I was there 68-68, IV Corps and I was an Army Journalist. Most assignments were related to American Advisory Teams, attached to ARVN: get the personal story on the Americans and their ARVN counterparts and hump a ruck alongside. Got my cherry busted first time out by a sniper that got a round close enough to my right ear to warm it up, render it deaf for the rest of the day and scare the bejesus outta me. For the next eight months, I watched war from the mud, the brown water and the cooler skies. Then I sat down and wrote it up to send to the Americans’ hometown newspapers for the family and friends to read as. Sure didn’t make it all go away from inside my head. I never got “not scared”. And I never was too scared to do my job. I had 13 days to go when Tet ‘68 happened. Just the increased battle noise laid down another layer of fear. At least I got to return fire. But the whole deal of fear was like a weighty, sopping blanket that was always there.
I had a chance to return with my brother for a visit in the late nineties. He was an I Corps Marine for 2 1/2 years and wanted to see it again. No thanks, I said. I was afraid of being that fearful again.
One thing about it. I get startled by things, every now and then and to one extent or another. But I haven’t again experienced fear like I did back in that day.
Lawrence Santeford - 2 years ago
I was a medic with 199th Light Infantry Brigade and USARV 1970-1971 at Long Binh. Recently had to sell house and move into assisted living because of Agent Orange. Four Vietnam vets here now because of Agent Orange. Living in south Mississippi.
Peter Perkolup - 3 years ago
i was on the ship at the time got out of compartment right before 1st 1000 pounder came in to compartment no one was in back of me . lost over 30 men of vf 74 . total for day was 42 .
SUSAN LAIEWSKI - 3 years ago
Daughter of a Vietnam Vet
Erick W. Miller - 3 years ago
If you liked my story about 882 titled A Hill to Remember, you'll probably like my non-fiction book, "Toll of War/Vietnam. It came out in 2004. It's still available at the AuthorHouse bookstore or on Amazon.
James S. Jones - 4 years ago
Shoulda mentioned what I wann give you. Its th 67-68 Cruise Book for th Coral Sea. Think thats a pic of you with WO-Fritz in Ordnance Control n G-Div. Also pics of AKTRON 153. On th Memorial Page it lists AO3 Donald E. Maki.
Anyway, if you`d like, I`ll b happy t mail it to you. Jus let me know. My email is jim.jones2319@gmail.com Later
James S. Jones - 4 years ago
Shoulda mentioned what I wann give you. Its th 67-68 Cruise Book for th Coral Sea. Think thats a pic of you with WO-Fritz in Ordnance Control n G-Div. Also pics of AKTRON 153. On th Memorial Page it lists AO3 Donald E. Maki.
Anyway, if you`d like, I`ll b happy t mail it to you. Jus let me know. My email is jim.jones2319@gmail.com Later
James S. Jones - 4 years ago
Served 72-76 V2Cats CVS14/CVA64. Missed line period tho, recovered Apollo17 nstead. Rode Connie t Gulf of Oman n -74. Ended USN NALF San Clemente Island Crash/Fire.
Your stories r powerful. At 17-18yrs old loved th Flt Deck. Scary as f*#k, but wrked with some great guys that watched my back. Still remember th hand signals an how t hookup th bridles an holdback units on all th aircraft. Nose tows were so much easier but had to really watch th props specially on th Hummers. Easy t hit em if u dropped ur guard.
After I was out went back but t th Army. Retired active after 24yrs. Did alot, saw alot. Glad I served. 5 of 9 kids served. Again, thanx
for what you write. Would like you to email me. I have something I would like to give you. Feel like its more yours than mine. Hope t hear from you soon.
Bill Barbary - 4 years ago
I like the Point Man story and can relate as my squad seemed to always be there,I was a Grunt Sgt and had 11 good guys in my squad and a took turns on point. here is some of my story and fee free to use it for your site'
– Company D (1968-71)
1968
In late March 1968, the 5/46 Infantry Battalion (The Professionals), including Company D, deployed from Fort Hood, Texas to Chu Lai, Vietnam.
The battalion headquarters operated from LZ Gator. Initially, Delta company became responsible for much of the bunker line on Gator. Captain Carl Koppeis was the Delta company commander. At the same time, the 2d platoon was assigned security operations in Nuoc Mau, the small village at the base of Gator by Highway One. The 4th platoon was sent to Binh Son, three miles south on the highway to support H Troop, 17th Armored Cavalry, to secure the bridge over the Tra Bong River at the town’s northern edge.
On 7 April 1968, Delta on the bunker line, was hit with three satchel charges tossed by Vietcong sappers. This was the first attack by sappers against LZ Gator, and there would be two more years of sapper attacks while 5/46 held Gator’s perimeter.
With an assigned tactical area of operations (AO) of two hundred and sixty square miles, 5/46 Battalion’s tactical mission included defending its fire bases, manning observation posts (OP’s), searching and destroying tunnels and enemy caches, and hitting the enemy in night ambushes. Its pacification mission was focused on protecting villages harvesting rice and offering medical aid to Vietnamese villagers when it was practical to do so. These missions had the goal of establishing control over the hostile landscape and “winning the hearts and minds” of the populace to some degree.
In May 1968 Delta continued to man the bunker line at LZ Gator and send patrols into Rocket Valley, the Tri Binh hamlets north of Gator and out to the headwaters of the Tra Bong River.
On 21 June 1968 Delta was inserted into LZ Manchester five miles southwest of the Tra Bong Special Forces Camp. The soldiers jumped off the birds into patches of grass which appeared to be knee-high, but were over six-foot high. With sixty-pound rucksacks on their backs, several ankles and knees were injured.
On 1 July 1968 Delta flew back to the coastal plains. Chinooks were used for the pickup with fire support from Huey gunships. Delta was lifted to LZ Buff. On 7 July Delta air-assaulted southeast of My Khe (3) and (1) and southwest of My Khe (4), which sat along the coast. The mission was to close the noose south of the Pinkville zone and to provide some relief to the weary soldiers of Alpha and Bravo. The mix of enemy they faced included some NVA along with hard-core Vietcong.
During its patrolling Delta uncovered a thousand pounds of rice under haystacks in a graveyard. Moving slowly, Delta, under the command of Captain Yanessa, was finding they were moving in an area densely seeded with mines. Platoons found rice caches, artillery rounds and mortar rounds.
The deadline set by the 198th Brigade headquarters for the Pinkville operation, “To find, fix and kill the NVA and VC forces in the area”, was midnight, July 10. On the morning of July 10 three Chinooks extracted Delta. As a farewell, the Vietcong fired on the helicopters, hitting two of the three. The battalion was headed back to the Tam Ky “Burlington Trail” area.
Task Force Cooksey was formed to deny the rice supply from NVA forces in the mountains west of Tam Ky. Roles for the 5/46 included search, find and destroy the enemy, provide blocking forces, secure landing zones and fire bases, and stand by as reaction forces. The mountainous rugged terrain under stifling heat, with the possibility of encountering well-trained and well-equipped NVA regulars was the trade-off for relief from the Pinkville mission and the carpets of mines on t
Gary Winsett - 4 years ago
Enjoyed article about the Tiger Crews. Doesn't seem that long ago....
Michael Yap - 5 years ago
Hi Keith, trust you are well. I am well and deep into retirement ... busier than ever. Mike Yap
J. Wayne - 5 years ago
That’s a lie about the barb wire separating blacks and whites. No way would that happen.
Line troopers would never have put up with it.
