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Stanley Ross, the company’s tallest soldier, with the company’s shortest in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the author)
Episode 3137 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Stanley Ross and his Friday 13th experience in Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Vietnam Was Scary Enough. Friday the 13th Added To Our Fear. It appeared on the War Horse website and was submitted by Stanley Ross himself.
Stanley remembered that On December 13, 1968—an ominous Friday the 13th—Stanley Ross and his fellow soldiers prepared for a dangerous mission on Vietnam’s Monkey Mountain. Intelligence warned of increased Viet Cong activity, and as Ross’s company ascended the fog-covered trail, an uneasy sense of dread hung in the air. The men, weighed down by gear and fear alike, faced swarms of mosquitoes, venomous snakes, and the constant threat of hidden ambushes. Every rustle in the jungle could have been a monkey—or an enemy scout.
Ross, serving as a forward observer, carried the responsibility of coordinating artillery and air support. His role demanded courage under pressure, and he performed it with steady resolve. When his platoon encountered a fortified Viet Cong position, chaos erupted. Enemy AK-47 fire tore through the jungle as Ross moved forward under fire, calmly directing artillery strikes to neutralize the threat. A grenade exploded dangerously close, burning through his shirt, yet he stayed focused, ensuring the bombardment was accurate. His actions helped silence the enemy and save lives.
That day, several Americans were wounded, but none were lost—a small miracle on a day marked by superstition and danger. For Ross and his comrades, survival came through bravery, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.
Vietnam veterans like Stanley Ross embody the very best of American valor—ordinary men who faced extraordinary challenges with courage and resolve. After returning home, Ross built a remarkable civilian life as a businessman, educator, and author. His story stands as a testament not only to his own heroism but also to the enduring greatness of all Vietnam veterans who answered their country’s call and carried its honor through hardship and sacrifice.
Listen to Episode 3137 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Stanley Ross and his Friday 13th experience in Vietnam.
