A Hero's Farewell

[Belinda Barfield]

Not saying this is exclusive to Georgia, but it sure made be proud to be a Georgian. You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self-sacrifice. Georgia remains one of those graceful places. The link below is a short travelogue of that day's remarkable and painful journey. But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored.


http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

[Rob Cunningham]

Belinda,
Thanks for posting the link. A very moving and fitting tribute to one of today's true heroes.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain"

[Mike Wilkins]

A similar story happened here in eastern North Carolina a couple of years ago and the amount of support and respect was awesome.
Helps restore faith in mankind.

[Roy Wall]

Thank you for the post.........very emotional.
We love our troops, and pray for them often. The American Soldiers are truly Heroes -- The outpouring of support for this young man is beautiful.

[jeremy levine]

Thanks, for posting. I really didn't need to be so choked up this early in the day but it's not the worst thing. It makes me this of the days after 9/11/01 ( and now I'm fully choked up )

[Don Abele]

Belinda, thanks for posting this. I've seen this (and several others) and yes - they choke me up - every time.

In general, I have faith in the goodness of our society and their desire to do the right thing. Often times though, the right thing is harder and many just choose the easier route. I don't begrudge them that - it's their choice, one they are free to make here.

When one of our fallen heros returns, we should all stop and remember the sacrifice they made so we could continue on with our lives oblivious to the dangers around us.

Be well,

Doc

[Jim Mattheiss]

22 seconds before the first tear fell.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Belinda,

Thank you.

[Ron Jones near Indy]

Thank you Belinda. I am saddened at the loss of one of our troops. Then I reflect on this and I am even more saddened that a whole generation of our troops were not accorded similar respect.

[Dennis Peacock]

A most moving video Belinda...and I too stand in honor and respect for this soldier and his family. I have the honor to ride and serve with the local Patriot Guard Riders in providing escort and family protection from war protesters so the family may bury their lost one in peace. It is out hope and prayer that through our service that we can provide a safe place for the family and the funeral service as well as having the opportunity to help bring honor and respect to the fallen soldier and the grieving family.

Thank you for sharing the link. It has reminded me of the hardest thing I've ever done and the most honorable thing I've ever done.....serve in the funeral service of a local fallen soldier that gave all for his country. Salute rendered and heart bowed.

[Dave Ray]

Thank you Belinda for sharing this. A remarkable out pouring of love and respect from the people of Georgia. Thank God for the men and women who defend this country.

[Dave Garcia]

Not saying this is exclusive to Georgia, but it sure made be proud to be a Georgian. You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self-sacrifice. Georgia remains one of those graceful places. The link below is a short travelogue of that day's remarkable and painful journey. But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored.


http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

Belinda,

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Dave Garcia :)
The Wood Block, Ltd
Vietnam '69 - '75
USN Retired

[Dennis Peacock]

Belinda,

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Dave Garcia :)
The Wood Block, Ltd
Vietnam '69 - '75
USN Retired


Dave Garcia.......Thank YOU for YOUR service to our country. There are many who hold you in honor and respect to this very day for your service spent in the Vietnam war era.

[Dave Anderson NH]

It is only fitting that such a tribute be given. This fine man gave all he had.
For Ron Jones I have the message that we Vietnam vets swore an oath. "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." You are right sir, many of us will go go to the grave resenting the fact that that the public could not separate the sacrifices of the troops from the politics of that war.

[Belinda Barfield]

You are all welcome. Thanks to all of you who served, and those currently serving.

I spent the morning of Memorial Day at the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum Memorial Garden, then headed downtown for the groundbreaking ceremony for our WWII Memorial. Other than families of the WWII veterans present, the majority of those in attendance were Vietnam veterans. After the ceremony almost every person in the crowd stopped to thank the veterans for their service, including those who served in Vietnam. Just thought you'd like to know.

[John Thompson]

Thank you for mentioning Vietnam Vets Ms. Belinda. With so many returning Iraqi Vets we have all but been forgotten even though as you noted... most of the people that show for memorials are vets and family from that era. We didn't get much of a welcome home during that era as the general population had turned anti-war movement and we were termed the "baby killers" which was far from the truth. I remember sitting on a ramp by the Varsity in Atlanta on North Ave. attempting to hitch-hike a ride 35 miles home the day I returned from VN. Two hours passed...no one bothered to stop and offer a ride so I picked up my 65 pound duffel bag and humped down old U.S. Hwy. 29 throught Decatur to Lawrenceville. I swore dependence of help from anyone that day.

I am a member of the Society of the 5th Infantry Div. which was started by WWII Vets. The large majority of those have passed but a few still survive and show up at an annual re-union. And something that should be pointed out is most have totally forgotten Korean War Vets and that is a shame. Vets are vets regardless of where they served.

Thanks again for your tribute post to the fellow Georgian from just down the road from me and mention of roles that were played by Vets in every armed conflict as it is most appreciated ma'am.

"P" Co. 75th Ranger Regiment.. I Corp. Vietnam 68'-69'....

[Dave Ogren]

Thank you, Thank you.

Dave

[Belinda Barfield]

"P" Co. 75th Ranger Regiment.. I Corp. Vietnam 68'-69'....

John,

Here is the link to the Ranger Memorial at Hunter. The original design included six large engraved black granite monoliths and engraved black granite pavers. I met with the project manager on several occasions as my company was to provide the granite, then the design changed and the decision was made to use another material. I still have a scale mock up of one of the monoliths engraved with the Ranger Creed in my office. Come on down and visit.

http://www.1stbn75thrgrregtmemorial.com/index.htm

[Ken Fitzgerald]

While I am NOT a Vietnam Veteran, I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. I can remember being a bush-tailed Seaman traveling in uniform and changing trains at Chicago's Union Station. I was spit on and called a "Baby Killer". Hell, I had not even been outside of Illinois under military orders at the time. The EM club at Great Lakes was one of the largest I ever saw in my 8 years of Naval service and I listened to too many horror stories of returning Marines and sailors who were at the Navy hospital there for treatment of war wounds.

Dave I'll quote you "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." When Desert Shield broke out and our oldest son was with the 1st Infantry in Saudi Arabia, at a meeting for parents called by Idaho U.S. Senators I watched the 5'2" 130 lb. blonde bombshell I married 40 years ago stand up and tell those two Senators "You ARE NOT going to do to our sons what you did to our husbands and brothers. Give them what they need to fight to win or bring their asses home NOW!" I was supposed to speak next. My statement "She said it all!"

Don't buy me a few beers and bring up the subject of Vietnam. It will get ugly!

The way our returning Vietnam veterans were treated was truly a national shame. Luckily for the Anti-war protestors they took the returning veterans ammo away from them in the Phillipines.

Thankfully this young First Sargeant got the respect he deserved. He gave all.

[John Thompson]

John,

Here is the link to the Ranger Memorial at Hunter. The original design included six large engraved black granite monoliths and engraved black granite pavers. I met with the project manager on several occasions as my company was to provide the granite, then the design changed and the decision was made to use another material. I still have a scale mock up of one of the monoliths engraved with the Ranger Creed in my office. Come on down and visit.

http://www.1stbn75thrgrregtmemorial.com/index.htm

Interesting link you gave and the fact you worked with a company that was to provide the granite. I viewed the site and noted the names of those on the board. Then you noted you met with the project manager on several occasions. It might turn out to be a small world after all and I will explain.

I noted the Project Manager was Sheila Dudley. If.. if I am not mistaken that most likely is the former Shiela Bowen of Lawrenceville, Ga. and my home-town. If the same.. Sheila and I were class-mates and graduated HS together in 1965. With that said... it my not be the same Sheila but... I do know the former Sheila Bowen was married to a Ranger who is now deceased. I also know she was and probably still is the President of Ranger Wives and very dedicated to Rangers. Sheila B. has lived in Savannah for many years now and I do not know her married name which she carries as she was very devoted to her husband from scuttle at class re-unions which I don't believe she has attended unfortunately.

So.. just an educated guess mind you but... too many co-incidences not to be a great bet to lay that your Sheila D. was our Shelia B. years ago. If you can confirm that I would be highly appreciative out of pure curiousity and I have a feeling you know well how curious we southern folks can be. ;)

Your red and white polka dot dress and the hat is a dead give-away you are most likely not a trans-plant to the south but instead another charming southern lady on her way to a charity function which a good time will be had by all. :)

I would love to come down to Savannah as I haven't been there in a number of years. Came close several times on the way to Hilton Head but the last time I was there was not too long after they re-modeled the River-front and that has been awhile. I do suppose I am due and if things are the way they used to be.. everyone is welcome in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Regards ma'am...

[John Thompson]

While I am NOT a Vietnam Veteran, I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. I can remember being a bush-tailed Seaman traveling in uniform and changing trains at Chicago's Union Station. I was spit on and called a "Baby Killer". Hell, I had not even been outside of Illinois under military orders at the time. The EM club at Great Lakes was one of the largest I ever saw in my 8 years of Naval service and I listened to too many horror stories of returning Marines and sailors who were at the Navy hospital there for treatment of war wounds.

Dave I'll quote you "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." When Desert Shield broke out and our oldest son was with the 1st Infantry in Saudi Arabia, at a meeting for parents called by Idaho U.S. Senators I watched the 5'2" 130 lb. blonde bombshell I married 40 years ago stand up and tell those two Senators "You ARE NOT going to do to our sons what you did to our husbands and brothers. Give them what they need to fight to win or bring their asses home NOW!" I was supposed to speak next. My statement "She said it all!"