Mike Morris - 6 years ago
71-year old Veteran. One of the lucky ones I guess. Listen to this story. After 4 physicals and after college graduation I was drafted. Out of Basic I was to be a Medic. Off to Fort Sam. 1969. 95% of graduating medics were heading for Nam. We all knew that medics in name were basically grunts with some medical training out in the jungle...well you know. Me...somehow they sent me to South Korea. 43rd Surgical Hospital up on the DMZ. Wasn't fun but it was safe. Yes that is the hospital that the movie M*A*S*H came from. If that wasn't lucky enough. I had a long athletic background. Football in college. Fast Pitch Softball catcher, a good one. Time for 8th Army tryouts for the South Korean team that would compete in Hawaii in the USARPAC Tourney (South Korea Okinawa Japan Hawaii Thailand Alaska. 14-players to get a roster spot and I got one. Traveling around playing softball and then a 20-day trip to Hawaii. We won the tourney. Have long wondered how I got so lucky though have often thought that I missed out on something valuable by not going to Vietnam. About two years ago I decided to research and learn everything I could about the Vietnam War from a soldier's point of view. My first project was to create a private blog I call it. It is not online. Decided to draw a 100 mile circle in each direction around the small farm town in Missouri where I am from. Having done that I began finding and posting every KIA and MIA within that circle. After 2 years I have posted and included information about their circumstance for probably 250 and I haven't even begun to begin. So may families disrupted and for what. Those of you who were Vietnam Grunts, Hats off to you. You are a hell of a man. And somehow I was just lucky or was I?
BRUCE K. BOURGET SR. NICK NAME IN NAM WAS FRENCHIE - 6 years ago
I WAS IN VIETNAM DURING 1971-1972 ON THE GUNTRUCK KINGCOBRA, 597TH TRANS., 8TH GRP., PHUETAI,
THE REASON FOR THIS COMMENT IS BECAUSE SOME OF US THE MEMORIES ALWAYS STAY VIVID AND WE NEVER FORGET, ESPECIALLY OUR FRIENDS AND BROTHERS, THANK YOU.
THERE ARE 2 GUNTRUCK SITES YOU CAN VISIT, THEY ARE QL19CONVOY.COM., & VIETNAM GUNTRUCKS, IF YOUR A VIETNAM VETERAN OR ANY VETERAN FEEL FREE TO JOIN, ITS FREE AND IT IS FOR ALL VETERANS YOUNG OR OLD, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF GUNTRUCK PHOTOS, ETC., NEVER KNOW, YOU MAY FIND SOMEONE YOU SERVED WITH THERE AT THE GUNTRUCK SITES. HAVE A GREAT ONE AND STAY SAFE.
paul (swirl) dickson - 6 years ago
paul (swirl)dickson
D Troop
3/5 Cav
'67-'68
nonattyspksprzn@gmail.com
Terry Nix - 6 years ago
Fiancee, Spec 4 Kenneth Gary Hensley, Long Binh, October. 1970 - October, 1971. Died January, 1997, heart disease. Thank you for all of your documentation.
Jim Heady - 6 years ago
My year as a pilot for the 159th Dustoff in Vietnam, '69-70 (Cu Chi/Tay Ninh) was spent with a small group of the best and bravest, primarily supporting the 25th Infantry.
That was the most rewarding year of my life - bar none. Welcome home to all of my brothers: I'm so glad I helped make some of your homecomings possible.
James Mitschke - 7 years ago
I enjoy reading about these recon missions in that from Jan, 1970 to Feb, 1971 I was a Cobra pilot with 101st flying in support of these missions out of CCN, MLT2. Hoping some of the missions written about may be some that I helped support. jm
Ian's veteran of the 372Radio Research Company (Cu Chi, Dau Tieng & Tay Ninh) and the 175th Radio Research Fiekd Station (Bien Hoa). RadioResearch (Army Security Agency in the rest of the world) provided intelligence to every major Army unit from the Dela to the DMZ. RR/ASA was among the first military units at arrive in Vietnam (1961) and one of the last to leave (1975). An ASA soldier, SP4 Janes T. "Tom" Davis was one of the first ground troops KIA (December 1961) as a result of hostile action. His name is in line 3 of panel 1 of "The Wall." The history mission of RR/ASA has been pretty much lost except from among it's rapidly aging veterans. ASA only existed from 1945 to 1976. More about RR/ASA can be found in the NASAA website.
Jason - 8 years ago
Great Article! I'm always fascinated by anything related to the Vietnam War (doubt I'd have as much of an interest if I lived thru it myself) because my father, David Allen Boarman from Evansville IN, enlisted at the age of 19 into the Marine Corp. & was a Corporal from 1967 to 1969 in Vietnam. He passed away in Dec. 2006 from a rare kidney cancer, but very rarely spoke of his experience over there & when he did he was vague at best. I only knew of one story directly from him & another one that he told my uncle not long after returning from Vietnam, so I've always been fascinated by anything related to the Vietnam War.
After he died, I submitted a request for his full military record as a next of kin, and 3-4 months later I received it. From that I learned he was in H&S Company, 2nd Battalion/4th Marine Reg. of the 3rd Marine Div. & at one point he was also assigned (in H&S Co.) to the 3rd Tank Battalion in the 3rd Marine Division. His parents were involved in a terrible car crash (drunk sailors on-leave hit them head on) that killed his mother & maimed his father, so he went on a 2-week leave to attend his mother's funeral & I figured that he was re-assigned to the other battalion when he returned. It was pretty interesting to get more of a glimpse into his experience over there, and after researching what operations his battalions were involved in I'm not surprised he didn't want to tell me much about it.
When I graduated high school in 2004 I thought a lot about joining the Corp. & he spent awhile talking me into going to college instead. I'll never forget what he told me, he said, "War is very ugly Jason. You see terrible unimaginable things that you wish you could unsee, but you can't. And it causes you to do very ugly things to other people that you can't take back. It's very very ugly, it changes you forever, and I don't want you to ever have to live thru what I went thru at your age." I took his advice to heart & went to college instead, and for years I regretted not doing it anyways. But looking back now, I'm glad I took his advice because I'm still here today & I was able to spend the last 6 months of his life with him. Had I gone against his wishes I probably would have repeated history by having to come home to bury my father only to return to war.
All three videos are great for different reasons. To pick one I'd have to pick Lindsay Daly's as it would be the one I'd use as part of the presentations the Edu. Committee I chair, which does presentations at several local high schools and a college.
Thank you for doing the video change!
myGwoy&y,
"Skip", Sgt., USAF - Mar '64 - Mar '68, Vietnam - Nov '66 - '67
Joe Beasley - 8 years ago
I flew an AH-1 in 69-70 in the same area where Maj Rowe was a prisoner. Real bad area.
James Connell - 8 years ago
I very much enjoyed reading this story. My Dad was in the Navy during the Viet Nam war. He was a jet mechanic. He never talked about his time over there other than a few antics he pulled on board ship. He was on the USS Ranger I believe it was '69-'71. I don't know, perhaps it's because my Dad never talked about his time over there, but I've always been drawn to stories about what happened during the Viet Nam war. I plan to eventually read every story on this website. I know our brave men and women who served in Viet Nam were treated like garbage upon their return and that has always bothered me. I just want to say that even though I've never met all of you brave people, I love and respect each and every person who went to Viet Nam, those who came home and those that did not. You all have a special place in my heart. Thank you so much for what you did for us and our freedom!
I went through the TET Offensive as so many of us BROTHERS did. I had the honor of being around the mountain people. What is being said about them being brave is an understatement. I am proud to have been able to have served with them.
