|
We
again took up the routine of patrols during the day and ambushes at night.
The terrain at Ca Lu was much different than that
back at Payable. Here we were on a flood plane on the north side of the Quang Tri River. This was farming country. The local
farmers mainly grew vegetables, corn, squash, and some of the hottest
little peppers I have ever tasted. There were only a few small rice paddies
near the village of Ba Tahn. Tilling the soil was
done by hand or by harnessing water buffalo to plows. These ill-tempered
animals were highly valued by their owners.
|
|
Road 556 is a dirt road in Ca Lu valley that runs east to Quang
Tri on the coast. This photo is looking east and the village of BaTanh is in the distance. The Quang
Tri river is near the base of the hills on the right.
The Marine on the left is
radioman L/Cpl Gerald T. BARYO and further up on
the right is squad leader Cpl. L.B.J. (Leslie B. JOHNSON).
|
|
This
"waterboo" was pastured in a field next
to the dirt road on our patrol route in Ca Lu
valley. He did not like us in his area and would charge up to the hedge row
every time we passed.
|
|
One night a
small village to the north of where this photo was taken was hit by NVA
mortars. When we arrived the next morning to inspect the damage, we found
that one of the farmers' wife and children had been killed and his
"water boo" severely wounded during the attack. The extent of the
wounds to the animal was such that we had to put it down. The poor guy
seemed more upset about his water boo than his family.
|
|
As the
patrol continues, we next came to the village of BaTanh.
The house is fairly typical of
those found in the remote villages. Built on the ground with dirt floors. Woven
bamboo mats as walls and thatched roofs. Chickens and pigs were kept in a
pen next to the house under the lean to roof. A water barrel sits in front
of the house. Corn is growing in the garden to the side and behind this
house. There is also a palm growing behind the house.
|