Welcome home Sir! Co B 2/5, First Air Cavalry Division 1967-1968. Infantry. Saw way too much action over there! Still living the nightmares. Always will!
C-1-5- 1st AirCav 1969 infantry. Got lucky and nothing too traumatic so daily living seems pretty normal. I know many really went through some awful situations. Thanks for your service bro.
I flew into Atlanta several years ago to buy a car from a guy in Kennesaw. His father picked me up and during the drive I found out he had been a FAC in Vietnam. Man, oh man, that dude was wired! He was driving through that Atlanta traffic like his truck was a race car. I was thinking this guy must have seen some horrible stuff. God bless you sir and welcome home. Draftee here with Vietnam service in 68-69.
Thank You all for your service. I was too young. 13 years my brothers junior. He went in Jan 68 thru 69, Marines combat engineers. Con Thien, Cam Lo, The Rockpile and camp Carroll.
" the good news about burns "... this gentleman is amazing... There is always a smile around his face, in spite of the dire circumstances he is describing.
Seeing this man lets me know that I don't possess an ounce of bravery. I spent my year in Vietnam in an air-conditioned office on an Air Force base and thought I was doing something. I can't imagine what this man went through.
Without you, these men wouldn't have lasted a day. As a Grunt (never in war though) I always tried to remember the importance of every man. When we got ammo, food, artillery support, air support, everything that made that possible.
Believe it or not, you made a difference somehow. Coming from a combat arms MOS in the Army and seeing the flip side on garrison side, you made a difference.
I was neither Hero, nor Coward. I count bearing the scars for my country an honor. Currently doing a gig "Vietnam Vet Meets the Boat People" that clearly reveals we left too soon, but the lives lost were not in vain.
@@FalconChurch13 Nobody knows how to disarm a MINE! They are all Different. War, in addition to being OJT, is a crap shoot and some days it's your turn in the barrel. It's in my book.
Boy, does this interview hit home! After I won my wings as a Marine Aviator, I moved to SoCal to get certified in my assigned USMC aircraft, the legendary CH-46. Great! Then my training unit tried to recruit me to attend a class which was only very hazily described. Having just become an aviator I wanted to fly and not serve in a ground unit. (Selfish, I know.) I declined the opportunity and later learned that the declination (to what was really a FAC school) most probably delayed my promotion to O3 by at least a year. I did fly SAR missions in Northern Thailand and was happy to do so. Endless respect for this officer and all like him who I met and was privileged to fly with later in the reserve system after I left active duty.
Welcome home brother. I was Army infantry 11b B Co 3/8th 4ID 68-69. Spent 1 1/2 years recovering from from AK to the chest and hand. 249th hospital in Japan was where I experienced my first bed shaking earth quake. The old Walter Reed hospital in DC had 3500 patients at any given time. They came in and they went out. Some times to other hospitals, sometimes to VA hospitals and some went home. It was surreal.
I say it to anyone I can identify as a brother also. And because of that, I've met some great people. I've met pilots, both fixed wing and helicopter. An employee's father in law flew with 4th Aviation while I was there. I met an Air Force vet who was loading patients on the plane at the various Evac hospitals. He was there at the time I was shot, so I asked him if they picked up from 71st Evac hospital in Pleiku. His response, Tuesdays. Blew me away that here was someone that actually loaded me on the plane to Cam Ranh Bay. So yes, I always say "Welcome Home Brother". Bill @@robefergus
@Bill-yy3ck May 68 to '69. I spent an October fortnight in a Vung Tau field hospital. It was hell. I was a drafted, trained, crew chief on OH 6A helicopters. Godspeed.
Wow this is an incredible recollection Sir! It is an honor as an American civilian to hear the experiences of servicemen like yourself who have served bravely and valiantly and still seem to have great spirits. You all are incredibly appreciated and I pray blessings on your whole family.
Some say Vietnam was a mistake and all that, shouldn’t have been there- whatever- these guys were there, doing their job for the country, and it was thier asses on the line- whatever your opinions on the politics of that war, you MUST respect the troops.
Vietnam was a very tragic mistake for the US. But that’s not the soldier’s fault, it’s the government’s fault. The soldier and their families suffered for the incompetence of our politicians. I will always respect the soldier over most anyone, especially politicians.
@@acidsurfers Well put. There is a place in the world for politicians. None will ever please all the people all the time. But someone has to do it. Wearing straight clothes, continually going to and sitting through meetings, speeches, ceremonies and more meetings. Spending most of your time arguing with people who disagree with you. I'll pass.
Vietnam was a massive success despite being hamstrung by politics. It stopped the March if communism through SE Asia. Saving millions from oppression. It was bigger than just Vietnam.
