The Bloodiest Job in the Vietnam War ~ Medical Evacuation | Full Veteran Interview

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 534

  • @Thevietnamexperience
    @Thevietnamexperience  7 місяців тому +8

    Listen to our podcast 🎤: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vietnam-experience/id1732962685

    • @LuciaGarcia-hq5ei
      @LuciaGarcia-hq5ei 6 місяців тому

      "Camaraderie and Bonding was always there......i just didnt know their names".....Hits Hard

  • @kym393
    @kym393 21 день тому +6

    Anyone stupid enough to judge this man negatively by his emotions isn't worth listening to.
    Respect to you Sir.
    From Australia.

  • @sanjeever82
    @sanjeever82 6 місяців тому +15

    This is just something else. I put this on for something to fall back asleep to at 4am but ended up telling myself sleep isn't as important as listening to this gent. truly mesmerizing.

  • @bobrussel8530
    @bobrussel8530 10 місяців тому +58

    Not on the wall because you were there. Thank you. I was Army grunt and am here because of my Medic.

  • @TheTW11
    @TheTW11 11 місяців тому +195

    This is what a hero looks like. Alan, you are a very special man. There are guys who have lived a full life thanks to you. I salute you, sir.

    • @stevendonald2653
      @stevendonald2653 8 місяців тому +9

      Alan, your story is unbelievable, heroes
      like you are priceless,I served with the 173d airborne in ,69,70, was hurt and medivacked by men like you, I thank God everyday , I'm 73, and loved your story, God Bless you brother 🙏🙏🙏

  • @carolecarr5210
    @carolecarr5210 11 місяців тому +238

    I took care of some of your Marines while an USAF Nurse while in Japan & I have praised you phenominal Corpmen ever since. I saw the incredible results of yours & other Corpmen's work. You were the top of our "medical society" during that VN war. My respect for you is stratospheric!

    • @kevio6868
      @kevio6868 11 місяців тому +15

      Thanks for your service Carole!

    • @philtorres2975
      @philtorres2975 10 місяців тому +5

      I saw some injuries aboard the Aircraft Carrier I served on but not yo the extent that was described by the corpsman. Much respect for all you did to save lives.

    • @tylerchampion8056
      @tylerchampion8056 10 місяців тому +7

      My father was wounded in 69 and recovered in a hospital in Japan. He said the nurses there gave him hope after losing his foot. I was born 10 yrs. later..just wanted to say thanks Carole! He died in 97 of alcoholism.

    • @gbacrila
      @gbacrila 8 місяців тому +1

      DITTO Carole!!❤

    • @jimmyandkathyharrell
      @jimmyandkathyharrell 8 місяців тому +1

      Thank you Doc!

  • @richardmacauley1107
    @richardmacauley1107 11 місяців тому +331

    I was a Marine Corpsman as well. In Vietnam Nam in 1966. What Alan says is true. Flying medevac wasn’t for the faint of heart.

    • @Doug-s9l
      @Doug-s9l 10 місяців тому +20

      Would you agree with this man's assessment that dust offs pilots were "off their rockers"? And basically entire crew, because it was so dangerous?

    • @williamw2529
      @williamw2529 10 місяців тому +13

      Glad you made it back to tell us younger ppl what it was like.

    • @Theone10336
      @Theone10336 10 місяців тому +16

      Thank you for your service sir.....🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

    • @DickHardigan
      @DickHardigan 10 місяців тому +2

      Welcome home corpsman thank you

    • @manhalen7046
      @manhalen7046 10 місяців тому +11

      My dad was a greenside navy corpsman up in the da nang area from 1967-1968.

  • @lzkali
    @lzkali 10 місяців тому +63

    Doc, I was in-country 68-69 and we marines loved us our corpsman. God bless you for your service.

  • @HarryBondInc
    @HarryBondInc 10 місяців тому +45

    Loved the fact he pointed out he has no shame to cry. Salute

  • @carolecarr5210
    @carolecarr5210 11 місяців тому +112

    Your last comment, " there"s a bunch of names not on the wall, because We Were There", gave this old ex Air Force Nurse a great eyewash. Thanks Twig, for "being there". .

    • @Will-dn9dq
      @Will-dn9dq 10 місяців тому +10

      Stood with my dad as a kid before the wall. Didn't really understand at the time. But him silent reading the names looking for his friends without telling me or mom what names. Ever.

    • @garyparks8921
      @garyparks8921 9 місяців тому

      Your name is not on the wall because you didn't die over there, give me a break.

