I’m late to your channel. I find your account of the Vietnam war compelling. Both of my uncles served during the Vietnam war. Billy was a Marine that helped set up bases. His lungs were damaged and he died too early. My uncle Joe served on a destroyer and endured many storms in the region. The seas were so rough that when you walked down a passageway it was one foot on the floor the next on the wall and so on. Thank you for sharing the details my uncles and father in law would not share. I admire all Veterans. Thank you!
Mr. Garrison I’ve watched quite a few of your videos, I admire your willingness to speak about your experiences in Vietnam. As a younger American who’s always been interested in learning about the war I thoroughly enjoy listening to you speak. Thank you for your service & Welcome Home.
I was a draftee in May of 1967. Now 60% disabled due to Agent Orange exposure. I did not like the Army but did not go to Canada. My Dad, uncles and one aunt served during WWII. I would not dishonor them by not serving. I felt that a lot of war protesters were afraid of being killed or disfigured. They were scared. I was scared too, but I served. I remember going to a party just before I left for Basic Training. There was a guy from my high school class who was bandaged up like a mummy. He was a Cobra pilot that had been horribly burned. What a life he must have led.
I agree, the current use of the term "hero" to describe all veterans, something which, in fact, embarrasses me. As an honorably discharged Vietnam "Era" vet (USN), who was discharged in late 1964 having seen no combat, I am embarrassed when referred to as a "hero". That term is much more correctly applied to those, living and dead, that were in country and in combat. A simple "Thank you for your service" is enough, more than enough for my benefit.
@@joegamble328 I understand that "respect" thing quite well. I'm also a Southern Illinois Boy (Marion) and a Southern alum (1968--a great year!) so it helped me really enjoy your book, knowing the attitude/background of the author. The 60's were an interesting time for us but, being who we were, we adjusted.
I've watched all parts of this interview. Very gratified to hear your comments regarding the war, it's aftermath(s) and the concept of service - all of which coincide with my own views as a former serviceman (ex-UH1H).
I served as an MP in the Army Guard from ‘69 to ‘’75 and in the Air Force Reserve from 85 to 2003 before retiring. I deployed for the Bosnian thing several times but we were in the South of France and my job was pumping gas on to airplanes. So when people say “thank you for your service”. it’s really embarrassing. I actually had fun and that’s the truth. It’s nice to be appreciated but I didn’t do anything even remotely heroic. On the other hand I knew a lot of guys who went to Vietnam. There were real hero’s but also a lot of dereliction of duty there, Too many guys were smoking weed hanging out with prostitutes or just marking tIme -there were soldiers who fragged or threatened to frag their officers . It was a difficult and frustrating war but for every soldier in combat there were many people in support roles and many of those engage in obvious embellishments of their service going on and on about what society owes them. To them I say if you want to be a war hero it’s better to win the war.
Great point sir, it was all politics. I bought your book, and am reading it now. Great story and thank you for sharing such a poignant description of your experiences. So many hydraulic problems getting to Vietnam! Hang in there, sir. A big Airborne salute from a former Combat Infantry Paratrooper here. I am done with the apologists, don't want to hear them. Period.
What I am trying to find is examples of where the Vets fought back against the assaults/spitting - I would think some Vets would punch them in the face...
I'm sure many did--can't imagine a Marine brushing off such an assault with out a reaction. Some have postulated that the spitting thing is a myth--it never happened or, if it happened, it was quite rare.
I think that we are still not being recognized as heroes. Vietnam is a dirty word and people just don’t want to agree that being over there was the right thing to do.
I’m late to your channel. I find your account of the Vietnam war compelling. Both of my uncles served during the Vietnam war. Billy was a Marine that helped set up bases. His lungs were damaged and he died too early. My uncle Joe served on a destroyer and endured many storms in the region. The seas were so rough that when you walked down a passageway it was one foot on the floor the next on the wall and so on. Thank you for sharing the details my uncles and father in law would not share. I admire all Veterans. Thank you!
