My dad went from living on a farm in the Ozarks with no electricity to Vietnam in a single year. Talk about a major life change! He survived 1967 and 68 in Vietnam as a Marine Artilleryman. He died last month at 76.
I love you. I do. You’re a hero. You went in at prolly 18 and fought, you had the ware with all to make it home to a hostile country…all of this before your 21st birthday. My Man…you all should be applauded…you finally are and well deserved. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm so sorry they sent u men over There my uncle fought in Vietnam war he really struggled when he first came back home he didn't talk about it much I guess it was to painful for him but he jumped when he heard a helicopter for a long time I never asked him why thank you for your service and may god bless you merry Christmas to u and happy new year u were probably around 18 when they sent u over there my uncle was 18 too I can't imagine going over to such a country fighting in a jungle it had to be scary and sad all at once I'm so glad u made it home alive
Mr Cale - thank you for your service + my Friend Merrill Mills was in Vietnam as was my Uncle - Ron Redding & a close friend , Jack Flowers - who served in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Falklands, Grenada , and Kuwait - Jack was a Navy Seal - and a very kind soul - Dangerous ! But kind -An honor to know Jack Flowers for sure - to know he was a Friend becomes more profound as time passes - It bares repeating - Thanks
I never understood why these fellas were treated so badly when they were lucky enough to return home. Respect is earned,and I cant think of any other people that earned it more.
Doug styles, The reason why the soldiers were treated badly, was because they became a part of the 1968 rebellion, 1968 rebellion was a settlement with all authorities.
The mistreatment of these men and women is a black eye for our society. They were doing the bidding of the elected officials who were in office because of the very people who abuse in the first place. McNamara (appointed by our sainted president) should be held accountable by history for his misdeeds. The military is for killing people and breaking things. Lawyers and academics have no place in the process.
Dave Williams not going to disagree with you, I believe it was a pointless war in my opinion on the larger scale, the small scale there was a good reason especially the CAP marines helping kids with food, clean water, schools and such. I believe it should have been ended, just not the way it did. All the veterans should’ve been treated better. They didn’t have a choice of if they went or not it’s not their fault for the war or the combat.
You're story mattered to me, thank you, my uncle didn't come back so i like trying to find out how he lived. He lived with the finest Americans there are.
My family and I also lost my uncle over there . Although I did not know him because I was not born until 75 he was very important to my family so without it every being said to do so we treat all vets and active military like there family out of the respect for there sacrifice that comes with serving . I grew up just outside of San Antonio TX every Thanksgiving and Christmas we would invite 3 are 4 soldiers from Fort Sam Houston to come and spend the day with are family. These young men where such great people they where always so great full not knowing my family was getting something only they could give us . It was so important to my mom to give these soldiers a day of family love that they where missing to do there service. Never did we say to these young men anything about my uncle but in a way they became my uncle for that day as a kid I did not know this I just new no matter what every year I got to meet and spend time with outstanding young men . I will always be willing to listen to any veteran talk about anything they want to talk about . My dad also served in the war and like most of Vietnam vets talking about the war was not something he did he did not open up about the war until I was a adult with kids of my own I am proud of my uncle , my Dad and my family . Thank you to all that serve and thank you to all who tell the story of there service it does mean a lot to so many people . The ability for so many to overcome the fear of war is amazing to me . We owe these soldiers respect and understanding they paid a price so we didn’t have to .
@@stickyRice9 sorry for your family’s loss . Words can’t fix the loss there where so many young Americans who never came back home . I thank every member of the military I come across even those who don’t want my thanks . I am grateful and proud of are military service members they may be called and are willing to put there lives on the line to protect this great country. I my not trust the government and I definitely don’t agree with the government policy a lot of the time but I will always back are military they do what is asked of them to the best of there abilities . That deserves and gets my respect .
What a man. What a delightful man. Humor, sincerity, honest and obviously a dedicated American soldier that still carries the hidden scars of what he witnessed. Such Americans as Monte Dvorik are the backbone of America and it's true heroes. May God Bless you, sir.
Must be 'trippy' (if that is the correct word?) from being labled a baby killer and all that to a hero!?! Hope you get on ok though (Im sure you will or never mind will have is a better term)
My Daddy was there in '69. He was shot and came home after 11 months but he never really left. He was in the Army, 1st division, artillery Sargent. He passed away in 2012 from agent orange cancer. It was great to listen to you and hear your story. Words cannot say thank you enough for your service.
@@ZLwh1ne Technically he was asked if he would like to try. That does tend to happen when you score expert. But it's not like they're telling you you're going to be a sniper, and I don't think that's what he meant.
He doesn’t drink anymore. He had a drinking problem for awhile trying to forget what he went through. It would probably have to be a cup of coffee. Nice jester though.
This man has a highly developed sense of responsibility. He missed out on his military leave, got shipped back to "the world" half-way through his tour, then is at the point of breaking down when he says, of his buddies back in Vietnam, that "I let 'em down" when he couldn't return to help them out. Many thanks to Billings Gazette for taking on this worthwhile project.
That's actually a common sentiment among those who've been to war and There's many a story of soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen apologizing to their brothers for getting injured and being sent home or subsequently dying there on the ground. Because that's how they feel: that they've let their brothers down when they needed them the most.
Truly one of the best interviews. No bravado no glorification just an average dude who did what he thought was right. Much love brother be proud of yourself
These stories are better than the movies. Thank you to all the Vietnam veterans for your service. The sacrifices you made in the face of adversity are inspiring.
What a great guy,this is the kind of person that you know for 30 seconds and automatically know that you can give him a spare key to your house incase you lock yourself out.You know that you can trust him as a good person.I listen to every second of these videos,I’m a long way from Montana,down here in SC,but you don’t produce men much unlike we ourselves are.Thank you for what you did,and welcome home sir.
I lived in Montana for a few months. I couldn't believe how nice the people were. At least in Bozeman, they were. Total culture shock, but in a good way.
God Bless, Mr Dvorak. My dad was there with you somewhere. He served 2 Tours in the USMC and was a First Class Sergeant. We all appreciate your service.