Jim Trainor - 8 years ago
I stayed state side at Ft Irwin Ca. I was in special weapons and twice had orders to go to Vietnam but for some reason our orders were pulled. Probably due to the special weapons classification. I saw many leave to go and saw many return in a casket. At that time I was young and believe my I wanted to go just to give our buddies some honor and take some of the enemy down for what they did to our heros.
Joe Robles - 8 years ago
I was "in-country" FROM '70-'71. II Field Force, 23rd. Artillery Group (III Corp.) After going through the standard, "FNG" paperwork processing Our Battery, went into Cambodia. After that it was the usual B.S.
I started out on a M109-155 MM Self Propelled Howitzer. With 90 Days left I ended up in an 8" / 175 mm unit. We damn near got overrun in that position. If anyone recognizes me from the limited details I gave give me a shout-out... OK !
Joe Robles
Jimmy Yancey - 8 years ago
Semper Fidelis to all my Marine Brothers.
Thanks to all other men and women who has served I am very proud of you for your service.
Lynn Nelson - 8 years ago
I was with 1Bn 5th Mech. (BOBCATS) Jan 68 to Jan 69. My last 9 months, I drove an APC. We probably past on the road or you my have been attached to the 5th Mech at on time. In Aug of 68 we were working out of Dau Tieng. The Wolf Hounds were the best & the 3/4 Cav. gets my respect
JD - 8 years ago
My grandpa Jim Dorrance did 3 tours over there, I wish I would have got to know him.
I work with two vets, a helicopter pilot and a sp5 hill climber.
I enjoy reading your site.
Warner DeFord - 9 years ago
I went into LZ India on the second CH-46 to drop India 3/9 off there on the first day of Dewey Canyon. I was the last person to board the last helicopter off of Hill 1228 (Tiger Mountain) on the last day of the operation..
Thomas Sutton - 9 years ago
I enjoy reading the experience of other Viet Nam Vet's hoping some of my old buddies might leave a comment . I was with 2nd Balt.9th Marine E company 1967 and 68 , i was a Point Man for most of my tour
Semper Fi My Brothers
Dick Morgan - 9 years ago
I was a chopper pilot with First Cav(7/68 - 6/69)and truly enjoy reading the experiences of the bravest of brave,the foot soldier. I'm trying to get the courage to write about my experiences and am encouraged by these stories. Thank you.
Don Herman - 9 years ago
I was a classmate of Doug Hegdahl.
skyeye - 9 years ago
A Det. 1st MI Bn (ARS), Bien Hoa. 96D2T, Image Interpreter and part time camera operator 6-68/6-69. Our shop provided tactical interpretation in the III Corps area via Air force RF4C, Army Mohawk reconnaissance film and hand held 35mm from Huey’s, O-1s & O-2s for USARV and anyone who asked. Little known but much maligned. ;)
Thanks much for the site and all the effort you put into it.
Shilah - 9 years ago
my dad was a Viet Nam vet. served 2 tours. He had ptsd & never told us much but did mention Da Nang, his group called the Headhunters, & "chasing Charlie" in fixed-wing planes (he was shot down once, rescued by chopper with a rope - not a ladder, a rope). Thank you for having this site & for your support of our troops.
Jack LaBox - 9 years ago
I was with A/1/16 FROM 1965-66. Our base camp was moved from Ben-Cat to LAI-KAI.
I was a FO. Was at Bong-Trang when the whole 1st Division was involved in the battle.
And napalm was dropped on our position. The story can be found in the October 2007 issue
of Viet_Nam magazine. I took shrapnel that day
SGT Mike Brickley -9th SOS Nha Trang - 9 years ago
I found my base. It looked like my old shop and barracks were gone.
Albert L Gorham - 9 years ago
I was with the 101st air borne at camp Eagle and had a hard time understanding why
at 2 am early morning we had to call head quarters before we could fire on the enemy
that was in our zone turning our claymores around to face us. I received the Bronze star medal for my service in Vietnam
Larry Bridges - 9 years ago
Just finished reading "Cherries", enjoyed it very much. I served with A/5/7 of the 1st Cav from June 1970 until March 1971. I served with Norm McDonald. The similiarities between your story and ours is amazing. Great job. keep writing.
Rocky Schmit - 9 years ago
Bless you for using your gifts to redeem the hard times and encourage the weak ... Our Corpman Doc Lewis wrote "Nothin' but a Thing" to the memory of recon marines he served ... May your future be secure ... Jesus was with you through it all!
CLAUDE KELLEY - 9 years ago
I NOTED MY E-MAIL WAS INCORRECT CORRECT E-MAIL ROSCOE45@COMCAST.NET
CLAUDE KELLEY - 9 years ago
I WAS A MARINE SGT W/ 3RD SHORE PARTY. A GROUP OF ABOUT 30 MARINES HANDLED RE SUPPLY OF SURROUNDING HILLS AND CERTAIN PATROLS. WE ALSO WERE IN CHARGE OF THE PARACHUTE DROP ZONES WE HAD 2 KIA AND SERVERAL WOUNDED BY ROCKET AND MORTAR FIRE. OUR UNIT HDQTRS WAS RIGHT BESIDE OF THE JP4 BLADDERS. WE WERE IN CHARGE OF THE HELILIFT OF A COMPANY OF 26TH WHEN A ROCKET HIT THE TRENCH LINE WHEN THE CHAPLIN AND ASS'T, AMONG OTHERS WERE KILLED. NO ONE WAS SAFE AT KHE SANH NO MATTER WHO THEY WERE OR WHERE THEY WERE AT. SURVIVERS WERE ONLY LUCKY "I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY OR GOD WAS ON MY SID, SEMPER FI AND GOD BLESS!"
Kay Barry Perkins - 9 years ago
My brother, CW4 James Paul Barry, Jr., served three tours in VN, where he started out in 1067 in Huey helicopters/ Army-Cu Chi); & by 1987 was jetting the brass all around the middle east & Europe until he retired in 1987. He was awarded many medals & commendations, including the Bronze and Silver Star. However, he returned a changed man. Leaving his wife & two daughters, becoming an alcoholic, & refusing treatment for PTSD. He died of oral cancer in 2004 and was buried at Arlington. We did not put the pieces together for several years that Agent Orange caused the tumors in his mouth & throat.
He was 18 Y.O. when he left & we mourned his loss thereafter whenever we had the chance to see him (he mostly stayed away from family).
He served his country bravely and honorably because he was that kind of man. We are proud of him.
Mike Dunlap - 9 years ago
My uncle Darrel Dunlap I 3/26 was kia feb 8, 1968 at Khe Sahn and my father served USN AOE 2 USS Camden. Anyone know these men??
Margretta Housley - 9 years ago
My late husband was a VN combat vet & exposed to Agent Orange. I worked 30 years at a VA Hospital.
Dewey Tillman - 9 years ago
Very good presentation. I was at DaNang during the rocket attack of 1967. I remember looking at the devastation along the flight line immediately after the attack and for several days as the mess was cleaned up. I may have a few photos and if i can find them i will send them along.
