NationStates Jolt Archive

I have a fascination with Vietnam, mainly cause my dad was in it, but any way, I would like to hear any stories you are willing to share about when you were in. I've already milked my dad, uncles, and neighbors of all of their stories, and now I would like to move on to all of you here.

Bumping for the vets.

Bump, anybody? Eutrusca? someone?

Sorry, no Vietnam stories, before my time. But I do have some Iraq stories.

Besides you looked lonely, being the only one posting on your own thread.

back in Nam I used to .... damn I lost it... it was a past life but I almost remembered. :p sorry charlie!

Sorry, no Vietnam stories, before my time. But I do have some Iraq stories.

Besides you looked lonely, being the only one posting on your own thread.
those will pass the time, still not my cup of tea, but they would be nice.

you could watch the PBS series about Vietnam, it's very informational. It is available at most libraries. My father was in the army during Vietnam, and has made me watch all sorts of movies and documentaries about that war. Also there is a newer movie out called "the pentagon papers" and its a really good movie, and a true story! I highly recommend watching it!

you could watch the PBS series about Vietnam, it's very informational. It is available at most libraries. My father was in the army during Vietnam, and has made me watch all sorts of movies and documentaries about that war. Also there is a newer movie out called "the pentagon papers" and its a really good movie, and a true story! I highly recommend watching it!
thanks, I'll check into that. Until then I'll go watch the movie My dad and I watch every year since I was at least six, Full Metal Jacket. I can probably qoute that whole movie, i've seen it so many times.

thanks, I'll check into that. Until then I'll go watch the movie My dad and I watch every year since I was at least six, Full Metal Jacket. I can probably qoute that whole movie, i've seen it so many times.
You saw Full Metal Jacket at six?
Hee.

You saw Full Metal Jacket at six?
Hee.
more than likely before I was six, just six is the first itme I really remember seeing it.

What do you want to know?

I am not a vet, but I heard many of my buddies stories. He did 2 tours with the Rangers.....

What do you want to know?

I am not a vet, but I heard many of my buddies stories. He did 2 tours with the Rangers.....
Any stories, would be greatly appreciated.

I have a fascination with Vietnam, mainly cause my dad was in it, but any way, I would like to hear any stories you are willing to share about when you were in. I've already milked my dad, uncles, and neighbors of all of their stories, and now I would like to move on to all of you here.

Well son, I only was in a small part of that nasty place. Anyway, I was a SSG in the A-362 5th SFGA (PCS) MSF (mobile strike force) located in the Long Hai region.

We only had 12 SF in our team (A-Team). The rest were native Vietnamese (called Hmong). We were dedicated to the training and support of these brave Hmong fighters. We also had the task of helping local villagers. We would guard them while they harvested their crops, immunize them, and give overall help to keep the VC out of their villages. We also had to go on anti-guerilla (VC) patrols. We would set up ambushes, and generally be a nuiscence to them where ever they may be in the area.

I lost too many good buddies, both US and Hmong. I myself was captured, tortured and imprisioned by the VC until my rescue.

Anything else, please ask.

Oh and btw those of us made it back still have 4th of July weekend parties at our homes each year. We rotate between the eight of us. Plus we were lucky enough to have been able to get some of the Hmong people citizenship here in the US. In fact one of the soldiers we trained has made a great little spot for himself and his family here. They own a successful dry cleaning business and a restraunt. He also joins us yearly for our little reunions.

Shut up Johnny.

Some of us know you're full of shit and never were in Nam.


Your posts are tastless and disrespectful.


Oh, and it was special forces B teams that worked with indigineous peoples. Make a note for the next time you try to pull this shit.

Shut up Johnny.

Some of us know you're full of shit and never were in Nam.


Your posts are tastless and disrespectful.


Oh, and it was special forces B teams that worked with indigineous peoples. Make a note for the next time you try to pull this shit.
thats kinda what I thought, What he was saying just didn't fit in with a lot of what I know about Vietnam.

Shut up Johnny.

Some of us know you're full of shit and never were in Nam.


Your posts are tastless and disrespectful.


Oh, and it was special forces B teams that worked with indigineous peoples. Make a note for the next time you try to pull this shit.

Sorry but we did work with some Hmong, as if you are in their areas then you will have to work with them. Don't you think? You don't know where I was or what I did. These missing legs will tell you exactly what happened. Things went on in SF that you just will never know about, and couldn't handle. That I can assure you.

My posts are not tastless, if you can't handle it, shut the hell up and ignore me. As to being disrespectful, why should I have to respect you or anyone here? Most likely you are just some idiot man-child who watches too many movies.

Here is my team (http://www.thespecialforce.com/images/Vince_A13.htm)

This was my team with the A-13 before our move. I wasn't with the last team long enough before I got captured and lost my legs. I'm the guy without the mustache on the upper left. Handsome, yes I know!

Sorry but we did work with some Hmong, as if you are in their areas then you will have to work with them. Don't you think? You don't know where I was or what I did. These missing legs will tell you exactly what happened. Things went on in SF that you just will never know about, and couldn't handle. That I can assure you.

My posts are not tastless, if you can't handle it, shut the hell up and ignore me. As to being disrespectful, why should I have to respect you or anyone here? Most likely you are just some idiot man-child who watches too many movies.Wrong. I have a friend who actually was what you claim. He did two tours with a special forces B team working with the Montegnards. I also read the thread where you admitted to lying about the Nam thing and being a "retard with a computer".

