the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM!

Post by Col_Fury »

The ‘Nam first appeared in the Savage Tales (v2) anthology series, then went on to its own series, which was then pulled in to the Marvel Universe when they had Frank Castle appear in later issues. Those later issues (and Punisher Invades the ‘Nam) are already in the MCP for Frank, and some are in for Mike Phillips (who later appeared in issues of PWJ), but I’m sure they’re nowhere near complete. Also, there are a ton of missing issues from the series in general. So, you know, let’s do something about that!

Obviously, this was intended to be the real-world Vietnam, but that was over 40+ years ago now. Thanks to the sliding timescale, Frank Castle and Flash Thompson (and others) can’t have served in the actual Vietnam, but rather something that happened within the last several years of Marvel Universe history. Generally, I’ll be using real-world dates as a guide for placement, but keeping in mind that they’ll have happened alongside comics published in those years (not that it will really affect anything all that much, I’m sure). In Spider-Man terms, Flash Thompson was drafted into the Army in ASM 43 (near the end of 1966, the year America had the highest number of draftees during Vietnam), and Punisher first appeared in ASM 129 (near the start of 1974, Frank was already out of service by then, and America had largely withdrawn from Vietnam by August 1973). Of course, this was just Marvel reflecting the world around it, but there you go.

For a detailed outline of Punisher’s time in Vietnam, check out the Punisher Index TPB. The intro lays it all out!

I only recently finished up my collection of the ‘Nam comics and haven’t read most of them. It’ll likely take a while to go through them all, so I’ll peck away at it until I’m done. :)
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Re: the 'NAM!

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EPIC GRAPHIC NOVEL: HEARTS and MINDS (1990)
By Doug Murray & Russ Heath

APPEARANCES:
Duan Nhi, Duan Le & her infant child, Wayne, Sgt. Trieu, Lt. Jim Brett & his parents, Cookie, Sgt. “Lucky” Lopez, Capt. Becker, Col. Bui, Madam Hoa, Bob Hope, Ann Margret, Lt. Trung, “Pig”

SYNOPSIS:
April 1965: The National Liberation Front recruits fighters in a South Vietnamese village. When some refuse, like Duan Le, the NLF stashes weapons for later use in the village and tells them to protect the weapons. Some time later, American military and the South Vietnamese Army (including Capt. Bui) arrive in the village and find the weapons. Scared, Duan Le runs away (leaving his wife Duan Nhi and her child behind) and is shot. The village is burned and the villagers are relocated; Duan Le wakes up to find everyone and his village gone; he thinks the Americans killed everyone.
May 1965: Jim Brett graduates high school, tells his friends he’s going to Columbia for college, but has to join the ROTC to afford it. Several months later, Jim’s girlfriend (Cookie) convinces Jim to drop out of ROTC, feeling the war in Vietnam isn’t that bad and he won’t get drafted. Soon after Jim is drafted (surprise!), goes through basic training and applies of Officer Candidate School. Three months later, he’s a new lieutenant in Vietnam. Lt. Brett survives his first skirmish, and is ordered by his superior (Capt. Becker) to find a way to relax, or else he’ll never survive. The next day he’s taken into town (city of Hue) by his new friend Sgt. “Lucky” Lopez, where Capt. Becker pays for Brett to visit a brothel (since Lt. Brett refuses marijuana). There, he meets Maj. Bui (formerly Capt.) of the South Vietnamese Amry, and Duan Nhi, now a prostitute (her child had starved to death a while back), and falls in love. Meanwhile, Duan Le is now fighting with the NLF; it’s been “over two years” since his village was burned (June 1967, roughly). His unit is shot down by American helicopters, but he survives. “Some six months later” (so now December 1967, roughly), Lt. Brett has bought Duan Nhi’s freedom by purchasing her from the brothel. He’s about to start a new tour, but he's hoping his new superior officer will approve a transfer. Meanwhile, Duan Le is now with a new NLF unit.
Christmas Eve, 1967: Lt. Brett attends a USO show, but is upset his transfer request has been denied. It’s suggested he talk with the South Vietnamese Army instead, so meets with Col. Bui (formerly Maj.), who offers to help, but in exchange he was American weapons for his black market deals. Lt. Brett agrees. That night, Lt. Brett proposes to Duan Nhi. Meanwhile, Duan Le continues to fight with his new NLF unit.
January, 1968: Lt. Brett delivers the weapons to Col. Bui, who agrees to get Lt. Brett and Duan Nhi transferred, but suddenly the NLF attacks, and soon overtakes the city of Hue (part of the Tet Offensive). The Americans eventually get permission to call in air support and begin to take the city back. Lt. Brett goes AWOL and finds Duan Nhi (still in the city), but as luck would have it, Duan Le happens across them and kills Lt. Brett. He recognizes Duan Nhi as his wife; they both thought the other dead. Outraged, Duan Nhi goes for a gun, so Duan Le kills her in self-defense. Sgt. Lucky, looking for Brett, finds them and kills Duan Le. Soon after, Lt. Brett is buried in Arlington. Lucky and Col. Bui put Duan Nhi’s ashes to rest; Col. Bui feels his debt to Lt. Brett and Nhi is repaid, Lucky feels bad that he never learned Nhi’s name.

NOTE:
Who knows how many (if any) of these characters will show up in the ‘Nam series, and/or get full names? I guess we’ll find out…

The cover says “Epic Graphic Novel: Hearts and Minds, a Vietnam Love Story,” but the indicia just says “Epic Graphic Novel: Hearts and Minds.”

Not that it matters for placement (because this story spans years), but according to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, this was published the same month as the ’Nam #53. Who was writing the ‘Nam at this time? Doug Murray. :)
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Re: the 'NAM!

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For at least the first year (if not longer), this series ran in “real time;” each issue happens a month after the last. A month passes for the reader, and a month passes for the characters.

the 'NAM #1 (December 1986)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Pvt. Ed Marks & his parents, Sgt. Wright, Sgt. Kelly, 1st Sgt. Tarver, Rob Little, Mike Albergo, Lonnie Crews, Sgt. Polkow, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers, Charlton Heston (in “Major Dundee”)

SYNOPSIS:
Early 1966: Ed Marks goes through basic training and joins the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), stationed in the Republic of Viet Nam (south Vietnam). Not realizing the 1st Sgt. wants a bribe to hand out cushy assignments, Pvt. Marks is assigned to Sgt. Polkow’s platoon (the 1st Sgt. doesn’t like Polkow). Marks survives his first outing, but vomits after killing his first enemy combatants. Back at base, Marks is surprised they’re showing “Major Dundee,” which he saw a while ago, but keeps getting distracted by gunfire and explosions off in the distance. He’s told that’s just something he’ll have to get used to.

NOTE:
The 1st Sgt. is also called “Top,” but that’s not a nickname or a callsign; as 1st Sgt., he’s in charge of assignments and deployments, he’s at the top of the food chain. It’s like calling a manager “boss.”

