Wolfie the Grunt takes 8mm movies of a Combat Assault in Vietnam
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- Опубликовано: 6 ноя 2014
- I bought a 8mm Yashica film movie camera during a stand-down when we got out of the bush and out of combat. I took movies during the stand-down and then decided to hump the camera into the bush on our next mission. I took movies during the airmobile combat assault. After blocking out Vietnam for 36 years I decided to use my footage to pay tribute to the 11 men that were ambushed and killed on Easter Sunday 4-11-1971.
The following day after our air mobile assault was Easter Sunday and Chaplain Merle Brown came out to give us Easter Services and he brought some hot food. He asked us if he could join us for lunch, which we gladly said YES. I was blessed to sit next to him and we talked for about an hour. Chaplain Brown was a great man and I felt I had met a New Best Friend.
His helicopter came to pick him up and take him to another company that was very close to us on the top of a hill. We were able to see him land and and when his helicopter came back to pick him up all hell broke loose. The enemy fired rockets hitting the helicopter and it exploded 5 times.
As I watched the explosions and then found out Chaplain Brown and 10 other men died day, I was devastated and a huge trauma to lose my new best friend. I had other traumas in Vietnam, I was an infantry grunt and was in the bush for 11 months. I was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge and an Air Medal. You have to be in combat for over 6 months to get a CIB and many air mobile combat assaults to get an Air Medal.
I have been treated by VA Mental Health Care for PTSD for 8 years and take 4 meds a day. VA Mental Health says I have extreme PTSD and they believe I qualify for 100% comp. I was awarded 70% VA disability, I get 100% health care, but no dental
When I took the camera into the bush I had extra film, but I didn't bring any spare batteries so I was unable to film this event. We did have 35mm cameras so pictures were taken.
I never expected my Nam videos to be seen over 1,002,000+ times. In this version I decided to add personal narration. By the way I have supplied my raw footage to 5 Vietnam documentaries including History Channel, PBS and others. History Channel got the actual 8mm film and then upgraded it to High Definition and that's what I used in this video.
I get great health care from the VA Health Care department and my caregiver in the VA Mental Health department keeps me alive right now. I see her more than once a month. We hug when I leave!
Thanks for posting this. When I rotated back from Iraq (first tour) we flew into Bangor, Maine for refueling. We were in our DCU's, most of us still in "desert mode". Anyway, as we exited the plane, a line of Vietnam veterans (had to have been 20-30) lined the tube thing that connects the plane to the airport. They all thanked us, shook our hands, hugged. One Vietnam guy said, "we're here to welcome you home because we didn't get welcomed home". Thank you...
Was this the 1990s one or the 2003 one? Thanks for your service!
thank you
I always Thank a Vet! I never em them I am a Vet. Dont want to take away from them or focus on me!
I remember that airport in Maine also all the vets. It made me feel part of something really big. I remember the coin shop and the concession stand. Those Vietnam vets were awesome.
For a lot of Prior Service, like myself. It will tear you up inside.
That was my war too. I was Navy, 1964 to 1970. I was never in country. I was in submarines but 4 of my High School friends came home in a box . I still visit their graves.
Thank you for your service once a friend always a friend RIP to yours
My cousin who died in 1968 in Vietnam had two children with his beautiful German wife but was unable to raise them however they grew up in Texas and have become a great asset to society .
Thanks for your service, Wolfie. Not only for your service in the name of freedom, but also for your contribution to the historical record. Videos like these, unimpeded by network news and the 5 o'clock follies, are what show today's generations what yesterday's generations went through. Again, thank you.
My oldest brother flew Hueys. Two Tours, shot down both times. He survived Vietnam. Lived out his life in the USA. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Greetings. I was crew chief on UH1C gunship for 135th AHC, RVN 68-69. Welcome home my fellow VN veterans. You are appreciated.
Fucking based. O7 sir!
Ur my hero #rollymichaeldiakiw
Welcome home, sir.
Welcome home sir! I in no way mean this to be offensive but I must mention it because you’re also a pilot; you kind of remind me of Hermann Goering in the face. If you cut your hair you could have a promising career in the movie business!
Hear, Here! All day!
America should be proud of these young men who served at a time when it wasn’t popular to do so. We were hated as much at home as we were overseas. I know. I was there - 1969. Heroes today are walking our streets among us, silent and unnoticed and not thanked for a job well done given the circumstances we were put in.
I also served in 1969 with the army. A mortar round got me on Dec. 14, 1969. My ticket home, but after many surgeries and 9 months in army hospitals.
How many of the axxhole hippie protesters said anything after the US pulled out and the genocides by the Red army began? Not a word. That's how you know they were so full of it.
I’m 60 years old. Part of that most unusual and incredibly lucky subset of American males who never had to defend or fight for this country in anyway at anytime ever.
Just too young for Vietnam and too old for the Middle East.
I don’t think about it everyday but it does cross my mind a couple more than a couple times every year.
Any pain I have or do suffer, any scar I carry and any disquiet of any sort that I might carry is ALL, not ALMOST all; ALL of my own making.
If there were better words than Thank You I’d use them. Thank You.
For doing as you were asked.
For doing it as…well hell, I don’t know.
For DOING it.
You all meaning ALL of you did something I’m sure I could not. You mustered a level of acceptance and fortitude and bravery and discipline that will forever evade me and I’m SO GRATEFUL I’ll never ever have to know if I ever might have.
Because you guys did what I’ll never ever be asked too.
Thank you very very much My Friend.
