WOW 😮 I served in Hotel-co 2/5 in 1968/69 as an 0311 Grunt Rifleman, two Purple Hearts 💜💜, later Hq-co Scout/Sniper Plt. This man sounds like he was with the 5th Marines around 1966/67 period. Our base camp at the time when I was in Vietnam was at An Hoa. GOD BLESS all my fellow Vets.
@@davidkiser6083 My memory is slipping a little, you guys at the top of marble mountain at the pass right? We were on hill 190. Glad to know you BROTHER. USMC
@@davidkiser6083 It really was disgustingly how the Vietnam soldiers were treated when they came home from the war versus the WWII soldiers. My pop was a WWII pilot who taught me respect for the military and the men/women in blue. God bless this great country. We owe so much to these brave you men and women that served and serve our country today. I wish they could take ever politician and stick them on the frontline of an actual battle. Maybe they would wake up and see war should try to be avoided at all costs. Obviously there are some cases it can’t happen.
As a millennial I grew up in the 80's, 90's and was fascinated with the conflict in Vietnam. Now at 42 years old I am still intrigued by stories of the men who served in that war. Mr. Pappas you have my utmost respect and admiration. Welcome home!
This Marine veteran’s story about his time in Vietnam is raw and powerful, from intense combat to dealing with PTSD. A humbling reminder of the sacrifices our service members make. 🙏 Veteran stories always touch the heart.
Dale, I'm ending the worst year of my life listening to your experience. I'm having health issues that's starting to affect my memory of my time spent. I saw some of the sights of what you saw. I guess, I'm ready to tell my story. I also have many scrapbooks of pictures. I was joked with a lot about my taking pics in between rounds. I guess listening to you tells me it's my time. My wife of 50+ years always let me talk at my own pace but mainly with other vets. I served 2 tours and they were not the same experiences. I'm listening to all the fireworks and shooting you hear nearing midnight and the new year and I'm very grateful this year is ending. Since we live in the country, the noise will continue for hours. One sounds exactly like the mortar launch and whoosh (no clunk) I heard long ago. I was positive I wouldn't make it through this year. Any way thanks a million for your short version of overseas. There was some good there but not too much at the time! K/75 RGR E/58 LRP 4th ID LRRP
Pappas, I was with when we when we got hit upon my return to Vietnam. Myself CpI Lawton and Crowder were newly promoted the night he was killed . i also (then) Lt Doherty first Radio Man . Very glad to know you made it back. I made Hastings with H-2-1 after I was transferred. Blessings, Ed Harbison
This is what a hero looks like. Every skinny young man in the Marines and the Army, Navy, Airforce. He did his job and protected his mates as best he could. I've known several decorated men. They don't look any different than any other guys, till you talk to them and they tell you what happened. Horrible things happened and they just did what they were trained to do.
My Father survived Korea, WW2 and and 4 vacations in Vietnam always had a stogie in his mouth. Hats off to anyone who protected USA ! I asked him if I could join and his response was if you do I will no longer speak with you , You stay here and take care of your mother and family, kinda hard to argue with CMSGT God bless you
Dale Thank You for your service. My older brother was a Marine and did two tours over there. He also was in Chu Lai. He went over there in 2006 on vacation. He made his way up to Chu Lai and found a Nissan truck plant where he remembered his hootch being. Marines are a special breed.
@ I understand your feelings believe me. My brother had some p.t.s.d. issues that were made better for him by returning to the scene of the original trauma. He actually met a fellow Marine at his hotel on Highway 1 and they made that trip farther north together. They never knew each other before that but they stay in touch now. I guess I would call that a win for a couple of 77 year old Devil Dogs.
My grandfather Gary Olson with the 84th engineers (wounded) gave me the entire “The Vietnam Experience” book set when I was 14. Read the whole set and never had more admiration. I later joined thanks to this book set when
I agree. That’s why I volunteered for the radio because in the 101st airborne division you didn’t walk point. Slow reflexes, wearing glasses that fogged up, and being from NYC, with no hunting experience. This decision certainly saved me. Sgt. Tony 1969-70.
Indeed. My understanding is that early in the war the point man was targeted for sure. Then Northern forces realized they should the point man go by and ambush the following body of troops for a higher body count than just the single man.
I remember operations, Hastings… I was at Dong Ha and witnessed the B-52 strike 10 miles away. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen to that day. This is in the middle of 1966… I don’t recall the actual month… My unit was stationed next to the medevac unit for the next week, it was nothing but dust off S bringing the wounded into the hospital. Thank you for your story.
Hastings was in July '66 till the first week in August '66, that was my first operation as FNG, had a wonderful time around the Rockpile, after Hastings we f#$K around back near DongHa, then the whole Bn. (2/1) took a rough rider South to 2/9's old Bn. area south of Danang.
Thank you for making it back home, my Marine brother! The younger generations need this in their curriculums to understand to not start conflicts or wars. Your experiences and personal suffering are testimony to the true effects of war on those that served in Vietnam. Lost a high school friend, LPC William Franklin USMC on 7-16-1970 from the result of a "Box Mine." I miss him to this day! I served in the Corps from 71-75 and those that I served with were "Nam" vets. I respected them all dearly. Thanks for this video of my Marine Brother. Semper Fidelis!