You're the one who watches too many movies. I'd iggy you but you'd still be out there trying to snow the noobs, and frankly that irritates me.


Like I said before, Shut up Johnny.

Bumping, cause I actually care, at least when the people aren't lying.

you could watch the PBS series about Vietnam, it's very informational.

Bullshit it is. Not only is it full of factual errors and omissions, but it's so slanted it could have been produced in Hanoi.

TG me and I'll give you some real sources.

Read How We Lost the Vietnam War and Buddha's Child: My Fight to Save Vietnam by Nguyen Cao Ky; A Soldier Reports by William Westmoreland; Deliver Us From Evil by Dr. Thomas Dooley; Background to Betrayal by Hilaire du Berrier; American Opinion, May 1966; American Opinion, June 1967; American Opinion, May 1968; American Opinion, January 1969; United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Internal Security, 92nd Congress, 2nd Session, The Human Cost of Communism in Vietnam (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1972); We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young by Harold G. Moore and Joseph Galloway; The New American, February 1, 1988, pp. 33-34; Congressional Record – Senate, March 6, 14, and 18, 1985, p. S2632.

I've read some of those, but not all of them, thanks RB

Read How We Lost the Vietnam War and Buddha's Child: My Fight to Save Vietnam by Nguyen Cao Ky; A Soldier Reports by William Westmoreland; Deliver Us From Evil by Dr. Thomas Dooley; Background to Betrayal by Hilaire du Berrier; American Opinion, May 1966; American Opinion, June 1967; American Opinion, May 1968; American Opinion, January 1969; United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Internal Security, 92nd Congress, 2nd Session, The Human Cost of Communism in Vietnam (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1972); We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young by Harold G. Moore and Joseph Galloway; The New American, February 1, 1988, pp. 33-34; Congressional Record – Senate, March 6, 14, and 18, 1985, p. S2632.

Science & Mechanics, March 1968, p. 40; Thud Ridge by Colonel Jack Broughton; Wings of the Eagle: A Kingsmen's Story, by W.T. Grant; The Story of Ray Davis, General of Marines by Major General Raymond G. Davis, and Colonel William J. Davis; The Hanoi Commitment by James Mulligan; The Ravens by Christopher Robbins; The Viet Cong Strategy of Terror, by Douglas Pike; In The Jaws of History by Bui Diem; United States Advisor, Leadership, Reflections on the Vietnam War, and Final Collapse by Cao Van Vien; Nam: A Photographic History by Leo Daughtery; Vietnam: A Visual Encyclopedia by Philip Gutzman; The Webster's Vietnam War Dictionary (don't remember the exact name).

I've read some of those, but not all of them, thanks RB

You're welcome. I'll look for more.

I'm not sure if it's accurate or not, but I recommend watching the movie Platoon.

You're welcome. I'll look for more.
I thank you for looking, but I was sort of looking for stories, I have a lot of knowledge on the subject. When I was a sophomore I took a senior level class on Vietnam. I pulled a high B in it, I was quite proud of myself.

I'm not sure if it's accurate or not, but I recommend watching the movie Platoon.
I've seen platoon, and My dad says Full Metal Jacket is a bit more accurate than Platoon, but then again my dad was a Marine, not in the Army, so that could have something to do with it.

Well, I wasn't in Vietnam but I saw Flight of the Intruder. I liked it.

Best Vietnam movie ever, from what I've heard, is Hamburger Hill.

Here is my team (http://www.thespecialforce.com/images/Vince_A13.htm)

This was my team with the A-13 before our move. I wasn't with the last team long enough before I got captured and lost my legs. I'm the guy without the mustache on the upper left. Handsome, yes I know!

So you're Gladfelter? Richard (Doc) Gladfelter (Ret. Maj. MC; Colorado)?

The same Gladfelter who returned to Dak Pek in 66 as Capt?

You're a doctor? Come on, Johnny. If you're gonna lie, at least research a little into who you're claiming to be. According to the SSDI, Richard Gladfelter has been dead for 8 years.

Another great book to read is called "Everything we had." I believe it is written by Robert Santori. A bunch of short stories from other 'Nam vets.

I have a fascination with Vietnam, mainly cause my dad was in it, but any way, I would like to hear any stories you are willing to share about when you were in. I've already milked my dad, uncles, and neighbors of all of their stories, and now I would like to move on to all of you here.

What sort of "stories?" I don't usually share much of that with the general populace. Firstly, many would not believe me. Secondly, some of the memories are entirely too painful.

If you can give me a few more guidelines, I'll try. Fair enough??? :)

So you're Gladfelter? Richard (Doc) Gladfelter (Ret. Maj. MC; Colorado)?

The same Gladfelter who returned to Dak Pek in 66 as Capt?

You're a doctor? Come on, Johnny. If you're gonna lie, at least research a little into who you're claiming to be. According to the SSDI, Richard Gladfelter has been dead for 8 years.


I changed my name before going into Nam. I have since resumed my pre war id.

The SSDI would want you to believe that. They were a little embaressed after that bank job in Hanoi, and then my subsequent flight into the Los Angeles underground. Where several of us vets have worked over the years.

BTW why are you so concerned about who I am. Do you work for the military police as an imformant. I'll have you know they couldn't catch a cold!