Thank you so much for your service John. I was just a Vietnamese boy aged 4 when you got there in the South. No matter what people said about the war and the American involved in VN. I personally thank you for being there to help the South Vietnamese people and a little boy like me to live in peace until April 1975.
As a kid I remember putting together a care package for my cousin, a Marine in Vietnam (1969). It would have razors, shaving cream, etc. My dad, who was my cousin's godfather, always insisted that he seal up the box before we put it in the mail. After Dad died I learned he threw in a Playboy when Mom wasn't looking.
😂😂
Haha he defo read the playboy first haha
Oh man, that is awesome! Lol
The men of WW2 are called the greatest generation. The men In Vietnam are slowly becoming the men of the forgotten generation. My father was one. His mind finally got the best of him 6 years ago. We need to keep these stories alive. Keep these men alive. Some volunteered to go to Vietnam but a lot were told to go. I refuse to let these men and what they did go to the grave with them. I stand sir and salute you.
Good to keep the memories alive ,..but in a healthy way.. because much of what took place was a huge phsycological operation,on the the whole North American generations to come..know Jesus everyone.,we are in His time
My father was an 0311 in Vietnam in 69 in the Arizona territory. When I came home from Iraq also thru Bangor, Maine and Vietnam veteran handed me his phone and told me welcome home brother and let me call my dad to tell him I was finally back home. It was the most warming moment of my life to finally know my boots where back in our beautiful country
Welcome home friend, from a Canadian who served 4 tours in the Balkins and in Afghanistan.
This video was filmed 3 days after my birth. I have grown up holding You guys as my heros. I joined the Marine Corps and later the Army. I served from 89 through 2008 with a short break in service between the Marines and the Army. 18.5 years of service and out due to combat injuries from 2 deployments to Iraq.
Gentlemen, Welcome Home! You will always be my heros!
Thank you for your service Brother. Wolfie
K
Thank you for your service! You are loved!
This was shot 5 months prior to my birth. My dad was home at this point he was in Vietnam from 1968-1970
Thanks for your service brother
April 10th 1971, my father died three days later, I was 12.... I will never forget that day.
God Bless All Vets. Thank you all for you sacrafices in Viet Nam, and keeping me safe. I watched your war as a 10yo on TV, narrated by Walter Cronkite.
Keeping you safe? Why? was the US under attack?
Thank you sir. And 50 years late with shame for the way the Nam vet was treated, - WELCOME HOME.
From one vet to another welcome home! I had it good. I was an jet engine mechanic on Anderson Airforce Base on Guam. Worked on the B-52’s, F-4’s, and the 111’s. I remember well when Nixon said he had stopped the bombing of Norrh Vietnam and at that moment, 2 waves of B 52’s took off. About ~70 first wave and then ~90 in the next. My brother was in Kobe Sanh as a combat engineer. I remember coming back home to Travis then to San Francisco. Being on the terminal I felt like a stranger in my own country. No thank you’d just insults.
Thank you......lol brother.....
You GUYS, & GALS, ARE SO RESPECTED BY US SLIGHTLY YOUNGER VETS. I WAS ONLY 15, WHEN THE PRISONER EXCHANGES TOOK PLACE. MY.DAD, A KOREAN WAR.VET TOLD ME, ".....SON, THOSE MEN, COMING HOME?? THEY SAVED YOU FROM HAVING TO GO OVER THERE! GOD BLESS VIETNAM VETERANS!!👍👍
Thank you to all who served the US. I vividly remember how badly some treated our Heros. I was nine and my entire apt complex in Allentown PA welcomed three wonderful Heros back home with a week long celebration after the Fall of Saigon. I remember it like yesterday even though it was almost 50 years ago.
Be well and ❤.
I am 68 this year. I had many friends who did not return from Vietnam. It was a mess, the government was responsible for all the deaths. That is another story for another time.
Right now, I would like to welcome home all of the brave men and women who served, all over the world, and, especially, all of my friends who served. The four who did not come back, I was very upset. The 7 that did come back, almost everyone of them were broken. They saw death like it was common place which it was in Vietnam. Your story is vivid in my mind and heart. I did not serve, but I will never forget the stories and horror these guys who came back experienced. I became an angry person, even more anger when one of my friends was suffering so much, he could not understand why his Marine platoon was wiped out during the night. He was the only survivor during this massacre.
He ended up in a VA hospital as he could not cope. 2 years after his return, he was in a terrible car accident. He took his own life after his recovery. He told me one time during his depression, I survived, but he also said, it was a horrible revelation to know all were dead except me. He said he was not supposed to be alive. All of his friends were dead, the guys he fought with everyday to keep us safe back home, they all died. He said he would see their faces in his dreams, and his guilt was slowly killing him. Rest in piece Craig, you did your duty, and you did it well, God Bless you and God Bless America.
I say to all of you who served, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we will never forget your service ... NEVER FORGET!!!!! WWG1WGA !!!!
I am so happy that Vietnam Veterans are finally getting the thanks and acknowledgement that they should have gotten the first time they came home. People forget so many of them never asked to go there. But when there number came up, they did their patriotic duty. Thank you to all veterans!
So true! They are my hero’s! Shame on Jane Fonda for her horrible actions ....
Huh? Why would it be 'patriotic' to blindly follow the warped misunderstanding or deranged desires of Johnson and Nixon? Your moral compass is askew IMO.
@@jamespollock11 hindsight is always 20/20
@@jamespollock11 agreed. I would say that burning your draft card was very patriotic. Too bad so many would grow up to support the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
@@jamespollock11 woke hippie who has not a clue of the real world. Stayed in your parents basement way too long. Your off topic he is talking about supporting the people not Johnson and Nixon.