Les Harding (SFC USA REtired) - 9 years ago
Not only was the 2/501st there! Elements from the 1/501st (Geronimo) were there also. The problem that we had was the mud! We dropped rucks and tried to move through the mud on our gut. Near the top of the hill there was no vegetation just a few vines and a lot of bunkers. The NVA were rolling grenades down at us and when you ducked in the mud, praying they would miss you you started to slide back down that damn hill. The M16 would get clogged and you tried to clear it while holding on to anything that would keep you steady. The pictures brought back memories of friends now gone! Thank you for your blog!
michael castro jr - 10 years ago
I to served in viet nam,and I also lost a very good friend there,i was platoon rto,and when I went on rnr I gave my radio to him while I was gone,on way bac,landed on fire base,platoon was down in the valley,i couldn't fly in because they were taken artillery fire,to make it short,lee got hit by schrap metal in the bak and it killed him,it should of been me,i live with this guilt still,yes I hav ptsd,and the dreams don't help
Brenda Floyd Underwood - 10 years ago
I'm a Gold Star sister of SPC 4 Lonnie Allen Floyd who served with C/4/503 173RD ABN. He was KIA 1-14-67 during Operation Cedar Falls. He had previously served with the 101ST and was serving with the Finance division of the 82ND when he arrived in country in August of '66. He was 19 when he was KIA. I really got for thrpe first time what he must've experienced during combat and being in the jungles and front line. He died in his best friend's arms before reaching the hospital. According to information I found online of the daily after action report they were ambushed. He was the only one killed but 13 others were wounded. His friend contacted me in the early '90s and we've stayed in touch since. He still suffers tremendously from guilt and PTSD. Thank you for sharing your story. I could just imagine my brother doing the same things you described. I hope to follow your blogs. Thank you for serving and for sharing your story. Brenda Floyd Underwood. Gold Star Sister
Tom Dials - 10 years ago
Infantry platoon leader in Vietnam 1971-72. Interesting article, Mr. Adwar. The NVA (about all that was left when I got there, the VC having been virtually wiped out during Tet '68) were damned fine light infantry...maybe the best in the world at the time. While they couldn't match ARVN backed by US firepower (as demonstrated during Easter Offensive in the spring of '72), they were courageous and fought with a doggedness that foreshadowed the events of '75. I have not been back but know several folks who have. The contrast between my memories of the country and the pictures I have seen of the current state leave me of the opinion that the Vietnamese people may have finally won. For the price they paid, I would not expect a much different tone in the museum...this too will pass.
Robert F. (Andy) Anderson, Jr. - 10 years ago
I am a Vietnam veteran, USAF, and was stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Ubon, Thailand from the day after Thanksgiving of 1966 through September 29, 1967 before coming back Stateside to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. I was a member of a weapons load team. I worked with the F-4 Phantoms models C &D. This was the best service time I spent during my four year hitch. We worked hard but were shown appreciation by every one on the base, especially the pilots who flew the Phantoms.
I was first assigned to the 555 TFS AKA the Triple Nickle Triple Ace, after approximately six months the Satan's Angels Squadron AKA the 433 TFS was short a couple of load crews so the crew I was on and one other load team was transferred to the 433rd. Again all of the load teams were shown respect and appreciation by every one including our pilots.
During the period I was assigned to Ubon, I had the distinct pleasure of serving under and with, at that time, Colonel's Robin Olds and Daniel (Chappie ) James who were two of the greatest officers I met during my four years. They were so revered by us that a great majority of us did not salute the Eagles they wore but the two men themselves.
Boot Camp was a stroll in the park for me as both my older brothers were already in the Air Force and I knew just exactly what to expect. The only thing I regret about Basic Training, both days we were scheduled for the obstacle course we were also scheduled for KP.
I went to Viet Nam in 1963 as an advisor...1st LT...to an VN infantry battalion and later with a VN armor troop. Came back in 1969, major with a brigade of the 4th Inf Div.........I was Armor Branch. In 1965 I took a tank company, C Company 68th Armor, from Fort Stewart to the Dominican Republic , assigned to the 3rd U.S. Army (Fort McPherson) and attached to an 82nd AB brigade. My company was there for 1 year. It was considered a combat zone and I wore a 3rd Army patch on my right sleve. It was all part of the Inter-America Peach Force commanded by a 4 star Brazilian general. The U.S. Army command had a 3 star general. The communist had over-run the capital and was pushed out by our forces. The operation was a complete success......I guess this is why no one seems to remember the U. S. Army's participation in the military conflict.
susan struck - 10 years ago
Not only young soldiers were irrevocably changed by experiences with death and mutilation of each other and the enemy. Young nurses also had these same issues. Many RNs quit nursing on return to the States , because of what they witnessed, and were unable to continue with their chosen careers for as many reasons young soldiers expressed. USA lost many compassionate good nurses due to the Vietnam War and lack of support on their return.
Thomas (tom) Smith - 10 years ago
I was in country. August 1968-September1969 in the USMC; 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, H Company, 3rd Marine Davison. Located in the far north near the rock pile, Quang Tri, and Don Ha. Located in Ashsaw Valley operation Dewey Canyon. Alto of true stories never came out, tigers eating marines on patrol.
Things like major racial riots; goes on and on.
SSGT Thomas B. Smith
Jean Ostrowsky - 10 years ago
My husband was an Army medic during the VN war; however, he was sent to Korea while a goodly number of his classmates were sent to VN.
A dear friend forwards these articles to me. He served in VN.
Mar Housley - 10 years ago
My father-in-law was Navy during ii; my husband was Army incountry VN & has passed from Agent Orange exposure and my sons-in-law was incountry Qartr (air fuel support). I also worked at the local VAMC for 30 years. I would find your writings of interest. Thank you
I am Tom Pienta and lets have lunch again John - 10 years ago
Darn sure hope a movie is,produced
From your great novel "CHERRIES"...Lets have lunch again...w/o Tenace lol .he is in love with obama...other than,that
Ken is a good guy
Dan Beary - 10 years ago
Thank you Captain Stratton for sharing your experiences and for your service. You and the other POWs are my heroes.
Lillian Day - 10 years ago
My father 30 yr. Navy WW11 & Korea My Husband 21 yr. US Army Korea age 15, Vietnam Helicopter Gun Ship Pilot (FireBird) 49 decorations & Awards. 1939-2013
SOlange - 10 years ago
I am not a veteran. however , my husband landed on Omaha beach, with the 29th Division, and fought at Falaise, Caen, through Normandy and all the way to Bitsburg, Germany , where he was taken prisoner. My father, an officer in the French Army , was taken prisoner at Boulogne, and was at Oflag IV , a prisoner for 2 years , I was a student in Paris and we barely subsisted under German occupation. More than a few people should take lesson from the story I just read . thank you ..
I am 20 years USAF Retired, linguist, Cold War. Oldest grandson is a Marine; his sister (our granddaughter) is married to a Marine. My Dad never was allowed to join during WWII because of broken back earlier in his youth. My paternal grandfather was a chaplain on New Guinea and in Europe (later). One maternal uncle is buried above Omaha Beach. My brother was an arty spotter in 'Nam. The story of the "Stupid One" should be read by everyone. How terrific! Thank you for posting the story.
Marcelo R.(Ray) Lobato - 10 years ago
I am a retired Army Master Sergeant, served twenty-two years active duty, served to tours of duty in Vietnam, 1966 and 1972. My military career was devoted to helping the war fighter where ever they served. After retirement I served in various capacities with the Veterans Administration still supporting the veteran. In the mid 1980's I was tasked to assume responsibility of the Vietnam POW data base from the Air Force, the data was stored on IBM cards which I converted to digital. I do not recall many of the names except for McCain and a couple of others. The name Stratton rings in my mind, but am not totally positive. Thanks for your information and for sharing your experience.
Grace W. - 10 years ago
I am not a veteran...I was married to a Vietnam veteran, but we went our separate ways because he could not adjust and I did not truly understand. I did not protest against those serving, I protested against those sending our heroes. I hold ALL of our vets to the highest esteem and give them the upmost respect so richly deserved. These are our heroes, not those that our children watched on television or the movies. But, the reality of what all our vets endure cannot be seen on television or the movies because the majority of the viewing audience cannot handle the truth of war. I humbly salute all vets...and I feel great pride in my father's service in WWII.
