Frisco-Kid
05-09-04, 09:29
My first 2wks. in the 101st was spent at the main basecamp in Phan Rang getting processed in, drawing equipment, and going through P-Training. I wasn't there very long before I noticed a monkey that kind of had the run of the place. I don't know what kind he was, but he was of medium build [for a monkey] and about 3ft. tall when he stood on his hind legs.
He didn't belong to anyone in particular. His original owner probably rotated out, walking or otherwise. Everyone just fed him whatever. Now remember, we're talking about a bunch of young paratroopers. This guys diet consisted of mostly beer, whiskey, and junk food. I heard that he would eagerly smoke a joint if offered. From what I could see, he spent most of the time drunk or sleeping.
When I was sent up-country to join my unit, I didn't return to Phan Rang for 4mos.. That was to be sent to Saigon to see a dermotologist for a jungle rot that I contracted. The first thing I noticed was the monkey was missing. After asking around I found out what happened to him.
He kept drinking more, and eating less. Pretty soon he was getting so mean and aggressive, hardly anyone could handle him. It was decided that he had to be gotten rid of. However, he was so liked by everyone no one wanted to destroy him. It was decided that he would be turned loose, but not in that condition. He was captured and caged. He was sobered up and fed the healthiest foods that could be gotten from the mess hall or off of the locals. He did this regemin for about 6wks..
It was decided that since he was with an airborne unit, he should be dropped into the jungle somewhere for his freedom. They got a flare parachute [about 5ft. in diameter] and made a harness for him, something that they felt he could get out of once on the ground. At the first opportunity he was taken up in a chopper. They hovered at about 100ft. over some jungle west of Phan Rang, and out the door the monkey went. He was last seen landing in the top of some trees in a triple canopy jungle. As far as I know, he was the only monkey to be Airborne qualified. Well, there was this staff sergeant that closely resembled an ape :)
He didn't belong to anyone in particular. His original owner probably rotated out, walking or otherwise. Everyone just fed him whatever. Now remember, we're talking about a bunch of young paratroopers. This guys diet consisted of mostly beer, whiskey, and junk food. I heard that he would eagerly smoke a joint if offered. From what I could see, he spent most of the time drunk or sleeping.
When I was sent up-country to join my unit, I didn't return to Phan Rang for 4mos.. That was to be sent to Saigon to see a dermotologist for a jungle rot that I contracted. The first thing I noticed was the monkey was missing. After asking around I found out what happened to him.
He kept drinking more, and eating less. Pretty soon he was getting so mean and aggressive, hardly anyone could handle him. It was decided that he had to be gotten rid of. However, he was so liked by everyone no one wanted to destroy him. It was decided that he would be turned loose, but not in that condition. He was captured and caged. He was sobered up and fed the healthiest foods that could be gotten from the mess hall or off of the locals. He did this regemin for about 6wks..
It was decided that since he was with an airborne unit, he should be dropped into the jungle somewhere for his freedom. They got a flare parachute [about 5ft. in diameter] and made a harness for him, something that they felt he could get out of once on the ground. At the first opportunity he was taken up in a chopper. They hovered at about 100ft. over some jungle west of Phan Rang, and out the door the monkey went. He was last seen landing in the top of some trees in a triple canopy jungle. As far as I know, he was the only monkey to be Airborne qualified. Well, there was this staff sergeant that closely resembled an ape :)