Thank you for your service
I was drafted Jan 71. Basic at Ft Ord Ca
Then was sent to Ft Sill Oklahoma. 226 Maintenance Co. DS
I ended up staying there and never went to Nam.
I say welcome home to many vets.
God bless all of you Vietnam vets, Welcome home.
Amen
For the 599 of you that gave this a thumbs down you should be ashamed of yourself and remove yourself from this country those were different times and a different generation. What these men did during this time is nothing short of being a hero and a definite patriot. Some volunteered others were told to go fight for your country and they did without hesitation complaining or belly aching. Either way some did their duty and gave some then others gave all with their life for this country. What these men did during those times set yet another corner stone to what this country is today and what it stand for freedom! So I say to all the men who fought in this war thank you and I solute you and give you the up most highest respect their is for those who fought and for those who gave their all...... Thank you once more
Thank you. A nicer thanks have I never heard
I am south vietnamese. I love the humour of the american soldiers. Thank you for having fought bravely in south vietnam to preserve freedom. THANK YOU.
Mika, Vietnam is a beautiful country with great people. The two kids in the video were my friends. We called them Coke Kids because they would find us in the bush riding their bikes that had a rack on the back to hold a big block of ice to roll Coca Cola cans on to make them cool. We trusted them and they had an ability to avoid the enemy we knew they were on our side and never gave the VC our positions. South Vietnamese women are beautiful. Thanks for your comments.
You’re welcome
@@GoSocialEnvergy Funny you say that I just talked to a Vietnam vet two days ago and one of his horror stories was of a soldier getting sent back home because a child selling Coca-Cola ended up throwing a hand grenade into the back the second truck in the convoy right after selling sodas first one and he had to open fire annihilate the kid and his Coke stand and later found out it was the same age as his son and he had had enough
@@twa4077 Our kids were very trust worthy.
@@GeoSolarTek A little confused by your comment. who is “our kids” the kids you speak of in your paragraph are the “same” kids essentialy that inevitably threw a grenade in the back of a convoy in my story. no one was trustworthy. maybe i misread
I was welcomed with rotten veggies and urine from an observation deck at the airport, but after Nam I could stand just about anything just being home. My undying gratitude to all those that served with and near me . THANK YOU BROTHERS
Welcome home, James... Welcome home.
My grandfather died in Vietnam 14 April 1971. When I saw the dates at the beginning I got excited to see how things were while he was there during his last few days. He had 1 or 2 previous tours I believe. He was a Major in the Kontum Province and a part of Mac-V Team 22 when he was KIA. I never met him but I wish I had. Can’t imagine the stories he’d have. Anyways, thank you for this.
Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for your loss
Salute to your hero
Your Grandfather was more than likely involved in our missions into Laos from the Kontum area. Those missions started in 1967, top secret.
We would fly a lurpp team (squads) 5 or 6 men into holes made by 5,000 pound bombs dropped by C130's.
Nao gostei porque ele morreu por nada eles que se danem co o seu comunismo e hoje eles nao seriam nada porque o comunismo rouba a alma das pessoas pra nos ocidentais lutar contra esse lixo nao vale uma bala ve a russia foi so atraso para o povo e pro pais malditos comunistas que roubaram a vida do seu avo e de muitos outro USA USA USA DEMOCRACIA SEMPRE E LIBERDADE
Much love... know Jesus
Veterans Day is coming soon. I spent this evening calling guys I served with in Nam. One is the guy that was waiting to get on the helicopter I was on and I found him. He is in the Wolfie the Grunt video. We talked for 45 minutes, what a great guy, Angie Onevelo.
It must be remarkable finally getting to talk to your brothers in arms after such long time. No-one can fully understand what you went through and to find the only other people who can must be so fulfilling. Good for you John it truly makes me happy to read. God bless you Sir.
@@DadBodBaz Thanks for your blessing to respond to me. Hopefully 2021 is going to be a lot better than is year.
Every war is unique. Your war the enemy was rarely seen. My war, Afghanistan/Iraq we saw the enemy everywhere.
@@GoSocialEnvergy Hi John I'm sorry i didn't even see your response. It's not usual for the author of RUclips video to reply so I wasn't looking out for it. I gotta say though, after seeing your video I took it upon myself to look at what you guys had to go through and I'm truly astonished at the strength, grit and bloody determination you real men had/have. I thank you for you service and pray you have many more years of love and happiness.
As a USMC grunt I found your film riveting. A true historic treasure. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do.
You had no business being here at all. So we had to send your young Arkansas & Alabama boys in wooden boxes home to their weeping mommas. Greetings from Hanoi.
⚔️🇻🇳👋🇻🇳🏮⚰️🗡️☠️
Trash
@@klutch8753 You a big Hynoid Jane fan?
@@klutch8753 too bad you lost more then the US did ya uneducated fool.
@@klutch8753 As a Brit i know which country i would rather live in.
I was 10 years old in 71 and at that young age I was relieved that I was born to late to serve in Vietnam. But my whole adult life I’ve felt an intense gratitude toward those that did serve our country. I’ve come to hold veterans of Vietnam in the highest regard not only because of their sacrifice but also because of lack of homecoming! As a man that loves my country, my family and most importantly my God I extend my hand in honor of you Vietnam vets, you who served when I could not, I owe each and every one of you for my families freedom. A debt that I can never repay that keeps in awe of your sacrifice. Welcome home!