I was a Marine platoon commander near the DMZ. I never had one of my Marines disarm a mine. That would be way too dangerous. I would call um the combat engineer who are trained and have the equipment to handle it. I would never ask a young pfc to disarm a bouncing Betty
You sound like a good leader. Having been in some really dodgy situations myself (not military) that's the kind of bloke I wanted by my side. Much respect to you
The Operations that this Marine experienced were some of the most serious situations that Marines faced during the Vietnam War. He not only highlights the Marines that he knew that didn’t come home, he recognizes the enemy, their courage and cultural sophistication that is often not mentioned. What a good Marine, and great Radioman. Whew! Semper Fi
I was in Nam in 1968 with the USMC. MR. Pappas talks about his experiences in a matter of fact manner. For me, I internalized things and never talk about them. I shudder at the thought of talking about my experiences in that hell hole. I guess Pappas is a lot tougher than me or processes things much differently than how I do.
Regardless of the way either or any of you handle or handled it, you are all to be appreciated for your willingness to die for your brothers in arms and the whole of the USA. Thank you.
My brother, Louis, and his friend Wordell were from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We served in in 1967 November into May of 1968. I have the book Operation Tuscaloosa. I watched your video, and I appreciate you for telling your story. My brother and I were in 3/4 kilo company 1 marine division.
Point man in the Herd (173rd Airborne) for a year and a half. Probably one of my biggest compliments is when someone checks on me and the first words out of their mouths is "point man". People ask me why, 18-19 years old. Too wet behind the ears to be scared. Got wounded, still dumb, lol. God bless, proud to know of you.
you were their good luck charm. you did that shit for a year and a half? not dumb, skilled. and damn good at your job i’d imagine. i bet there was a sigh of relief when they saw you on point. bless
@@RobertB-w6b Hey, thanks for the compliment. Yeah, they did give a sigh of relief, but so did I. No way I wanted to be following anyone into a possible fight. When the Army came out with the "quick kill" program, later changed to quick reaction firing....don't want to offend anyone, I volunteered to teach it. Told them #1 where my eyes were, so was the muzzle of my rifle. Of course they turned me down, what could I possibly know, lol. God bless brother
These interviews are so inspiring!; they are not only educational to those watching, but therapy for those telling it; any veteran ready and willing to share your story, please do!
I visited Vietnam in ‘00 and ‘02. Back then, there were a few French soldiers there either alone, deep in thought or with their wives, who only wanted to shop. “If I ever go back,” was something I thought about the entire video. Your memories are so vivid, unlike many other veterans, that maybe, just maybe it’s best to keep them that way. A lot has changed, most of it for the better, and that might be the reason to go back-to see the young, vibrant, and relatively free renewal. Either way-welcome home!
M-3/4 shipped out from Kaneohe in March of 1965 to Okinawa and from there to Hue. We went down the nets to the Mike boats and then up the Perfume River to Hue. From there we trucked south to Phu Bai and set up our canvas tents. I had never been on an FMF field expedition and was supprised to find mess tents and showers. we set up a perimeter w/o barbed wire or bunkers, just fox holes.
Damn what a landing :D As you know RTO's were very important over there . I was a few years behind you and landed at CRB . Ended up down in lll Corp . Was a medic and somehow I never got hit either . Though about my first two months in country I worked at a Evac Hospital and flew some Dust Off before I started going out . Have a great Christmas brother and stay strong . There are less of us by the day . doc 25th I.D / others .
I Went through MCRD ParrisIsland in June 1962 and was one of the first units to land in ChuLai in 1965. I was with HMM 161 and participated in Operation Starlite. The mission there was to mainly support the SeaBees building the short air strip. You look like you aged well, brother. Merry Christmas and God bless. PS, there was a Private Crowder in Boot Camp with me. I think he was from the deep south.
Dale liked your story I know exactly what your saying, because I was there same time same places. H&S 2/5 Comm plt.2531 I feel we were lucky because we trained as a Battalion at Pendelton then Schwab then we landed at Chu Lai. We were a whole Battalion of FNG's we OJT as we were one of the first ones there. Visit the 5th Marine memorial often I still remember many of the names on the wall.
Thank you for your service sir. I am truly honored to have watched your video. I have Vietnam vet friend who was a K9 handler and was always on point with his dog. To this day he still has German Shepherds and feels he owes his life to his German Shepherd from Vietnam. I wish the liberals in this country could have spent a day in your shoes. Again, thank you so much for service.
Your attitude and temperment are those of a great man. I salute you! I sometimes think if I had been born about 10 years earlier I would have been there. Born August of 1960.
1975! My favorites were the helicopter pilots who walked around like they were untouchable! Had a couple of platoon sergeants who we were respectful of. Let them sneak frauliens in the barracks while serving CQ!!!
@@MrReymoclif714 Both you cowboys need to wake up. This man is made of stuff you guys don't understand. Look at all the horror stories from men that got crushed by Vietnam.
I was drafted in the Army in 1968. I ended up in the same area Dale was, except he was Marines, I was Army. My first three months were in the Duc Pho area. It was quiet there. It was almost a pleasure to be there because it was sooooo beautiful there. Then I got transferred up north 40 miles south of Da Nang and 60 miles inland from Tam Ky. Long story short, we got nuked with heavy combat for the next 3 months that culminated our company losing 17 KIA and 50 WIA - and out of commission - in three days of harsh combat. Our company was down to 33 left standing and we were all wounded. It was a rough, rough neighborhood. The 101st ABD came in and bailed us out with 2 battalions of 501st and 502nd for the next three months cleaning up the AO.
