The Kevin Perrier Story

I live in Minnesota in the cold north. I've been pounding nails for a living for almost twenty-five years.

I was with B-Co 2/5th 1st Cavalry Div and we were sent to Vung Tau every 45 days for a little R&R. We stayed in large tents on the beach but spent most of our time and money in the hotels. I used to hang out at the My Linh which was on the corner of Flag Square. I went there three times and learned all about drinking there. The My Linh had an open air bar on the top floor with a roll-back roof. The band played on a small stage in a corner of the room. I remember one Vietnamese bargirl who dyed her hair blond and got all kinds of business. The Aussies were a wild bunch who seemed to enjoy a fight. I always thought R&R was a place to get away from fighting. I remember when two or three of them got into it right in front of me with two Vietnamese sailors. One of the Viets pulled out a pen flare and threatened the Aussies. One of your boys pulled his shirt open and dared the Viet to shoot him. I thought Kev, you gotta move. Before I could the Aussie tried to knock the flare away but it went off and bounced off of the floor and ceiling which scared the hell out of everyone. The next thing I know the MPs are heading up the stairs and guys are flying out of the place. I hid in a room with a few others and the Mayor's daughter Chang. One of these days I'm going to go back to that town.

"Garryowen", Kevin