How Many Viet Nam Vets Here?

[antonio-c]

I was a Bombardier-Navigator in an A-6 Intruder squadron, Attack Squadron-75 (The Sunday Punchers), on the USS Kitty Hawk in 1967 and 1968. Flew many many missions over North Vietnam at night and in crappy weather (The A-6's forte). Most of these missions were single plane flights. The most exhilarating flying I ever experienced. I can say that because I survived to come back, four of my friends did not come back, just disappeared into the jungle never to be found again, one of the dangers of single plane flights.

For the most part, we were NOT welcomed as heroes or anything else when we came home. If we were lucky, we were not recognized. Some folks had earlier ran away to Canada but that was not my make up, I had signed on years earlier to do a job and, when it came time, I did the job. I am happy to say I did not know anyone who ran off to Canada. My pilot, Gerry, and I were proud to have been able to do what we had trained to do for all those years.

We both agreed that the war was totally stupid, both in being and in execution with no actual goal as to the end game, but that stupidity was not our job.

Thanks for listening to me rant...

 

[rhino 2]

I was a Bombardier-Navigator in an A-6 Intruder squadron, Attack Squadron-75 (The Sunday Punchers), on the USS Kitty Hawk in 1967 and 1968. Flew many many missions over North Vietnam at night and in crappy weather (The A-6's forte). Most of these missions were single plane flights. The most exhilarating flying I ever experienced. I can say that because I survived to come back, four of my friends did not come back, just disappeared into the jungle never to be found again, one of the dangers of single plane flights.

For the most part, we were NOT welcomed as heroes or anything else when we came home. If we were lucky, we were not recognized. Some folks had earlier ran away to Canada but that was not my make up, I had signed on years earlier to do a job and, when it came time, I did the job. I am happy to say I did not know anyone who ran off to Canada. My pilot, Gerry, and I were proud to have been able to do what we had trained to do for all those years.

We both agreed that the war was totally stupid, both in being and in execution with no actual goal as to the end game, but that stupidity was not our job.

Thanks for listening to me rant...

When I was drafted in 1965, I was asked by a few friends why don't you go to Canada, I would just smile at them and say, I don't speak their language... Can't go. And you're right about Nam.. All the while I was there, I wondered what the Hell are we doing here..:AGGHH:

 

[Mike Woley]

Lie Khe. 173rd Assult Helicopter Co

Got in country July 4th for the fireworks. 1966
70% disability... diabetic, cardio issues(pacemaker,stents) thank you for defoliation.

 

[rchays57]

Served in the navy 69-73. Was never in country. Worked on A4's and H3's on the west coast and the mediterranean sea. Most of the time I feel a disconnect from the vets who were in vietnam. I feel they deserve the vietnam reference and I don't feel I do.

True story: While serving in kingsville texas a notice went out asking for volunteers to go to vietnam as a door gunner. Believe it or not they got takers. My best friend volunteered. He was there a year and got out a year early. He doesn't talk about his time there with me. Still in contact with him
all the time.

Just saying not all were forced to go.

 

[gunfighter43]

Military & Veteran

Served there 68-69 as LURP.

 

[Sully]

Welcome to the forum Brother, from North Ga. :wave4:

 

[rogerm60]

Crew member on C-141 Starlifter

I served on C-141's as a Loadmaster stationed at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA. Flew mostly Southeast Asia missions including TDY in Viet Nam from 1970 - 1974.

 

[Gorilla]

I served on C-141's as a Loadmaster stationed at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA. Flew mostly Southeast Asia missions including TDY in Viet Nam from 1970 - 1974.

Welcome home Brother

 

[bdmartin123]

viet nam

I was there from July '69 to Jun '70 US Army with the 101st Airborne stationed at Camp Eagle between Hue and Phu Bai. I was lucky, a Radar O'Riley type of sorts. Things were different then, we weren't looked at as heros but rather the scum of the earth when we got home. I'll never forget after I got home to Buffalo NY I flew down to Philadelphia to be with my Fiance and thought she would like to see me in uniform, so I did just that. When she saw me her look spoke volumes! She tried to recover and asked me why I was in uniform when I was discharged, and asked me If I wanted to change. I don't think she even kissed me right away, and it was obvious she was ashamed to be with me.

It has taken me up to just a couple of years ago to come to grips with all of it, and sure don't feel like any kind of hero. Better men than I didn't get to come home.

As of this year I am now a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion as well, but am not active with either. To me it's just a cheap place to get drunk, but hopefully as I do get involved that outlook will change.

I am currently 60% disabled thanks to exposure to agent orange and type 2 diabeties and am trying to be declared 100% as I was sort of forced to retire last fall because of the increased discomfort of periferal neuropathy in both feet and hands.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! What's yours???

viet nam vet here 68-69 c- batry 2 nd bat 77 arty

- - - Updated - - -

66-67 25th Inf Div. Cu-Chi

I was in cu chi 68=69

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I was drafted into the Marines ... went and joined the Navy ...Liked serving so much did twenty years ... had nothing against the Marines ... but Dad would of never forgave me if I went Marines ... he was a 30 year man in the Navy.

I have many friends, Marines, Army, Air Force and Navy that were "in country" (including my Dad who volunteered to go in the hope I'd never have to) ... I have heard many horror stories about their time there and more about their return home .. I have seen how we as a country treated you upon your return ... I for one would like to say .... Thanks to all of you that served your country in that God forsaken place ... my hat is off to you and you have my eternal gratitude and sincerest apology for how you where treated upon your return ... not our country's finest hour ... Again .. Thanks.

