The only way to keep score in a war with no front lines, such as the case in Vietnam, was to use, after battle dead body counts. The Vietnam war was a war of attrition and we were all expendable. So many of our own soldiers expended in order to kill so many of their soldiers. The pictured and numbered stacks of bodies were featured on the evening news channels all across America every day. I became aware of the ongoing war when I was in middle school, never dreaming that I was destined be caught up in that war some day.
Upon high school graduation in June 1967, the realization struck me that there were no jobs available to me because of my 1- A draft classification. The powers that be prevailed. On July 6, 1967, I ended up in down town Nashville, ready to surrender myself and join the Army, just to get it over with. In order to get on with the rest of my life, there seemed to be no other choice I joined and signed up as airborn infantry in the heat of the Vietnam war. I was assigned to Fort Benning Ga’s Company C-2nd Battalion 1st Brigade for basic combat training.
Upon graduation from Basic I returned home for 14 days, I took that opportunity and married Sandra, my high school sweet hart, then, immediately, I was deployed to Fort Gordon GA. The Army’s plan for me was to learn all there was to know about firing mortar rounds at Fort Gordon and then back to Fort Benning for jump school and on to Vietnam. We were told, “look at the man on your right”, then, “look at the man on your left”. “One of you three won’t be coming home”. Being young and dumb, I really felt bad for those other two guys.
Two days into Mortar school I was standing in a company formation consisting of 360 men. I was singled out and informed that my orders had been changed. I was informed that I was to become the personal driver for the Deputy Post Commanding General and remain behind, there at Fort Gordon.
I adapted well to the new assignment as the driver for the General. We became the best of friends. Upon his retirement the General summoned me to his office and asked me what assignment would I like to be given upon his departure. He knew that I enjoyed hunting and fishing so he suggested, “Game Warden”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It sounded impossible, but all things are possible for a General. Within the hour I was being sworn in as a Federal Game Warden, given my badge, side arm, and assigned a Ford Bronco and a M151 Jeep. I was also deputized as a Deputy Sheriff of Augusta and Richmond County Georgia. My life took a turn upon being sworn in for that job. I have written much about my experiences as a military Game Warden. Some of those episodes can be found on this blog. Someday I hope to arrange the short stories and write a book.
Sp 5 James M. Cripps
US Army 1967-1970
VA THE REDNECK WAY, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE! 