Lonnie Crews introduces himself as “short,” but again, that’s not a nickname; he’s just saying his tour is almost done.

the 'NAM #2 (January 1987)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Pvt. Ed Marks, Sgt. Polkow, Mike Albergo, Lonnie Crews, Spc. Kakas, Thomas, Sgt. Tarver, Rob Little, Lt. Fenelli, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), Military Police, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
March 1966: Sgt. Polkow’s squad returns to base after three days in the field, but Spc. Kakas complains to the 1st Sgt. that Polkow put him in danger. The 1st Sgt. assigns Polkow’s squad to head out again in four hours, not giving them much time to rest. While on patrol, Polkow realizes the road’s been booby trapped. When the squad returns, Polkow confronts the 1st Sgt., but is interrupted by Lt. Fenelli. Polkow promises to “talk” with the 1st Sgt. soon.

the 'NAM #3 (February 1987)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Pvt. Ed Marks, Mike Albergo, Lonnie Crews, Sgt. Polkow, Sgt. Tarver, Stars & Stripes reporters, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy combatants

SYNOPSIS:
April 1966: Lonnie’s tour s almost up, so he wants to spend some time in Saigon before he heads back home. He gets some money together to pay off the 1st Sgt. to get a pass, and heads into town with Marks and Albergo. They go to a movie, but someone bombs the theater. They decide to get a drink, but Marks is robbed. They decide to sleep in a hotel, but someone bombs the hotel. Crews is injured in the explosion, and is told he’ll spend the rest of his tour in the hospital.

the 'NAM #4 (March 1987)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Jim Tarver (also in fb), Pvt. Ed Marks, Mike Albergo, Rob Little (also in fb), Dennis Lawrence, Sgt. Polkow, Thomas, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

FLASHBACK:
Rob and Sgt. Tarver used to go out in the field. Rob was injured and Tarver was promoted. Rob re-upped, but instead of going back in the field he was assigned to be Tarver’s office assistant.
SYNOPSIS:
May 1966: Dennis Lawrence from an American news network is in country to shoot some footage of the 23rd Infantry clearing out a village. When they arrive by chopper they’re ambushed. Sgt. Tarver gets nervous and calls in a napalm strike, but they leave Marks and Little behind. As they make their way back to base Little is injured; when they return Little wants to go back in the field, but Tarver says he’s going to stay as his office assistant. As it turns out, Lawrence forgot to change the film in his camera and didn’t get any footage.

NOTE:
Little explains to Marks that Tarver used to be a good guy, it’s just that the war turned him into an asshole.

the 'NAM #5 (April 1987)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks, Sgt. Rob Little, Thomas, Sgt. Polkow, Spc. Nate Hale, Sgt. Jim Tarver, Ralph Marchese, Fitz Mills, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Jose Santos, Mike Albergo, Lt. Fenelli (bts), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), Military Police, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
June 1966: Marks, Little and Thomas are out on patrol. Meanwhile, 1st Sgt. Tarver returns to base; he accidentally broke his finger so he’s putting himself in for a purple heart. Tarver’s surprised to see he has a new clerk-typist (office assistant) and that Little’s been promoted to Sgt. While he was gone. The patrol finds a town that’s been slaughtered, and its people have been tied to stakes and gutted. At base, new recruits come in, but they refuse to pay Tarver for a good assignment; they’re sent to Polkow’s platoon. The patrol finds the National Liberation Front soldiers responsible for the town’s slaughter and calls in a mortar strike against them. Polkow sends one of the new soldiers to pay off Tarver; he’s caught by the new clerk-typist and arrested by Military Police. Little is surprised; he thought Polkow was going to eventually kill Tarver, not get him arrested.

the 'NAM #6 (May 1987)
By Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks & his mother (bts), Mike Albergo, Jose Santos, Thomas, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Sgt. Rob Little, Spc. Kakas, Nguen, Sgt. Polkow, Ralph Marchese, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
July 1966: Marks gets a letter and learns his grandfather is sick. He calls his mom, but can’t get a leave because grandad’s not a direct relation. Spc. Kakas, angry that Tarver is gone, puts a grenade in Polkow’s sleeping quarters; Polkow’s injured, but otherwise fine. A squad is sent out on patrol, and Kakas is “accidentally” shot in the field.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #7 (June 1987)
by Doug Murray, Michael Golden & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks, Duong (also in fb) & his first wife (executed) & second wife (killed) (both in fb), Phan Boi Chau (real person, in fb), Vietnamese soldiers (in fb), Japanese soldiers (in fb), French soldiers (in fb), Ho Chi Minh (real person, in fb), French Foreign Legion (in fb), Ngo Dinh Diem (real person, in newspaper in fb), Lt. Finelli (in fb), Sgt. Polkow (in fb), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized)

FLASHBACK:
1940: The Japanese invade Southeast Asia. In French Indochina (Vietnam), the French government cooperates with the Japanese. Duong, a farmer, watches as his wife (a protestor) is executed; he goes to college, graduates, then (in 1941) joins the Vietminh to liberate his country from the foreigners. Eventually the Japanese are driven out and Ho Chi Minh becomes Prime Minister of North Vietnam (in 1945). Duong becomes a farmer again and finds a new wife, but the French, wanting to defeat the Vietminh, who disagreed with their presence in the country, attack again, this time using the French Foreign Legion, staffed with former Nazis. Duong rejoins the fight, and in 1954 the French are driven out. Vietnam is officially split in two, North and South, and Ngo Dinh Diem is named Prime Minister of the Republic of Viet Nam (South Vietnam). Duong felt things were getting worse. The South Vietnam army killed anyone who disagreed with Ngo Dinh Diem’s policies, and the North Vietnam army was instituting a class system that didn’t make sense to Duong. When the Americans arrived, they were viewed as just more foreigners, like the French. However, the Americans seemed to be better able to adapt than the French, and as the North Vietnam army became more brutal, Duong felt the Americans were the better option (the lesser of several evils, is probably closer). In 1966, Duong defected and became a Kit Carson Scout for the 23rd Infantry (mechanized).
SYNOPSIS:
Cpl. Marks asks Duong, a former NLF fighter and current Kit Carson Scout, why he switched sides.

the 'NAM #8 (July 1987)
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Finelli, Cpl. Ed Marks, Mike Alberto, Sgt. Rob Little, Thomas, Lt. Espino, Marty, Spc. Frank “Fudd” Verzyl, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
August 1966: A tunnel system is discovered, so Mark joins Verzyl in cleaning it out of enemy fighters. Verzyl mentions he’s thinking of switching jobs because he doesn’t like rats.

2nd Story:
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Roger Young, Sgt. Rich Heidel, Amil “Croaker” Pawley, Garland Bremby, Paul “Head” Hogan, John “Fats” Duff (all in fb), Spc. Frank “Fudd” Verzyl (also in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Verzyl, now with Young’s paratrooper unit, is sent to clean out a tunnel system. It’s abandoned, but he’s attacked by a flood of starving rats. He’s ordered back in by an inexperienced 2nd Lt., so Verzyl does the only thing that makes sense: he shoots the 2nd Lt. in the face.
SYNOPSIS:
Verzyl, following his court martial, is taken to the crazy house.

NOTE:
Well hey, it’s the 5th to the 1st guys, from Savage Tales v2! Those stories took place in 1967, and this story obviously happens after the first, so I’m assuming this story is at least a year after the first, and after the Savage Tales v2 stories.

the 'NAM #9 (August 1987)
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks, Mike Albergo, Sgt. Rob Little, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Sgt. Polkow, Lt. Finelli, Jose Santos, Fitz Mills, Thomas, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
October 1966: A cluster of activity has been discovered in Tayninh Province, so several squads and platoons are mobilized to take care of it. Normally, the Vietcong scramble when they’re discovered, but appar3ntly this is a command post so they’re fighting to keep it. After several close calls, Mike Albergo is killed in action.

