
her back arched and her head swayed in pleasure.  I 
moved my hands under her and pulled her pussy lips 
apart and lapped her juices onto her clit, and prodded 
it with the tip of my tongue bringing purrs of 
enjoyment.  Suddenly, her body began to quiver and 
became tense and her juices flowed onto my face and ran 
down the side to my neck.  Her breathing was now 
erratic and she began humping my mouth, begging my 
tongue to massage her.  I pressed it hard against her 
flesh bringing loud purrs from her mouth and then her 
body quaked. 
"Ah, ah, ooh, oh Brian yes, yes, what you do to me, it 
is so good," she whispered as her quaking body began to 
settle, and then more and more calmly slowed until it 
stopped. 
She tried rolling off of me but I held her pussy to my 
mouth, slowly licking her juices as it continued 
flowing. 
"Brian, please stop, you may hurt your side," she said 
pulling off of me. 
"I'm okay." 
"No, I can see the pain in your face, I have hurt you." 
"How can you see it?" 
"I see it.  Do you have any medicine?" 
 "Look in my coat pocket," I said, thinking I had been 
hiding it.  The truth is, my side was killing me. 
She brought me a couple of them with a glass of water. 
"Brian, you showed me something new about making 
love, and I love it so much, but I do not want to do it 
until you get well.  I go crazy when you do that to me. 
"Spoil sport!" 
"What is spoil sport?" 
"You want to take all of my fun away." 
"No, no, don't say that.  You will be my husband and I 
will love you and take care of you all of my life." 
"Barefoot and pregnant." 
"What does that mean?" 
"Just a joke.  I love you." 
"I love you too, so very much, she replied, hugging me. 
"Help me into the bathroom, I need to wash and get 
dressed." 
At 1400 hours, we were walking into the office, in the 
Embassy. 
"May I help you Captain?"  The secretary asked. 
"I'm Captain Hill, I have an appointment with Robert 
Herring." 
"Go right in Captain," she said as I smiled. 
"Captain Hill, I've done a background on you since we 
spoke and I must say I'm happy to meet you.  I know of 
your heroics and as Chief Consul, thank you. 
"Thank you sir, but I'm here to get a visa for my 
fiancé." 
"Captain, I wish I could help, but the truth is, there 
is a process and even I don't have the authority to 
override it," he explained, and began looking at Sian 
Moc in an odd way. 
"Sir, is there anyone I could see that may be able to 
expedite this?"  I asked as he continued looking at 
her. 
"Young lady, do I know you?" 
"Yes sir.  I worked here in the embassy for two years.  
My name is Sian Moc." 
"That's right.  I remember now.  You were always so 
vibrant and cheerful.  Where have you been?" 
"I went to visit my family in Loc Ninh," she answered, 
but not offering anything else. 
"Well, I see one of our soldiers finally grabbed you. 
I know plenty of them tried when you were here.  Did 
you get to finish college?" 
"No, I had other things happening that wouldn't allow 
me to continue." 
"Well, maybe now you can." 
"Sir, General Thornton is on the secure phone," his 
secretary said, over the speaker. 
"Would you please excuse me for one second," he said, 
picking up the phone and turning his chair around.  
"Yes General.  Yes sir.  I understand sir.  I will be 
more than happy to General."  He slowly turned to us 
and said, "It seems you have friends Captain," he said, 
writing on a notepad.  "Take this to the visa office on 
the third floor and you will be taken care of," he said 
with a smile. 
"Thank you Mr. Herring.  Thank you very much," I said 
as we stood to leave. 
"Oh, young lady, your exit visa will be waiting for you 
at the Vietnamese Immigration Office." 
"Thank you Mr. Herring," she said, smiling and 
squeezing my arm. 
Within an hour, we had secured both visas.  We then 
took a cab back to the hospital, and saw the helicopter 
on the pad with no one in it.  As we walked in, we 
found them sleeping in chairs in the lobby. 
"I have to ask you two things now Sian Moc." 
"What is that Brian?" 
"First, would it be proper if I just called you Sian, 
without the Moc?" 