@@kuiper921 Oh, they will agree it was wrong, but then justify it somehow like people do the Iraq war. People will say that was wrong too, but then call the military heroes or say, "well, Saddam was a bad guy" as if that justifies anything. Where is the apology at or the aid to them for all the destruction we did? Nobody has ever said sorry. Just like Vietnam. Or when we dropped the Atom bomb on civilians. Another time in history where we're just like, "oops, maybe we went too far, but oh well".
My grandpa passed in '67 at age 23. Thank you for recording this oral history. It helps me understand what his experience of the war must have been like.
Lots of people believe that it should be required for every politician to have a son or daughter serve, and see how fast wars dissipate, because they don't care until it directly affects them.
I found this channel a few days ago. Everyone of these veterans tell it as it was. I joined the Air Force in April of 1970, with a low draft number, thinking this was my "escape" from Vietnam. I went over in 1970 at the young age of 20. What an experience! Memories good and bad, that I'll never forget. Thank you for this series of interviews
I'm so glad I found this presentation of Vietnam voices. My brother served in Vietnam 1970. He doesn't talk about it and we don't ask. He was not physically wounded. But the mental scars are there. Through Vietnam voices I will be able to understand my brother's anxiety. We love our Veterans no matter win or lose. 18 yr old kids deserve our love and support. My heart aches.💔😥🙏
I hope Monte and these other veterans get to read these comments, seeing people's support and empathy for what they experienced can only be good for them, even if the heartfelt love and gratitude is rather overdue.
Monte... thanks for adding your perspective. I was glad to hear it all. My brother enlisted for duty... He passed 8 years ago... glad his suffering is over. Thanks for your service Monte..
What a good old boy. Country boy threw and threw. Feels bad that he got hurt and couldn't go back to help his friends even after being injured. Only find that in a certain kind of person. Best wishes cowboy.
@@chrishyde7809 The government has always treated hillbillies like second class citizens. They mowed them down on Blair Mountain for wanting more money. They've always fucked with you because they have nothing better to do. Mostly crooked, but probably not as bad today as back in the day. Most drank moonshine but busted moonshine stills and pretty much had war over it. They changed the entire way of life there. Too much government now. A lot of laws we don't even like or agree with. Most of us take care of problems ourselves and fight stuff out if we have to. Now you get thrown in jail for mutual combat if the cop is being a prick. It's worse in the small cities there. 10 cops patrolling a city with hardly anyone in it. Murder rate is low as shit. One murder about every 5 years if that. Most of us probably aren't going to be a cop or even go into the military unless we're doing it for school. Most would probably do that than be a cop though. It's more the cops they don't really like. It's about half and half probably. You do have some also that are nationalists and would serve, but are crazy as fuck too. You wouldn't want them being a cop.
This guy is one of the best interviews I've seen, so honest, humble and emotional, profound character. Small town, naive yet learning about brutality in that way. I hid out in the university, protesting the war, but if I could go back I'd volunteer.
Chris, It takes integrity to come to grips with one's philosophy, and then change it to conform to a higher wisdom. I volunteered for service before I graduated high school. It was during Vietnam. But went into the Air Force Academy and the war was long over before I was released on the world on the stick of a fighter. Learning what I have long since I left the service, I can now say that I was very glad that I was too young for the combat portion of the war. I'm still qualify as a Vietnam Vet by definition. But although I am a patriot, I would never serve in a system that sells out its service people so regularly (both Vietnam and Afghanistan). Let the politicians and their minions fight in combat. They think it is so damn wonderful, then give them a rifle. Monte is so correct about everything. I was required to wear a uniform off base, but I took it off so that I wouldn't be harassed and discriminated against. The best solution to what has been and is being done to service people is to have compulsory service requirement for every citizen, like the peaceful countries of Norway and Switzerland, and a long list of other countries. Americans, generally, are spoiled rotten brats. But there is always a corps of people in every generation that are not afraid to bear the responsibility of freedom. But that leads to a winnowing of the wrong people that biases the election outcomes, and that will continue the cycle. I have heard many who ran to Canada and return say the same thing you just did. My father was drafted into WW2 and served from Kassarine Pass to the Bulge and Army of Occupation. Had he ran, he would not have had his family. My great grandfather volunteered for service in the Light Artillery and served honorably under Gen'l Sherman in the Army of the Tennessee (Meridian, Atlanta, March to Sea, and Carolinas). #rd Ggrandfather serviced in the Kentucky Militia during 1812 and patrolled the Indian Territory. And 4th Ggrandfather was an Overmountain Man at the Battle of Kings Peak. Of course, I had maternal lines that served at Saratoga, Brandywine, and a privateer out of Portsmouth, NH. And they go back to colonial wars as well. But, had anyone one of them chose a different path, I would not be here. So what we do every day makes a difference. So please, sir, stay the course you are on. Although your path does not include combat, it is honorable and makes a difference that you will never see.
@@Kevin-rz6lm Thanks for the wise message. I'm from a small town in Middle Tennessee. I've got ancestors that joined the army and fought in the Civil War, fought native Americans before that, could have fought against your gr. grandfather since they were confederates. Father and Uncle were both WWII veterans. We're a generation that's disappearing. But still linked by historical memory of these conflicts. Several good friends I grew up with were killed in Vietnam. Because of university deferment I've never had to earn a red badge of courage. It weighs on me sometimes. All the best Kevin, Chris
@@christophermorgan3261 Don't regret your decision. You did the smart thing by staying home and protesting the war. There are tens of thousands of americans themselves who got exposed to Agent Orange during the conflict and in their advanced years either died in pain or are struggling to survive. The hippies and protesters may think on what could have been today but had they lived that alternative, they'd be weeping tears of blood today. You're incredibly lucky not to have gone through the hell and meat-grinder that was vietnam...it was a war fought in vain.
@@qarmatianwarhorse6028 Completely agree with you. I was a privileged suburban kid. But still wonder if I could have measured up under fire. The Red Badge of Courage, classic by Stephen Crane.
@@christophermorgan3261 If you went on to have a stable family and decent career afterwards, I'd say you did wonderfully. Trust me, you don't want to have gone to war. Especially not one where you rarely could see your enemy until it was too late.
I'm 71. My lottery number was 29 in 1969. I took the ASVEP test. Got on a bus to induction center. And it felt right. I was given 4F medical deferment from Army Physician. And returned home. Recently I joined the American Legion ( SAL Sons of American Legion) Very proud of my family's involvement in Serving in the USA Military WW 'll. Conversations and Fellowship with Veterans as yourself is what I hope to get from the Veterans there, Maybe I can't relate as I didnt serve. Understood. But my pride as an American is all there.
