Soldiers from Alpha Company, which took heavy casualties in the battle, bow their heads in prayer. The soldier on the far right is my friend and fellow combat medic, Tom Hinger. Tom was awarded Silver Star and Purple Heart Medals for his courageous actions during the battle.

It normally took at least 20 Hueys to transport an under-strength rifle company (which ours all were) to the field on a combat assault and to bring them back. Alpha Company went back to Lai Khe basecamp the morning after the Battle of Ong Thanh in 5 Hueys. Most of the guys on them either weren't in the battle or were walking wounded.