Was there something special you did for "good luck" in the Combat Zone?

2016-02-16T14:10:27-05:00

When you were assigned in the combat zone what special thing did you do, wear, or carry with you for luck?

Did you "believe in" having a lucky charm, picture, bible, or nothing?

I carried a medallion - St. Christopher is the Patron Saint of certain professions and even places, but he is best known as the Patron Saint of travel. St. Christopher is the Patron Saint against sudden death as well

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-02-16T14:17:05-05:00

Yes Sir I did. I kept a smoke grenade pin from a MEDEVAC my first deployment... stayed in my pocket at all times, a reminder that complacency kills.

Closest I can think of.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Feb 16 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-02-16T14:17:28-05:00

I prayed - a LOT!

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 16 at 2016 2:18 PM

2016-02-16T14:18:37-05:00

I was with 173rd ABN BDE and wore a ST Michael's Pendant that was given to me by a MOH recipient of the 173rd from Vietnam

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 16 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-02-16T14:21:32-05:00

Before I was a believer and at most risk I did not place any faith in lucky charms COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Since I have been a believer I try to be ready to pray throughout the day as He leads me. Walking in communion with the Lord of the universe does not keep me from danger but it helps me be brought through danger - sometimes by leaning on Him and others being carried by Him when I can go no further.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 16 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-02-16T14:24:06-05:00

I have a green leather Bible my wife gave to me during my first deployment, she wrote a brief note that I treasure. I reflect on her words and the stories of my faith often.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 16 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-02-16T14:31:31-05:00

We'd all smoke a cigarette during the ramp briefs. It was more of a communal activity before a mission. Also, one of the trucks would play "Black Betty" as we rolled out the gate.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-02-16T14:36:09-05:00

Much like you COL Mikel J. Burroughs - I too carried the medallion of St. Christopher when I was in Iraq and in Afghanistan. I tend to carry it with me anytime I travel abroad and so far, he's been good to me.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-02-16T14:38:25-05:00

I always had a coffee and pipe smoke after mission. The one time we were not allowed too, the next mission failed in a really bad way. Needless to say, traditions were allowed to continue...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:39 PM

2016-02-16T14:39:34-05:00

I tried to ride in the same vehicle... the one that never blew up... you know, because it would be safe somehow.. the dirty deuce..

Response by SGT William Howell made Feb 16 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-02-16T14:50:33-05:00

I carried a stuffed animal. In Iraq it was my Good Luck Scooby. He always rode in my truck. In Afghanistan it was Lucky The Cow. She always went in my bag.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Feb 16 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-02-16T14:55:02-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Sir, the only thing I did other than pray to God, was my job to the best of my ability and lead my troops as competently as I was humanly able.

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Feb 16 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-02-16T14:56:38-05:00

I took basic training at Ft. Ord and while there I was given a small Bible ! I carried that Bible in my pocket during my tour of duty in Vietnam ! I like to think that was why I never got hurt or wounded while there ! I was involved in 2 helicopter crashes and only receive a minor scratch on my chin . I applied a bandage to it and that was that ! I still have that little Bible !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-02-16T14:56:41-05:00

One might say my truck was very superstitious. I carried two rosaries, one of which was hung in the cab, a pendant of Saint Michael as well as Saint Christopher on my neck, dog tags hooked on my belt, sleeves rolled a single cuff, and I always had to use the same head set. As the driver, if these things were not in order we weren't ready to go. Every time were getting ready to head out I walked around the truck and talked to it in the staging area. At that point I would ensure I had plenty of honey buns and rip it's as a minimum. Throw in a pitbull, wild tiger, and or a few rane drinks and it was going to be golden. All these things I was adamant about. I wouldn't necessarily pray per se, but I would talk to him to myself when we went through areas we knew were suspect.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-02-16T15:19:35-05:00

I carried a copy of Psalms 91 and picture of my family in my shoulder pocket. Picked up the little book during my first tour in Iraq and still have it today.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 16 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-02-16T15:25:06-05:00