"Bless you, Sir, for your service." I had three cousins who also went to Vietnam and thankfully came home. One worked on the jet helicopters that fired rockets. Another was on an aircraft carrier, the last on a boat that took supplies up the rivers to our soldiers.
I love these guys, this generation.....so many won't get these thing's off their heart and actually express their experience. Thank you for gathering these stories, for them and for posterity.
Thank you for your candor and kindness. My oldest uncle was a marine who fought in both gaum and iwo jima. He scored so well on the rifle range he did take the offer to be a sniper. He çame home but reàlly did not and like you found solace in a bottle. Yet, when he finally came, we were there for him. He was my hero just as you are too. Thank you for sharing your story.
I felt the same way about the basic training examination. I had one of our most underperforming soldiers with me (doing the examination double teams) and I told him, we will get through this. None of us wants to do the basic training all over again. You just stick close and we will make it through. I was so determined to not do it all over again, we outperformed most of the other groups and I was so relieved that we made it that we had a big celebration back at the barracks. And it seemed so easy for the both of us because we both gave our best and we made a great team.
I remember in basic when we literally carried an underperforming airman during our final run. He was really short and small and just folded during the runs. He was real smart and very capable in all other respects, but he was definitely not a runner. He could do it physically for sure (and was strong - a grappler), but was mentally overwhelmed for some reason or other during the runs. Not sure if that was that was really the right thing or whatever happened to him, but we all finished together.
This series of interviews with the veterans of the Vietnam conflict is a real eye opener for me, as I have never served in any of the armed services here in the U.K. but these interviews make me feel real grateful to any and all who have served, so that those like me can have a quiet life without any problems. God bless them all.
Regardless of how we feel about the war, everyone should consider that these guys saw a lot of their friends die in all sorts of horrible ways. A person could live to be a 150 years old and never forget those images.
Not at all dude is shouting into his mic and the energy is so off. This guy is re telling the worst days of his life and the interviewer seems way too happy about it
Yeah he is so good he is a time traveler.. The opening states this was "Jan 27th 2017" .. this was posted March 18th 2016 .. WT actual F? It was posted before he did the interview?
Having had limited experience with torsion bars, I was scared to death of them anytime I was around them. Without any warning one could slip loose, and that torsion arm could have grievously injured me. So, I completely identify with your injury, and am really happy that you had such a great recovery. Thank you for your service to this nation!
Thank you for your service. You are a testament to the hard working farmers & ranchers who go out of your way to keep the commitments you make, no matter what. May you truly be blessed.
Mr.Dvorak, I doubt you will ever read this, but if you do, thank you for your service.....nobody else feels like you let anyone down sir. I'm a 44 year old American who has never had to feel the pain of war, because the men like you that came before me took the pain. For that I am eternally grateful. Make no mistake about it, you did more than your fair share for this country.
What a great guy, i can only imagine how hard it must have been for him and his family to be where he is now. Sir, i thank you for your service, i was born the year you were fighting for our country, much respect to you!
Thank you Monte for your service and for sharing your story. I’ve always been fascinated with this war and how it was handled. I wish you peace by sharing this with those in hopes we do not have to go through this type of event again.
1980 I was in 6th grade Reading class. Teacher was a Vietnam vet. Sure, he assigned a book a week to read. But, except for doing the oral report in front of class every week, he was determined to teach us all about The Nam, what it was like....taught us how to make the booby traps used against them. I learned more about what war was about than any book ever could. We had info from a guy with first hand experience. Invaluable info. As I grew older, I understood what value a man like him was worth. Experiences that he shared with his students should be taught in U.S. schools nationwide. God bless our soldiers! They can teach us more than those with a PhD.
My grandfather tells me stories of his time with in the service and it was so surprising to hear that he survived 7 aircraft crashes. There will never be enough graditude I have for this man and his motivation to continue to be strong for everyone else. 🙏 Thank you to all service men and veterans of previous years.
My dad went through vietnam when i was a baby. He used to show us slides of his experiences every year for years when i was young until untreated ptsd caused him to shut down and withdraw. My mother always said how much he changed from how he was before he went to war, went from a gentle man to an angry violent one, the paradox being deep down he was still the gentle man. This guy reminds me of him a bit. War fucking sucks ass. Nothing against the people or services, but war... It destroys lives for generations.
Nothing makes you more tense than the sound of choppers coming to take you out on patrol ... and nothing makes you more relaxed than the sound of choppers coming to take you back to camp.
God Bless this Gentle soul. 🙏🇺🇸So humble and just a Kid, at the time, thinking he was doing the right thing. I Salute you and Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. A Service that has lasted a Life time but, you made it. Be proud and Many of us if Not All of us Now, Thank you. They realize they’re Terrible reception now finally. Love the Soldier, Hate the war. My heart bleeds for you, having to push it all down. Now you All can come out and Heal. ❤🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏
❤️ thank you for your service!! My cousin David got a knife through his heart on his way home from Vietnam for wearing his uniform in california so not messed up for making y'all wear a uniform knowing what was going on here I will 8 years old but I'll never forget him. Thanks for telling your story I'm happy my cousin was there with wonderful men like you 💞 💕 ☮️ our father's were in WWII
This guy reminds me of my dad. Hes a good guy..when he was sad i just felt like i wanted to give em a hug.. stories like his should be remembered and treasured..thanks for sharing and im proud of you..thank you for your service
What a great narrative! For someone who didn't think they had much to say, you said a lot: In turns, very interesting and informative, at times humorous and at others, heartbreaking. I think the relationships developed in the military and particularly in a combat zone are the most intense and enduring I've ever been privileged to witness. They are IMO closer than brothers, always next to your heart, profound beyond words. Your desire to go back, your sense of duty, feeling you "let the guys down" when you were inured and love for the men you served with shines through your entire experience. Thank you so much for sharing and for serving, sir. And Ms. Debbie? Thank you for encouraging your husband to participate. I do hope he listens to your wise council regularly ;-)
What an incredible man. Feels that he let his brothers down by being badly injured. But you see the pain when he thinks about the others that didn't make it, all of these years later. Bless you, sir
He was in the 1st ID...awesome...I was also, but in the Gulf War...Vets from every generation are all brothers of a shared experience...hell on earth...The Big Red One motto: No mission to tough, no sacrifice too great, duty first....