NOTE:
Oops! Looks like they skipped September.

the 'NAM #10 (September 1987)
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks, Sgt. Rob Little, Sgt. Polkow, Laird, Stevens, Berusch, Jose Santos, Thomas, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Warren, Sgt. Oanh, Tran Van Van (real person), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), other ARVN soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Late October 1966: Marks has been drinking himself silly for the last few weeks, ever since Albergo died. On National Day (November 1), the Vietcong bomb Saigon, killing lots of people. The 23rd is sent to assist the ARVN to defend the city. Little ties to straighten Marks up, but he doesn’t want to listen. While on patrol Marks sees Ramnarain trying to make some money and decides to sober up. Marks helps stop an assassination attempt on Tran Van Van, and later finds it hard to believe that Saigon’s economy is based on American troops (as according to Ramnarain). Eventually the VC are driven out of Saigon.

the 'NAM #11 (October 1987)
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Edward Marks, Sgt. Rob Little, Jose Santos, Thomas, Sgt. Polkow (bts), Card. Spellman (vo), Pope Paul VI (bts), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), Military Police, USO girls, VC children, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
December 1966 (a few days before Christmas): It’s almost Christmas and Marks is feeling homesick, but his tour’s almost up. Some of the 23rd go to mass in Saigon, then a USO show on base. The base is attacked despite a cease fire. On Christmas, local children are brought on to base to celebrate, but one of them sets off a grenade. They later celebrate New Year, and the base is attacked again. They talk about the Pope calling or a continuation of the cease fire, but no one believes it will happen (it hasn’t so far). The next day, Thomas’ tour is up and he’s sent home.

the 'NAM #12 (November 1987)
by Doug Murray & John Severin

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Edward Marks (also in fb), Sgt. Rob Little (also in fb), Jose Santos (also in fb), Sgt. Polkow (also in fb), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized) (also in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACK:
The 23rd participate in Operation Cedar Falls, an attempt to clean out the VC’s Iron Triangle. Entire civilian populations were relocated and entire villages were eradicated, in the hope that it would destabilize the VC’s power base.
SYNOPSIS:
January 1967: Marks writes a letter home.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #13 (December 1987)
by Doug Murray & Michael Golden

APPEARANCES:
Cpl. Ed Marks, Sgt. Rob Little, Capt. “Flash” Finelli, Jose Santos, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Jeff Brooks, Casey Brown, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Nguen, Sgt. Polkow, Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley (both in “Dracula, Prince of Darkness”), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
February 1967: Lt. Finelli’s tour is over and is flown home. Ed Marks has a little over a week left on his tour. New replacements come into the 23rd, Marks goes on a few more patrols, and a party is thrown to see Marks off. Marks wonders what Ramnarain and Brown are up to, but decides it doesn’t matter. Marks is put on a plane and sent back home.

the 'NAM #14 (January 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Andy “Aesop” Clark (also in fb), Jimmy Rubino, Jeff Brooks, Casey Brown, Sgt. Rob Little, Sgt. Polkow, Lt. Alarnick, Jose Santos, Spc. Chandradat Ramnarain, Light (also in fb) & his brother (in fb), Rivilli, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

FLASHBACKS:
In Clark’s previous tour, he was sad to see the VC bomb an orphanage. He re-upped to keep his brother (who was being drafted) out of battle zones. Similarly, Light re-upped to keep his brother out of battle zones, but his brother had an aneurism during basic training.
SYNOPSIS:
March 1967: With Finelli gone, a new platoon leader, Alarnick, takes over and changes a few procedures. Some people aren’t happy about the changes.

NOTE:
“Aesop” Clark tells a few stories this issue but admits most of them are made up. So, the thing about Nazis poisoning cigarettes and the guy mailing home a piece of a gun at a time aren’t actual flashbacks.

the 'NAM #15 (February 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Rob Little, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Sgt. Polkow, Cpl. Ed Marks (in fb) & his parents (in fb), Walter Cronkite (in fb), Earle Reynolds (real person, in fb), Akie Nagami (real person, in fb), Crittendon (in fb), Sgt. Oschee (in fb), Lewin (in fb) & his parents (in fb), other basic trainees (in fb), enemy soldiers

FLASHBACK:
Ed Marks gets home and is surprised to see people protesting America’s involvement in Vietnam; he’s especially surprised at people protesting DOW Chemical manufacturing Napalm. He didn’t seem to fit in with his friends, and is surprised to see his old girlfriend already had a baby (they had broken up before he left, so only 14 months ago). Marks is surprised (again) to see people giving aid to the VC (the Phoenix of Hiroshima). Marks starts as a drill instructor at Jackson, and notices some volunteers just aren’t cut out for military work. Marks writes a letter to Little to let him know how things are in the States.
SYNOPSIS:
April 1967: Sgt. Little gets a letter from Ed Marks, but loses it after his post is attacked by the VC.

the 'NAM #16 (March 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Rob Little, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Spc. Chandradat “Jerry” Ramnarain, Jose Santos, Jimmy Rubino, Jeff Brooks, Casey Brown, Sgt. Polkow, Lt. Alarnick, Sgt. Rowland, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
May 1967: As Little’s squad prepares to pacify some nearby villages, Sgt. Polkow tells Little he’s being transferred and a new 1st Sgt. Will come in. At the village, Alarnick believes the villagers when they say there’s no VC activity there, but Little and Clark find stashed weapons. Angry at being lied to, Alarnick orders the rest of the village searched, but they’re attacked. Alarnick freaks out and calls in an air strike, but he strands Ramnarain in the field, who is captured. At base, Little is concerned that the new 1st Sgt. Is drinking like a fish at 7:00AM. He’s worried that the rotation in leadership will affect the platoon.

the 'NAM #17 (April 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Buckley (of the 1st Infantry Division), Sgt. Rob Little, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jose Santos, Jimmy Rubino, Fitz Mills, Jeff Brooks, Lt. Alarnick, Sgt. Rowland, Spc. Phillips (yep, that’s him), Pvt. Daniel (also in fb), Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Pvt. Dan White, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Cathcart (in fb), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), other soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One), enemy soldiers

FLASHBACKS:
Pvt. Daniel of the 1st Infantry Division, makes fun of his CO and is transferred to the 23rd. “Pig” Meachum’s squad is killed in action, and he requests to be reassigned to another combat unit.
SYNOPSIS:
June 1967: The 1st Infantry Division fights the VC. Meanwhile, Lt. Alarnick takes Little’s squad out on patrol, despite them being short staffed. Little tries to talk to the 1st Sgt. about Alarnick, but it does no good. New replacements come in and are assigned to Little’s squad. Alarnick takes Little’s squad out again, but doesn’t pay attention to Little’s warning and blunders into a VC trap, killing some of the squad.

the 'NAM #18 (May 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Spc. Light, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Nurse Jane, Sgt. Rob Little, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Spc. Phillips, Lt. Alarnick, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Sgt. Rowland, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYOPSIS:
July 1967: Andy visits Little in the base hospital, complaining about Lt. Alarnick. Little, already having tried every other option, talks to the base chaplain, who can’t do anything about Lt. Alarnick, either. Out on patrol again, the squad finds a village and Lt. Alarnick is angry when it’s found they’re helping the VC. Little tries to stop Alarnick from killing a prisoner and Alarnick threatens to have Little arrested. During the argument a grenade is thrown, and Little covers Alarnick but is injured in the process. Alarnic wants medical attention first, so Clark punches Alarnick in the face. Later at the base hospital, Clark learns Little will likely survive, but will also likely lose a leg. Clark goes to the 1st Sgt., who tells Clark not to worry about Alarnick. Just then, a grenade goes off in Alarnick’s quarters.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #19 (June 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Capt. K. Kelly & his co-pilot (Rog), Sgt. “Ice” Phillips, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Sgt. Rowland, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
August 1967: A pilot is shot down, so it’s a good thing Phillips’ squad is nearby (Phillips has been promoted to Sgt. and took Little’s place). They rescue the pilot and make sure he gets back to base.

the 'NAM #20 (July 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Rob Little, O’Donnell, Spc. Andy “Aesop” Clark, Sgt. Rowland, Sgt. “Ice” Phillips, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Sgt. Bo, Nurse Jane, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), other Thai soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
September 1967: Little is given the Purple Heart. Meanwhile, Clark is cleared of fragging Lt. Alarnick. The next dya, Phillips’ squad is assigned to patrol along with some Thai soldiers in the spirit of cooperation The Americans are surprised at how ruthless the Thai are. Later, Little is sent home.

the 'NAM #21 (August 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Sgt. Rowland, Nurse Jane Ripley, Nurse Sue, Dr. Ian Kendall, Jennings, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
October 1967: Clark is injured while out on patrol. He doesn’t seem to mind too much, because it means he gets to spend more time with Nurse Jane. Clark is given the Purple Heart, but he gives it to someone else in the base hospital. The base is attacked, and Jane decides to transfer out of the battle zone. Clark is sad.

