Vietnam Vet, mortuary affairs tells his story
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Roger Davidson was just 19 years old when he was draft for Vietnam. He spent the next year of his life processing the remains of our fallen heroes so they could have a proper funeral at home. Please watch Roger's story about the most important job in the military!
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To those that watched my interview thank you. I know I jumped around at different times but wanted to make sure I left nothing out. One thing I noticed was when I said I arrived at Fort Riley KS no one was there I was meaning the unit I was being assigned to wasn’t there, I was the only on base at that time. The 9th Infantry division was already there training. Sorry about any confusion. Be glad to answer any questions you may have.
David you are a brave man, you did your best.
This was a fantastic interview, I’m a current 92M the current Mortary affairs MOS and I’m always looking for more history on us, thank you for preforming the most important job in the army.
God Bless you Roger!!! Stay safe and stay blessed!!! #SemperFi 🇺🇸
It was a great interview, Roger. Please see the comment I just put up. Take care. Bob Powell, CMSgt(USAF) Ret
@@rvnmedic1968 I can imagine what you saw. Thanks for your service my friend.
Two things, I appreciated the interviewer - her voice and demeanor. And, I would like to convey my utmost respect to the gentleman. You and your group epitomize the term, "Unsung Heroes".
You poor, brave, hell-of-a-man.
You had to do an awful job, and should be proud of yourself.
One thing to fire a gun, entirely another to deal with the results.
I admire you more than you know, and thank YOU for your service,
All the best for your future.
Andy
My oldest brother was mortally wounded in Vietnam August 30, 1968. He died September 4, 1968 at the 24th Evac hospital at Long Bihn. And I’ve often wondered about his journey home. This interview was instrumental in answering those questions. Thanks so much Roger….And welcome home.
Sorry for your loss Jimmy. The soldier I mentioned in the video died at the 24th Evac hospital at Long Bihn. The Graves Registration unit was right across the street form the hospital and very busy in 67.
@@rogerdavidson1036 images53.fotki.com/v1657/photos/8/158308/9565477/inLongBinh_TakenbyEdFortmiller-vi.jpg 24th Evac Hospital, Long Binh June 1969
RIP to your brother
May he RIP
Hell of a tough job that was very important! Salute to you for doing your best to ensure those boys were well taken care of with dignity and respect. Well done sir!
I dont know how you did that job...I admire your ability to do it....much respect...
Thanks so much, for your service. God bless
Absolutely something I never thought about. I mean, I know a soldier in Vietnam who's killed gets placed into a body bag but I never thought much about it after that. Roger and his fellow mortuary activities soldiers did a job that is almost never talked about..until now. THANK YOU Roger for your service and what you did to send soldiers home on their final journey.
Volume ❓
@@edmcconnell2105 Volume? You lost me.
Thank you Mr. Davidson for sharing your story. I knew a Marine with Echo company that was KIA on May 3rd 1967 on hill 881N. To all that served Thank you and God bless...
God bless you sir!
This has been one of the more fascinating veteran interviews I've seen in some time now I've seen many "Blue Ribbon Video".
Thank you for your service Mr. Davidson!!! I really appreciate you telling your experience which I never thought of the mortuary side of wars and working very hard so families could view their family member one last time.
Thank you Brother. Am a retired combat veteran. And I am so sad seeing this horrible harvest of young bodies continues today. Pray for peace and stop this insanity of war somehow someway.
