APE STORY LINGERS

CAM RANH BAY, Viet-nam - With binoculars and sonar, people
probe Loch Ness for its monster, expeditions search the
Himalayas for the abominable snowman, and the guards at the
depot here keep a watch for Powell's Ape.

It has been nearly three years since the monster was almost
seen by a bleary-eyed guard. Detecting movement on the
perimeter, the guard fired and the beast fled. When morning
came the area was examined and a footprint and trail of
blood were found.

The footprint was neither human nor ape. A picture was taken
of the track but no one could decide who or what had made
it. It wasn't long before Capt. Powell, then a depot company
commander, found his name associated with the monster.

All that remains now is a small photograph on the ammunition
area's orderly room wall. Perhaps the legend of Powell's Ape
is all there ever was, but the guards at the ammunition area
here still have something to think about besides Charlie.

('Army Reporter,' 27 Apr. 1970.)

       - From the records of Bernard Heuvelmans -