They Called Me "Doc"
By: James Vanden Bosch
Marines and Navy Corpsmen, especially in a combat environment,
have a symbolic relationship like no other. Each is dependent on the other, for their lives are literally at stake. The essence of this book is
the story of my time spent with Lima Company, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines from January to November 1969. I would like to dedicate these words
to those I served with and in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
James Vanden Bosch
HM2 James Vanden Bosch served in two distinctly different commands in Vietnam, which might be somewhat of an anomaly given the circumstances. His first 3 months was as a member of Alpha 7. A roving Civic Action Platoon (CAP) whose mission was winning the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese people. Accomplished by protecting their villages from the communist North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. 10 Marines, he as their corpsman and a diverse collection of South Vietnamese Popular Forces (PF) made up their Unit. The PF typically consisted of young boys and old men. Alpha 7 was constantly on the move covering their Area of Operation (AO) and the villages within it.
James remaining 9 months in country consisted of being assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines Regiment (3/26). A "grunt" battalion that has constantly been on combat operations since being reactivated in March, 1966 in Vietnam. His new designation was Senior Corpsman for LIMA Company. The company consisted of approximately 150 marines with 8 corpsmen attached. James now had the responsibility of overseeing 7 other corpsmen and being the highest medical authority for his company. This included determining med-evac priorities, the proper treatment, and handling and staging of combat casualties (triage). A huge burden to carry in time of combat when lives are at stake; especially when you are brand new to 3/26.
If interested in obtaining a copy of this book please contact James at:
jvandenbosch3023@gmail.com