Agree 100%
thank you for everything you had to go through. I have seen death up close multiple times and it is always a jarring experience, no matter how used to it one thinks they are. it's the kind of thing that sticks with you so thank you
I am a former Army NCO and Officer who left the service to work as a contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq. I knew what Mortuary Affairs and Graves Registration was, but hadn't interacted with them. As often happens as a contractor, they don't tell you about some of your job duties until after you're in-country. Well, one of mine was accompanying our Chief Medic to identify our contractors who were KIA. They were processed through the military system just like servicemen. We lost 64 in my time at Balad Air Base, which was where most, if not all were sent before leaving the country. I got to know the soldiers who ran it, and apparently it hasn't changed much. The non-descript building near the Army Theater Hospital (later the Air Force Theater Hospital, or "AFTH"), the reefer box trucks, the reefer trailers, the body bags. I noted your comments about inventorying their personal effects, as that was my job. THAT was the most difficult part for me, and I don't think most people understand that when I tell them about it. For whatever reasons, I can handle seeing bodies and the damage done to them. If that's all I'd had to do, it wouldn't have been as trying. When you go through their stuff, they're humanized in a very personal way. You see how similar we are to each other. You learn details of their lives that yes, even their families don't know. We also scrubbed their stuff of anything that would diminish their reputation or cause pain to their families. That sounds like an easy thing, but it's not. Some of the things they'd been up to were...well, shitty. Now you're sitting there kinda playing God, and pissed because you didn't ask for that duty. You shred letters and photos, throw DVD's away, wipe hard drives and thumb drives. Because in the end, they're gone. There'll be enough pain, no purpose served by preserving it to be viewed by anyone else. Like you, I finally hit my limit and asked to be relieved of that duty. Pardon my language, but my words to my Project Manager were "Fuck that shit." He was a decorated Vietnam combat vet, and he replied, "No problem, son. I was wondering when you were gonna tell me." Just like that, it was over, and I didn't have to do that shit again.
Thank you for the interview Sgt. Davidson however, I am very disappointed that the interviewer conducted it without a box of Kleenex at the ready. Nobody should have to wipe their eyes or blow their nose in their shirt. This sounds petty but our soldiers deserve better treatment than this.
Totally agree. I did not care for her trivial, cavalier attitude, either.
I thank you, I'm glad to know that our Harold "Jimmy" was taken care of with respect and honor.
There is a special place in heaven for you, Sir. May God bless your soul. You humble me. Peace to you.
What an outstanding interview. I learned plenty.
I met a guy at the VA in San Antonio in the late 1970s who was suffering from severe PTSD although he had never been to Vietnam itself. He had spent almost a year at the western center where the bodies were sent, unloading the KIA troops, and it had finally gotten to him and he had a major breakdown. He said every day he was unloading bodies in body bags and he said the smell was over whelming. He had told me he doubted he would ever get that smell out of his memory. It sounds like Mr Davidson's job was even harder. I really feel for you, man. There are not many people who could have done that. God bless you.
Thank you for your post. I'm not sure what took place in the late 70s as the Vietnam conflict was winding down when it comes to body bags being used but it makes sense as the mortuary would be closing also. GOOD point.
Gena ; that smell never leaves you. My company was tasked in desert storm with burying multiple KIA Iraqis along a strafed/bombed road. I knew a good man Lawarnce Donnely. He was a black man that joined the marines in 1942. Because he was black he was not allowed to be "combat" marine. He served directly behind the front on islands where he was tasked with cleaning vehicles and equipment to be salvaged. He recalled tanks and amtraks that were full of horror..the maggots , the meat. He could not eat meat for several years. This and what numerous WW2 veterans and two WW1 veterans had told me I realized when it hit my nostrils. It is a smell that shocks and saddens you It saps you of hope..it is disheartening. I did not have the aversion to meat but my appetite was diminished for sure for a spell.
@@rogerdavidson1036 Hi Mr Davidson, I began my career in this field on the civilian side at sixteen years old. I was accepted into an internship for excelling in science and worked at a major metropolitan coroner’s office. I have remained in this field as a coroner’s investigator and I can relate to you. I have seen things that are unspeakable and I am a shell of a person. Thank you for your service. Go Navy Fly Navy
The smell of death is something you just can't forget easily. It's bad enough knowing they are dead, but decomposition is tough to deal with. We put cloves in our masks in the autopsy room (civilian) and we had special air suction vents and clean air circulation going in a special room, but it only helps some. You learn to tolerate it and then leave it at work when you go home. But those poor military guys didn't have the benefit of what we had, plus, those soldiers were their brothers in service, making it even more difficult. Our hearts go out to them, especially because they are TOO YOUNG to have to be dealing with that very serious part of life and death -- age 19 is still a boy! So we respect and thank those like Roger Davidson and those before and after him, who must deal close up, with the tragedy of death.
Sir I hope you get this message well you did a great service to this country and your comrades something you should be very proud of thank you so much for everything.