the 'NAM #22 (September 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Rich Geigerich, Pvt. Aeder, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
November 1967: A helicopter is shot down by the VC. When mortar fire is called in, the VC retreat into underground tunnels and the area is demolished. Sgt. Phillips’ squad is sent to search for any remaining enemies. After spending hours searching, they fine no one. They’re ordered to search for more, so they request the base’s Thanksgiving dinner be dropped off for them. After eating, they continue the search and leave the rest of their food behind. The hiding VC come out of the tunnels and eat the food, commenting that’s why, from their view, the Americans will eventually lose: they’re wasteful.

the 'NAM #23 (October 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Casey Brown, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Aeder, Chris Noel (real person), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized)

SYNOPSIS:
December 1967: Pvt. Aeder wonders why no one seems to like him (it’s because he’s an easily distracted screw-up that’s constantly endangering everyone’s lives, but try telling him that). At the Christmas USO show, Chris Noel gives Aeder a pep talk and a smooch. Aeder starts to feel better about himself.

the 'NAM #24 (November 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Pvt. Daniel, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Aeder, Sgt. Rowland, Capt. Tuong, Lt. Son, Col. George Jacobson (real person), Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Loan (real person), Nguyen Van Lem (real person), Eddie Adams (real person), Gen. Westmoreland, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), other ARVN soldiers, other enemy soldiers, other reporters

SYNOPSIS:
January 31, 1968: The Tet Offensive begins. Sgt. Phillips and his squad are mobilized to help with th attacks; Phillips, Meacham and Daniel are sent to Saigon to help with an attack on the US Embassy. As they deal with that, the nearby National Radio Station has been seized by the VC, by the station’s signal has been jammed by the ARVN. After things have calmed down, Gen. Loan executes a prisoner in the street, as photographed by Eddie Adams. Later, Phillips wonders how the rest of his squad are doing.

the 'NAM #25 (December 1988)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Andy “Aesop” Clark, Jimmy Rubino, Sgt. Grille, other US marines, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
January 31, 1968: Rubino, recovering from a foot wound, and Clark are visiting a Marine base when they’re suddenly attacked. After the fighting dies down, the Marines (along with Clark and Rubino) relocate to the city of Hue where more fighting is going on. With the Marines unable to return Clark and Rubino to the 23rd, they’re assigned to a Marine squad to help the fighting in Hue. They find a bunch of children killed by the VC, they participate in an amphibious assault on the Perfume River and help liberate a cathedral.

NOTE:
This issue and last happen at the same time, but there’s no character overlap.

At this point we’re caught up to Epic Graphic Novel: Hearts & Minds. There was a guy called Pig in that as well, but it’s a different guy (#24 is in Saigon, EGN:HRT&MND was in city of Hue; #25 was in Hue, but Pig wasn’t in #25).
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #26 (January 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Andy “Aesop” Clark (also in rfb), Pvt. Aeder, Pvt. Daniel, Ed Marks (also in fb & rfb), Rob Little (also in rfb), Thomas (also in rfb), Sgt. Polkow (also in fb), Sgt. Jim Tarver (also in rfb), Spc. Chandradat “Jerry” Ramnarain, Frank T. Verzyl, Lewin, college students & a professor, Ft. Bliss trainees, doctor & nurses, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized) (others in fb), other POWs, enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACKS:
Clark and some Marines find a bunch of dead babies (repeats NAM 25). Marks and the gang find a slaughtered town with gutted corpses (repeats NAM 5). Later, on patrol with Polkow, Marks and the gang finds a mass grave (new). Tarver & Little fight in the same squad; when Tarver is promoted he makes Little his office assistant (repeats NAM 4-FB). Marks and Little fight off an attack at Christmas (repeats NAM 11). Polkow learns to deal with a guerilla enemy and crappy equipment (new).
SYNOPSIS:
February 1968: As the 23rd relocate to a new area of operations, Phillips notices that Stars & Stripes (the Army newspaper) is printing false information, essentially lying to the troops. He wonders what the news is telling people back home. Marks, now in college, is frustrated when his professor downplays the threat in Vietnam. Tarver, stationed elsewhere, is smuggling SOMETHING in women’s shoes. Little trains new troops at Ft. Bliss. Thomas helps plan a comics convention. Sgt. Polkow gets new troops ready for Vietnam. Ramnarain, in a North Vietnam prison camp, hopes the war will be over soon.

the 'NAM #27 (February 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Andy “Aesop” Clark, Griffis (also in fb), Steve Baker (in fb), Ellie Baker (in fb) & their son (in fb), other 1st Air Cav soldiers (in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Griffis meets capable soldier Baker in the field and they become friends. Both became career military. Once, a Major wanted to send their squad into an unwinnable situation, but Baker “talked” the Major out of the idea. Soon after, Baker got a letter (I’m assuming his wife divorced him) and he became angry and sloppy after that. Soon after, their squad is ambushed by VC and they call in an Arclight, but their pickup helicopter is shot down and they’re caught in the strike. Griffis is blinded and Baker dies.
SYNOPSIS:
Andy Clark treats some 1st Air Cav that came in after a fight; one (Griffis) tells the story of his friend.

the 'NAM #28 (March 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “the Iceman” Phillips, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Pvt. Daniel, Pvt. Mike Aeder, Mark Callahan, Dwight Jones, Jim Demaio, Arlen Miller, Lou Martini, Crockett, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
May 1968: The 23rd has been repositioned near Tay Ninh at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail near the Cambodian border. Lonnie Crews is back with the 23rd as platoon leader, and everyone is instructed to never cross into Cambodia, even if the VC do. With Clark and Rubino transferred elsewhere, new replacements are added to Phillips’ squad. Phillips notices Aeder is staying up late and falling asleep during patrols, which he didn’t used to do. Phiilips’ squad runs into some VC while on patrol and chases them into Cambodia. They decide not to tell anyone they did.

the 'NAM #29 (April 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “the Iceman” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Sgt. Lonnie Crews (bts); W. Averell Harriman, Xuan Thuy, Bobby Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy, Jesse Unruh, Juan Romero, Sirhan Sirhan, Gen. William Westmoreland, Gen. Creighton Abrams, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Michael K. Ferber, William Sloan Coffin Jr., Mitchell Goodman, Marcus Raskin, Francis J.W. Ford (all real people)

FLASHBACK:
In Quang Tri, American forces are surprised to see ARVN soldiers flee during a firefight. The platoon leader feels they (ARVN) don’t trust the Americans anymore, having heard of the peace talks in Paris.
SYNOPSIS:
June 1968: Phillips and Meacham are on R&R and chat with some wounded soldiers. Meanwhile, the Paris Peace talks hit some snags. The fighting continues in Saigon. Bobby Kennedy is assassinated. Gen. Westmorland is replaced by Gen. Abrams as commander in Vietnam. The Paris Peace talks continue to hit roadblocks. In Boston, Dr. Spock and his associates are found guilty of aiding draft dodgers.

the 'NAM #30 (May 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meacham, Sgt. Rowland, Lt. Biggs, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Pvt. Mike Aeder, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
July 1968: Some VC are upset that the Americans have found another one of their weapons stashes outside Saigon. Meanwhile, Phillips’ squad is put on bunker duty. Sgt. Rowland is now constantly drunk. A new Lt. (Biggs) also goes on bunker duty to see what it’s like. Phillips notices Aeder is missing again. Lt. Biggs sees movement and opens fire. Eventually things calm down and they realize it wasn’t the enemy, but rather a duck. Also, the duck survived the assault. Lt. Biggs asks Phillips to stop him next time he’s about to do something stupid. Phillips’ squad has to reset all the Claymores before they can go off shift. Phillips tells Aeder (who has been visiting a girlfriend) not to go missing anymore, or it will be considered AWOL. That night, Aeder goes AWOL.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #31 (June 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Pvt. Mike Aeder & his girlfriend, Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Lt. Biggs, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
August 1968: The AWOL Aeder, now staying with his girlfriend, complains that he hasn’t been granted a pass to marry her. Suddenly, they’re both killed by VC. Meanwhile, Phillips’ squad is on patrol when they’re attacked. They fight their way into the nearby town which Meachum recognizes; they find Aeder’s body, then continue fighting. Eventually, things die down.

the 'NAM #32 (July 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Theodore Meachum, Cookie Towle, Jackson, Tom Hayden (real person), Richard Nixon, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
September 1968: As Phillips’ squad fights in Vietnam, Meachum’s brother Teddy goes to college in Chicago. He and his friends try to get into the Democratic National Convention, but they’re denied access. They go to protests and marches because they’re unhappy with the war in Vietnam. The police riot squad breaks up marches and arrests several protesters. After a while, Teddy wonders if some of the protesters are protesting for the right reasons. Later, Teddy is arrested; he was photographed by FBI posing as newsmen during a march.