"Yes.  Would you want me to call you Brian Hill all of 
your life?"  She giggled. 
"And, do you have anyone you need to see or say 
good-bye to before we leave?" 
"My relatives are many, so many.  When we get to your 
home, I will sit down and write all of them.  They will 
be happy for me." 
"Are you guys ready to go?"  I asked, shaking them. 
"Captain, get back in the wheelchair.  You're going to 
get my ass in hot water," Sidney said, jumping up, 
pushing the chair in front of me. 
We were at the hospital in Bien Hoe in a little over an 
hour.  I set up a date with Nurse Chelsea and Bigbird.  
In exchange, Nurse Chelsea provided Sian and I with a 
private room for the night.  Bigbird made another call 
and had arranged for Sian to sit next to me on a 
military transport.  We were set to leave at 1030 hours 
in the morning.
____________________________________ 
Because of the time change, we arrived in Oakland the 
same day, but later in the evening.  Sian had to spend 
the night with Air Force Wacs while I stayed in the 
mens dorm.  The next morning, I rushed through 
processing and Sian was checked through immigration, 
and by 1100 hours, I was a civilian and she was 
cleared.  My flight home was paid by the military but I 
had to purchase a ticket for Sian. 
Mother, Steven and Karen were going to pick us up at 
the airport.  I just knew it wasn't going to work out.  
Our roots were so entrenched in our ethnicity; it would 
take a similar situation as mine to change their minds.  
I had explained to her on the flight home that how she 
and the others were not accepted by the Vietnamese 
people, she might expect some of the same here, only 
we would share the pain together. 
When we came out of the terminal, there stood 
Mother, Steven and Karen.  Karen rushed to me and 
threw herself into my arms, all the while looking at Sian.  
Mother and Steven approached us and I hugged her 
while she cried, and then I shook Stevens hand and we 
hugged. 
Everyone stood silent for a moment until Mother said, 
"Brian, tell her that we are glad to meet her." 
"Yeah, tell her that I think she has beautiful hair and 
she is very pretty," Karen added. 
"Tell her that I think she is very pretty too," Steven 
also added. 
"Sian, my mother says to tell you that she is glad to 
meet you.  Karen says that you have beautiful hair and 
you are very pretty.  Steven says he thinks you are 
pretty," I said smiling. 
"Tell your mother that I am so glad to meet her too. 
Explain to Karen that I also think she is very 
beautiful, and to Steven, I think he is very handsome." 
They each looked at her and then to me for an 
explanation. 
"You asked me if she spoke American.  Well, she speaks 
American English," I said, looking at mother. 
Mother began laughing, went up to Sian, and hugged 
her saying, "Welcome, you call me Mother or Mom, 
whichever." 
"Brian, how do you pronounce her name?"  Steven 
asked. 
"Shawn.  Her name is Shawn Moc, soon to be Shawn 
Moc Hill." 
"I thought you two were getting married before you 
came home."  Mother said. 
"Red Tape Mom." 
"Good, we can have a big wedding with all of our 
friends." 
"Yeah, and I could be a brides maid," Karen 
interjected. 
Everyone was wonderful, making Sian laugh and feel 
welcome.  Steven drove us home and just as Mothers 
do, she and Karen took Sian to Sears, JC Penny's, and 
a few other stores to buy her who knows how many 
outfits.  I had never seen her in anything other than 
the black silks she always wore, and one time in fatigues. 
I was worried about Sian being tired because of the 
trip as Steven and I talked for hours until they finally 
arrived at 10:30 pm.  
"Mother, do you know what time it is?”  I stood looking at 
Sian, wearing a sexy black dress that was so tight it 
looked as if she was poured into it.  It came about 
five inches above her knees and her hair and face were 
so beautiful. 
"Well, what do you have to say?"  Mother asked, looking 
at me. 
"I'm looking at the most beautiful woman in the world," 
I said, walking over and kissing her. 
Steven and Karen carried all that they had bought to 
one of the rooms downstairs.  Karen moved her things 
upstairs to the empty room. 