I was in AIIT at Ft Sill ,OK . January 1971. Every Thursday afternoon a C141 could be seen unloading alinum transfer cases from viet nam . We would watch with binoculars as they came down the ramp. It brings home the cost of war .
@@rogerdavidson1036 Roger, do you have any comment on the scandel where drugs were being hidden in deceased soldiers transfer cases or possibly in thier bodies.
Thank you Roger for trying to stay on focus (young interviewer, interrupting, with non essential questions) and your SERVICE.
All of You men and women who answered that call are my heroes.
I appreciate your honesty, courage and grace. Your desire to make the best of a sad scenario moves me.
May you have peace, you have endured enough. Much love.
Thank you.
Roger Davidson
I believe I followed you at Blackhorse GR. I transferred from long bing 493 fld. Svc. Co. blackhorse 506th in April 69. I joined Cpl Charlie Bramble already stationed there. I was there until October 69. I was an RA schooled at Ft. Lee Va. with previous civilian experience before I enlisted.
After college I taught at Indiana college of funeral service for 38 years. Retired in 2014.
As a native Hoosier who went in via the Induction Center Indy . I was in lll Corp also . Only worked out of XL though . I got out in 71 . Never heard of that college . Where was it in Indiana brother ? doc bg (medic ) 68-71 . Lawrence and Oaklandon ...
These kinds of interviewees should have some sort of venues at High schools around the country. There are so many kids who never had the opportunities for closure or reflection for lost dads and brothers. This gent is very introspective and humble. The world needs more humans like this. Wise beyond his years and respectful. Thanks for your Service.
Agree 100% you mention High Schools which is a GREAT point as I've always said you if want to know what a Vietnam Veteran looked like in the day, look at High School seniors, most enlisted at 17-18, looking back that was very sad.
There is no more sobering site, or experience, than making the dead Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine ready to go on their final journey HOME to their Loved ones. As a Navy Corpsman I held each life or death in highest regard, I took my oath deadly serious! DOC MIKE USN 70-74
The Navy lost a lot of Corpsman while taking care of the Wounded Marines, thank you for your post my friend.
i learned for the time in my life that no one came home in a body bag. i believed that lie for fifty years. thank you. i served in the ninth infantry in 83
Most could not vote or smoke as the Federal law at the time was you had to be 21. It was not changed until 1971, you could fight and die for you country but not vote or smoke. think about that.
Thank you for your service Roger.
I CAN'T find words to describe the huge amount of RESPECT I have for this extraordenairy GREAT MAN!!!
WHAT A BURDEN TO CARY SUCH PICTURES/EXPERIENCES IN YOUR HEAD ALL YOUR LIFE
Great respect for this man .
A brave man. Respect your respect.
Thank you for your difficult service, Roger. I was an ER medic at Tan Son Nhut AB, right next door to the mortuary on the night shift from Jul 68 to Jul 69. Every night we could smell the horrible odors and could tell if it was a burn death "crispy critters" was the gallows humor term as was the "floaters" from the rice paddies term).
We had a pickup on the flight line one night, a C-130 brought in 3 body bags and as we transferred them to the field ambulance, I noticed one bag was small. I was then told that it was the patrol dog for the two guys in the other bags. I had tears in my eyes as I drove to the mortuary.
One time someone came into our ER and ask for the menthol smelling liquid used for back pain. I asked the Msgt how many he wanted and he asked for 4. I told him we could check out his back but he said the bodies they had just gotten in were in really bad shape and he would douse them with the lineament to help with the odors.
It was hard getting used to the smells when eating midnight chow. But now if I smell a dead animal that is rotting, it triggers all that back. The most sorrowful thing was watching the flat bed semis with the aluminum transfer cases leaving the mortuary on their way to the flight line. They'd then be transferred into a C-141 Starlifter to the States.
Welcome home, Roger...
Thank you too, for your service, I think many have no idea how tough some of the times like you've stated were, WAR IS HELL, like General Sherman said long ago, but without Vets to share their story like you and Roger did, many would have no idea of just how awful some other parts of war really are. Fighting is hell, but so is the aftermath of it when soldiers are killed. I've heard reference to what you mentioned about the names for the dead, and i think there is a whole other part of war that most people cannot even relate to, it is so atrocious, but some of us supported you in that war, in spite of those who did not here at home, and we will always be grateful to you for your service and for those who were with you in Viet Nam.