I was five years old when you shipped off to Vietnam. Thank you sir, for your service. To me you are a hero. God Bless you and all who serve our country. I am sorry that you did not receive the respect you were due upon your return. And though a pacifist myself, I have nothing but respect for the courage, dedication and honor you and your fellow soldiers demonstrated so long ago. I wish you well and am tremendously grateful for the sacrifices made by you and your comrades. I wish you eternal peace and I long for a day when war will be no more. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Dont know if you will ever see this Mr. Dvorak, but many thanks for telling your story here, I sure enjoyed hearing it. Thank you for your service to our country. I hope you are doing well, welcome home.
Ran a M88 VTR ( Vehicle Tracked Recovery) along with a 5 man Ordnance contact team attached to 1/16 Infantry (Mech) 1st Infantry Division 1969. Listening to Monte’s story is like Deja vu all over again. Remember refueling at Wake Island. Like a blast furnace at 7pm. You landed at Tan San Nhut and then traveled to Long Binh for 90 Replacement Station. I describe Vietnam as having a sickly sweet smell that permeated everything. Spent a lot of time in Rocket City-Lai Khe, Thunder Road, which was Highway 13 from Saigon to Loch Ninh / An Loc , about 65 miles. He’s referring to the Michelin Rubber Plantation.
Glad you’re doing this. Their stories need to be told. Vietnam was a whole different ball game. There was sort of a front line between North and South, but you could pass through one area and the next day the next unit there gets overrun.
My dad went from living on a farm in the Ozarks with no electricity to Vietnam in a single year. Talk about a major life change! He survived 1967 and 68 in Vietnam as a Marine Artilleryman. He died last month at 76.
Sorry for your loss man,may he rest in peace...
We Americans are grateful for your father's service and will never forget what these men sacrificed for our country.
Semper Fi and thanks for his service to America.
God bless you’re father may he Rest In Peace in the lords glory.
Sorry you lost your dad! I lost mine two years ago, he was 81. I will never get over it....God be with them🙏🏻❤
I joined the Marines in 67/73 and I too when hearing a helicopter it takes me back to Vietnam. Thank God protected me and live to tell about it. Amen
I love you. I do. You’re a hero. You went in at prolly 18 and fought, you had the ware with all to make it home to a hostile country…all of this before your 21st birthday. My Man…you all should be applauded…you finally are and well deserved.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm so sorry they sent u men over There my uncle fought in Vietnam war he really struggled when he first came back home he didn't talk about it much I guess it was to painful for him but he jumped when he heard a helicopter for a long time I never asked him why thank you for your service and may god bless you merry Christmas to u and happy new year u were probably around 18 when they sent u over there my uncle was 18 too I can't imagine going over to such a country fighting in a jungle it had to be scary and sad all at once I'm so glad u made it home alive
And the smell of rotting grass and vegetation. Funny how smells and sounds work on you.
Mr Cale - thank you for your service + my Friend Merrill Mills was in Vietnam as was my Uncle - Ron Redding & a close friend , Jack Flowers - who served in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Falklands, Grenada , and Kuwait - Jack was a Navy Seal - and a very kind soul - Dangerous ! But kind -An honor to know Jack Flowers for sure - to know he was a Friend becomes more profound as time passes -
It bares repeating - Thanks
@@keelsmac01 wherewithal*
I'm so glad this guy survived the war. What a beautiful soul.
Many like him didn't make it back alive !
@David Wang your telling me you’ve never met someone who was thankful for your service?
@David Wang -- As a former worker for the VA, I know the govt. let you down. It still does. I tried so hard to get the Vets the support they deserved.
@@stephenpoe2037 really!? Are you sure?
@@tobythagaud . Were are you coming from ? Why would I lie ?
I never understood why these fellas were treated so badly when they were lucky enough to return home. Respect is earned,and I cant think of any other people that earned it more.
Doug styles, The reason why the soldiers were treated badly, was because they became a part of the 1968 rebellion, 1968 rebellion was a settlement with all authorities.
Timothy Leary, John Lennon, The Eagles, and really ridiculously irresponsible psychedelic drug use bro.
The mistreatment of these men and women is a black eye for our society. They were doing the bidding of the elected officials who were in office because of the very people who abuse in the first place. McNamara (appointed by our sainted president) should be held accountable by history for his misdeeds. The military is for killing people and breaking things. Lawyers and academics have no place in the process.
@Craig Koehler Craig Thank the Hippies for putting an end to this stupid War.
Dave Williams not going to disagree with you, I believe it was a pointless war in my opinion on the larger scale, the small scale there was a good reason especially the CAP marines helping kids with food, clean water, schools and such. I believe it should have been ended, just not the way it did. All the veterans should’ve been treated better. They didn’t have a choice of if they went or not it’s not their fault for the war or the combat.
You're story mattered to me, thank you, my uncle didn't come back so i like trying to find out how he lived. He lived with the finest Americans there are.
God bless ya
My family and I also lost my uncle over there . Although I did not know him because I was not born until 75 he was very important to my family so without it every being said to do so we treat all vets and active military like there family out of the respect for there sacrifice that comes with serving . I grew up just outside of San Antonio TX every Thanksgiving and Christmas we would invite 3 are 4 soldiers from Fort Sam Houston to come and spend the day with are family. These young men where such great people they where always so great full not knowing my family was getting something only they could give us . It was so important to my mom to give these soldiers a day of family love that they where missing to do there service. Never did we say to these young men anything about my uncle but in a way they became my uncle for that day as a kid I did not know this I just new no matter what every year I got to meet and spend time with outstanding young men . I will always be willing to listen to any veteran talk about anything they want to talk about . My dad also served in the war and like most of Vietnam vets talking about the war was not something he did he did not open up about the war until I was a adult with kids of my own I am proud of my uncle , my Dad and my family . Thank you to all that serve and thank you to all who tell the story of there service it does mean a lot to so many people . The ability for so many to overcome the fear of war is amazing to me . We owe these soldiers respect and understanding they paid a price so we didn’t have to .
@@ericshedrock6052. That’s good stuff
My uncle didn't return either..
