( The term "search and destroy" sounded too violent for a war zone I guess). It was to consist of men from several different CAP's. Our actual, Sgt. Joe Valdez, gathered several of our guys and proceeded with the mission. I can remember how nervous everyone seemed- including myself. They were gone for a few hours. Fortunately no one was hurt while they were gone. When they came back Sgt.Valdez immediately came up to me and asked me why I had not gone on the mission. He
was very upset. He said my name was one of those he called out to be a part of the search and clear. I told him I had not heard my name but he did not believe me.
Our argument escalated. We began to scream at each other. I had been out of boot camp only a few months and it was inconceivable that I would raise my voice to someone of higher rank. It's the only time in my career I ever did that. That shows how serious I was about it. But he never believed me; and I'm sure he never trusted me again. He got his chance to be rid of me after 2-4-2 was destroyed and I was transferred. I never got another opportunity to try and talk to him about it.
I really don't remember my name being called- but perhaps I didn't want to hear it. Perhaps I was a coward that day. I'm not really sure even after all these years. I guess what bothers me the most is that if and when Joe Valdez thinks about his days at 2-4-5 he will remember that particular day and the coward who would not do his duty. If you ever read this Joe
please believe me once again when I say I never heard my name.
