I am so glad he was willing to sit down and leave a record of his service. I was in Vietnam, but I had it easy. I have the utmost respect for this man.
I had a chance to fly with Gunnar when he was a civilian, and I have to say he is the real deal. I was fortunate to learn a lot flying with him as a copilot. Im grateful for the lessons I learned from just watching him fly. Thanks Gunnar.
My father was a flight instructor and test pilot. Spent most of his time logging/flying with a longline. Nothing like flying in a huey with an experienced pilot! Specially if there slightly crazy haha!
**. THE VIETNAM WAR..... WHAT A WASTE OF LIVES AND RESOURCES.. I WISH THEY'D ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS... LIKE,,, WHAT THE HELL WERE WE FIGHTING FOR.... AND HOW DID THEY FEEL ABOUT THE MILLION VIETNAMESE PEOPLE THAT WE KILLED !!!!! MOSTLY INNOCENT CIVILIANS!!!!! SORRY GUYS,,,, BUT THAT WAR IS A STAIN ON THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY.....((the proof is that 50000 Vietnam veterans,, committed suicide,,, after they came home))... Such a tragedy!!!**
@@johnedward3404 In the interviews I've seen these men have answered the questions you mention, and they've done so without being asked. These men aren't happy that innocent lives were taken, and you probably don't need to have them tell you to realize that. At the time, they felt like they were doing what was best of their country. Some even knew very little about Vietnam as they were drafted/enlisting, let alone what would happen in the future once they were there. And once you're there, your only concern is survival, regardless of what your intentions/expectations may have been...
As an Infantry grunt in Vietnam and operating in those foothills west of Phu- Bai, I watched as these loch pilots would hover at tree-top level serching for enemy signs and so exposed to being shot out of the air ..... Bravest I've ever seen , Thank You, SIR !!!
Darth Insidius whoa 😲 you got proof to back that statement up? I don’t know the guy, or have a vested interest in him either- but that’s an insanely serious accusation to make about someone if you don’t have proof. Stolen Valor is a BIG DEAL- what if the guys speaking truth?
@@MrKedab I was USAF in Vietnam 1971 TSN base defense and we called ourselves "safe but bored and wet".... (smile) but I do seem to recall that Army infantry called themselves grunts - never met a Marine - they were all up country where it was dangerous.... or working in LBJ as guards, from what I heard
@@YahooMurray thank you for your service. Sincerely. I've thought about this some more and of course, I think you're correct. I think most infantry in-country referred to themselves as grunts, regardless of branch of service. If you served, you served and I thank you all. ✌🏻
My dad was a Marine in the 1st Battle of Khe Sahn. I wish he would have shared his story but he never would talk about it. Unfortunately time ran out 3 months ago and he passed away. His older brother is 97 and still living. He’s a Navy combat veteran from WW2. He was in several Navy battles with the Japanese including the Kamakazi attacks. If I could get him to tell his story it would be a national treasure. Maybe I need to go see him soon
I am his age - both born in 1949 - I went into service 1 1/2 years after him - I was in Vietnam one year (his last year there - 1971) after that we have nothing in common - I was very safe guarding airplanes at TSN (Saigon) and he was always in danger. Glad he made it out.
I've had the great honor of flying with this gentleman for most of this most recent summer (2024) fighting forest fires with the US Forest Service. Amazing pilot, and amazing fire fighter!
I thought it was crazy when he was trying to list all the technical reasons why he survived and he just gives up and realizes it was just a miracle. What a great man and tough as hell
Great story teller. Nice to mention the Australian advisor working with the south Vietnamese army. We were all in it together. 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam
I hung on every word and I retired from the Army with 29 years of service. You sir, are very humble and I suspect there is a lot more to your experience in Vietnam than you are saying!
The answer about missing the states is so true. USAF vet post Vietnam my self. A few over seas tours in my day 75-95. So mail and a few phone calls was the only time I thought about the states. You have a job, friends and you lose track of time until you get short. Where am I going? What has changed? Just as you have changed so have the people and the country you left behind. Your values, wants and needs are so differant. Some people can't get over this for a long time. Some never do.
How can you not have anything but the utmost respect for a guy like this; he's modest, respectful & by reading between his words, you can tell there's a lot of things he's not saying, out of homage to his fallen mates & allies. A true gentleman.
Gunnar, thank you for your service sir and for telling your story. Listening to you vets has helped pull me out of a deep slump of depression. I have been through my own " war" experience here at home. Had to struggle for my life and sanity and learn just how inept and negligent many professionals and authority figures are here in the USA. I took the red pill as a result of what I have learned from experience , is one way to put it. I have been discouraged and down for over a year now but starting to pull out of it, especially hearing how you guys have pulled out of your own difficulties and emotions. Thank you. If you can move forward after that horrible experience AND after knowing what you learned about authorities and privileged members of our society then I surely can do it too. Thanks again.
Billings Gazette, thank you for this. An amazing slice of history told in the first hand. I am grateful. I am Canadian and remember seeing the fall of Siagon on the news when I was a small child. I always tried to understand this war.
It was a terrible period I joined the Navy young naive and didn't have a clue what Vietnam was all about, thank God I did not see any action I have the Highest Respect for Vets.