    • @johannesvad
      @johannesvad 9 місяців тому +13

      ​@@garyparks8921 dude, maybe we had similar understanding of this, except it doesn't make sense (like you said: give me a break), so I looked for this comment about his last line.
      There are a bunch of names not on the wall, because he and his team saved them.
      That makes sense
      (Sorry if I got it or you wrong or whatever : )

    • @prestonrobert2625
      @prestonrobert2625 8 місяців тому +2

      Kind response thanks😊

    • @quangtri68
      @quangtri68 8 місяців тому +1

      Pretty apparent to me what he meant

  • @jonathanphillips2388
    @jonathanphillips2388 11 місяців тому +115

    This guy, probably saves as many military personnel after combat, due to his psychology skills, as he did during his time in combat. Bravo too you Sir!!

  • @shyamlynn243
    @shyamlynn243 11 місяців тому +149

    I've watched a lot of these interviews and been impressed but this guy is next level. Sharp as a tack and from what I can tell healthy as a horse. Obviously he's made wise choices in life and has been blessed as well as being able to give so much to others, in the war and in day to day life. I love humans like this man. Thanks and bless you sir!

    • @kevio6868
      @kevio6868 11 місяців тому +5

      agreed!

    • @kevio6868
      @kevio6868 11 місяців тому +4

      subconscious ......alot of that. You are a true hero

    • @tommytwogloves16
      @tommytwogloves16 8 місяців тому +1

      This guy is full of crap. Mag 16 left Vietnam in early 71 and was deactivated in June. 1971. The only Marines left in country were at the Embassy in Saigon. People come on this channel all the time a Steal Valor. Chief Don Shipley should check this joker out.,

  • @ninezulu
    @ninezulu 3 місяці тому +4

    I was (still am in spirit) an infantryman an our Doc was the most important guy in combat.

  • @wingman4860
    @wingman4860 11 місяців тому +60

    I was very moved by Mr. Basham's accounting of his Viet Nam experience. It was one of the most moving narrations of war experiences that I have seen. Thank you, sir, for your service to our country.

  • @ThomasSteele-bu7ne
    @ThomasSteele-bu7ne 7 місяців тому +25

    I was an HM2 Corpsman on USS Sanctuary when you were serving in Vietnam. It is very interesting that you and I may have cared the same casualties. Thank you so much for your bravery and exceptional care of Marines and civilians.
    The 3rd hospital ship was a German ship, Helgeland.

    • @theceska8345
      @theceska8345 4 місяці тому +1

      Thomas, I was in Surgery as a Tech. 67-68 on the Sanctuary AH17. Got on board in New Orleans at the Commissioning.

    • @roberthenderson2321
      @roberthenderson2321 4 місяці тому

      Yeah, I was on the Sanctuary as a Marine liaison Nov 70 to Christmas day 1970 during the Bob Hope show that I reassigned. Quite the eye opening assignment.

  • @donb.1426
    @donb.1426 11 місяців тому +117

    You are truly an American hero! You represent the finest that this country has to offer and I can’t thank you enough for your service. Welcome home and we are forever grateful and proud of all of you!

    • @johnyoungblood2771
      @johnyoungblood2771 11 місяців тому +9

      I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THATS STATED HERE SIR AND WE LOVE AND PRAY FOR ALL OUR VETS!!!😇😇😇🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿💯💯💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌎🌎🌎😌😌😌🤔🤔🤔!!!!!!

    • @patrickmorgan3326
      @patrickmorgan3326 11 місяців тому +4

      Ditto.

    • @olehippy13
      @olehippy13 11 місяців тому +4

      Professor, you are a hero. myfriend. I was an OR Tech in Vietnam. 3rd Field Hospital 1972. I salute you myfriend. keep smilin.

  • @GaryBaird.Photography
    @GaryBaird.Photography 11 місяців тому +51

    You more than earned that hug from that Marine, highest honor he could give you. Great interview and thank you for your service.

  • @frodrickfronkensteen9241
    @frodrickfronkensteen9241 11 місяців тому +19

    I'm not half the man you are sir... so I won't "clean it up."
    You're a mother f#cking hero sir... an inspiration to a nation that DESPERATELY needs your example before it.

  • @mcrichton46
    @mcrichton46 10 місяців тому +28

    I was in country from April 68 - May 69. Lucky as hell the only injuries I got were a few shrapnel wounds but nothing some monkey blood couldn’t cure !! I got nothing but the highest respect for the corpsman and medics, these guys tried to keep the wounded calm even if they knew they weren’t going to make it. We are getting old now but the damage will always stay. Thanks for the work you all are putting in to tell our stories of hell! And for my marine brothers here- Semper Fi !