You couldn't say it any better thumbs 👍
My brother was in that war. I was a child. I didn't understand for a long time. When he came home I hugged him I cried and a I didn't want to let him go.
Amazing story, thanks Wolfie. Thanks also for honoring the men who you served with. Glad you're on the road to recovery after all you've been through.
Thanks for your post. Wolfie
I was their in 1971 1972 and half of 1973 we where alot of kids doing what we had to do to survive. I remember 1972 as the worse time for us.....I have had a stroke so I lost some of my memories at 70 I remember how strong and fit I was, I think I still have that strength today. My stroke was bad but I still have some of my memories, I had to lean-to talk again I am still working on that,it is frustrating but I was a survivor.
Very best wishes to you Ken.
Be well Brother. Wolfie the Grunt
God bless you Ken. You will never be forgotten!! Keep fighting.
Thank you for your service!!! 🇺🇸
Welcome home keep up the fight
These video clips are of historic importance. However, as a military veteran myself having served 34 years in the British military, no video can convey the emotional reality of having served and saw close mates killed and injured., the emotion of coming home or the emotion of the political aspects of a given conflict or the emotion of time moving in.
I was a kid during the war, but I paid attention to what was happening. You guys who served in Vietnam have a special place in my heart. You deserved more than you got from your country.
Thanks to most of you for your support and taking the time to post
No, THANK You for your service and for giving us this awesome footage. You're appreciated
Thank you is more like it brother
This was a very good video, and thank you for your service, much respect for you men. Unfortunately if the young men of our beautiful country were called upon now I hate to say it but i believe we would be in trouble . But you never know. You guys came from a generation of badass's and as far as I am concerned you all will be one until the day you exist .
I always show my appreciation to all vets
I registered for the draft in 71. Dad was on Luzon in 45 then Korea in 51 52. I grew up with his brokenness. His Dad was a WW1 Army vet. So many of my Uncles and cousins served as well. Just wanted to say ...Welcome home guys. We Love you..
I was in the military in 69 to 71 didnt go to Nam i'm guessing because i had a family, a wife and 2 kids. Had a good friend (Spot) who went, must have been bad for him, tried to contact him a few years ago but he didn't want to talk to me.If buy some chance he happens to see this, I love you brother.
That’s sad sorry to hear that, I hope he comes around.
To all vets...Thank you for your service.
The men of Vietnam who served in country God bless you for you sacrifice and service.
My one friend Mike Clay was a door Gunner. My best friend John (Jack) Flanigan was on recon in country one month when he got hit in the stomach with an unexsploded mortar during an ambush in 1968. They found him the next morning. Another friend of mine John, was on recon. His LT was taking point. He was right behind him. The other guys were behind walking the trail that was coming into a village. The LT was shot in the head. His skull messes up John's face and almost lost an eye. As he fell back, he was hit like 7 times. He still suffers from the round he took in the hip. He just started firing until there were no mags left to reach. All was quiet. All his guys were gone. The VC ambush was gone. The radio was just behind him, a couple guys back. He called in and made it home. My buddy Larry lost a leg there. Some guys had it easier than other's, but No One came home the same. No respect for the guys that went to Vietnam, not even today, that's not right.
haven't you read these replies??? there's tons of respect for these veterans. Did you serve?
I am proud to say in the past year I have had the honor and privilege to say welcome home and thank you to 900+ Vietnam Veteran's as part of the organization I work for
thanks brothers welcome home ... i done 4 tours of combat in 3 countries but i feel thats nothing in comparison to your generation and what you had to endure in Vietnam I will be forever in awe
My dad was Kia 1972 3 months after I was born I never knew him my mom always said you know him very well you are your father through in through! Thanx for the movies!!!
Your mom is right. Takes over like his old man. Nice.
Sorry for your mom and you, not knowing your dad.
Welcome home! So very glad you made it. You all are America's finest, our heroes!
Growing up as a kid in the 60s and 70s i always had the highest respect for our Viet Nam Veterans, still do today. I credit my 20 years of service to their sacrifice and courage. These videos are a beautiful memorial to them and to the fallen. Thank you and God Bless each one of you.
I was 4 years old and had no idea. Now I do. Thank you is not enough.
Sir I'm a 54 year old Irish man born and breed, I would like to say Welcome Home and Thank you for your service 🇮🇪
I was in Pleiku 70 -71 as an advisor to Viet air force mechanics working on Hueys. Army advisors were with us also. would like to hear from anyone who was there with me . Jim Farmer was a golden gloves boxer and a good friend and would love to hear from him and many others !
My Father served in Korea and Vietnam, My brother was an M.P. in South Korea. I spent 4 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Welcome Home. You all are true Americans and Heroes. Maybe it is time we face the real enemies destroying our nation domestically. Semper Fi
Dad passed in 2006 and I cried thinking of him and typing this. We seem to lose so much while deployed. Dad dropped me off on my deployment and I never saw him alive again. I Love you Dad.
Thanks for your and their Service. Wolfie
Veterans political party!
Thank you for your service sir. My dad was there in 68.....I appreciate your sharing this with the world.
Horrific trauma. I missed this war by one year the draft became the selective service when I turned 18 in 1974.
Older bothers of neighbors that never came home and overwhelming grief of those families. And a neighbor next door who was haunted by the war took his own life with a gun to the head. So the family had to deal with that. I’m still angry at the war but so proud of the men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice and those like yourself that let us not forget. I know that there are others on the other side that are suffering the result of this war as well. I pray for all.
This was deep. I wasn't born until 78.
I appreciate your bit of history!
If you're still watching, Thank You!