NOTE:
A blonde woman named Cookie is an anti-war protester in college here, and a blonde woman
named Cookie is an anti-war protester in college in EGN:HRT&MND. This is in Chicago in 1968, RGN:HRT&MND is at Columbia in 1965. There is a Columbia in Chicago, but not “the” Columbia, which is in New York. I don’t know how common of a name “Cookie” was in the mid ‘60s, but I’m thinking this is the same character.

the 'NAM #33 (August 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Spc. Dennis Daniels, Sgt. Kelso, Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Sgt. Rowland, Lyndon Johnson, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
October 1968: Specialist Daniels’ tour is over, but he’s informed that with the high turnover, he’s being forced into a second tour. He’s not happy about it. He’s reassigned to Phillips’ squad, who are surprised by the news of tour lengths. Later while on patrol, Phillips’ squad is saved by air support when they run into enemy combatants. That night, they hear that the President has ordered no more bombings and they wonder if that means they won’t get air support any more.

the 'NAM #34 (September 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Iceman” Phillips, Lt. Biggs, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Maj. McCandles, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
November 1968: While on patrol, Phillips’ squad clears out some VC from a village and continue on. After a firefight they make their way back to base, but are stopped from passing through the village from earlier. Phillips discovers his old commander, McCandles is in the town, torturing civilians for the CIA. The squad leaves, but Phillips refuses to talk about his old assignments.

the 'NAM #35 (October 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Iceman” Phillips, Lt. Biggs, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Williams, Jones, Scott, Bacon, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Ed Marks & his parents, Dennis Lawrence, Bob Hope, Ann Margret, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
December 1968: Phillips’ squad is on patrol, but Williams, on guard duty, is too busy complaining racial injustices to notice they’re surrounded by VC. Meachum notices the activity and they fight their way out. Back at base camp, Meachum is offered a promotion, but has to get his GED first. In the States, Ed Marks is found by Dennis Lawrence (from NAM 4) and Marks explains the difference between a division and an infantry to him. The 23rd attends a Bob Hope USO show for Christmas and Williams tries to start a fight with Daniels, but Meachum breaks it up.

the 'NAM #36 (November 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
W. Averell Harriman, Xuan Thuy (it’s them again!), Sgt. Mike “Iceman” Phillips, Spc. “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Pvt. Williams, Pvt. Jones, Pvt. Scott, Pvt. Bacon, Torrence, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
January 1969: The Paris Peace Talk continue to hit roadblocks. This time, it’s the shape of the table. Meanwhile, Phillips’ squad is on patrol. Williams complains about the easy job helicopter pilots have, and because of that all pilots must be white. When a helicopter is shot down and they’re ordered not to rescue the pilots, Williams says it’s because the pilots are black. Later, Williams refuses to go on guard duty, and he and Daniels get into a fight; Daniels defeats Williams, telling him that Williams is the only one in the squad that cares about race. One of Williams’ friends prepares to knife Daniels, but he’s shot by nearby VC. During the ensuing firefight a medic ‘copter is called in, but it doesn’t lad because of gunfire. When it returns and picks them up, Williams threatens to kill the pilot for waiting to pick up a black man. At base when Williams finds the pilot, he’s surprised to see the pilot is black.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #37 (mid November 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Lt. Biggs, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Spc. Cal “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Jim Demaio, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Pvt. Williams, Pvt. Jones, Pvt. Scott, Pvt. Bacon, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
February 1969: At base, Meachum prepares for his (Army equivalent) GED test. Meanwhile, Phillips’ squad is out on patrol. Williams falls asleep while on watchout duty and almost gets everyone killed. They fight their way out, but Demaio dies, and Martini and Daniels are injured. As they return to base, Williams is too busy passing the blame and accidentally sets off a white phosphorous round. They kick it out of the helicopter and it lands on Meachum, blinding him.

the 'NAM #38 (December 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Lt. Biggs, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Spc. Cal “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Pvt. Williams, Pvt. Jones, Pvt. Scott, Pvt. Bacon, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
March 1969: Phillips’ squad is out on patrol and Jones steps on a landmine. Williams is too scared to help so he runs off. While under fire by VC, Martini helps Jones disarm the mine long enough to get away. Once they’re back at base, Williams blames the white man on Jones’ predicament. Meachum tells him to shut up. Later, Jones tells Williams to go to hell; Williams couldn’t even be bothered to help a fellow black man. Williams is left with no friends.

the 'NAM #39 (mid December 1989)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Spc. Cal “Pig” Meachum, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Lou Martini, Arlen Miller, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Pvt. Williams, Pvt. Jones, Pvt. Scott, Pvt. Bacon, Sgt. Rowland, Pvt. Oscar Martinez, Pvt. Howie Carson, Pvt. Ron Fuentes, Tran, Bui, Mai, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
April 1969: Phillips’ squad throws a going away party for Lonnie Crews. A local worker brings his son to base because their house was blown up by VC. The base is attacked, and Williams panics and kills the worker. Angry, the kid tries to join the attacking VC, but is instead killed by them.

the 'NAM #40 (January 1990)
by Doug Murray & Pepe Moreno

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Lonnie Crews, Mart (also in fb), other US soldiers (others in fb), enemy soldiers(in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Mart heads a boat on a heavy traffic river, but ignores the radio and blunder into the middle of an attack. His crew survives, but his boat is destroyed.
SYNOPSIS:
May 1969: Lonnie Crews takes a trip down the river before he’s shipped back to the States to be a drill instructor. Crews’ buddy Mart tells the story of why he’s on a nothing river instead of an important river.

the 'NAM #41 (February 1990)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Mike “Ice” Phillips, Sgt. Lou Martini, Dwight Jones, Pvt. Williams, Lt. Biggs, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized)

SYNOPSIS:
June 1969: It’s the end of Phillips’ fourth tour and he’s being sent back to the States. As he prepares to leave, he and Martini imagine what it would be like if the super heroes came to Vietnam.

NOTE:
Williams says he doesn’t believe in heroes; in context, he’s saying he doesn’t believe there are people in the world that do things for no personal gain or reward. Yes, they’re talking about super hero comics when he says it, but no one actually says there are no super heroes.

As we know, Frank Castle appears in later issues of this series, and Mike Phillips appears in issues of PWJ, so this is a world where super heroes exist. Depending on your interpretation of this issue either causes problems or not.

the 'NAM #42 (March 1990)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Biggs (also in fb), Sgt. Lou Martini (also in fb), Pvt. Howie Carson (also in fb), Spc. Dennis Daniels (in fb), Arlen Miller (in fb), Dwight Jones (in fb), Mark Callahan (in fb), Pvt. Williams (in fb), Pvt. Jones (in fb), Pvt. Scott (in fb), Pvt. Oscar Martinez (in fb), Pvt. Ron Fuentes (in fb), Pvt. Bacon (in fb), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized) (in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACK:
July 1969: Lt. Biggs lead a patrol and they find a VC command post. They call in artillery and pound the place, but they’re spotted and get into a firefight. Bacon is injured and they call for an evacuation. The helicopters can’t land so they have to climb up ropes. As they’re pulling Bacon up on a stretcher, the lines snags on a tree and Biggs has to cut the line, sacrificing Bacon to save everyone else.
SYNOPSIS:
An inquiry is held to see if Lt. Biggs holds any responsibility for Pvt. Bacon’s death. He’s found innocent and no charges will be pressed.