@@stickyRice9 sorry for your family’s loss . Words can’t fix the loss there where so many young Americans who never came back home . I thank every member of the military I come across even those who don’t want my thanks . I am grateful and proud of are military service members they may be called and are willing to put there lives on the line to protect this great country. I my not trust the government and I definitely don’t agree with the government policy a lot of the time but I will always back are military they do what is asked of them to the best of there abilities . That deserves and gets my respect .
What a man. What a delightful man. Humor, sincerity, honest and obviously a dedicated American soldier that still carries the hidden scars of what he witnessed.
Such Americans as Monte Dvorik are the backbone of America and it's true heroes.
May God Bless you, sir.
L Mar Amen.
Are you a Politician or something if you do not mind me asking? Or a relitive?
Must be 'trippy' (if that is the correct word?) from being labled a baby killer and all that to a hero!?! Hope you get on ok though (Im sure you will or never mind will have is a better term)
@@vladdigby165 shaddup you twat. These men did what they were told to do. Watch another Hollywood movie you pussy.
VLAD DIGBY your an asshole
My Daddy was there in '69. He was shot and came home after 11 months but he never really left. He was in the Army, 1st division, artillery Sargent. He passed away in 2012 from agent orange cancer. It was great to listen to you and hear your story. Words cannot say thank you enough for your service.
Poor guy shoots so straight, he can't even talk bullshit. He tries, but nothing comes out. He deserves that cowboy hat. ;)
i felt that one.
I mean he did say... I could have been a sniper 😂 if I had a quarter for every time I've heard that
Damn right he does they don't make men like him anymore
He’s definitely one humble man. Can hear it in his voice.
@@ZLwh1ne Technically he was asked if he would like to try. That does tend to happen when you score expert. But it's not like they're telling you you're going to be a sniper, and I don't think that's what he meant.
I am a 68 yo Navy Veteran who salutes every Vietnam Vet whom I come across...Thenk You Sir for your Service
I've never wanted to buy a man a beer and share one with him so much in my life.
🍺🍺🍺
Country boy
This ol gal 🤦🏼♂️😂😂🤘🏼
@@notagrd he said "a beer" not 3 mugs ....lol
He doesn’t drink anymore. He had a drinking problem for awhile trying to forget what he went through. It would probably have to be a cup of coffee. Nice jester though.
What a great man. Very humble and very grateful. I admire him.
Htoo
Yeah same hear
he has kind eyes
He's got a kindly Zach Galafianakis look to him..
This man has a highly developed sense of responsibility. He missed out on his military leave, got shipped back to "the world" half-way through his tour, then is at the point of breaking down when he says, of his buddies back in Vietnam, that "I let 'em down" when he couldn't return to help them out. Many thanks to Billings Gazette for taking on this worthwhile project.
That's actually a common sentiment among those who've been to war and
There's many a story of soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen apologizing to their brothers for getting injured and being sent home or subsequently dying there on the ground. Because that's how they feel: that they've let their brothers down when they needed them the most.
A friend of mine is Currie Wayne Clayton. Not a name you see or hear every day. Just had to say 👍🏻👊🏻
Yeah coiuld tell how emotional it was for him to recount that.
Truly one of the best interviews. No bravado no glorification just an average dude who did what he thought was right. Much love brother be proud of yourself
These stories are better than the movies. Thank you to all the Vietnam veterans for your service. The sacrifices you made in the face of adversity are inspiring.
My Father never said a word after he got back. He had PTSD BAD. That's why this series is interesting to me.
What a great guy,this is the kind of person that you know for 30 seconds and automatically know that you can give him a spare key to your house incase you lock yourself out.You know that you can trust him as a good person.I listen to every second of these videos,I’m a long way from Montana,down here in SC,but you don’t produce men much unlike we ourselves are.Thank you for what you did,and welcome home sir.
I lived in Montana for a few months. I couldn't believe how nice the people were. At least in Bozeman, they were. Total culture shock, but in a good way.
What a true American. My hat is off to this veteran.
Exactly!
yes to all vets.
A true American hero. How humbling to listen to his story. God bless.
I wouldn't call him a hero. I don't say that to disrepsect the man.. I think he's certainly a victim, a brave man, but a victim.
God Bless, Mr Dvorak. My dad was there with you somewhere. He served 2 Tours in the USMC and was a First Class Sergeant. We all appreciate your service.
Hi AMERICA, an honest man's pillow is his piece of mind , this bloke is a inspiration to all culture's
Love from Australia, GOD bless
Hell yeah mate, god bless ya
Yeah, until you ask them if it was justified, and then they lie to justify it and not look like the terrorists they were.
@@ebogar42 bs, most people agree the us shouldn’t have been there and that it wasn’t justified
@@kuiper921 Oh, they will agree it was wrong, but then justify it somehow like people do the Iraq war. People will say that was wrong too, but then call the military heroes or say, "well, Saddam was a bad guy" as if that justifies anything. Where is the apology at or the aid to them for all the destruction we did? Nobody has ever said sorry. Just like Vietnam. Or when we dropped the Atom bomb on civilians. Another time in history where we're just like, "oops, maybe we went too far, but oh well".
@@ebogar42 m???mmllm.mmmmmmmmmmmlllmmmmmmmmmlmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmllmmlllllllllllllllllllllkinnin
My grandpa passed in '67 at age 23. Thank you for recording this oral history. It helps me understand what his experience of the war must have been like.
Man I really felt for this guy... Tons of respect for him and glad he's here to tell his stories.
What an excellent show, keep going, this is the kind of program people need to hear, no politician just the soldiers who lived it.
Lots of people believe that it should be required for every politician to have a son or daughter serve, and see how fast wars dissipate, because they don't care until it directly affects them.
I found this channel a few days ago. Everyone of these veterans tell it as it was.
I joined the Air Force in April of 1970, with a low draft number, thinking this was my "escape" from Vietnam. I went over in 1970 at the young age of 20. What an experience! Memories good and bad, that I'll never forget. Thank you for this series of interviews
Thank you for your service. My spouse died there. I’m proud you served. Bud would have liked you
Welcome home sir. Thank you for your service
I'm so glad I found this presentation of Vietnam voices. My brother served in Vietnam 1970. He doesn't talk about it and we don't ask. He was not physically wounded. But the mental scars are there. Through Vietnam voices I will be able to understand my brother's anxiety.