Thank you. I was 7 when my dad came home and we met him at the civilian airport. He was in uniform and I remember all the dirty looks he got and how people were so cold, but he was my hero. All of you deserve honor and recognition. Thanks for sharing this. God Bless.
At the entrance to Travis afb and just returning from nam a group of hippies tried to flip over the taxi we were in. They failed.
Before nam i was stationed at Sheppard afb working Hueys. One day the base commander Gen Page was flying his family to Dallas
. He flew my Huey, but i was told to let 4 chiefs launch him, but these men were desk jockies for years , but they insisted on their brown nose mission. I stood way back and watched. Well.., they forgot to remove the ground strap which was flailing near the tail rotor. As he taxied out about 20 ft off the ground i noticed it and called it in and all was good. I was told to keep it quiet, but a couple of days later a capt approached me and i was stupid enough to think i was getting an atta boy letter and maybe a day off for saving the day ! I soon found out i was getting an article 15 and was dumbfounded. I asked why and was told they are not going to destroy the careers of 4 chiefs and i was a lowly E3, cannon fodder. He said this is really unfair and to see him in a couple of weeks and he will try to make it disappear, which he did. I was 18 and thought i was going to the brig. That's when i volunteered for nam.
My father was there in 71, this is the coolest because an actual soldier filmed. Thank you sir for this God bless!
God bless these brave warriors.
My father served 2 tours in Vietnam 67-69 unfortunately he passed away in 1996 from complications stemming from exposure to agent orange is what we were told. He has a service related death. I was only 16 when he passed. I never got to be friends with my dad he was always a father figure and he raised me and my siblings very strict but I appreciate the discipline he instilled in me. I remember him telling me how he was treated when he got home and it made me and still gets me angry. I actually joined the military when I was 30 years old. I always thought about how my father was treated when I got home from being deployed and everyone thanking me for my service. What a difference and I wish my dad was still here so he could get the respect he deserved. To all veterans no matter where you served the fact you took time out of your life away from family and friends thank you. I also want any family members of a veteran to know you are well appreciated.
Have you thanked your country for dropping agent orange yet?
It is a comfort to me to know that some Vietnam veterans are coming out now and telling their stories, I was silent for 29 years before I talked about Vietnam in August 2001. I am still not outspoken or speak freely but will talk if I am asked about my experiences. The first time I talked about it was a great sense of relief for me. Once it was out in the open I was mentally set free and the flashbacks, anxiety attacks, and the sleepless nights ended and the cold sweats stopped. It was amazing how it all went away after one conversation . As for "welcome home" I never expected or wanted that, I just wanted to find peace of mind and return to the normal life I left behind. I have been at peace now for 17 years and counting.
As a student of the war in SE Asia, for 40 years, I Would truly appreciate reading your story. If you ever want to write it, I would be honored to edit it for you. Thank you, sir.
God bless you and Thank you for serving our country,
if you don't tell anyone your stories die with you.
Everything I know about my grandfather's service I had to find out through detectivework and going backwards to determine what happened. The only info i had to start with was "hated hawaii", "USS William H Hunt", and that there had been a Kamikaze attack, DD-674 was struck while on radar picket duty off Okinawa. No artifacts of that ship survive, and only 4 fletcher class still exist in whole.
I know more about my paternal grandfather because he told dad those stories; maternal grandpa did not talk about it at all to any of his 4 sons or my mother - that miniscule shred of info i had was from the eldest son and that was all he knew.
so tell someone. your stories are worth telling and worth hearing. it is worth knowing what you did, what you sacrificed for, what you faced coming home. hell. even for a camera.
i make it a point to record people's stories whenever i can; once they're gone so are the stories unless you save them or pass them on.
as i said, if you don't share them; the stories die with you.
@@iiinassau4482 my stories have only been heard by a few folks, one was a young 11 yr boy that was interested , (I did not tell him much I felt he was too young to hear some of it) one was my father (WW2 decorated vet of the s. pacific front, he understood) and one was my psychiatrist at the VA no one else has asked, no one was interested 50 yrs back so why would they be interested now, and I doubt anyone local will ask. I rarely mention that I am a veteran of Vietnam, it has been over 50 years and I rarely think about it now. as the saying goes, "let sleeping dogs lie" I am really not interested in talking about it anyway
@@royhoco5748 if you told one boy, that's enough
but that said myself and others would be interested in hearing. yall ever thought of making a video like this?
I'm a Scotsman. Boy did it piss me off, the welcome home you never received.
I would like to say thank you for your service, and especially to those who payed the ultimate price.
Some gave all, all gave some. God bless you all. LWF.
I have tears in my eyes while watching this. As an amputee, lost toes in lawnmower at 17, i joined the Peace Corps Volunteers and served my country USA proudly 1965-1969 in rural Turkey. The Peace Corps was our way of serving our beloved country and when we from Turkey-10, our group, get together is similar to you vets from Vietnam. We all speak Turkish, Türkçe, and cherish every day we served in country. Vets and Peace Corps Volunteers are brothers and sisters.
Glad you are doing well! I served as a platoon medic with A company, 1st. Infantry, 2nd battalion, 1st Infantry Division. I served January to May of 1969 when I was hit badly and sent home. We were mostly located in An Loc region and Loch nihn. In 2014 I made contact with my Company, what was left of them. Found out a reunion had started in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Been going each year since then excluding 2020. Thanks for the video and God bless!