Like his comments on support and grief. Love hearing his insights. Appreciate your service to our country. Appreciate you being willing to share your thoughts
I love you Vietnam guys ❤ Your war was harder than it needed to be. No warfighter should ever have to barter for boots or worry about ammo. That's crazy to me. Thank you so much for your service and your sacrifice ❤ Hope you have a great 2025.
I was an AC-47 (Spooky) pilot at Danang, just north of Chu Lai. Quite often we would fly protection over Marines on patrol when they came in contact or at one of their fire bases. On the Marine Corps birthday in 1969, the Marines sent up a helicopter and flew a few of us down there for their birthday party. As I recall, they were in a few tents near the beach and some were in their holes on duty. We spent the night with them and had a great time. Semper Fi, Marines.
Wow. What an incredible story teller this guy is. Im still a relatively young man working as an RN at VA. The best part of my job is getting to listen to stories like this. I think God has protected men like this so that he can continue to tell his story and help us understand what it was like during that place and time in history.
Always thought I would Go to Vietnam as I was growing up, always playing army with my buddies. Luckily, it ended right before I turned 18. 🇺🇸 He the MAN in my book. My hats off to this man for serving his county in the most extreme way. Thank you Sir, for your service !! 🇺🇲
Wow! Just brought back a lot of memories. So well articulated. Post Vietnam memories are different for all of us. Have been through phases. OK, not OK. Very complicated. Bottom line for me: too many stupid wars. Too many damaged warriors. The dead. The rest of us.
Our RTO, along with Doc, were the steadiest, most reliable men I have ever met. To this day. Our platoon survived because of them. "Cool heads under fire" is exactly who they were. I will never forget them.
At the time, I cared, and still do. My friends were coming back wounded and scarred. I was against the war, but I was never against our military, my neighbors, my friends. Thank you all for your service.
Cold War Veteran here 82 to 88 AZ2 VS-41 and VS-33 two west pacs and my cousin was a birddog pilot and wrote a book by the name of Catkiller 3-2 which was his call sigh and it's a good read. I have the utmost respect for the Vietnam Veterans and what all of them went through.
After a month in the field, I took over point permanently. No-one else wanted it, they always bickered "why me?" Besides, I never trusted the others walking point because they always chattered or were too damned noisy cutting through the bush. And as pointman I never had to pull an hour perimeter duty at night. It was part of the deal. B co, 5th Bn, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cav Div, Airmobile - Garry Owen !
I was in the same area in the winter and spring of 1968 with company D 9th Engineers. Chi Lai was basically was headquarter for a fixed wing Marine air wing, and the HQ for our 9th Eng battalion. I was in D company our job was to mind sweep the hwy 1, from Tam Ky to Chi Lai
The war against Vietnam had nothing to do with the freedom of any other country. The only positive that came out of that war was the government dropping the draft after the pullout.
@@marcusaetius9309Wrong! They were fighting to keep South Vietnam free from communism. They should have kept the draft to Make men out of these little pusys of today.
If you were in south Vietnam living there during the war it sure was a threat to you. It was a threat to anyone who wanted to live in a free democracy. My sister in law Escaped from Vietnam on a boat. She and her family would not have done that If they didn't feel threatened.
I am South African who did my military service in South West Africa in 1976. I thank and acknowledge all Amercians and Australians who did their service between 1960 and 1975 in Vietnam. In this instance there was PTS, but no real PTSD. Some frontline combatants got PTSD from fear waiting for contact, but most from getting hit by a round, shrapnel or landmine and then dealing with the fear, pain and anxiety of recovery. Being killed in action is terrible for others, but nothing lasting for self, while being seriously wounded in action is a terribly wrenching experience for self. Strength to all who survived any war and especially to those who were wounded in hostilities. RMY
I was never in the military, but this is the kind of man that I think I would have loved to have been with if I had served. He sounds like a solid individual. Respectful, thoughtful, & intelligent, but I wouldn't have wanted to have been on the receiving end of his business. Thank you for your service!
@@festus512 I was a Forward Observer so it was a matter of life and death for me to know where I was at all times. My first night in the field was in Laos.
Thanks Dale, for sharing your story with us. I was fortunate. I joined the Corps in 1957 and was discharged in 1960 (in between the Korean War and the Viet Nam War). Timing is everything! Semper Fi!
Greatest respect for your bravery , service and patriotism from your allies down under ! May you and your family be always blessed in the future and a very Merry Xmas to all our vets !!!
If you can please find a veteran that was paralyzed in the war, id love to hear their story and how they cope with life. 2 years ago i was shot in the back and now im paralyzed waist down..the ptsd the depression, everyday tasks are just really hard..so if you can, id love to hear one of their stories.
Thanks to all the brave warriors who served (and continue to serve) our great Nation. My good friend, Michael Bowman (USMC Combat Marine), survived the bloody battle of Khe-Sahn, namely, Hill 881. He's still alive today and one of the toughest and bravest men I've ever had the honor to know. 👊RESPECT👊 Mark Ventimiglia St Louis USA 🇺🇸
My early years were in the 1950's. I lived around WW1, WW2 and Korean war vets. It was a daily happening to see people missing body parts, blind, on crutches or in a chair. We young ones knew who they were and where they got hurt. We had respect and sometimes admiration for them. Ten more years and I was in the draft and the college crowd was teaching America how to hate and show distaste for war Vets. It all was derived from colleges and students who didn't know nothing except what a professor told them. Let it fester longer and here we are today.