Don't buy me a few beers and bring up the subject of Vietnam. It will get ugly!

The way our returning Vietnam veterans were treated was truly a national shame. Luckily for the Anti-war protestors they took the returning veterans ammo away from them in the Phillipines.

Thankfully this young First Sargeant got the respect he deserved. He gave all.

Thanks for piping up with your stand, Ken. You sound like a stand-up type guy and stand-up guys are getting scarce these days in our world of being politically correct.

Regards...

[Belinda Barfield]

I noted the Project Manager was Sheila Dudley. If.. if I am not mistaken that most likely is the former Shiela Bowen of Lawrenceville, Ga. and my home-town. If the same.. Sheila and I were class-mates and graduated HS together in 1965. With that said... it my not be the same Sheila but... I do know the former Sheila Bowen was married to a Ranger who is now deceased. I also know she was and probably still is the President of Ranger Wives and very dedicated to Rangers. Sheila B. has lived in Savannah for many years now and I do not know her married name which she carries as she was very devoted to her husband from scuttle at class re-unions which I don't believe she has attended unfortunately.

So.. just an educated guess mind you but... too many co-incidences not to be a great bet to lay that your Sheila D. was our Shelia B. years ago. If you can confirm that I would be highly appreciative out of pure curiousity and I have a feeling you know well how curious we southern folks can be. ;)

Your red and white polka dot dress and the hat is a dead give-away you are most likely not a trans-plant to the south but instead another charming southern lady on her way to a charity function which a good time will be had by all. :)

I would love to come down to Savannah as I haven't been there in a number of years. Came close several times on the way to Hilton Head but the last time I was there was not too long after they re-modeled the River-front and that has been awhile. I do suppose I am due and if things are the way they used to be.. everyone is welcome in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Regards ma'am...

Sheila was married to a Ranger who is now deceased. I'll bet she is your Sheila B. Small world indeed! The black granite and engraved pavers were value engineered out of the project. I did get to attend a couple of planning meetings. I was heart broken when I found out we wouldn't get to be involved in the project. I'll PM you later today with Sheila's e-mail address.

Polka dot dress and hat - Kentucky Derby Party. Can't really take credit for that being a charity function!

IIRC River Street was revamped in the late 70s. You're way past due for a visit. And yes, everyone is welcome in the Garden of Good and Evil.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Ken, I can not take credit for that quote though it is one dear to my heart. It was a comment made years ago by Tom Holman who at the time was President of the CA council of the Vietnam Vererans of America. It pretty much sums up the feelings of many of us who had our service disrespected and if we were lucky just ignored.

As a note of how things have changed, according to figures from the last census, ther are now 10 times as many folks claiming to be Vietnam veterans than ever served. What vets call "posers" are very much a problem from all of the recent conflicts. Fortunately one of the few things that George Bush the younger did right was put through Congress "The Stolen Valor Act". This makes it a federal offense to claim to either be a veteran or to claim to have won awards that were not earned. Investigation is done by the FBI upon complaints and a goodly number of folks have been "counseled" or become long term guests of the government if fraud was involved.

[John Thompson]

Sheila was married to a Ranger who is now deceased. I'll bet she is your Sheila B. Small world indeed! The black granite and engraved pavers were value engineered out of the project. I did get to attend a couple of planning meetings. I was heart broken when I found out we wouldn't get to be involved in the project. I'll PM you later today with Sheila's e-mail address.

Polka dot dress and hat - Kentucky Derby Party. Can't really take credit for that being a charity function!

IIRC River Street was revamped in the late 70s. You're way past due for a visit. And yes, everyone is welcome in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Again... thanks very much for the connection to a classmate, Belinda. I would like the e-mail address as I would like to drop her a note in praise of her dedicated efforts and praise of her deceased beloved. And thanks again for the link to the Memorial at Hunter. I suppose I came closer than I would have wished on more than several occasions having my name engraved on that Memorial and feel very fortunate.

I suppose I should step up and say I was wrong about the charity function. I associate the hat with an annual spring Steeple-chase done for Charity here in Atlanta where you will see thousands of those spring Derby hats out in force. I suppose the actual Derby is about as good as excuse for a social gathering as any as social gathering's doesn't require a lot of purposeful reasons... just an opportunity. :)

I was somewhat shocked to read what Dave just posted about "posers" as Vets. I was not aware of that but I suppose it takes all kinds and it would be rude to ask someone for a copy of their DD 214 separation from service nor a set of orders. So.. with that said I will validate as I would hate for you to think your appreciated generousity was wasted on a "poser". I suppose you could get these on E-bay as you can get about everything else there... "walk the walk and talk the talk" but... I would be happy to post a set of orders which makes them official if anyone might question them.

Have a great day on the coast Ma'am and will set Savannah in my sights....

[Ken Fitzgerald]

John,

I can say with some confidence that Dave nor I was challenging the validity of your service or statements in this thread.

Thanks for your service.

[John Thompson]

John,

I can say with some confidence that Dave nor I was challenging the validity of your service or statements in this thread.

Thanks for your service.

Nor would I question that you were Ken... as I have great respect for both you and Dave. But... with that said.. I really am somewhat shocked at the numbers that Dave posted as to the "posers" which I have frankly was not aware of or have not given a lot of thought to. If that is the case that is a very saddening way to attempt to live up to responsibility as a man to both country.. family an loved one's.

I cannot personally understand the motives and I feel sorry for a person that resorts to doing something of that nature in an attempt to boost his image of man-hood by pretending to be something he or she is not. But.. I am aware that it could happen as I have seen knock-off medals on sale on E-bay. That p*sses me off more than when the Army decided all troops would wear Black Berets and the Rangers would abandon them and wear Brown. I won't get into that issue which would open a can of worms with ex-Rangers from back when.

So.. perhaps the public does need to be aware of the "poser" problem as anyone could boost of being a Vet and without a visual of a DD 214 you could not confirm that really. Another Vet could smell out the rat very quickly but the general public could not. I have had a few tell me that they were in Airborne during their military service. But.. a simple mention of a gore... apex.. shroud line.. PLF.. etc., etc. with the person that stated that clueless is a dead give-away you are speaking to a someone who is up to the top of their waders in manure. I knew what those things were when I was 16 years old as I started sky-diving with parental permission. :)

So... please stand at ease over thinking I was being singled out and targeted. Again.. frankly I am glad Dave posted that as the public should be aware that the situation exist and should be somewhat alert to the fact as from the numbers posted there is no doubt the problem not only exist but on somewhat of a broad scale.

With utmost regard and respect to the fine job the moderators are doing here... well done...

[Dave Anderson NH]

John, rest assured that I in no way meant to imply that you were a poser. I just wanted to point out how things have changed in 40 years. Once we were an object of scorn, ridicule, and pretty much had to hide our service. Now the guilt trips, needs for ego boosts, and God knows what other reasons compel non-veterans to claim that they served. If it wasn't so irritating and dishonest it would be comical.

I too can usually spot a poser with a few chosen questions. All I have to hear is that, "I was in the Marines." and I know the guy wasn't. No Marine I have ever met would use that phrase. I have without remorse or the slightest guilt publicly humiliated a couple of posers and warned them that if I ever heard of them making those claims again they would be getting a visit from the FBI. Only those who served can truly understand our mindset.

[Ed Sallee]

It can be said, without a shadow of doubt, that the fella for which this thread was started, was the real deal....

I've never ran across a "poser".... but, if I did...... Well, let's just say it's better I don't put anything else in writing.

[John Thompson]

John, rest assured that I in no way meant to imply that you were a poser. I just wanted to point out how things have changed in 40 years. Once we were an object of scorn, ridicule, and pretty much had to hide our service. Now the guilt trips, needs for ego boosts, and God knows what other reasons compel non-veterans to claim that they served. If it wasn't so irritating and dishonest it would be comical.

I too can usually spot a poser with a few chosen questions. All I have to hear is that, "I was in the Marines." and I know the guy wasn't. No Marine I have ever met would use that phrase. I have without remorse or the slightest guilt publicly humiliated a couple of posers and warned them that if I ever heard of them making those claims again they would be getting a visit from the FBI. Only those who served can truly understand our mindset.

No offense taken Dave as again.. I am glad you made the comments as you have made a great point by doing so and basically a public service IMO. Someone that cannot read a tell and trusting in good faith would probably take word of mouth as the gospel which it might be.. and then again it might not in actually.

Now.. I was not a Marine but if someone told me they were in Marines I would question the fact they did not say something to the effect of Alpha.. Bravo.. Charlie.. Foxtrot (pick one) 1/9.. 3rd Marines.. etc. I again am not a Marine but.. I was under tactical command of 3rd Marines out of Quang Tri Firebase just outside Quang Tri City. And did have to co-ordinate with their Recon Platoons and Scout Snipers to avoid my 6 man hunter-killer team and they did not bump heads when working in the same grid square area.

So.. how would a Marine answer the question of if ask what branch he served? How did the Army guy do with the question considering our lingo might vary. Scorpion or night ambush? M -40 grenade launcher or "thump gun"... the list goes on. :)

Were you in VN and if so when.. 1st or 3rd which is Quang Tri and all points north and west along the DMZ as Dong Ha.. the Rockpile.. A1.. 2.. 3.. Con Thien.. Khe Sahn and the Asuha Valley or 1st Marines down south of their closer to DaNang and Happy Valley to be more specific?

