Grey Feathers

This is a story about the 4th Division, 3rd of the 12th Battalion operations in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970. It is based on operation reports, observations in the field, actual experiences and interviews, 'Espirit' magazine, an Army publication, and military procedures. Grey feather is a term from the tribes of Indians. It is awarded to each brave to insure all watch each other, are loyal to the tribe, and fight for the same causes. The values are the same. The Vietnam War was much like that, as men fought together for a common cause, and earned their grey feathers from the battles and time they spent. Grey Feathers is the story of a combat platoon leader's role and responsibilities in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam from 1967 to 1970. The story is derived from the countless after-action reports, personal observations and experiences, interviews, and 4th division magazine articles about this period of the Vietnam War. Battle scenes are described as accurately as possible, based on combat action reports. It is the intent of this book to describe the events and show how unselfish and brave the unit responded to overcome the overwhelming battle condition odds. It also shows the difficulties of decision-making under fire, whether by an officer or enlisted man. The pressures of battle forced quick decisions and movements. Support units such as the helicopter gunships, F-4 Phantom pilots, supply transporters, armored vehicles, naval artillery, MedEvac helicopters, and field hospitals performed admirably and with distinction. All earned their Grey Feathers.