Ya know, thanking you just doesn't seem like enough. Yeah, we were on the ground but you can be sure that we were watching you guys and in awe of what you were doing. We called what you all were doing as "hunter killer teams". Then, after yall made contact, some slicks would pick us up and insert us in the area where yall collected the lead. I couldn't have done what you did, but it certainly was necessary. We depended on you chopper pilots for everything from food to ammo to pulling out our dead and wounded. Again, heart felt thanks go to you and all the wonderful guys that gave so much and made our lives a little more bearable. Doc, 3rd Plt, C Co, 1st Bn, 5th Inf, 25th Div … Dau Tiang, Tay Ninh, Nui Ba Dinh, Xuan Loc, Cu Chi, Parrots Beak and Fish Hook In Cambodia. Stay Chilly.
I wish I had the courage these men had. I've been watching these vietnam war interviews for a couple months and their recollection is a real part of American history we have the opportunity to hear firsthand, Means so much more than a textbook. I am thankful for all Veteran's service and selfless decisions regardless of any opinions on wars or conflicts.
You have the courage because you don't think about it like that at a young age. My dad went to Korea at age 17 and I joined up at age 19. It is simply something you do as a job, well in my case anyway.
Gunnar's story could not be more fascinating. These tales are so important to document. Humble warriors achieving the impossible. Thank you for sharing sir.
That’s a bunch of bullshit. Sure, bankers benefit from wars, but they’re not stardom. It’s typically some arrogant dictator, Communist or otherwise, that starts them and he’s not a damn banker.
OH-6’s we called wasps by some of our battalion (3rd / 21st Gimlets) because of their speed and quick turns. They often kept us apprised of large concentrations move our direction. Loved those guys. Thanks, sir for your being there above us.
Thank you for this series… my father was in the Army in Vietnam for a few years but got blown up by a mine…I was very young and when he came back miraculously he never spoke about his experiences. He’s 80 years old now and talks just about general information to this day. God Bless all the Veterans…Mary
Great interview! Gunnar was one of the Corporate Air pilots I worked with some years back. He flew Aero Commanders from Billings into Great Falls. He always had a great story to tell about flying Loachs down low in Vietnam. He's a good guy. Nice to see him on here.
I flew the Shrike 500's from Billings to Great Falls and, Baton Rouge at the same time as Mr. Gunnar. Nice guy and a damned good Pilot. Vietnam '71 to '73, CW-3, UH-1C's, PIC, Squadron Leader.
**when will we ever learn,,, TO STOP THESE STUPID WARS... This veteran refers to himself as a guinea pig,,, AND HE WAS!!!.. OUR MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX,, MAKES TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS,,ON UNJUSTIFIED WARS.......((DESTROYING LIVES,,, ON BOTH SIDES))... I was there in the sixties,,, a lot of kids I knew,, went to Vietnam,, and either got killed,, or came back with mental problems!!! 50000 veterans committed suicide,,, after coming home!!!! That's proof,,, they couldn't justify what they had done!!!! And the second Iraq war,,, wa's the same scenario,,, we invaded another country,,, that was in a civil war!!!! Sorry,,, for all the guys who got killed or wounded,,and for the million Vietnamese people who died... I told them in 1965,,, I'll join the army,, when the Vietnamese people attack our country!!! And I believe that that's the bravest thing I ever did... And I've never regretted it for 1 minute.... STOP STUPID WARS....**
Thank You for your service. During the summer of 67 I was a pro baseball player half way thru the season I was drafted into VN and receive a chest wound in the jungle during a rocket attack while carrying the 60 in the jungle for the 1st Air Cav and sent to Japan then on to a bed in the amputee ward at LetterGeneral in SF. After being wounded my pro career was over so I went to college on the GI Bill after release from the Army.
@1manuscriptman I had a college degree so they wanted me to be a pilot. I refused because of the low survival rate. They stuck me in infantry. My buddy accepted and was shot down & killed.
These Interviews are with the children of the “greatest generation” and served this country with pride, as did their forefathers. Thank a Vietnam vet, you’ll be shaking the hand of an American Badass. 🇺🇸💪🏻
**I think you're living in a fantasy world!!!!! The Vietnam war,, cost us the lives of 100,000 American men,,, HALF OF THOSE BY SUICIDE!!!!!!..... That's the proof,,, that the Vietnam war and the second Iraq war for that matter,,,, WE'RE STUPID AND WRONG!!!!!.BECAUSE WE'VE GOT NO RIGHT TO INTERFERE IN OTHER COUNTRIES POLITICAL PROBLEMS......((OUR BOMBING COST THE LIVES OF A MILLION INNOCENT VIETNAMESE PEOPLE)). YOU CAN'T JUSTIFY THAT!!!!!AND NEITHER COULD ALL THOSE MEN WHO CAME HOME AND COMMITTED SUICIDE!!!! THE HUMAN SOUL,,, FIND WAR TO BE ABHORRENT,,, AND CRIMINAL!!!!! Sorry to rain on everybody's parade,,, but glorifying war is wrong..... And it only results in more wars.... Just imagine how many trillions of dollars we've spent on war... Enough that every American could be rich,,,, IF ONLY WE DIDN'T INVEST SO MUCH MONEY,,, IN STUPID WARS.....**
I once watched an interview like these of an officer who commanded soldiers in Vietnam. To quote him he said "I don't like that term greatest generation because the 19-year-olds I commanded in Vietnam were the best soldiers in the world. I would tell them what to do and they would do it without question"
I was with an artillery unit now and then we would deliver mail to the different gun batteries, I flew with a 20 year old kid in a loach abasaluteily insane !! # much respect !!
A lot of us “early seniors” grew up watching the war in Vietnam on tv, and have been trying to make sense of US involvement ever since. I am very thankful for folks like this guy Gunnar (!) who have chosen to come forward and share their experience, and I really, really want to see this trend continue. Thank you, guys. This stuff is truly invaluable.