No luck just prayed every time I left the compound.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:38 PM

2016-02-16T15:38:16-05:00

No pictures, no white lighters, and a st. Michael medal

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:41 PM

2016-02-16T15:41:41-05:00

Sir,

I had a St. George medallion my mother gave I tucked in a compartment on my body armor. I was a tanker at the time, and St. George is the patron saint of tankers and cavalrymen. People were hurt and killed around me, mortars dropped on the FOB, yet I made it through without a scratch.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 16 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-02-16T15:50:01-05:00

Tracers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-02-16T16:10:00-05:00

My driver and I cranked up 50 cent "get rich or die trying cd" everytine we rolled out to get hyped up lol

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 16 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-02-16T16:10:28-05:00

I was too young and stupid to think I needed luck

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-02-16T16:14:25-05:00

Nothing religious for me. I carried a picture of my wife and kids and a worlds best dad coin I got from my 5 year old son.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 16 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-02-16T16:26:07-05:00

Sometimes whole organizations do a "thing", especially aboard ship. Whenever we had to light all four off for a fast gun run, the 1MC would blast out "Good, Bad, and Ugly". It was the glue that bound all individual rituals together.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Feb 16 at 2016 5:06 PM

2016-02-16T17:06:56-05:00

If I had been sent to a war zone, I think I would pray a lot.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-02-16T17:39:45-05:00

I had a set of fuzzy dice, and later a "seven" (in dice) logo painted on my vehicle, HQ107. That truck took a beating and kept on going.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-02-16T18:23:09-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs My nephew gave me a very small disney toy (his favorite) for good luck. I carried it in my front pocket. I still have it.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Feb 16 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-02-16T18:34:01-05:00

I prayed EVERYDAY! I stayed in Intercession for my Brothers and Sisters in Uniform! The funny this I did laundry and kept a Fresh Uniform everyday! I did to influence me in keeping a Fresh Mindset!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 8:31 PM

2016-02-16T20:31:47-05:00

My trusty Florida Gators ball cap. Went on every mission I went on. And yes I did get in a little trouble every time we got back in the wire and I'd throw it on for at least 5 min (usually doing after ops PMCS). It ragged, dirty, stained, and torn. I still have it and still wear it occasionally.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 16 at 2016 8:42 PM

2016-02-16T20:42:16-05:00

Yes... I made sure I had my team's back, and that they had each others backs.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Feb 16 at 2016 8:55 PM

2016-02-16T20:55:58-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs you best believe it, I carry a two dollar bill, a one dollar Eisenhower coin and a 1834 penny.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 16 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-02-16T21:23:57-05:00

I carried a miniature bible that was provided by my church, and said a short prayer with my team before leaving the compound

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 16 at 2016 10:23 PM

2016-02-16T22:23:53-05:00

16th MP Brigade (Abn) Coin and St. Christopher's Medalion. ATW

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 17 at 2016 1:34 AM

2016-02-17T01:34:29-05:00

Never been to a combat zone but being a Marvel fan I carried a small keychain replica of Thor's hammer in my pocket when I went to take my weather CDC tests what with Thor being able to control the weather and all. I passed both tests with it in my pocket.

I do always wear a cross too and would suspect that I would continue to do so if I got deployed. Would probably carry a pocket Bible too.

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Feb 17 at 2016 2:26 AM

2016-02-17T02:26:59-05:00

Convoy Security Missions: I would walk around and touch every vehicle that was hitting the road.

