Robert Gomez |
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Robert Gomez Parris Island October 10, 1966 |
Robert Gomez Vietnam 1967-1968 |
TimelineSeptember 1966-April 1970 September 14, 1966-November 10, 1966
PRELUDE For those that wish to understand historical events you must remember that it is usually written by the conquerors. Such writings are not unbiased in nature and mainly perpetuate culture that has dominated another. In reaching for truth one must research all sides of the larger picture then perhaps one can achieve a greater understanding of the events at hand. Only in these modern times when information can be gathered from all sources that have experienced historical events and the clarity of mind of the person who writes for future reference that a true perspective of history can be gathered. As students of history remember the socioeconomic factors of the historian will also reflect their outlook of such circumstances. SILENCE OF THE LAMBS War leaves psychological scars that prevent most from expressing themselves. Perhaps it is better not to recall such events which may cause trauma in reliving them. Time will heal such wounds as long as the individual pursues greater growth in self-enhancement. For those that can freely express themselves it is through their eyes of telling such events that perhaps others can reflect on the events in time. Most of us that entered conflicts are basically young adults without the maturity to handle the upcoming events nor able to grasp the unknown that will precede them. As such this is my story. Consider this a synopsis of myself and no way is it stating details of the full events that have occurred in my life. Historical Background I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico although I was raised in the United States and of Puerto Rican descent. My parents already had residence in Brooklyn, New York and when my father returned from WWII returned to Puerto Rico for a brief stay. My older sister, Gloria, was born in Brooklyn who also was a graduate of HHS of the class of 1965. Around my fifth birthday my parents moved to Maywood, New Jersey. In 1957 we moved to Hackensack, New Jersey. My alma maters include Fanny M. Hillers elementary school, what was State Street School and Hackensack High School (1963-1966). Young Adult To Warrior On September 14, 1966 my friend Albert Sansone, also class of 1966, and I under what is considered USMC policy the buddy system ventured together to Parris Island, South Carolina. We reported to Newark, New Jersey and along with other young recruits traveled to USMC boot camp. I doubt anyone was able to sleep the night before from fright what was awaiting us. The long bus trip was enough to make everyone nervous. I can only suggest having an idea what transpire in boot camp the movie called “Full Metal Jacket” relates well in our experience. Al and I both became Combat Engineers and thusly we were together all the way to Okinawa. We were not so lucky in that we did not arrive to Vietnam by ship but the travel was completely made on Continental Airlines from Newark to Okinawa and after processing straight to Danang, Vietnam. Not like the movie I mentioned which boot camp was good portrayal after assignment to each one’s particular battalion or regiment our experiences will vary greatly. My welcoming committee was as we landed in Danang in the heat of the day and the shouting of the frighten lady stewardess upon stepping on the first step of the stairway was the unbearable heat slapping my face. Along the runway a long row of body bags of our fallen soldiers ready to be taken home. This first impression has never left me and doubt it ever will. Welcome to Hell! After two weeks I was finally assigned to my battalion 9th Engineers at Chu Lai. I was not even at base camp a week when we were hit by the Tet Offensive. The constant barrage of incoming mortars and ground attacks left everyone’s nerves rattled and lack of sleep raise everyone’s temper on edge. When things settled down I was in building projects as indicated in my time line. When I finally arrived at Hill 10 six months remained in my first tour of duty. At Hill 10 my main mission was bridge construction and mine sweep the roads. No heavy equipment here for building bridges to support 60 tons was done by hand. Ever try to lift wooden beams 10” x 10” or 12” x 12” in diameter by 20’ long between two people. Did I mention the unbearable heat and long work days in building these bridges? Oh, that was waking up before break of day to mine sweep the roads first. This action was not only for public safety but for the incoming convoys delivering supplies to outer camps. Oh it didn’t end there for since we were under handed in personnel we also had guard duty so it was not uncommon to go over 36 hours with no sleep. At this time the Marine Corps was not as amply supplied in weaponry as the Army. After so much effort in construction of these bridges for our convoys upon completion in the evening we awaited for the fireworks. That is the Vietcong just blew them apart. Anyone need steady employment? Not all is cream and peaches for I had to deal with sniper fire on road sweeps and bridge construction. Often we hear one or several of our companions did not make it back from road sweeps for they missed detection of a mine. All I could say to myself was, my number did not come up and will I ever make it back home. Several times I was called for mine sweep duty and then late in the evening received word from the platoon leader I would be reassign to other chores only to hear the one that took my place died. Then the news from home, the tragic death Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., if there one incident that further divided the country was this. It was then I reason that this war in Vietnam was for no short duration and decided to extend my tour for another six months. I did not wish to return to this area of the world and questioned the reasoning behind this war. After my return from Vietnam and my accumulated days for leave at home I was just beset with a country divided amongst itself over this war. When I was assigned to Camp Lejeune again my sergeant was requesting I go for riot control be assigned to where ever our unit be needed. I couldn’t understand the logic that I laid my life for my country and now I was to police actions of those that were protesting the indignity of treatment of others. My eyes only open further on the prejudices our nation suffers and the great divide that still exist between us. I was a person that came to anger just by a slight derogating remark or perhaps a look. This was something that has taken me many years to overcome and become civilized once more. EPILOGUE As I mentioned in no way does this cover all of my experiences in this war. It is only to express the pain and anger that many of us go through. I am deeply sorry for all of those that I cause pain and suffering in knowing me and were with me throughout my years. There are no words that will wipe away what has transpired! For those who read this note I can only say to you, I pray that you understand and remember you are the future. The history of the United States has its dark past in treatment of other cultures. What direction the country takes depends upon your insight. I am deeply sadden that politics has taken a turn for the worse in which destroying an opponent and the lavishing money for political forums. Unless we work out our differences and work together expect not much of a bright future. When you understand what’s within you then your peace and understanding will be a beacon for others. I am, |
Background image of South Vietnamese supply trucks take a detour around a destroyed bridge en route to Pleiku on Route 19, July 18, 1965. The original bridge, and a temporary bridge placed on top of it, were both destroyed by U.S. Forces obtained from: http://binhlongquehuongtoi.com/blog1miror/page/6/ |