ToddtheExploder Indeed. These interviews clear up the question of the integrity of the soldiers that went and fought. They are not to blame and deserve our thanks and praise. The politicians however, deserve the blame for anything that might have been wrong with us being there. Polititians sitting in their comfy seats and sending people off to fight is a disgrace. I was too young to go also. Some years after the war a vet told me he was glad I did not have to go. I could see the pain in his eyes. Really affected me.
@@rorytennes8576 I was army infantry in 2 units in vn '72. Maybe 15 pct of lower enlisted infantry seriously lacked integrity. Much dereliction, drug use, serious abuse of locals, fraggings, etc. But I have no complaints about the aviation officers I knew.
I enjoyed lots of these interviews....enjoying because it's always a first hand (you can't get closer) experience and people know (!) a 100% what they're talking about...and this man is in my top 3. He has done incredible brave things combined with such a clear mind....simply impressing.
I was an observer in the USBP on OH-6s for many years in the late 80s. Most of our USBP pilots flew in 'nam, and all the little birds were Vietnam era surplus. Most had bullet hole patches in their skin.... It was a blast. And yes, the pilots tried to teach us how to "fly" them, though I was never tested thank-god. Gunnar, you are an American hero
I operated sniffer missions in III Corps in 1st Cavalry. I was the observer. Loch waited for us to get a hit and pop smoke. We were at treetop level, low and slow. Loch came in to observe. Cobra waited at 1500 for directions.
Great interview Gunnar. Lived in Billings in the 80’s and grew up with the love of flying with rotary and fixed wing pilots in the family. Always a pleasure to hear a great interview as the one you offered up.
He uses "you" and "we" when talking about fear. But, at 43:30 when asked about being shot down he definitely shows significant trauma in being unable to speak. Literally, he's like a worm on a hook that survived
I've watched an hour and a half of your amazing past in Vietnam. Can't leave without saying Thank you so much for your sacrifice. I'm sure you saved lives of many.. Wow you are an amazing person and we are all blessed because of Real Men like you. Thank you....
another incredible man gunner .. so young .. even tho i am younger than you and never heard of vietnam til college, your xperience is so human .. you and other vets xperience puts hollywood to shame .. yet all you vets endured the misconception of the image of a vet on big screen .. whoa .. society ppl are fairly weak .. guess so wonderful to hear your facts your truths Love It Thankyou gunner you and all vietnam vets are hearts &souls of society plenty aloha by way, sense of why these boys was fighting, great deal for survival, but also they gave all .. really did .. am sort of embaress way society ignored them ..
@@YahooMurray I've read about bloodthirsty captains who wanted to make a name for themselves. They pushed their troops aggressively and this caused casualties, all to pad their resume for promotions later
I been watching this documentary series for close to a week now. The interviewer here from the Billings Gazette did an amazing job not coming off as a total douche bag. That's the kindest remark I've made bout a journalist since 1996. This chopper pilot is an inspiration to young kids and old farts too. He's right about the war profiteers selling to both sides.
I agree that the interviewer did a fantastic job. His questions were spot on when they needed to be asked. He also had a confidence to his questioning which I think is the result of just being good at his job and also having spoken to many other vets about their experiences over there. I did 3 years in the Army back then and it almost seemed like the interviewer had served himself. Gunnar Hagstrom was amazing to listen to, it was like not being able to put down a book, I hung on his every word.
Haha the interviewer is good but it’s also the format. These long form interviews make for a completely different vibe. This is one of the reasons why podcasts are so successful right now.
That's been going on almost since the beginning of war, the Rothschild family built large part of their initial fortune on was from the Napoleonic wars right through to WWI and WWII.
@@rbaz556 I doubt you know much about journalism. The vast majority of people who complain about the media/newspapers/journalists have no idea what they're talking about.
My uncle.MY inspiration for joining the Army.He TOO was based at PhuBai.101st,Lima Company Rangers.He often spoke of the bravery of the chopper pilots.
What a amazing interview. Gunnar you are brave man, to fly in to just draw fire to locate the enemy takes guts. I thank you for your service and god bless you sir.
Definitely. I have much respect and appreciation for all veterans but especially enjoy listening to the pilots stories. Was hanging on every word from Mr.Hagstrom. Very serious and to the point. The guy that got shot down on his last day in country sure got a story to tell.
This is the first time i listen to an interview to entirity a real man of charather . I wiped tears thur this interview several times but he did nkt break down a bit ' thank u , even leaveing vietnam and seing that 707 and i know that that is a feeling that none of us can explain when we look back down on the ground . I know what he mean when he say " i don't think about it " and i will share what he said about preparing to go down where the chopper is going down , because u aren't bgoing to be able to find the ideal place to set the chopper down . A WELL ROUNDED AND HUMBLE GENTLEMAN .
One of my dad's friends fought in Vietnam. He transitioned from the infantry into helicopter crews, where he was shot down at least twice (it might have been three times). He was always a gunner or crew chief (not sure which). He said that there were two kinds of "Charlie:" the PJs (pajamas) and the VC (Viet Cong). The former were lame shots and did stupid shit like run out into the open. The latter... Well, he said that if you saw a VC, you only survived if you shot first. He told me that helicopter crashes felt like "breaking your back." But he didn't make it clear if he was in bad crashes, or autorotation landings. He did say that one time he saw a VC on a hill, right as the VC saw him, and the helicopter was flying fast. In a split second they aimed and drew a lead on each other. But the VC shot first, and shot the M60's ammo. It blew that M60 up in my dad's friend's face. He said it sucked, but he was glad he lived.