@@toddhellyar4167 First: I have nothing but respect for the soldiers that served in Vietnam. I agree up to a point that US presence impeded communism's spread into South Vietnam. And agree that the overall endeavor was weakened by politics. But it was not a success in that the South Vietnamese never took up the cause of opposing threats from the North. Indeed, Viet Cong partisans supporting the North were a significant threat to US troops. Not only did the South lack any counterparts in this regard, the ARVN (South Vietnam's regular army) was notorious for their unwillingness to engage with the enemy. Nixon's declaration of US withdrawal and focus on the. "Vietnamization," of the war worked out as well as Biden's current policies regarding our borders do (ie does not work at all, a joke). Finally, as the last US helicopters flew from the US embassy in Saigon, North Vietnamese troops simply drove their tanks into Saigon, unopposed. Almost as if our presence there never happened. I respect your opinion on this subject. And welcome a discussion, free of rancor. Thank you.
As one vet to another - Welcome home brother- me Vietnam 2Aug67 - 30 Sept68 . My area of operation was I core , mostly out of Quang Tri airbase . HMM163 helicopters. UH34D model . Was a crew chief . Much respect to the grunts . We did insertions an extraction , resupply and med-evacs . And SARs , those could be hard . Glad you are home to tell your story Lt. Semper Fi.
The only equipment to test hearing in Japan was on the base you were at I was 7or 8 years old my father was stationed in Japan. I had severe ear infection and I went several times to that hospital. The screaming of you guys in pain was terrorizing for me and seeing you guys wrapped up in bandages walking the halls and in wheelchairs is a memory I'll never forgot as my father walked me to the test lab. I'm 64 yo now. That was my Vietnam experience and it woke me up to the real world very young.
Thank you sir for your service! You men didn't get the recognition you deserved. You most certainly didn't lose that war. The politicians did. I have much respect for you guys.
True or not, this is why fragging was such a major issue. Your leader sends you to do something you might die over, you send him something he will die over. Peak cowardice though. Never send a new guy, regardless of what he is, into a life or death situation which could get everyone killed. Prior training does not equal prior experience
Lieutenants have to be there. It’s the only way to immerse them into combat operations and ply their new trade, and most importantly to expose them to wise & experienced NCOs who train them and give them the additional skills to eventually let them become captains & majors. Sergeants train Lieutenants, ask me how I know. 🫡🇺🇸😁
my good good friend Colonel Dick Fox flew Phantom throughout war..... Dick was my golfing partner many years.... I miss you Dick.....you are not forgotten
What a GREAT AMERICAN! I am also an in country three tour 'Nam vet that went through some pretty harrowing stuff. Nothing like the Captain did. I believe there is a special place in heaven for the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country in war! The hardest day in my life since returning was visiting my buddies and looking at their names on the Vietnam War Memorial. I will never go back.
Thank you, sir, for your outstanding service. You speak about dealing with horrific experiences and pain with a calm understated manner that reminds me of us civilians talking about getting the paper off the porch. Your care and compassion for your men shows leadership that cannot be taught anywhere except facing chaos and danger. I am glad you made it back to your wife. And back home to a good life. God Bless America.
Greetings Sir! I was in 3rd Amtracs south of Marble Mountain. I know what you were exposed to and I am very sorry for your injuries. The Amtracs were good support but with 12 fuel tanks of gasoline they were very vulnerable. A San Francisco native I know of Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. We supported 2/1 quite a bit and I was there the day Lt. Peter Puller, Chesty’s son, was wounded by the booby trap and lost his legs and arm. Welcome Home! Semper Fidelis
Here are a few thoughts concerning this blog. You are a hero and so is everyone that went to Viet Nam and served their country and was treated like they were trash for serving their country and also knowing and accepting the fact that they might never see their loved ones again. Y’all were very brave and I’m so glad that you got to come home
@@FrederikJolle I served my year in Nam with the Big Red One 1966-67, we would always blow a mine in place using C/4 & time fuse or 1/4 pound pound of TNT couple feed time fuse and cap. I never heard of anyone trying to disarm a mine over there why take the risk, blow in place. Co B 1/2 1st Inf. Div. 11Bravo.
I was fortunate to serve in the national guard and never had to be in Nam as did many boys/men my age. I always honored those that did including family and friends.
“We knew they’d come too attack us so we went out too cut them off” balls of fucking steel. Going out to look for a fight is the most marine corps thing I can imagine. Semper fidelis marine!
6th 31st Infantry 9th Division April 1968-Jan 69 in Mekong Delta. We never had a bed. 4 hrs. broken sleep a day,week after week and ate c-rations. Still remember being wet 24/7 for over 3 weeks straight. 9 KIAs out of original 36. Ate in, slept in, and drank water that was contaminated with agent orange.