"Are you tired?"  I asked her. 
"I am very tired." 
"Come on, I'll run you some bath water." 
She followed me to the bathroom and I turned the water 
on to let it fill.  She stood looking at it for a 
minute. 
"Is there a problem?" 
"I have never taken a bath in one of these." 
"Really, you must be an ole country girl," I said, 
teasingly, and then showed her how to adjust the water 
to suit her.  I pulled her out a clean towel and a bar 
of mother's soap, shampoo, and cream rinse, instructing 
her in what order to use them. 
"Brian, this house is so beautiful and everything is so 
nice," she stated, removing her dress. 
"It won't be long and you will have your own house." 
"Like this one?"  She asked, excitedly. 
"I'll let you pick out the one you like and it will be 
yours," I stated as she threw her arms around me, 
wearing only bikini panties and a bra. 
"Sian, you look and feel so sexy." 
"How is that?" she asked, with a question on her face. 
"You know, when I look at you wearing that, I get all 
goofy inside." 
"Then I will wear this all the time." 
I laughed and hugged her. 
I walked back into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee 
and mother was sitting at the table drinking a cup.  
She looked at me as if she wanted to say something but 
held back.  I poured a cup and sat down with her. 
"Mother, you have this look about you that tells me you 
want to talk about something, so spit it out," I said 
teasing her. 
"Brian, tonight, when we were in JC Penny's, Sian 
wouldn't let me help her try on any of the clothes.  I 
thought maybe she didn't feel suited to American 
clothing.  So I let her alone thinking she just wanted 
to change alone and I gave her a few outfits to try on. 
She'd come out after each change and then this one 
time she came out showing off this very sexy dress.  It 
was pure silk and it revealed more than I think she 
wanted it to.  I didn't say anything because I didn't 
want to embarrass or hurt her." 
"Mom, that was very sweet of you, and I may as well 
explain to you.  She spent most of her life in Saigon, 
going to school, graduated, started college and got a 
job at the American Embassy.  She and one of her 
relatives took a bus home to see their parents in Loc 
Ninh near the Cambodian border and her bus was 
captured by the VC and they took her to a small village 
not too far from their camp.  They had taken other 
young girls there also, used, and abused them as slaves, 
torturing and even killed some.  This went on for two 
years with Sian.  I crashed not far from their village and 
they took care of me.  The whole village shared in 
helping me.  I rescued most of them from that life and 
during the process, I fell in love with her."  I explained, 
as she cried. 
"I know I shouldn't think this way but I hope they get 
their due punishment," she said, while wiping her 
tears. 
"Mother, I assure you they received the first 
installment of that punishment a few days ago," I 
replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction. 
"Good!" 
"I had better check on her, she may be drowning," I 
said, and chuckled. 
I walked in the bathroom and her hair was full of 
shampoo, with about a third of the bottle used.  I 
knelt down and helped her wash it. 
"You put too much shampoo on your hair." 
"I have washed it five times." 
"Oh__ why?" 
"Because I want to be clean for you," She said, seeming 
nervous. 
"Sian, you can wash the dirt out, but you can't wash 
the war out.  Look at me, ___ I love you, and no matter 
how many times you wash, well, it won't remove what is 
in here," I stated, placing my hand on her chest.  "I 
have many things I want to forget too, but it will take 
time.  Do you trust me?" 
"You know I do," she answered, holding back tears. 
"Then don't try washing what's under the skin, let it 
fade away." 
"Okay." 
"Now, lets rinse the shampoo out of your hair and I'll 
show you how much cream rinse to use." 
I took a shower after she finished and went into the 
bedroom where she was sitting on the bed's edge, 
hands spread on the bed and slightly bouncing.  She was 
wearing a pink, full-length terry cloth robe, opened at the 
bottom, exposing her beautiful legs.  With a smile, she 
was obviously enjoying herself, thinking how 
wonderful everything is and how she hoped it would 
be, maybe thinking she finally had new roots. 
