I refused orders once...

[Capperdan]

I was in the Army Reserves based in LA. It was May 5, 1970, the day after the Kent State shootings. "Four dead in Ohio". That day was officially Armed Forces Day and my unit was scheduled to be in a parade In the heart of the city. I was in the color guard carrying a rifle next to the flag wearing my chrome helmet and dress khakis. So the Commander pulled me and the other rifle guy out and told us to fix bayonets, in anticipation of violent protesters. He told us a " short thrust" (as opposed to a long thrust) should suffice, if someone should attack the flag. We looked at each other and rolled our eyes. We didn't say anything but never did put those bayonets on. It was a surprisingly peaceful march however, given the turmoil of those anti -VietNam days. We never got in trouble, but I have always been a little proud of that.