The security squads up and down river set up half-arc perimeters with the machine guns facing the river and the back of the arcs open to the column. The machine gunners opened and extended the bi-pod legs of the 60s and laid their ammo out in preparation for a fight. Behind them thumpermen mock registered their grenade launchers. Riflemen opened tiny holes in the grass to aim through.
“Let’s go,” Brooks motioned. 1st Sqd and the company CP and all of 2d Pit moved to the river’s edge. The column moved up behind them. Old Pop Randalph climbed down and into the deceptive current. Even at the very edge it caused him to stagger as the black water suddenly gurgled and surged against his legs. Pop retreated, slipped out of his ruck, removed his boonie hat and web gear and laid his weapon down. A