Response by SFC John Kraft made Feb 17 at 2016 6:09 AM

2016-02-17T06:09:34-05:00

I carried a picture of Gen Patton and German Gen Rommel, it always reminded me how they fought in the desert and how rough they had it but kept fighting and it made me think I was going to make it out of there no matter what because I was combat ready and have the training and the know how to fight and kill the enemy and survive to tell about it all. The Desert Fox!!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 8:15 AM

2016-02-17T08:15:51-05:00

When I was flying, I used to...er..."christen" the undercarriage before take-off. In Afghanistan, I had a pewter cross that I wore velcro-ed into the flap of my IBA.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 17 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-02-17T10:30:52-05:00

My friend GySgt Reeder was killed in 2004. His wife gave me one of his dog tags. I secured it to my flack vest when I went over in 2005.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Feb 17 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-02-17T14:09:07-05:00

I always picked the biggest guy I could find to be my RTO. It worked too - none of those guys ever got a scratch. And I almost never ever pulled point.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Feb 17 at 2016 9:27 PM

2016-02-17T21:27:37-05:00

Yes I did praying to God and protecting my guys six like they do mine

Response by SFC Jerry Shaw made Feb 18 at 2016 8:49 AM

2016-02-18T08:49:04-05:00

My Mother father was in WWII and she sent him a letter. He carried that letter the entire time, in his wallet. Mom later gave me that letter wrapped in plastic. I carried it for years. Now my Nephew is caring this letter.

Response by CWO2 Eric Peterson made Feb 18 at 2016 9:01 AM

2016-02-18T09:01:36-05:00

Pray. And I've been wearing the same crucifix my mother-in-law gave to me for almost 30 years now. Only take it off for x-rays and MRIs.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 18 at 2016 11:27 AM

2016-02-18T11:27:10-05:00

While far from an "Orthodox" Roman Catholic. I'm not hung up on Dogma and actually despise it, Having said that When I'm really, really scared or nervous I pray the Rosary in my Head and in Desert Storm and Desert Strike I wore a St Christopher and St Nicholas Medal. Christopher "Christ Bearer" is more Legend than Fact but is the Name of my First Born, Nicholas being a real person and the Original Patron Saint of Travelers and Sailors. I'm Busted!

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Feb 18 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-02-18T15:42:34-05:00

My 1st Sgt, when I was in the 82nd, was an old SFer that carried a "combat teddy bear" that his wife sent him while he was in Vietnam. I carried a "combat Garfield " that my Mom sent me in a care package while I was in basic training. I still have him.

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made Feb 18 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-02-18T16:01:16-05:00

A cross, and had lots of rituals OCD style before patrol.

Response by Capt Tj Feeley made Feb 19 at 2016 6:06 AM

2016-02-19T06:06:41-05:00

St christopher medallion and pictures of my boys.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Feb 20 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-02-20T11:53:23-05:00

Yeah, I actually paid attention to what was going on around me. And threw all the trash ( Hollywood) talk out the window.

Response by SGT David Emme made Feb 20 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-02-20T18:53:59-05:00

My faith...was kind of internal for me. Supposing I could be all "Hooah" and say I was my own good luck charm...until I got hit by an IED...then I became a bad luck charm. It is my joke and I can joke on my self!

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Feb 20 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-02-20T19:38:47-05:00

In Vietnam I didn't carry anything special. In Iraq I did. When I leaving our training camp we out processed through one building where the Chaplain had set up. Various churches had donated "goody bags" and passed them out to soldiers as they boarded the buses to the airport. One of the items was a small American flag folded into a triangle with a slip of paper naming the person who donated it. It was in a small zip lock plastic bag about 3 inches in size. I carried that flag in the bottom right-hand leg pocket (calf pocket) of my ACU trousers and still have it today.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Feb 21 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-02-21T16:26:14-05:00

St Christopher medal and a Cross around my kneck with a huge dip of fresh state side Copenhagen. I'm guessing it worked well only a few small scratches but nothing needing a Purple Heart so a win in my book.

Response by PO1 Nathan Watts made Feb 22 at 2016 2:42 AM

2016-02-22T02:42:05-05:00

I didn't carry anything. Instead I joked about literally *everything* - no matter how tragic the situation may have been, I found a way to inject warped shock humor into it.
Sometimes it threw a few people off... those who knew the real me though would cry in their pants laughing so hard.

