Dennis Mannion Interview | Echoes of the Vietnam War: Episode 20
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- Опубликовано: 27 фев 2023
- Echoes of the Vietnam War Podcast | Full Interviews from Episode 20: "Remembering Khe Sanh"
Listen to the full episode: www.vvmf.org/echoes/EP20/
The siege at Khe Sanh began on January 21, 1968. For 77 days, 6,000 Americans - mostly Marines - held their positions against an all-out assault by more than 30,000 enemy troops. Hear personal stories from two men who survived the siege and then returned, decades later, to Khe Sanh.
About Echoes of the Vietnam War Podcast
Even after 50 years, the impact of the Vietnam War echoes across generations. Hear stories of service and sacrifice from people who are affected - veterans, their families, and others who add perspective to those experiences. Brought to you by the nonprofit that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “The Wall,” in Washington, D.C.
Listen and Subscribe to the Echoes Podcast: www.vvmf.org/echoes
Learn more about VVMF at: www.vvmf.org
Mr. Mannion was my English teacher and football coach in high school. His wife Joan, was my guidance counselor at Mark T. Sheehan High School, in Wallingford Connecticut. Mr. Mannion's English classes were an experience. We had about a month of slides and stories from Vietnam. Morter rounds were pounded around the classroom. I saw the towel he mentions. Mr. Mannion was dropping F-bombs all over the place. We read the Iliad and Deliverance. I've pretty much forgotten most classes and teachers from high school. I remember Mr. Mannion's classes vividly. He's a wonderful man. I'm sorry to hear he's left the Church. Thank you for your service and God bless Mr. Mannion.
HEY Paul: Thank you for this "slightly" exaggerated description of our English class. 😅 How come you you didn't mention Cuckoos's Nest or The Things They Carried? LOL. I hope the years have been good to you. P.S. I have haven't left the church so much as I feel it left me. I still believe firmly that the 28 names I visit on the Wall when I go to DC will be re-connected with me. out there. I will see them again....and there is a religious component to that. P.S. I think you still owe me two quizzes on Deliverance. 😃 Bless you.
He was also my English teacher. Only class that made an extreme impact on me and made me curious about all things. Reading Alive, The Scarlet Letter….he is amazing. Thank you for being so wonderful Mr Mannion
Thanks, Laura, for those kind words ❤️
@@dmmkhesanhMR Mannion, curious about what offense you preferred , my guess is power I and Notre Dame 50 on defense. S/F L 3/1 , 1st MARDIV.
Wow you were lucky English is a boring class! Salute to Mannion.
Mr. Mannion was my teacher (and my sis). Hands down the best teacher I ever had. Major respect for this man for who he is and what he did on 861. MTS 2000 grad 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great interview and story. I was a 2531 RTO but got moved to an admin position at Danang upon arrival. Went back to the 28th Marines left the Corps finished college and became an FBI agent. Semper Fidelis Dennis.
I was a Marine radio Telegraph operator (2533) 1968-69. 2/13 then 4/11. For a good part of my time in VN I was one of the arty radio operators in the FDC talking to to guys like you. Busy days and nights. For several months With 4/11 we were shooting 155 SP’s. I could tell lots of stories of what it was like on our side of the radio chatter running multiple fire missions for a variety of marine units….the most memorable night I was talking with a 1st Recon unit that was being chased by the NVA. The recon marines would adjust their fire behind them as they ran. I just talked. It was the officers and enlisted men plotting in the FDC that were remarkable. Thank you for your service, marine.
Welcome Home! S/F
This is one of the best veteran interviews
Thank you for this. Dennis
Hey Mr. Mannion, how are you? This is Vinny Ferrie, from the Class of 2000. Just wanted to say Thank you for your service, and thank you for the great memories at Sheehan back in 98 and 2000, when I had you. You always had us laughing, and Mike Esposito and I laugh to this day over some funny stories you told us....especially the chop chop story....."America, you number 1, give us chop chop"....and when you didn't give them chop chop...."Forget you, you're number 10!" (Edited for the comment section) 😅😂 Last time I saw you was at Southern 6 years ago, but I hope all's been well with you and your family, and I hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks again for your sacrifice, and keep the great interviews coming. Take Care. 🙂
First, I would like to thank this gentleman for his service. Unfortunately, as crazy and bad as it was back then, its exponentially worse now. I fear for this country’s survival. Men like Dennis are few and far between nowadays.
Dennis Marines in Viet Nam that I met cause I was 12 yrs old in 1972, are the reason I enlisted in 1978. 1 tour at Quantico, never went anywhere and was 4034 Computer Operator, wore a tie EVERYDAY, either Charlie's or Bravo's. At 17 and join the Marines? Never Ever imagined I'd be working in an office! But have nothing but pride for the corp, the pride "came" from you guys. Semper Fidelis Marine
S/F Dennis
You're a hero Dennis, thank you for the sacrifices you have made for the American people, you are truly a hero.
Yeah they did sacrifice a lot of innocent people.
Poor young men like him were duped into fighting a war they had no business in.