You make me sick.
I'm English, and I personally think the Vietnam was the biggest one of America's many crimes against humanity, but I respect the people who managed to get through it.You are a sick bastard.

You make me sick.
I'm English, and I personally think the Vietnam was the biggest one of America's many crimes against humanity, but I respect the people who managed to get through it.You are a sick bastard.

All I have said is true.

BTW make sure your bucket is handy. You don't want to mess up your carpet! :gundge:

What sort of "stories?" I don't usually share much of that with the general populace. Firstly, many would not believe me. Secondly, some of the memories are entirely too painful.

Is it true that the real reason for going to Vietnam was to fight an alien invasion and that all that commie stuff was just a cover-up?

Is it true that the real reason for going to Vietnam was to fight an alien invasion and that all that commie stuff was just a cover-up?


Yes and no. The aliens were watching (and were neutral), but the war was a coverup for JFK to be murdered by the Freemasons and LBJ.

All I have said is true.

BTW make sure your bucket is handy. You don't want to mess up your carpet! :gundge:
Tard.

Is it true that the real reason for going to Vietnam was to fight an alien invasion and that all that commie stuff was just a cover-up?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Very funny. It is to laugh. Verily, my body is wracked with hysterical laughter. :rolleyes:

Ha! Ha! Ha! Very funny. It is to laugh. Verily, my body is wracked with hysterical laughter. :rolleyes:
So, it's true, eh? I mean, why else would people not believe your stories?

Is it just me, or is asking war veterans to relate their stories on an internet forum in a little poor taste? I know that the concensus here seems to be that none of the posting Vets (however real they may be or not) don't mind that it's been asked, but I'd never ask an ex-serviceman to relate tales of his duties; I'd let him tell me should he wish to. And I work with ex USN and ex RN servicemen.

Now if it was perhaps a tale of something humorous or inconsequential that broke up the hardships of warfare and brought these guys back to the common bond of humanity for a brief time, I'm sure everyone would appreciate them...

...or maybe I just watch too much M*A*S*H.

So, it's true, eh? I mean, why else would people not believe your stories?

Ok, ok! Let me try this one on you for size:

Just after the Tet Offensive in 1968, my Counterinsurgency Ops. Team received intel that a local VC Cadre was spending the night at a nearby village. I made the decision to lead a three-man team to take him out. Since the team had to be small to avoid detection, we also had to use maximum cover and stealth. It took us three hours to work our way to the hutch where he was supposedly sleeping.

When we entered the hutch, he immediately jumped up and came at me with a knife. I was armed with a large K-bar and managed to parry his first shalsh, but his second and third nicked the inside of my left arm and the inside of my right arm. He was very, very fast! Fortunately for me, he didn't know ( apparently ) how to use his knife for thrusting, only for slashing. By parrying his next slash with my arm, I was able to execute a thrust directly to his neck, severing his carotid artery.

I was showered with blood. To this day, the smell of blood brings this memory back full force.

Happy now? :rolleyes:

Ok, ok! Let me try this one on you for size:

Just after the Tet Offensive in 1968, my Counterinsurgency Ops. Team received intel that a local VC Cadre was spending the night at a nearby village. I made the decision to lead a three-man team to take him out. Since the team had to be small to avoid detection, we also had to use maximum cover and stealth. It took us three hours to work our way to the hutch where he was supposedly sleeping.

When we entered the hutch, he immediately jumped up and came at me with a knife. I was armed with a large K-bar and managed to parry his first shalsh, but his second and third nicked the inside of my left arm and the inside of my right arm. He was very, very fast! Fortunately for me, he didn't know ( apparently ) how to use his knife for thrusting, only for slashing. By parrying his next slash with my arm, I was able to execute a thrust directly to his neck, severing his carotid artery.

I was showered with blood. To this day, the smell of blood brings this memory back full force.

Happy now? :rolleyes:
Just for the record, despite your sig really making me want to, I never asked. Still, makes for amazing stories.

On an innappropriately chipper note, I hope to be as grizzled someday. I'm looking for a sheepish smile emoticon. :rolleyes:

I was showered with blood. To this day, the smell of blood brings this memory back full force.

Happy now? :rolleyes:
That doesn't sound too unbelievable. It's a good story. So, was that really the guy you were after?

Just for the record, despite your sig really making me want to, I never asked. Still, makes for amazing stories.

On an innappropriately chipper note, I hope to be as grizzled someday. I'm looking for a sheepish smile emoticon. :rolleyes:

"Grizzled!" Heh!

Well, since my Team spent most of our time doing civil affairs and civic action projects, I don't have many tales like that one. Most of my Vietnam stories are about rebuilding roads and bridges and schools, digging wells, etc. Not nearly as "exciting," but far more rewarding and uplifting. :)

"Grizzled!" Heh!

Well, since my Team spent most of our time doing civil affairs and civic action projects, I don't have many tales like that one. Most of my Vietnam stories are about rebuilding roads and bridges and schools, digging wells, etc. Not nearly as "exciting," but far more rewarding and uplifting. :)
Well good. My plan is to spend about 25 years as a chicago cop, and then be a tattooed and grizzled history professor. Also, if i ever get shot or stabbed, i had an idea for a tattoo. basically, it would be an arrow to the scar and a short description of it. :D

Most Vietnam vets do not want to talk about it - here or anywhere else. Those who can be cajoled into it prefer a one-on-one scenario. While all wars are bad, and very bad for soldiers, Vietnam was worse than most. Soldiers were rotated in and out of combat individually, not as units - so there was no real unit cohesion. The war became very individual, and more about each soldier surviving his personal tour and going home than anything else. Today, even though many in the United States disagree with the war in Iraq, almost everyone supports the soldiers. During Vietnam many who protested the war blamed the soldiers directly.