We love our Veterans no matter win or lose. 18 yr old kids deserve our love and support. My heart aches.💔😥🙏
I hope Monte and these other veterans get to read these comments, seeing people's support and empathy for what they experienced can only be good for them, even if the heartfelt love and gratitude is rather overdue.
Humble, humorous and honest. Great man. Great interviewer. Great job.
Monte... thanks for adding your perspective. I was glad to hear it all.
My brother enlisted for duty... He passed 8
years ago... glad his suffering is over. Thanks for your service Monte..
What a good old boy. Country boy threw and threw. Feels bad that he got hurt and couldn't go back to help his friends even after being injured. Only find that in a certain kind of person.
Best wishes cowboy.
@BuddyHandsome grow up
Stupid country boy. Where I'm from we don't fight for our government. They're the ones that fucked us over in the Appalachians.
@@ebogar42 please explain
That’s actually quite common. More than any other reason… Soldiers/Marines fight for each other. Source: I’m Army
@@chrishyde7809 The government has always treated hillbillies like second class citizens. They mowed them down on Blair Mountain for wanting more money. They've always fucked with you because they have nothing better to do. Mostly crooked, but probably not as bad today as back in the day. Most drank moonshine but busted moonshine stills and pretty much had war over it. They changed the entire way of life there. Too much government now. A lot of laws we don't even like or agree with. Most of us take care of problems ourselves and fight stuff out if we have to. Now you get thrown in jail for mutual combat if the cop is being a prick. It's worse in the small cities there. 10 cops patrolling a city with hardly anyone in it. Murder rate is low as shit. One murder about every 5 years if that. Most of us probably aren't going to be a cop or even go into the military unless we're doing it for school. Most would probably do that than be a cop though. It's more the cops they don't really like. It's about half and half probably. You do have some also that are nationalists and would serve, but are crazy as fuck too. You wouldn't want them being a cop.
This guy is one of the best interviews I've seen, so honest, humble and emotional, profound character. Small town, naive yet learning about brutality in that way. I hid out in the university, protesting the war, but if I could go back I'd volunteer.
Chris, It takes integrity to come to grips with one's philosophy, and then change it to conform to a higher wisdom. I volunteered for service before I graduated high school. It was during Vietnam. But went into the Air Force Academy and the war was long over before I was released on the world on the stick of a fighter. Learning what I have long since I left the service, I can now say that I was very glad that I was too young for the combat portion of the war. I'm still qualify as a Vietnam Vet by definition. But although I am a patriot, I would never serve in a system that sells out its service people so regularly (both Vietnam and Afghanistan). Let the politicians and their minions fight in combat. They think it is so damn wonderful, then give them a rifle. Monte is so correct about everything. I was required to wear a uniform off base, but I took it off so that I wouldn't be harassed and discriminated against. The best solution to what has been and is being done to service people is to have compulsory service requirement for every citizen, like the peaceful countries of Norway and Switzerland, and a long list of other countries. Americans, generally, are spoiled rotten brats. But there is always a corps of people in every generation that are not afraid to bear the responsibility of freedom. But that leads to a winnowing of the wrong people that biases the election outcomes, and that will continue the cycle. I have heard many who ran to Canada and return say the same thing you just did. My father was drafted into WW2 and served from Kassarine Pass to the Bulge and Army of Occupation. Had he ran, he would not have had his family. My great grandfather volunteered for service in the Light Artillery and served honorably under Gen'l Sherman in the Army of the Tennessee (Meridian, Atlanta, March to Sea, and Carolinas). #rd Ggrandfather serviced in the Kentucky Militia during 1812 and patrolled the Indian Territory. And 4th Ggrandfather was an Overmountain Man at the Battle of Kings Peak. Of course, I had maternal lines that served at Saratoga, Brandywine, and a privateer out of Portsmouth, NH. And they go back to colonial wars as well. But, had anyone one of them chose a different path, I would not be here. So what we do every day makes a difference. So please, sir, stay the course you are on. Although your path does not include combat, it is honorable and makes a difference that you will never see.
@@Kevin-rz6lm Thanks for the wise message. I'm from a small town in Middle Tennessee. I've got ancestors that joined the army and fought in the Civil War, fought native Americans before that, could have fought against your gr. grandfather since they were confederates. Father and Uncle were both WWII veterans. We're a generation that's disappearing. But still linked by historical memory of these conflicts. Several good friends I grew up with were killed in Vietnam. Because of university deferment I've never had to earn a red badge of courage. It weighs on me sometimes. All the best Kevin, Chris
@@christophermorgan3261 Don't regret your decision. You did the smart thing by staying home and protesting the war. There are tens of thousands of americans themselves who got exposed to Agent Orange during the conflict and in their advanced years either died in pain or are struggling to survive.
The hippies and protesters may think on what could have been today but had they lived that alternative, they'd be weeping tears of blood today. You're incredibly lucky not to have gone through the hell and meat-grinder that was vietnam...it was a war fought in vain.
@@qarmatianwarhorse6028 Completely agree with you. I was a privileged suburban kid. But still wonder if I could have measured up under fire. The Red Badge of Courage, classic by Stephen Crane.
@@christophermorgan3261 If you went on to have a stable family and decent career afterwards, I'd say you did wonderfully.
Trust me, you don't want to have gone to war. Especially not one where you rarely could see your enemy until it was too late.
Very humble man with good backbones in my book.
Thanks for your service Mr Dvorak.
I'm 71. My lottery number was 29 in 1969. I took the ASVEP test. Got on a bus to induction center. And it felt right. I was given 4F medical deferment from Army Physician. And returned home. Recently I joined the American Legion ( SAL Sons of American Legion) Very proud of my family's involvement in Serving in the USA Military WW 'll. Conversations and Fellowship with Veterans as yourself is what I hope to get from the Veterans there, Maybe I can't relate as I didnt serve. Understood. But my pride as an American is all there.
The world has so many selfless heroes, sad that it takes war’s horror to point them out. Good lesson to treat everyone you meet with respect
Well said.
@@williamsherman1089 Agreed. After hearing his first few words, he just sounded like a humble man. Much respect.
Thank you for your service Monte! And thank you Billings Gazzette for recording this history and this man's story!