I wasn't born till 2000 however I feel as though the treatment Vietnam soldiers got when they got home wasn't just , thank you, and all veterans who've served the US military you've done your country proud
Hope for humanity restored, for today. Thank you
I've thought about you guys a lot over the years. As time goes on it gets harder and harder to watch films about VN, it's a heavy memory and we understand things differently as we get older. I graduated HS in '71, remember guys who were there (then), bringing back Akai and Marantz stereos, gave us Army jackets and stuff, my close friend drove his older brother's yellow GTX with a 440 magnum while he was there. He died by a landmine in Binh Duong province in Dec '69, had been in country only about 2 months. I don't think I can say names here but he deserves to be remembered. Several guys from my H.S. had older brothers who didn't make it back. A lot of guys did return, we were friends, we were young. None of us guys in my class went, but so many guys in the classes of 67, 68 and 69 went. It all seems so unbelievable looking back, so glad to meet guys who fought in 'Nam even now. We aren't kids these days. In the 80s I'd meet quite a few guys in Thailand and Philippines who had fought in Viet Nam and were around Clark, Subic and Bangkok hanging out for a spell or were living in Asia like myself and intended to stay. I'm so glad for every single one of you to know you made it back. You guys are a very special group, unforgettable always.
I guess I'm the opposite after 55 years am I only now able to look at Vietnam war footage.
It's good to know that you've gotten 55 years since then. Keep it up.
I remember as a young child seeing news clips from Vietnam in black and white on the evening news…. Hearing Walter Cronkite narrate the story. Having these videos in color is a historical treasure. We had a neighbor whose son spent two tours in Vietnam with the Marines and came home to go to college. He was driving to college one day and stopped to help with an accident where someone hit a power pole, stepped on a hot line and was killed. I always found this difficult to comprehend after he survived two tours without a scratch.
I was at Ft Campbell with the 101st before the Hueys were phased out and still remember that distinctive thump thump thump made by the Huey.
Welcome Home and may God bless our veterans.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans! We appreciate what our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters did in Vietnam serving with distinction and sacrifice. For those of us trained by Vietnam Veterans, we were much better soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines because of their experience. The grunt experiences passed on to me in the 80s helped me in the 90s while patrolling in contested areas of Colombia and later in Iraq. God Bless you all!
My grandfather was a ground pounder in Vietnam. Still has shrapnel in his forehead from the same grenade that killed his best friend. I'm thankful every day for the sacrifices made by the Brave.
In "71 I was a very scared of getting drafted 18 year old who ended up not having to serve because of a 4F deferment. The war in Vietnam has had a strange grip on me ever since. Whether you were drafted or volunteered, it does'nt matter, ..
what matters is that you were there. I have the utmost respect John Wolf for you and your warrior friends.
Hurry up and wait
Many are called but not all are chosen. It is what it was 😐
My father was in Vietnam in 1968. Myself graduated HS in 1968. Wanted so much to be with him but since I was blind in one eye I was unable to pass the physical. You all that served and gave it all are the best of the best. Be proud. Be strong. You all are in our hearts.
Welcome back home dear Veterans.The Country owes you so much.
WOW. I remember watching the American news as a kid seeing this war and trying to understand what was happening. My cousin married a Vietnam veteran who came up to Canada. I've met a few Canadian Vietnam veterans and was surprised how many went down to the US to join and fight. Having served in the Canadian Forces I have nothing but respect and admiration for our American military allies and brothers.
...was a Canadian little boy..but it was on the news ( brainwash) so much...a decade later ,I met and became deep friends with a wonderful Vietnamese couple ,as immigrant boat people in the 80's
Thanks for uploading this. I was born 3/3/1970 while my dad was in Vietnam (USMC). The story my mom tells me is he came home after 11 months and fell asleep on the couch with me on his chest. He stayed asleep on the couch for 24 hours straight. He doesn’t talk much about it other than to say, “It was the best and worst time of my life”.
Happy USMC Birthday, today!
I agree same here, best time of my life but also the worse, will never forget!
Tell you Dad thanks for me and Semper Fi
@@GoSocialEnvergy Copy that. Thanks.
@@garykilber3960 Thanks for your service. Happy Veterans Day.
Thanks patton303!
It was terrible what people did to the vets coming back. I’ve welcomed several back over the years, as I’ve met many. I was only 6 years old in ‘71. I had my mom buy me a little 3”x5” transistor radio for my b-day in ‘70 so I could listen to the reports as I fell asleep at night. I was probably not an average kid, as I took an avid interest in the conflict. I was probably more interested than most my age. It’s always bothered me that you guys (kids then) were fighting more for the liberation of others than for the US. You deserved a hero’s welcome coming back from that hell-hole. Years ago I had a job inspector who did 4 tours as a door-gunner. In his 3rd tour, he was hit in the upper torso & neck by 11 50 cal rounds. He showed me the scars. He begged & pleaded until they let him go back. That’s tougher than s**t, I don’t care you are. My hat is always off to you and all US vets. God Bless America!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE IN VEITNAM!! YOU COMBAT VET'S ARE ALL HEROES!!! I APPRECIATE YOU AND WHAT YOU WENT THREW ON A DAILY BASIS!! WELCOME HOME!! GOD BLESS THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES!! 🙏 ❤
thanks for your service,glad u made it home.
The lift company you hitched the ride in with is the 116th AHC "Hornets", my old outfit. The H-models with the white nose and tail art were Wasps (my platoon), yellow nose art were the Yellow Jackets, and the gunship platoon (C-model gunships), with the red nose art, were the Stingers. You were there almost exactly two years after I went home. Hornet 44 is happy you enjoyed the ride.
That's awesome! Welcome home boy!
