to the aid of special forces units in deep trouble from the enemy.  We had learned the hard way the conventional forces were not available to help out with a lonely A camp about to be overrun by the enemy.  So a wise major named Mike Healy and a smart Colonel named Ted Leonard reallocated their assets and formed a mobile unit that would be controlled, and take orders from its own headquarters.  That action saved countless lives, but it also cost quite a few.  Mike Force men were tough and self reliant and many paid the supreme price.

Do no be misled, while there were many heroes and exceptional men, we also had what seemed like more than our share of glory hunters, idiots, cowards and pure frauds, most masquerading as Officers.  A few were criminally negligent when it came to the welfare of the men under their charge.  Lt. Col. Charles Black was one of those, Lt. Col. Cerone had no clue as to what he was supposed to do.  The infamous “Bo Gritz” was and is a self glorifying charlatan.  The Colonel sent to replace Col. Reault was a total idiot and was selected just for that quality, he managed to break his leg in jump training and was never seen again, Lemberes was his name.  An incompetent enlisted man was easy to get rid of, officers, especially Colonels required more effort to dispose of.

The junior officers and Non-Commissioned officers were the glue that held the units together.  Most of these men were as solid as steel plate, devoted, loyal, generally fearless, {else who would have ever volunteered for Mike Force or MACSOG duty} ?Highly skilled, ingenious and tenacious, they carried the war to the enemy and beat him at his own game.  Contrary to popular belief, the jungle is neutral, it aids and hinders all who enter it.  Our troops learned to master the jungle and use it to their advantage.  Many a Vietnamese born and bred in the jungle got a nasty surprise just before he died.  His last sight on this earth, an American holding a smoking rifle.  Surprise, surprise.  Duty in the isolated A camps could also be very hazardous as they were a constant target for the North Vietnamese army.  When a camp became bothersome to them, no effort was spared to assault the camp and kill all of its occupants.  Some camps were attacked so often that they looked like photos of world war one trench warfare.  Life in such camps was lived underground, much like a rat in a cage.  That was when a Mike Force would come in and engage the enemy and drive them out.  Very hazardous duty for all involved.  These men were Tigers and they deserve the praise of the nation for their efforts.  They prowled the jungle like Tigers and fought like Tigers for a cause not their own, and they did it well.  The primary reason Special Forces had to suffer so many
 

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