Sunday, January 5, 1969
In the midst of our afternoon Steak BBQ, Top Culverhouse ordered me, “Report to Captain Yost in the CO’s office.” This was highly unusual and ordinarily meant trouble . . . had something happened to Jenny?
The standard procedure was to knock three times and say, “Sir, Sergeant Kysor request to enter.” Yost commanded, “Enter, and stand at ease” (I was nervous and thinking the worst). The Captain smiled and said, “Relax, there’s no trouble.”
The Battalion Inspection Critique had arrived, and the mess hall was graded as excellent with minor discrepancies. Just as we had surmised, Captain Yost had no idea the mess hall was part of Kilo Battery. He seemed embarrassed but happy.
My record book was open on his makeshift desk of ammo box carpentry, and he asked about my proficiency scores . . . I had never seen them. He explained, “Captain Cavagnol gave you all 3.7’s.” Not knowing what this meant I answered, “Sir, I trust Captain Cavagnol’s judgment.” Yost shook his head and said, “No, you are doing an outstanding job, and I’m raising them to 3.9’s.” It was the first and last time any officer evaluated me face to face. It was refreshing but confusing. Yost dismissed me and said, “Keep up the good work.”
My Vietnam Experience 