Hornet's were great. When were you there?
Leo: I am married to a Vietnam veteran, and my two brothers served in army/navy. Five of my six sons are active , three soldiers, one sailor, one marine. I tried to join the navy, but I had a minor heart problem, so I could not join. So my big brother paid for my nursing degree here at home. But I have always had the greatest respect for any enlisted man. (Women also) . A few of the guys in my high school class were drafted, and did not come home.I live in Cleveland, Ohio, and when I was in high school, the National Guard opened fire on the Kent State University students who were protesting the war, killing four of the students. That was a really big deal...soldiers firing on a group of unarmed students. Tensions ran high during the draft years. That war brought on so much division, so much suffering, and then when the young men who were lucky to come home were spit on, and called (among other things) baby killers, etc., you know what I mean. I was absolutely shocked when, a few weeks ago, I was responding to a Vietnam veteran's comments, then read a few of the other comments. I was horrified when some guy responded this: (I can't recall everything he said, but in a nutshell, he got all ballistic and called him (the author of the original comment) a guess what? A baby killer, and alot more hate filled remarks, I did not know his age, but remember the hawk's, and doves? All the bitter contention, riots, and violence here At Home? I almost fell off the couch. All these years later, and there are still some ignorant bastards who have no idea what it was like over there. It's so sad, really. And now the country is again divided, with trump stirring the pot of hate, contention, and threatening innocent Americans with violence because they refuse to kiss his ass.OMG, that dildo will take us all down the rabbit hole, straight into anarchy. Keep the faith, Leo!
@@zombienursern4909 I am a Vietnam vet it started out as a corpsman I'm later became a PRN and I am appalled at your ignorance
Welcome home, man
I am about to retire from the Air Force. I was a child of the Vietnam era. I heard stories from uncles and men of my father's generation. After years as a maintainer, prepping birds for our army jumpers, I can now fully appreciate the stories I heard as a child. When I first went into service, I was fascinated with the equipment, the ordinance, the stuff. I was a wrench-turner. Now all I care about are the stories of the people. When I see these fellows boarding and disembarking from the Huey's I can feel it. I can smell the machinery oil. I can hear the banter that these fellows keep up as they prepare to go into harm's way. I can hear the crew chiefs and the crew preparing to launch, and the quiet that follows recovery after a mission. Now I understand. Now I am irrevocably connected to my profession of arms. I understand this man's drive to connect people together. Coming back from deployment is hard just from the perspective of disconnect. You are thick with a bunch of people all laser focused on a mission for months or a year, then suddenly you redeploy back to your home station and are disconnected from that world. It's disorienting, but we were welcomed and received Yellow Ribbon support and given ways to cope. But these men ( and some women) came home and were simply ejected out into the big, broad world away from their buddies, from the tight little world of the AO. I couldn't have coped. I jonesed for the chance to just sit with my friends and play cards waiting for a mission recovery. I cried at night for the loneliness (yeah, I can admit that). The Vietnam vets traded cigarettes and cokes. We traded chips to the coffee canteen. Strange world.
Anyway, this is about them. Not us. But that us is them, us, me. I put boots on everyday that I swear felt warm from the feet of those who went before me. I know I think ahead to the kids who will take my place. Did you fellas think about that? I worry that they won't have the proper equipment. That things are deteriorating, but then I think, doesn't every generation of airmen, sailors, marines, soldiers, coasties think that, but don't we keep fighting and dying despite ourselves? I know less now than I knew coming in, but I have more love than I had then as well. I wish I had learned more names of the people and given less of a fuck about the aircraft and the wiring diagrams. Then I realize that I was paid to care about that stuff because if I fucked up, those names would never reach the battle, or deliver the supplies or make the mission happen. I didn't have time to learn, so now I get to hear the stories. Thank you. I am grateful. I love every single trooper, good or bad, who ever set foot on one of my aircraft. Every time I lay my head down on a soft pillow (yeah, I am an airman who enjoyed the concrete accommodations), I remember seeing you guys piled together with your kit sleeping like puppies on the desert hardpan after a long, hard night patrol.
Thank you for your service, and all the vets. And especially welcome home, as you weren't welcomed home then.
Edit. I actually welcomed you before I heard your request. I try to add a welcome to my thanks to Vietnam Vets. I was born April 5 1960. I grew up only knowing that war. I expected to enlist for it. Thankfully, it ended when I was 15. You were shooting this film when I had my 11th birthday. but I was old enough to see how awful you had it there, and how shamefully you were treated here.
YOU ARE VERY MUCH WELCOME HOME.
Just an old sailor here. Great honors and respect to you fellas and my upmost respect and gratitude for your sacrifices. I was riding the USS Genessee (AOG 8) and was never in harms way at all. I was just an observer. I got many of the benefits but none of the dangers. I am so grateful for your service and sacrifices. I hope you men and women have found peace within your souls.. Thanks again to you all.
Tom... My Dad was Army... But both my Sons Navy!!! Under water for months! Told me about "Hot Bedding"... You sleep and as soon as you get up another takes your bed. Navy Rocks!!! You will NEVER be forgotten!!!!
What an awesome video.Thanks for sharing.Brings back a lot of memories.
