Ann Margret Gate to Cu Chi
also see a website article
Vol 1 - No 5 - 1 April 1966
MOVIE STAR BECOMES 2D BRIGADE OUTPOST
"Ann-Margret," the telephone voice said. Actually, of course, it wasn't Ann Margret. She never got to Viet Cong infested Cu Chi on her whirlwind tour of Vietnam. But no matter: she has friends there.
Co. B, 65th Engr. Bn., recently completed a key bridge on the brigade's dusty northern perimeter and 1/5th (Mech) Inf. drew the assignment of guarding the strategic outpost. It was christened Outpost Ann-Margret, named longingly for the actress's visit to Vietnam. Naturally, "Ann-Margret" is the ONLY way to answer the telephone.
Although actress Ann had only been guarded from thousands of wild-eyed GIs, Outpost Ann still has to be defended from live Viet Cong bullets.
The men from 1/5th weren't talking, though, when asked if they had any reminders of their outpost's namesake decorating the bridge to brighten those dark nights.
A website article:
Ann-Margret tribute to American Vets
My husband (Richard) never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to Sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.
When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's s
o far from home.. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.
I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.AA