This isn't a memory from the Vietnam war, but I will share with you a memory from the Vietnam era. In the early 70s I was stationed in Germany, so I could take leave in '73 (just before it all ended) and go home to the US. I will never forget some of the looks I got as I walked through JFK and the streets of New York City in my Class A Uniform. I got out of it as quickly as possible.

There are a LOT of books out there - and they present the good, the bad, and the ugly. Go to a good book store and look around. Don't buy 'em all - take the titles/authors and go to a good library. But, do buy a few.

There is a book by a Company Commander from early in the war I liked - unfortunately, I don't have either the name of the book or the author. This one is kind of autobiographical.

There's also a very thick (and VERY good) one by Neil Sheehan - A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam (New York: Randon House, 1988) That I found very good - it covers a long period, and you can see how it began, how it changed, how it ended. It's on the list, below.


Try this website:
FIFTY BOOKS ABOUT THE VIETNAM WAR (http://grunt.space.swri.edu/topfifty.htm)

Where you will find

"Fifty Books about the Vietnam War

This list is a part of the the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the usenet Newsgroup "soc.history.war.vietnam". Used with the permission of the list moderators.

Below are listed fifty books which comprise a recommended reading list on the Vietnam Wars. These books where chosen by polling a select group of newsgroup readers representing academics, veterans and anti-war. An attempt has been made to give the listing both variety and depth. All entries where selected by multiple respondents. The top fifteen recommendations are designated by the word *CORE* after the bibliographic listing, and these may be considered a "short list". Respondents were asked to give preference to books in print where possible. "

That doesn't sound too unbelievable. It's a good story. So, was that really the guy you were after?Let it go, kid...

Let it go, kid...
Well, it's his right to ignore me or to say he'd prefer not to answer. But I'm still curious, though. And not necessarily about this particular story but more about why people wouldn't believe him.

That doesn't sound too unbelievable. It's a good story. So, was that really the guy you were after?

Yes.

Well good. My plan is to spend about 25 years as a chicago cop, and then be a tattooed and grizzled history professor. Also, if i ever get shot or stabbed, i had an idea for a tattoo. basically, it would be an arrow to the scar and a short description of it. :D

Heh! Into dramatics, are ya? :)

Heh! Into dramatics, are ya? :)
God yes. :D
No. actually. i would never do that. though i do wish to become tatooed. bUt that's a tad morbid. Plus, the woman i plan to marry would probably kick my ass every time she saw it. :D
that's only fun if you're into that kinda thing.

Best Vietnam movie ever, from what I've heard, is Hamburger Hill.Oddly, I've never seen it. But I can tell you that the guy who is a lieutenant in the movie went on to become a Lieutenant Colonel before he retired. I met him when we were both still in the service in either the late '80s or early '90s. One of the most soft-spoken, quiet, easy-going, friendly guys I ever met. It was several years before I found out that he was even in Vietnam. I saw him in his Class A's, and the man had the largest collection of ribbons I ever saw - and I don't mean "gimme's".

Most Vietnam vets do not want to talk about it - here or anywhere else. Those who can be cajoled into it prefer a one-on-one scenario. While all wars are bad, and very bad for soldiers, Vietnam was worse than most. Soldiers were rotated in and out of combat individually, not as units - so there was no real unit cohesion. The war became very individual, and more about each soldier surviving his personal tour and going home than anything else. Today, even though many in the United States disagree with the war in Iraq, almost everyone supports the soldiers. During Vietnam many who protested the war blamed the soldiers directly.

This isn't a memory from the Vietnam war, but I will share with you a memory from the Vietnam era. In the early 70s I was stationed in Germany, so I could take leave in '73 (just before it all ended) and go home to the US. I will never forget some of the looks I got as I walked through JFK and the streets of New York City in my Class A Uniform. I got out of it as quickly as possible.

There are a LOT of books out there - and they present the good, the bad, and the ugly. Go to a good book store and look around. Don't buy 'em all - take the titles/authors and go to a good library. But, do buy a few.

There is a book by a Company Commander from early in the war I liked - unfortunately, I don't have either the name of the book or the author. This one is kind of autobiographical.

I don't recall ever reading any books about the Vietnam war. Just not interested, I suppose.

When I came home, I wore either my Class A or the short-sleeved kakhi uniform everywhere! Had some call me "baby-killer," some look at me as if they'd seen a lower life-form, and some few thank me for my service. I was just trying to make a point ( I was also probably looking for a fight, although I didn't realize at the time how much of a "chip" I had on my shoulder ).

i do wish to become tatooed. bUt that's a tad morbid. Plus, the woman i plan to marry would probably kick my ass every time she saw it.

Good for her! :D

I don't recall ever reading any books about the Vietnam war. Just not interested, I suppose.

When I came home, I wore either my Class A or the short-sleeved kakhi uniform everywhere! Had some call me "baby-killer," some look at me as if they'd seen a lower life-form, and some few thank me for my service. I was just trying to make a point ( I was also probably looking for a fight, although I didn't realize at the time how much of a "chip" I had on my shoulder ).Thoroughly understand. I was just interested in getting home without getting into another fight.

