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I planned and called in nightly harassing and interdicting (H & I) fire each night around the camp. The firing coordinates used were based on daily intelligence reports and suspected VC gathering points. I took part in the nightly radio watch rotation and went on local patrols with the Cambodian units and the members of the Team.

Our camp came under rocket attacks on several nights. The target was usually the wooden tower that supported communications antennas. They never hit the tower but it was uncomfortable to hear the rocket pass overhead and explode in the jungle on the other side of the camp. On other occasions, we took incoming rifle and mortar fire but the size of the camp seemed to discourage aggressive enemy attacks.

My fear of heights had lived quietly adjacent to my physical discomfort in flying in small military aircraft. My A Team companions learned of this fear of heights and hounded me to climb to the top of the wooden communications tower. I even- tually gave into the peer pressure and managed to climb half way to the top. I was awarded half a pair of airborne wings for my efforts.

During this assignment and for the remainder of my tour of duty, I started to carry a 30 caliber, M-1 carbine as a way to blend in with the Cambodian troops.  It was more comforting to blend in rather