Anyhoo.. gotta run to Suwanee Hardwoods for a "fix". ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

Highest regards to the Marines as I have never met one I would not be proud to serve in combat with. Dependable to say the least and I could go on and on if I were to expand the accolades..

[Bill Clark De]

Thank you for sharing that ..semper fi

[Dave Anderson NH]

John I was there from 5 August 1968 to 23 August 1969. Until late Nov '68 I was with B 1/7 as an 0331 M60 gunner. Dec 68 was spent in CAP school in DaNang and from Jan '69 until I rotated I served with 1st CAG in various teams in the Tam Ky area (MTT1-1, 1-1-6, 1-1-7, and 1-1-4 which I commanded as a Cpl) I was to say the least far far to the south of the Z.

When I joined 1/7 we were at hill 10 and in October moved out to hill 65 just south of Charlie Ridge and a bit to the west and north of Dodge City and the Arizona Territory. It was a fire base with a battery of 105s and a mixed battery of 8" SP howitzers and 175 SP long barrels.

Normally a Marine would say, "I was a Marine", " was with B 1/7", "I was in the Marine Corps", or something similar. Never I was "in the Marines". Any Marine would know that 1/7 was in the 1st Maine Divison as were 1st and 5th Marines. I had friends who served with 1/9 AKA "The Walking Dead", another fact that any Marine would know.

I notice that you too have a "blood donor ribbon":D Got a pair of them myself. I'm impressed to see that you have 2 bronze stars. Fine work there.

[John Thompson]

I had a feeling you were in the Nam from your comments to Ken. Frankly.. if you served in the Corp between 67'-72'.. you most likely ended up in Nam for 1 tour if not two as most did in some form or function. I couldn't come close to guessing how many times I stole from the logistically rich (Army) and gave to the logistically poor (Marines) as they seemed not to get re-supply of necessities as often. And we had an abundance of Huey Slicks to carry it. Cases of M 60 7.62 mm machine gun linked belts and 40 mike-mike rounds for the thump gun especially. The Marine officers were proud and didn't want their troops to take anything from the Army but.. the troops were glad to get the stuff and what officiers don't know won't hurt them. ;)

Thanks on the 2 Bronze Stars... simply a matter of being at the wrong place at the right time and do what you had to do or else.... :) BTW... I got the Purple on Hill 360 if my memory serves me well just east of the then demolished Khe Sahn Firebase about 5 days before I was to take a Slick out of the field to go back to base-camp to begin the journey back to the U.S. I stayed out for two more days with Russian rockety propelled shrapnel in me as we were tangling with the NVA 3rd at the time and anyone with a pulse was needed.. Still got a few pieces hanging in there that has not made it'w way out as most did. Sovenir I guess you might say. :D

Regards...

[Bill Clark De]

I was just reading about pretenders to the corps. not sure if I find that pathetic -for I know people who have looked me in the eye and said” I was in the marines but washed out in boot camp Paris island-”- or maybe just as sad some who said
“ I couldn’t pass the physical to get in the marines.”
As to those who needed to fabricate their service in the corps in my day -Ok so that was old corps -
we had a question that settled the issue --
What was your service number-
of course that was before the politically correct social security number became your number----
With old serial number system the initial digits told those who were in what era your service was or wasn't===sort of lessened the sea stories--
In my era we were plagued with those who said they were at the frozen chosen or made the landing outside Seoul and even some sprinkling of some who claimed to island hopped across he South pacific ---
We took what ever comfort there was in -- if we were there we knew -----and certainly had no place in squad bay sea story sessions or civilian bar room bull sessions
* dang did I just show my age?……
Bill Clark CPL -yes corporal were no lance corporal in the old corp
:USMC 1623504

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Bill,

Go easy on those service numbers. The ones we got in Navy bootcamp had been recycled. You can imagine why.



Sarge,

Go easy on those Marine officers. Two of my closest friends are retired Marine officers. Each did 2 tours in 'Nam. One is a double Purple heart. One year while elk hunting with him, he got me out after I got hypothermia so bad I was walking 15 yards and sitting down in the snow and telling him to go on...I'll be along shortly. OF COURSE...I got hypothermia because of him but he brought me out alive without skinning me...quartering me and bringing me out on the pack mules!:D We,of course, had the usual Marine-Navy banter in elk camp, but he later asked me to serve in several official positions when he ran for office in several different sportsman organizations and I served as his VP in one and Treasurer in another one for 6 years.

It's hard to admit from a former swabby but I'm fond of most Marines!

[Dave Anderson NH]

John and Bill my service started 2422XXX so I was obviously much later. We were always appreciative of the Army logisitcs support whether intended or involuntary. :D When I was in 1st CAG we got our resupply from the Americal Division who provided us 1 hot meal a day and all kinds of extras I never got in a rifle company under the Marine supply system. We had a gallows humor saying in the line companys that the Corps would rather spend a man than a dollar. My theory is that our lack of support came from our senior officers who were comany grades in the days just before and during Korea when Harry Truman wanted to do away with the Corps and almost did. They remembered that time and were adamant about proving that we were cost effective and gave a good value for the dollar. Each year even during Vietnam they turned back unspent funds to the treasury to prove this point. This idiocy cost a lot of unnecessary lives and naturally made our lives a lot less comfortable. We were eating C rations in Vietnam packed in the late 1940s until late 1968 and you don't want to even know the head stamp dates on some of our ammo.

What kept us going was our pride in ouselves, our Corps, and our knowledge that each and every man had gone through boot camp and had earned the title Marine. I can't empasize enough the fact that this title was hard earned. It meant that the guy on either side of you, whether a friend or someone whose guts you hated, was dependable and would faithfully watch your backside. I unfondly remember a night when I was convinced our small compound was going to get overrun by the 74th NVA heavy weapons batallion. We all thought the 30 or so of us at MTT 1-1 were going to die that night, but not one man broke down or ran for it. We stayed and waited because whe didn't have orders to abandon our post. We got lucky. At dusk an army unit, 1st Squadron 1st Armed Cavalry, pulled into our compound with a company of Army grunts on its back and saved our bacon. With all that firepower, the ground attack never came and the next day we wenttour and cleaned clock. There was an area where for about 100 yards you could walk body to body and not have to touch foot to the ground. I have lots bad to say about Army units, but lots good to say too.

[Ed Sallee]

I'm ex Army..... Never saw combat but I sat on my duffle bag for three or four days locked down a couple of times while the Ranger's and 82nd kicked but in Panama & Grenada.... Straight leg infantry! Spent the next four years in Germany, laying low, while they were bombing the crap out of Libya....

As infantry, our leaders would tell us....that there are two types in the military. Infantry and support! No offense to anybody intended... but, I kinda liked that old saying.

Having family members that stormed Omaha, my Dad was in the Korean War and cousins who fought in Nam, nephews that are Marines... not to mention a deep love of my country. I have the deepest respect for all veterans, from any service from any time.

I think we should, as a group, start a way to offer flag cases for our vets that have earned them.....

I did, in fact, send an email to the pastor of the church where SFC Beale was being honored, and offered a flag case. I did not hear back from him, I would have been proud to have honored his service to my country.

[Bill Clark De]

I didn't and still don't care about what the press and the hippies said about the Namy yamis--- I said then and say now i never knew a Marine i wouldn't trust with my back ..

. Not my wife but my back---:)
Let me say this again you guys did good
-as good as our goverment would let you --still remember the exacuation of the embasy and kai sun almost sighed up after all that
and I would stand beside you guys if that was what was required ..
When I left the corps i became a State Trooper and in th60's we faced the civil unrest of the cities and as we were mustered into rat patrols for the riots along with miltary people... We were long singling out the ex marines oops former marines and we again had each others backs... i've heard it said that all marines become brothers there is something to all that even after all these years-- having said that now I got to add sometimes i wasn't too happy with my real brothers so it ok not to be excited with all ex marines...But only former marines can express that....
dang should can get long winded about the corps...

[Belinda Barfield]

I've had an apology from one of you for taking this thread in a different direction. Let me just say, no apology necessary. I see a bond here that you don't find often in life. Work it. Let's see where it goes. You guys are special, and there is a special connection between you that I can't ever hope to fathom, but it is wonderful, and it is vital, and I am more than happy for you to pursue it. Thread is just a thread, this is real. Carry on!

[John Thompson]

I was just reading about pretenders to the corps. not sure if I find that pathetic -for I know people who have looked me in the eye and said” I was in the marines but washed out in boot camp Paris island-”- or maybe just as sad some who said
“ I couldn’t pass the physical to get in the marines.”
As to those who needed to fabricate their service in the corps in my day -Ok so that was old corps -
we had a question that settled the issue --
What was your service number-
of course that was before the politically correct social security number became your number----
With old serial number system the initial digits told those who were in what era your service was or wasn't===sort of lessened the sea stories--
In my era we were plagued with those who said they were at the frozen chosen or made the landing outside Seoul and even some sprinkling of some who claimed to island hopped across he South pacific ---
We took what ever comfort there was in -- if we were there we knew -----and certainly had no place in squad bay sea story sessions or civilian bar room bull sessions
* dang did I just show my age?……
Bill Clark CPL -yes corporal were no lance corporal in the old corp
:USMC 1623504


Thanks for taking care of the icebery in Korea, Bill. You Korean guys are the most neglected IMO with the exception of the Air Force who finally brought ariel dog-fighting into the 20th Century. Techniques were still the same as prop jobs but... with jets. BTW... were you at Chosen Reservior?
And what Ken said about service numbers. I would not give mine out as I use it for passwords on quite a few things. Only thing a dumb country boy can remember without fiag. I can tell you the serial number on every weapon I ever carried also without a stutter. :)

Regards...

