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Chapter 4
Leaving Home to Fight
May 24, 1965—Sailing from San Diego Aboard the USS Pickaway.
Our Battalion began loading equipment a couple of weeks prior to our sailing. In addition to logistical equipment and supplies each Marine was allowed to pack one USMC issued trunk and one sea bag—in addition officers were allowed to bring a ‘val pac’ because of additional uniform requirements for officers. These were all loaded a few days before we boarded ship—the personal gear was well marked with the Marine’s name and unit. The gear was placed on pallets by unit and loaded aboard. The BLT ( Battalion Landing Team ) had been loading the Bn. equipment and supplies for approx. two/three weeks before the departure
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