At 38:08 he mentions hearing Cream on the radio. Music was huge. Refreshing to hear his detailed recollections. And the helicopter transmissions that could run without oil, staying in the air after hits from the jungle canopy below.
Fun fact about smells in the jungle. 9/10 times a LRRP unit came across an enemy force unawares, it's because they could smell them. When your sense of sight is diminished, all your other senses get cranked up to 11, just as with the blind or deaf. Not to toot my own horn, but as a deaf person myself, I've often been told that my "control touch" is top-knotch. By "control-touch", I mean how I operate the controls of machinery. Having good "control-touch" means that you're a smooth operator. Since I lost my hearing (I wasn't born deaf) my sense of touch became quite keen, as well as my sense of smell. I can smell a smoker from a mile away lol. Having said all that, a jungle is like a giant sensory-deprivation tank. All you're really left with is what you can hear and what you can smell, and that's during the day. At night, you can't see your hand 1 inch in front of your face in a Triple-Canopy.
@@simontills7090 I very strongly doubt that garlic was the only smell they encountered. Remember, we're talking about military/paramilitary personnel who have probably been in the field for weeks on end, wearing the same clothes the entire time. The only clothing they would have been changing out was socks, and there aren't any showers around. That makes for a rather stinky bunch of dudes. Just imagine what a locker-room smells like after a football game on a hot day and multiply it by 100. If you had an entire platoon of unwashed VC near you that have been in the field a while, the primary smells would be balls and BO.
It's good that he was able to hang out at the local airport when he was a kid. That instilled in him the love of flying. To be good at anything, you have to love it and this holds true especially for aviation. This man had to have been real good to survive Vietnam practically unscathed. He would make a great flight instructor even now in his later years. Great interview!
it is so interesting to learn of the very many different military tactics , I've had absolutely any idea of these sky warriors flying the little choppers , thanks Mr. Hagstrom for the great thrilling story
One day, not too far from now, all these guys will be gone. It is so great that you are recording their stories for all to hear and to be available for generations to come.
Love the helicopter interviews. My Uncle was a copter pilot flying out of Chu Chi in 1968
I am so glad he was willing to sit down and leave a record of his service. I was in Vietnam, but I had it easy. I have the utmost respect for this man.
I had a chance to fly with Gunnar when he was a civilian, and I have to say he is the real deal. I was fortunate to learn a lot flying with him as a copilot. Im grateful for the lessons I learned from just watching him fly. Thanks Gunnar.
My father was a flight instructor and test pilot. Spent most of his time logging/flying with a longline. Nothing like flying in a huey with an experienced pilot! Specially if there slightly crazy haha!
Youre right....Nobody gives a damn.
@@Dan-qp1el there's always at least one....from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸🤠
**. THE VIETNAM WAR..... WHAT A WASTE OF LIVES AND RESOURCES.. I WISH THEY'D ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS... LIKE,,, WHAT THE HELL WERE WE FIGHTING FOR.... AND HOW DID THEY FEEL ABOUT THE MILLION VIETNAMESE PEOPLE THAT WE KILLED !!!!! MOSTLY INNOCENT CIVILIANS!!!!! SORRY GUYS,,,, BUT THAT WAR IS A STAIN ON THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY.....((the proof is that 50000 Vietnam veterans,, committed suicide,,, after they came home))... Such a tragedy!!!**
@@johnedward3404 In the interviews I've seen these men have answered the questions you mention, and they've done so without being asked. These men aren't happy that innocent lives were taken, and you probably don't need to have them tell you to realize that. At the time, they felt like they were doing what was best of their country. Some even knew very little about Vietnam as they were drafted/enlisting, let alone what would happen in the future once they were there.
And once you're there, your only concern is survival, regardless of what your intentions/expectations may have been...
As an Infantry grunt in Vietnam and operating in those foothills west of Phu- Bai, I watched as these loch pilots would hover at tree-top level serching for enemy signs and so exposed to being shot out of the air ..... Bravest I've ever seen , Thank You, SIR !!!
Darth Insidius whoa 😲 you got proof to back that statement up? I don’t know the guy, or have a vested interest in him either- but that’s an insanely serious accusation to make about someone if you don’t have proof. Stolen Valor is a BIG DEAL- what if the guys speaking truth?
@Darth Insidius STOP with all that stupid shit. You are no Don Shipley and you don't have a clue who that guy is.
@@toynazi marines call themselves grunts - not army. he's got a point however badly he made it
@@MrKedab I was USAF in Vietnam 1971 TSN base defense and we called ourselves "safe but bored and wet".... (smile) but I do seem to recall that Army infantry called themselves grunts - never met a Marine - they were all up country where it was dangerous.... or working in LBJ as guards, from what I heard
@@YahooMurray thank you for your service. Sincerely. I've thought about this some more and of course, I think you're correct. I think most infantry in-country referred to themselves as grunts, regardless of branch of service. If you served, you served and I thank you all. ✌🏻
My dad was a Marine in the 1st Battle of Khe Sahn. I wish he would have shared his story but he never would talk about it. Unfortunately time ran out 3 months ago and he passed away. His older brother is 97 and still living. He’s a Navy combat veteran from WW2. He was in several Navy battles with the Japanese including the Kamakazi attacks. If I could get him to tell his story it would be a national treasure. Maybe I need to go see him soon
From a former boat people and a proud American now, thank you sir for your noble service in Vietnam.
Well said! God bless you, my fellow AMERICAN! 👍 🇺🇸
I am his age - both born in 1949 - I went into service 1 1/2 years after him - I was in Vietnam one year (his last year there - 1971) after that we have
nothing in common - I was very safe guarding airplanes at TSN (Saigon) and he was always in danger. Glad he made it out.