[John Thompson]

Bill,

Go easy on those service numbers. The ones we got in Navy bootcamp had been recycled. You can imagine why.



Sarge,

Go easy on those Marine officers. Two of my closest friends are retired Marine officers. Each did 2 tours in 'Nam. One is a double Purple heart. One year while elk hunting with him, he got me out after I got hypothermia so bad I was walking 15 yards and sitting down in the snow and telling him to go on...I'll be along shortly. OF COURSE...I got hypothermia because of him but he brought me out alive without skinning me...quartering me and bringing me out on the pack mules!:D We,of course, had the usual Marine-Navy banter in elk camp, but he later asked me to serve in several official positions when he ran for office in several different sportsman organizations and I served as his VP in one and Treasurer in another one for 6 years.

It's hard to admit from a former swabby but I'm fond of most Marines!

I never met an officer that I didn't like.... well.... after I got out of the service anyway with the exception of an Army Colonel from WWII.. Korea. I have a feeling that all branch en-listed were not overly fond of officers during their tour of duty. The Marine officers were good but they were Marine officers and sometimes did things as Dave touched on about Marine logistics that wasn't necessarily always best for enlisted men. I'll touch on that in another post to Dave in a moment.

BTW... next time you are hunting with your friend... explain to him how each branch tells time. If say 6 AM... I believe you swabbies say 6 bells or something similar... we Army say 0:600 hours and the Marines say the little hand is on Six and the big hand is on 12. That will p**s him off and be prepared to run.. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

Regards...

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I decided to remove my statement. While it might be funny to me others might consider it demeaning. My apologies to any Marine I might have insulted.

[John Thompson]

John and Bill my service started 2422XXX so I was obviously much later. We were always appreciative of the Army logisitcs support whether intended or involuntary. :D When I was in 1st CAG we got our resupply from the Americal Division who provided us 1 hot meal a day and all kinds of extras I never got in a rifle company under the Marine supply system. We had a gallows humor saying in the line companys that the Corps would rather spend a man than a dollar. My theory is that our lack of support came from our senior officers who were comany grades in the days just before and during Korea when Harry Truman wanted to do away with the Corps and almost did. They remembered that time and were adamant about proving that we were cost effective and gave a good value for the dollar. Each year even during Vietnam they turned back unspent funds to the treasury to prove this point. This idiocy cost a lot of unnecessary lives and naturally made our lives a lot less comfortable. We were eating C rations in Vietnam packed in the late 1940s until late 1968 and you don't want to even know the head stamp dates on some of our ammo.

What kept us going was our pride in ouselves, our Corps, and our knowledge that each and every man had gone through boot camp and had earned the title Marine. I can't empasize enough the fact that this title was hard earned. It meant that the guy on either side of you, whether a friend or someone whose guts you hated, was dependable and would faithfully watch your backside. I unfondly remember a night when I was convinced our small compound was going to get overrun by the 74th NVA heavy weapons batallion. We all thought the 30 or so of us at MTT 1-1 were going to die that night, but not one man broke down or ran for it. We stayed and waited because whe didn't have orders to abandon our post. We got lucky. At dusk an army unit, 1st Squadron 1st Armed Cavalry, pulled into our compound with a company of Army grunts on its back and saved our bacon. With all that firepower, the ground attack never came and the next day we wenttour and cleaned clock. There was an area where for about 100 yards you could walk body to body and not have to touch foot to the ground. I have lots bad to say about Army units, but lots good to say too.

I'm glad you mentioned about rather spend a man in lieu of a dollar as I was going to earlier but thought the better of it. I tend to agree as I was going to mention that the Marines take pride in returning money to the government each year with their budget. 3rd Marines had some Korean War era deuce and a halves... they seemed to always be short ammo and in some cases when they had Army artillery support would not use it. One of the reasons I took it upon myself to get some of our surplus ammo.. etc.

Don't feel bad about the Korean C-rations as I got those also but line units all got hot meals when we got back to base camp which was average of 3 days in and 40-45 in the boonies. I was fortunate to get the fore-runner of dyhedrated rations on my 6 man hunter-killer team. Only 3 varieties then but better than C's. I am a beens and franks man for sure and learned to create with C's. Always carried a bottle of Tabaco Sauce with me and a few onions. A pinch of C-4 plastic explosives to create that blue hot flame to heat my beanie weenies and a cup of coffee heating water in a canteen cup using that very versatile C-4.

I got tired of those dry saltine crackers though and would often bury them to keep the NVA's hands off them. But.. get in a fire-fight that lasted a few days and no Huey re-supply of rations... a man can get migthy hon-gree. Dig those crackers back up... brush off the red ants and they shore were Good at that point. :D Someone reading all this without having been to the mountain probably think we are all crazy. Maybe we are in a way but crazy about being alive would be a better evaluation.

BTW.. won't argue about some complaints on Army units as they were what I call loose and dangerous. I was glad to have operated with 5 other guys I trusted.. were dedicated and I called the shots in the field which gave me more a sense of control of my and their destiny as opposed to an officer sitting in a base camp in a secure bunker looking for a promotion.

I suppose I should shut up.. this has brought back memories of the way we were in comparison to the way we are now. I have enjoyed the conversation and if it continues.... so be it.

Regards...

[John Thompson]

I've had an apology from one of you for taking this thread in a different direction. Let me just say, no apology necessary. I see a bond here that you don't find often in life. Work it. Let's see where it goes. You guys are special, and there is a special connection between you that I can't ever hope to fathom, but it is wonderful, and it is vital, and I am more than happy for you to pursue it. Thread is just a thread, this is real. Carry on!


Thanks for your willingness to share this thread as sometimes these things just evlove in one way or another much as a conversation at a party when everyone is one drink over what they probably needed to have. And I do believe from your comments that if anyone is making sense of this outside of the few participating.. you would be there when all the smoke clears.

By tradition each branch of service hates the other branches. But.. when the time arrives to defend the United States of America we drop those sentiments and stand.. rejoice.. cry.. bleed side by side with no exception as we have all taken a sacred oath to defend our country. When a man gives his word.. that is the same as a written contract and must be honored IMO.

But.. when the security of the country has been secured.. we go back to fghting each other even though we do often take a break to drink a beer together and laugh a bit. But.. when the bottle is empty.. time to fight the other branch of service again until the next armed conflict that threatens the United States occurs when we get serious again.

Another vicious and silly cycle we guys have. We aren't perfect and never claimed to be but when the going gets rough you can count on us to do what needs to be done so we can go back to well.. fighting each other. Now.. that does make sense doesn't it? :D

Hope my analyzes gave you a chuckle...

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Thanks for your willingness to share this thread as sometimes these things just evlove in one way or another much as a conversation at a party when everyone is one drink over what they probably needed to have. And I do believe from your comments that if anyone is making sense of this outside of the few participating.. you would be there when all the smoke clears.

By tradition each branch of service hates the other branches. But.. when the time arrives to defend the United States of America we drop those sentiments and stand.. rejoice.. cry.. bleed side by side with no exception as we have all taken a sacred oath to defend our country. When a man gives his word.. that is the same as a written contract and must be honored IMO.

But.. when the security of the country has been secured.. we go back to fghting each other even though we do often take a break to drink a beer together and laugh a bit. But.. when the bottle is empty.. time to fight the other branch of service again until the next armed conflict that threatens the United States occurs when we get serious again.

Another vicious and silly cycle we guys have. We aren't perfect and never claimed to be but when the going gets rough you can count on us to do what needs to be done so we can go back to well.. fighting each other. Now.. that does make sense doesn't it? :D

Hope my analyzes gave you a chuckle...

And ain't it funny John.....we can be at each other's throat in an inter-service rivalry bout at it's finest.....then someone comes along and picks a fight with one of the two of us.....and that poor 3rd guy gets stomped by the both of us who were at it in the first place!:confused::D

[Mike Henderson]

I hadn't been reading this thread but read through it today.

I came back from Vietnam in 1971. My memory's a bit weak, but I think we flew into Travis air base outside San Francisco. Took a couple of days to go through the outprocessing. I was in a BOQ room with a warrant officer who was heading to VN and he kept calling me "sir". I told him to knock it off - in another day or so I'd be a civilian. (His fatigues were all bright and green and mine were that light, faded lime color.)

Anyway, I flew home from SF in uniform but I did not notice any hostility during the trip home. But I wan't looking for any - I was just happy to be out of the army. BTW, when we took off from Saigon, when the wheels left the ground, everyone - and I mean everyone - spontaneous applauded (then went to sleep). Was it the same when you left?

I agree with Dave - I can generally tell if someone is BS'ing about being in VN. Everyone I ever knew had a 1,000 stories to tell and would bend your ear off if you even hinted about being interested. I know I have a bunch of stories and I didn't see combat.

