Unknown to Trong, scouts had reported increased American activity to the
southeast of the camp, which possibly meant the Americans were moving
into the area. Every precaution had been taken to ensure that the camp was
not taken by surprise. Patrols were sent out daily. Observation posts were
placed well forward of the camp, and fi ghting positions around the camp
were manned at all times.
Trong checked his equipment one more time as he waited for the Americans.
He slid the bolt back on his Soviet made AK-47 making sure that a round was
chambered. Next, he checked the green plastic American-made detonator,
which was attached to the Chinese claymore mine located thirty meters
from his position. He thought himself ready and tried to fi ght the panic that
assailed his mind. He thought of what his section leader had told him.
"Wait, until the Americans were close to the mine before detonating it.
Then use your rifl e to kill any of the Americans that are left alive."
Chester Porter was born and raised in Texas. He was
drafted into the Army in 1967 and served with the 196th
Light Infantry Brigade. In 1968 he was transferred to
the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. In 1982 he became a
Federal Law Enforcement Offi cer for the Department
of Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service. He retired
from federal service in 2005 after twenty-nine years of
government service. Porter lives today, outside of Savannah Georgia in the
small town of Rincon.
