If ever a photograph captured the fundamental loneliness of war...

According to Time, who published the picture in 1971, this young soldier was part of Bravo Troop, an armored cavalry unit of the Americal Division. The unit was patrolling, and keeping secure, Route 9, an important artery up near the border of Laos when they were ambushed. The company commander's armored personnel carrier (APC) was stopped by a mine. The troopers called in air reinforcement but eventually had to withdraw and reorganize but, six hours later they charged back, "top speed, all guns blazing," to rescue their commander. Though it was strongly suggested, they thought the area was "too hot to secure" and declined to stage another assault to rescue the APC which one guy deemed "just a piece of junk."

When the magazine correspondent happened upon Bravo Troop on Route 9 up near the border of Laos, he reported members were "fatigued, red-eyed and black with dirt and dust" and "had the look of men pushed beyond their limit." Poor kids - I can only imagine what that feels like. 

Deep in thought, Ray, pictured, is holding a letter torn from a spiral notebook, and a folded magazine article, from his little sister, Rene, back home, stationed at Parris Island in South Carolina.