Mike

[Belinda Barfield]

I think we should, as a group, start a way to offer flag cases for our vets that have earned them.....

I did, in fact, send an email to the pastor of the church where SFC Beale was being honored, and offered a flag case. I did not hear back from him, I would have been proud to have honored his service to my country.

If you need any engraving done on a case just let me know Ed.



But.. when the security of the country has been secured.. we go back to fghting each other even though we do often take a break to drink a beer together and laugh a bit. But.. when the bottle is empty.. time to fight the other branch of service again until the next armed conflict that threatens the United States occurs when we get serious again.


A little side story, John. I've lived in the same condo complex for nine years. The first summer I was there I hung out at the pool every weekend. There was also a group of Vietnam vets who were there every weekend - two Marines, two Army guys, and one Navy guy. The group and I always sat on the same side of the pool, and I listened to their stories, and their bickering, and their outright arguments over most of that summer. Then, they sort of adopted me. When one of the guys, Dan, met the woman of his dreams (number 5) he brought her to me for approval on their first date. She later told me that I "grilled" her that night. Heck, I probably did. :o:D They've been happily married for four years now.

I understand that you guys know when it's time to argue, and when it's time not to argue. All of the guys from the pool group have moved away from the complex but, of course, they all keep in touch with each other, and with me. When we all go out it's like having five big brothers along. They are overly protective of me, but that's okay. One of the group is losing a battle to cancer right now so we don't have much time left with him. When my friend J.D. returned from Iraq (minus his right arm), the group took him in, so the traditions continue, and the stories will be remembered, and the one-uping and arguing are ongoing.

I said all that to say this . . . I have the utmost respect for military men and women and am proud to be able to claim at least a few as friends.

Thank you all for sharing.

[John Thompson]

BTW, when we took off from Saigon, when the wheels left the ground, everyone - and I mean everyone - spontaneous applauded (then went to sleep). Was it the same when you left?

Mike

When I sat with my legs dangling out of a Huey Slick and left my team in the field still in a tangle with the 197 Regiment of the NVA 3rd Div.. I felt guilty for not being there with them. I still felt guilty.. sad and worried about them for two more days until I got on the Silver Freedom Bird and the wheels lifted from Danang.

Only at that point did I feel elated to be leaving my comrades and Vietnam period. So... I would say yes to your question about was it the same.

Regards...

[John Thompson]

If you need any engraving done on a case just let me know Ed.



A little side story, John. I've lived in the same condo complex for nine years. The first summer I was there I hung out at the pool every weekend. There was also a group of Vietnam vets who were there every weekend - two Marines, two Army guys, and one Navy guy. The group and I always sat on the same side of the pool, and I listened to their stories, and their bickering, and their outright arguments over most of that summer. Then, they sort of adopted me. When one of the guys, Dan, met the woman of his dreams (number 5) he brought her to me for approval on their first date. She later told me that I "grilled" her that night. Heck, I probably did. :o:D They've been happily married for four years now.

I understand that you guys know when it's time to argue, and when it's time not to argue. All of the guys from the pool group have moved away from the complex but, of course, they all keep in touch with each other, and with me. When we all go out it's like having five big brothers along. They are overly protective of me, but that's okay. One of the group is losing a battle to cancer right now so we don't have much time left with him. When my friend J.D. returned from Iraq (minus his right arm), the group took him in, so the traditions continue, and the stories will be remembered, and the one-uping and arguing are ongoing.

I said all that to say this . . . I have the utmost respect for military men and women and am proud to be able to claim at least a few as friends.

Thank you all for sharing.

You are a out-standing example of a class act Ms. Williamson. If we guys had even an inkling of understanding about what makes women tick as much as you appear to have the exact number of our license plate.. there would be sudden shortage of mystique in the world. But.... not likely to happen so I would advise all guys to hang onto their stock in "mystique" as it is.. and probably always will be.. Blue Chip. :D

Thanks for being who you are.. outstanding to say the least....

[James Harrison]

Thank you very much for this film.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Hey John, When I was with B 1/7 I was fortunate enough to have good officers with one exception, and he lasted about 2 weeks before the CO canned him. Our CO was a piece of work and we would have followed him into the gates of hell. He was a MGySgt when commissioned and had fought in both the So Pacific and Korea so we saw the absolute minimum BS. The only thing that mattered to Capt James Hoffman was combat effectiveness and discipline. When I moved to the CAG teams I saw an officer twice a month when he came out to have us sign the paybook and when he came back on payday. Other than that we were left alone and Corporal and Sergeants ran their own show. This worked well since every CAG Marine was a volunteer and had been interviewed and screened before being accepted and had to have 4 months in country with a rifle company in order to qualify. CAG had both its up and down sides. An easier life than the line companies with less humping heavy loads through the mountains, but more dangerous since you were an unsupported small unit of Marines and PFs (Vietnamese militia) and worked a given AO.

As I said, my experience with Army units varied. Some were excellent and well disciplined and led, Ranger units, LRRPs, 101st Airborne. Others were absolutely awful and had questionable combat effectiveness like most of the Americal except one batallion.

Going home was a mixed experience. Leaving was fine except I felt uneasy about leaving my team in the hands of Sgt who had never seen combat and who was new in country. I still feel occasional guilt feelings about leaving since on November 22, 1969 my team was almost wiped out and had to be deactivated. Two Marines (Pfc Peter Gruca, PFC Wesley Sidener) were KIA along with my Corpsman HM3 Gerry Keesling. 6 were wounded badly. The PFs ran and disappeared and a company from the Americal was heloed in to save their butts. Like I said, Army units varied.

[Mike Henderson]

I had my best duty during my whole tour in the army when I was in Vietnam. I was assigned to MACV HQ and worked in an air conditioned office. The commanding general had his office across the street from where I worked.
I had been drafted and went to infantry OCS at Benning but was commissioned in the signal corps because of my degree. When I arrived in VN, I was assigned as an advisor to a RF/PF group because I was infantry trained. I called the major who I would be reporting to to ask him how to get to his location. The call went something like this:
Me: "Major, I just arrived in country and have been assigned to your outfit. How do I get to you?"
Major: "What branch are you?"
Me: "Well, I'm signal, major."
Major: "I don't need any *&#*** signal officers. I need INFANTRY officers!"
At this point I could have explained to the Major that I had gone through infantry OCS as was as qualified as any other infantry second Lt that he would get assigned to him. But I had been in the army long enough by now to know not to volunteer anything. So I said,
Me: "Well, major. OPO must have made a mistake. But I'll go back to OPO and tell them you need INFANTRY officers."
So before I went to OPO, I went to MACV HQ and started asking if anyone needed someone with my training. People were very helpful. The first ones didn't have need for me, but they kept referring me on until I found a place that was looking for someone with my training. They agreed to make a request for me to OPO.
I went back to OPO and told them that the major didn't want me but there was an office right here in Saigon that was going to make a request to have me assigned to them. The guy at OPO didn't even wait for the request - he just cut me orders to that group (MACV CORDS RAD).
And that's how I spent my time in VN working in an air conditioned office, eating lunch in the O-club, and hanging out at the pool.
And to really rub salt into the wound, I met my wife in Saigon. She was an American working for Control Data on contract.

As I said, there are a thousand stories. Don't get me started.

[Jimmy Williams]

Thanks for posting this Belinda. As a fellow Georgian, and one with a brother currently serving in Afghanistan, I am glad to see others respect what this young man did for this country. I live not far from the new National Cemetery in Canton and this video makes me want to take my family out there the next time I hear of one of our fallen soldiers being laid to rest there.

Thanks again

[Belinda Barfield]

Thanks for posting this Belinda. As a fellow Georgian, and one with a brother currently serving in Afghanistan, I am glad to see others respect what this young man did for this country. I live not far from the new National Cemetery in Canton and this video makes me want to take my family out there the next time I hear of one of our fallen soldiers being laid to rest there.

Thanks again

You're welcome Jimmy. Like Nike would say, just do it!

[John Thompson]

Afternoon Dave... just picked up 100 bd. feet of QWWO so I've been in the shop stickering. I hear you on officers as some were great.. some were not great. We had some 2 Lt's who came to we Sargeants and just flat told us they didn't have a clue and needed help. Those guys were fine but.. the one's that had the gung ho attitude were dangerous in about every action they took looking for the promotion.

But.. I was actually Long Range Recon Patrol trained and only spent about two months in a line unit as a sniper. But.. in Jan. of 69' the Army decided to re-enact the 75th Ranger Battalion. LRRP was designated Ranger and each Division had a company with Brigades as 173 also getting a company of Rangers. They broke us off into what we were trained for which was recon but with a twist. Instead of true recon my Division formed 4 six man hunter-killer teams with the team leader issued a Marine M 40 bolt action Remington.. bull barrel.. lined glass stock.. Redfield 12 x scope. I outfitted one man with a M 14 with competition barrel.. three with M-16's with silencers and the PRC 25 man originally carried the thump gun but... I took it away and gave him a 12 guage-9 round- pump shotgun with 00 buck.