You are so correct; colleges started the hate and here we are today. I wrote letters to sons in Vietnam War whose moms werent fluent in English; only letters in English were allowed back then. These young vets were 1st generation young men drafted and fighting. PEOPLE YOUNG AND OLD Now JUST DON'T KNOW AND DON'T UNDERSTAND. VIETNAM A WASTE JUST LIKE AFGHANISTAN! I KEEP PRAYING...JAN 20TH 2025!!
This guy may have led a charmed life in Vietnam because he is an utterly charming man. I imagine he has gone through life with the same friendly open and insightful attitude and the world has benefited.
In the early mid 70s my nephew and I would play in the back yard etc. Play army etc. Wearing his dads.. my brother in laws nam helmet etc. Things he had brought home. It was men like this man and other brave soldiers that we were pretending to be as we played. My oldest brother, my uncle, and brother in law all went to Vietnam. Thanks to all that served. You're still my heroes to this day.
Thank you sir and I'm happy 😊 you made it home! Mine did not on a reactionary force in Da nang 1969 I don't know if you heard about that? Many many years gone by 😢 Never dealt with it except 3mo. Ago in a dream God bless you and your family Sir 💕
Awesome story man. Playing soldier is classic boy stuff! My grandfather was a medic in Vietnam, I only wish he had lived long enough for me to get to know him better. He died chopping wood on his land in the middle of the woods, after just helping build a beautiful home for one of his daughters along with her husband. I was there when he passed. I believe he is the notorious D.B Cooper, from the looks to the location and his hiding. My favorite memory of him was both going to the mall aswell as when he would play pool in the garage. He'd get the room to over 110f with a wood stove, mid winter in shorts shooting the shit. He was a dirt bag as a man but a great grandfather. Bad to his son but amazing to his grandsons. Go figure!
Not only were there over 58,000 deaths of military members but there were also over 58,000 families that were effected by their loss of a brother, father, cousin,sister and mother. Those numbers you don't hear about.
To all service members who see this. You matter and what you did mattered. And maybe not all but ALOT of us appreciate your, and the one's that never made it home's , sacrifice. Thanks. Freedom truly isn't free, and it's paid with the blood , of patriots and tyrants, to the tree of liberty.🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 Thank you all from the purple mountain's majesty, to sea from shining sea, no matter have small the deed, it mattered, whether your Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, or USMC. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
WOW 😮 I served in Hotel-co 2/5 in 1968/69 as an 0311 Grunt Rifleman, two Purple Hearts 💜💜, later Hq-co Scout/Sniper Plt. This man sounds like he was with the 5th Marines around 1966/67 period. Our base camp at the time when I was in Vietnam was at An Hoa. GOD BLESS all my fellow Vets.
@@davidkiser6083 My memory is slipping a little, you guys at the top of marble mountain at the pass right? We were on hill 190. Glad to know you BROTHER. USMC
@@davidkiser6083 It really was disgustingly how the Vietnam soldiers were treated when they came home from the war versus the WWII soldiers. My pop was a WWII pilot who taught me respect for the military and the men/women in blue. God bless this great country. We owe so much to these brave you men and women that served and serve our country today. I wish they could take ever politician and stick them on the frontline of an actual battle. Maybe they would wake up and see war should try to be avoided at all costs. Obviously there are some cases it can’t happen.
As a millennial I grew up in the 80's, 90's and was fascinated with the conflict in Vietnam. Now at 42 years old I am still intrigued by stories of the men who served in that war. Mr. Pappas you have my utmost respect and admiration. Welcome home!
Same I’m 42 and I totally agree wish I was born in that time
@@Nooonmfhjjjuutrust me you dont
Disgusting worthless war. Solved nothing. Our troops did nasty unforgivable things while there. No glory all shame with that worthless war
Conflict is a bit of an understatement. I support our VETERANS 🇺🇲🙏🏻 💙 In times of peace and war ❤. I'm so grateful for our United States Veterans 💚
Semper Fi!
I cared then and I care now. I salute you SIR.
Caring then. And caring now. Well said
Thank you for your service VETERANS 🇺🇲🙏🏻💙🇺🇲
This Marine veteran’s story about his time in Vietnam is raw and powerful, from intense combat to dealing with PTSD. A humbling reminder of the sacrifices our service members make. 🙏 Veteran stories always touch the heart.
Dale, I'm ending the worst year of my life listening to your experience. I'm having health issues that's starting to affect my memory of my time spent. I saw some of the sights of what you saw. I guess, I'm ready to tell my story. I also have many scrapbooks of pictures. I was joked with a lot about my taking pics in between rounds. I guess listening to you tells me it's my time. My wife of 50+ years always let me talk at my own pace but mainly with other vets. I served 2 tours and they were not the same experiences. I'm listening to all the fireworks and shooting you hear nearing midnight and the new year and I'm very grateful this year is ending. Since we live in the country, the noise will continue for hours. One sounds exactly like the mortar launch and whoosh (no clunk) I heard long ago. I was positive I wouldn't make it through this year. Any way thanks a million for your short version of overseas. There was some good there but not too much at the time!
K/75 RGR E/58 LRP 4th ID LRRP
Thank you so much Dale for sharing your valuable memories . I still remember the 1st time I was told " thank you for your service .
No vietnman vets deserve to be told that. Because they served nobody but themselves
Pappas, I was with when we when we got hit upon my return to Vietnam. Myself CpI Lawton and Crowder were newly promoted the night he was killed . i also (then) Lt Doherty first Radio Man .