Many, maybe most still do not know what you guys were subject to. They have no insight into the jungle rot, leeches, 110 degree heat in 100% humidity, the drizzly shits burning your gut and asshole and the lacerations from the jungle and elephant grass slashing, slicing and dicing. Not too mention drinking foul, barely tolerable water and sometimes having no water to keep you barely hydrated. But wait, there is more snd more and more. But I have not mentioned the unseen, leery and phantom-like enemy, who possessed very creative ways to wound, mame and kill. What a shit show. They, the upper brass knew it, but did not squawk or really make a peep. They were fucking lifers looking for that promotion to flag officer or their next star, their next brigade, division, corps, headquarters or JSOC command. My hats off to all you hard core combat troops that endured those unnecessary hardships. My love for you bastards is nearly unconditional and hardly misplaced. I have spent the better part of 36 years, peeling back the enigmatic layers of the Vietnam War. This love is for the gallantry you and your brothers l demonstrated in the face of overwhelming, unnecessary adversity, for keeping the faith in those men close to you and keeping the faith in yourselves.😊 Wishing you the best. Most don't know the trials and hardships. That being said, there are some of us that do know. I want you to know your efforts, anguish and suffering were and are valued and recognized. No greater valor or heroism has this country seen, than those who kept the faith despite a country pockmarked with faithless people. Vaya con Dios mi hermano You ran the race, you did your duty good and faithful soldier, warrior, AMERICAN. You walked where the brave dare not go.
I burnt my face and hands real bad when I was in high school. The pain was excruciating. At first the doctor was afraid I was going to be disfigured. But my doctor and nurses were amazing and within weeks my skin cleared up. I was so blessed to not have any major scars. My face is discolored but it could have been much worse. Being burnt is no joke. I'm so glad to see this warrior made it out OK and has such a positive attitude.
My Dad was in Vietnam and was in the 9th infantry division. I wish I could hear some stories but he passed 30 yrs ago. I was twenty when he died and never had the chance to talk to him about it. Thank you to all the veterans!
Perhaps I misspoke Sir. A good Officer always listens to his NCOs. Ah I guess I didn’t misspeak. This mythical wisdom that an officer wouldn’t listen to his NCO is a clear sign of failure of leadership.
Thank you to our amazing Vietnam Vets who all protected each other and are our heroes forever. The first war to be seen live on tv evening news every night. God bless you all.
Thank You for sharing your personal story, it's worth teaching our children what you went through, we won't stop war, but education goes a long way to understanding when where why, and what the cost will be. welcome Home Marine, and thank you for your service.
2 місяці тому+1
Enjoyed your story. I was a Marine NFO; 70-71. Had a few dicey moments but nothing compared to your experiences. Semper fi!
Why would the Marines take a butter bar with 0 depth perception disqualified from flight duty, be assigned as a Forward Air Controller? Now it is a necessity for a FAC to have a clear ability to judge distances.
I never heard or new that ground trips had any animosity toward a FAC pilot or soldier in fact they were seen as necessary & welcomed in case soldiers were hit by VC.
My dad was in 1st infantry div. 2nd bat. 28th infantry. I heard his stories, and it could have been a documentary. Absolutely wild shit! He told me a lot about it. When he passed I realized that no one knew. He had 2 bronze stars and a silver star which was mentioned in his obituary and people were blown away. Most of them never even knew he served. He managed all that trauma so well and had a great life. I assumed he talked to others but after he passed I realized I'm the only one. So now I have the story and I don't know what to do with it. I feel like it's a story that needs to be heard.
You said it was only 30 miles from Da Nang, but it was out there. I couldn't agree more, although I've never been to Nam, but if it's like the Philippines, yes sir, 30 miles through thick Triple, IS OUT THERE. You are in the BUSH...and 30 miles through that isn't for the faint of heart. It was crazy how loud the jungle around you is but it's so thick that you can't here what's going on 100 yards away. You might hear the discharge of a weapon, or something of that nature but it bleeds sound down to nothing. And I agree with your statement of how much you admire the medical Corp. They do not get the recognition they deserve, regardless of how much they do get. Whatever uncle Sam pays them, it's not enough. They are the bravest warriors in all of history and in any army, good or bad, right or wrong. Thank you for your service, and laying down your story. I salute you, Sir, and if we ever meet the drinks are on me.
Salute 🫡 sir. Thank you for sharing your pain & suffering so that me and my generation can properly respect how much we owe your generation. I feel sad when I look at the state of our country and our society. I’m sorry we haven’t done our part to respect what you did.
We landed at Travis and a bunch of us boarded a bus headed to the brand new, Oakland Naval Hospital. Will never forget a couple of guys kissing the tarmac.
My brother was a nurse, his first assignment was the burn center at Fort Sam Houston. Patients who had their nose and ears burned off, burns over most of their body.
Life.was a bioch and then you died in the nam. I corps Americal Div A/3/21 196th light infantry 1970-71, WIA 5 months in the jungles. RIP my 11Bravo brothers 🇺🇸⚔️🫡
You can't explain the excilleration of getting on the "Freedom Bird" to go home from RVN. First to Okinawa(sp), get cleaned up, med check, then home. There's no way explain the the feeling and seeing your loved ones there waiting. The emotion was overwelming.
And our leaders, sitting in their cushy offices throwing down bourbon after hours with their buddies, should NEVER send our military into any combat without a clear strategy to WIN. There should be no path other than WINNING!
I love hearing war stories but especially from WW2 and Vietnam vets. God bless these amazing heroes and their families, the ones who made it back alive being heroes also. We best learn from and appreciate them while they're here also instead of the usual "rip" once they're gone.
Unbelievably tragic what happened to those boys in 'Nam. It never should've happened. So many young men that could've had bright, wonderful futures and marry loving wives and have children and all the other wonderful things life has to offer. The only good thing that came out of this war was lifelong friendships and brotherhood between soldiers and maybe the opportunities afterwards when the surviving soldiers came home. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service to the soldiers that lost their lives. ❤
I was in the Marines but never in combat. I can relate to how stupid it is. "No water because you haven't been Checked in!" That is exactly what it's like in the military... in war or not!!
Want more stories? Purchase Bob Furgeson’s book: www.amazon.com/Some-Days-Chicken-Feathers/dp/0615263283
Welcome home Sir! Co B 2/5, First Air Cavalry Division 1967-1968. Infantry. Saw way too much action over there! Still living the nightmares. Always will!
Thank you for your service
Glad you made it home I served with the 101 airborne 72 😢78
C-1-5- 1st AirCav 1969 infantry. Got lucky and nothing too traumatic so daily living seems pretty normal. I know many really went through some awful situations. Thanks for your service bro.
Thank you to all you Vietnam Vets!!! From the grateful silent majority. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your service. Hope you are doing well. Best wishes.
I was an Army Forward Observer South of the river you were working next to. The Marine Aviators provide the very best close air support.
Remind me to tell you the story of a Marine mine sweep team that was sweeping a road south of Danang sometime.
And Awesome medivacs!
I flew into Atlanta several years ago to buy a car from a guy in Kennesaw. His father picked me up and during the drive I found out he had been a FAC in Vietnam. Man, oh man, that dude was wired! He was driving through that Atlanta traffic like his truck was a race car. I was thinking this guy must have seen some horrible stuff. God bless you sir and welcome home. Draftee here with Vietnam service in 68-69.
Ronald Warren 5220, I still drive pedal to the metal every day, I want to get wherever yesterday. Lol
Where I come from, stop signs are just suggestions. 😉
Well, you better Halt stop🛑 or you'll receive a field grade article 15 🪖 ☠️👅@4thamendment237
Thank You all for your service. I was too young. 13 years my brothers junior. He went in Jan 68 thru 69, Marines combat engineers. Con Thien, Cam Lo, The Rockpile and camp Carroll.
@@bobdixon4998 Your Bro was in the Thick of it!!
I totally appreciate Robert Ferguson's humility with his fellow combatants, and his compliance to lesser-ranked experts advice. Thank you.
Worst type of leader, a cancer to the Corps. This man is why fragging and hazing exists.
" the good news about burns "... this gentleman is amazing... There is always a smile around his face, in spite of the dire circumstances he is describing.
Seeing this man lets me know that I don't possess an ounce of bravery. I spent my year in Vietnam in an air-conditioned office on an Air Force base and thought I was doing something. I can't imagine what this man went through.
Any place in a war zone is dangerous. You rolled the dice and took your chances. I thank you for that.
Every job is important, don't discredit yourself. I Imagine you saved or supported more men than you will ever realize
Not all but many "in the rear with the gear" helped and were invaluable to the effort. Thank you for your service.
Without you, these men wouldn't have lasted a day. As a Grunt (never in war though) I always tried to remember the importance of every man. When we got ammo, food, artillery support, air support, everything that made that possible.
Believe it or not, you made a difference somehow. Coming from a combat arms MOS in the Army and seeing the flip side on garrison side, you made a difference.
Another hero who served his country well and bears the scars for it . Full respect to you sir
I was neither Hero, nor Coward. I count bearing the scars for my country an honor. Currently doing a gig "Vietnam Vet Meets the Boat People" that clearly reveals we left too soon, but the lives lost were not in vain.
A coward who sent the inexperienced to die in his place.
@@Mr-or9pnWho are you referring to?