    • @jamesmack3314
      @jamesmack3314 10 місяців тому +3

      Glad you made it out…and thanks for doing something most wouldn’t or couldn’t….rock on

    • @aschule5684
      @aschule5684 10 місяців тому +5

      You have nothing but my utmost respect and gratitude for your service, I salute you and all your brothers and all who served in that shit show. Welcome home and thank you sir, !

  • @mineown1861
    @mineown1861 11 місяців тому +39

    A remarkable man , a great story . As he told of his experiences , I couldn't help but wonder what those eyes had seen . Saving lives while under fire is true heroism .

  • @nicholaspreboski1483
    @nicholaspreboski1483 10 місяців тому +13

    Alan I appreciated hearing your story. I was also a Navy Corpsman and my story was almost like yours. They had rocketed the DaNang airbase and hit the barracks. Medical people were overwhelmed so they stripped the west cost of 163 corpsman and Doctors all on one plane. We were there 72 hours following the announcement we were going. Just as you said commercial flight, think mine was Continental. I arrived in August of 1967 to August of 1968, not a great time to be in VN. So here is the surprise. I was a mass casualty corpsman at Marble Mountain, Receiving One, NSA Hospital. Thats directly across the road from your facility Mac 16, we would catch your short rounds on rocket nights. We received your casualties from the choppers and got them stabilized and on there way to surgery. It was a year in my life I will never forget, its on my mind everyday. Tet offensive in 68 tested us all and we persevered thousands of casualties, delivered to our facility by your brave group. Thanks Your my friend for your bravery and service. HM2 (Doc Ski)

    • @theceska8345
      @theceska8345 3 місяці тому

      @@nicholaspreboski1483 I was there then as well. Surgical Evac Team Alpha. Usually on an LPH but called in to Da Nang, I was Surgeons Assistant, Tech.

  • @khiggins7231
    @khiggins7231 11 місяців тому +18

    What a guy
    Respect from Ireland 🇮🇪

  • @josephbarlow969
    @josephbarlow969 8 місяців тому +7

    I am a H-34/H-46 Crew Chief (three tours) my last mission was about March 1969, was a Med Evac, Doc would be proud to have you on my bird any day. Thank you Sir for what you have done for Marines. I salute you Sir. Gunny Joe

  • @DKilnerScull-wu1gn
    @DKilnerScull-wu1gn 11 місяців тому +33

    How profound the hero words are, there's not a bunch of names on that wall because they brought them home😢 what a beautiful statement priceless words God bless our military and our veterans 🙏

  • @PhotoDesigner1
    @PhotoDesigner1 11 місяців тому +19

    ... The consummate example of a selfless hero - God bless him.

  • @johnyoungblood2771
    @johnyoungblood2771 11 місяців тому +34

    Man this is definitely worthy of a movie,to see and hear his compassion and to see this man is a educated scholar of a human being it’s just touching to the soul,he just putting out there like it is GOD bless and protect him and his love ones I thank you every American fighting man and woman for all you do to keep us free!!!!🤔🤔🤔💯💯💯😌😌😌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌎🌎🌎🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿😇😇😇🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🌎🌎

  • @markbarnes2041
    @markbarnes2041 11 місяців тому +57

    I'm a 63-year-old army that and I am so proud of every soldier and sailor that served in Vietnam, they never lost a battle 🇺🇲😎👽❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    • @trumpius_maximus47
      @trumpius_maximus47 10 місяців тому

      Actually they did.

    • @lukauka7829
      @lukauka7829 10 місяців тому

      @@trumpius_maximus47lmao the troll in me is cackling at this, thank you to the veterans for real tho 😂

    • @trumpius_maximus47
      @trumpius_maximus47 10 місяців тому

      @@lukauka7829 I do what I can

    • @BenLewis-zi8wg
      @BenLewis-zi8wg 6 місяців тому

      You are wrong you weren't there politics got the exit from Vietnam I served 1 yr 1965 to. 1966 25 Infantry,,Div Pleiku Vietnam​@@trumpius_maximus47

  • @Ammo08
    @Ammo08 10 місяців тому +15

    My oldest brother was a USAF medic at Clark AFB in 1966 and 1967. He told me many times that the ability of the medics, pilots, aircrews, and nurses was extraordinary when it came to saving lives. There's a small glimpse of him in the documentary TO SAVE A SOLDIER...