Very glad to know you made it back. I made Hastings with H-2-1 after I was transferred.
Blessings,
Ed Harbison
69-70 North of Da Nang 26th. MARINES, glad you are home and as good as possible BROTHER. You have a wonderful woman. Much respect SIR. USMC
My brother was 26 th marines 1969 South of danang
This is what a hero looks like. Every skinny young man in the Marines and the Army, Navy, Airforce. He did his job and protected his mates as best he could. I've known several decorated men. They don't look any different than any other guys, till you talk to them and they tell you what happened. Horrible things happened and they just did what they were trained to do.
My Father survived Korea, WW2 and and 4 vacations in Vietnam always had a stogie in his mouth.
Hats off to anyone who protected USA !
I asked him if I could join and his response was if you do I will no longer speak with you ,
You stay here and take care of your mother and family, kinda hard to argue with CMSGT
God bless you
Korea and WW2 were the vacations, Vietnam was a man’s War!!!
Hmm ... WW2 a vacation? Better check your numbers and history.
@@jayhawkjd8565 Vietnam a vacation? Hmmm better check your numbers and history.
None of these a holes protected our freedom get really
@@williamkreth What holes?
Welcome Home. Thank you for your service doesn't say enough. Semper Fi Ooorah. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Dale Thank You for your service. My older brother was a Marine and did two tours over there. He also was in Chu Lai. He went over there in 2006 on vacation. He made his way up to Chu Lai and found a Nissan truck plant where he remembered his hootch being. Marines are a special breed.
You couldn't pay me to go back there.
@ I understand your feelings believe me. My brother had some p.t.s.d. issues that were made better for him by returning to the scene of the original trauma. He actually met a fellow Marine at his hotel on Highway 1 and they made that trip farther north together. They never knew each other before that but they stay in touch now. I guess I would call that a win for a couple of 77 year old Devil Dogs.
@@kevinwilliams563 Interesting, I just turned 77 in November.
I am 77 and aA vietna,@@boondocker7964
I am 77 year old vet . US Army and was in vietnam from 67 to 68 .No one ever said thank you for your service untill after 9 11.
My grandfather Gary Olson with the 84th engineers (wounded) gave me the entire “The Vietnam Experience” book set when I was 14. Read the whole set and never had more admiration. I later joined thanks to this book set when
I can’t think of a more terrifying job than being the point man in Vietnam
Tunnel rat was worse.
I'm pretty good in the bush but I agree with you.
You are walking into hell.
I agree. That’s why I volunteered for the radio because in the 101st airborne division you didn’t walk point. Slow reflexes, wearing glasses that fogged up, and being from NYC, with no hunting experience. This decision certainly saved me. Sgt. Tony 1969-70.
@ glad you made it home Sgt, i appreciate your training and service brotha 🤝🏽💪🏽
Indeed. My understanding is that early in the war the point man was targeted for sure. Then Northern forces realized they should the point man go by and ambush the following body of troops for a higher body count than just the single man.
As the son and grandson of Vets I want to thank you sir for your service. My family and I love you 🦅🇺🇸❤️
I remember operations, Hastings… I was at Dong Ha and witnessed the B-52 strike 10 miles away. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen to that day. This is in the middle of 1966… I don’t recall the actual month… My unit was stationed next to the medevac unit for the next week, it was nothing but dust off S bringing the wounded into the hospital. Thank you for your story.
Thank you for your service.
Hastings was in July '66 till the first week in August '66, that was my first operation as FNG, had a wonderful time around the Rockpile, after Hastings we f#$K around back near DongHa, then the whole Bn. (2/1) took a rough rider South to 2/9's old Bn. area south of Danang.
Thank you for sharing Dale's story. He is a good man a good Marine. Bless ya Dale.
Welcome home and thank you so you so much for your service.👊🏻🇺🇸
They didnt serve anyone
Thank you for making it back home, my Marine brother! The younger generations need this in their curriculums to understand to not start conflicts or wars. Your experiences and personal suffering are testimony to the true effects of war on those that served in Vietnam. Lost a high school friend, LPC William Franklin USMC on 7-16-1970 from the result of a "Box Mine." I miss him to this day! I served in the Corps from 71-75 and those that I served with were "Nam" vets. I respected them all dearly. Thanks for this video of my Marine Brother. Semper Fidelis!
So glad for you soldier ,so many i know have gone the way of the orange jubilee ,post combat stress, and and alcohol. BLESS YOU !
I was a Marine platoon commander near the DMZ. I never had one of my Marines disarm a mine. That would be way too dangerous. I would call um the combat engineer who are trained and have the equipment to handle it. I would never ask a young pfc to disarm a bouncing Betty
Disarm a bouncing betty?! That's why you have a guy with C-4, and another guy with the detonators, and they blow the thing in place.
You sound like a good leader. Having been in some really dodgy situations myself (not military) that's the kind of bloke I wanted by my side. Much respect to you
The Operations that this Marine experienced were some of the most serious situations that Marines faced during the Vietnam War. He not only highlights the Marines that he knew that didn’t come home, he recognizes the enemy, their courage and cultural sophistication that is often not mentioned. What a good Marine, and great Radioman. Whew!
Semper Fi
God bless you Dale. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service Dale. Welcome home, Marine.
