In
the Mekong Delta one could see hundreds of these small boats daily.
For
the Vietnamese people that depended on the river to make a living,
the Sanpan was an indispensible tool. Used for transportation of just about
anything imagineable, Rice and vegetables were the main cargo.
Sometimes,
but not always!
They
also served as people and weapons carriers, operating primarily at
night.
When
a Sanpan boat member saw an American Soldier, or a spotter aircraft
he became very, very nervous. He knew he was automatically suspect.
Many
had good reason to think that way.
In
this situation, we were suspicious due to the extra person on board. Most
sanpans were lucky to have two people! Much less three!
Rifles,
ammunition, and grenades were found under the bags of rice.
Through
an interpreter we later learned these nice fellows said they were just
on their way to turn in the weapons they claimed they had "found".
Sure.
Ready to move
out
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