I've had the great honor of flying with this gentleman for most of this most recent summer (2024) fighting forest fires with the US Forest Service. Amazing pilot, and amazing fire fighter!
Guess he still can't keep his hand out of it! Doing the math he said he "retired" 12 years ago. Good for him!
I thought it was crazy when he was trying to list all the technical reasons why he survived and he just gives up and realizes it was just a miracle. What a great man and tough as hell
Great story teller. Nice to mention the Australian advisor working with the south Vietnamese army. We were all in it together. 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam
Those LOH choppers were small and often took enemy fire. This guys braver than he gives himself credit for.
just watch another LOH pilot interview. He was shot down 7 times. last chopper was NORA 8.
@@dafrasier1 just saw his too
Riveting listen. Incredible luck or skill or both to survive. I'm honoured to listen to this man.
I hung on every word and I retired from the Army with 29 years of service. You sir, are very humble and I suspect there is a lot more to your experience in Vietnam than you are saying!
I have been binge watching Vietnam War stories for three days and I can't stop. I am fascinated and haunted at the same time. Why am I doing this?
You are a reincarnated GI killed there? Or maybe Mama San lmao kidding.
Who cares my nigga
The answer about missing the states is so true. USAF vet post Vietnam my self. A few over seas tours in my day 75-95. So mail and a few phone calls was the only time I thought about the states. You have a job, friends and you lose track of time until you get short. Where am I going? What has changed? Just as you have changed so have the people and the country you left behind. Your values, wants and needs are so differant. Some people can't get over this for a long time. Some never do.
How can you not have anything but the utmost respect for a guy like this; he's modest, respectful & by reading between his words, you can tell there's a lot of things he's not saying, out of homage to his fallen mates & allies. A true gentleman.
Gunnar, thank you for your service sir and for telling your story.
Listening to you vets has helped pull me out of a deep slump of depression. I have been through my own " war" experience here at home. Had to struggle for my life and sanity and learn just how inept and negligent many professionals and authority figures are here in the USA. I took the red pill as a result of what I have learned from experience , is one way to put it. I have been discouraged and down for over a year now but starting to pull out of it, especially hearing how you guys have pulled out of your own difficulties and emotions. Thank you. If you can move forward after that horrible experience AND after knowing what you learned about authorities and privileged members of our society then I surely can do it too.
Thanks again.
I have so much respect for these gentlemen. Their service isn’t appreciated like it should be
Love the clarity and honesty by which some of these ex-Nam vets tell their stories.
Good to see and hear you again. I think I picked you up once after you were shot down. I was flying C&C at the time.
CW2 Mike Nadler
Wonderful series this is a great way to remember something that made such a difference in my teen years. My older brother was in the USAF in B-52s
Billings Gazette, thank you for this. An amazing slice of history told in the first hand. I am grateful. I am Canadian and remember seeing the fall of Siagon on the news when I was a small child. I always tried to understand this war.
It was a terrible period I joined the Navy young naive and didn't have a clue what Vietnam was all about, thank God I did not see any action I have the Highest Respect for Vets.
Ya know, thanking you just doesn't seem like enough. Yeah, we were on the ground but you can be sure that we were watching you guys and in awe of what you were doing. We called what you all were doing as "hunter killer teams". Then, after yall made contact, some slicks would pick us up and insert us in the area where yall collected the lead. I couldn't have done what you did, but it certainly was necessary. We depended on you chopper pilots for everything from food to ammo to pulling out our dead and wounded. Again, heart felt thanks go to you and all the wonderful guys that gave so much and made our lives a little more bearable. Doc, 3rd Plt, C Co, 1st Bn, 5th Inf, 25th Div … Dau Tiang, Tay Ninh, Nui Ba Dinh, Xuan Loc, Cu Chi, Parrots Beak and Fish Hook In Cambodia. Stay Chilly.
John Miles you’re all brave men no question
Much respect to you Mr. John Miles!
John Miles enormous respect to you also sir! 🙏
Thank you John Miles. You are as impressive as Gunnar. I salute you both!!
@@adbogo ??? Who are you speaking about?
I wish I had the courage these men had. I've been watching these vietnam war interviews for a couple months and their recollection is a real part of American history we have the opportunity to hear firsthand, Means so much more than a textbook. I am thankful for all Veteran's service and selfless decisions regardless of any opinions on wars or conflicts.
You have the courage because you don't think about it like that at a young age.
My dad went to Korea at age 17 and I joined up at age 19. It is simply something you do as a job, well in my case anyway.
💯
James McLaughlin trust me you have the courage you just don’t know it
It's just a pity that these brave men were taken advantage of by callous politicians at the time. Such a waste.
Jonas Wegelius Especially Henry Kissinger the monster
Gunnar's story could not be more fascinating. These tales are so important to document. Humble warriors achieving the impossible. Thank you for sharing sir.
Gunnar n Darrel,
Absolutely brilliant, many many thx
Cheers
Glenn
"Wars are started by the big bankers and they fund both sides " wise words from a wise warrior
This is antisemitic
@Jack o Everyone knows the big banks are run by jewish people, blaming wars on big bankers is just blaming jewish people.
Chuck that’s a lie but go on if it makes you happy and fits your version of history
@@x60mmx You are the only one here making broad generalizations that aren't true.
That’s a bunch of bullshit. Sure, bankers benefit from wars, but they’re not stardom. It’s typically some arrogant dictator, Communist or otherwise, that starts them and he’s not a damn banker.
