The telegram was delivered in person by a Western Union messenger around 10:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 1970. My mother answered the door and accepted it. She could see the words,DONT PHONE,DONT PHONE,through the window portion of the envelope. She was terror stricken. Unable to open it she took it to my Dad who read it. My Dad called our family doctor,who said the wound to the popliteal artery was the worst part of my injuries. He told my Dad that if I survived the loss of blood,I would probably have the leg amputated. At that time micro surgery was in its infancy. Luckily for me the technique was available in Viet Nam and my surgeon,Carl Thomas, was trained in its use.
Jeff Motyka
Telegram to Mr and Mrs Motyka
The telegram was delivered in person by a Western Union messenger around 10:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 1970. My mother answered the door and accepted it. She could see the words,DONT PHONE,DONT PHONE,through the window portion of the envelope. She was terror stricken. Unable to open it she took it to my Dad who read it. My Dad called our family doctor,who said the wound to the popliteal artery was the worst part of my injuries. He told my Dad that if I survived the loss of blood,I would probably have the leg amputated. At that time micro surgery was in its infancy. Luckily for me the technique was available in Viet Nam and my surgeon,Carl Thomas, was trained in its use.
Jeff Motyka