U S Embassy Attack - 1971

A coworker just came back today to work. She took a trip that included a stop in Cambodia and she brought back small gifts. She gave me a wood bookmark with a metal Elephant emblem on it. Hearing of her taking this trip and now her return brings back memories from Vietnam.

In 1971 there was an attack at the U S Embassy in Cambodia. The soldiers (Marines I believe) were playing some type of team sport for recreation I believe and an attack took place where a number of service men were injured and I believe some were killed. Although later it would be said the wounded were medivac'd to a hospital in Saigon, many (most?) of them were sent to the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh. I don't remember the numbers or if they were all sent to us, just that there was a large number of incoming wounded. The emergency room and support staff went to work and I remember the ER being full of wounded with more coming in. I was to get information from one of the Marines and get armband on him, etc. I tried to speak to him but he refused to give me any information. He would not give me his name, rank or anything. His superior who was either enlisted or an officer laying on another litter close to him. He was also being treated. He basically raised his voice and told him (ordered him) to answer me. If I remember correctly he told this young soldier he was in an Army Hospital and we were soldiers and Americans. The young Marine then gave me what I needed. Other than that I remember the mad rush and work being done by all the hospital staff and, of course, blood and cut off clothing everywhere. I also remember bits of pieces of what these young men's stories of what they were doing and the surprise attack.

It seems the littlest thing will bring a memory back. For these you men I again wonder what happened to them, their lives,etc. I also get mad at myself because I can't remember everything that happened, was said or more about these young men. Actually, I feel this way about my entire time in Vietnam. I know this may sound very strange but I'm afraid I'll forget.

All I can say right now is that my brothers are in my heart and mind and prayers and you are not forgotten.