How to piss off an Admiral

In October 72 we were behind the USS Chicago an 8 inch gunned Cruiser with missiles several 5"50 flash less gun mounts and some some old obsolete 3 inch pea shooters like we had.

Anyway we were about 1/2 mile behind her as we were moving up the Vietnamese coastline off of Quan Tre' The lookouts reported that they could see a puff of smoke billow up from the Chicago and some flames. It appeared that the VC had launched a Sam missile at the ship which scored a hit on one of the old 3 inch mounts.

But that didn't matter...The VC had the audacity to attack the Admirals ship...He ordered and fired a full 9 gun 8 inch response to take out the missile emplacement. A few seconds later we saw a small puff on the beach and then a roar as about 20 missiles and small arms ammunition went up in a mini mushroom cloud. We could hear every one on the Chicago cheering so we joined in.