  • @Helm-w1q
    @Helm-w1q 10 місяців тому +10

    I was an Aircraft mechanic working C-141 thru flight on Okinawa 1969-1970. Med-vacs came thru regularly. We put two of everything we needed to turn that bird, including people, on the plane just in case one quit working. I can tell you being nineteen and working on a med-vac, just servicing the plane took grit. The smells, blood, burnt flesh, disinfectant. And the sounds of young men in agony. And for me. I watched a young man my age die. It's hard to fight a war with tears in your eyes. To all who worked med-vac , from the corpsmen on the battle field, the mash units. Doctors nurses, I salute you. I didn't have to work these planes all the time. I don't know if I could have. To all the mechanics I worked with. Their war was over, but our war just started.we fought time. Our job was to put that bird back in the air as fast as we could, and we did.I know better, but I have always hoped that they all made it and healed from their wounds and went on to live a good life.. aI hated that fuckin war. And now we return to our normal anti American broadcast.🎉

  • @garyluck8502
    @garyluck8502 5 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for your service and everyone that serves! Please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!!!!

  • @richardpcrowe
    @richardpcrowe 10 місяців тому +12

    As a Navy combat cameraman in Vietnam... I filmed medevacs from the field, Navy corpsmen in a Montegnard village with a SeaBee Civic Action Team, and a Navy corpsman serving in a Vietnamese Provincial Hospital along with a Navy Surgical Team. I have all the respect in the world for the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps, especially the corpsmen!

    • @drewpall2598
      @drewpall2598 10 місяців тому

      @richardpcrowe... Often in war time the film crew do not get the recognition they deserved (cameraman and reporter) doing their job out in the field and those who served alongside the service men and women during the Vietnam conflict have my up most respect as do our Vietnam Vets. thanks, you for your service and sacrifice and welcome home Sir.

  • @barryeason749
    @barryeason749 6 місяців тому +6

    Dear Sir,
    You are a truly an angel that saved a lot of lives back in that hell hole of a war.
    All that shock, blood, horror and insanity that you saw while trying to save US servicemen and civilians is surely appreciated.
    No one should experience and witness the abnormality of that war or any war, you did and saved lives.
    I’m sorry for those lives that you could not save. You are alive now and even if you carry all those horrific PTSD experiences, we who are here today are grateful to understand all that you did.
    May you continue to live & prosper in order for you to positively impact those who need your help.
    You sir are a hero among hero’s.
    Thank you for your service…

    • @LLBP.
      @LLBP. 6 місяців тому +1

      Everything I wanted to say. ❤❤

  • @justanavgguy7802
    @justanavgguy7802 11 місяців тому +29

    As poignant & gut wrenching an interview as I’ve yet seen. Forty years without effective treatment for the psychological wounds means that many years of hell on earth. Thanks almost to an eternal degree to that gentleman for sharing!

    • @WastingTime1878
      @WastingTime1878 10 місяців тому +1

      Absolutely soul crunching. And you are right, going through that severe of PTSDs for 40 years is the actual hell. Nothing worse.

    • @dennis2376
      @dennis2376 9 місяців тому

      My brother was a Korean vet and want through hell when he returned to Canada. He told he never wanted to bring that stuff up again because of the nightmares, and I respected that.

  • @fifteen8
    @fifteen8 11 місяців тому +31

    This has got to be one of the most significant interviews of a soldier I've ever seen or heard. Not just his experiences and insight, but his self-awareness and psych perspective. I'll be sharing it. Thank you.

  • @alexkalish8288
    @alexkalish8288 8 місяців тому +2

    I did two tours as an infantry officer . These men were the bravest in the war. I waived them off more than once but never had one refuse to land if we had wounded. They always became the target of intense fire if we were engaged. They were the angels of the battlefield. God bless everyone of them.

  • @jspate61
    @jspate61 11 місяців тому +25

    What a brilliant story teller! Hands down the best interview of a veteran I've ever listened to. Truly, an amazing human being. I would like to thank him for his service.

  • @georgemcadoo8546
    @georgemcadoo8546 11 місяців тому +9

    Welcome Home Doc. Semper fi... I would have sent you on your missions, but I was several years before you.

  • @smokey7800
    @smokey7800 11 місяців тому +27

    I don’t know how this channel doesn’t have more subscribers

  • @stockdrifta
    @stockdrifta 11 місяців тому +14

    At 35 years old I have never had a single thought or desire to be in the armed forces, and frankly, don't like a lot about how the services function. HOWEVER, I have found myself the last 5 years or so, taking in as much of this kind of content and war documentaries as anyone could ever fit in their brain. The people (the good people) are truly amazing human being. Tons of respect and admiration for the feats they accomplished and everything they've had to deal with since then.