Thank you for your reply, crazy my dad was a ww2 vet, I remember him telling me there is nothing worse then a badly burned dead person. I sit and wonder now, when and why did he tell me that, obviously he was trying to relate his experiences, but sadly he was out of my life at like 10. He ruined his family life and seriously became mentally screwed at like 50 on. He also said War is hell. I now understand, because in how it lasts for generations (in my case). He left the battlefield in 1945, but I feel I am still fighting it with my life in 2022. It effects generations to come.
@@califcamper Children don't always understand why parents act like they do. Be assured they are probably trying to be normal but scars from their past sometimes affect them negatively and make it difficult for them to forget and go on in life. I'm sorry you didn't have what you perceive to be a normal family relationship but please don't let it ruin your life now! YOU are in control of your life now, make the best of it, don't let doubts of your past ruin your future. If you feel that you are having problems coping, please get some psychological counseling, there is NO shame in asking for a little help to make things better and it CAN help a lot. NOTHING is ever perfect in most families, but we live, grow up, put the past behind us and try to make the best life we can for ourselves and our families, or those around us. Good luck to you!
@@mjleger4555 what a beautiful post. Thank you. Agree with every word. I listened to this gentleman's interview with intrigue and respect and GRATITUDE, as that - as any conflict, could have just as easily be me or my close ones. Listening to this, Mr Davidson's integrity and humility is overwhelmingly clear. He went the extra mile for his boys and their families. Respect from the UK.
@@sampsonbrass8972 Thank you and you are so right! Most civilians have no idea on earth of some of the horrors of war, dealing with the fallen injured and deceased, but someone must do it and I think that those who do that job really care deep down inside. They may make light of it at the time, because they are just coping the best way they can, but they are trying to make things better for the families left behind to claim the loved one, they know it's important and they have our undying gratitude! They aren't' dealing with just another body, they KNOW it is someone's son or brother or dear friend that they are dealing with, and I believe they consider that when taking care of those unfortunate souls who have been left in their care.
I have dealt with deceased patients in civilian life, and we always consider the ones left behind in how we deal with it. The dead are not alone, even in death, there is always someone out there who cares, we care too, and it's those left behind that we consider when working with them. I am grateful there are also caring people in the military, like Mr. Davidson and others, who feel that way too. It is tragic that he had to see the difficult part of death when he was so young, but it's obvious it left him with much compassion and that is admirable.
You know I was in 101st airborne division in 1969 in 1970 Charlie Company 2/501st infantry we had a mission to retrieve six dead Americans they had to leave because of the intense fire fight with you enemy my platoon was picked to fly and secure the area and retrieve the bodies I was on the second Bird the most horrible site I ever saw in my life graves registration came in identified all the bodies Bag an tagged we grabbed all the equipment and we left I totally respect you guys and the job you did this battle was fire base Ripcord bless you man hang in there PTSD it’s hard to deal with I know I still deal with it 52 years we got your back( Geronimo Airborne) 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️
sereved in Nam 68-69 the respect he has for are fallen brothers and there family's is commendable god bless you sir
Very insightful interview and very glad that roger told his story I would like to see him do another interview. He did a very good job and served his country well. Hopefully he knows that he helped many young men return home to their families because he was one of the ones who actually went and got them and gave them the honour and respect they earned in death. He is a very good man much respect from Australia mate
So far 13 thousand views. At least that many people know the respect you and your brethren showed to maintain the dignity in death that those soldiers and their families deserved. While many couldn't be viewed for obvious reasons, you did the best you could to make it possible for many families to see their loved ones for the last time. Your compassion and honor to the fallen is greatly admired and appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you, Sir, for your service.
Mr. Davidson you are a true hero and patriot. I cant even find words for how important storys like yours are. Thank you so much for your service and time. You are an amazing storyteller and speaker, thank you for taking the time to share this.
Thank you for watching my friend.