Emily H - 10 years ago
I have a great uncle that was in the army; he died while fighting in the Vietnam war. There only 6 weeks before he was killed. Ambushed; they shot him in the head. The area he was in was where the Michelin rubber tree plants were growing, which meant they couldn't use Agent Orange. Made it a helluva lot harder for them. Came to this site to learn a little more for a project on Vietnam soldier's experiences. Was very useful! Thank you.
IJS - 10 years ago
Dick "The Beak" Stratton was my skipper at the Naval Academy Prep School, his last duty station before retiring. I'm thankful to hear he is alive and well! We got this story from him first-hand. It was an honor.
John Steever - 10 years ago
Just finished reading this and want to thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute to those who suffered the misfortune of being the "guests" of the North. Funny how even though my time "in Country" was without injury, it was something that can be instantly relived when seeing stories of the period. Thank you again.
I'm an high school pal of John Podlaski---I've read his tome, Cherries, twice now---it's an eye opening read as John eloquently shares just what he and the other vets went through in our behalf in protecting our freedoms---I appreciate his sharing his war experience with those of us who haven't 'been there'.
I was there 68-68, IV Corps and I was an Army Journalist. Most assignments were related to American Advisory Teams, attached to ARVN: get the personal story on the Americans and their ARVN counterparts and hump a ruck alongside. Got my cherry busted first time out by a sniper that got a round close enough to my right ear to warm it up, render it deaf for the rest of the day and scare the bejesus outta me. For the next eight months, I watched war from the mud, the brown water and the cooler skies. Then I sat down and wrote it up to send to the Americans’ hometown newspapers for the family and friends to read as. Sure didn’t make it all go away from inside my head. I never got “not scared”. And I never was too scared to do my job. I had 13 days to go when Tet ‘68 happened. Just the increased battle noise laid down another layer of fear. At least I got to return fire. But the whole deal of fear was like a weighty, sopping blanket that was always there.
I had a chance to return with my brother for a visit in the late nineties. He was an I Corps Marine for 2 1/2 years and wanted to see it again. No thanks, I said. I was afraid of being that fearful again.
One thing about it. I get startled by things, every now and then and to one extent or another. But I haven’t again experienced fear like I did back in that day.
I was a medic with 199th Light Infantry Brigade and USARV 1970-1971 at Long Binh. Recently had to sell house and move into assisted living because of Agent Orange. Four Vietnam vets here now because of Agent Orange. Living in south Mississippi.
i was on the ship at the time got out of compartment right before 1st 1000 pounder came in to compartment no one was in back of me . lost over 30 men of vf 74 . total for day was 42 .
Daughter of a Vietnam Vet
If you liked my story about 882 titled A Hill to Remember, you'll probably like my non-fiction book, "Toll of War/Vietnam. It came out in 2004. It's still available at the AuthorHouse bookstore or on Amazon.
Shoulda mentioned what I wann give you. Its th 67-68 Cruise Book for th Coral Sea. Think thats a pic of you with WO-Fritz in Ordnance Control n G-Div. Also pics of AKTRON 153. On th Memorial Page it lists AO3 Donald E. Maki.
Anyway, if you`d like, I`ll b happy t mail it to you. Jus let me know. My email is jim.jones2319@gmail.com Later
Shoulda mentioned what I wann give you. Its th 67-68 Cruise Book for th Coral Sea. Think thats a pic of you with WO-Fritz in Ordnance Control n G-Div. Also pics of AKTRON 153. On th Memorial Page it lists AO3 Donald E. Maki.
Anyway, if you`d like, I`ll b happy t mail it to you. Jus let me know. My email is jim.jones2319@gmail.com Later
Served 72-76 V2Cats CVS14/CVA64. Missed line period tho, recovered Apollo17 nstead. Rode Connie t Gulf of Oman n -74. Ended USN NALF San Clemente Island Crash/Fire.
Your stories r powerful. At 17-18yrs old loved th Flt Deck. Scary as f*#k, but wrked with some great guys that watched my back. Still remember th hand signals an how t hookup th bridles an holdback units on all th aircraft. Nose tows were so much easier but had to really watch th props specially on th Hummers. Easy t hit em if u dropped ur guard.
After I was out went back but t th Army. Retired active after 24yrs. Did alot, saw alot. Glad I served. 5 of 9 kids served. Again, thanx
for what you write. Would like you to email me. I have something I would like to give you. Feel like its more yours than mine. Hope t hear from you soon.
I like the Point Man story and can relate as my squad seemed to always be there,I was a Grunt Sgt and had 11 good guys in my squad and a took turns on point. here is some of my story and fee free to use it for your site'
– Company D (1968-71)
1968
In late March 1968, the 5/46 Infantry Battalion (The Professionals), including Company D, deployed from Fort Hood, Texas to Chu Lai, Vietnam.
The battalion headquarters operated from LZ Gator. Initially, Delta company became responsible for much of the bunker line on Gator. Captain Carl Koppeis was the Delta company commander. At the same time, the 2d platoon was assigned security operations in Nuoc Mau, the small village at the base of Gator by Highway One. The 4th platoon was sent to Binh Son, three miles south on the highway to support H Troop, 17th Armored Cavalry, to secure the bridge over the Tra Bong River at the town’s northern edge.
On 7 April 1968, Delta on the bunker line, was hit with three satchel charges tossed by Vietcong sappers. This was the first attack by sappers against LZ Gator, and there would be two more years of sapper attacks while 5/46 held Gator’s perimeter.
With an assigned tactical area of operations (AO) of two hundred and sixty square miles, 5/46 Battalion’s tactical mission included defending its fire bases, manning observation posts (OP’s), searching and destroying tunnels and enemy caches, and hitting the enemy in night ambushes. Its pacification mission was focused on protecting villages harvesting rice and offering medical aid to Vietnamese villagers when it was practical to do so. These missions had the goal of establishing control over the hostile landscape and “winning the hearts and minds” of the populace to some degree.
In May 1968 Delta continued to man the bunker line at LZ Gator and send patrols into Rocket Valley, the Tri Binh hamlets north of Gator and out to the headwaters of the Tra Bong River.
On 21 June 1968 Delta was inserted into LZ Manchester five miles southwest of the Tra Bong Special Forces Camp. The soldiers jumped off the birds into patches of grass which appeared to be knee-high, but were over six-foot high. With sixty-pound rucksacks on their backs, several ankles and knees were injured.
On 1 July 1968 Delta flew back to the coastal plains. Chinooks were used for the pickup with fire support from Huey gunships. Delta was lifted to LZ Buff. On 7 July Delta air-assaulted southeast of My Khe (3) and (1) and southwest of My Khe (4), which sat along the coast. The mission was to close the noose south of the Pinkville zone and to provide some relief to the weary soldiers of Alpha and Bravo. The mix of enemy they faced included some NVA along with hard-core Vietcong.
During its patrolling Delta uncovered a thousand pounds of rice under haystacks in a graveyard. Moving slowly, Delta, under the command of Captain Yanessa, was finding they were moving in an area densely seeded with mines. Platoons found rice caches, artillery rounds and mortar rounds.
The deadline set by the 198th Brigade headquarters for the Pinkville operation, “To find, fix and kill the NVA and VC forces in the area”, was midnight, July 10. On the morning of July 10 three Chinooks extracted Delta. As a farewell, the Vietcong fired on the helicopters, hitting two of the three. The battalion was headed back to the Tam Ky “Burlington Trail” area.
