There were times 50 years ago, when fighting in the Central Highlands jungle of South Vietnam, Rex Heape wondered what might happen next.
Ever-present heat and humidity took their toll. Personal hygiene was nonexistent; if lucky, Rex found a stream to splash away dirt and grime every two or three weeks. C-ration packets were little more than subsistence.
By the time his years obligation ended, including firefights during the Tet Offensive, Rex was a gaunt 140 pounds, 50 less than when drafted.