Thank you for sharing your story sir. That had to be the hardest job. Too bad there wasn’t enough time to show us the pictures he brought. I know he felt worse when he saw a ring on someone who was deceased,but I feel worse for the ones who never even got to experience love,marriage,family because they were too young and thrown into this war right out of high school.
Brian: Your feelings are spot on. At the time 55 years ago at 20 years old that was the way I was thinking. There was no communication of any kind except letters, I didn't mean to sound selfish.
This is an important historical document.
That is why I did the interview. This was the job that no one ever talks about, including Veterans. Thank you for watching.
Roger...your interview was the best history lesson on the real cost of war that can never be taught, Our nations real treasure is in the men and women who sacrificed all. You gave them the respect and honor they all deserved. Thank You. I live in North Miami Beach Florida. We have a local cemetery in which 27 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who were KIA or died of wounds in WWII, Korea and Vietnam are buried. There are six who were KIA in Vietnam whose remains are buried there. Their names and date of death are:
Sgt. Michael Kirby, KIA Dec. 11, 1966, Pfc Raymond R. Turner KIA Apr 22, 1967, Sgt. Luis Sutera Jr. KIA Dec. 30, 1967, Sgt. Ernest G. Winston, KIA Jun 6, 1968, Pfc Robert J. Randall KIA May 23, 1969, Pfc James McNish KIA Feb. 5, 1969.
They are honored on a bronze plaque at the entrance to the cemetery. The plaque reads as follows:
"Here, within the walls of this peaceful cemetery, lie the remains, in solemn glory, of American servicemen killed in action or died of wounds in the service of the American people. Their sacrifice made possible the principles and privileges we enjoy today."
Thank you again Roger for the critical work you did to bring men like this the respect and dignity they deserve.
Bruce Lamberto USAF 1971-1973
Wow, that had to be so difficult. Much respect to you and what you went through
Thank you
This man's story was heard.
I'm in Vietnam veteran also and my friend wrote a book called coffins of tin and it's all about the grave registration he spent two or three years riding the book did a ton of research and did a terrific job it would be worth reading and might help you
Bravery and courage comes in many forms and he is extremely brave to do what he did. His actions no doubt help families cope with the loss of their son brother husband etc. Very few people could do that job and he deserves great respect for his service.
Thank you my friend for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man.
Roger.. I re watched your moving video today. I hope you now appreciate fully the enormity of what you did and what a positive contribution you made to helping the fallen and their grieving relatives. You have my full respect. You are a very special person who did what had to be done and what very few people could have done.
Not all hero's wear capes and you sir are a true hero
Thank you Roger for all you did in Vietnam. I often listen to the Vietnam vet stories. I am not a vet but grew up while the war raged on and remember the nightly body count on the evening news. Your story has brought new meaning to what took place what seems long ago. Your story has been the most riveting and intense of all the ones I have listened to. Your are to me a hero. Thank you for all you’ve done. With love live a good life.
Thank you Roger for all that you have done, and for having empathy for your fellow man. I am always awestruck over how emotionally connected we are after 20, 40, 60 + yrs go bye and it can feel like it happened yesterday & the tears start to fall again. I met a man that was on a destroyer the USS Renshaw. He went in the navy in his late twenties, he saw tough action in the Pacific & he shared a story with me about his friends brother who was a captain that died at Pearl Harbor, he cried as he spoke.
His wife later thanked me because he had never spoken about it before. He was 90 yrs old. The wounds are deep and still hurt.
Thanks for your service Sgt! You are a truly great American Hero!!! May the rest of your days be spent in total and complete peace and dignity!!!!!!!!
For what it's worth. I would have liked to see a picture of you in your uniform from back then. Stay strong and keep talking your story. I was a pre-teen when you were over there and I remember watching Walter Cronkite every night. I think it was on Friday's show he would announce the week's casualty count from Vietnam. Always averaged about 500 US troops and 1500 vietcong, week after week after week. Now I know how you were in the thick of it back then. God bless you Sargent Davidson. You are my hero.
Roger, No one can imagine the experiences that that will forever haunt you. Thank you so much for relaying your story.
That which you have done for the least of these, you have done it unto me.
This is by far the most gut wrenching Vietnam interview I’ve ever listened to my Lord what this man had to do I hope he’s off to heaven someday cause he damn sure went through hell God bless you and thank you so much for your service
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man.