I was in Nam in 1968 with the USMC. MR. Pappas talks about his experiences in a matter of fact manner. For me, I internalized things and never talk about them. I shudder at the thought of talking about my experiences in that hell hole. I guess Pappas is a lot tougher than me or processes things much differently than how I do.
Regardless of the way either or any of you handle or handled it, you are all to be appreciated for your willingness to die for your brothers in arms and the whole of the USA. Thank you.
Brave man, god bless you.
My brother, Louis, and his friend Wordell were from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We served in in 1967 November into May of 1968. I have the book Operation Tuscaloosa. I watched your video, and I appreciate you for telling your story. My brother and I were in 3/4 kilo company 1 marine division.
Welcome home brother. Vietnam 68-69 & 70-71
Point man in the Herd (173rd Airborne) for a year and a half. Probably one of my biggest compliments is when someone checks on me and the first words out of their mouths is "point man". People ask me why, 18-19 years old. Too wet behind the ears to be scared. Got wounded, still dumb, lol. God bless, proud to know of you.
you were their good luck charm. you did that shit for a year and a half? not dumb, skilled. and damn good at your job i’d imagine. i bet there was a sigh of relief when they saw you on point. bless
@@RobertB-w6b Hey, thanks for the compliment. Yeah, they did give a sigh of relief, but so did I. No way I wanted to be following anyone into a possible fight.
When the Army came out with the "quick kill" program, later changed to quick reaction firing....don't want to offend anyone, I volunteered to teach it. Told them #1 where my eyes were, so was the muzzle of my rifle.
Of course they turned me down, what could I possibly know, lol.
God bless brother
These interviews are so inspiring!; they are not only educational to those watching, but therapy for those telling it; any veteran ready and willing to share your story, please do!
I visited Vietnam in ‘00 and ‘02. Back then, there were a few French soldiers there either alone, deep in thought or with their wives, who only wanted to shop.
“If I ever go back,” was something I thought about the entire video. Your memories are so vivid, unlike many other veterans, that maybe, just maybe it’s best to keep them that way.
A lot has changed, most of it for the better, and that might be the reason to go back-to see the young, vibrant, and relatively free renewal.
Either way-welcome home!
M-3/4 shipped out from Kaneohe in March of 1965 to Okinawa and from there to Hue. We went down the nets to the Mike boats and then up the Perfume River to Hue. From there we trucked south to Phu Bai and set up our canvas tents. I had never been on an FMF field expedition and was supprised to find mess tents and showers. we set up a perimeter w/o barbed wire or bunkers, just fox holes.
I was at Hill 10 in 67 and Tamkey. I was with the 9th engineers then. I was at many places.
ENGINEERS RULE! Ya'll should be paid twice !
Damn what a landing :D As you know RTO's were very important over there . I was a few years behind you and landed at CRB . Ended up down in lll Corp . Was a medic and somehow I never got hit either . Though about my first two months in country I worked at a Evac Hospital and flew some Dust Off before I started going out . Have a great Christmas brother and stay strong . There are less of us by the day . doc 25th I.D / others .
👍🇨🇦. Well said
I Went through MCRD ParrisIsland in June 1962 and was one of the first units to land in ChuLai in 1965. I was with HMM 161 and participated in Operation Starlite. The mission there was to mainly support the SeaBees building the short air strip. You look like you aged well, brother. Merry Christmas and God bless. PS, there was a Private Crowder in Boot Camp with me. I think he was from the deep south.
Dale liked your story I know exactly what your saying, because I was there same time same places. H&S 2/5 Comm plt.2531 I feel we were lucky because we trained as a Battalion at Pendelton then Schwab then we landed at Chu Lai. We were a whole Battalion of FNG's we OJT as we were one of the first ones
there. Visit the 5th Marine memorial often I still remember many of the names on the wall.
Vietnam Veterans were the toughest Veterans of all!!!!
Thank you for your service sir. I am truly honored to have watched your video. I have Vietnam vet friend who was a K9 handler and was always on point with his dog. To this day he still has German Shepherds and feels he owes his life to his German Shepherd from Vietnam. I wish the liberals in this country could have spent a day in your shoes. Again, thank you so much for service.
Your attitude and temperment are those of a great man. I salute you! I sometimes think if I had been born about 10 years earlier I would have been there. Born August of 1960.
1975! My favorites were the helicopter pilots who walked around like they were untouchable! Had a couple of platoon sergeants who we were respectful of. Let them sneak frauliens in the barracks while serving CQ!!!
@@MrReymoclif714 Both you cowboys need to wake up. This man is made of stuff you guys don't understand. Look at all the horror stories from men that got crushed by Vietnam.
I was drafted in the Army in 1968. I ended up in the same area Dale was, except he was Marines, I was Army. My first three months were in the Duc Pho area. It was quiet there. It was almost a pleasure to be there because it was sooooo beautiful there. Then I got transferred up north 40 miles south of Da Nang and 60 miles inland from Tam Ky. Long story short, we got nuked with heavy combat for the next 3 months that culminated our company losing 17 KIA and 50 WIA - and out of commission - in three days of harsh combat. Our company was down to 33 left standing and we were all wounded. It was a rough, rough neighborhood. The 101st ABD came in and bailed us out with 2 battalions of 501st and 502nd for the next three months cleaning up the AO.
how was your relationship to God ? how much was Jesus talked about there?