    • @johnnyringo4463
      @johnnyringo4463 5 місяців тому +1

      Can i ask what it is about how the services function that you dont like? Before I joined, I thought it was all like full metal jacket, strict and yelling etc etc. But after getting to the unit, theres structure, rules and expectations. They let you know all the rules and the expectations. Nothing out of the ordinary. Keep your room clean, show up early and show up where you need to, do your job, dont get in trouble out in town was about it. Lol. Really its a bunch of friends all talking s**t. Sometimes you go at each other and fight, but you shake hands after and go back to being family.

  • @danyerdon8494
    @danyerdon8494 11 місяців тому +12

    Excellent interview. As an old Marine this is personal.

  • @shannonmcstormy5021
    @shannonmcstormy5021 8 місяців тому +3

    Pretty sure most Marines would say you earned the right to consider yourself one. Amazing video.

  • @macmedic892
    @macmedic892 10 місяців тому +10

    I wish I’d found this sooner. My dad was a sailor who did river minesweeping in Vietnam. He’d enlisted in 1959 and retired as a Senior Chief in 1981. (I showed up in 1971.)
    He never talked to me about his experiences. I don’t talk to my son about my experiences as a paramedic, and likewise dad never talked to me about his time at war. Unfortunately, he’s now had a few strokes and has memory problems and speech deficits. His memories from his tour in the boat club are gone. His memorabilia is gone, lost in flooding from Hurricanes Isaac and Ida.
    I so wish he’d been able to record something like this.

  • @seriously6649
    @seriously6649 11 місяців тому +40

    Thank you soldier for your courage and skill in extreme conditions.
    Thank you sir for having the grace to share these most painful memories.
    America stands in gratitude.

    • @boondocker7964
      @boondocker7964 11 місяців тому +1

      He wasn't a "soldier", he was a "Corpsman".

    • @seriously6649
      @seriously6649 11 місяців тому +4

      I stand in my ignorance.
      You may stand in your pedanticism; taking a sincere and heartfelt sentiment and negating it in service to your ego.

    • @midnightq69
      @midnightq69 10 місяців тому +2

      @@boondocker7964well actually he was a sailor first and foremost vs a corpsman if you want to be pedantic about it, since he was in the Navy. Corpsman was just his job description. Either way he’s a hero.

    • @tomhicks7377
      @tomhicks7377 9 місяців тому

      Leaving 3353q32​@@seriously6649

    • @bartpowers9972
      @bartpowers9972 8 місяців тому +1

      Most excellent job Sir you are a true hero 👍

  • @leslieanderson5562
    @leslieanderson5562 10 місяців тому +7

    Thank you. As a daughter of a Marine Corp Veteran of Vietnam, I am extremely grateful for the service of all who sacrificed.

  • @DavidJones-ey6ie
    @DavidJones-ey6ie 10 місяців тому +11

    He is there you can see it in his eyes. He is back reliving the whole thing. He did what he had to do to help people and survive.

  • @aschule5684
    @aschule5684 10 місяців тому +12

    This was very moving and powerful I can't imagine being subjected to such horror and ever being able to be even remotely okay ever again. You are truly a inspiration sir. Thank you for those you saved, for those you couldn't, and for those you now help to heal. Thank you for your outstanding service to humanity.

  • @philwhitt6462
    @philwhitt6462 10 місяців тому +8

    Thank You Mr. Alan Basham for explaining what this part of life was to you and many others who served in Vietnam. 1971-1974 I served in the US Army stationed at Ray Barracks, FRG. There were both men and women that also served with me during that time who came home from Vietnam who fought that terrible fight too. I didn't not understand what these troops had gone through at that time. Sir it's still hard to wrap my head around your story now 53 years later. You earned your wings!

  • @leesommer5871
    @leesommer5871 6 місяців тому +3

    God Bless you, thank you for your service.

  • @skipschauer5535
    @skipschauer5535 11 місяців тому +6

    There are many guys like this who served honorably in Vietnam. My generation is the best we went to war and were not well received when we came home!!!

  • @phyllisgiaconia5852
    @phyllisgiaconia5852 25 днів тому +2

    Outstanding doc! You make the experience so clear . Bless you for what you accomplished.

  • @jimknapp4739
    @jimknapp4739 7 місяців тому +1

    Alan Basham is a hero. He would never think of himself as being one but without doubt, he definitely is.

  • @genataylor460
    @genataylor460 11 місяців тому +10

    Your mention of the compass course in Marine training reminded me of our one week program in basic in the Women's Army Corp in 1967. We were sent out on a compass course and timed on how long it took us to finish it. Of course, we were not nearly the first to use it, and they apparently did not change the course, so there was a well beaten path through the course. I had almost immediately noticed the path, and told the other girls to follow the path, which we did, and we finished in record time; We managed to keep a straight face when congratulated on our record time. None of us were particularly worried about learning combat skills, since back then women were still treated like women in the military and when we enlisted we were guaranteed to not be sent to combat zones against our will. They did not change that until the invasion of Panama years later.