Interesting that some thanked you for your service. I never got that, outside the military, back then. But, I have had a few people thank me in the past few years for my service of way back then. I think some folks are a little sorry now about the "baby-killer" crap.

Oddly, I've never seen it. But I can tell you that the guy who is a lieutenant in the movie went on to become a Lieutenant Colonel before he retired. I met him when we were both still in the service in either the late '80s or early '90s. One of the most soft-spoken, quiet, easy-going, friendly guys I ever met. It was several years before I found out that he was even in Vietnam. I saw him in his Class A's, and the man had the largest collection of ribbons I ever saw - and I don't mean "gimme's".

As you can see, I didn't have many when this was taken right after I got back from Vietnam ( about 26 years old ):

http://img184.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img184&image=classas7rm.jpg

Thoroughly understand. I was just interested in getting home without getting into another fight.

Interesting that some thanked you for your service. I never got that, outside the military, back then. But, I have had a few people thank me in the past few years for my service of way back then. I think some folks are a little sorry now about the "baby-killer" crap.

I think so too. The only ones who thanked me seemed to be those who were either veterans themselves or who had lived through WWII.

As you can see, I didn't have many when this was taken right after I got back from Vietnam ( about 26 years old ):

http://img184.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img184&image=classas7rm.jpg

Not to sound funny, but you were one heck of a looker back then. Did you have to beat those ladies off of you?

Photo of me at our Counterinsurgency Ops. Team's "Headquarters:"

http://img184.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img184&image=forrest58cb.jpg

( This was taken just after the incident I described earlier, and just before my promotion to Captain. )

Not to sound funny, but you were one heck of a looker back then. Did you have to beat those ladies off of you?

LOL! I wished! :D

Here's the one I wound up with though:

http://www.geocities.com/fhornsr/GrammyAt26.jpg :D

Hey! Wha-hoppen? Everyone get tired of us old veterans??? :(

Hey! Wha-hoppen? Everyone get tired of us old veterans??? :(
Well, since you and Johnny started to get cozy we figured you'd prefer to be alone :)

Hey! Wha-hoppen? Everyone get tired of us old veterans??? :(
Yes. In the last ten minutes i completely lost all of my interest in America's longest, and arguably, most interesting war.

Well, since you and Johnny started to get cozy we figured you'd prefer to be alone :)

:mp5:

thats kinda what I thought, What he was saying just didn't fit in with a lot of what I know about Vietnam.

What the heck are you talking about!!! I'm the guy that rescued him from the enemy. I had to walk uphill for ten miles to find him and up hill for 20 miles to get out. And the rescue helicopter got shot down--twice. It was tough--man.

What the heck are you talking about!!! I'm the guy that rescued him from the enemy. I had to walk uphill for ten miles to find him and up hill for 20 miles to get out. And the rescue helicopter got shot down--twice. It was tough--man.

Huh??? :confused:

LOL! I wished! :D

Here's the one I wound up with though:

http://www.geocities.com/fhornsr/GrammyAt26.jpg :D


I heard you older folk were all in black and white :p

at least your woman is starting to show some color :D

I heard you older folk were all in black and white :p

at least your woman is starting to show some color :D

Yeah ... that was back before things like TV and wheels and fire and such. :rolleyes:

Yeah ... that was back before things like TV and wheels and fire and such. :rolleyes:Don't you still have your initial issue sandals and spear?

Huh??? :confused:

It was a joke!!!

What the heck are you talking about!!! I'm the guy that rescued him from the enemy. I had to walk uphill for ten miles to find him and up hill for 20 miles to get out. And the rescue helicopter got shot down--twice. It was tough--man.

Yours Truely, In Action (http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/pics4/wor/greenberets1.jpg)


Remember how my bloody leg stumps kept getting caught in the brush? That was a serious drag.

BTW that was tougher then that time I crossed into China and took out that convoy.

PS I also laughed over the years when I would walk unnoticed (incognito (http://www.midatlantic.net/8x10/jolson-blackface-knee.jpg)) whilst that Col was still looking for us in the LA underground.

Best Vietnam movie ever, from what I've heard, is Hamburger Hill.

We Were Soldiers was better!

We were soldiers is...Weeeergh. The scene where the soldier with massive burns on his legs gets pulled by the ankles and the flesh and fat pull back...Urgh.

We were soldiers is...Weeeergh. The scene where the soldier with massive burns on his legs gets pulled by the ankles and the flesh and fat pull back...Urgh.

Welcome to the horrors of wars dude.

It was still a very good movie and mostly accurate too.

Welcome to the horrors of wars dude.

It was still a very good movie and mostly accurate too.

Whenever people say 'horrors of war' I want to strangle them and give them a vindaloo enema using their windpipe as the hose.

Whenever people say 'horrors of war' I want to strangle them and give them a vindaloo enema using their windpipe as the hose.

Unfortunately, that movie does bring the horrors of war. A good thing in my book though.

Don't you still have your initial issue sandals and spear?

"Sandals and spear???" Damn! I must have joined earlier than I thought! All they issued me was a loincloth and club! [ Wanders off muttering into his beard! ] :D

Well, it's his right to ignore me or to say he'd prefer not to answer. But I'm still curious, though. And not necessarily about this particular story but more about why people wouldn't believe him.

