Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:05 | The Mobile Riverine Force faced many challenges along the Mekong Delta. Every beach could be the start of an ambush, there could be mines lurking around every turn, and the sampans that kept the local economy moving could also help the Viet Cong traffic supplies across the region. Terry Sater describes a few of these instances during his time aboard the Tango boats and the things he witnessed between 1968 and 1969.
Keywords : River Assault Squadron 13 Mobile Riverine Force Navy Sampan
After completing Mobile Riverine Force Training in California, Terry Sater is sent to Vietnam and assigned to the River Assault Squadron 13, River Division 131. As a 20mm gun operator, Terry describes being ambushed while serving aboard an armored Troop Carrier in the Mekong Delta.
Terry Sater joined the Navy in 1966 with hopes of avoiding going to Vietnam. His initial deployment was aboard the USS Enterprise stationed off the Coast of Vietnam. After failing Electronics School Terry was assigned to the Mobile Riverine Force Training in California.
Accompanied by the 9th Infantry, several firefights are described resulting in the loss of close friends.
Terry Sater describes the fear of minesweeping and firefights on the rivers and tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Details of the weapons systems and maintaining the 20mm Cannon on the heavily armed Monitor Riverine boat are described.
Operating a 20mm cannon from a Riverine armored troop carrier on the Mekong Delta, Terry Sater tells the story of a hot spot for enemy action at a bend in the river know as Snoopy's Nose. Booby Traps and ambushes were common.
As a crew member with River Assault Squadron 13, Terry Sater and his crew escort Navy SEALs up the Mekong Delta for Special Operations missions. Moments of humor are described as part of daily life.
Terry Sater describes his commanding officers and the one he admired the most. Terry also describes the difficulty the Navy Riverine Force had with the South Vietnamese boats and their reluctance to engage in combat.
Terry Sater describes his thoughts and feelings about former Secretary of State, John Kerrys' book, Tour Of Duty. Terry mentions inaccuracies in the book and how unsettling it is when he knows better.
After returning home from Vietnam, Terry talks about PTSD and how difficult it is to get over the horrors of war. He reads a poem he wrote for his wife to help her understand the difficulties he is going through.
