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| Author | Topic: Accidental Shooting Casualty |
| Doug Neralich |
posted 2/27/08 7:32 PM
Late in 1970 or early 1971, one of our guys was accidentally shot in the chest while preparing to go on guard duty. I was the first medic in the hootch, and my impression is that the hootch was a bit more than halfway into the compound on the side opposite Battalion HQ (C Company?). I wrote a short story about the incident. Does anyone remember this incident or does anyone know the name of the young man who was wounded? I remember Bn Surgeon Captain Messina checking on him a few days after the shooting and he was still alive. Even though I didn't know him, I've thought about him over the years. Any info would be appreciated. Doug "Doc" Neralich |
| Mickey Blanchford |
posted 2/29/08 10:04 PM
Doug, the name of the injured soldier should be on the morning report. If you know the date(aprox).These events are the CO clerk to place these kind of events into the morning reports. If you reported the injury to the Commander it will be on the report. Our Co clerk in 67-68 seemed to have no logged may items. I have been trying to get medical record from the army. You have to remember, this is a Military so be prepared to stand in line and wait. http://www.fortirwin2vietnam36theng.org/home.html Fort Irwin to Vietnam |
| Doug Neralich |
posted 4/5/08 2:03 AM
Thanks for the information, Mickey. Unfortunately, after more than 35 years, I don't even have a sense for an approximate date. Thanks. Doug |
| Tom C |
posted 7/14/08 4:12 AM
Doc, I talked to him maybe 2 days prior to the shooting. Cant remember his name, it was in 1970, Went on sick call and was shocked to see his name on the sign up sheet(?) Next to the name it said GSW CHEST. Did he make it?? |
| Doug Neralich |
posted 7/18/08 9:08 PM
Tom, The wounded soldier was medivaced to the hosital near Can Tho/ Binh Tuy. Captain Messina, our battalion surgeon, was able to contact the hospital 2 or 3 days later, and the young man was still alive. I was the first medic to get to him, and based on where the bullet wound was located, was shocked that he wasn't dead. He was ashen white and obviously in shock, but he was conscious and communicative. I wrote a book about my experiences at the 36th and published it a few years ago. In that book there is a short story about the accidental shooting of this young man from a medic's point-of-view. That story on my VFW's website and can be found at the following link: http://www.vfwpost5702.org/OpenWounds.pdf I added some questions at the end of the story so that it could be used by teachers to help kids prepare for standardized tests. If you are inclined to read the story, please let me know what you thought (good or bad). I hope the young man is well, and enjoying a healthy full life. Doug |
| Tom C |
posted 7/19/08 1:46 AM
I have a copy of your book, even autographed by tyhe author,while reading it I found my self back in Vinh Long, only this time I remembered the "good times" yes there wre some. It was a great book well written. |
| Terry L. Goodall |
posted 8/7/08 1:37 AM
Doug, I don't know about that incident, as I was in "C" company from April 69 to April 70. I am, however interested in your book. What is the title, and/or where can I find it. |
| Doug Neralich |
posted 8/8/08 11:59 PM
Terry, The rules of this forum do not allow for solicitation or promotional materials. However, since you asked for the information, I think it permissible to respond to your question (Yes, I am a real pain when it comes to following rules). The name of the book is "Dear Donna, Its Only 45 Hours from Bien Hoa." It took me more than a dozen years to write as I dealt with emotional issues as well as the skills necessary to write effective dialog. It is available on-line through Barnes& Noble, e-bay, and other on-line booksellers. You can Google the title to get the ISBN numbers for the hardcover or softcover versions. Once you have the title and/or those numbers you could order the book through a local book store. Thanks so much for your interest, and if you do get a copy, I would be very interested in your reaction. Doug "Doc" Neralich |
| Rich Allen |
posted 8/13/08 2:54 AM
I am the one who shot Roger Irby |
| Rich Allen |
posted 8/13/08 3:10 AM
Doc I remember you very well , fixed me up a couple times . Here is the story . I drew my m 16 from the armory,went back to the hooch to get ready for guard duty . There was a lot of activity going on ,a lot of people comming & going My friend Roger was sitting in a lawn chair with a few other guys joking around like usual .this was a person that I lived with.while I was getting ready someone slipped a round in my rifle ,I know this because I checked it when I withdrew it . When I was done getting ready & about to leave for the chow hall, Roger said see ya later guard duty!! as I was turning with the weapon in hand LIKE A CHILD WITH A TOY I PULLED THE TRIGGER < I think about that stupid action everyday !!! I PRAY TO GOD HE IS STILL OK!!! |
| Doug Neralich |
posted 8/14/08 2:07 AM
Rich, It is an unfortunate reality that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I have the feeling that you have probably been beating yourself up over this incident since the day it occurred. It is a natural reaction from a decent person, but I would remind you of how young and inexperienced we all were. Its not that we were arrogant concerning the destructive power of the tools of war we were issued, but sometimes we took things for granted and were a bit casual with them. Accidents in our battalion happened all the time, and I am so sorry that this particular accident involved you. That being said, I did some detective work and found some information about a number of Roger Irbys. If you visit this link, http://www.usa-people-search.com/Default.aspx?view=PE, perhaps you can identify which one is our Roger. I also hope that he has lived a full and happy life. Thank you for remembering me. I tried to do the best medic that I could be. I wrote a story about this incident told from a scared medic's point of view. If you would care to read it, it can be found on my VFW post's website at www.vfwpost5702.org. Click on the VFW for Students button and scroll down to you see a link to a story called Open Wounds. May God bless you. Doug "Doc" Neralich |
| Rich Allen |
posted 8/15/08 0:22 AM
Doc; Im sure you saved Rogers life , The first few minutes are the most criticle , You were there and did your best thanx brother !!! R.A. |
| Terry L. Goodall |
posted 8/16/08 3:30 AM
Doc, right after I asked about your book, I googled your name and found it. I ordered it, and am in the process of reading it. Talk about memories! You have done a fine job in writting it. There were times it brought tears to my eyes, other times I laughed so hard I thought I'd fall out or my chair. Well done Brother! I have also found in my recent research information about the reunion hosted by the 20th Bde. I plan to go this next year in Columbia, SC, and hope to see many of you there. |
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