Maybe I can help you understand. I am married to a Nam vet. He has never shared any of his bad experiences with me. I know that when he is around another vet they make little comments and allude to conditions and situations over there. I know that when he came home it was to an atmosphere of hate, distrust, and loathing. He ended up spending 12 years in the Marines and I think it was mainly not to have to deal with civilians. He has periods of depression and will hardly communicate except in the most rudimentary way. He sometimes has nightmares but not as frequently as he used to. I know to slide out of bed and out of his reach and call his name until he wakes up. The look on his face and in his eyes is nothing nice when he wakes up from them. He's one of the kindest, gentlest, most peaceful people I have ever met...but he is also one of the most deadly. I have only the vaguest idea of what he saw in Nam and I don't think I want to know. Leave the vets alone. They'll tell you what they want you to know.

I guess I should have been a bit clearer, I sort of wanted what they thought of the war going in, while they were there, and after they came back, and if they wanted to share any stories like the one Eutrusca told earlier. My bad, I should hav emade that a bit clearer, I have nothing but respect for the people that were there.

I guess I should have been a bit clearer, I sort of wanted what they thought of the war going in, while they were there, and after they came back, and if they wanted to share any stories like the one Eutrusca told earlier. My bad, I should hav emade that a bit clearer, I have nothing but respect for the people that were there.

You're young and you just haven't learned yet. Most of them will hardly talk about it except with each other. If you ever get a chance, visit the Wall in DC. Spend the day and you'll see several vets visiting. They're reaction explains some of what that war did to them.

You're young and you just haven't learned yet. Most of them will hardly talk about it except with each other. If you ever get a chance, visit the Wall in DC. Spend the day and you'll see several vets visiting. They're reaction explains some of what that war did to them.

I visited it and I know how it affected me. My dad didn't serve in Nam but it was close and he was even tearing up.

Vietnam vets = baby killers and women rapers.

(conscientiously boes Vietnam vets)

Vietnam vets = baby killers and women rapers.

(conscientiously boes Vietnam vets)

Shut the hell up buddy!

You have absolutely no idea what the hell your talking about!!!

You're young and you just haven't learned yet. Most of them will hardly talk about it except with each other. If you ever get a chance, visit the Wall in DC. Spend the day and you'll see several vets visiting. They're reaction explains some of what that war did to them.
I have been there with my dad, he lost a cousin in a helicopter crash. I know most of them don't like talking about it. All but one of the vets I've been around seem to have no qualms talking about it. This isn't just three or four vets, it's quite a large number, somewhere around twenty to twenty-five.My dad has had nightmares, and thats why we can't live near an airport. One night a helicopter went flying by and he layed down in a prone position on the floor, and started mock firing an M60, we were at a hotel near an airport. My grandfather, a WWII vet, often screams in his sleep, about mines in the field. He stepped on a bouncing betty and lost most of his motor controls on the right side of his body. So I know it messes with you, but I just want to learn about peoples opinions of it, mainly those that were actually in the war.

I visited it and I know how it affected me. My dad didn't serve in Nam but it was close and he was even tearing up.

Ricky won't go. Some of his buddies have tried to talk him into making the trip with them, but I guess he isn't ready yet.

"Sandals and spear???" Damn! I must have joined earlier than I thought! All they issued me was a loincloth and club! [ Wanders off muttering into his beard! ] :D
Well, at least you didn't get stuck with the fig leaf and the trout.
They figured that wasn't the best attack plan after the first Special Forces team got wiped out.
:D

Shut the hell up buddy!

You have absolutely no idea what the hell your talking about!!!

Ignore him, sweetie. His ignorance speaks for itself. He'll wander off in boredom if you don't acknowledge him.

Shut the hell up buddy!

You have absolutely no idea what the hell your talking about!!!

Just leave him alone. I'm use to it.

Ricky won't go. Some of his buddies have tried to talk him into making the trip with them, but I guess he isn't ready yet.

It is hard I bet. He should go though. It could help close a chapter in his life and eliminate more of his nightmares. It won't eliminate all of them but I bet it would help the healing.

Tell him thanks for serving from this son of a military officer who is currently doing his duty overseas.

Well, at least you didn't get stuck with the fig leaf and the trout.
They figured that wasn't the best attack plan after the first Special Forces team got wiped out.
:D

Hehehe! Glad I wasn't on that one! :D

Ignore him, sweetie. His ignorance speaks for itself. He'll wander off in boredom if you don't acknowledge him.

Your right I should but I do get riled up when I hear talk like that.

Won't happen again though

It is hard I bet. He should go though. It could help close a chapter in his life and eliminate more of his nightmares. It won't eliminate all of them but I bet it would help the healing.

Tell him thanks for serving from this son of a military officer who is currently doing his duty overseas.

Where's your dad stationed? Is he due home soon?

Just leave him alone. I'm use to it.

Yea I bet.

Thanks for serving my friend.

Your right I should but I do get riled up when I hear talk like that.

Won't happen again though

;)

Where's your dad stationed? Is he due home soon?

Some Middle Eastern Country! That much I know. Forgot which one though!

As for coming home, rumor on the vine has it he'll be home March 5, the day after I get back for spring break.

;)

:p

Ricky won't go. Some of his buddies have tried to talk him into making the trip with them, but I guess he isn't ready yet.