Anyhoo... at that point we had Master Sgt. Mickey McCoy commanding the all 4 teams and he worked directly with a Major in the operations bunker. The Major was a gung-ho for sure but Mickey could side step him as he knew the ropes. If we had one of our night trip wire rigged Claymore quad traps go off we knew NVA had tripped the wire and most likely enemy casualities. With the exception of two tigers who were in the wrong place at the right time.:)

But... if we radioed that info back on a Sit Rep.. the Major would order us to go down to get a body count. Concealed in a night position we weren't going to do that. Morning and day-light would come. So.. we devised a secret code which would be picked up by Sgt. McCoy to let him know we had contact but disquise the fact to the Major. We changed each time we were inserted. Something of the effect of Chicken Jumped the Wire.. etc. That way McCoy could monitor the PRC 25 for the evening in case of trouble and report contact and confirms the next morning after day-light. You gotta do what you gotta do for every obstacle there is a by-pass if you think.:cool:

So.. all officers cannot be classified as bad... but the one's that were bad can kiss my southern *ss and we found ways to go around them due to a Master Sargeant (same a your Gunny) in charge of us.

Regards...

[John Thompson]

Well Mike.. again I am shocked as I only thought the Air Force had air-conditioned barracks and cafeterias.. etc. So now I find out my Army MACV boys did too. We hated those Air force pilots who would make a pass with 20 mm blazing.. drop a few 500 lb. bombs or a load of napalm.. do a barrel roll and then head back to Danang for cold beer and air conditioning. :D

We really needed the 500 pounders.. the naplam and 20 mike mike as we wouldn't have called an air strike to begin with but.. that victory barrel roll and head back to Danang after 15 minutes work in the cock-pit to the luxury life got under our 45 day old without a cold shower or shave skin. And their flight suits were probably clean on top of that in lieu of faded jungle fatiques rotting off your body ever two months and the same with the combat boos that were always wet. Throw in no leaches to pick off when you crossed a stream of water.. stagnant canteen water from a 1000 pound bomb crater treated with purification pills.. etc. and you have bunch of guys working in air conditioning. ha.. ha... ha.. ha..ha..

Now.. I won't tell you I would have loved to trade places with those guys or even go fishing with them in the states but... I can tell you they were not well thought of by those not so fortunate. I suppose a man has to learn to forgive though so.... ;)

Yeah.. thousands of stories like the squad of 13 men I so go out one night while at A-2 on the DMZ and come back in just before daylight with 14 men. Those young-uns learned to count off after that the the hilarious part was the NVA that crashed the party behind that ambush patrol took off running back down the wire corridor coming into the compound. A guy on an M 60 tanks fired at him with a .50 caliber all the way and simply missed. If you can't hit someone with a .50 machine gun as accurate as it is.. they should have sent transferred him to the Air Force where cluster bombs are more effective. :D

Yep.. a million stories could be told no doubt. But most will go to the grave with us I suppose.

Regards... well... let me think about that Mr. Air Conditioning.. :cool: :cool:

[Dave Anderson NH]

I differ John. I loved both arty and air support no matter where it came from and no matter who delivered it. I will however admit to envy of the guys who had clean clothes, enough to eat, and something other than a paddy dike to rest their head on at night.:D

In 1st CAG we had a close relationship with the Jake FACs, 2 Air Force FAC planes out ot the Tam Ky airstrip. They had real guts with their little OV10s ( Cesna Super skymasters) and got our butts out of many a jam. They even broke the rules for us a couple of times by having the fast movers drop as close as 500 meters after verifying twice that it was what we needed. One afternoon when one of them got shot down and we recovered him intact, a couple of their officers made a special trip by unescorted jeep out to our position with 3 cases of ice cold beer from the province TOC in Tam Ky. Gotta admit though that they scared us tight ... Marines with their friendliness and informality. Any Marine officer getting that friendly would have had some serious explaining to do to the field grade weenies.

I appreciate the sacrifices of the guys who are currently in Iraq, and particularly those in Afghanistan. It's a tough job. Except for the jungle, they face a lot of the same stuff we did and even a few more like extreme altitude. Mountain humps, extreme heat, and artificial barriers to doing their job placed there by the politicians. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

[Mike Henderson]

I appreciate the sacrifices of the guys who are currently in Iraq, and particularly those in Afghanistan. It's a tough job. Except for the jungle, they face a lot of the same stuff we did and even a few more like extreme altitude. Mountain humps, extreme heat, and artificial barriers to doing their job placed there by the politicians. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
I second that. But Vietnam was somewhat of a special case. There was no way we were going to "win" unless we invaded North Vietnam. But no president was going to do that because the Chinese had let it be known that if we invaded, they'd enter the war, same as they did in Korea. And nobody - not Johnson, not Nixon - were going to get us into another war against China on the Asian continent.

Mike

[P.S. I know I had it easy in VN and I appreciate the efforts of guys like you and John who were out in the boonies. In every war there are a lot of people supporting the troops in the field. I was one of them in Vietnam. So I won't tell you about having a maid who washed and ironed our fatigues every day, etc.]

[Belinda Barfield]

[P.S. I know I had it easy in VN and I appreciate the efforts of guys like you and John who were out in the boonies. In every war there are a lot of people supporting the troops in the field. I was one of them in Vietnam. So I won't tell you about having a maid who washed and ironed our fatigues every day, etc.]

Geez Mike! Why don't you find a sharper stick and poke a little harder? You're bound to get a rise out of 'em then! :D

[Mike Henderson]

Geez Mike! Why don't you find a sharper stick and poke a little harder? You're bound to get a rise out of 'em then! :D
Yeah, I know, but it's just life in the military. The exact same stories are being repeated in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it was the same in WWII and Korea. So we tell our stories and razz each other. What else can we do?

Mike

[John Thompson]

I differ John. I loved both arty and air support no matter where it came from and no matter who delivered it. I will however admit to envy of the guys who had clean clothes, enough to eat, and something other than a paddy dike to rest their head on at night.:D

In 1st CAG we had a close relationship with the Jake FACs, 2 Air Force FAC planes out ot the Tam Ky airstrip. They had real guts with their little OV10s ( Cesna Super skymasters) and got our butts out of many a jam. They even broke the rules for us a couple of times by having the fast movers drop as close as 500 meters after verifying twice that it was what we needed. One afternoon when one of them got shot down and we recovered him intact, a couple of their officers made a special trip by unescorted jeep out to our position with 3 cases of ice cold beer from the province TOC in Tam Ky. Gotta admit though that they scared us tight ... Marines with their friendliness and informality. Any Marine officer getting that friendly would have had some serious explaining to do to the field grade weenies.

I appreciate the sacrifices of the guys who are currently in Iraq, and particularly those in Afghanistan. It's a tough job. Except for the jungle, they face a lot of the same stuff we did and even a few more like extreme altitude. Mountain humps, extreme heat, and artificial barriers to doing their job placed there by the politicians. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

I will have to state I appreciate the sacrifices of every American from the Village Green of Lexington, MA. to current.. barr none even though with a few exceptions of any that participtated or allowed a massacre of innocent civilians as the case of the young 2nd. Lt. Caulley (sp) from my state I believe in VN.

BTW... there were mountains in Vietnam. If you got as far north as the Rockpile west to the Asaha they were there. Probably not as large as the ones in Afganistan but mountaineous terrain indeed. During the monsoons when the ground was saturated.. you had to tie a rope around you waist an to a tree in case you slid in the mud in your sleep down the hill outside the perimeter.

You know what happens when "any" noise or "anybody" is outside a night perimeter. Every weapon inside and on that perimeter line opens up on the sound. Even if it was a mongoose looking for a meal in an empty C-ration can some idiot didn't bury... who knows what or who is out there and shouldn't be. ;)

I normally stay extremely busy in my shop but.. I have certainly enjoying going off topic here and that was not done purposely in all respect to Sgt. Beale who is from not too far from me. It's been fun talking the talk to another boonie humper who understands the lingo and has shared experience in actual combat. So.. thanks for your participation as it has been a pleasure for me to dig up a few bones and hash over them.

BTW.. I was stationed at Ft. Sill, OK. once which is the Army Artillery Tranining fort. I was there to cross-train Artillery officer candidates in Infantry.. teach them to repel cliffs and helicopters and we ran their Escape and Evasion Course. But.. I was a member of 5 Army Post Sky-diving Clubs including there. At that Club on post or at the actual drop zone.. rank was disregarded. A major.. colonel whatever was just another sky-diver at meetings an on the drop zone. If you saw them the next you saluted and they were sir.. but... just Jim... Frank.. Tom when the common bond was a para-chute and a free fall.

Regards...

[John Thompson]

Geez Mike! Why don't you find a sharper stick and poke a little harder? You're bound to get a rise out of 'em then! :D

As I stated Belinda... you have our number and nobody is going to sneak anything past you IMO.. Aw... just another of those MACV air conditioner guys doing a little fishing and trying to get a bite. He has thrown out the lure and trolling for one of us ground pounders (in my case a dumb country boy from Georgia) to swallow it. A nice lure in the form of very attractive French trained maids who does their laundry every day not to smell up the fresh de-humidified air from AC but.. we are smarter than we may initially appear in your rear view mirror. ;)

If you want to catch a fish... regardless of how pretty the lure is the real key is in the presentation of the lure and we Barracuda's aren't biting on that one. :)

So Belinda... if you would be so gracious (and you have proved that already) you might tell my brother in arms that he has to do better job of presentation if he wants to fill the boat with the likes of us Mud Carp. I would tell him myself but.. I ain't speaking to him since I found out he had air conditioning and little French maids running around his luxury Condo suite high a-atop the Hilton Penthouse at MACV.