This should be made into a movie
Thank you for this. I'm glad Dennis made it home and he's able to share his experience to us all. He's a great speaker. And to the host! For letting Dennis speak, great job.
13 months, ,,,,, wow , what a trip.
I can relate to that, my first time to Vietnam was 1959.
My last time there was 1972 = 13 years.
Thank you for your service.
Welcome Home!
13 years in Vietnam did You eats a lots of rices and did you speak Vietnamess good too..the most American CIA
Speaker Vietnamess very well
Hope you will become 100 years old very soon and still Healthy forever..
I’ve been watching a lot of these types of interviews lately and it’s my new thing. I can listen to these war stories all day. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
I’m from Hartford , Ct . What an awesome veteran thank you sir! Welcome home 🇺🇸
Thank you. I am humbled.
@@dmmkhesanh no thank you sir! My grandpa was drafted @ 18 in 68/69 with the 173rd glad he made it home. 🇺🇸 can’t believe how ppl treated you guys smh
I watched the whole video it was awesome. I cried at the end when you were telling about the treatment you received coming home and at the college campus. Just shameful how you were treated and heartfelt. My family has shed alot of blood for this country and it’s sickening to hear the reality of how our Vietnam veterans were treated upon returning home. Utmost respect for you sir.
Thank you, Timothy, for these kind words. Much appreciated. Dennis
Shameful non thinkers were harassing our victims , the young boys drafted or induced to join to try to avoid combat.
I heard you on RUclips years ago. You give an outstanding interview. I was in Vietnam 1971 as a grunt. I will never forget that year ever. I relate to your experience. Good to hear another interview from you. It really takes me back.
Thanks, Donald, for the kind words and your background. Welcome Home
Thank you for your service Donald .
This dudes memory is phenomenal ..!!
Thank you, Dennis. I loved your story. Semper Fi from one Marine to another!
S/F
Thank you Dennis Mannion ...thank you, thank you, thank you. What an icredible interview of an incredible man.
@@dmmkhesanh My father graduated from Notre Dame West Haven in 1956 and joined the US Air Force shortly thereafter. He was stationed in Hawaii for 4 years and was lucky never to see any combat.
@@elarke Hi Eric: NDHS Class of '65, huh? 😊 My brother Tim was as well. In fact, I also had brothers in the Classes of '66 and '67. The only time in NDHS history that 4 kids ( no twins of triplets) were in the building at the same time with different graduation years. All of us were football players. If your dad is still alive ask him. where he was when he heard the news that JFK had been shot in Dallas.
Great interviews. I always forget most Veterns were 18/19/20. Kids really. Imagine 19 year old's these days.
His students were very lucky to have a teacher like him
This was a outstanding interview, thank you Mr Mannion for sharing your story
Thanks, Alan.
Similar, I was assigned an MOS I couldn't even comprehend. My Senior DI made eye contact, walked me to Sgt. Major s office, and I became 03. It made perfect sense to them I wanted to be a simple grunt in a line company.
I believe this man to be a human being above all other things.
And there was me thinking that he was a Seahorse!!
What an excellent interview! I also had a small Sony AM/SW transistor radio while stationed at a remote outpost in Laos (1970). Reception was excellent both at night and during the day. Job well done!
Welcome Home!
Thank you for your service Dennis!
Great account of this man's experiences. Respect.
Thank You....
Thank you for all you did Dennis!
Thank you for your service.
Thanks for sharing your stories and keep them coming please.
Thank You for your service and your story Dennis.
Welcome Home Marine.
Thank you Mr. Mannion for sharing your powerful story. Semper Fidelis
What a fantastic interview!
A great interview, bet he was an engaging teaching , strikes me as a tough but fair kinda guy.
My Pop Pop was a mortar man in Europe in 44-45. He said he saw me break from the stress of out going Artillery crossing the Roer or the Rhine River. He was also bombed by the Air Core twice during operation Cobra and suffered barrages from German 88s and a rail gun. He said it sounded like a freight train coming through the air.I can only imagine how rough it was for the NVA on the other end of Mr.Mannions long guns. Thanks for sharing your service and being such an engaging speaker. Cheers from Baltimore Maryland 🍀
this is a great interview, really great you made it home, Dennis. like you, i am grateful I made it home alive and in one piece......note: i like looking at the person who is talking
Surprised to hear about East Lansing! From Lansing MI, thank you sir ❤❤❤
Thank you sir. You are another of our national treasures.
Great insight
Great interview. Great Marine.
Welcome home Marine, you served with honor, sir...Semper Fi
Amazing interview and story and life
You seem like a very likeable guy. Very enjoyable and insightful listening to this interview
Outstanding story teller. I imagine he was a fantastic teacher. Thank you 🙏
Amazing story DENNIS very detailed thank you for your service god bless you!!!!
I’ve seen another video Mannion did on a presentation to a group. What an interesting and dynamic speaker. God Bless you Sir.
THANKS DENNIS !!! You remind me of my Dad - A WW2 combat vet and Football Man.
Great interview. Just a side note …. I like looking at the person who is talking.