I was in Vietnam From March 1967 through March 1968 assigned to the 117th assault Helicopter Company as helicopter Mechanic and Flight Crew Member. My MOS was 67-N-20 We were an Air Mobile Company and spent most of our time out in the field in the II Corp area near the Laos and Cambodian borders in the Central Highlands in support of ground troops mostly. we had around 15 or so Gun Ships and about the same number of slicks to haul you guys in and out of LZs. Lived in those 8 man tents about 8 months of my tour in country. 9 fellow soldiers from my company were KIA. I read your story after the video.Sounds a lot like my life after Nam.and probably most of us that were there.I went through life holding a lot in till I was around mid 40s then things got bad.Spent a lot of time over around a 10 yr period in V A sponsored group sessions and under out patient Psych care and as given a lot of meds for PTSD. Well you know the story.
Thank you again.
WELCOME HOME BROTHER
Hap Hartmann thank you for your story and service and all the sacrifice. Really appreciate that. 🙏🤛🏻
As a former grunt myself (10th mountain) from 30 years ago I say welcome home brothers. You guys definitely did not deserve that and nothing will make it right.
Welcome home Wolfie I was in Duc Pho 1968 and 1969 B co. Motor pool next to artillery hill. Don B.
I'd like to show my highest appreciations for all American service men and women who when to South Viet Nam to help us fought against the communists. You are our best friends and heros. THANK YOU ALL.
Some very great people and a beautiful country. Wish I could connect with the kids I put my weapon in their hands and my rucksack on their backs. I really trusted them.
I lived in a neighborhood full of Vietnamese and Hmong people. They were the nicest, family oriented, people in the city in MN. I coached and the kids were the most well behaved listeners on the team. Nothing but respect! God bless sir
Welcome Home and Thank You and Thank You All Who Served.
Your remarks are more appreciated by a soldier who returned in 1972 and was spit on and called vile names .... it took years to let those incidents go but your remarks are a healing process and i am grateful to read that.... an anti war protester who was drafted 1970 out of college...thanks amigo
Want to say THANK YOU to all the brave men and women who have served and are serving in our military to help keep this nation free. For those who served in nam, thank you and welcome home soldiers...
Thank you so much for this piece of History. RIP to all the Heros who never made it Home!
Just so young , so innocent ,so sad ,,bloody hero's one and all !
Cheers to them young men !
K
Ain't that how its always been though. Watch "They shall not grow old". Loss of youth, innocence and humanity is a common theme in all war.
I tried college, but it felt like kindergarten after 3 years in the Army, 18 months in RVN. Had to go. Glad I have no college as I would not have done well, politically.
From one Vet to another, Thank you for your service.
I know all to well how it feels to come home from Vietnam and be spit on by protesters , I was at Phan Rang 68,69, durning Tet and we had spooky and shadow save our asses for over 7 days straight. But just as you said for my it was over 38 years before I heard Welcome Home and of course that was from another veteran at a air show. It brought tears to my eyes at the time because as most Vietnam vets we put it all behind us and just went on with life. So to all my fellow vets May god watch over you and Welcome Home. Thank you for the beautiful films
Welcome home
Welcome home, man
Know how you feel. When I came back to the world, had whole cable car full of people shout obscenities, throw stuff and spit while I walked down the street in San Francisco. Was 1st Cav Div.
@@craigsmith4084 Do you think that Nancy Polsi was one of them?
Racer, thanks to you and the rest of the replies here. Wolfie
Welcome home to all of you heros' who never received a proper one. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
John you are amazing, God bless you thank you for your testimony and thank you for your service.
I went to my oral surgeon today and there was a lady there who thanks me for my Vietnam Service and then said she was in Vietnam too. As you all know I have these incredible connections. I got Malaria and was dusted off, was there a possibility she was one of nurses that took care of me? Another blessing if so.
Welcome Home Heroes and all Veterans from Viet Nam and all conflicts since !!
Thank you for your service! I was 18 years old in 1976 and just missed having to fight. I was always fascinated with this conflict and read quite a bit on the subject.
too bad all those boys became conon fodder,by a military industrial complex... Respectfully... Welcome Home ..to Jesus
Welcome Home, 1971 I was with 3rd Marines with the 7th Fleet off the cost of Vietnam on standby. Never put foot on the ground. They pulled out the Marines near the end of 1970. I was in Boot camp when they asked if anyone wants out they can go home ( didn't need us now ). I stayed in.
Any disrespect on this is so sad. “Respect”
K
Thankyou Sir, My father was in country 1965-1968. He was a chief crewman in the US Air cav. He moved to Australia after the war, so I'm Australian. He never talked about the war, he never went to any marches here, and he never kept his medals. I asked him one day where his medals were, and he said, he had thrown them away. I asked why ? He answered, they don't mean anything to me. At that moment I realized, he was "hurt" by the reaction of the citizens of his homeland. The names he told me he was called when he got home, were frankly appalling ! Dad was around I guess, but he worked up in the mines of northern Australia "a lot" so we didn't see him much, and when he was home, he wasn't really there anyway. He liked to be alone and didn't hang out with mates. His eye's appeared to be teared up constantly. I remember, as a small boy waking to the screams and yells at night on occasion. It was terrifying to hear your father scream in terror. It was as though a tiny bit of the war was still going on in our house, and we had in some way, experienced a part of that war. I'm so proud of all you guy's ! I joined up in 91' to try and live up to the standard of courage you all displayed. While some people had heroes like Superman and Batman. Vietnam soldiers, were my heroes. My Superheroes ! I know my Dad loves all you guy's still, even though he doesn't say it. I know he's proud to have served in the US Army and deep down he's proud to be a Vietnam vet. So he should be !! God bless you all...much respect to you all...from a small boy in Australia, who's now 49. Marc
Great film, thank you sir for your service!
God bless you and the other Vietnam veterans - thank you for your service and keeping our country safe.