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after leaving the ship—a few nervous smiles showed up among the troops. The amtraks continued to roll off the ship and began circling off shore until all vehicles were off the ship—the order was given from the command staff to line up parallel to the beach which was approx. one mile away—all amtraks moved into position —dawn was beginning to break—the line of amtraks loaded with our troops began moving toward the beach. I gave the command to lock and load—each Marine loaded their full magazine into their M-14—The Sgts. in the other amtrak were giving the same, pre arranged order. Unknown at this time was the enemy situation waiting for us—the troops had their orders—to exit the vehicle when the ramp went down after landing—to move forward past the waterline—take up a prone, firing position—fire only if being fired upon and stand by for the signal to move forward in a Company line. Echo Company would occupy the port side of the landing zone—followed by Golf Company and Hotel Company would follow ‘in trace and fill in the Starboard side of the landing zone. Foxtrot Company was in Reserve aboard ship and would follow once the beach head was secured. Immediately after 2/7 landed—3/7 re boarded the ships to remain off shore in reserve. 6@
We landed—the ramps came down and the troops hurried off the amtraks—no gunfire—what we saw were villagers from the area standing offshore watching this gigantic operation take place—spectators! No enemy fire. It was hot—the troops carried out their assignments and the company formed up. The smell of human feces was overwhelming—apparently the beach was the favorite ‘toilet
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