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‘bathed’ out of our helmets—all you could do was pour a little water in the helmet shell and use a rag to wash off the best you could—same with shaving—which we required, even in the field when in a fixed position—the exception was extended patrols when shaving wasn’t required. The patrols were run during the daytime hours and were squad sized since we weren’t sure of the VC numbers and their activity at this point. The range of our
Sgt. Ingerson on point
patrol activity was approx. 3-4 miles which doesn’t seem like much but in the hilly and dense terrain surrounding Qui Nhon it was a ‘hike’ to complete these patrols. Communications within and between our units was absolutely critical— distance was a factor with our radios—platoon communications internally used the PRC#6 with a range of 1-3 miles—each squad leader had a PRC #6 along with the platoon leader —it was absolutely critical that we maintain contact with company HQ and Battalion artillery support. Our radio batteries had to be maintained and recharged whenever possible. The PRC #10 was the standard radio for Company operations —the PRC #25 was the standard radio for Co. to
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