History of Oscar Company - USMC Combined Action Platoon ...

Things went on in the same way for some time - patrols, ambushes, LPs and OPs
(listening posts and observation posts), civic action work including MedCaps, etc.
Sometimes, we'd make contact - most times we saw or heard nothing, but it
seemed that the activity and numbers of the enemy were increasing.
On at least one ocassion, one of our patrols pursued a small enemy unit west, and
crossed the border into Laos before they were aware of their position. As this was
not within the scope of our duties, the patrol broke off pursuit and returned.
(Probably a good thing, as by this time, large numbers of the enemy were in or
entering the area.)
We were aware from at least October on that the enemy was ramping up his
operations in the area, and the patrols and other activities became even more
important. This didn't stop us from making the best of our situation.
This didn't stop us from making the best of our situation. When things were quiet
(most of the time then), the men would engage in activities and games when not
upgrading or repiaring the defenses. Here is a picture of the men engaged in a
horse-shoes pitch at O-2.
(Courtesy of HN "Doc" John Roberts, O-2)
The Marines in O-2 attended a feast at one of the Bru villes. As civic action
personnel, we had to "do as the Romans do." This meant eating the choice
delicacies they very generously offered us, including rat, par-boiled pig, and rice,
rolled into a ball from the communal bowl by the village chief, whose hands, it
seemed, were seldom washed except by accident or in the rainy season. This
resulted in a grey-ish rice ball of less than savory appearance, and probably
crawling with bacteria of all sorts. However, as their guests, we were expected to
eat what was offered, as it would have been a serious insult to turn it down.
We off-set the germs with a very unsavory (to me at least!) alcoholic beverage
that was called "drang" as I recall. I believe it was some sort of potent rice wine
or whisky, similar to sake, but with a vile taste and color. (I seem to remember
that it was "urine yellow"). However, I reckoned that the alcohol would off-set the