"Bless you, Sir, for your service."
I had three cousins who also went to Vietnam and thankfully came home.
One worked on the jet helicopters that fired rockets. Another was on an aircraft carrier, the last on a boat that took supplies up the rivers to our soldiers.
“Aweful bashful” Such an authentic gentleman. Respect‼️
Welcome home Monte. You are a great American
God bless !
This person is the most American American I ever saw.
I love these guys, this generation.....so many won't get these thing's off their heart and actually express their experience. Thank you for gathering these stories, for them and for posterity.
Monte is a good guy, thank you for your sacrifice sir.
I would love to have seen photographs of all these soldiers when they were younger.
There are a lot of things posted , if you have a search devise. Lots of of documentaries. Vietnam Remembered , for instance. Voices of History.
TAXCOLLECTOR2017 thank you, I will look them up.
@@niamhneevekinsella7951 www.masterlube.com/community/vietnam-voices2/monte-dvorak/ this guy
@@dsadassddasads7841 thx for posting that was something else seeing him as a kid.!!!!
Me too, I would have liked them to show a picture of their time in the unit
Monty, thanks for your story. You are a wonderful warm human being. Blessings to you .
Thank you for your candor and kindness. My
oldest uncle was a marine who fought in both gaum and iwo jima. He scored so well on the rifle range he did take the offer to be a sniper. He çame home but reàlly did not and like you found solace in a bottle. Yet, when he finally came, we were there for him.
He was my hero just as you are too.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I felt the same way about the basic training examination. I had one of our most underperforming soldiers with me (doing the examination double teams) and I told him, we will get through this. None of us wants to do the basic training all over again. You just stick close and we will make it through. I was so determined to not do it all over again, we outperformed most of the other groups and I was so relieved that we made it that we had a big celebration back at the barracks. And it seemed so easy for the both of us because we both gave our best and we made a great team.
I remember in basic when we literally carried an underperforming airman during our final run. He was really short and small and just folded during the runs. He was real smart and very capable in all other respects, but he was definitely not a runner. He could do it physically for sure (and was strong - a grappler), but was mentally overwhelmed for some reason or other during the runs. Not sure if that was that was really the right thing or whatever happened to him, but we all finished together.
What a great man. I am a veteran of Afghanistan, but this man is a true hero. God bless him for his courage and commitment to this great country.
Thank you for your service, Monte! True definition of a soldier and a Humble man.
This gentleman is the real deal.
Matt Kustom Kostumes Real gentleman are admirable models; nowadays, winey punks, snowflakes and slackers are considered perfectly acceptable.
By the way I lived in a neighborhood close to a huge crematorium and that is the sickening smell this veteran described as "big smudge pots"
@@carlcampbell6827 this guy and boomers like him got beat by a 3rd world country in sandals
@@tom00025 does that make you feel good to say that?
@@blahboidblah yes. Most boomers are shit.
This series of interviews with the veterans of the Vietnam conflict is a real eye opener for me, as I have never served in any of the armed services here in the U.K. but these interviews make me feel real grateful to any and all who have served, so that those like me can have a quiet life without any problems.
God bless them all.
Regardless of how we feel about the war, everyone should consider that these guys saw a lot of their friends die in all sorts of horrible ways. A person could live to be a 150 years old and never forget those images.
The interviewer is really good. Just let’s him tell his story.
Not at all dude is shouting into his mic and the energy is so off. This guy is re telling the worst days of his life and the interviewer seems way too happy about it
@@quandaledingle8960 I think he is a good interviewer. He's just trying to be as normal as the man being interviewed.
Yeah, and he laughs along with the Veteran cause he's just regular guy too.
Yeah he is so good he is a time traveler.. The opening states this was "Jan 27th 2017" .. this was posted March 18th 2016 .. WT actual F? It was posted before he did the interview?
@@quandaledingle8960 what do you mean by “energy is so off”?
Well i knew it wouldnt be long before these amazing interviews would be interrupted with ads
I was 20 in 1966 and in another world it might have been me. I just want to say thank you and welcome home.
Charles Bradshaw So if you were 20 you could have enlisted.
But its this world, and you didn’t. Let that sink in.
Nothing like hearing it from the people who lived it
Thanks for the American Freedom I so enjoy
Thank You Monte
Thank You So much
Monte- Thank you for sharing your story. You served with honor. We all admire your quality. Best regards
Very likeable man who cared about others! No artifice.
Having had limited experience with torsion bars, I was scared to death of them anytime I was around them. Without any warning one could slip loose, and that torsion arm could have grievously injured me. So, I completely identify with your injury, and am really happy that you had such a great recovery. Thank you for your service to this nation!
I feel fortunate to hear Monte tell his story and all the vets.
I feel sorrow for those who can't may they be at peace.
Beautiful heart and soul, god bless you and best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thank you, Mr. Dvorak. I value & respect your sacrifices, sir. And for sharing your story.
Thank you for your service. You are a testament to the hard working farmers & ranchers who go out of your way to keep the commitments you make, no matter what. May you truly be blessed.
My respect and gratitude, it was an honour to hear your story, welcome home Sir.
The world needed to hear your story and we’re better for it. Thank you for your service
Most of these veterans did not deserve the hatred they got when they returned!
Mr.Dvorak, I doubt you will ever read this, but if you do, thank you for your service.....nobody else feels like you let anyone down sir.
I'm a 44 year old American who has never had to feel the pain of war, because the men like you that came before me took the pain.
For that I am eternally grateful. Make no mistake about it, you did more than your fair share for this country.
What a great guy, i can only imagine how hard it must have been for him and his family to be where he is now.
Sir, i thank you for your service, i was born the year you were fighting for our country, much respect to you!
Salt of the earth and the definition of what an American is and should be. Hats off to you Monte ! A true hero.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. He seems like a good hearted man. Thank you, sir!
Thank you Monte for your service and for sharing your story. I’ve always been fascinated with this war and how it was handled. I wish you peace by sharing this with those in hopes we do not have to go through this type of event again.
We went through it again:
Iraq and Afghanistan.
This whole series and of other cities should be mandatory lesson plans in schools.
