Posted By AmyD. on July 28, 2008

I mentioned that my uncle writes. He writes wonderful children’s stories, sometimes he writes stories about his experiences in Vietnam. This is one of the latter:

One Day At A Time
A Nam Story

by
Gene Bishop

Okinawa, in Transit
Day 3, 1966: 1800 hrs.:

Muster being complete all Marines, in transit, promptly reported to the EM Club. Stevens, Sanders, and Atkins found a table and ordered drinks , none of which were Coke-a -cola, Dr Pepper, or Root Beer. Someone placed a quarter in the jukebox and played Mr. Lonely for the eighty-seventh time. The record being played continually by every group of Marines passing through Okinawa had become so worn that the words were indistinct. Sanders’ Singapore Sling arrived ; he placed a quarter on the tray and ordered another drink. Pictures of home were passed around, exploits with girls and cars were boisterously shared. Talk of high school football, hunting, and summer vacations exalted in lofty energetic voices. Escapades of their last stateside liberty was remembered with great exuberance. Oaths were sworn and promises made, drinks were delivered and another order placed.

Atkins was solemn deep in thought, unaware of the activity surrounding him. After some cajoling by his two friends, Atkins ultimately gave up his secret, “I don’t want to be captured, I could not live through something like that.” The other two Marines, in their drunken-state found the solution. They would swear an oath. They agreed not to be taken prisoner, that they would fight to the death if possible. This seemed to comfort Atkins’ whiskey soaked mind. Each realized they would be separated in DaNang and that their oath would be carried out individually. For the hundred and first time someone played Mr. Lonely, drinks were delivered, and another order placed.

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Charles Stevens and Gene Bishop (left pic), Charles R Stevens (right pic), Vietnam 1966

The three marines from the story each made it home, injured, but alive. Atkins was the first to be sent home. He had been shot in the leg. We know he had several surgeries but are not sure of the full extent of his injuries. Gene Bishop was shot and sent home. He lost the use of his arm, permanently. We know that Charles R Stevens made it home alive, but that is all we know at this time.

UPDATE
Charles R Stevens was finally located August 2009!

Categories: With Music
Tags: Bobby Vinton, Charles R Stevens, DaNang, Gene Bishop, marines, Mr. Lonely, Okinawa, semper fi, uncle gene, Vietnam 1966