Fred Hill

As noted on the Operation Billings pages, Fred Hill joined Bravo Company as a private just before the operation in early May, 1967. Fred has shared his recollections of Billings and Loc Ninh with us previously. Now he will share some other memories from Vietnam, and what he has been doing since. Here's Fred:

Funny thing, most memories I have are good ones. Intellectually I know it wasn't all good. I guess God has blessed me with a mind that that enables me to put the negatives behind. Sometimes I even laugh; like about the time this guy I knew who sat up all night worrying that a leech jumped up and caught him where it really could hurt.

One thing that just came to mind was the time when we were coming off an ambush patrol. I tore the seat of my trousers exposing all to the rear while climbing through a barbed wire entanglement. Our march took us through a small village and a number of young children were standing close to the path, silently watching the file pass by. As I passed they all broke out in hysterical laughter. So much for instilling them with a sense of awe! I also remember the black lab adopted by our company.

Along about March of 1968, I had been in Nam 10 months and I was ready to go home on leave, but the Army doesn't allow that. I did find a way to go home on leave honorably.

For the record, I didn't really re-up. I extended. After leaving the 2/28th I went on a 30 day special leave. I came home. Following that it was back to Dian - from Dian to Saigon.

I was assigned to C Co. 52nd Infantry (sounds okay so far). This infantry company was assigned to the 716th MP Brigade. I was billeted in the Capitol Hotel. I shared a room and bathroom with 3 other NCO's. It was the usual; maid service cost $3.00 a month; $5.00 if you wanted her to do your laundry every day and spit shine your boots. We followed the MPs around in gun (M60) jeeps from 1900 to 0700. My CO thought I walked on water...don't know why but, he just did. First Sergeant liked me too. I was an E6 before I knew it.

Things got bad at times in Saigon. Our air conditioner built up ice one time; not only making it hard to sleep but, we also had a close call with an outbreak of prickly heat.

On our left sleeves we wore the brigade patch. We wore the Big Red One on our right. REMF's bought us drinks in the club located on the first floor (my room was on the 6th).

I left in late December and civilianized myself. This girl named Chris Melde was waiting in ambush for my arrival--the rest is history. I went back into my civilian profession of police officer for the city of Seattle, WA. I also went to college. When I graduated from college, I went into the Army Reserve (USAR) as a 2nd Lt. When I received my commission, I didn't go to the infantry school. I opted for transportation. My feet are still barking from '67. Over the years, I received promotions and I retired from the USAR in November of 94 as an LTC. I retired out of the USAR School, at Fort Lewis, as the Operations Officer.

Before that I was the Provost Marshal for the 124th USARCOM at a little known place in Seattle, called Fort Lawton. I am still on the Seattle Police Department as a Watch Commander. I have a couple of years to go before I will to retire with 30 years of service to the City of Seattle. I have a son that is a Captain in the Marine Corps, another son that just got married late last year. I enjoy fly fishing, snowmobiling and my grandchildren. I am looking forward to getting together with many of the old gang in September at the Bravo Company Reunion at Ft. Ord.

If anyone would like to contact Fred, his email address is HillChrisS@aol.com