Leatherneck stands tall while crossing river during Operation Beacon Guide north of Da Nang. An underwater pothole gives a hapless GI an unexpected dunking as a buddy grins at his discomfort. A Marine landing team from the assault carrier Okinawa stormed Chon May Bay 20 miles north of Da Nang in a two-pronged landing from amtracs and helicopters. There was no opposition from the Viet Cong and the Marines proceeded Operation Beacon Guide until they ran into an enemy that brought them to a halt - a river deeper than it was supposed to be. So the famed amphibians crossed the hard way - guns and ammo held high, water up to their necks.

Dave Preston, © 1967, 2018 Stars and Stripes, All Rights Reserved | BUY THIS PHOTO