  • @jmsmeier1113
    @jmsmeier1113 9 місяців тому +4

    Crying for someone else isn’t weakness, it’s a signal that you haven’t completely lost your humanity.
    As far as the Marines looking after Doc, we don’t view you like we do the average deck ape. In our eyes your a brother marine that wears his rank upside down, you guys are a big part of why Marines don’t shy away from the things we did. We knew that if we got nailed, come hell or high water, doc was coming to fix us, anything from an IV for a hangover to off the book stitches for a brawl we needed kept quiet, all the way up to plugging holes we weren’t issued. You guys inspired us.

  • @LLBP.
    @LLBP. 6 місяців тому +1

    The emotion. Laughing and Crying at same time. You Sir are my hero. My respect to you!! 💕

  • @williamlarson3623
    @williamlarson3623 8 місяців тому +1

    In early '67 was aboard the carrier Bonnie Dick in the Gulf with VAH-4, a refueling outfit, when the USS Forrestal caught fire on Yankee Station and we responded. As the Forrestal burned, was able to film our onboard Navy Corpsmen as they helped offload Forrestal's survivors (and others) from our Angel (helo). Tough stuff those guys, real pros, too, then and now. So thank you Navy Corpsmen, you are the best.

  • @dwainsw4076
    @dwainsw4076 11 місяців тому +11

    One thing we can all agree on is that air support is a wonderful thing.

  • @joesphbest3120
    @joesphbest3120 11 місяців тому +42

    I was Corpsman with Marines in 1965 & 1966. in Viet Nam In I Corp.

    • @Tacticalsmog
      @Tacticalsmog 9 місяців тому

      Excuse me sir but how old are you?

    • @Tacticalsmog
      @Tacticalsmog 9 місяців тому

      Also welcome home

    • @FIGGY65
      @FIGGY65 8 місяців тому

      Greetings Mr.Best,
      Did you know HM2 Jacque Joseph Ayd , of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines , who was KIA May 18,1967, at HQ Dong Ha?
      I appreciate your time, and thank you for your sacrifices and service.
      Kindest regards,
      Shawn Mann

    • @bingbong2205
      @bingbong2205 7 місяців тому

      I was a corpse in Vietnam for the V.C

  • @fredlarge8209
    @fredlarge8209 11 місяців тому +14

    This is the best interview I have ever heard. Thanks for your service and your duty to service.

  • @chriswatson6231
    @chriswatson6231 11 місяців тому +13

    Im Australian and some of what you said took me back to being a kid and hearing dad and his mates when they would (rareley) get into talking about the war amongst themselves in thier own lingo. From watching you i got a sort of decifering of what i didnt understand as a kid. Behavior wise as well. Your words really touched me. As did your abilility to smile through tears. All the best mate

  • @rammerjammer7957
    @rammerjammer7957 7 місяців тому +1

    Men like you sir are a true American hero! You make me proud to be an American! I pray God blesses you and your family sir!

  • @Cookefan59
    @Cookefan59 6 місяців тому +2

    As a former Marine (who did not fight in Vietnam, my older brother did but he was KIA) and as a currently practicing physician, I can honestly say that this was the most interesting and revealing interview I have ever watched. Over the years I have listened to and watched literally hundreds of interviews but this one was the one I could relate to the best. This man and his comrades efforts absolutely did save probably hundreds of lives. That was indeed a great way to end his story. I’m just blown away and yes, he had me also shedding tears several times during his revelations.
    Great interview and thank you for bringing this phenomenal story to the public.

  • @BlueJayWaters
    @BlueJayWaters 9 місяців тому +3

    Corpsman from your time walked so we could run. To this day you still inspire HM's, and many of our advancement in medical expertise came from all of you. Absolutely outstanding, from one Doc to another.

  • @JaxRwld
    @JaxRwld 11 місяців тому +18

    Thank you for what you did in Vietnam Alan and thank you for sharing your difficult memories with us.

  • @eddrake9542
    @eddrake9542 9 місяців тому +6

    He’s incredibly easy to listen too and very interesting. Tipping my hat to what he’s done.

  • @tcarroll3954
    @tcarroll3954 9 місяців тому +4

    A hand salute and eternal gratitude and admiration to you, Sir, from a VN combat vet of the same time period. Welcome Home!