NOTE:
And with that, we’re halfway through the 84 issues of the ‘Nam!
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Re: the 'NAM!

Post by wolframbane »

Great write up Daron. And anyone interested in reading about the Punisher in Vietnam, check out this shameless plug:

http://chronologyproject.com/phpbb2/vie ... f=2&t=5859
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Re: the 'NAM!

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Thanks!

the 'NAM #43 (April 1990)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Lou Martini, other US soldiers (others in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACKS:
A sniper loses his nerve (relatively recently). A Special Forces squad gets slaughtered because the radio is garbled with chatter. The squad Sgt. later finds out the chatter was about John F. Kennedy being shot in Dallas (1963). A new Lt. quickly learns the ropes in Vietnam. While on patrol his entire squad is killed and he’s the only one to survive.
SYNOPSIS:
April 1970: While on short leave, various soldiers tell war stories in a Saigon tavern.

NOTE:
Yep; they skipped forward by almost a year. With Chuck Dixon writing instead of Doug Murray I was thinking this was a fill-in issue, but art’s by series regular Wayne Vansant, so probably not. Hmn.

the 'NAM #44 (May 1990)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Lou Martini, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Arlen Miller, Dwight Jones, Mark Callahan, Pvt. Williams, Pvt. Jones, Pvt. Scott, Pvt. Oscar Martinez, Pvt. Howie Carson, Pvt. Ron Fuentes, Pvt. “Rocket” Rossi, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
College football hero “Rocket” Rossi has joined Sgt. Martini’s squad, but he’s scared; so scared, that he almost gets the squad killed twice in one patrol. But a lucky break gives him some confidence and he gets his act together. Martini sews a calendar in Rossi’s helmet to give him something to focus on so he won’t be so scared.

NOTE:
There’s no date given this issue.

the 'NAM #45 (June 1990)
by Doug Murray & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Lou Martini, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Sgt. Jim Tarver (also in fb), Rob Little (in fb), Gen. Douglas MacArthur (in fb), John F. Kennedy (bts in fb), other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), other US soldiers (in fb), Korean soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Jim Tarver signs up for military service and fights in Korea. He quickly discovers how racist the military is; he’s routinely robbed by white soldiers and nothing is done about it. He learns to watch out for himself. In Vietnam while on patrol, Sgt. Tarver is ordered into a “pacified” ville, which is obviously not. They complete the mission, but one of Tarver’s soldiers, Rob Little, is injured.
SYNOPSIS:
October 1969: Sgt. Martini finds a journal and reads it to find out who it belongs to so he can return it. Turns out it’s Sgt. Jim Tarver’s, who’s back with the 23rd.

NOTE:
There we go, the date’s back! Last issue could have been either August or September, I suppose.

Yes, the flashback here leads into the flashback seen in NAM 4.

In case it helps later with placement, MacArthur’s appearance is in August 1950, and Kennedy’s -BTS appearance is in August 1963.

Also, the letters are pouring in. It seems NO ONE cared for NAM 41. At all. Yikes.

the 'NAM #46 (July 1990)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Richard Nixon (bts), Pvt. Trader, Hallen, Pvt. Rigby, Sgt. Frank, other US Marines, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
April 30th 1970: The Marines have been sent into Cambodia with a 60 day timeframe to attack NVA supply dumps. Hallen only has three weeks left of his tour and doesn’t want new guy Ribgy to get him killed. They find a supply dump and call in the artillery, then get into a firefight with the local NVA. Rigby’s shot and Hallen pulls him to safety, but there’s nothing to be done; Trader stole the medical supplies to make a trade. Hallen prepares to kill Trader, but the Gunnery Sgt. stops Hallen. Trader will be arrested.

NOTE:
Chuck Dixon’s back, and this issue takes place very shortly after NAM 43. Like, a week or so after.

the 'NAM #47 (August 1990)
by Jaqueline Zambrano & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Biggs, Pvt. “Rocket” Rossi, Pvt. Crandall, Duke, other soldiers of the 23rd Infantry (mechanized), enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Summer 1969: Lt. Biggs takes a squad out to back up a recon squad. While in the field, Rossi gets in a fight with Duke over Crandall; Duke thinks Rossi is a racist, but Rossi doesn’t like Crandall because he’s a coward, not because he’s black. The fight ends when VC shoot at them. Duke is injured and Rossi finds and rescues Crandall, who ran away. Rossi tells Crandall that everyone’s afraid, and covers for him when they return. Later, Duke buys everyone beers.

NOTE:
The comic says “Summer,” but I’m guessing this is August, and shortly after NAM 44 (which was either August or September; I guess that’s August also).

Before writing this comic, Jaqueline Zambrano wrote an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation (s2e5, the one with the deaf & mute mediator with the chorus of three that “speaks” for him. Remember that one?). She would later create the TV show Under Suspicion, which dealt with sexism in the police force.

the 'NAM #48 (September 1990)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Frank, Sgt. Bennington, Hap, Bullens, other US Marines, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
The Marines set up a firebase near the Cambodian border. That night it’s attacked; during the fight, air support has to be called in, but since it’s night they can’t see where to shoot. The Marines set a large arrow-shaped fire to show them. In the morning after the fighting’s done, they go about resetting the firebase.

NOTE:
Involves a character from NAM 46, so this is likely July 1970, maybe August.
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #49 (October 1990)
by Doug Murray & Herb Trimpe

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Lou Martini, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Arlen Miller, Dwight Jones, Pvt. “Rocket” Rossi, Pvt. Oscar Martinez, Pvt. Ron Fuentes, Eli Dove, Philip Deluca, Marilyn, Gail, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Sgt. Martini’s squad is in trouble, but the Dove is here to take them away in a helicopter. They can only fit the wounded, so Martini and some others stay behind and make sure the helicopter can get away. Dove wants to go back for the rest of Martinis’ squad, but he’s ordered to pick up some donut dollies (not nurses, but female morale boosters) instead. Dove and Gail hit it off. Later, Gail is injured and Dove get her to a base hospital.

NOTE:
Again, no date. But since Rossi appears here, we have to be at least past August 1969.

the 'NAM #50 (November 1990)
by Doug Murray & Herb Trimpe

APPEARANCES:
Eli Dove, Phil Deluca, Gail, Marilyn, Sgt. Lou Martini, Spc. Dennis Daniels, Arlen Miller, Dwight Jones, Pvt. “Rocket” Rossi, Pvt. Oscar Martinez, Pvt. Ron Fuentes, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a month, and Gail thinks Dove wants to marry her. Meanwhile, Dove has lost hi nerve and doesn’t want to pick up wounded soldiers. He eventually does, but his helicopter takes fire. When they return to base, Gail freaks out because Dove could have died. Later, Dove hears on the radio that the base Gail is at is under fire, so he flies there. Because he’s unexpected, he gets in the way of the jets and almost crashes. Dove picks up Gail ad some wounded and eventually flies away.

NOTE:
No date again, but it’s noted as a month after last issue.

the 'NAM #51 (December 1990)
by Doug Murray & Herb Trimpe

APPEARANCES:
Eli Dove, Phil Deluca, Gail Henderson Dove, Marilyn, Sgt. Jim Tarver, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Dove and Gail get married. Later, his helicopter goes down and he’s stranded in Cambodia. It takes a week or two, but he and his co-pilot eventually make it back. When he gets home he learns that Gail thought he was dead and went back to the States. Jim Tarver offers to help Dove also get back to the States.

NOTE:
This is an undetermined amount of time since last issue, but enough time needs to have passed for Tarver to get the marriage paperwork in order. It looks like these three issues fill the gap between Murray’s ’69 stories and Dixon’s ’70 stories.

