Walking Point – Vietnam, 1966
31 July 2012
By an unknown photographer, 1966. Photo Credit: National Archives
“Vietnam: A Marine walking point for his unit during Operation Macon, a marine moves slowly, cautious of enemy pitfalls, 1966″
“Walking point” on patrol in Vietnam meant being the first to face ambush, sniper fire, or booby traps. According to one account, this duty meant a man needed to develop a “sixth sense for danger” in order to protect himself and his comrades.
I was in Operation Macon, the operation was to start on the 5th of july 1966,kilo company 3rd battalion 9th.Marines 3rd.Marine DIV.WHICH WAS THE UNIT I was in.the enemy was heavily armed.
Gary, thank you for your service and for commenting!
I spent my entire tour in Nam walking point; even after I was made the squad leader. I served with the 199th LIB 2/3rd. The Old Guard. I felt comfortable doing it. Far more than having a guy up there that I wasn’t sure about. And you do develop a sixth sense about what is going on. In the triple canopy jungle, your hearing increases and you learn to look through the think undergrowth far ahead of you. And…you just get a feeling when Charlie was around. You could feel him. Often I would stop the unit behind me and have everyone get off the trail and just listen and wait. I was never wrong. I just knew when enemy eyes were on us.
John, thank you for your service! As well as for sharing about your time walking point in Vietnam. Having never served, I’m always interested in hearing about the experiences of those who have. It brings a whole new light to it and I appreciate you taking the time to write about it!
Thank you John for your service. I just learned a lot from that short description of walking point. Your clarity is greatly appreciated.