Survival tactics, using snakes for food ranger camp, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida ; Return of prisoners from Laos, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland Part 1

Description

Seq: Three-man Ranger patrol enters overnight campsite. One man remains on guard as two others go in search of food. Camera follows the two Rangers as they cut forked branches from underbrush to use in trapping snake. The men sight and capture a water moccasin (cottonmouth) snake in creek. CU, open mouth and exposed fangs of the live snake. MSs, snake's head is held with forked branch and cut off with a machete. LSs, two hunters return with their prey and show it to the third man. MSs, CUs, an incision is made along the snake's underside, and the skin is removed in one piece. LSs, meat is cooked over open fire and eaten. Poncho lean-to shelter in bg. MSs, CUs, men eating the snake meat. MS, patrol leader lights cigar; appears satisfied. Another uses one of the snake's ribs for toothpick. LS, Patrol members relax and prepare to settle down for the night. -- (NOTE: Army Major Lawrence R. Bailey and Sgt. Orville R. Ballenger, released from Pathet Lao captivity on 17 August, return to Washington, DC, for hospitalization. LS, air terminal building. CUs, Major Bailey's wife and family and Sgt. Ballenger's wife as they await arrival. MSs, evacuation aircraft taxiing, men are carried on litters down ramp. CUs, Sgt. Ballenger is greeted by his wife. MSs, Maj. Bailey is greeted by his family. LS, both men with their families. Lt. General Russel L. Vittrup, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, welcomes the men. LS, press representatives filming arrival.

Collection

Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer

Series

Motion Picture Films from the Army Library Copy Collection