And that’s it for Doug Murray. He’ll be back in NAM 75 to co-write a short, though.

the 'NAM #52 (January 1991)
by Roger Salick & Mike Harris

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Frank Castle, the Monkey, Capt. James, other US soldiers, other enemy soldiers

SYNOSIS:
The infamous North Vietnamese sniper the Monkey has been killing US military officers, so the US sends in expert sniper Sgt. Frank Castle. He finds and kills the Monkey, but it turns out to be a double and Castle is captured. When the Monkey reveals his next target is Capt. James (the guy who started the Marine sniper program), Castle hangs himself in his cell.

the 'NAM #53 (February 1991)
by Roger Salick & Mike Harris

APPEARANCES:
Sgt. Frank Castle, the Monkey, other enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
When a guard checks on Castle’s body, he kills the guard and escapes. Then, he kills the Monkey’s fellow soldiers and the Monkey himself.

NOTE:
No dates given for this story, but given the timeline largely laid out in PUNNAM, this is likely in Frank’s fourth tour (maybe his fifth). He served three under his birth name Castiglione, and another three under his assumed name Castle. These two issues are already placed for Frank Castle, but no one else.
-Daron Jensen
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #54 (March 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Joseph E. Hallen, Londra Hallen, Calvin Hallen, Mrs. Hallen, Tremayne, Leonard, Sgt. Mann, Marty, Goose, Speed, other US Marines

SYNOPSIS:
Joe Hallen’s tour is over and goes home to Baltimore. He’s dismayed to find his younger brother hasn’t been helping out around the house, his sister’s unemployed boyfriend is living in the same house as his mother, and his mother has been beaten down by life. He can’t find a job because the only places hiring are fast food joints, stock boys at grocery stores and part time janitors at garages. When his mom yells at him for making a mess of things he realizes he no longer fits and re-enlists with the Marines.

NOTE:
This Joe Hallen is the same Hallen from NAM 46. He had 3 weeks left to go there, so this issue starts roughly around the end of May 1970.

the 'NAM #55 (April 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Joe Hallen, Sgt. James Mann, Marty, Goose, Speed, other US Marines, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Hallen heads out on an assignment with his new LRRP squad; they aren’t happy that Hallen makes them a five man team, because they’re used to four man teams. They find a group of friendlies, but Hallen doesn’t trust them. Sgt. Mann tells Halen to shut up. Hallen finds a dead Marine and opens fire. The VC are killed, but so is Goose. Mann apologizes to Hallen and starts to trust him.

the 'NAM #56 (May 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Joe “Hardcase” Hallen, Sgt. James Mann, Marty, Speed, a former CIA agent, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
Mann is starting to lose it, because he blames himself for Goose’s death. While on another mission, this time loaned out to the Army, Mann’s group stumbles across a VC platoon. They call in an air strike and escape, but when they call for a pickup, they’re told to ditch their radio and continue with the mission. Hallen convinces Mann t stash the radio just in case they need it later. They continue on and meet a CIA agent, who says they’re there to rescue some American POWs.

the 'NAM #57 (June 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Joe “Hardcase” Hallen, Sgt. James Mann, Marty, Speed, Pvt. David Roeder, a former CIA agent, two Chinese nationals, other US Marines, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
October 1970: Mann’s squad storms the VC compound and fids they aren’t rescuing American POWs, but Chinese POWs. Marty is injured, but they escape. The CIA agent admits he’s former CIA, and he’s running his own drug smuggling operation. His helicopter ride shows up and Mann’s squad leaves the former agent and the Chinese nationals behind. The helicopter crashes and they go for their stashed radio, but it was found by some VC. They continue on foot and eventually get to a nearby firebase, but a fidgety guard fires at them, killing Mann.

the 'NAM #58 (July 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Joe “Hardcase” Hallen, Sgt. James Mann (corpse), Marty, Speed, Pvt. David Roeder, other US Marines, MPs, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
October 1970: Hallen swears to kill the guard, Roeder, who accidentally killed Mann. Roeder is transferred to Saigon, which when Hallen gets some leave time, Hallen finds out. Speed tries to talk Hallen out of his revenge plan, but Hallen won’t listen. Hallen eventually finds Roeder, who, blamig himself for Mann’s death, has turned to heroin. Roeder overdoses and dies in front of Hallen just as some MPs arrive. Angry at losing his revenge, Hallen gets into a fight with the MPs. Hallen is arrested. Since Roeder OD’ed, Hallen won’t be charged with murder, but he will be charged with assaulting Military Police. He’s sent to military prison in Pendleton.
-Daron Jensen
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #59 (August 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Alvin Ritchey, Hollander, Tedder, Pam Ritchey, other pilots, NVA

SYNOPSIS:
May 1972: Lt. Alvin Ritchey and other bomber pilots are sent to bomb strategic locations in Hanoi. They’re shot down and Ritchey is captured.

NOTE:
They skipped ahead by a year and a half. Yikes!

the 'NAM #60 (September 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Alvin Ritchey, Bittinger, Maj. Nguyen Houang, “Jerry” Ramnarain, other captured pilots, NVA

SYNOPSIS:
May 1972: Ritchey is brought to a prison camp where the local Major questions him about the Air Force’s strategic missions. Ritchey refuses to talk. At night he chats with another prisoner, Jerry Ramnarain, who gives him advice on how to navigate the interrogations. Ritchey tells Ramnarain things about his mission, and Ritchey later learns that Ramnarain was the actual interrogator. Ritchey then learns that Ramnarain has been tortured and his missing his legs and a hand. When he gets the chance, Ritchey escapes.

the 'NAM #61 (October 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Lt. Alvin Ritchey, villagers

SYNOPSIS:
Ritchey finds a town where a blind woman feeds him. When he sees local children teasing the blind woman, he’s spotted by the kids and captured. When Ritchey tries to escape again, he’s killed.

the 'NAM #62 (November 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
“Speed” Bivins, Mike “Iceman” Phillips, “Little” Minh, Augustus “Doggie” LaMeer, Mai Bac Xuan (“Minky,” Doggie’s fiancée), Mai Phat (Minky’s brother), enemy soldiers, corrupt South Vietnam policemen

SYNOPSIS:
March 1971: Speed gets caught in a VC ambush; he survives, but is injured (he’s burned from the waist down). Alost a year later in the hospital, he’s approached to join Special Ops. He meets his group, “Ice” Phillips, “Doggie” LaMeer & “Little” Minh. They’re sent out to retrieve a former US soldier who has gone native and his sending radio broadcasts to screw up US missions. Meanwhile, LaMeer’s fiancée is arrested for suspicion of communist activities.

NOTE:
And now they went back by over a year (yeah, they then skipped forward almost year from there, but we’re still earlier than last issue). We’re just bouncing around all over the place, I guess.

the 'NAM #63 (December 1991)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
“Speed” Bivins, Mike “Iceman” Phillips, “Little” Minh, Augustus “Doggie” LaMeer, Pvt. Anthony Sloan, Mai Bac “Minky” Xuan, enemy soldiers, corrupt South Vietnam policemen

SYOPSIS:
Speed and the squad find the guy sending radio broadcasts and get him back to base, but LaMeer is killed in the process. When they return, they learn they got the wrong US traitor sending radio messages, so the mission’s a bust. They decide to tell LaMeer’s girlfriend what happened, unaware she’s been arrested.

NOTE:
The comics states this is “February 1971,” but since last issue started in March 1971, this must be February 1972. Chalk it up to a typo.

the 'NAM #64 (January 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
“Speed” Bivins, Mike “Iceman” Phillips, “Little” Minh, Capt. Tran, William Holden (in “the Wild Bunch”), other corrupt South Vietnam policemen

SYNOPSIS:
Speed and the gang finally get around to checking in on Minky, but can’t find her. They eventually learn she’s been arrested. When they check with the police, they learn the police want five thousand dollars to free her. Doggie left three for her, so Speed re-ups and tosses in his two thousand dollar bonus. They call for a meet, but the police ups the price to ten thousand. They end up attacking the police with machine guns and Minky kills the police captain. Ice negotiates a deal; the guy next in line to take the captain’s place accepts it (let them go and take over his operation, or get killed, basically). Speed gives Minky the money, but she’s angry that it’s not enough to get her to America.