Thank you for your Service Sir! Welcome home! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Forget their faces.Forget their names. Forget the materials that touched your flesh. Just remember the package.It's a wonderful present that you gave to all those families.But don't let it bring you down.A responsible person had to do it and you are that guy! God bless.
Tom Lyons
Mr. Davidson you are a beautiful person. Thank you for your service. Your eyes had to see what they saw at such a young age and the things you had to do at such a young age is not anything any young man should ever have to do. I pray you have peace and can have rest in your mind. You are nothing but the best a man can be. You are important and special and appreciated. Thank you for sharing your stories. We need to hear them. It's imperative to have a history of Vietnam. When I was in high school in the 80's there may have been one chapter in the history book dedicated to Vietnam. Just to make the decision to do this interview must have been so very difficult. It is so important for future generations to never forget the sacrifices people have had to make for America, for civilians. Thank you. I will say a prayer for you to have peace of mind and calm.
Thank you my friend. I said in a early post most Vietnam veteran could not smoke or drink after returning as the Federal age for both was 21....That was bullshit.
@@rogerdavidson1036man oh man, I loved listening to this story. Hell of a man
What a wonderful man
Roger thank you for fighting to keep us all free. My brother was a Marine over there for 18 months. You guys need to feel very proud for the job you all did.Words can not describe the love and respect I have for all of you!!
What a special man. That you for being who you are. Thank you Sir.
Thank you for watching the video, I'm taken back by the number of views.
Ultimate respect for you and your service to those who never made it back alive. It's a much more important job than most would realize. I was 6mos
Thank you so much for all that you did for our Country
Very sad. Vietnam Corpsman 69-70
Full respect sent to you for what you have done and for sharing your experiences. 🇺🇸
Thank you so much for the kind words.
Thank you Roger for sharing your story and for your service.
Thankyou for your service, God bless ya bud.
Mr Davidson, Thank you for your service. It is obvious you served honorably and performed a difficult job. Stay strong and always remember you were selected for a reason. I salute you Sir.
The people who walked the jungle, highlands, delta, and coast of South Vietnam should be known as America's Bravest Generation.
Agree 100%. The grunts were a one of a kind special person.
Sergeant Davidson, thank you for your highly honorable service to our service members, their families and our country.
Sir, you are and always will be a blessing. God bless you. Thank you for your dedication and service. Welcome home.
My God Bless you Mr . Davidson. Thank you for your service.
I was drafted in 68 and went to Vietnam in 69 when my first born was 20 days old. I went over as infantry {11b} but got put in an artillery battery {13b} soon after arriving. I am thankful that i did not have your job Roger. God Bless you and yours and give you peace always. THANK YOU for doing what you did.
Hey Roger, I want you to know that I appreciate the very difficult job you did in Viet Nam. It is one of those things I never thought about while I was there and not since. The guys we lost were flown out by chopper and We never knew about the process after that. Thank you for telling us your story. Thank you for your service.
Thank you my friend, welcome home.
Hello thank u for your service. Bless u
Wow he looks great for a guy from 1946
Sir, you reached another person with your story. Thank you for sharing how important your duty was there.
Unbelievable commentary what that man went through I'm full of tears listening to him god bless you veterans who lived to tell the truth about the horrors of war these politician morrons who thrive on war should listen to these brave men who don't get the merit they deserve
Carlos: Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man.
Thank you so much for sharing. We appreciate so much your service to our country. Few could have done what you did. I am a retired ICU nurse but doubt I could. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man. I couldn't do what you do.
Thank you.
For the interview,
and... all the rest.
You're an amazing person, thanks for sharing your story. Dear God the horror of it all. I hope you are able to come to terms with it all. Thank you for one hell of a job well done.
God bless you sir.
I can't imagine the pain and thoughts that's been carried by those who have dealt with war and its horrors ! And to those who fought in Vietnam welcome home and thank you .
God bless you, brother 🙏🏼
My brother, I can see your pain. You cared for our brothers in the worst of war. I thank you for the job you did with the love and care for them. Flew a couple of KIA brothers there. God bless you and pray He gives you peace. A Cav Trooper.