Awesome interview Dennis, a marine with the gift of gab, very rare. Kudos from an Aviation Machinst mate 82-90. USN.
It turns out you have nice video. Thanks from North Aurora il
Respect.. 🫡🫡 Definitely A Good Guy went to Norte Dame
Semper Fi brother...a true hero
Wonderful interview. Gripping story. So upsetting to hear of people disrespecting soldiers who risked their lives, instead of the couch politicians who sent them.
Thank you Fred for the kind words. Dennis
What year did he go to the war, interviewer asked him twice
An amazing storyteller....
i could have listened all day....
No glorification, just plain facts of what happened....
Thank You For Your Service
💞✌️🙏
I noticed he mentions An Hoa & Arizona Territory south of Da Nang. I came to An Hoa in October 1968, I remember being on Operation Meade River, in the Dodge City area about 10 miles south of Da Nang. I was a grunt 0311 Rifleman with H-co 2/5 Marines, we were under Operation control of the 26th Marines on the attack of the 36th NVA regiment L, I. Companies were on our right flank for 3 days of very heavy combat, a staff Sergeant from India 3/26 posthumously received the metal of honor.
your correct, no closure
Excellent interview, absolutely fascinating. Thank you both.
Wow, from a family member I knew some details of E 2/26 that first night on 861. But, never knew about all that 81mm support from I 3/26(Dabney) on 881. Probably helped save Echo as much as their goal line stand in the ditches.
Hey Jon - to clarify a bit, the NVA attack of Hill 861 on 20/21January was just that hill. Two days later E/2/26 hiked up from the valley to a hill just below the eastern side of 861. They established a perimeter and began to dig in. It was named 861a. The attack by the NVA you referenced occurred on 4Feb68.
@@dmmkhesanh thanks so much. I realized that after my comment. I mixed details from my reading with recollections of a family member there with E 2/26. Thanks for your time. L 3/1 87-91
@@jonhenson5450 S/F !
Thanks for the vid. 861 a was a gyreen he'll hole. Nevertheless they did not surrender
What men
Thanks
My bro was with 3/5 Lima company from aug 1968 to June 1969 he was a m 60 gunner .he was in the bush for 5 months and the rest of the a An Hoa .
Attention! Hand Salute!
@ 29:45 What does "Bill it , over rank"
Mean ?
I don't like it when people thank me. I know they mean well, and I am not rude, but I DO say I feel guilty because I absolutely hated every livin second of my time there.
11 bravo, 23rd Infantry Division AMERICAL.
Your right the world is lucky it didn't spit on me. I never needed a parade, I could care less.
100% Service connected is enough.
Cool bak drop
Thanks. I love low key. :)
This was a riveting interview- glad didnt hear much from interviewer, just let him go!!
SIR When you were talking about the French maps LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS!!! Like I've said in the past these videos need to be shown in every school in the country they need to realize how this country was born and why they have the freedom that we have!!! 🗽🇺🇸
Thank you
Notre Dame was/is the Catholic High School in West Haven, CT.
Yes it is.
Jumped rank from PFC to Corporal before being tested in the heat of battle? Didn’t sound he got any shit for this. Lucky.
Dennis, your father was correct! "it was a Shit Show in a Shit Hole Country" Semper Fi!
G/2/5 An Hoa/Arizona Territory 68-69
Welcome Home and S/F !
Westie 👍
Typical lineman, I'll get the water. Glad he had a great c.o.
Welcome home, Dennis. Fuck that guy on the airplane home. I'm glad at least that the flight attendant and van driver were nice to you.
Thanks, Ken, I have always felt the same way about the guy on the plane. I appreciate your “0n Target” response. Dennis
Shucks...ly
The story on the commercial airliner was hard to listen to. It's infuriating how this country treated our Vietnam Veterans upon their return and for subsequent decades. Father and uncles were all I Corps Marines in 67-68 and have similar stories about returning stateside. Welcome home Marine.
Òoĺ😊pp😊😊pp😊
Cant listen. Recording is terrible
Christ, man! Insist he leave the bracelet on! This man is a hero, he can much as much, or little background noise as he likes. What are you, a Communist?!
Some stories are getting lame, same thing, no good stuff, plz look out for this. Thanks Bud, Sorry your youth was stolen in such a great country. It's her lame leadership, not her soul...
Thanks for this nice comment, Eric. Appreciated. Dennis
This guy loves to hear himself talk
The topic is good but not the interviewer. You made this video boring watching you falling asleep.
Wrong. The democrat party abandoned service dogs in Afghanistan, during the surrender and retreat. Dogs in cages, alone, among people who hate and fear dogs.
Lmmfaoooooo
Troy are chirping 😂
Dennis you could respect those of who aren’t going to HELL when we die and stop every time you do an interview about your Nam experience cursing GOD!!!!!!!
I ain’t going to hell, Stan, maybe you are? I have lived an honorable life but that doesn’t qualify for anything because I don’t believe. You do, I guess. Fair enough. In addition, I could give a shit if you think I’m heading there. Take your “I am loftier than you” attitude and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine