Diane Carlson Evans did "whatever it took to save lives" during the Vietnam War
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- Опубліковано 19 вер 2017
- Vietnam War combat nurse and 2018 American Legion Distinguished Service Medal recipient shares the route she traveled to immortalize the women who served along with her in Southeast Asia.
When she spoke about the troops getting under their beds when there was incoming fire reminded me of a young man I came across on a psych unit stateside in 1971. His last name was McGeehee, not sure about the spelling. He was a green beret and had been out on patrol with his unit and they were ambushed by the VC. He was the only survivor and had only survived by playing dead. He had been severely wounded. Once he was rescued and treated for the physical wounds he was suffering so badly from the mental wounds that he was sent to the unit where I was a patient. We had gotten to know each other and so when he would have flashbacks of the attack, and get under his bed, screaming and out of it, the hospital staff would come and get me. For whatever reason, I was the only person he would allow in his room and I would just sit on the floor, next to his bed, and gently talk to him for however long it took for him to come out of it. I was eventually air-evaced to Ft Sam and given a medical discharge but always have wondered what became of him. I really felt honored that he trusted me that much and more than willing to help him out.
My wife was an USAF nurse for 25 yrs, worked 12 hour shifts with three overseas deployments. She worked harder than any man I knew. She eventually made full colonel (O-6) which was a rare thing in the medical career field. God bless these ladies.
25th Infantry Div I served 1 yr 1965 to 1966 Pleiku Vietnam
A woman of substance.
A REAL HERO,,,Thank you NURSE!!!
I was treated at the 17th field hospital in AnKhe and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your dedication and willingness to serve. God Bless you all. 🇺🇸❤️
As severely wounded Vietnam war veteran, God bless each and everyone of You
This woman is 100% hero. I have so much respect for her and those like her.
I'm a Nam vet. This brought tears! While serving was bad, coming home left deeper scars! I never joined the VFW, Legion etc. even though I know those organizations promote good things for soldiers. I went in to a local one when I came home and felt the WWII and Korea vets weren't receptive to us. I was 20 when I returned home.
Felt same way when I got home, went to a local VFW and never returned and never will. Did two tours and on the second I flew those guys into those hospitals. The nurse were the heroes of Vietnam. What they did under the conditions they worked in was nothing short of miraculous.
I'm so sorry for the sad reception. Than you both for your service‼️🙏
Thank you for your service! I'm a disabled RN now, but I cared for veterans suffering horribly from agent orange! Been disgusted with our government ever since!! I saw 2 cousins back from Nam when I was a young girl. I knew then I had to be a nurse. I miss it terribly. I feel for you and all veterans who survived Wars. Bless your heart ♥❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Great job getting that statue approved. You are an outstanding human being. And a damn fine Nurse
Thanks for helping get the nurses recognized! I spent 67 there but was lucky enough not to need your help!
My grandfather was.a.chinook.medivac pilot during the war .
Now thats a credible women war hero. Thank you.
My fav Air Force nurse story was told to me by a fighter pilot. A ground attack pilot in Vietnam was shot down and severely burned. His face was disfigured and his rehabilitation would take a long time. He was severely depressed. He had to learn how to talk after several skin graft operations around his mouth and lower jaw. His rehab nurse comes into his room, a very attractive young lieutenant, glanced at him and goes to his chart. “Hmm. This won’t be hard. Says here you’re a fight pilot. All I need to teach you is how to say shit hot and fuck.” The pilot recovered, returned to flying and led a wonderful life.
Thank god she joined the Army!
Ma'am, I was a Huey pilot in IV Corps in 1969 and got to witness what you women did and was always so very proud! Thank you for your efforts and what you accomplished. I'm now an octogenarian and have finished my 30th radiation treatment from my experience with
Agent Orange. I named my son after my flight school buddy who came back in a box. He died when he was 20 and would now be 74! Best of luck to all of us. I understand flashbacks very well as I was shot down and got to see bullets in the water around me.
Blessings to you!
I have no bright comment. Just apperciation and sincere thanks.
Lady you are a rock star. Thank you for your story.
I served out of Pleiku/Bong Son/Central Highlands. I watch these videos to know, my nights are not alone. I have not shed a tear watching many of these videos, but Diane made me cry. She is one of the BEST. You are a saver.
God Bless ALL who have served.
Welcome Home to all my Brothers and Sisters
An Angel and a Hero.
I wish this video had tons more views than what it has. Too many people haven't a clue of the heroic efforts of our men and women who served this conflict of a bygone era. I served during this time in the Marines but was not sent. Lost 2 good friends let alone 58,000+ Brothers and Sisters of mine. This lovely lady is one of my heroes and pray for her health and well being. Thank you Diane for being there and thank you for a job well done. I too have been an RN.
@Charles Middleton... As you know the 1960's and early 70's were extraordinary and turbulent times to have live through. Thank you for your service sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict. I dedicate these two songs from SSgt Barry Sadler 1966 record album
Ballads of the Green Berets to you and all who served during the Vietnam conflict.
"Salute To The Nurses"
SSgt Barry Sadler
After the battle after the fight
many owe their lives to the ladies and men in white
And all of the men in this war torn land
salute the nurses of Vietnam
They know the awful toll of war each day
they know more than any the price we pay
A soldier his hands too burned to write
a nurse takes down his words through the lonely night
They have gone to the front where men fought
in the night from Pleiku to Qui Nhon
where war these men fight
Many a wounded soldier pain is eased for a while
by opening his eyes to see a nurses smile
To each of the wounded on the operating shelf
these nurses give a part of themselves
I know every soldier to the last man will
sometimes say a prayer for the nurses of Vietnam
After the battle after the fight
many owe their lives to the ladies and men in white
And all of the men in this war torn land
salute the nurses of Vietnam.
"I'm a Lucky One"
SSgt Barry Sadler
I'm going home, my tour is done
I'm going home, I'm a lucky one
But I left friends behind me
Who won't come home no more
Yes many friends remain forever
On that bloody shore
But at night when I sleep, I know my dreams will be
About my friends I left across the sea
I'll here verbal young men harn, laugh again out loud
We'll all be together in a happy crowd
But then I hear the sound of bullets whining overhead
Feel the crash of morters and all my friends are dead
My friends they fought and gave their all
My friends they died for freedoms call
As my dream was ending, they'll come and say goodbye
Though I'm sound asleep a tear I'll cry
And they say something which fills my heart with pain
Tell them about us Sadler, don't let us die in vain
I'm going home, my tour is done
I'm going home, I'm a lucky one.
@@drewpall2598 I am thankful and blessed for someone like you that has put thought and a caring heart into words of that express how I feel. The songs say it all! Those nurse's, medics, corpsman, Dr's and medical personnel went far beyond their call of duty yet today's society has no clue these ppl even existed or even care to give them recognition. It's ppl like you and I who keep their memories and sacrifice alive. My dear friend and Marine brother L/Cpl William Franklin (19 years old) was KIA 9-16-1970 from multiple fragment wounds. Please remember him! I thank you Sir! Semper Fi!
A life well lived
Thankyou Thankyou Diane for your gift of life,you and all the nurses that served.we will never forget.God bless all of you.
Thank you lady nurse Diane for what you and the other female nurses did for our boys in Viet Nam, and congratulations for having pushed so hard for the statues of those nurses to be included in the Memorial. Thank you, and thank you for ever😮
You were angels -- God bless you always
Wow!! Thank you for standing strong for the Womens Memorial, Diane. 🙏
Thank you brave nurses of the Vietnam war.Welcome home sisters..
I'm listening to her audiobook, Healing Wounds. A must read/listen for all military nurses/medics as it will hit you to your core.
My MIL served in WWII, Bronze Star decorated for bravery in the Pacific. My wife served for 8 years. Her adopted sister retired from the US Army. One of our adopted daughters serves in the military today. I have proudly worked beside countless hundreds of female military members. I am a retired male military nurse.
Female military members are essential to our national security. Give them the recognition, honor and gratitude that they have earned.
Angels in uniform. Australian Vietnam Veteran who served at Phan Rang 1969.
These women are amazing!!!!!
Where is this commitment to country and humanity today?
The only thing that truly boggles my imagination is that there actually needed to be a vote on the issue. Thank you Diane, and all the women who served in Vietnam. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
I love Diane, she is so strong and she gets things done!!
Thanks for your service, you nurses were very important please remember that you did a great job!! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!! Thanks
What a bad ass looks like without a rifle.. Combat medics n Nurses.. Thank you for your dedication to us Infantryman.
Mrs. Evans first off, WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!! I am in AWE of how brave , how tough, how skilled and how incredibly beautiful you and your fellow Nurses are. I am your younger brother in arms. I am so glad that I have been able to hear your stories. I can tell how much your admired by the wounded who survived ! When you unveiled the Nurses Memorial with all those men you helped supporting you....trust me you gals where safer than the President!! I hope to meet a ' NAM NURSE someday.❤❤❤❤❤
You young lady are an
AMERICAN HERO 🇺🇲
To say The least
Thou Blessed Angel
Thank you, Diane, for your service and dedication. Strong women standing together is a Force to be reckoned with!! As an RN and woman, I Salute you!! Love and Prayers from Georgia USA 🇺🇸 ❤🙏
Yes the Nurses of Vietnam were overlooked and they finally were acknowledged after all of those years
But
There are still some who also deserve to be acknowledged yet this has not been spoken of
What about those who are in wheel chairs and those who have lost limbs and all of those who live in Flashbacks and will do this for the rest of their lives?
These people have it the worst out of everybody because they are alive
Those who have passed are in no pain but these poor people will always live in this nightmare for the rest of their lives
These people should be honored everyday of their lives for what they have lost and for what they live every Damned day.
I owe my life to All nurses of Vietnam , in 1969 God bless all these nurses they saved my life! Thanking All these Nurses is and never will be Thanked enough? There should be a Giant statue of all nurses
Salute to this lady...............from a Vietnam Vet 69-70...(age 19)
SHE'S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT...those nurses...are the lynchpin...the key that keeps the wounded soldier alive/or else he'd be gone...angels everyday...alll day.
Thank you U.S Army Nurses your dedication and courage under fire you saved two of my brother’s USAF Sgt Tony Sprinkle 1969 C-47shot down, wounded survived awardedPurple Heart and Flying Cross. Also US Army 9 CAV SSgt David Sprinkle wounded in Ambush Jan 3 1972 awarded Silver Star.They both lived a good life . Tony is gone now at 79 from Agent Orange. My mother and Father Thank you and also their Children.
God bless you, wow wear your vietnam service medal proudly, I can relate to all your stories & took me 30+ years to wear my purple heart, usmc wia (wounded in action) 1968, witnessed a mother crying as she held her small baby lifeless as I turned my head on operating table & saw her in field clinic dong ha, memory of that moment from time to time through out the years sadden my heart, we, America, should not have been there in the first place but welcome welcome HOME
We served fearlessly because we knew you guys were there fir us…thank you
How is it possible to find words that properly express the thanks these nurses deserve? Sad that so many years had to pass before before some form of recognition was forthcoming. God bless all of you. I’m certain there is a special place in heaven reserved for each and everyone of these nurses.
Hell yeah lady, 💪 beautiful woman right there.
There is no medicine that is greater than a womans touch. Thank you for your service to your Country
You right on that fact, ma'am. Your generation more than earned it's sand. Thank you one and all
Love You. Diane.
I find difficulty writing this through the tears in my eyes. Being a veteran and coming from a military family I've heard stories about Vietnam from my father and uncles as well as my stepfather and many of their friends. Still there is no way I will ever truly understand their experiences. I've always known that women have served in wartime. Many in situations just as hostile as men in the field faced. Hearing this woman's story and the stories of other amazing women like her has made me come to see things from another point of view.
In the field there was always the chance of contact. Sometimes there were casualties other times none. The nurses never had that. Their days were made up of dead and dying young men every day. I couldn't imagine the strength and resilience these young women possessed to function in that environment while still holding on to their humanity. The empathy and nurturing they showed gave many the will to live and comforted those who died. There are no words that could be used to describe what they did for so many. To call them selfless or heroic would be an insult in the eyes of the thousands of men that simply knew them as angels.
Thanks for your service and sacrifice,, amazing history we don't hear of, Stand Proud 🙏🙏 thanks
Bless you and all nurses who served.
Bravo Diane , and all the great women that helped save lives.From Canada
Thank You - Thank You - Thank You - to all those brave and fearless Vietnam nurses. You will never be forgotten.
Forever grateful to you Diane Carlson Evans and all the women who served in Vietnam. God bless you for your courage, skill & compassion.
God Bless Nurses everywhere.
You’re an incredible woman, thank you for your service!!
God bless you. I believe every word about your flash back while in the operating room. May god heal you as you worked to heal others. I am a Vietnam vet and was not in combat but I have heard to many stories and still reflect on being there all these years later. You are a valued citizen and a blessing. Thank you for your service.
Diane, thru my tears, again, I want to thank you for making it happen to honor you "first stringers". I was a second stringer, Japan @Tachkawa AFB 67-69 & Flight Nurse @Dover 70-71. I saw much of the work our incredible people in Nam did. My respect for all, Dustoff Crews, Corpsmen, Medics, fellow Nurses & Doctors is stratospheric. I agree, you folks were the very best of our generation, equally as great as WW2s. Thank you for your status efforts - I intend to visit it this year. I'm 79 so I'd better hustle. Salute.