  • @hmdoc16
    @hmdoc16 8 місяців тому +6

    There is no one closer to a Marine than a Navy Corpsman.

  • @dconvention8568
    @dconvention8568 10 місяців тому +5

    Alan Basham’s last sentence of this interview - and his eyes that reach into the past - dropped like an anvil:
    “There’s a bunch of names…not on the wall…because we were there.”

  • @Nursebakr
    @Nursebakr 10 місяців тому +4

    My Dad was a Corpsman with the 6th Fleet Marines. He has never said a word.

  • @vz4779
    @vz4779 11 місяців тому +10

    This is a good man.

  • @jeffe9429
    @jeffe9429 9 місяців тому +4

    Love hearing these vets be able to finally talk openly

  • @mugsypea
    @mugsypea 10 місяців тому +4

    There is a special place in heaven for men like him…God bless him! 🙏🙏🙏

  • @CarrotDugTooDeep
    @CarrotDugTooDeep 8 місяців тому +2

    I wasn't in Vietnam, but was an FMF Hospital Corpsman (8404/8410) from 1991 to 2011. I did fly on helicopters in Iraq, but was only flying from base to base or FOB to FOB to repair equipment in the STP or Surgical Operating Rooms. I saw a lot of the aftermath with Marines being operated on in front of me while I repaired medical equipment, like ventilators or other life saving devices. I am very proud that I was able to walk in the footsteps of FMF Corpsmen that served before I did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  • @ronaldwarren5220
    @ronaldwarren5220 11 місяців тому +32

    By all that's Holy! You, sir are a hero and I admire you. Draftee here; Vietnam 1968/69. I am passing this on to a Navy Corpsman friend who was with the Marines in Falluja.

  • @DavidJones-ey6ie
    @DavidJones-ey6ie 10 місяців тому +4

    These men and women who know what it takes to live and help their fellow humans are amazing.

  • @finding_mojo
    @finding_mojo 10 місяців тому +8

    What a powerful recount of his service. Very moving and profound.

  • @nealbutler5067
    @nealbutler5067 9 місяців тому +3

    This retired Chief Engineman on boats in Viernam says you are a Marine. The Marines I know love their Docs and Chaps!

  • @elsuprimo0674
    @elsuprimo0674 10 місяців тому +3

    You can’t help but like this guy. Thanks “doc” from an Army Dustoff pilot.

  • @mesaeddie
    @mesaeddie 9 місяців тому +3

    I was a Navy Corpsman from 1969 to 1973 and six years active reserve Tank Company in the 80's. I was state side during the War and worked on a lot of wounded Marines . I can tell you I hate wars.

  • @Pulsonar
    @Pulsonar 10 місяців тому +6

    This humble mild mannered academics account of his military service in Vietnam is absolutely stellar. His memory of facts, figures, procedures, names of places and peoples from over 50 years ago is extraordinary At 18:55 is where the real darkness of Vietnam starts. What strikes me is how much of a courageous MAN he really is and he projects this image without the slightest trace of bravado and boast about his heroic deeds. In fact his tears make him more of a man in reliving that horror of being pressured into playing God with the lives of wounded children. He didn’t need to explain his reasoning for that, what he presented here is Gold standard. The US benefited greatly from having a man of this distinction serving in uniform during the Vietnam war.

  • @vinylhanger604
    @vinylhanger604 8 місяців тому +3

    I could listen to this guy tell stories all day long.

  • @died4us590
    @died4us590 10 місяців тому +2

    My grandpa was a medic in wwll, and towards the end of his life, he told me many thing's about his four year's, and so this man really touched me with his story. I am glad that he was able to get treatment for the ptsd, because it's something hard to live with. G-d bless everyone.

  • @DaveForman-f2q
    @DaveForman-f2q 11 місяців тому +9

    Truly an authentic American hero welcome home

  • @miniaturefarmer464
    @miniaturefarmer464 8 місяців тому +3

    God Bless you Alan.

  • @thomasadkins5787
    @thomasadkins5787 2 місяці тому

    I was Army sp5 crew chief with the 254th HelAmb Dust Off 66-67 we were a hoist co. Thank for your service, God Pless.

  • @SurfCityVideo
    @SurfCityVideo 11 місяців тому +10

    This warrior is a great interview.

  • @NateNotSoGreat1776
    @NateNotSoGreat1776 2 місяці тому

    Aye the love between green side docs and marines are endless. We welcome them with open arms. Drinks on us

  • @mickcraven980
    @mickcraven980 8 місяців тому +3

    What a badass! Great stories. Kudos to the interviewer for shutting up and letting him talk.