Think they are talking about the FNG tragedy segment where he had a FNG take point and disarm a mine, instead of someone who knew what they were doing
@@FalconChurch13 Nobody knows how to disarm a MINE! They are all Different. War, in addition to being OJT, is a crap shoot and some days it's your turn in the barrel. It's in my book.
Welcome home Marine, you served with honor, I salute you, Sir
Boy, does this interview hit home! After I won my wings as a Marine Aviator, I moved to SoCal to get certified in my assigned USMC aircraft, the legendary CH-46. Great! Then my training unit tried to recruit me to attend a class which was only very hazily described. Having just become an aviator I wanted to fly and not serve in a ground unit. (Selfish, I know.) I declined the opportunity and later learned that the declination (to what was really a FAC school) most probably delayed my promotion to O3 by at least a year. I did fly SAR missions in Northern Thailand and was happy to do so. Endless respect for this officer and all like him who I met and was privileged to fly with later in the reserve system after I left active duty.
Welcome home brother. I was Army infantry 11b B Co 3/8th 4ID 68-69. Spent 1 1/2 years recovering from from AK to the chest and hand. 249th hospital in Japan was where I experienced my first bed shaking earth quake. The old Walter Reed hospital in DC had 3500 patients at any given time. They came in and they went out. Some times to other hospitals, sometimes to VA hospitals and some went home. It was surreal.
God bless you. Welcome home 🙏
🎉❤
Thanks for the Welcome Home. I say that whenever I see a guy wearing a Vietnam cap. We didn't hear it that much, except from our families.
I say it to anyone I can identify as a brother also. And because of that, I've met some great people. I've met pilots, both fixed wing and helicopter. An employee's father in law flew with 4th Aviation while I was there. I met an Air Force vet who was loading patients on the plane at the various Evac hospitals. He was there at the time I was shot, so I asked him if they picked up from 71st Evac hospital in Pleiku. His response, Tuesdays. Blew me away that here was someone that actually loaded me on the plane to Cam Ranh Bay. So yes, I always say "Welcome Home Brother".
Bill @@robefergus
@Bill-yy3ck May 68 to '69. I spent an October fortnight in a Vung Tau field hospital. It was hell. I was a drafted, trained, crew chief on OH 6A helicopters. Godspeed.
Wow this is an incredible recollection Sir! It is an honor as an American civilian to hear the experiences of servicemen like yourself who have served bravely and valiantly and still seem to have great spirits. You all are incredibly appreciated and I pray blessings on your whole family.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your service to our country sir. I salute you.
Some say Vietnam was a mistake and all that, shouldn’t have been there- whatever- these guys were there, doing their job for the country, and it was thier asses on the line- whatever your opinions on the politics of that war, you MUST respect the troops.
Amen.
Many opposed our involvement in that war. But I always respected those that served in it; volunteers and draftees alike.
Vietnam was a very tragic mistake for the US. But that’s not the soldier’s fault, it’s the government’s fault. The soldier and their families suffered for the incompetence of our politicians. I will always respect the soldier over most anyone, especially politicians.
@@acidsurfers
Well put.
There is a place in the world for politicians. None will ever please all the people all the time. But someone has to do it.
Wearing straight clothes, continually going to and sitting through meetings, speeches, ceremonies and more meetings. Spending most of your time arguing with people who disagree with you.
I'll pass.
Vietnam was a massive success despite being hamstrung by politics. It stopped the March if communism through SE Asia. Saving millions from oppression. It was bigger than just Vietnam.
@@toddhellyar4167
First: I have nothing but respect for the soldiers that served in Vietnam.
I agree up to a point that US presence impeded communism's spread into South Vietnam. And agree that the overall endeavor was weakened by politics.
But it was not a success in that the South Vietnamese never took up the cause of opposing threats from the North. Indeed, Viet Cong partisans supporting the North were a significant threat to US troops. Not only did the South lack any counterparts in this regard, the ARVN (South Vietnam's regular army) was notorious for their unwillingness to engage with the enemy.
Nixon's declaration of US withdrawal and focus on the. "Vietnamization," of the war worked out as well as Biden's current policies regarding our borders do (ie does not work at all, a joke).
Finally, as the last US helicopters flew from the US embassy in Saigon, North Vietnamese troops simply drove their tanks into Saigon, unopposed.
Almost as if our presence there never happened.
I respect your opinion on this subject. And welcome a discussion, free of rancor.
Thank you.
As one vet to another - Welcome home brother- me Vietnam 2Aug67 - 30 Sept68 . My area of operation was I core , mostly out of Quang Tri airbase . HMM163 helicopters. UH34D model . Was a crew chief . Much respect to the grunts . We did insertions an extraction , resupply and med-evacs . And SARs , those could be hard . Glad you are home to tell your story Lt. Semper Fi.
