So much for receiving a good conduct medal
Forty-three years ago today there was a party in our hooch which lasted into the wee hours of the night. After all, how often does a guy turn 21, and in Vietnam no less? I didn’t report for perimeter guard duty that night and it cost me an Article 15. For certain minor offenses, the military offers non judicial punishment – also known as NJP, Article 15.
PBR time in my AO…
Dave Roger, Tom Connell & Rob Struck
Charlie Troop Blues relaxing with a cold one after a hot day in the bush.
Mike Melton, Jim Debolt, Bob Porter, George Burns, Dave Parkhurst & Dave Roger
I don’t recall what my fine was, probable just a token amount of one months pay, if that. The bulk of my pay was sent home because Uncle Sam provided just about everything we needed. I remember paying $2.00 for a carton of KOOL Filters at the Phuoc Vinh PX. That’s right $2.00, which is a good indication of how cheap thing were back then. Upon landing in Vietnam, I was promoted to PFC (E-3-Private First Class). As an E-3 I drew approximately $65.00 overseas pay, $30.00 combat pay and with my basic rank pay of $200.00, my total pay came out to about $300.00 per month…
My Vietnam Experience 
As I was CO of HQ Company in late 1970, I may have given you the Art.15 I trust you do not hold a grudge.
No grudge here. Do you recall what the penalty may have been. I may have been demoted down a rank for a month…
Holy Crap!. You were getting rich!
Got that right Walker! I had money to burn…
Hello, I stumbled upon your blog as I was searching my ancestry. My brother’s name (Marv Lundervold [Lucky Lundie]) popped up on the link to your blog. He was a door gunner. I searched for the story related to your activities together, but was unable to locate it. I would appreciate your help, if possible. I would also like to inform him of this blog. He told me his true friends were those he served with in Vietnam.
Duane. A. Lundervold
Yes, I remember your brother (Lucky Lundie) and have a few photos including him in my blog. We served together (Charlie Troop Blues, 1970).
Please have Marv contact me: usastruck@yahoo.com
We have a ‘Charlie Troop Blues’ reunion coming up in October…
https://usastruck.com/2009/09/13/charlie-troop-blues/
Thanks for the reply. I will forward this to him.
RE; Article 15….I worked the night shift at CIF(Central Issue Facility) at the 90th in 1970. I did not get along with the CO & NOCIC. Two days before my 21st birthday (July 2, 1970) they changed the policy of having birthdays off. I didn’t show and the sparks flew, an Article 15 was threatened, but never happened. Policy was then changed back.
whoops incorrect email
Not good on this thing, will try again….RE Article 15……I worked the night shift at CIF (Central Issue Facility) at the 90th in 1970. It had been a long standing policy to have your birthday off, I turned 21 on July 2, 1970. Two days before my birthday, the CO & NCOIC changed the policy, I did not get along with either of them. I did not show for my shift and the sparks flew. An article 15 was threatened, but not filed, and the birthday off policy went back into effect. I entered an incorrect email address, so I don’t know if my first shot at this went through..
Fred, I was served an Article 15 for not showing up for perimeter guard duty on my 21st birthday.
Welcome Home…