How does the Recon Platoon Leader end up on board the New Jersey? Beats me but there he is. LT Jelinek on deck without a cover.

In his own words here is what led to Fred being on the New Jersey. (And if anyone needed it this is more proof that Dave Hatigan was a good man.)
"About 3PM, I was called to come in from planned night ambushes and receive orders. Thought something big must be up. When I got to Sharon I was told to pick 10 good privates and SP4s and report to HQs. Then I KNEW something big was up. LTC Hartigan then told me to report to the S-1 for my "mission"! He had a twinkle in his eye, but said nothing else. We were given 10 or 15 minutes to turn in our weapons and be back at the helipad with all our dirty and "clean" laundry. We were flown out to the ship, had our clothes laundered in clean, not paddy water, and were fed like kings for four days. One of my guys was smart and brought a duffel bag full of VC and NVA battle litter. I do believe he's living in Monaco now on what he made selling that stuff to the swabbies! Turns out I got to go as I had not shown any interest in R&R and had about 8 months in country."
[RETURN TO T'NAILS]