Two of my fellow medics, Tom Hinger and Rod, short for Rodriguez. Since we all just called him Rod, I don't remember his first name. Rod was a medic and Senior Aidman for Charlie Company. He was wounded in action twice that I remember, and probably more times than that. In late Feb. '68, Charlie Co. tangled with a VC force and in the ensuing firefight, 3 of the 4 medics on the patrol were wounded. Jim Swink was shot through the abdomen trying to get to his platoon leader, who was dead. Rod was wounded when he exposed himself to enemy fire going after Swink and pulling him to safety. Another medic, Noel, was also wounded. Rod was a role model and mentor for the new medics who came to Charlie Company and, like Tom, one of the bravest soldiers I have been privileged to serve with. He was decorated several times for valor.

Tom's achievements are documented elsewhere in this photo gallery. The strange apparition on his shoulder is a monkey, which was a unit mascot.

Photo courtesy of Tom Hinger