OH-6’s we called wasps by some of our battalion (3rd / 21st Gimlets) because of their speed and quick turns. They often kept us apprised of large concentrations move our direction.
Loved those guys. Thanks, sir for your being there above us.
Thank you for this series… my father was in the Army in Vietnam for a few years but got blown up by a mine…I was very young and when he came back miraculously he never spoke about his experiences. He’s 80 years old now and talks just about general information to this day. God Bless all the Veterans…Mary
Great interview! Gunnar was one of the Corporate Air pilots I worked with some years back. He flew Aero Commanders from Billings into Great Falls. He always had a great story to tell about flying Loachs down low in Vietnam. He's a good guy. Nice to see him on here.
Maelstrom AFB 1972-74 after perimeter security at DaNang. My intro to trout fishing ethics.
From a Georgia boy. Go Dogs.
I flew the Shrike 500's from Billings to Great Falls and, Baton Rouge at the same time as Mr. Gunnar. Nice guy and a damned good Pilot. Vietnam '71 to '73, CW-3, UH-1C's, PIC, Squadron Leader.
**when will we ever learn,,, TO STOP THESE STUPID WARS... This veteran refers to himself as a guinea pig,,, AND HE WAS!!!.. OUR MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX,, MAKES TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS,,ON UNJUSTIFIED WARS.......((DESTROYING LIVES,,, ON BOTH SIDES))... I was there in the sixties,,, a lot of kids I knew,, went to Vietnam,, and either got killed,, or came back with mental problems!!! 50000 veterans committed suicide,,, after coming home!!!! That's proof,,, they couldn't justify what they had done!!!!
And the second Iraq war,,, wa's the same scenario,,, we invaded another country,,, that was in a civil war!!!! Sorry,,, for all the guys who got killed or wounded,,and for the million Vietnamese people who died... I told them in 1965,,, I'll join the army,, when the Vietnamese people attack our country!!! And I believe that that's the bravest thing I ever did... And I've never regretted it for 1 minute.... STOP STUPID WARS....**
Thank You for your service. During the summer of 67 I was a pro baseball player half way thru the season I was drafted into VN and receive a chest wound in the jungle during a rocket attack while carrying the 60 in the jungle for the 1st Air Cav and sent to Japan then on to a bed in the amputee ward at LetterGeneral in SF. After being wounded my pro career was over so I went to college on the GI Bill after release from the Army.
"I had no college background, only high school, so pilot school was the only option for me."
Times certainly were different back then.
@1manuscriptman I had a college degree so they wanted me to be a pilot. I refused because of the low survival rate. They stuck me in infantry. My buddy accepted and was shot down & killed.
@@billglass5160 The survival rate of a pilot was lower than a infantryman? Damn, I would have thought it would be the reverse. That's crazy.
@@antthomas7916 we're in the jungle. enemy can't always see us. pilots flying over us and others all day long. enemy can always see them.
These Interviews are with the children of the “greatest generation” and served this country with pride, as did their forefathers. Thank a Vietnam vet, you’ll be shaking the hand of an American Badass. 🇺🇸💪🏻
Like the great George Bush jnr. Also biden. Heroes
**I think you're living in a fantasy world!!!!! The Vietnam war,, cost us the lives of 100,000 American men,,, HALF OF THOSE BY SUICIDE!!!!!!..... That's the proof,,, that the Vietnam war and the second Iraq war for that matter,,,, WE'RE STUPID AND WRONG!!!!!.BECAUSE WE'VE GOT NO RIGHT TO INTERFERE IN OTHER COUNTRIES POLITICAL PROBLEMS......((OUR BOMBING COST THE LIVES OF A MILLION INNOCENT VIETNAMESE PEOPLE)). YOU CAN'T JUSTIFY THAT!!!!!AND NEITHER COULD ALL THOSE MEN WHO CAME HOME AND COMMITTED SUICIDE!!!! THE HUMAN SOUL,,, FIND WAR TO BE ABHORRENT,,, AND CRIMINAL!!!!! Sorry to rain on everybody's parade,,, but glorifying war is wrong..... And it only results in more wars.... Just imagine how many trillions of dollars we've spent on war... Enough that every American could be rich,,,, IF ONLY WE DIDN'T INVEST SO MUCH MONEY,,, IN STUPID WARS.....**
I once watched an interview like these of an officer who commanded soldiers in Vietnam. To quote him he said "I don't like that term greatest generation because the 19-year-olds I commanded in Vietnam were the best soldiers in the world. I would tell them what to do and they would do it without question"
Lol this is the "Greatest Generation"'s grandchild. They
generation is called "baby boomers".
Loved listening to Gunnar. He's certainly got a tale to tell about life in the fast lane.
One of the most fascinating interviews I have ever seen. I could visualize his story it is so well told. Amazing dude.
I was with an artillery unit now and then we would deliver mail to the different gun batteries, I flew with a 20 year old kid in a loach abasaluteily insane !! # much respect !!
A lot of us “early seniors” grew up watching the war in Vietnam on tv, and have been trying to make sense of US involvement ever since. I am very thankful for folks like this guy Gunnar (!) who have chosen to come forward and share their experience, and I really, really want to see this trend continue. Thank you, guys. This stuff is truly invaluable.
ToddtheExploder Indeed. These interviews clear up the question of the integrity of the soldiers that went and fought. They are not to blame and deserve our thanks and praise. The politicians however, deserve the blame for anything that might have been wrong with us being there. Polititians sitting in their comfy seats and sending people off to fight is a disgrace.
I was too young to go also. Some years after the war a vet told me he was glad I did not have to go. I could see the pain in his eyes. Really affected me.