It will hurt. I know. But it will also help him heal, even now. Tell him I said, "Welcome home, bro!" and that his friends need a visit.

Yea I bet.

Thanks for serving my friend.

:fluffle: Ahem! In a manly sort of way, you understand. :D

Just leave him alone. I'm use to it.

No more!! It's different now and I think people are learning more of the truth every day. No more!!

It will hurt. I know. But it will also help him heal, even now. Tell him I said, "Welcome home, bro!" and that his friends need a visit.

I know what war does to people! My dad hasn't talked about the Gulf War much! Though he really wasn't involved in the ground war, he did alot with the airlifting and lost some of his friends in plane crashes.

I do see the pain on him from time to time. Even now as he comes home on rotation.

No more!! It's different now and I think people are learning more of the truth every day. No more!!

One can only hope.

EDIT: Damnit! This is almost the only topic left that makes me cry! Grrrr! :(

:fluffle: Ahem! In a manly sort of way, you understand. :D

:fluffle: likewise! :D

I have a question Estrucia. Were you drafted (I didn't think officers got drafted by I have a habit of being wrong) and if not what compelled you to join the armed services? Just wondering.

It will hurt. I know. But it will also help him heal, even now. Tell him I said, "Welcome home, bro!" and that his friends need a visit.

I'll try, but he has an awful lot buried. Maybe one day. I have a son that lives in Maryland that we visit once a year. He asks him if he wants to go each time. So far he has refused, but maybe....

:fluffle: likewise! :D

Hehehe!

Love your quote, BTW. :D

I have a question Estrucia. Were you drafted (I didn't think officers got drafted by I have a habit of being wrong) and if not what compelled you to join the armed services? Just wondering.
thats the sort of thing I wanted to know

Hehehe!

Love your quote, BTW. :D

TY!

From one military family to another.

I'll try, but he has an awful lot buried. Maybe one day. I have a son that lives in Maryland that we visit once a year. He asks him if he wants to go each time. So far he has refused, but maybe....

I held off for many, many years, but I finally decided that I owed it to those with whom I had served. My first visit I insisted on going alone, even though most of my family was with me. I looked up the name of my best friend from college, who came in-country while I was a company commander with a different unit. While I was looking for his name, I found the names of four of my Counterinsurgency Ops. Team who died shortly after I left the Team.

Hard, but at least I knew they had died rather than going all these years still thinking they were alive.

Have you guys noticed an influx of new people that seem to have a military point of view? I was reading a thread the other day that had 4 or 5 of these guys on it and they all seemed to have an awful lot of "boots on the ground" insight into Iraq.

I have a question Estrucia. Were you drafted (I didn't think officers got drafted by I have a habit of being wrong) and if not what compelled you to join the armed services? Just wondering.

I was in Law School at the University of Illinois and hated it! I knew that if I dropped out, they would draft my young azz, so before I told the Dean I was leaving, I enlisted as a college-option for Officer Candidate School. I got my draft notice while I was in Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. I sent it back to them with a note: "Sorry, but you're too late. I beat ya to the punch!" :D

EDIT: My father, who was partially funding my attendance at Law School, hit the roof! "How dare you make this sort of unilateral decision?" Heh! I told him that it was my unilateral decision because it was my damned unilateral life! :D

Have you guys noticed an influx of new people that seem to have a military point of view? I was reading a thread the other day that had 4 or 5 of these guys on it and they all seemed to have an awful lot of "boots on the ground" insight into Iraq.

Yup! Nice to have some of those troops posting here. Gives the Forum a bit of "balance," don't ya think? ;)

Yup! Nice to have some of those troops posting here. Gives the Forum a bit of "balance," don't ya think? ;)

No doubt! I've been hoping they would discover this forum and set some things straight. I saw one of our more avid (rabid?) anti-war posters tell one of these guys that she didn't fault him for the war and knew that he was being made to participate in the unlawful invasion. By the time he got done telling her how the cow ate the cabbage, she didn't have much else to add. She just kinda went "offline". :D

TY!

From one military family to another.

:)

No doubt! I've been hoping they would discover this forum and set some things straight. I saw one of our more avid (rabid?) anti-war posters tell one of these guys that she didn't fault him for the war and knew that he was being made to participate in the unlawful invasion. By the time he got done telling her how the cow ate the cabbage, she didn't have much else to add. She just kinda went "offline". :D

Reality has a way of doing that. :)

Have you guys noticed an influx of new people that seem to have a military point of view? I was reading a thread the other day that had 4 or 5 of these guys on it and they all seemed to have an awful lot of "boots on the ground" insight into Iraq.

I've noticed it!

