Friday, December 20, 1968
Bravo Company’s Gunny gave us the word, “Have the CAP unit’s food ready for pickup at 1600.” We filled three thermal containers with cornbread, pinto beans, coleslaw and fried fish. This meal was transported by Jeep to a halfway point on Route 4 and then transferred to the CAP’s Mule (motorized platform). We also sent a case of fresh oranges and a dozen cans of apple juice to supplement the hot rations.
As the dinner chow line progressed, Captain Yost and a Lieutenant came through and never looked up or acknowledged the cooks. It had been five days since Yost was assigned as our new CO, and the plan for him to meet with section heads “individually” had not materialized. It felt like he was either ignoring us or giving us the silent treatment. It was disappointing.
Later in the hooch Sumo suggested a theory: “What if Yost doesn’t know the cooks are a part of Kilo Battery?” Maybe because the mess hall was closer to Bravo Company, it was assumed we were with 1/7. With Gunny Sampson gone from Battalion Headquarters, there would have been no one there to brief him. We tossed this idea around and tried to think of a way to test the theory.
Sumo thought I should make the first move and engage Captain Yost in friendly conversation. My answer was, “I’m leaving soon so you ought to be the one to develop a relationship with him.” We went to sleep with the matter unresolved.
Next Edition: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
My Vietnam Experience 