As I walked around the bed, her eyes followed me, 
continuing to smile.  A sudden thought of having 
children came to mind.  I wasn't naive, because of 
knowing what had happened to her.  I knew in the 
back of my mind that she probably couldn't have 
children because of what they had done to her.  
However, maybe when I take her to get a check-up, 
we could know for sure.  I knew we had to discuss it, 
but was tonight the best time.  I sat on my side of the 
bed and she had turned facing me, continuing to 
smile. 
"Sian, we need to talk about something," I said, 
changing her expression.  "No, no, no, keep smiling. 
It's just something we need to talk about, now that 
we're here and things will be getting back to normal." 
"Okay, what is it?" 
"I am going to be very understanding about this, so 
don't get upset, okay.  Is it possible for you to get 
pregnant?" 
"I don't know." 
"We need to consider this if we are going to have sex 
fifty times a day," I said, smiling. 
"Is that all?"  She teased. 
"I'll have mother set you up with an appointment to see 
the doctor to get a checkup." 
"I would like us to have children." 
"Good, that's settled."
She moved herself to the center of the bed and flopped 
back, with her arms behind her head.  Her waist length 
hair flung wildly over the spread.  With a smile and a 
teasing look, she asked, “Brian, will you tickle me?”
I stood at the side of the bed and gazed down at her, 
my eyes roamed her full length.  She loosened 
her robe, opening it, and slipped her body out.  I placed 
one knee on the bed and her legs parted, revealing her 
moistened cunt lips.
I discarded my robe and leaned forward placing my 
hands on her thighs, caressing them. I leaned further, 
placing my lips to her thighs and kissed, sliding my 
tongue around her mound, kissing every inch or so.  
She began purring as her body squirmed under my lips.
Her legs parted further, inviting me into her.  I slid my 
tongue into her moist lips, and began licking inside, 
searching her opening, and burying my tongue deep 
into her. With every movement of my tongue, her hips 
pressed against me, begging for more.  I placed my lips over 
her tiny clit and began sucking, causing her body to 
shudder.
“Oh Brian, Brian, that feels so wonderful,” she murmured.
Suddenly, her body rose, and then began twisting, 
and squirming, finally stiffening.
Umm, she moaned over and again until her body fell relaxed.
Two days following, Sian and I flew to Daton, Illinois 
to attend Cal's military funeral, where he receive full 
Military Honors.  I rented a car and drove directly to 
the funeral home to see his casket, along with his wife 
and family.  It was a closed casket for obvious reasons. 
We entered the viewing room and saw Cynthia seated 
on a couch, holding Bridget, her eyes were red from 
crying.  Her parents and his were sitting around her, 
consoling one another.  Fifty others filled the room in 
small groups, talking. 
We had never met but as I approached, her face lit up 
with surprise.  She handed Bridget to her mother and 
stood, rushing to me and throwing her arms around 
me. 
"Oh god Brian, thank you so much, thank you," she 
said, holding me tightly, bawling. 
His parents and hers came to me, hugging and shaking 
my hand.  We cried together and I picked Bridget up 
and walked over to his casket as Cynthia stood beside 
me. 
"Bridget, someday you might want to know a few things 
about your father.  You tell your mother to give me a 
call and I'll tell both of you some things about him," 
I said, actually speaking to Cynthia. 
Cynthia handed me a picture with Cal and I together, 
standing next to our chopper.  I smiled at Cynthia, 
knowing this is how she recognized me.  We stood a 
few moments longer as thought about all the good 
times we had together. 
After the funeral, Sian and I were invited to spend the 
night and we accepted.  The following morning we 
drove around the city and countryside fore a couple of 
hours before taking the flight home.  Sian was in awe 
of the scenery and how nice everyone was. 
Three days before our wedding, we had nearly sixty 
people over to the house.  Originally, it was to be a 
bachelor party but I didn't want that, preferring just 
a potluck party.  I had even invited Carol, if she 
wanted to come and she accepted.  Some of our 
relatives, along with old high school and college 
friends were there.  A few of our neighbors were 
invited also.  Sian was the center attraction, looking 
sexy and gorgeous, and was holding her own in 
conversation. 
