The year was 1966. I was a Marine 2ndLT in Vietnam assigned to an infantry battalion. One dark, hot night I was ordered to take a platoon of men on a reconnaissance mission about a mile outside our perimeter. We were on a narrow road that transversed a wide-open area. We came under fire and the men and I took cover into a deep marsh next to the road. Within minutes, I felt a burning in my chest and knew I had been shot. My breathing was difficult and I was sure I had a major chest wound. I was sinking into a quagmire while knowing I was going to suffocate or bleed to death. As I was thinking the un-believable "I'M ABOUT TO DIE" I saw this beautiful image seemingly suspended just above me. It was a nearly transparent form with a peaceful and glowing beautiful face. "You are safe now, your men need you, get up on the road, go to those who need you" the image said. I somehow got up on the road, I was covered with blood, my men suddenly were all around me, I became aware of the silence, all artillery fire had ceased. I looked at the beautiful form above me and she said "Don't despair, help them and you will survive." I faintly recalled hearing helicopters and suddenly I realized I was in a medical aid station. I was covered with blood and a smiling face was telling me that I was fine, the injury was minor, The blood was from some of the men that I had carried to safety.

Many years went by and eventually I concluded that that night was a simple aberration and that the beautiful cheerleader I thought I saw was imaginary due to the stress at the time.

Now in my fifties I was digging a hole in my yard for a new tree I was planting, when I felt dizzy. Suddenly just next to me was that same beautiful image I saw well over thirty years ago. "You have to get medical help: the image said. "get help now" it said as it vanished. I remember my neighbor who was a complete recluse entering my yard and telling me to come with him. He took me to a hospital, moments later my heart had failed. I was revived in the emergency room. I am completely recovered, my good neighbor, passed away a few months later. Was he my Angel in Disguise?