You’d think so, but instead the education system is too focused on brainwashing kids into thinking a certain way
1980 I was in 6th grade Reading class. Teacher was a Vietnam vet. Sure, he assigned a book a week to read. But, except for doing the oral report in front of class every week, he was determined to teach us all about The Nam, what it was like....taught us how to make the booby traps used against them. I learned more about what war was about than any book ever could. We had info from a guy with first hand experience. Invaluable info. As I grew older, I understood what value a man like him was worth. Experiences that he shared with his students should be taught in U.S. schools nationwide. God bless our soldiers! They can teach us more than those with a PhD.
@@mcrichton46 I know, it's become McEducation.
@@Bryzle1 "
@@mcrichton46 and here we are in 2021 pushing poison race theory on them, and letting them change their gender pronouns...unfucking real
Thank you Sir, for your service Mr. Dvorak. May God bless and keep you. It was an honor to listen to your story.
This guy is so likeable. I am glad he was able to work through and eventually open up about his experiences. Such a beautiful heart.
My grandfather tells me stories of his time with in the service and it was so surprising to hear that he survived 7 aircraft crashes. There will never be enough graditude I have for this man and his motivation to continue to be strong for everyone else. 🙏 Thank you to all service men and veterans of previous years.
I could tell from the get go that this man has the utmost integrity and just seems like kind man! Thank you sir for your service!
This series is timeless and important. Thank you for doing this.
What a heart wrenching moment at 1:02:26! Thank you for posting this video.
My dad went through vietnam when i was a baby. He used to show us slides of his experiences every year for years when i was young until untreated ptsd caused him to shut down and withdraw. My mother always said how much he changed from how he was before he went to war, went from a gentle man to an angry violent one, the paradox being deep down he was still the gentle man. This guy reminds me of him a bit. War fucking sucks ass. Nothing against the people or services, but war... It destroys lives for generations.
Nothing makes you more tense than the sound of choppers coming to take you out on patrol ... and nothing makes you more relaxed than the sound of choppers coming to take you back to camp.
God Bless this Gentle soul.
🙏🇺🇸So humble and just a Kid, at the time, thinking he was doing the right thing.
I Salute you and Thank you
from the bottom of my heart for your service. A
Service that has lasted a
Life time but, you made it.
Be proud and Many of us if
Not All of us Now, Thank you. They realize they’re
Terrible reception now finally. Love the Soldier, Hate the war. My heart bleeds for you, having to
push it all down. Now you
All can come out and Heal. ❤🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏
❤️ thank you for your service!! My cousin David got a knife through his heart on his way home from Vietnam for wearing his uniform in california so not messed up for making y'all wear a uniform knowing what was going on here I will 8 years old but I'll never forget him. Thanks for telling your story I'm happy my cousin was there with wonderful men like you 💞 💕 ☮️ our father's were in WWII
What a great smile and laugh. My dad was there too. He is now 83, so energetic & so proud of all vets....
You got to love these guys from the country they just went out and tried their best.
I'm a young guy these vets won't be around in next 20 years so it's good to hear their stories
This guy reminds me of my dad. Hes a good guy..when he was sad i just felt like i wanted to give em a hug.. stories like his should be remembered and treasured..thanks for sharing and im proud of you..thank you for your service
What a great narrative! For someone who didn't think they had much to say, you said a lot: In turns, very interesting and informative, at times humorous and at others, heartbreaking. I think the relationships developed in the military and particularly in a combat zone are the most intense and enduring I've ever been privileged to witness. They are IMO closer than brothers, always next to your heart, profound beyond words. Your desire to go back, your sense of duty, feeling you "let the guys down" when you were inured and love for the men you served with shines through your entire experience. Thank you so much for sharing and for serving, sir.
And Ms. Debbie? Thank you for encouraging your husband to participate. I do hope he listens to your wise council regularly ;-)
What an incredible man. Feels that he let his brothers down by being badly injured. But you see the pain when he thinks about the others that didn't make it, all of these years later. Bless you, sir
He was in the 1st ID...awesome...I was also, but in the Gulf War...Vets from every generation are all brothers of a shared experience...hell on earth...The Big Red One motto: No mission to tough, no sacrifice too great, duty first....
I was five years old when you shipped off to Vietnam. Thank you sir, for your service. To me you are a hero. God Bless you and all who serve our country. I am sorry that you did not receive the respect you were due upon your return. And though a pacifist myself, I have nothing but respect for the courage, dedication and honor you and your fellow soldiers demonstrated so long ago. I wish you well and am tremendously grateful for the sacrifices made by you and your comrades. I wish you eternal peace and I long for a day when war will be no more. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for doing this project!
What an amazing interview and a wonderful man . Thanks to both of you for all the effort . God bless you .
Thank you for your service Sir , you are much appreciated.
Dont know if you will ever see this Mr. Dvorak, but many thanks for telling your story here, I sure enjoyed hearing it.
Thank you for your service to our country. I hope you are doing well, welcome home.
Monte is now my ultimate red dead redemption 2 character, a real man 👍
Much respect to this gentleman and all Vietnam veterans. Thanks for capturing this interview!
This man brings honor to the saying cowboy up thanks for your service
The smell was pot and that's why United States is in such a mess now
What a great recollection of such a horrific time in a young man's life. Thank you Monte for your story.
Ran a M88 VTR ( Vehicle Tracked Recovery) along with a 5 man Ordnance contact team attached to 1/16 Infantry (Mech) 1st Infantry Division 1969. Listening to Monte’s story is like Deja vu all over again. Remember refueling at Wake Island. Like a blast furnace at 7pm. You landed at Tan San Nhut and then traveled to Long Binh for 90 Replacement Station. I describe Vietnam as having a sickly sweet smell that permeated everything. Spent a lot of time in Rocket City-Lai Khe, Thunder Road, which was Highway 13 from Saigon to Loch Ninh / An Loc , about 65 miles. He’s referring to the Michelin Rubber Plantation.
Did you ever see jeeps with a yellow diamond painted on them?
This guy has the best warrior interviews on UA-cam
Thank u sir my uncle came bck a broken soul we haven't been able to find him since the 80s
"I was awful bashful too" How can you not love this guy?
Glad you’re doing this. Their stories need to be told. Vietnam was a whole different ball game. There was sort of a front line between North and South, but you could pass through one area and the next day the next unit there gets overrun.
Good man.. Someone with a kind heart like this should never have been asked to fight. He's come through it valliantly.