Welcome home to all our Vietnam veterans. Thank you for your service to our country!! You are appreciated!!
The only equipment to test hearing in Japan was on the base you were at I was 7or 8 years old my father was stationed in Japan. I had severe ear infection and I went several times to that hospital. The screaming of you guys in pain was terrorizing for me and seeing you guys wrapped up in bandages walking the halls and in wheelchairs is a memory I'll never forgot as my father walked me to the test lab. I'm 64 yo now. That was my Vietnam experience and it woke me up to the real world very young.
Thank you sir for your service! You men didn't get the recognition you deserved. You most certainly didn't lose that war. The politicians did. I have much respect for you guys.
True or not, this is why fragging was such a major issue. Your leader sends you to do something you might die over, you send him something he will die over.
Peak cowardice though. Never send a new guy, regardless of what he is, into a life or death situation which could get everyone killed. Prior training does not equal prior experience
Lieutenants have to be there. It’s the only way to immerse them into combat operations and ply their new trade, and most importantly to expose them to wise & experienced NCOs who train them and give them the additional skills to eventually let them become captains & majors. Sergeants train Lieutenants, ask me how I know. 🫡🇺🇸😁
Because they called you "Skipper" they trusted you and held you in high regard
It's mentioned in "Some Days Chicken, Some Days Feathers."
6:35 "Napalm is our friend...." - great quote (and on the job training - no doubt)
my good good friend Colonel Dick Fox flew Phantom throughout war..... Dick was my golfing partner many years.... I miss you Dick.....you are not forgotten
What a GREAT AMERICAN! I am also an in country three tour 'Nam vet that went through some pretty harrowing stuff. Nothing like the Captain did. I believe there is a special place in heaven for the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country in war! The hardest day in my life since returning was visiting my buddies and looking at their names on the Vietnam War Memorial. I will never go back.
Thank you, sir, for your outstanding service. You speak about dealing with horrific experiences and pain with a calm understated manner that reminds me of us civilians talking about getting the paper off the porch. Your care and compassion for your men shows leadership that cannot be taught anywhere except facing chaos and danger.
I am glad you made it back to your wife. And back home to a good life.
God Bless America.
Thanks for sharing your stories and thank you for your service.
Bless you LT. Glad you came home.
Saying thank you for your service just feels shallow.
Welcome home, and THANK YOU for your service 🙏
Anyone who has had to endure burn injuries of any description will totally relate to this veteran's description of his particular ordeal.
Greetings Sir! I was in 3rd Amtracs south of Marble Mountain. I know what you were exposed to and I am very sorry for your injuries. The Amtracs were good support but with 12 fuel tanks of gasoline they were very vulnerable. A San Francisco native I know of Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. We supported 2/1 quite a bit and I was there the day Lt. Peter Puller, Chesty’s son, was wounded by the booby trap and lost his legs and arm.
Welcome Home! Semper Fidelis
Here are a few thoughts concerning this blog. You are a hero and so is everyone that went to Viet Nam and served their country and was treated like they were trash for serving their country and also knowing and accepting the fact that they might never see their loved ones again. Y’all were very brave and I’m so glad that you got to come home
Not all were or are a hero. If you served, you would know that.
@@FrederikJolle I served my year in Nam with the Big Red One 1966-67, we would always blow a mine in place using C/4 & time fuse or 1/4 pound pound of TNT couple feed time fuse and cap. I never heard of anyone trying to disarm a mine over there why take the risk, blow in place. Co B 1/2 1st Inf. Div. 11Bravo.
Such a great elaboration of your experience. It brings perspective to us who haven’t served. Thank you
I was fortunate to serve in the national guard and never had to be in Nam as did many boys/men my age. I always honored those that did including family and friends.
Yes sir. Most definitely. Men like you are vanishing.
Many marine friends.
I was RA 12bravo.
Good vid my friend. Take care.
Thank you for tuning in.
as he said Navy Cormen were medics with the Marine Corp in Vietnam. my brother got 2 purple hearts and reenlisted and went over there twice
Outstanding kind sir I praise you for your service carry on
😢😊 Thank you to all of our brave Veterans 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Blessings,Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
“We knew they’d come too attack us so we went out too cut them off” balls of fucking steel. Going out to look for a fight is the most marine corps thing I can imagine. Semper fidelis marine!
3rd Batt. 7th Marines ChuLai,RVN 10/65-11/66
Semper Fi Wpns Co 3/7 81-85 The cutting edge!
Semper Fi !
thank you gentlemen for your service
6th 31st Infantry 9th Division April 1968-Jan 69 in Mekong Delta. We never had a bed. 4 hrs. broken sleep a day,week after week and ate c-rations. Still remember being wet 24/7 for over 3 weeks straight. 9 KIAs out of original 36. Ate in, slept in, and drank water that was contaminated with agent orange.
