When we arrived we ran in Gen. Moore (co-author of the book) and he told us to come on out to the set even though it was a closed set. Just tell them I was one of his men. We went out and had no problem getting past security when I told them who I was. We got into the area where all the support people and equipment are. From there they had about 10 vans just for shuttling people out to the set itself. It was already dark and they were shooting some night scenes. We watched for quite awhile. Very interesting. The cast and crew are very emotional about this movie. They are paying attention to the smallest detail. When cast and crew found out I was a vet of the battle they would come over to shake my hand and have me sign their copy of the book. Kay and I were treated like royalty. They invited us back the next day and evening. Same scenario---handshaking and book signing. That evening Sam Elliott & Mel Gibson were there. We went over to the shoot and during a break Mel came over to talk to Julie Moore (The Gen.'s wife---Mel is playing the Gen---at that time a Col). We were next to her and she introduced us to him and we all talked for awhile. We watched more shooting until the next break and we went to the back area. While there, Sam came by and I stopped him, introduced Kay and myself and asked him to sign my book. He had no problem with doing that and then talked to us for awhile. After he left I remembered we didn't get a picture. A few minutes later he came back by and I asked for a picture. No problem! I got the camera and he put both arms around Kay and rested his head on her head. What a shot! Kay is still floating. I think I should pay him to do that about once a month---sure would make my life a lot easier. :>) Got my picture with him and we talked some more. Next break Mel was at the viewing trailer and I asked him to sign the book and we got pictures taken with him also.

Later when they broke for lunch (2AM) we were invited to eat with the cast and crew. Sam was in there and when he got done eating he came over and talked some more. He is a real gentleman. The crew even talks highly of him. We visited the set for the next 2 days and didn't run into either Sam or Mel again. Guess we got lucky that one night. Took a few pictures of the set and some of the scenes but we were asked not to send any over the internet until after the movie opens. This was quite an experience and I had to share it with friends. Once in a lifetime thing. The Ia Drang survivors get together every Veteran's Day in DC and we have a banquet for survivors and family and family of those we lost. The director is the guest speaker this year and they said that some of the stars were going to be there. They didn't give out any names yet but I might have more on this story after November.

DICK