Task Force Cooksey was formed to deny the rice supply from NVA forces in the mountains west of Tam Ky. Roles for the 5/46 included search, find and destroy the enemy, provide blocking forces, secure landing zones and fire bases, and stand by as reaction forces. The mountainous rugged terrain under stifling heat, with the possibility of encountering well-trained and well-equipped NVA regulars was the trade-off for relief from the Pinkville mission and the carpets of mines on t
Enjoyed article about the Tiger Crews. Doesn't seem that long ago....
Hi Keith, trust you are well. I am well and deep into retirement ... busier than ever. Mike Yap
That’s a lie about the barb wire separating blacks and whites. No way would that happen.
Line troopers would never have put up with it.
71-year old Veteran. One of the lucky ones I guess. Listen to this story. After 4 physicals and after college graduation I was drafted. Out of Basic I was to be a Medic. Off to Fort Sam. 1969. 95% of graduating medics were heading for Nam. We all knew that medics in name were basically grunts with some medical training out in the jungle...well you know. Me...somehow they sent me to South Korea. 43rd Surgical Hospital up on the DMZ. Wasn't fun but it was safe. Yes that is the hospital that the movie M*A*S*H came from. If that wasn't lucky enough. I had a long athletic background. Football in college. Fast Pitch Softball catcher, a good one. Time for 8th Army tryouts for the South Korean team that would compete in Hawaii in the USARPAC Tourney (South Korea Okinawa Japan Hawaii Thailand Alaska. 14-players to get a roster spot and I got one. Traveling around playing softball and then a 20-day trip to Hawaii. We won the tourney. Have long wondered how I got so lucky though have often thought that I missed out on something valuable by not going to Vietnam. About two years ago I decided to research and learn everything I could about the Vietnam War from a soldier's point of view. My first project was to create a private blog I call it. It is not online. Decided to draw a 100 mile circle in each direction around the small farm town in Missouri where I am from. Having done that I began finding and posting every KIA and MIA within that circle. After 2 years I have posted and included information about their circumstance for probably 250 and I haven't even begun to begin. So may families disrupted and for what. Those of you who were Vietnam Grunts, Hats off to you. You are a hell of a man. And somehow I was just lucky or was I?
I WAS IN VIETNAM DURING 1971-1972 ON THE GUNTRUCK KINGCOBRA, 597TH TRANS., 8TH GRP., PHUETAI,
THE REASON FOR THIS COMMENT IS BECAUSE SOME OF US THE MEMORIES ALWAYS STAY VIVID AND WE NEVER FORGET, ESPECIALLY OUR FRIENDS AND BROTHERS, THANK YOU.
THERE ARE 2 GUNTRUCK SITES YOU CAN VISIT, THEY ARE QL19CONVOY.COM., & VIETNAM GUNTRUCKS, IF YOUR A VIETNAM VETERAN OR ANY VETERAN FEEL FREE TO JOIN, ITS FREE AND IT IS FOR ALL VETERANS YOUNG OR OLD, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF GUNTRUCK PHOTOS, ETC., NEVER KNOW, YOU MAY FIND SOMEONE YOU SERVED WITH THERE AT THE GUNTRUCK SITES. HAVE A GREAT ONE AND STAY SAFE.
paul (swirl)dickson
D Troop
3/5 Cav
'67-'68
nonattyspksprzn@gmail.com
Fiancee, Spec 4 Kenneth Gary Hensley, Long Binh, October. 1970 - October, 1971. Died January, 1997, heart disease. Thank you for all of your documentation.
My year as a pilot for the 159th Dustoff in Vietnam, '69-70 (Cu Chi/Tay Ninh) was spent with a small group of the best and bravest, primarily supporting the 25th Infantry.
That was the most rewarding year of my life - bar none. Welcome home to all of my brothers: I'm so glad I helped make some of your homecomings possible.
I enjoy reading about these recon missions in that from Jan, 1970 to Feb, 1971 I was a Cobra pilot with 101st flying in support of these missions out of CCN, MLT2. Hoping some of the missions written about may be some that I helped support. jm
Ian's veteran of the 372Radio Research Company (Cu Chi, Dau Tieng & Tay Ninh) and the 175th Radio Research Fiekd Station (Bien Hoa). RadioResearch (Army Security Agency in the rest of the world) provided intelligence to every major Army unit from the Dela to the DMZ. RR/ASA was among the first military units at arrive in Vietnam (1961) and one of the last to leave (1975). An ASA soldier, SP4 Janes T. "Tom" Davis was one of the first ground troops KIA (December 1961) as a result of hostile action. His name is in line 3 of panel 1 of "The Wall." The history mission of RR/ASA has been pretty much lost except from among it's rapidly aging veterans. ASA only existed from 1945 to 1976. More about RR/ASA can be found in the NASAA website.
Great Article! I'm always fascinated by anything related to the Vietnam War (doubt I'd have as much of an interest if I lived thru it myself) because my father, David Allen Boarman from Evansville IN, enlisted at the age of 19 into the Marine Corp. & was a Corporal from 1967 to 1969 in Vietnam. He passed away in Dec. 2006 from a rare kidney cancer, but very rarely spoke of his experience over there & when he did he was vague at best. I only knew of one story directly from him & another one that he told my uncle not long after returning from Vietnam, so I've always been fascinated by anything related to the Vietnam War.
After he died, I submitted a request for his full military record as a next of kin, and 3-4 months later I received it. From that I learned he was in H&S Company, 2nd Battalion/4th Marine Reg. of the 3rd Marine Div. & at one point he was also assigned (in H&S Co.) to the 3rd Tank Battalion in the 3rd Marine Division. His parents were involved in a terrible car crash (drunk sailors on-leave hit them head on) that killed his mother & maimed his father, so he went on a 2-week leave to attend his mother's funeral & I figured that he was re-assigned to the other battalion when he returned. It was pretty interesting to get more of a glimpse into his experience over there, and after researching what operations his battalions were involved in I'm not surprised he didn't want to tell me much about it.
When I graduated high school in 2004 I thought a lot about joining the Corp. & he spent awhile talking me into going to college instead. I'll never forget what he told me, he said, "War is very ugly Jason. You see terrible unimaginable things that you wish you could unsee, but you can't. And it causes you to do very ugly things to other people that you can't take back. It's very very ugly, it changes you forever, and I don't want you to ever have to live thru what I went thru at your age." I took his advice to heart & went to college instead, and for years I regretted not doing it anyways. But looking back now, I'm glad I took his advice because I'm still here today & I was able to spend the last 6 months of his life with him. Had I gone against his wishes I probably would have repeated history by having to come home to bury my father only to return to war.
All three videos are great for different reasons. To pick one I'd have to pick Lindsay Daly's as it would be the one I'd use as part of the presentations the Edu. Committee I chair, which does presentations at several local high schools and a college.
Thank you for doing the video change!
myGwoy&y,
"Skip", Sgt., USAF - Mar '64 - Mar '68, Vietnam - Nov '66 - '67
I flew an AH-1 in 69-70 in the same area where Maj Rowe was a prisoner. Real bad area.
I very much enjoyed reading this story. My Dad was in the Navy during the Viet Nam war. He was a jet mechanic. He never talked about his time over there other than a few antics he pulled on board ship. He was on the USS Ranger I believe it was '69-'71. I don't know, perhaps it's because my Dad never talked about his time over there, but I've always been drawn to stories about what happened during the Viet Nam war. I plan to eventually read every story on this website. I know our brave men and women who served in Viet Nam were treated like garbage upon their return and that has always bothered me. I just want to say that even though I've never met all of you brave people, I love and respect each and every person who went to Viet Nam, those who came home and those that did not. You all have a special place in my heart. Thank you so much for what you did for us and our freedom!
