Drafted into the Army during the infamous summer of 1969. Basic at Ft Leonard Wood, Artillery Training Ft Sill, sent to Viet Nam January 21, 1970. Thirteen days later while on perimeter patrol twelve guys in front of me were lucky enough to not step where I did. I was told it was a M79 round set up on a C-ration can with a nail for a firing pin. Dr on Hospital ship Repose, said the next day, son I'm sorry we had to take your eye, it was in about 13 pieces. There were thirteen holes in my legs and they were stitched up thirteen days later at 106th General Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
I have celebrated my second opportunity at life every year on the anniversary of that fateful day.
