Chapter 6 synopsis: We were Soldiers Once...and Young

Mike Mayewski

October 7, 2003

We Were Soldiers Once...And Young: Chapter 6 “The Battle Begins”

• November 14th 12:20pm. Bravo Company CO Cpt. John Herren conducts a briefing with his platoon leaders: Lt. Al Devney (1st), Lt. Henry Herrick (2nd), Lt. Dennis Deal (3rd), and SFC Ed Montgomery (Weapons). Herren gives them the Op. Order. 1st and 2nd platoons will move out abreast of each other while 3rd will follow in reserve behind 1st. Weapons plt. will support the movement with one 81 mm mortar and forty shells. The first SNAFU occurs when SP4 Bungugum, a grenadier, is told to redistribute his thirty-six rounds of ammo because he is scheduled to go on R & R. When this didn’t materialize, he is only able to recollect eighteen rounds.

• 12:30pm. Platoons move out “smartly.” Herren intends to follow behind 1st platoon. SNAFU #2 occurs when Herren pauses to establish better radio contact with battalion. This causes his r...