I noticed Carol standing alone in the kitchen, and 
thought maybe it wasn't such a good idea to have 
invited her, knowing everything she had said to 
mother. 
"Who is that pretty girl, standing alone in the 
kitchen?"  Sian whispered. 
"Carol, I was going to marry her at one time." 
Sian walked in the kitchen and began speaking to her.  
Seconds later, they both laughed.  I smiled and went 
about talking with everyone.  Each time I looked for 
her, she was talking with Carol.  Nick and Walter had 
brought Barbeque grills and were out back, so I went 
out to check on them, taking each a Bud. 
"Brian, two Army officers are at the front door, I 
invited them in," Mother said, standing at the glass 
door. 
"See that they get something to eat and drink Mother, I'll be 
there in a minute," I said.  I was talking with Walter, 
telling him how glad I was to be home. 
"They probably want you to go back over there.  Do you 
want to hide over there and we'll say we haven't seen 
you?"  Everyone burst out laughing. 
"Na, there's no telling what they want, I better go 
see," I said pinching a piece of chicken and chewing 
it. 
I went in and they were rejecting offers of food and 
drink. 
"Can I help you?"  I asked. 
"Captain Hill?" 
"Not any more, it's Brian Hill."  I said with a smile. 
"Mr. Hill, I'm Colonel Pryer." 
"Do we need to talk in private?"  I interrupted. 
"No, I don't think so.  I'm Colonel Pryer and this 
Colonel Staffley.  We have been assigned the honor of 
presenting this official invitation from The President 
of the United States.  You and your family are invited 
to be guests in the White House on 26 February of this 
month.  The following day on 27 February, the President 
will present you with The Congressional Medal Of Honor.  
It truly is our privilege to deliver this invitation.  
Any question that you may have that pertains to this 
should be answered in this invitation.”
I quickly looked through the letter in disbelief, and 
looked at each of them.  “Please stay and have something 
to drink and eat.”
We'll have to beg out and leave you to your guests, and 
again, it is an honor to have met you." 
"Thank you Colonel Pryer, Colonel Staffley," I said, 
walking them to the door. 
Just as I closed the door, everyone began shouting, 
congratulating me.  Shaking hands and hugging went 
on for thirty minutes as I controlled my emotions.  
When the dust had settled I went to my room and 
cried, not for the medal, but for those that died for 
me. 
"May I come in?"  Carol asked, poking her head 
through the door. 
"Come in," I said wiping my eyes. 
"That made me cry too." 
"I'm crying because people close to me sacrificed their 
lives that I could live, and I am getting the medal 
they deserve." 
"Why don't you accept the medal in their honor?" 
"I am." 
“She is so wonderful Brian.  I just knew I wasn’t going 
to like her but after meeting her, well, she has everything.  
Will you tell me about her sometime?”
“She is an amazing woman,” I said, thinking to myself.
"Brian, I want you to remember something for the rest 
of your life.  That you are going to marry someone that 
is so wonderful.  I have never met a more perfect 
person.  She deserves you more than I do.  However, I 
also want you to remember that I will be jealous for 
the rest of my life. 
"That is so sweet of you to say.  You were my first 
love and I will remember that all my life too," I said, 
and we kissed. 
Three days later, Sian and I were married, that same 
month I was given the Medal of Honor.  Officially, on 
record are those names to which I accepted that award. 
The End 

Epilogue---

Sian and I have been married for thirty-five years.  Our 
two sons, Keith, 31 and Terry, 28, named after two of 
the soldiers that I saw die that day, are graduates of 
West Point.  Our two daughters, Lin 29, and Tae, 26, 
are graduates of Georgia Tech.  Sian graduated with 
honors from Georgia Tech and taught elementary 
school math for fifteen years.  She and I have made 
the trek back to Vietnam every year since 1977, 
enjoying a reunion with all that survived the escape.  
Some which have passed on.  By the way, two of Tae 
Thu's three sons returned home and they are still 
farming a large rice paddy.
Authors Note:  Please, everyone take a minute and send me your comment.