There is another great interview on RUclips les dykemas you should watch it
@@rorytennes8576 I was army infantry in 2 units in vn '72.
Maybe 15 pct of lower enlisted infantry seriously lacked integrity.
Much dereliction, drug use, serious abuse of locals, fraggings, etc.
But I have no complaints about the aviation officers I knew.
I am humbled and grateful for your intense service. Respect.
Amazing story. What a humble gentleman. Thank you.
Welcome home sir. Thank you for your service. Respect. From one flight crew member to another
I enjoyed lots of these interviews....enjoying because it's always a first hand (you can't get closer) experience and people know (!) a 100% what they're talking about...and this man is in my top 3. He has done incredible brave things combined with such a clear mind....simply impressing.
Fantastic stories to hear from Mr Hagstrom. Thank you for sharing!! Your service is appreciated!!
I was an observer in the USBP on OH-6s for many years in the late 80s. Most of our USBP pilots flew in 'nam, and all the little birds were Vietnam era surplus. Most had bullet hole patches in their skin.... It was a blast. And yes, the pilots tried to teach us how to "fly" them, though I was never tested thank-god. Gunnar, you are an American hero
I operated sniffer missions in III Corps in 1st Cavalry. I was the observer. Loch waited for us to get a hit and pop smoke. We were at treetop level, low and slow. Loch came in to observe. Cobra waited at 1500 for directions.
Quality journalism. The whole story, not edited to fit an agenda.
And a real American hero. Thanks for your service.
love listening to these viatnam interviews
Great interview Gunnar. Lived in Billings in the 80’s and grew up with the love of flying with rotary and fixed wing pilots in the family. Always a pleasure to hear a great interview as the one you offered up.
He uses "you" and "we" when talking about fear. But, at 43:30 when asked about being shot down he definitely shows significant trauma in being unable to speak. Literally, he's like a worm on a hook that survived
Thanks for your heroic service 🇺🇸
I've watched an hour and a half of your amazing past in Vietnam. Can't leave without saying Thank you so much for your sacrifice. I'm sure you saved lives of many.. Wow you are an amazing person and we are all blessed because of Real Men like you. Thank you....
This guy is a super hero he keeps saying he doesn't remember much
I think he does but is a loveable humble human being God bless him
another incredible man gunner ..
so young .. even tho i am younger than you and never heard of vietnam
til college, your xperience is so human .. you and other vets xperience
puts hollywood to shame ..
yet all you vets endured the misconception of the image of a vet
on big screen .. whoa ..
society ppl are fairly weak .. guess so
wonderful to hear your facts your truths Love It Thankyou gunner
you and all vietnam vets are hearts
&souls of society plenty aloha
by way, sense of why these boys was
fighting, great deal for survival, but also they gave all .. really did ..
am sort of embaress way society
ignored them ..
Incredible tour in Vietnam. I was a grunt in 1971. We always tried to hide from Charlie not draw fire.
Because you were sane.... I was Security Police at TSN 1971, base defense. I spent my time trying to stay dry. Glad you made it back.
I'm glad you both made it back and thanks for your service time God Bless
I think his job was more dangerous than that of a grunt. I was a grunt in '69, 1st inf. div.
@@YahooMurray I've read about bloodthirsty captains who wanted to make a name for themselves. They pushed their troops aggressively and this caused casualties, all to pad their resume for promotions later
These interviews are fascinating.
I enjoyed that interview as much as any I have watched from the Billings Gazette. Good job and welcome home Gunnar.
What an incredibly humble hero
I been watching this documentary series for close to a week now. The interviewer here from the Billings Gazette did an amazing job not coming off as a total douche bag. That's the kindest remark I've made bout a journalist since 1996. This chopper pilot is an inspiration to young kids and old farts too. He's right about the war profiteers selling to both sides.
I agree that the interviewer did a fantastic job. His questions were spot on when they needed to be asked. He also had a confidence to his questioning which I think is the result of just being good at his job and also having spoken to many other vets about their experiences over there. I did 3 years in the Army back then and it almost seemed like the interviewer had served himself. Gunnar Hagstrom was amazing to listen to, it was like not being able to put down a book, I hung on his every word.
99 jersey the 6hg
Haha the interviewer is good but it’s also the format. These long form interviews make for a completely different vibe. This is one of the reasons why podcasts are so successful right now.
That's been going on almost since the beginning of war, the Rothschild family built large part of their initial fortune on was from the Napoleonic wars right through to WWI and WWII.
@@rbaz556 I doubt you know much about journalism. The vast majority of people who complain about the media/newspapers/journalists have no idea what they're talking about.
A very humble and great American!
Mr. Gunner is the Real top gun thank you for your service💕☺️
Thank you for your service to our country sir.
Thanks for your Service Gunnar It was well done! I worked communications behind the scenes that you experienced.
What a great story! Thank you sir, for your service and for sharing your story with us!
Much respect
How can anyone give a thumbs down to this hero. Thanks Gunnar...perfect name for a very difficult job.
Bill Barrett I’m thinking they’re the ancestors of dead VC
we have more commies than ever inside the wire, and government I might add
the most common description by a veteran of Vietnam, "The Smell."
Visited Cambodia in 94. Still smelled same.
It's been 50 years and I can still smell it.
@@bprathe3205 why would the smell change
@@3865ron ofcourse.
My uncle.MY inspiration for joining the Army.He TOO was based at PhuBai.101st,Lima Company Rangers.He often spoke of the bravery of the chopper pilots.
A real gentleman. Wars dont solve problems. Communication is the key to nation building. We are one race. The human race. Peace. If possible.
Thank you for your service.
