March 27 1930 Vietnam Time Da Nang

Thong and I are currently on the train from Nha Trang to Danang with an estimated arrival of 1500 hrs. I’ll write as long as this antiquated Macbook battery holds out, then post this evening from the hotel…no internet on the trains.

Yesterday’s scaled-down ceremony at Major Tha’s house was casual and relaxed,  as I had hoped. There were officers from the Veteran’s Association, high-ranking Army veterans, government officials, and news reporters.  A special sign, which you’ll see in the photos, had been made to commemorate this historic occasion.  Although an obvious agenda was in place, the atmosphere was very informal and quite friendly.  Tha gave a prepared speech, wherein he chronicled the May battles with the 196^th Light Infantry in and around Nhi Ha with particular attention to May 6^th’engagement with two platoons of Co A 3/21, which were under the leadership of Lt. Terry Smith and Lt. William Kimball.  Based on the information provided, there is no doubt in my mind that the razor belonged to Lt. Kimball. At the relinquishing of the razor, I thanked Major Tha on behalf of the William Kimball family and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome. Major Tha presently me with his physician’s ID badge (he became a doctor when the war ended), a beautifully-framed tapestry, and gift boxes of rare product extracted from the nest of a certain bird species. I responded with several photos of Lt. Kimball… with his wife (Meredith), his mother and father (Ruth & William), his sister (Ruth Ann) and her husband (Jerry), two in-uniform solos, and two taken in Vietnam.  Also given were 196^th Light Infantry Brigade insignia patches & badges (provided by 196^th Association), copies of my letters written to my mom and dad May 2-16, 1968 from the battlefields of Nhi Ha, a patch referencing 57,479 American deaths in Vietnam and various vitamins/supplements.  I will note that Mr. Tha had a box made for the razor and included a box of recently-purchased blades. I really don't see the relevance of the blades to the occasion, though. Anyway....I have no video yet, but will attach a few photos of the event. I’m making every effort to get video of the TV broadcasts, one on a Nha Trang station and the other on Vietnam National Defense TV. Mr. Tha, who retired a colonel, has seen much combat in his years, starting with action against the French in 1945.  Now 88 years of age, he is sharp, spry, and in great shape.  The entire time, Thong (aka damn guide) handled his interpretative assignment with skill and confidence.  When the ceremony was complete and folks had trickled out, Mr. Tha and I exchanged parting thoughts for a few minutes. Then, it was time to hail a taxi and retreat to the hotel.  Should next year find me back in Vietnam, included in the itinerary will be visit to my former enemy, now friend.

The next couple days will find me in Danang with my friend, Thong.  Before long it’s off to Hue, where pig and duck projects are going to keep Khanh and I hopping in the rural areas. I am very much looking forward to finally jumping into what I came to Vietnam to do. My Hue lodging is a stone’s throw from the Citadel….very quiet  area, though, and near to Khanh’s office.  Things are really going to swing into high gear very soon…

At my hotel in Danang now and preparing to leap into this enormous bed for the night…beautiful room with a great view of the river. 

I have attached a few photos....nighty night.

Neil