RIVER PATROL

River patrol, "Riverine Patrol",was not a new concept in Vietnam and so the Vietcong were familiar with the tactics after the French used many of the same ideas during the Indo-China War. The Mekong Delta Mobile Afloat Force was an all weather "strike force" capable of actively pursuing vietcong units not just in the delta but up river as well. Strategically important during the Tet Offensive the unit helped blockade Saigon from attack. The U.S. Riverine Patrol tactics had not been seen or used since the American Civil War in the Mississippi Delta and Sino-American operations in WWII. The Mekong Delta provided a perfect venue for both sides to conduct river warfare.

Called the "Brown Water Navy" it was conducted as a joint venture of U.S. Navy and U.S. Army operations. A wide range of craft included everything from air boats (Everglades style) to large Cutters (Coast Guard style) but the most popular was the LCM. The LCM, left over from WWII, was a troop transport converted into a monitor class vessel. A monitor class ship is a small warship that carries disproportionately large guns and munitions and had little armor. The LCM'S patrolled up and down the river usually during high tide or high water level. They had less capability during the dry season and were limited to deep water ares.     


Here an LCM passes our area of operations. It's a welcomed site to see one of those working our end of the river. That soldier wouldn't be casually hanging over the side of the vessel if they were not being secured by our unit.

River patrol was dangerous from beginning to end, just getting ready was a tedious job. Here one member of our unit stands guard as the others load up for operations, I snapped photos.

Patrolling waterways took on many phases and intelligence from local villagers suggests a cache of munitions are hidden on the river bottom. Delta was called upon to search the depths and I was called upon to do the dirty work. This particular maneuver is a good example of being 18 years old and invincible. Feeling this way was part of our survival skills but in this instance it was not a good idea to jump into this unknown situation. The Mekong was full of nutrient rich silt the light couldn't penetrate and under that dark murky water could lie anything from mines to bamboo shoot booby traps.

River patrol however did have it's perks and one favorite pastime was dropping a concussion grenade in the murky water. It would take a few seconds to get to the bottom and detonate. The pressure of the blast would stun the fish and they would float to the top. 

Peter took this picture of me diving into the river, nice form. I got all 

9's in my score except from the Russian judge, Cold War and all.

I pulled these rockets with Chinese markings from the bottom of the river along with a sniper rifle and munitions. A sniper rifle on the river in the hands of a Vietcong sharpshooter could be disastrous.

With tears in my eyes I touched the Mekong River in a baptism of sorts. A rebirth of life in a region once devastated by war for so many years. The village was as I left it but the people were not. They too had a baptism of sorts and it was eve ident in their smiles and the laughter of the children. They greated me with open arms and relieved a burden I carried for almost half a century.

I was apprehensive and anxious about entering any village especially one along the Mekong. My nerves had been on edge with sleepiness nights and dreams of war since I arrived but the first smiling face of a child it dissipated. The little guy looked up at me and grabbed my hand and led me from the boat into the village. I was safe here and felt at home yet my heart broke. He was to young to know and to innocent to understand yet we bonded with a wink of the eye, a gentle touch, and of course that smiling face.

I spent the night in a bamboo hut overlooking the river. It was the best room in town and I could watch the river traffic coming and going as if the past never existed. In the morning I woke to roosters crowing, dogs barking, and elephants trumpeting. Welcome to the Mekong.

Longboats patroll the river with guests, cargo, and local transportation. 

Mosquito netting hangs over every bed.

The view from my room.

Downtown.

Children played everywhere, here they double dutch jump rope.

Smiling faces everywhere.

My new friend.

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