Taken from China Beach Surf Club - Part 1 by Joseph Giannini:
Off the Republic of South Vietnam
Onboard the USS Dulutt
September 12, 1967
Last night our Amphibious Assault Ships steamed into a large cove and dropped anchor outside China Beach, Da Nang. China Beach is an in-country R & R center run by the Navy. They even have surfboards, and a building groundswell is heading in. I first came here in early August, a little over a month back. We had a great party that day. At dusk, drunk and happy, we headed back to our ships. Got back on board without any mishaps. One day of rest and then we choppered back in-country to start Operation Beacon Guide in Hoi An, Happy Valley. From there on to Operation Cochise in the Que Son Valley—the Valley of the Walking Dead.
Later today, the First Battalion Third Marines, aka 1/3, the Home of the Brave—four rifle companies and a headquarters company, over 500 salty Marines in all—will head to China Beach for a beach party: beer, burgers, and franks.... Read More