Rest and Relaxation

One More for the Corps

By Dave Stromire

Echo 2/1 ’68-69

We called him JFK, because he could impersonate any President. He was tall and wore loose fitting fatigues. He wore black rimmed glasses. And talk about funny, this Marine always had a great since of humor. Anyone who really knew JFK, knew that under those loose fitting clothes, was a tall and very buff Marine. He was from Kentucky and I would pity anyone who mistook his clown like character for weakness. In the heat of battle, he stood tall. He had told me on our way back from Hong Kong. If I said one word to anyone about his unfortunate mishap. He would wipe up 2/1s compound with me. I believed Him. I kept my mouth shut.

Until now laughing to myself, I have. I changed the name in this story, but I am afraid he will know I am writing about him. What's to stop him from jumping on a plane and flying up here to kick my butt? I am counting on the Brotherhood of the Corps and of course that I have kept silent about it for thirty years. I really don’t think anyone will know who I am talking about.

After nine months in Nam two spots for R&R came up for Hong Kong. JFK and I decided to jump on it. R&R is rest and relaxation. It is anything but that. Its time away from war yes, but its party time, drinking time and for some us (me) it’s our first time. We got our papers and caught a ride into Danang. As the plane ascended out of Danang, I looked down on all them rice paddies and mountainous jungles. Thinking, who in their right mind, would even consider coming back to this. In fact, true story, some which went on R&R, never came back.

It wasn't long after the wheels on the plane were up and tucked into their position, when the alcohol cart made its way down the aisle with the help of the most beautiful airline stewardess. I could here the popping of beer cans and the rattling of ice-filled mixed drinks being drowned out by a plane full of Marines, Army and Navy. Officers to Privates, it did not matter we all were the same on this trip. Not rank, unit or serial number was going to interfere with our mission. That mission was to get drunk and well, you know! As many times possible, and time was short.

After a while in the air, about as long as it takes to fill your bladder. JFK got up and told me it was time for a head call. He just about fell on me, but caught his balance. Then staggered back to the rear of the plane, where the head was located.

All the guys were just having a ball. I was thinking, man JFK better get back here. He is missing out on all the fun. I really started to get worried, if maybe he was back there throwing up or something. I had just stood up to go check on my R&R buddy. When, over the loud speaker came a request for a, Doctor, Medic, Corpsman anyone with medical experience. When someone stood up and identified himself as a corpsman. He was told to go back to the head. I am thinking, oh no, that's JFK back there in the head. I am really getting worried now. Everyone was told to keep there seats, and if they had to use the head. Go up to first class. That confirmed it for me something is wrong with JFK.

What seemed like an eternity and when we were about to descend down on Hong Kong's International Airport. I turned to see JFK slowly making his way back to our seats. His face was red, and hung low. He set down next to me. I asked, what the heck happened? He said, I will tell you but if you say one thing about it I will kill you. I said OK tell me. Well, Dave, have you ever had it caught in your zipper before? I cringed and said yes? That's when he said he was in such a hurry to get back. He zipped up all the way ignoring the initial pain. Then when the pain hit full force, he realized just how bad his situation was. He said the corpsman gave him a strait shot of vodka. Then in one excruciating pull. He got the zipper down with flesh and blood along with it. The Doc. actually had to field dress his wound.

Now remember. This is on our way to R&R in Hong Kong. I think I was laughing all the way to our hotel rooms. I said; think of it this way JFK. You can sight see, and get plenty of rest. I forgot, I was talking to a Marine and from Kentucky. Because every single day JFK knocked on my room, with a different girl in tow. On the last day, I had checked out of my room I was supposed to meet JFK on the plane. The plane was delayed. I thought it was because JFK had showed up late. It was really delayed, because an Officer was running late. After about a half hour of setting on the tarmac two Smiling Marines boarded the plane one a happy 1st Lt. and the other JFK.

When my buddy set down next to me I asked what happened he said “Dave, I met the most beautiful girl in the hotel lobby.” I said “No, don’t tell me. One More for the Corps, Right?”

He smiled and said Yep and remember Dave, Don’t Say a Word!

Until now, My lips were ZIPPED!