At 0330 hours 26 October 1971 the siege and shelling of Pa Kham, estimated population 9,000 began. At 0335 hours shells began to rain down on Tang Kouk, estimated population 8,000. An hour later the airfield north of Tang Kouk was probed by ground assault teams. At 0440 hours the shelling of Rumlong, estimated population 12,000, commenced. The shelling of all four sites and the connecting roadway was heavy and sustained.
“Get them off the road!” Sullivan screamed at Sergeant Seng Sovat as he recognized Colonel Chhan’s enlisted aide. Sullivan grabbed Seng’s shirt shoulder with his left hand. With his right he pointed furiously at a mixed group of dependants, soldiers and refugees. “Them! Them!” He gestured. “Off there!” He pointed to the dark murky waters off the west side of the road. “s*