Like his comments on support and grief. Love hearing his insights. Appreciate your service to our country. Appreciate you being willing to share your thoughts
I love you Vietnam guys ❤
Your war was harder than it needed to be. No warfighter should ever have to barter for boots or worry about ammo. That's crazy to me. Thank you so much for your service and your sacrifice ❤
Hope you have a great 2025.
I was an AC-47 (Spooky) pilot at Danang, just north of Chu Lai. Quite often we would fly protection over Marines on patrol when they came in contact or at one of their fire bases. On the Marine Corps birthday in 1969, the Marines sent up a helicopter and flew a few of us down there for their birthday party. As I recall, they were in a few tents near the beach and some were in their holes on duty. We spent the night with them and had a great time. Semper Fi, Marines.
That sounds very cool. Thanks for you service!!
Wow. What an incredible story teller this guy is. Im still a relatively young man working as an RN at VA. The best part of my job is getting to listen to stories like this. I think God has protected men like this so that he can continue to tell his story and help us understand what it was like during that place and time in history.
Always thought I would Go to Vietnam as I was growing up, always playing army with my buddies. Luckily, it ended right before I turned 18. 🇺🇸 He the MAN in my book. My hats off to this man for serving his county in the most extreme way. Thank you Sir, for your service !! 🇺🇲
Excellent depiction of life and thought process of real soldiers of the Vietnam war.
My dad was a combat medic and gave a vc mouth to mouth for over 90 minutes in a mine field and survived. 😊
Wow! Just brought back a lot of memories. So well articulated.
Post Vietnam memories are different for all of us. Have been through phases. OK, not OK. Very complicated.
Bottom line for me: too many stupid wars. Too many damaged warriors. The dead. The rest of us.
Thanks for your service! Everyone please remember the ones men and women that didn’t make it back home thanks 67 was my time there.
Yep 8 women out of the 58k who died were women so for once it’s correct saying men and women
Our RTO, along with Doc, were the steadiest, most reliable men I have ever met. To this day. Our platoon survived because of them. "Cool heads under fire" is exactly who they were. I will never forget them.
At the time, I cared, and still do. My friends were coming back wounded and scarred. I was against the war, but I was never against our military, my neighbors, my friends. Thank you all for your service.
I am right there with you. Against the war, but never against those who served.
Cold War Veteran here 82 to 88 AZ2 VS-41 and VS-33 two west pacs and my cousin was a birddog pilot and wrote a book by the name of Catkiller 3-2 which was his call sigh and it's a good read. I have the utmost respect for the Vietnam Veterans and what all of them went through.
Semper Fi from this former point man and fire team leader in northern I Corps with E 2/9 3rd Mar. Div. 1967. Medivacced in dec. 1967.
After a month in the field, I took over point permanently. No-one else wanted it, they always bickered "why me?" Besides, I never trusted the others walking point because they always chattered or were too damned noisy cutting through the bush. And as pointman I never had to pull an hour perimeter duty at night. It was part of the deal.
B co, 5th Bn, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cav Div, Airmobile - Garry Owen !
I was in the same area in the winter and spring of 1968 with company D 9th Engineers. Chi Lai was basically was headquarter for a fixed wing Marine air wing, and the HQ for our 9th Eng battalion. I was in D company our job was to mind sweep the hwy 1, from Tam Ky to Chi Lai
Chi Lai? Or Chu Lai?
Thank you for the free country we live in. We appreciate you and what you did for all of us.
The war against Vietnam had nothing to do with the freedom of any other country. The only positive that came out of that war was the government dropping the draft after the pullout.
@@marcusaetius9309Wrong! They were fighting to keep South Vietnam free from communism. They should have kept the draft to
Make men out of these little pusys of today.
good joke
vietnam wasnt a threat for americas freedom
@ I had replied basically the same thing but as soon as often happens my reply magically disappeared…
If you were in south Vietnam living there during the war it sure was a threat to you. It was a threat to anyone who wanted to live in a free democracy. My sister in law Escaped from Vietnam on a boat. She and her family would not have done that If they didn't feel threatened.
I am South African who did my military service in South West Africa in 1976.
I thank and acknowledge all Amercians and Australians who did their service between 1960 and 1975 in Vietnam.
In this instance there was PTS, but no real PTSD.
Some frontline combatants got PTSD from fear waiting for contact, but most from getting hit by a round, shrapnel or landmine and then dealing with the fear, pain and anxiety of recovery.
Being killed in action is terrible for others, but nothing lasting for self, while being seriously wounded in action is a terribly wrenching experience for self.
Strength to all who survived any war and especially to those who were wounded in hostilities.
RMY
Thank you Dale what a courageous man. Thank you for all you did..
Incredible story. Thank you for sharing. Stay blessed sir
That was worth watching at 6:00A. Thanks Dale for your story and service. You are a true leader.
Respect and admiration for your service in a time when our country was so divided.
I was never in the military, but this is the kind of man that I think I would have loved to have been with if I had served. He sounds like a solid individual. Respectful, thoughtful, & intelligent, but I wouldn't have wanted to have been on the receiving end of his business. Thank you for your service!
You should talk to my father in law. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. He is also a two time purple heart recipient. He served in the army.
I worked out of LZ Bayonet just outside of Chu Lai but I flew in there in a C130.
Me too don't really know where I was most of the time
@@festus512 I was a Forward Observer so it was a matter of life and death for me to know where I was at all times. My first night in the field was in Laos.
Thanks Dale, for sharing your story with us. I was fortunate. I joined the Corps in 1957 and was discharged in 1960 (in between the Korean War and the Viet Nam War). Timing is everything! Semper Fi!
