Chuck Bryant

And that was the most powerful weapon that anyone patrolling the joint security area had.

They were often outfitted with axe handles.

maybe batons.

And that was about it.

So the Americans had strict orders not to take the bait.

And North Korean troops had essentially strict orders to provoke the Americans into attacking so that they could start a war again and it would be the Americans' fault.

Exactly.

And this came largely from the guy in charge.

I mean, you know, it came from on high, I'm sure, but it was filtered down through Captain Arthur Bonifaz.

He was a Vietnam vet.

He was the JSA company commander.

He was 33 years old.

He was a big dude.

He was 6'3", apparently super popular, like a father figure as far as his command went.

And the camp there at JSA is named Camp Boniface after him.

So you may see where this is headed.

But he, you know, he believed in standing your ground, but not taking the bait, like you said, like he wanted big guys down there.

He wanted to kind of intimidate.

But that's...

the orders were always to back off if it came to blows.