Speaking of "offline", I'm about to fall asleep on the keyboard. It's been very enjoyable Eutrusca and Corneliu, but little old ladies need all the beauty sleep they can get. Have a great evening and talk atcha later. :fluffle:

I was in Law School at the University of Illinois and hated it! I knew that if I dropped out, they would draft my young azz, so before I told the Dean I was leaving, I enlisted as a college-option for Officer Candidate School. I got my draft notice while I was in Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. I sent it back to them with a note: "Sorry, but you're too late. I beat ya to the punch!" :D

HAHA!! My dad got accepted into the AFA. He received a draft notice himself. :D

EDIT: My father, who was partially funding my attendance at Law School, hit the roof! "How dare you make this sort of unilateral decision?" Heh! I told him that it was my unilateral decision because it was my damned unilateral life! :D

Good for you man. It is your life to do with as you please :)

Speaking of "offline", I'm about to fall asleep on the keyboard. It's been very enjoyable Eutrusca and Corneliu, but little old ladies need all the beauty sleep they can get. Have a great evening and talk atcha later. :fluffle:

Ok, hon. From one "lil ole man" to one "lil ole lady:" :fluffle:

Speaking of "offline", I'm about to fall asleep on the keyboard. It's been very enjoyable Eutrusca and Corneliu, but little old ladies need all the beauty sleep they can get. Have a great evening and talk atcha later. :fluffle:

Email sometime :)

Have a nice night Zooke! Nice talking with ya again :fluffle:

HAHA!! My dad got accepted into the AFA. He received a draft notice himself. :D

Good for you man. It is your life to do with as you please :)

LOL! Yes, but I suspect the main reason he ceased to argue with me is that it finally hit him how much money he would save! :D

LOL! Yes, but I suspect the main reason he ceased to argue with me is that it finally hit him how much money he would save! :D

Money is always a good arguement ending factor! :D

Money is always a good arguement ending factor! :D

Indeed! And it's unfortunate that it's also sometimes a marriage-ending factor as well.

Indeed! And it's unfortunate that it's also sometimes a marriage-ending factor as well.

Yea that is regrettable.

Yea that is regrettable.

How well I know! :(

http://maori2000.com/moller/honour.htm


Kind of a pointless contribution, but it wasn't only Americans who were there, and I occasionally feel patriotic (probably why I have a flag hanging in my room. Strangely enough, I don't mind if they change it which seems to be in the works atm)

Kind of a pointless contribution, but it wasn't only Americans who were there, and I occasionally feel patriotic (probably why I have a flag hanging in my room. Strangely enough, I don't mind if they change it which seems to be in the works atm)

Not "pointless" at all, my friend. I met some of your chaps while I was there, as well as some Aussies. Some of the few people who could come close to drinking my azz under the table! Great guys! You are deservedly proud.

They're considering changing your flag? How, if I may ask??

Not "pointless" at all, my friend. I met some of your chaps while I was there, as well as some Aussies. Some of the few people who could come close to drinking my azz under the table! Great guys! You are deservedly proud.

They're considering changing your flag? How, if I may ask??

http://www.nzflag.com/ are the group fronting the attempted change.

The problem is that our flag looks too similar to the australian, still has the union jack in the corner and supposidly doesn't represent us as a nation. A lot of people in other countries couldn't tell you which was which when it comes to the NZ and Aus flag, and a select few assume that we are in fact the same country.

The other arguement revolves around history, all the people who have lived, died and achieved greatness under the current flag etc.

To be honest, I can see both sides well enough to not really be fussed either way. I didn't sign the petition though.

http://www.nzflag.com/ are the group fronting the attempted change.

The problem is that our flag looks too similar to the australian, still has the union jack in the corner and supposidly doesn't represent us as a nation. A lot of people in other countries couldn't tell you which was which when it comes to the NZ and Aus flag, and a select few assume that we are in fact the same country.

The other arguement revolves around history, all the people who have lived, died and achieved greatness under the current flag etc.

To be honest, I can see both sides well enough to not really be fussed either way. I didn't sign the petition though.

Well, if they do change it, I hope they do your lovely land justice.

BTW ... I have a CD by the group "Oceania," with the Maori Singer "Hinewehi." Very exotic and lovely ... both the music and Hinewehi! :)

Well, if they do change it, I hope they do your lovely land justice.

BTW ... I have a CD by the group "Oceania," with the Maori Singer "Hinewehi." Very exotic and lovely ... both the music and Hinewehi! :)

Nice. Where did you pick that up from?

Nice. Where did you pick that up from?

Um ... Borders Bookstore, I think. "International" is one of my favorite music genre's. :)

I have a fascination with Vietnam, mainly cause my dad was in it, but any way, I would like to hear any stories you are willing to share about when you were in. I've already milked my dad, uncles, and neighbors of all of their stories, and now I would like to move on to all of you here.

my dad was nearly in nam you see he was going to join the austrsalian army
but he got rejected and had to stay in the british army. he has no nam stories just funny barrack ones my coisine was in the faulklands campaign :mp5:

I served with the 306th Bomb Wing at Utapo AB, Thailand from March of 72 to March of 73. I was there during Linebacker II. That was the bombing campaign that brought the war to a close.

I share my experiences with my family, other vets, and friends when they ask about it. There is no way I'd ever share them in this or any other public forum. They are too personal and I would never ever expose them to the sarcasm and ridicule that is present in a forum of this type. We suffered enough of that back then. :(

I am currently doing a paper on Canada's involvement for my history 234 class. I'm not in my dorm at the moment, but I can post my bibliography when I get back.

*sidenote*
Despite Canada's official neutral stance, 30,000+ Canadians served under the American armed forces.

I am currently doing a paper on Canada's involvement for my history 234 class. I'm not in my dorm at the moment, but I can post my bibliography when I get back.

*sidenote*
Despite Canada's official neutral stance, 30,000+ Canadians served under the American armed forces.

And as an American and Viet Nam Vet, I thank them for their service and sacrifice.

And as an American and Viet Nam Vet, I thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Ditto! Long live Canada and *decent* Canadians! :)