NOTE:
This issue says it’s May 1971. That can’t be right, because Speed was still active in October 1970 in NAM 54-58. He was injured in NAM 62 in March 1971, and then was active again in the following February (which would have to be 1972). He was healing in the meantime, so this has to be May 1972 (not 1971). Another typo, I guess.

Speaking of wonky timelines, it’s mentioned that Minky was arrested “last week.” And yet, last issue was in February, which was three months ago. Hmn.

Speaking AGAIN of wonky timelines, in NAM 62 Speed says he as three months left of his tour (which was February, so he was up in May). This issue is in May, but it’s said that Speed still has a month left of his tour, which is AT LEAST a month longer than what he said in NAM 62, if not two.

the 'NAM #65 (February 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Russ Heath

APPEARANCES:
“Speed” Bivins, Mike “Iceman” Phillips, the Ghost (also bts in fb), Maj. Phouc, enemy soldiers

FLASHBACK:
The Ghost builds his reputation as a deadly sniper.
SYNOPSIS:
Speed and Ice are called in to take care of the Ghost, a North Vietnamese sniper. No one thinks they can do it, and several bets are placed against them (six to one odds!). They heads out and think they get him, but when they return to base, the Ghost snipes men around them, to taunt them. They head out again, and Ice gets shot through the cheek. Speed keeps going on his own, and eventually kills the Ghost.

NOTE:
Noted as June 1971. I think they lost track of their calendar.

the 'NAM #66 (March 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Kevin Kobasic

APPEARANCES:
the Creep (“Whispering Death,” Marine sniper, also in fb), his parents (in fb) & siblings (in fb), US Marine trainers, trainees & soldiers (in fb), enemy soldiers (others in fb)

FLASHBACK:
The Creep grew up on a farm and was taught how to hunt ad shoot by his dad. His family was happy but the neighborhood children were mean. His family lost the farm due to back taxes, so the family moved to the city. Dad grew mean, started beating on mom, then killed himself. Mom turned into a drunk and eventually ran away, leaving the kids behind. The Creep’s siblings were taken by family, but he ended up in an orphanage and eventually joined the Marines, becoming one of their top snipers. He was put into Special Ops and assigned to take out VC tax collectors. Eventually, he became famous and the American TV news wanted to interview him. His assignment was cancelled because the higher ups didn’t want to leave the American people with a bad impression. Instead of going back to the States, the Creep went AWOL.
SYNOPSIS:
The Creep continues to kill VC tax collectors, but on his own with no military backing.
-Daron Jensen
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Re: the 'NAM!

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the 'NAM #67 (April 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Kevin Kobasic

APPEARANCES:
“Ice” Phillips, US soldiers, Pvt. Frank Castiglione (in fb), J. F. Mikuta (in fb), Daryl (in fb), other US Marines (in fb), enemy soldiers (others in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Frank Castiglione arrives in country for his first tour and is immediately put on patrols. He learns that VC are planning to attack the base, but no one will listen to him. He the learns that the base’s commanding officer is taking money from soldiers who want to go AWOL, then having them killed in the field.
SYNOPSIS:
“Ice” Phillips tends to a wounded soldier and tells him a story to keep him distracted.

NOTE:
This is Frank Castiglione’s first tour, and only his third day in country. There really can’t be any battlefield scenes of Frank before this. Already placed in the MCP for Frank.

This issue establishes that “Ice” and Punisher knew each other at some point during the war. Since Ice knows him as Castiglione, it would have been sometime during Frank’s first three tours. They’ll reunite in the current day in PWJ 52 (March 1993).

the 'NAM #68 (May 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Kevin Kobasic

APPEARANCES:
“Ice” Phillips, US soldiers, Pvt. Frank Castiglione (in fb), J. F. Mikuta (in fb), Daryl (in fb), other US Marines (in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACK:
Frank kills his squad leader and eventually makes his way back to base. He warns them again of the impending attack, but no one listens and he’s put in the base hospital. When the base is attacked he makes his way to the CO’s office and discovers thousands of dollars from missing Marines. During the attack Frank kills the CO.
SYNOPSIS:
“Ice” Phillips loads the wounded soldier onto a helicopter and tells him a story to keep hi distracted.

the 'NAM #69 (June 1992)
by Chuck Dixon & Kevin Kobasic

APPEARANCES:
“Ice” Phillips, US soldiers, Pvt. Frank Castiglione (in fb), Col. No-Name (in fbs), other US Marines (in fb), enemy soldiers (in fb)

FLASHBACKS:
Frank spends several weeks in a prison hospital. After he’s healed, he’s approached by a Colonel with no name (Col. No-Name), who puts Frank back to work after hearing his story (Frank suspects Col. No-Name was in on the AWOL soldiers scam). At the end of Frank’s first tour, he tells Col. No-Name that he’s re-upping. Years later, Col. No-Name is killed by a sniper in Saigon.
SYNOPSIS:
“Ice” Phillips visits the wounded soldier at the base hospital and finishes his story.

NOTE:
PUNNAM reveals/confirms that it was Frank who killed Col. No-Name in Saigon.

No dates are given for these issues, and it’s not entirely clear how Ice knew all the details of Frank’s story. I guess Frank must have told Ice all of this stuff at some point during his first three tours, including what he was dreaming about.

the 'NAM #70 (July 1992)
by Don Lomax & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Ed Marks, Sgt. Kotowski, Sgt. Ozorio, Lt. Read, Sgt. Torres, Spc. Nandi, Lt. Farrell, Dai-Uy Lu, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
March 30, 1972: College graduate Ed Marks is now a journalist for the associated press. He arrives at Firebase Brass Hat to write a story about the troops, but as luck would have it, North Vietnam begins its Eastertide Offensive that night. The base is all but destroyed and personnel is ordered to leave, but they refuse (they don’t want to leave their South Vietnam counterparts behind). Ed Marks is flown to a hospital base in Da Nang with some wounded.

the 'NAM #71 (August 1992)
by Don Lomax & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Ed Marks, Spc. Nandi, Sgt. Hassell, Lt. Col. Berry, Lt. Gen. Lan Quang Thi (real person, bts), Sgt. Coons, Tex-Mex, Hucklebuck, Rocketman, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
April 1, 1972: Ed leaves the hospital base and tries to talk some higher-ups into evacuating Firebase Brass Hat’s American and South Vietnam personnel. The response is the Americas had their chance, and who cares about the South Vietnamese? Ed hitches a ride with some pilots, hoping to get back to the firebase, but the wounded Spc. Nandi that Ed dropped off earlier comes with; Nandi hijacks a helicopter hoping to evacuate the firebase himself.

the 'NAM #72 (September 1992)
by Don Lomax & Wayne Vansant

APPEARANCES:
Ed Marks, Spc. Nandi, Sgt. Kotowski, Sgt. Ozorio, Lt. Read, Sgt. Carlos Torres, Lt. Farrell, Dai-Uy Lu, Sgt. Hassell, Lt. Col. Berry, Tex-Mex, Hucklebuck, Rocketman, other US soldiers, enemy soldiers

SYNOPSIS:
April 2-3, 1972: At Firebase Brass Hat, Sgt. Kotowski sacrifices himself to buy everyone else some more time. Meanwhile, Nandi arrives in his hijacked helicopter and evacuates the rest of the firebase. When they arrive at Da Nang Lt. Col. Berry has Nandi arrested. Ed Marks reminds Berry that he’s not under Berry’s jurisdiction, and he’ll report to the associated press that Berry refused to rescue the firebase and Nandi did if he doesn’t drop the charges.
-Daron Jensen
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