 

[SEAlaskan]

When I was drafted in 1965, I was asked by a few friends why don't you go to Canada, I would just smile at them and say, I don't speak their language... Can't go. And you're right about Nam.. All the while I was there, I wondered what the Hell are we doing here..:AGGHH:

It was not only "I wondered what the HELL are we doing here" the other that I kept saying to my self was "WHAT DID I GET MY SELF INTO?". I'm also a Viet Nam vet "68-69".
Butch

 

[PCOJOE]

I served in Vietnam 1965/66, USMC. Artillery Hotel Btry. 3rd Batt. 12th Mar. 3rd Mar.Div. (Rein) I came from a small town and was lucky enough to make it back home, although I did not get a welcome home from anyone but my family, I also did not have to fight my way through protesters, as many of my brothers and sisters did when returning stateside.

Fast forward to August 26-30, 2015. Forest City, IA. Operation LZ, Welcome Home. This was an event put on for All Vietnam Veterans as a 50th Anniverary of the Vietnam War. The slogan, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO WELCOME HOME A VETERAN. To read about it go to: operationlz.com. We came across this event at the IA Welcome Center on I-90 and decided to check it out. We stayed for the entire event and I met a lot of Vets that were very appreciative of all the work that went into making this event be a success.

I want thank all of those who had anything to do with this event, it was a wonderful and enjoyable weekend. Brought back memories both good and bad for all of us.

For all of the Veterans out there, past and present,A Hardy WELCOME HOME, BROTHERS AND SISTERS..

Semper Fi,
Joe W.

 

[kbktulsa]

USMC 1968-1972, most of my time was spent a Sangley Point, Philippines, did fly in country a few times with air wing out of Sangley Point, that was enough for me. When people found out I was a Marine they would treat me like crap. But I guess they just didn't know any better.

 

[cruzerdog]

USAF 963rd AEW&C ---- EC 121 airborne radar plane
'68-'69 based in Korat & Udorn Thailand ....
flying air traffic control & MIG watch in the "undeclared war" in Laos

---------

I find it funny after flying the four "air cooled" engine Connie's ..
I move on to a air cooled V twin Trike ....

 

[bcop31]

I was there from July '69 to Jun '70 US Army with the 101st Airborne stationed at Camp Eagle between Hue and Phu Bai. I was lucky, a Radar O'Riley type of sorts. Things were different then, we weren't looked at as heros but rather the scum of the earth when we got home. I'll never forget after I got home to Buffalo NY I flew down to Philadelphia to be with my Fiance and thought she would like to see me in uniform, so I did just that. When she saw me her look spoke volumes! She tried to recover and asked me why I was in uniform when I was discharged, and asked me If I wanted to change. I don't think she even kissed me right away, and it was obvious she was ashamed to be with me.

It has taken me up to just a couple of years ago to come to grips with all of it, and sure don't feel like any kind of hero. Better men than I didn't get to come home.

As of this year I am now a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion as well, but am not active with either. To me it's just a cheap place to get drunk, but hopefully as I do get involved that outlook will change.

I am currently 60% disabled thanks to exposure to agent orange and type 2 diabeties and am trying to be declared 100% as I was sort of forced to retire last fall because of the increased discomfort of periferal neuropathy in both feet and hands.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! What's yours???

I was in Vietnam from Aug 70 to Aug 71 with the U.S.N. I was onboard the repair ship USS Tutuila anchored at Nha Be, RVN. Honored to have served and thankful to have made it home. Have type 2 diabetes so may go see the VA. Haven't done there yet but my VFW comrades are encouraging me to do so. Take Care. Safe Riding. RJ

 

[baba67]

I was in Vietnam from Aug 70 to Aug 71 with the U.S.N. I was onboard the repair ship USS Tutuila anchored at Nha Be, RVN. Honored to have served and thankful to have made it home. Have type 2 diabetes so may go see the VA. Haven't done there yet but my VFW comrades are encouraging me to do so. Take Care. Safe Riding. RJ

USMC Lima. 3/1
I was there in 68-69
Arrived at the end of TET to replace the heavy losses we took.
I was 0311 and was on the move often.
I was in mainly in QuangTri and outside of DaNang.
I was Medied to Yokuska Japan hospital.
Now I am enjoying my life and riding as often as possible.
Where have all the years gone?
Ride safe, Enjoy

 

[Mike61]

65-66 long time ago

 

[Roadbuz]

Uncle Sam's Misguided Child
'68-'69 Just in time for Tet
OCS -2nd and 1st Lt
Military Intelligence
1st Recon Bn.
Assigned whenever and whenever needed
Sometimes with USMC, USN, USA, Montagnards, etc.
AO "Semi-survivor"

 

[rhino 2]

Uncle Sam's Misguided Child
'68-'69 Just in time for Tet
OCS -2nd and 1st Lt
Military Intelligence
1st Recon Bn.
Assigned whenever and whenever needed
Sometimes with USMC, USN, USA, Montagnards, etc.
AO "Semi-survivor"

I worked with the Montagnards [Yard's] for a short while [66] I wonder how many survived after we left them to the NVA... It seems from WW2 on' We tend leave the ONLY people that helped us.
To swing in the breeze after we pull out....

 

[67wizard]

25th inf 66 -67 ChuChi.
nuff said
Bad memories

Never forget