Mr. Garrison I’ve watched quite a few of your videos, I admire your willingness to speak about your experiences in Vietnam. As a younger American who’s always been interested in learning about the war I thoroughly enjoy listening to you speak.
Thank you for your service & Welcome Home.
I was a draftee in May of 1967. Now 60% disabled due to Agent Orange exposure. I did not like the Army but did not go to Canada. My Dad, uncles and one aunt served during WWII. I would not dishonor them by not serving. I felt that a lot of war protesters were afraid of being killed or disfigured. They were scared. I was scared too, but I served. I remember going to a party just before I left for Basic Training. There was a guy from my high school class who was bandaged up like a mummy. He was a Cobra pilot that had been horribly burned. What a life he must have led.
One of the few LIVING Heroes.... thank you sir for your service and your brilliance.
I could listen to him all day
I need to buy your book. Thanks for telling your story.
Lost my cousin to Agent Orange. Thank you sir for remembering the ones who came home to die young.
I agree, the current use of the term "hero" to describe all veterans, something which, in fact, embarrasses me. As an honorably discharged Vietnam "Era" vet (USN), who was discharged in late 1964 having seen no combat, I am embarrassed when referred to as a "hero". That term is much more correctly applied to those, living and dead, that were in country and in combat. A simple "Thank you for your service" is enough, more than enough for my benefit.
cehsr8 respect
@@joegamble328 I understand that "respect" thing quite well. I'm also a Southern Illinois Boy (Marion) and a Southern alum (1968--a great year!) so it helped me really enjoy your book, knowing the attitude/background of the author. The 60's were an interesting time for us but, being who we were, we adjusted.
I've watched all parts of this interview. Very gratified to hear your comments regarding the war, it's aftermath(s) and the concept of service - all of which coincide with my own views as a former serviceman (ex-UH1H).
That last sentence. So true.
Would like to know if he continued to fly after he got back. A truly amazing man
His book bio lists flying as one of his interests.
I served as an MP in the Army Guard from ‘69 to ‘’75 and in the Air Force Reserve from 85 to 2003 before retiring. I deployed for the Bosnian thing several times but we were in the South of France and my job was pumping gas on to airplanes. So when people say “thank you for your service”. it’s really embarrassing. I actually had fun and that’s the truth. It’s nice to be appreciated but I didn’t do anything even remotely heroic. On the other hand I knew a lot of guys who went to Vietnam. There were real hero’s but also a lot of dereliction of duty there,
Too many guys were smoking weed hanging out with prostitutes or just marking tIme -there were soldiers who fragged or threatened to frag their officers . It was a difficult and frustrating war but for every soldier in combat there were many people in support roles and many of those engage in obvious embellishments of their service going on and on about what society owes them. To them I say if you want to be a war hero it’s better to win the war.
Welcome home sir. Thank you for your service!
I feel for you sir.
hey Mark,i commanded the gunship platoon, the gunslingers out of pleiku. yes I know.
My grandfather was a pilot in Vietnam and died of skin cancer because of agent orange. It was horrible stuff...
Great point sir, it was all politics. I bought your book, and am reading it now. Great story and thank you for sharing such a poignant description of your experiences. So many hydraulic problems getting to Vietnam! Hang in there, sir. A big Airborne salute from a former Combat Infantry Paratrooper here. I am done with the apologists, don't want to hear them. Period.
What I am trying to find is examples of where the Vets fought back against the assaults/spitting - I would think some Vets would punch them in the face...
I'm sure many did--can't imagine a Marine brushing off such an assault with out a reaction. Some have postulated that the spitting thing is a myth--it never happened or, if it happened, it was quite rare.
I think that we are still not being recognized as heroes. Vietnam is a dirty word and people just don’t want to agree that being over there was the right thing to do.
disgrace how returnees were treated
Is he drunk?