The nurses at the 12th AF hospital glued me back together. I was in a ward during Tet and had a chest tube. The nurses tried to get me under the bunk but I knew that that would not work with a chest tube, so I got the mattress treatment. This brings back memories but I respect and love all of the nurses.
God bless her. This nurse has PTSD and the VA needs to help
Love You, LT. Diane Carlson.
My 13 month tour was in ‘68-‘69, same as you. All I can say is thank you for being there for us.
I had two NAM tours. Spent a week in 3d Field. The nurses were wonderful! Youngest granddaughter is an RN.
All Like Her : ARE THE GREASTEST OF AMERICANS ❤
Welcome home Capt. Carlson. Thank you for your service and for the statue.
Thank you can never be enough! God Bless you all 😢
Yes, you were honorable. You are and were our heroes. Thank you
One hell of a job.god bless them.nan jan69 to march 1970
Great job nurses
Thank you for your service. PTSD is so real. Welcome home
I graduated high school in 1970, I quietly was disgusted at our government for not pulling our military people out of Viet Nam. I heard and saw how badly people were acting states side towards our military people that came back and I was blown away. How could we do this to them? Our country was so divided and broken. I then lost trust in my government. To this day I have my caution and reservation of my government. These women are BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for your compassion.
Diane , Thank you for your service .Alway's stand tall & be proud for all you & your fellow nurse's , Doc's & Medic's did for our soldier's . xoxo ❤
As an American pastor, retired, thank you for everything. As I remember all the young men an women
who came back- so many like you. I have tears of joy for what you gave, sacrificed, and gained. Bless you.
I love this. Such a beautiful narrative. Such heart. God be with you and all the souls you served in their time of deep need.
This is what you call a true American, Thank you Mrs Carlson.
A wonderful human being. Strong, persistent, humble... All the qualities good people love in others. You are an inspiration. God bless you and the many with whom you worked during this most troubling time in American history.
Thank you ma’am
Brava to you! And may God bless you always.
The women who served have been denied and forgotten going back to the revolutionary war. Yes women served in combat since then. Men in vfw’s refused and ridiculed women combat veterans and did not let them. When a women who served went to the vfw for the reasons the men did,they were denied . This woman wears 4 stars on the medal 4 tours in Vietnam.
So much respect for the men and women that fought in Vietnam! And we have people that treated them so bad and they can not honor the flag!
Thank you for your service Diane !
Love you, Diane. Thanks for your service.
These kind of vomen must by God be sent, to help and heal. Respect is the word.❤
Thank you for everything Diane that your did for our comrades. You will always be a hero, God bless you ,you are a angel.
To all the Vietnam vets that for years didn’t get the respect. Thank you for your service.
A great woman, a great story. Thank you and welcome home!
We are in forever dept "
You were all angels. So many made it home because of each of you! You were invaluable. It cant be overstated, from the life saving measures you gave to the smallest kindness to a soldier that made him feel ho.e had visited him personally. So many little things you brought to the hospital and the base made life better for many! ⭐🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
GOD BLESS THIS WOMAN AND NURSE and all who preceded her and after her!!!!
Absolutely the greatest. The nurses , doctors and medics. God bless them.
i was at pleiku 40 th scout dog plt and we have never forgotten our nurse staff . Diane thank you
Rick H
I was in Pleiku in '68-'69 in the Central Highlands & was 20 years old. I looked Diane up after seeing Dana Delaney from the TV series China Beach mention her in an interview in the DVD series I just bought. Small world.
Thanks for your service. God bless you
Thank you for your unwavering and dedicated service! 🇺🇲
Heroic Lady! The negativity was misplaced sadly. Same thing as it usually is, because the public cannot get their hands on the Nixons, the Johnsons, the Westmorelands, the Kissingers.
Nurses are all heroes! Thank u for your dedicated service and sacrifice! 💝
Top effort Diane, kia kaha from New Zealand..
Some brave tough lady nurses just doing their jobs no matter what it took to save lives in a war. Bravo Zulu ma'am and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸👍 Jimbo, former US Navy radioman petty officer 86-96.
I'm moved and humbled by this heroic nurse and her life of service. Holding a little girl's hand as she cries herself to death from horrific napalm burns was truly heartbreaking to hear, and I can't help but think of Henry Kissinger and other architects of that war, safely back in D.C. planning more illegal bombings, lying to the press, attending government parties and living it up with models, reveling in wealth and power and status. He and his cronies are at the opposite end of the moral spectrum than the boys who fought and the women who cared for them.
Welcome Home you are all true heroes for all you done to save lives in Nam