Response by Cpl J Miller made Feb 23 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-02-23T13:14:36-05:00

Mine was always tying my right boot first. Always. Also carried my special 5.56 round in my pocket that I had with me since MCRD.

Response by COL Jim Kohlmann made Feb 24 at 2016 9:42 PM

2016-02-24T21:42:45-05:00

I carried a "field rosary" - a ring with a cross and 10 beads on it. Much easier to carry than a regular rosary.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 20 at 2016 12:55 PM

2016-03-20T12:55:55-04:00

I have a 100 P Vietnamese note in my wallet that was taken from a VC paymaster we ambushed ( not a lucky day for him though)

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Mar 20 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-03-20T14:10:59-04:00

I always wore a cross.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Mar 21 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-03-21T11:03:45-04:00

Appreciate all these responses. My only "good luck charm" was an M-16, loaded and fully prepared for immediate response to any threat.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Mar 21 at 2016 11:27 AM

2016-03-21T11:27:29-04:00

I prayed a lot and had a cross that was blessed by the Pastor attached to my dog tags.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 21 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-03-21T16:07:15-04:00

It will sound silly, but I'll take the heat for it. On our first mission out our 1114 was hit by an IED. The HMMWV was demolished, and some shrapnel made it inside. Neither of the 3 of us were onjured, not a scratch.

For some reason, that day I swiped 15 times in each armpit for my deodorant.

From that point, I did everything I could to do everything in groups of 15. I still have yet to be able to cease this.

On a strictly physical level, my father in law gave me an ACU pattern Bandanna with Psalms 91 printed on it.

When I woke up from the few times we got to sleep, I would read it. Also, before missions we would get together and read it and then pray for Gods protection.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.””
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:1-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 12 at 2018 12:44 PM

2018-06-12T12:44:40-04:00

Easy a .45 caliber model 1911 don’t know if I actually hit anyone with it but it brought a certain piece of mind and any recipient of my fire was definitely not lucky!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2020 8:57 AM

2020-11-27T08:57:04-05:00

Dog tags. One in boot laces in case luck ran out.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Nov 27 at 2020 10:44 AM

2020-11-27T10:44:04-05:00

I carried an old knife that my Grandfather gave me when I joined the USMC, and I prayed every night for the safety of myself an those I served with.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2020 10:54 AM

2020-11-27T10:54:01-05:00

I just relied on my training and did everything possible to get back home to my family alive.

Response by SPC William Wilson made Nov 27 at 2020 2:30 PM

2020-11-27T14:30:03-05:00

I had a locket with a pic of my just bran new baby girl in there. Had it with me the whole time. I'm still here, so guess it worked.

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Nov 27 at 2020 3:21 PM

2020-11-27T15:21:38-05:00

What I did was not for good luck per-say because I do not believe it. I prayed for all our soldiers as well as for myself while on combat mission. I was always at 100% alert and in every step I took I was in prayer! I always carried my cross around my neck and have done so all my life!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Nov 27 at 2020 5:01 PM

2020-11-27T17:01:20-05:00

Carried my Bible with me every where I went on my pack...it was given to me before I ever joined and has been with me everywhere I have gone. Also, set outside the hooch every night and burnt a cigar to clear my head...along with a Near beer".

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 27 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-11-27T18:03:57-05:00

Of course I'm not superstitious but... I had a buddy who lived in the same apartment complex in Pensacola who had about 11 months in country when I arrived. We flew my first hop together (medevac and the aircraft took a bunch of hits). When he rotated out, he had a tiger striped utility cover he gave me; told me it was good luck, but to never wash it. I never flew without it, but after two years of not being washed, it fell apart when I got home and my wife made me wash it. Also wore a cross my home congregation had given me on my dog tag chain. Don't know which one made the difference, but I'm still here.