Wow what a great story ! Thank you for your service as well as for doing this interview. That being said I just have to tell about something that still haunts me to this day and in a way part of me wishes I was never told.
When talking to a ol Vietnam vet who was fishing by the dam I work at I got the feeling he felt and or needed to talk. So I sat and listened to this old gentleman with sympathy. Then he told me the bad part. A friend of his was a door gunner on a Huey that had been shot down. Unfortunately.. very unfortunately the VC got to him before our guys did. He was still alive but injured. The bastards skinned him alive. The mortuary people that had to prepare him for the journey home had to be traumatized for life. It traumatized me having to hear it. More terrible yet he was actually from our hometown and I road the bus to school with his younger siblings.
To this day it fills me with horror every time I hear that last name.
RIP brave soldier. And God damn to hell our rotten evil politicians who sent him there.
Damn the ones that did to that poor soldier, may they rot in hell and get same treatment in hell of what they did to him. Cruel bastards.
This is the most confronting vet interview I've seen. Thank you for telling your story and for all you did in Vietnam Roger. I hope you find happiness and peace.
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man who has found confront in these reply's.
I think the test now called ASFAB was General Intelligence Test, 95 to 105 was 'high school'.
As a veteran myself I want too thank you for you’re service. I was 17 when I went into the army and was out before Vietnam got going. I’m so proud of men like you who prepared the soldiers too be shipped back. I can only imagine what it was like.Take Care and God Bless You🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Elvin: Thank you for your service also. Your words are kind. The bodies were one thing but the personal effects was something that haunts me to this day, Wedding pictures, family pictures, pictures of new born babies, no end to it.
I had a neighbor that was in Graves Registrations in Vietnam in 1972. His job was transporting KIA servicemen from the mortuary to the airport. So sad for the 58,000 US families to receive that dreaded Western Union telegram notifying that their loved one had been killed in action. May they rest in peace.
Your neighbor done an admirable job.
@@rogerdavidson1036 And so did you Mr. Davidson, God bless you!
Very special thank you sir.
Roger Davidson thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man. thank you for taking time to watch the video.
thank you for your service Sir. And thank you so much for the respectful treatment of our fallen heros
Thanks for watching the video.
Roger, first of all I thank your your service and dedication. My brother served Dust Off and was also exposed to so many killed and wounded. I watch many of these videos to learn what he went through. I'm very proud for what my brother did and told him such, and that he was a hero. It's a shame your weren't awarded that accommodation you so well deserved. My brother has passed at the age of 59 and was also haunted by his experiences for the remainder of his life. No one could ever know what you guy's went through without these interviews. Thank you for doing this and God Bless.
Anthony: Your brother was the ones I looked up to. The pilots & door gunners were exposed every time they took off on a mission. I flew on many choppers going from Black Horse base camp ( 11th Armored Calvary Regiment ) to the main mortuary, Graves Registration had priority on getting choppers for flights to Tan-Son-Nhut.
This was such an interesting and touching interview. I do not have words to express how much I love and respect our veterans. Thank you for your service. You had the toughest job there.
Mr. Davidson, My Brother in Law, a Marine, was KIA in 1966 . You answered all my questions about how he was treated . Thank you
No words can approach what this man endured. Many had terrible experiences and there is no prize for the worst. Everyone had a job to do. But this man? What strength comes forth to witness this?
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man.
Thank you Sgt. Davidson for the job you did for your Country and for telling us your story.
Roger. Thank you. I feel ashamed that I never even thought about your job. You did good. 🇺🇸
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man.
An awful but necessary task , all the death that he would have seen , I hope he finds peace .
Thank you, Sir, for your service. You are so appreciated. You are a hero in my eyes.
Thank you for the kind words, This old man is grateful to serving this great country.
❤❤❤❤ Nothing but Love for all Veterans! What if the Leaders of the world had to experience 10% of what this man did?
Wow, powerful story that we didn't think about in the field. Thank you for your service to the country, and their families. Families being able to view those heroes one last time was very important. Vietnam Veteran I Corp. 1967-1969
Thank you for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated by this 76 year old man. Thank you for your service my friend.
You are an amazing man. Thank you so much for your service.