Re: View from the foxhole.

[<Riata5@aol.com>]

In a message dated 9/10/2002 5:24:39 PM Central Daylight Time, ChosinMead@aol.com writes:


> Before I begin, I would like to explain that I was a member of an artillery Forward Observer team, we were attached to the 5th Marines regiment. The infantry often views (accurately) the Artillery as guys who have it pretty 'cushy,' eating hot food sleeping in heated tents, etc. This view completely overlooks the Forward Observers. The FO's suffer the same conditions and experience the same hardships as do our infantry counterparts-and more so.
> A team consists of an FO Officer (2nd Lieutenant), A Scout Sgt. ( can be any rank under S/Sgt.- I was a PFC), a radio operator (PFC), a Communications Chief (usually a Cpl.), and two Wiremen (PFC). The team will be assigned to an infantry company, to be used at the discretion of the Company Commander. The CO would always station the FO where he thought the fighting would be the heaviest. Keep in mind that it only takes one man to call in a Fire Mission. Therefore can any rational human believe that the CO would let five men stand around as spectators when the s--t was hitting the fan?


   Lee I was also a member of a atillery FO team , a radio / telephone wireman , a Cpl . Sure good to hear from another FO .
   Fantastic story Lee , thanks for sharing it with us .
            Jerry        KW   51-52