The dumb country boy from Georgia who just fell off a turnip truck yesterday.. NOT.. ha.. ha...

And as always.. highest regards for the evening to you, ma'am.. :)

[Bill Clark De]

Afternoon Dave... just picked up 100 bd. feet of QWWO so I've been in the shop stickering. I hear you on officers as some were great.. some were not great. We had some 2 Lt's who came to we Sargeants and just flat told us they didn't have a clue and needed help. Those guys were fine but.. the one's that had the gung ho attitude were dangerous in about every action they took looking for the promotion.

But.. I was actually Long Range Recon Patrol trained and only spent about two months in a line unit as a sniper. But.. in Jan. of 69' the Army decided to re-enact the 75th Ranger Battalion. LRRP was designated Ranger and each Division had a company with Brigades as 173 also getting a company of Rangers. They broke us off into what we were trained for which was recon but with a twist. Instead of true recon my Division formed 4 six man hunter-killer teams with the team leader issued a Marine M 40 bolt action Remington.. bull barrel.. lined glass stock.. Redfield 12 x scope. I outfitted one man with a M 14 with competition barrel.. three with M-16's with silencers and the PRC 25 man originally carried the thump gun but... I took it away and gave him a 12 guage-9 round- pump shotgun with 00 buck.

Anyhoo... at that point we had Master Sgt. Mickey McCoy commanding the all 4 teams and he worked directly with a Major in the operations bunker. The Major was a gung-ho for sure but Mickey could side step him as he knew the ropes. If we had one of our night trip wire rigged Claymore quad traps go off we knew NVA had tripped the wire and most likely enemy casualities. With the exception of two tigers who were in the wrong place at the right time.:)

But... if we radioed that info back on a Sit Rep.. the Major would order us to go down to get a body count. Concealed in a night position we weren't going to do that. Morning and day-light would come. So.. we devised a secret code which would be picked up by Sgt. McCoy to let him know we had contact but disquise the fact to the Major. We changed each time we were inserted. Something of the effect of Chicken Jumped the Wire.. etc. That way McCoy could monitor the PRC 25 for the evening in case of trouble and report contact and confirms the next morning after day-light. You gotta do what you gotta do for every obstacle there is a by-pass if you think.:cool:

So.. all officers cannot be classified as bad... but the one's that were bad can kiss my southern *ss and we found ways to go around them due to a Master Sargeant (same a your Gunny) in charge of us.

Regards...
was that Major Jim Land?

[Mike Henderson]

As I stated Belinda... you have our number and nobody is going to sneak anything past you IMO.. Aw... just another of those MACV air conditioner guys doing a little fishing and trying to get a bite. He has thrown out the lure and trolling for one of us ground pounders (in my case a dumb country boy from Georgia) to swallow it. A nice lure in the form of very attractive French trained maids who does their laundry every day not to smell up the fresh de-humidified air from AC but.. we are smarter than we may initially appear in your rear view mirror. ;)

If you want to catch a fish... regardless of how pretty the lure is the real key is in the presentation of the lure and we Barracuda's aren't biting on that one. :)

So Belinda... if you would be so gracious (and you have proved that already) you might tell my brother in arms that he has to do better job of presentation if he wants to fill the boat with the likes of us Mud Carp. I would tell him myself but.. I ain't speaking to him since I found out he had air conditioning and little French maids running around his luxury Condo suite high a-atop the Hilton Penthouse at MACV.

The dumb country boy from Georgia who just fell off a turnip truck yesterday.. NOT.. ha.. ha...

And as always.. highest regards for the evening to you, ma'am.. :)
Ah, if only they were French maids.

But I bow to the master and surrender.

Mike

[John Thompson]

was that Major Jim Land?

Bill.. I need to clarify. I was in the Army and went over in 68' with the 1st Brigade of what was then the 5th Infantry Div. (dis-mantled just after the Panamo campaign) which was sent to gradually take over for 3rd Marines in I Corp on the DMZ who finally got everyone back to Okinaw by 1972 if my memory serves me correctly. So.. I was not a Marine but we were under tactical command of 3rd Marines who we were there to gradully relieve.

Major Land was a Marine Major and had a very large play latter in getting the Marine Scout Sniper School up and running in Quantico I believe. Carlos Hathcock was the Marine #2 sniper with confirms also had a play in that and taught at the school. I believe a gentleman named Chuck (I can't remember his last name) turned out to be the #1 man with what we call the "pop gun" or Marine issue sniper rifle at that time. There were some other weapons floating around and even a few 1917 Sprngfield 30.06 which is one of the most accurate military bolt actions ever made.

But... the Army didn't have a formal Sniper School at that time nor did they have their own sniper rifle until later when an M=14 with match grade barrel was adopted and outfitted with a Range-finder scope. So... I had to draw and sign out the official Marine sniper rifle from Marine armory. Army 5th Division simply trained us informally as Snipers by qualification with the 5th Div. rifle team back at Ft. Carson, CO.

We went to the range 7 days a week for 6 months to fire 100 rounds standing at 100 meters. 100 rounds sitting at 200 meters.. 10 rounds sitting a 300 meters.. 200 rounds prone at 600 meters and 100 rounds prone at 1000 meters open sight with a spotter behind us with binoculars to track the vapor trail of the 7.62 mm going down range. You can't see a full jacketed military round in flight but.. you can see the vapor trail as the bullet is actually a the tip of the V in the nose of the vapor trail. The spotter can tell you how to adjust 2nd round if necessary from that. Over 1000 meters was done with scoped rifles in training.

But they did have a Long Range Recon Patrol School I had to go through. Then we got mountaineer training from Pop Sorenson who was a qualified Swedish mountaineer working in Vail CO. at the ski resort as a snow ski instructor. Then we had to take a Recondo course in country VN just outside the beautiful French resort city of Nha Trang taught and ran by Army Green Beret. So.. we were the forerunners of the currently active 75th Ranger Regiment that was formally reenacted in 1974 and now headquatered at Ft. Benning, GA. which is also formally Infantry Command. Some of the tactics we developed and simply made up in field conditions are still used by Rangers today even though the equipment and weapons have advanced.

I did get to meet Carlor Hathcock after VN. He got burned bad pulling folks off a burning track vehicle when it was hit with a RPG or Russian rocket propelled grenade (similar to bazooka you knew in Korea but a much more powerful round as it could be rigged for every thing from Charge 3 up to Charge 7 depending on what you had to penetrate with it. Like the Russian AK=47... a great weapon and still in use by terrorist and military today.

I got hit with sharpnel from an RPG.. when the round goes off it feels like a magnatude 4 earthquake and the sound is loud enough to burst your ear-drums. I frankly had rather wrestle a wild pig than deal with an RPG.

Hope that helps... I just made it all up but.. it sounds good on paper doesn't it.. :D Just kidding.. the truth.. the whole truth and nothing but the truth just the way things should be. ;)

Regards....

[John Thompson]

Ah, if only they were French maids.

But I bow to the master and surrender.

Mike

If.. if you think I'm trusting a MACV guy with air conditioner and French ( French in dreams even though I perfer women who take showers more often personally) to throw up a white flag and surrender (now that's really French) so easily you have spent too long with air conditioning. When I see you come out without a weapon and your hands on your head.. I will consider that a formal surrender and act appropriately. But not one minute sooner my freind. :p

With all kidding aside.. have a good evening Sir.. see how diplomatic I can be when I behave which is not often. :D

[Belinda Barfield]

The dumb country boy from Georgia who just fell off a turnip truck yesterday.. NOT.. ha.. ha...

And as always.. highest regards for the evening to you, ma'am.. :)

Ain't no such thing as a dumb country boy from Georgia!

I am so looking forward to a visit from you and the Mrs.

BTW, I am waiting from a reply from Sheila giving me permission to give out her address. Sorry for the delay on that one.

Regarding your previous comment about Sgt. Beale, I didn't know him, but I'm going to hazard a guess that he wouldn't mind, would completely understand, and would be happy to have inspired such comraderie.

Regards to you as well.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Mike doesn't get any rise out of me Belinda. I freely admitted my envy of the creature comforts of the folks filling the support billets. We had a tendency to diss them and refer to them as Poges, REMFs, and other things, but all of us realized that without someone supplying us, providing commo, intel, and a host of other things, our job in the field would have been impossible. That doesn't mean though that they get off scott free. They take their lumps just like evryone else and most are good sports about the ribbing (most of the time that is).

Mike, I know the reality of all wars is that there is always political interference. Our system requires political control of the military even as the old Soviet system did before it sank under its own weight. That was why the Soviets kept KGB and political commissars/Zampolits with all military HQ, to watch, report, and control. I've always been a bit of a cynic and believed in the old Von Clauswitz quote something to the effect of, "War is a continuation of politics, by other means." My biggest villian in the Vietnam mess was the recently deceased Robert McNamara. His self serving book, justifications of what he did, and his statement about knowing the war was unwinnable years before he was canned would I suspect stick in the craws of most veterans of that era. The previous sentence is a heavily censored summation of my feelings about that cynical, self-seving and dishonorable man. If I stated my true feelings at the level I feel them I would be banned here even as a moderator. Let the Mark Twain quote suffice, I have never wished a man dead, but I read a number of obituaries with delight."