🙏
Many, maybe most still do not know what you guys were subject to. They have no insight into the jungle rot, leeches, 110 degree heat in 100% humidity, the drizzly shits burning your gut and asshole and the lacerations from the jungle and elephant grass slashing, slicing and dicing. Not too mention drinking foul, barely tolerable water and sometimes having no water to keep you barely hydrated. But wait, there is more snd more and more. But I have not mentioned the unseen, leery and phantom-like enemy, who possessed very creative ways to wound, mame and kill.
What a shit show. They, the upper brass knew it, but did not squawk or really make a peep. They were fucking lifers looking for that promotion to flag officer or their next star, their next brigade, division, corps, headquarters or JSOC command.
My hats off to all you hard core combat troops that endured those unnecessary hardships. My love for you bastards is nearly unconditional and hardly misplaced. I have spent the better part of 36 years, peeling back the enigmatic layers of the Vietnam War. This love is for the gallantry you and your brothers l demonstrated in the face of overwhelming, unnecessary adversity, for keeping the faith in those men close to you and keeping the faith in yourselves.😊
Wishing you the best. Most don't know the trials and hardships. That being said, there are some of us that do know. I want you to know your efforts, anguish and suffering were and are valued and recognized. No greater valor or heroism has this country seen, than those who kept the faith despite a country pockmarked with faithless people.
Vaya con Dios mi hermano
You ran the race, you did your duty good and faithful soldier, warrior, AMERICAN. You walked where the brave dare not go.
Excellent interview, thank you!
Thank you!
I burnt my face and hands real bad when I was in high school. The pain was excruciating. At first the doctor was afraid I was going to be disfigured. But my doctor and nurses were amazing and within weeks my skin cleared up. I was so blessed to not have any major scars. My face is discolored but it could have been much worse. Being burnt is no joke. I'm so glad to see this warrior made it out OK and has such a positive attitude.
We are Lucky!
My Dad was in Vietnam and was in the 9th infantry division. I wish I could hear some stories but he passed 30 yrs ago. I was twenty when he died and never had the chance to talk to him about it. Thank you to all the veterans!
Thank you sir, Semper Fi! (USMC 1975 - 1979)
Thank you for your service
What a great interview!
Excellent storyteller very intelligent man
What an inspirational speaker. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade- love his attitude
MY FRIEND YOUR A TRUE HERO......GOD BLESS YOU!!
Welcome home sir! What a great, positive attitude you have! May God bless you Vietnam Veterans!!
Thanks for your good words.
Awesome story! Thanks.
A good Officer always listens to his NCOs.
And good NCO’s understand how to get their point across without stepping on toes/embarrassing the officers.
Never embarrass an officer. If he chooses not to listen to his NCOs and consequently falls on his own sword, he’s embraced himself.
This notion that being an NCO somehow bestows mystical wisdom is just silliness.
Perhaps I misspoke Sir. A good Officer always listens to his NCOs. Ah I guess I didn’t misspeak. This mythical wisdom that an officer wouldn’t listen to his NCO is a clear sign of failure of leadership.
Amazing storyteller. God surely was looking out foe you. Thank you for your service, and welcome home 🫡
Thank you to our amazing Vietnam Vets who all protected each other and are our heroes forever. The first war to be seen live on tv evening news every night. God bless you all.
God bless you sir.
Thank You for sharing your personal story, it's worth teaching our children what you went through, we won't stop war, but education goes a long way to understanding when where why, and what the cost will be. welcome Home Marine, and thank you for your service.
Enjoyed your story. I was a Marine NFO; 70-71. Had a few dicey moments but nothing compared to your experiences. Semper fi!
Why would the Marines take a butter bar with 0 depth perception disqualified from flight duty, be assigned as a Forward Air Controller? Now it is a necessity for a FAC to have a clear ability to judge distances.
Very good question.
Thank you for sharing your story and for your service 💗💗💗
This man is a great story teller.
Thanks. You've encouraged me.
@@robefergus You're quite welcome sir! Thanks for the reply!
I never heard or new that ground trips had any animosity toward a FAC pilot or soldier in fact they were seen as necessary & welcomed in case soldiers were hit by VC.
They wanted to make sure I knew my stuff...which I didn't, but learned fast!
My dad was in 1st infantry div. 2nd bat. 28th infantry. I heard his stories, and it could have been a documentary. Absolutely wild shit! He told me a lot about it. When he passed I realized that no one knew. He had 2 bronze stars and a silver star which was mentioned in his obituary and people were blown away. Most of them never even knew he served. He managed all that trauma so well and had a great life. I assumed he talked to others but after he passed I realized I'm the only one. So now I have the story and I don't know what to do with it. I feel like it's a story that needs to be heard.