Very informative, very enlighting information.
I went through the TET Offensive as so many of us BROTHERS did. I had the honor of being around the mountain people. What is being said about them being brave is an understatement. I am proud to have been able to have served with them.
I stayed state side at Ft Irwin Ca. I was in special weapons and twice had orders to go to Vietnam but for some reason our orders were pulled. Probably due to the special weapons classification. I saw many leave to go and saw many return in a casket. At that time I was young and believe my I wanted to go just to give our buddies some honor and take some of the enemy down for what they did to our heros.
I was "in-country" FROM '70-'71. II Field Force, 23rd. Artillery Group (III Corp.) After going through the standard, "FNG" paperwork processing Our Battery, went into Cambodia. After that it was the usual B.S.
I started out on a M109-155 MM Self Propelled Howitzer. With 90 Days left I ended up in an 8" / 175 mm unit. We damn near got overrun in that position. If anyone recognizes me from the limited details I gave give me a shout-out... OK !
Joe Robles
Semper Fidelis to all my Marine Brothers.
Thanks to all other men and women who has served I am very proud of you for your service.
I was with 1Bn 5th Mech. (BOBCATS) Jan 68 to Jan 69. My last 9 months, I drove an APC. We probably past on the road or you my have been attached to the 5th Mech at on time. In Aug of 68 we were working out of Dau Tieng. The Wolf Hounds were the best & the 3/4 Cav. gets my respect
My grandpa Jim Dorrance did 3 tours over there, I wish I would have got to know him.
I work with two vets, a helicopter pilot and a sp5 hill climber.
I enjoy reading your site.
I went into LZ India on the second CH-46 to drop India 3/9 off there on the first day of Dewey Canyon. I was the last person to board the last helicopter off of Hill 1228 (Tiger Mountain) on the last day of the operation..
I enjoy reading the experience of other Viet Nam Vet's hoping some of my old buddies might leave a comment . I was with 2nd Balt.9th Marine E company 1967 and 68 , i was a Point Man for most of my tour
Semper Fi My Brothers
I was a chopper pilot with First Cav(7/68 - 6/69)and truly enjoy reading the experiences of the bravest of brave,the foot soldier. I'm trying to get the courage to write about my experiences and am encouraged by these stories. Thank you.
I was a classmate of Doug Hegdahl.
A Det. 1st MI Bn (ARS), Bien Hoa. 96D2T, Image Interpreter and part time camera operator 6-68/6-69. Our shop provided tactical interpretation in the III Corps area via Air force RF4C, Army Mohawk reconnaissance film and hand held 35mm from Huey’s, O-1s & O-2s for USARV and anyone who asked. Little known but much maligned. ;)
Thanks much for the site and all the effort you put into it.
my dad was a Viet Nam vet. served 2 tours. He had ptsd & never told us much but did mention Da Nang, his group called the Headhunters, & "chasing Charlie" in fixed-wing planes (he was shot down once, rescued by chopper with a rope - not a ladder, a rope). Thank you for having this site & for your support of our troops.
I was with A/1/16 FROM 1965-66. Our base camp was moved from Ben-Cat to LAI-KAI.
I was a FO. Was at Bong-Trang when the whole 1st Division was involved in the battle.
And napalm was dropped on our position. The story can be found in the October 2007 issue
of Viet_Nam magazine. I took shrapnel that day
I found my base. It looked like my old shop and barracks were gone.
I was with the 101st air borne at camp Eagle and had a hard time understanding why
at 2 am early morning we had to call head quarters before we could fire on the enemy
that was in our zone turning our claymores around to face us. I received the Bronze star medal for my service in Vietnam
Just finished reading "Cherries", enjoyed it very much. I served with A/5/7 of the 1st Cav from June 1970 until March 1971. I served with Norm McDonald. The similiarities between your story and ours is amazing. Great job. keep writing.
Bless you for using your gifts to redeem the hard times and encourage the weak ... Our Corpman Doc Lewis wrote "Nothin' but a Thing" to the memory of recon marines he served ... May your future be secure ... Jesus was with you through it all!
I NOTED MY E-MAIL WAS INCORRECT CORRECT E-MAIL ROSCOE45@COMCAST.NET
I WAS A MARINE SGT W/ 3RD SHORE PARTY. A GROUP OF ABOUT 30 MARINES HANDLED RE SUPPLY OF SURROUNDING HILLS AND CERTAIN PATROLS. WE ALSO WERE IN CHARGE OF THE PARACHUTE DROP ZONES WE HAD 2 KIA AND SERVERAL WOUNDED BY ROCKET AND MORTAR FIRE. OUR UNIT HDQTRS WAS RIGHT BESIDE OF THE JP4 BLADDERS. WE WERE IN CHARGE OF THE HELILIFT OF A COMPANY OF 26TH WHEN A ROCKET HIT THE TRENCH LINE WHEN THE CHAPLIN AND ASS'T, AMONG OTHERS WERE KILLED. NO ONE WAS SAFE AT KHE SANH NO MATTER WHO THEY WERE OR WHERE THEY WERE AT. SURVIVERS WERE ONLY LUCKY "I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY OR GOD WAS ON MY SID, SEMPER FI AND GOD BLESS!"
My brother, CW4 James Paul Barry, Jr., served three tours in VN, where he started out in 1067 in Huey helicopters/ Army-Cu Chi); & by 1987 was jetting the brass all around the middle east & Europe until he retired in 1987. He was awarded many medals & commendations, including the Bronze and Silver Star. However, he returned a changed man. Leaving his wife & two daughters, becoming an alcoholic, & refusing treatment for PTSD. He died of oral cancer in 2004 and was buried at Arlington. We did not put the pieces together for several years that Agent Orange caused the tumors in his mouth & throat.
He was 18 Y.O. when he left & we mourned his loss thereafter whenever we had the chance to see him (he mostly stayed away from family).
He served his country bravely and honorably because he was that kind of man. We are proud of him.
My uncle Darrel Dunlap I 3/26 was kia feb 8, 1968 at Khe Sahn and my father served USN AOE 2 USS Camden. Anyone know these men??
My late husband was a VN combat vet & exposed to Agent Orange. I worked 30 years at a VA Hospital.
Very good presentation. I was at DaNang during the rocket attack of 1967. I remember looking at the devastation along the flight line immediately after the attack and for several days as the mess was cleaned up. I may have a few photos and if i can find them i will send them along.
Not only was the 2/501st there! Elements from the 1/501st (Geronimo) were there also. The problem that we had was the mud! We dropped rucks and tried to move through the mud on our gut. Near the top of the hill there was no vegetation just a few vines and a lot of bunkers. The NVA were rolling grenades down at us and when you ducked in the mud, praying they would miss you you started to slide back down that damn hill. The M16 would get clogged and you tried to clear it while holding on to anything that would keep you steady. The pictures brought back memories of friends now gone! Thank you for your blog!