I'm about through with this thread. It has been very strange for me and I don't recall ever having written or spoken this much about the war in 40 years.

[Belinda Barfield]

I'm about through with this thread. It has been very strange for me and I don't recall ever having written or spoken this much about the war in 40 years.



Dave, I appreciate your contributions. One of the group I mentioned earlier never contributed to any discussion about Vietnam. One day I said to him, "Bill, you never talk about your days in Vietnam." He said, "I lived through it once, and I left it there. I don't want to live it again." It must still be traumatic on some levels to talk about those days, even the good ones, and I thank you for sharing.

[Harvey Ghesser]

Thank you so much Belinda, for bringing to us just a small offering of why this country and its people are so great!

[Bill Clark De]

Mike doesn't get any rise out of me Belinda. I freely admitted my envy of the creature comforts of the folks filling the support billets. We had a tendency to diss them and refer to them as Poges, REMFs, and other things, but all of us realized that without someone supplying us, providing commo, intel, and a host of other things, our job in the field would have been impossible. That doesn't mean though that they get off scott free. They take their lumps just like evryone else and most are good sports about the ribbing (most of the time that is).

Mike, I know the reality of all wars is that there is always political interference. Our system requires political control of the military even as the old Soviet system did before it sank under its own weight. That was why the Soviets kept KGB and political commissars/Zampolits with all military HQ, to watch, report, and control. I've always been a bit of a cynic and believed in the old Von Clauswitz quote something to the effect of, "War is a continuation of politics, by other means." My biggest villian in the Vietnam mess was the recently deceased Robert McNamara. His self serving book, justifications of what he did, and his statement about knowing the war was unwinnable years before he was canned would I suspect stick in the craws of most veterans of that era. The previous sentence is a heavily censored summation of my feelings about that cynical, self-seving and dishonorable man. If I stated my true feelings at the level I feel them I would be banned here even as a moderator. Let the Mark Twain quote suffice, I have never wished a man dead, but I read a number of obituaries with delight."

I'm about through with this thread. It has been very strange for me and I don't recall ever having written or spoken this much about the war in 40 years.

I think an Amen is in order---we rattled enough skeltons for the good of all -- lets move on .We are old now and we no longer need to hear the landing crafts commmanding Marines man your demarkaction stations etc ,Be well ---and dare i say it good night Chesty where ever you are
Semperi Fi

Thanks again Belinda for letting the venting work

[John Thompson]

Ain't no such thing as a dumb country boy from Georgia!

I am so looking forward to a visit from you and the Mrs.

BTW, I am waiting from a reply from Sheila giving me permission to give out her address. Sorry for the delay on that one.

Regarding your previous comment about Sgt. Beale, I didn't know him, but I'm going to hazard a guess that he wouldn't mind, would completely understand, and would be happy to have inspired such comraderie.

Regards to you as well.

I am glad you are requesting permission from Ms. Sheila in advance as I would not want to intrude on her privacy if she indeed seeks it. I haven't seen her on 40 + year and do appreciate her contributions so.. if you recieve permission give me a shout on PM or e-mail. She may not know who John Thompson is unless she puts 2 + 2 together. She may know me as Doc or Wayne my middle name and the one I used before entering the military where you go by first in lieu of second. And if I hear a comment about John Wayne I'm going to go to my shop and never come out in day-light again. :)

So.. the First Lady and I will get down your way as soon as possible. I have cranked out 8 large carcass pieces in my shop in the last 21 months and have at least 3 to go unless she decides otherwise. So.. not until at least late fall if this year.

I will also bow out here as I suppose we have covered the nostalgia quite throughly.. had a few laughs and maybe even educated some that were not there to a degree but.. time to return to the shop for the most part for me as the spirit of the wood I just stickered for acclimation is whispering my name.

Again Belinda... if Ms. Shiela permits give me an E.. If not.. no big deal as I may be able to contact through the Association of Ranger Wives if they have a site. Her brother KC is around our area so that is another possibility.

And thanks for your hospitality and toleration of our antics...

Scarlett O'hara could have picked up a few pointers from someone who is a true lady of the south to the very core of her soul. :)

Evening ma'am....

[Mike Henderson]

I think an Amen is in order---we rattled enough skeltons for the good of all -- lets move on .We are old now and we no longer need to hear the landing crafts commmanding Marines man your demarkaction stations etc ,Be well ---and dare i say it good night Chesty where ever you are
Semperi Fi

Thanks again Belinda for letting the venting work
I sometimes wonder if there's any interest outside other VN vets in hearing the stories of Vietnam (and probably limited interest there). While I don't have combat stories, I have a lot of stories, some funny, about what Vietnam (and especially Saigon and MACV HQ) was like during the war. It just seems a shame for all those stories to disappear when my wife and I die (she has her own set of stories). But maybe in the big scheme of things it really isn't interesting or important to anyone other than us.

And some of the work I did (using statistics to predict infiltration), while fascinating, had it's own set of funny stories. Officers trying to get promoted can really make a mess of statistics.

Mike

[Oh, and just to put one last dig in, here's a picture of me in Vietnam. It was taken in Long Hai which is a town close to Vung Tau. My future wife took the picture so I was not chasing that beautiful Vietnamese gal.]

[Belinda Barfield]

I sometimes wonder if there's any interest outside other VN vets in hearing the stories of Vietnam (and probably limited interest there). While I don't have combat stories, I have a lot of stories, some funny, about what Vietnam (and especially Saigon and MACV HQ) was like during the war. It just seems a shame for all those stories to disappear when my wife and I die (she has her own set of stories). But maybe in the big scheme of things it really isn't interesting or important to anyone other than us.

And some of the work I did (using statistics to predict infiltration), while fascinating, had it's own set of funny stories. Officers trying to get promoted can really make a mess of statistics.

Mike

More people may be interested than you think. A good story is a good story, regardless of the setting. If any of you want to share on a different level contact NPR StoryCorps.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4516989

Thanks again.

[John Thompson]

And some of the work I did (using statistics to predict infiltration), while fascinating, had it's own set of funny stories. Officers trying to get promoted can really make a mess of statistics.

Mike

I had to add something to your assessment of MACV Officers inflating statistics for their personal gain or a distorted picture might be painted. It also happened on Battalion.. Division and occasionally even Company level in the field. A report from the field that you had 16 confirmed might be 56 with un-confirmed even higher by the time a Battalion Battle Action report was written at that level so... MACV was not the only guilty party of self promoting ego and altering facts.

I will give a +1 to the Marine Corp as I never say it happen at Company level and I have doubts it ever happened higher. Can we say a pride in honor. So... my vote goes to the United States Marine Corp on a whole on the matter of Officer Honor with no due dis-respect to any Army Officer that was honorable and there were many that were but politics plays a large role at that level with the Army IMO.


As far as interest in stories I will agree with Ms. Belinda as you might be surprised. I think males in general have a fascination of war and combat. Young ones play computer games as Warcraft and can't get enough. I have heard many mature males state they felt guilty for not having seen combat. They wouldn't feel that way if they had I assure you and I explain that to them. We are talking nasty.. carnage.. hard-ship on a daily basis with a loss of human beings not old enough to legally drink in most cases and will never have the chance to enjoy life in full maturity.

So... write a book if you wish.. I have considered it but I communicate English composure and literature poorly and frankly... I enjoy the solace of being with tools.. wood alone to create objects of simplicity and function. It's my choice to tell the stories only when ask.

Again I will turn out the lights as the parties over.. perhaps we can come back at some other time and do the same old things again...

I will again exit Stage left with an expression I picked up down in southern Louisiana that has become an important part of my daily being....

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler...
Let the good times roll.....

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Well guys. I never made it to Vietnam but served during the period.

I just came back from Spokane, WA where the last two days I worked at the National Veteran's Wheelchair Olympics.

I will tell you one thing that really made me feel good. I saw a huge number of veterans wearing ball caps and jean jackets...riding in wheel chairs but wearing caps and jackets PROUDLY identifying themselves as Vietnam Vets. I never thought we'd see that day after serving in the late '60s and 70s.

[Jim Mackell]

Thank you for posting that video link. USAF 1966-1970 C-130 Herky pigs

[John Thompson]

Thank you for posting that video link. USAF 1966-1970 C-130 Herky pigs

Just a quick note Jim.. one of my best freinds (Lanny Franklin) did the Air force on either C130's or 131's the same period as a Loadmaster. I believe they basically flew back and forth from Taiwan to Vietnam. I happened to catch him at Danang unloading the aircraft once when I was on my way to R & R in Sydney, Austraila...

Thanks for your service as I have ridden a ton of C130's shuttling here and there.

[David Eisan]

No Dry Eyes here.

A friend of mine who introduced my wife, son just enlisted in the Canadian Army and he will quite likely end up in Afghanistan.

A big Thank You to all those who enlist.

David.

[Butch Edwards]

as a Nam-era vet, I was touched by all the vets in the video who were saluting.... many appeared to have been out for years, but they were still honoring a fallen brother.Ithank all vets here who sacrificed for their nation, and having 24 years at the VA hospital behind me, I've seen the scars.
This was a fitting tribute for an honored son of America..... I salute him as well...

[Dennis Peacock]

Thank you so much Belinda, for bringing to us just a small offering of why this country and its people are so great!

Very well stated Harvey.!!!!!