Well done on interviewing and documenting these heroes testimony. I salute you sir.
Greetings from Sweden Gunnar Hagström nice interview and storys
what a total badass! thank you sir for your Service.. and thank you billings gazette for capturing these amazing stories>
My husband died doing That April 69. But he loved his job
Sorry for your loss. I was one of the lucky ones as was this man doing the interview. May your husband RIP
Strong stuff. Thanks to everyone involved for making these.
What a amazing interview. Gunnar you are brave man, to fly in to just draw fire to locate the enemy takes guts. I thank you for your service and god bless you sir.
Definitely. I have much respect and appreciation for all veterans but especially enjoy listening to the pilots stories. Was hanging on every word from Mr.Hagstrom. Very serious and to the point.
The guy that got shot down on his last day in country sure got a story to tell.
His comments at 1:24:00 are so spot on. Bankers love war. $$$
ruclips.net/video/vQZJSCDu-4o/видео.html
This is the first time i listen to an interview to entirity a real man of charather . I wiped tears thur this interview several times but he did nkt break down a bit ' thank u , even leaveing vietnam and seing that 707 and i know that that is a feeling that none of us can explain when we look back down on the ground . I know what he mean when he say " i don't think about it " and i will share what he said about preparing to go down where the chopper is going down , because u aren't bgoing to be able to find the ideal place to set the chopper down . A WELL ROUNDED AND HUMBLE GENTLEMAN .
Great guy, so reserved. National hero
who is this interviewer???/
No he's not he's a survivor.
The definition of a warrior.
One of my dad's friends fought in Vietnam. He transitioned from the infantry into helicopter crews, where he was shot down at least twice (it might have been three times). He was always a gunner or crew chief (not sure which). He said that there were two kinds of "Charlie:" the PJs (pajamas) and the VC (Viet Cong). The former were lame shots and did stupid shit like run out into the open. The latter... Well, he said that if you saw a VC, you only survived if you shot first.
He told me that helicopter crashes felt like "breaking your back." But he didn't make it clear if he was in bad crashes, or autorotation landings. He did say that one time he saw a VC on a hill, right as the VC saw him, and the helicopter was flying fast. In a split second they aimed and drew a lead on each other. But the VC shot first, and shot the M60's ammo. It blew that M60 up in my dad's friend's face. He said it sucked, but he was glad he lived.
These men are SO MODEST,POLITE,and HUMBLE ..IT makes me cry .
At 38:08 he mentions hearing Cream on the radio. Music was huge. Refreshing to hear his detailed recollections. And the helicopter transmissions that could run without oil, staying in the air after hits from the jungle canopy below.
Fun fact about smells in the jungle. 9/10 times a LRRP unit came across an enemy force unawares, it's because they could smell them. When your sense of sight is diminished, all your other senses get cranked up to 11, just as with the blind or deaf. Not to toot my own horn, but as a deaf person myself, I've often been told that my "control touch" is top-knotch. By "control-touch", I mean how I operate the controls of machinery. Having good "control-touch" means that you're a smooth operator. Since I lost my hearing (I wasn't born deaf) my sense of touch became quite keen, as well as my sense of smell. I can smell a smoker from a mile away lol. Having said all that, a jungle is like a giant sensory-deprivation tank. All you're really left with is what you can hear and what you can smell, and that's during the day. At night, you can't see your hand 1 inch in front of your face in a Triple-Canopy.
It was the garlic in the nuc mam.
@@simontills7090 I very strongly doubt that garlic was the only smell they encountered. Remember, we're talking about military/paramilitary personnel who have probably been in the field for weeks on end, wearing the same clothes the entire time. The only clothing they would have been changing out was socks, and there aren't any showers around. That makes for a rather stinky bunch of dudes. Just imagine what a locker-room smells like after a football game on a hot day and multiply it by 100. If you had an entire platoon of unwashed VC near you that have been in the field a while, the primary smells would be balls and BO.
Thank you for your service!!
Welcome home sir. I would have considered it a great honor to fly with you.
Thank you for risking yourself to serve our country Gunnar.
Tough man who had a tough job and had some good luck. Much respect.
It's good that he was able to hang out at the local airport when he was a kid. That instilled in him the love of flying. To be good at anything, you have to love it and this holds true especially for aviation. This man had to have been real good to survive Vietnam practically unscathed. He would make a great flight instructor even now in his later years. Great interview!
Excellent story ! Thank you for your service , sir .
A true unsung American badass. Love his story and salute his service!
GOOD MAN !!! HAT'S OFF, I SALUTE YOU CHIEF. USAF/USARMY RET
I am a 68yo Navy Veteran who salutes every Vietnam Veteran I see
A modest humble HERO! One of the best, thank you brother!
Billings Gazette, this is a really great series
it is so interesting to learn of the very many different military tactics , I've had absolutely any idea of these sky warriors flying the little choppers , thanks Mr. Hagstrom for the great thrilling story
One day, not too far from now, all these guys will be gone. It is so great that you are recording their stories for all to hear and to be available for generations to come.
@1:05:06 The 3 types of aircraft condition #1. Perfect shape when we left , #2. Close to perfect, #3. Flyable. Love it!!!
Love watching this series, this one is my favorite so far.
My comment got buried at 586. I also was 49er, 67 HS grad. Appreciate that you served. Thanks
"I got another day off..." - smirk. Great interview covering a lot of different aspects of the experience.
Awesome stories and insight from Gunnar, and nice production levels from Billings Gazette.
One brave solder. Thanks for your service. Great interview. I was over there but not in combat. USAF 1965-73
These interviews are priceless.