  • @sunset6010
    @sunset6010 5 місяців тому +2

    Salute to you, Sir 🫡

  • @davehertle
    @davehertle 9 місяців тому +5

    I was one of those "Nuts". Army Dustoff Pilot, 1968, and saw most of I and II corps. Great description, in and out quick. I had terrific medics. I left 'Nam in early '69, moving up into the CH-47 Chinooks and back to II corp, 2nd tour. On a flight north, we stopped at Marble Mountain for POL (fuel) There were two CH-46 phrogs sitting there. While we refueled, I unstrapped, went back and down ramp and walked over to get a look at the 46's. There weren't any crew members, so I went up ramp and headed toward the cockpit. On both sides, where the Army had M-60s on the 47, the Marines had Ma Dueces, M-2 Browning 50 cal. machine guns. That was the moment I understood the difference between the Army and the Marines. Those jar heads don't come to play, they come to get a job done. I call '68 the best year of my life, 819 flight hours, 1541 sorties, 2099 patients, one DFC. A whole lot of quick in and out flights to get our soldiers back quickly to a doctor.

    • @5x535
      @5x535 8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, Buddy. I'm thankful that you all were there and that you knew what you were doing. You might have given me my "trip back to the world."

    • @blue4629
      @blue4629 3 місяці тому +1

      Welcome home sir. Thank you.

  • @kennethprice5628
    @kennethprice5628 11 місяців тому +4

    Welcome home brother, you done good...71 yo Navy Veteran

  • @AdalbertoCastro-f7h
    @AdalbertoCastro-f7h 2 години тому

    Thank you for your service! Served 82-85 I have nothing but love and respect for you and all the rest of the Corpsmen. Semper Fi! 🦅🌎⚓️

  • @thetaz3910
    @thetaz3910 9 місяців тому +3

    As a corpsmen also, thank you very much for all you did to save our people!

  • @brianlykins6663
    @brianlykins6663 8 місяців тому +2

    First, thank you, Doc, for your service.
    My uncle was in LRRP's 68 - 69.
    You touched on something that he and several guys I've worked with over the years about coming home. They all said the same thing, your in combat one day, you get your orders to go, 2 days later your sitting at home eating at your folks dinner table. The mind is still in the jungle, but your body is here. They all agreed that was one thing they were glad to see that changed in Iraq, and Afghanistan. A soldier got to get away from the combat, decompress, and get your brain to thinking like a civilian again before you got to go home.
    Anyone that served in any combat at the age of most, 18 - 22 sees things that no one should ever see or have to remember .
    I have nothing but the utmost respect for all vets, VN vers have a special place, because of the way they were treated coming home and many years after.
    God bless each man and woman that served and has had to live with it since.
    You are absolutely correct sir, not all the casualties of Viet Nam are on the wall, many became casualties years later.

  • @seaserpent836
    @seaserpent836 2 місяці тому +2

    God Bless you Doc. Thank you. Semper Fi. ❤

  • @ericfragoso3456
    @ericfragoso3456 11 місяців тому +7

    Thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. That was very insightful and touching. God bless you .

  • @mrstealyoface
    @mrstealyoface 10 місяців тому +2

    I love getting to hear these guys stories both my grandfather's served in Nam one was a pilot and the other one did 3 tours as a helicopter door gunner

  • @AnthonyM-p6d
    @AnthonyM-p6d 7 місяців тому +2

    I was station with a hospital co at Lejeune after coming back from Southeast Asia in 64 . My commander was a navy captain. Best duty , best guys I worked with till I got out in 65. 1141 electrician Semper fi

  • @markskapyak2929
    @markskapyak2929 Місяць тому

    Our corpsman was one of the regular guys. Always be in good with doc....

  • @romoalex
    @romoalex 8 місяців тому +1

    My uncle was an HM2(FMF) in Vietnam. A total bad ass. It wasn’t until I joined the navy that he told me about his time in the service.

  • @roadscholar9323
    @roadscholar9323 9 місяців тому +2

    The therapy he's discussing at the end of the interview is called (as I remember) "Prolonged Exposure Therapy" or PET. I went through it at VA Menlo Park, and it worked, though it was one of the roughest four months of my life. I too had to talk about a child I could not save, though we tried. The smell of blood: I took a copper penny, rubbed it between my fingers and inhaled its odor because it approximates the smell of blood. The relationship-destroying "distancing" I experienced caused the ending of many good relationships. What really got me about this interview was remembering treating a GSW chest, and not checking the back, where the bullet actually entered. And he died.
    Thanks Doc. Not just "welcome home" but Welcome Back.
    Charley Mike