I to served in viet nam,and I also lost a very good friend there,i was platoon rto,and when I went on rnr I gave my radio to him while I was gone,on way bac,landed on fire base,platoon was down in the valley,i couldn't fly in because they were taken artillery fire,to make it short,lee got hit by schrap metal in the bak and it killed him,it should of been me,i live with this guilt still,yes I hav ptsd,and the dreams don't help
I'm a Gold Star sister of SPC 4 Lonnie Allen Floyd who served with C/4/503 173RD ABN. He was KIA 1-14-67 during Operation Cedar Falls. He had previously served with the 101ST and was serving with the Finance division of the 82ND when he arrived in country in August of '66. He was 19 when he was KIA. I really got for thrpe first time what he must've experienced during combat and being in the jungles and front line. He died in his best friend's arms before reaching the hospital. According to information I found online of the daily after action report they were ambushed. He was the only one killed but 13 others were wounded. His friend contacted me in the early '90s and we've stayed in touch since. He still suffers tremendously from guilt and PTSD. Thank you for sharing your story. I could just imagine my brother doing the same things you described. I hope to follow your blogs. Thank you for serving and for sharing your story. Brenda Floyd Underwood. Gold Star Sister
Infantry platoon leader in Vietnam 1971-72. Interesting article, Mr. Adwar. The NVA (about all that was left when I got there, the VC having been virtually wiped out during Tet '68) were damned fine light infantry...maybe the best in the world at the time. While they couldn't match ARVN backed by US firepower (as demonstrated during Easter Offensive in the spring of '72), they were courageous and fought with a doggedness that foreshadowed the events of '75. I have not been back but know several folks who have. The contrast between my memories of the country and the pictures I have seen of the current state leave me of the opinion that the Vietnamese people may have finally won. For the price they paid, I would not expect a much different tone in the museum...this too will pass.
I am a Vietnam veteran, USAF, and was stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Ubon, Thailand from the day after Thanksgiving of 1966 through September 29, 1967 before coming back Stateside to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. I was a member of a weapons load team. I worked with the F-4 Phantoms models C &D. This was the best service time I spent during my four year hitch. We worked hard but were shown appreciation by every one on the base, especially the pilots who flew the Phantoms.
I was first assigned to the 555 TFS AKA the Triple Nickle Triple Ace, after approximately six months the Satan's Angels Squadron AKA the 433 TFS was short a couple of load crews so the crew I was on and one other load team was transferred to the 433rd. Again all of the load teams were shown respect and appreciation by every one including our pilots.
During the period I was assigned to Ubon, I had the distinct pleasure of serving under and with, at that time, Colonel's Robin Olds and Daniel (Chappie ) James who were two of the greatest officers I met during my four years. They were so revered by us that a great majority of us did not salute the Eagles they wore but the two men themselves.
Boot Camp was a stroll in the park for me as both my older brothers were already in the Air Force and I knew just exactly what to expect. The only thing I regret about Basic Training, both days we were scheduled for the obstacle course we were also scheduled for KP.
I went to Viet Nam in 1963 as an advisor...1st LT...to an VN infantry battalion and later with a VN armor troop. Came back in 1969, major with a brigade of the 4th Inf Div.........I was Armor Branch. In 1965 I took a tank company, C Company 68th Armor, from Fort Stewart to the Dominican Republic , assigned to the 3rd U.S. Army (Fort McPherson) and attached to an 82nd AB brigade. My company was there for 1 year. It was considered a combat zone and I wore a 3rd Army patch on my right sleve. It was all part of the Inter-America Peach Force commanded by a 4 star Brazilian general. The U.S. Army command had a 3 star general. The communist had over-run the capital and was pushed out by our forces. The operation was a complete success......I guess this is why no one seems to remember the U. S. Army's participation in the military conflict.
Not only young soldiers were irrevocably changed by experiences with death and mutilation of each other and the enemy. Young nurses also had these same issues. Many RNs quit nursing on return to the States , because of what they witnessed, and were unable to continue with their chosen careers for as many reasons young soldiers expressed. USA lost many compassionate good nurses due to the Vietnam War and lack of support on their return.
I was in country. August 1968-September1969 in the USMC; 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, H Company, 3rd Marine Davison. Located in the far north near the rock pile, Quang Tri, and Don Ha. Located in Ashsaw Valley operation Dewey Canyon. Alto of true stories never came out, tigers eating marines on patrol.
Things like major racial riots; goes on and on.
SSGT Thomas B. Smith
My husband was an Army medic during the VN war; however, he was sent to Korea while a goodly number of his classmates were sent to VN.
A dear friend forwards these articles to me. He served in VN.
My father-in-law was Navy during ii; my husband was Army incountry VN & has passed from Agent Orange exposure and my sons-in-law was incountry Qartr (air fuel support). I also worked at the local VAMC for 30 years. I would find your writings of interest. Thank you
Darn sure hope a movie is,produced
From your great novel "CHERRIES"...Lets have lunch again...w/o Tenace lol .he is in love with obama...other than,that
Ken is a good guy
Thank you Captain Stratton for sharing your experiences and for your service. You and the other POWs are my heroes.
My father 30 yr. Navy WW11 & Korea My Husband 21 yr. US Army Korea age 15, Vietnam Helicopter Gun Ship Pilot (FireBird) 49 decorations & Awards. 1939-2013
I am not a veteran. however , my husband landed on Omaha beach, with the 29th Division, and fought at Falaise, Caen, through Normandy and all the way to Bitsburg, Germany , where he was taken prisoner. My father, an officer in the French Army , was taken prisoner at Boulogne, and was at Oflag IV , a prisoner for 2 years , I was a student in Paris and we barely subsisted under German occupation. More than a few people should take lesson from the story I just read . thank you ..
I am 20 years USAF Retired, linguist, Cold War. Oldest grandson is a Marine; his sister (our granddaughter) is married to a Marine. My Dad never was allowed to join during WWII because of broken back earlier in his youth. My paternal grandfather was a chaplain on New Guinea and in Europe (later). One maternal uncle is buried above Omaha Beach. My brother was an arty spotter in 'Nam. The story of the "Stupid One" should be read by everyone. How terrific! Thank you for posting the story.
I am a retired Army Master Sergeant, served twenty-two years active duty, served to tours of duty in Vietnam, 1966 and 1972. My military career was devoted to helping the war fighter where ever they served. After retirement I served in various capacities with the Veterans Administration still supporting the veteran. In the mid 1980's I was tasked to assume responsibility of the Vietnam POW data base from the Air Force, the data was stored on IBM cards which I converted to digital. I do not recall many of the names except for McCain and a couple of others. The name Stratton rings in my mind, but am not totally positive. Thanks for your information and for sharing your experience.
I am not a veteran...I was married to a Vietnam veteran, but we went our separate ways because he could not adjust and I did not truly understand. I did not protest against those serving, I protested against those sending our heroes. I hold ALL of our vets to the highest esteem and give them the upmost respect so richly deserved. These are our heroes, not those that our children watched on television or the movies. But, the reality of what all our vets endure cannot be seen on television or the movies because the majority of the viewing audience cannot handle the truth of war. I humbly salute all vets...and I feel great pride in my father's service in WWII.
I have a great uncle that was in the army; he died while fighting in the Vietnam war. There only 6 weeks before he was killed. Ambushed; they shot him in the head. The area he was in was where the Michelin rubber tree plants were growing, which meant they couldn't use Agent Orange. Made it a helluva lot harder for them. Came to this site to learn a little more for a project on Vietnam soldier's experiences. Was very useful! Thank you.
Dick "The Beak" Stratton was my skipper at the Naval Academy Prep School, his last duty station before retiring. I'm thankful to hear he is alive and well! We got this story from him first-hand. It was an honor.
Just finished reading this and want to thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute to those who suffered the misfortune of being the "guests" of the North. Funny how even though my time "in Country" was without injury, it was something that can be instantly relived when seeing stories of the period. Thank you again.
I'm an high school pal of John Podlaski---I've read his tome, Cherries, twice now---it's an eye opening read as John eloquently shares just what he and the other vets went through in our behalf in protecting our freedoms---I appreciate his sharing his war experience with those of us who haven't 'been there'.