By the way, St. Joseph of Cupertino, is one saint designated the patron of pilots and those with mental handicaps, seems appropriate.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 27 at 2020 7:30 PM

2020-11-27T19:30:22-05:00

My girlfriends picture. We had been together since eighth grade. I promised her I would come home alive but I didn't guarantee in one piece. As luck had it, I did come back in one piece and obviously alive. Unfortunately I got the "Dear John" letter that never came. I didn't get more than five pieces of mail the entire time I was overseas.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Nov 27 at 2020 8:20 PM

2020-11-27T20:20:12-05:00

The weapons I carried fully loaded.Prayer

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Nov 27 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-11-27T21:00:24-05:00

I’ll admit I was superstitious as all get-out in Vietnam. Can’t even remember all of it.
I had to it my clothes on the same way every morning, say my prayers the same way every time, set up my M-16 & .45 the same way, etc.

Response by MSG Richard C Finley made Dec 24 at 2020 10:11 AM

2020-12-24T10:11:32-05:00

Well I never was in combat and not by choice I volunteered for Nam several time they always came back disapproved. except once the 1SG literally through me out of his office. Anyway during tank gunnery every time I'd go down range on the qualifying run I started kissing the breech of the main gun. Why one time and the second time as a gunner I boloed and I was not a happy camper. We were kicking ass a head of the rest of the Sqdn. Everyone thought we were going to kick TTVIII's butt. And the reason why I determined later was because I got over confident I my gun and myself. So after that I started kissing the breech every time and just put it in my mind that if we made fine if not oh well. So I never boloed again. I qualified every year and three times I fired distinguished three times as second high tank and one time as top tank in the Bn gunning for the Bn Cmdr Ltc O'Mera, and Distinguished for a Lt in A Co 1/67 AR. I was the Bn Ops Sgt/MG and the A Co Cmdr Cpt Sharp (years later Gen Sharp) asked for a favor and approved by the Bn Cmdr. So it was kiss the breech and go for it. Oh and this was the Army's headache tank the M60A2.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Dec 28 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-12-28T11:23:06-05:00

I carried a challenge coin I bought of St. Barbara, patron saint of the Field Artillery. I kept it with me at all times, and still carry her around in my wallet today. If she comes out to be shown, I always give her a kiss before she goes back in her spot. Weird yes, but something I do.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 12:03 PM

2020-12-28T12:03:19-05:00

I wore my cross and prayed

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-01-03T14:24:19-05:00

Carried a spare M4 firing pin in my pocket.
Whenever anyone mentioned NDs, I would pull it out and tell them I wasn't worried about it. Got some crazy replies.
And yes, it was a spare.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 15 at 2021 4:52 PM

2021-06-15T16:52:09-04:00

I prayed...alot.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jun 15 at 2021 5:41 PM

2021-06-15T17:41:58-04:00

I was given a St Christopher medallion by my older sister before leaving for Vietnam. Unfortunately, I lost it within a month of arriving in-country. I was admittedly superstitious in combat: I tried to put my jungle fatigues on the same way every day and fooled the same routine each evening after chow, writing letters home reading my third grade Bible and.saying my prayers before closing my eyes.

Response by SPC Gary C. made Jun 15 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-06-15T18:05:27-04:00

I always put on my left sock & boot on first.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Aug 13 at 2021 3:33 PM

2021-08-13T15:33:19-04:00

I carried a St St Christopher medallion my sister had given me but lost it somewhere along the way (along with about 35 lbs of body weight). Might have been during Tet and it’s aftermath.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2022 8:17 PM

2022-02-01T20:17:18-05:00

I had a picture of my son taped to the buttstock on my M4 on my last trip to Afghanistan. He went everywhere with me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2022 8:21 PM

2022-02-01T20:21:55-05:00

I had a picture of my son taped to the buttstock of my M4 on my last trip to Afghanistan. He went everywhere with me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2023 3:36 PM

2023-02-08T15:36:26-05:00

Walk behind the biggest, tallest guy, infront of me.