Beautiful story & storytelling. Thank you for sharing & thank you for his service.🇺🇸🫡
Thank you sir for telling your story.
An incredible man, more so because he’s so normal. Intelligent, articulate, and that experience that defines. God bless.
Dale we are blessed to have guys like you. You have one lucky family, I bet theyre proud. Merry Christmas brother!
Outstanding! Thank you for your service, Sir and sharing this incredible History...
Greatest respect for your bravery , service and patriotism from your allies down under ! May you and your family be always blessed in the future and a very Merry Xmas to all our vets !!!
First of all, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN VIETNAM. It was a tough place when Marines were not allow to win. Semper Fi brother.
Great story man and told very well. Hope you find peace for the rest of your days.
If you can please find a veteran that was paralyzed in the war, id love to hear their story and how they cope with life. 2 years ago i was shot in the back and now im paralyzed waist down..the ptsd the depression, everyday tasks are just really hard..so if you can, id love to hear one of their stories.
Thanks to all the brave warriors who served (and continue to serve) our great Nation.
My good friend, Michael Bowman (USMC Combat Marine), survived the bloody battle of Khe-Sahn, namely, Hill 881. He's still alive today and one of the toughest and bravest men I've ever had the honor to know.
👊RESPECT👊
Mark Ventimiglia
St Louis USA 🇺🇸
My early years were in the 1950's. I lived around WW1, WW2 and Korean war vets. It was a daily happening to see people missing body parts, blind, on crutches or in a chair. We young ones knew who they were and where they got hurt. We had respect and sometimes admiration for them. Ten more years and I was in the draft and the college crowd was teaching America how to hate and show distaste for war Vets. It all was derived from colleges and students who didn't know nothing except what a professor told them. Let it fester longer and here we are today.
You are so correct; colleges started the hate and here we are today. I wrote letters to sons in Vietnam War whose moms werent fluent in English; only letters in English were allowed back then. These young vets were 1st generation young men drafted and fighting. PEOPLE YOUNG AND OLD Now JUST DON'T KNOW AND DON'T UNDERSTAND.
VIETNAM A WASTE JUST LIKE AFGHANISTAN! I KEEP PRAYING...JAN 20TH 2025!!
Felt same way in 1971,nobody cared. I was in 1st Marine Div, Marine Detachment on CVA 14,USS Ticonderoga,Yankee Station, S China Sea,Tonking Gulf
Your Team is Your Family and the trust of each other was solid.
God bless this guy & all those who served.
Dude only chokes up when it’s about the corp or another brother within the corp.
“ C O R P S”…… “Corps”
Bless you sir! And thank you so much for your service!
Thanks!
Welcome home and thank you for your service.
This guy may have led a charmed life in Vietnam because he is an utterly charming man. I imagine he has gone through life with the same friendly open and insightful attitude and the world has benefited.
It will always be there but you can make friends with it. God bless you sir.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service Sir, God Bless you and your family.
Thank You For Your Service And Welcome Home Sir Blessings To You And Your Family Please Be Safe ✌️
Thanks and appreciation - to anyone who lived terrible lives when the country called. My hat is off to you Men.
Cracking chap, thank you for sharing your story and knowledge.
In the early mid 70s my nephew and I would play in the back yard etc. Play army etc. Wearing his dads.. my brother in laws nam helmet etc. Things he had brought home.
It was men like this man and other brave soldiers that we were pretending to be as we played.
My oldest brother, my uncle, and brother in law all went to Vietnam.
Thanks to all that served. You're still my heroes to this day.
Thank you sir and I'm happy 😊 you made it home! Mine did not on a reactionary force in Da nang 1969 I don't know if you heard about that? Many many years gone by 😢 Never dealt with it except 3mo. Ago in a dream God bless you and your family Sir 💕
Awesome story man. Playing soldier is classic boy stuff! My grandfather was a medic in Vietnam, I only wish he had lived long enough for me to get to know him better. He died chopping wood on his land in the middle of the woods, after just helping build a beautiful home for one of his daughters along with her husband. I was there when he passed. I believe he is the notorious D.B Cooper, from the looks to the location and his hiding.
My favorite memory of him was both going to the mall aswell as when he would play pool in the garage. He'd get the room to over 110f with a wood stove, mid winter in shorts shooting the shit. He was a dirt bag as a man but a great grandfather. Bad to his son but amazing to his grandsons. Go figure!
Great talk about what y'all went through, and what it takes to get objectives accomplished
True hero❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
He explains PTSD in a good way🙏🙏
Johan from Sweden
Thanks for sharing your experience, god bless you
Thank you sir for your service and story. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
SIR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!👍👍 WELCOME HOME!
Memories,unsealed and shared with others.
Thank you for your service and Welcome Home !
Not only were there over 58,000 deaths of military members but there were also over 58,000 families that were effected by their loss of a brother, father, cousin,sister and mother. Those numbers you don't hear about.
To all service members who see this. You matter and what you did mattered. And maybe not all but ALOT of us appreciate your, and the one's that never made it home's , sacrifice. Thanks. Freedom truly isn't free, and it's paid with the blood , of patriots and tyrants, to the tree of liberty.🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 Thank you all from the purple mountain's majesty, to sea from shining sea, no matter have small the deed, it mattered, whether your Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, or USMC. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Welcome home Marine. God Bless you
Really appreciated this interview