This man can so nonchalantly recall terrible details that I'm nervous hearing him talk about the homecoming
Tell your own story. I idolize you online heroes.
You said it was only 30 miles from Da Nang, but it was out there.
I couldn't agree more, although I've never been to Nam, but if it's like the Philippines, yes sir, 30 miles through thick Triple, IS OUT THERE. You are in the BUSH...and 30 miles through that isn't for the faint of heart. It was crazy how loud the jungle around you is but it's so thick that you can't here what's going on 100 yards away. You might hear the discharge of a weapon, or something of that nature but it bleeds sound down to nothing.
And I agree with your statement of how much you admire the medical Corp. They do not get the recognition they deserve, regardless of how much they do get. Whatever uncle Sam pays them, it's not enough. They are the bravest warriors in all of history and in any army, good or bad, right or wrong.
Thank you for your service, and laying down your story. I salute you, Sir, and if we ever meet the drinks are on me.
You were lucky and blessed,, thanks for your service and story,,,
Fantastically honest interview.
Great story , thank you for fighting for our freedom.
Wow Brillant interview.
Thank you. You've given me the courage to spread it around.
Thank you for your service to our country. God bless you!!
OMG about the combat engineer guy, poor bastard wonder if this guy wrote a book?
I've felt the heat from it at a weapons expo and WOW, it was a small amount but very warm from a hundred yds.
Thank you Vietnam veterans 🙏
I love this guys attitude! ⭐️
Bless you sir and thank you for your service
I was a Vietnam veteran before it became popular.
Iron Triangle,Vietnam 1969🪖🇺🇸
God bless you, sir. At least you listened.
“Black Knights”. VMFA-314. Still around at MCAS Miramar.
What a great story, welcome home brother!!
Salute 🫡 sir.
Thank you for sharing your pain & suffering so that me and my generation can properly respect how much we owe your generation.
I feel sad when I look at the state of our country and our society.
I’m sorry we haven’t done our part to respect what you did.
Did you make it to the hospital on the hill at Travis, I was there , they treated me for my eyes. Welcome home brother
We landed at Travis and a bunch of us boarded a bus headed to the brand new, Oakland Naval Hospital. Will never forget a couple of guys kissing the tarmac.
BLESS you &
THANK you ❤
My brother was a nurse, his first assignment was the burn center at Fort Sam Houston. Patients who had their nose and ears burned off, burns over most of their body.
Life.was a bioch and then you died in the nam. I corps Americal Div A/3/21 196th light infantry 1970-71, WIA 5 months in the jungles. RIP my 11Bravo brothers 🇺🇸⚔️🫡
Truly a great man, humble and a Leader. Thank you Captain
You can't explain the excilleration of getting on the "Freedom Bird" to go home from RVN. First to Okinawa(sp), get cleaned up, med check, then home. There's no way explain the the feeling and seeing your loved ones there waiting. The emotion was overwelming.
Great interview. Great American, semper fi
Outstanding interview Robert. War is not fun or like the movies, Keep well.
And our leaders, sitting in their cushy offices throwing down bourbon after hours with their buddies, should NEVER send our military into any combat without a clear strategy to WIN. There should be no path other than WINNING!
So positive what a great story true american
Yes sir,,good stuff,thanks Chief
Semper Fidelis Devil Dog🇺🇸
I love hearing war stories but especially from WW2 and Vietnam vets. God bless these amazing heroes and their families, the ones who made it back alive being heroes also. We best learn from and appreciate them while they're here also instead of the usual "rip" once they're gone.
Every American should hear this remarkable story.
God Bless you Sir!! Thank you for putting your life on the line for America!!!
Oregon and all the States and Territories of the Union salute you sir. 🇺🇸🗽
Unbelievably tragic what happened to those boys in 'Nam. It never should've happened. So many young men that could've had bright, wonderful futures and marry loving wives and have children and all the other wonderful things life has to offer. The only good thing that came out of this war was lifelong friendships and brotherhood between soldiers and maybe the opportunities afterwards when the surviving soldiers came home. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service to the soldiers that lost their lives. ❤
Bravo! Thanks for the video.
Soldier! Yes Cap'n.. put this bright cloth on your head and stand un the middle of the funel:👀 me accidentally discharging my side arm into my foot😂
4th Div B co. 10th armored Calvery , LZ Albany, lZ x-ray, FB, action . GOD bless all the soldiers.
I was in the Marines but never in combat. I can relate to how stupid it is. "No water because you haven't been Checked in!" That is exactly what it's like in the military... in war or not!!
Great story!
Great interview. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and thank you so much for your service. God bless.
thank you for your service