Page 128 - 100 Hours to Destiny

report of some insignificant incident. My feet had become like ice cubes and
were getting numb.
I spoke in a low tone out to Gunny, “you there Gunny?” He did not
respond so I spoke a little louder, “Gunny?”
“Yeah Witch, what’s up?
“I’m gonna get into the vehicle and grab my sleeping bag…I’m
freezing up here.”
“Do it, I know it will be you moving.”
I dismounted the vehicle, went to the back hatches, opened the right
side and retrieved my “mummy” bag. The sleeping bags we had weren’t
really rated for these temperatures, but anything was better than nothing.
Most of the time during February you simply froze in the nights. I returned to
my prior position on the vehicle and slipped into my mummy bag.
Mummy bags were a unique piece of Marine Corps equipment. We
loved our mummy bags; they were like your little “mini-house” … the only
personal space you had. The zipper ran the complete length of the garment.
Once inside, a Marine could use the inside zipper and zip himself up all the
way to his chin and retain body heat to stay warm. One of the funniest things
to watch was how Marines, in their mummy bags, would hop around from
location to location, as walking was not possible….so you had to hop….and it
was funny!! In fact, we would laugh at each other, as some were better
hoppers than others. You had to learn how to make a good landing fall in
your mummy bag because you could not extend your arms to catch yourself,
and once you started falling it was imminent and gravity would take
over…offering endless comic relief. Yet by now, our mummy bags too were
contaminated by the oil from each entry into their warm comfort. It all came
down to a sacrifice – either contamination or warmth as you slept….and of
course being cold left you no option.
Better, much better. The feeling was returning to my feet, just simply
moving around had helped my circulation and being in the mummy bag was
a vast improvement. I had learned how to carefully hold my M16A2 service
rifle and zip up. When I did, I always made sure that I did not have a round
chambered. I made a mental note that if I suddenly had to jump into action, I
would always remember to chamber a round first. I always knew my weapon
was on safe. Many Marines, including myself, would blindfold themselves
during downtime to practice functions, inserting magazines, changing
magazines, disassembly, and reassembly of your personal weapon –
simulating operating in complete darkness. It was a confidence builder.