Imagine how hard that was for Dennis to do. Keeping it together telling another mans story that would be so similar to his own. Keeping his own memories at bay in order to get through this reading without losing it completely. Well done Dennis Franz, you are a great actor and a great man. Salute!
Agreed. Great job Mr. Franz. I had to wipe my eyes and fight the lump in my throat. It’s so disturbing what our veterans have had to go thru. We, as a country, should be helping them first and foremost, before Any foreign country, or special interest groups, get a damn penny of taxpayer money!!!
I am honored to be a personal friend of Dennis. We met more than thirty years ago. I am not in his profession, but we had much I common. We especially loved the same music. We often talked about his and my experiences in Vietnam. Now we live so far apart. I am now eighty years old. I miss you, DF. I love you, brother. God bless your heart!
Anyone who gave this video a thumbs down is a heartless monster! My Uncle volunteered and was KIA in Vietnam less than a month after arriving, he was 19 years old. I was about 2 years old when this happened so I only have a picture of him holding me as a baby to remember him by. God bless all Veterans and those currently serving!
I remember there was a scene in NYPD blue where he described a Vietnam experience to his partner in the locker room. Dennis Franz sold that experience. You felt the pain coming off of him. Little did I know he really felt that pain
This is my 2nd time watching, & once again I can't stop my tears. I was an Air Force Nurse at Tachikawa AFB, Japan & took care of Marines from Khe Sanh. I approached one asking if he'd like something for pain, & his response was multiplied 24 more times as I approached them all - "no mamm, go take care of my buddy".Marines, they have my heart & respectfully say, you are the best!! PS; I went back to 1st one saying none of your buddies want this as I took the rubber tip off the demerol needle, at which he said,"yes mamm". I went to every one of 24 & gave them a relief shot in the butt. Love you Marines.
I was born in Tachikawa in 1951, probably the same hospital you worked in. During the Korean war it was primarily a burn unit......God Bless you and thank you for your service. I can't imagine the things you have seen.
The hardest part of Vietnam for me was coming home. I was a combat 0311 marine rifleman and experienced some horrible times in Vietnam, but coming home ripped my heart out of my chest.
I was also an 0311. I’ve done 7 combat tours in 24 years on active duty. You guys went through a hell Dante himself couldn’t describe. For what it’s worth, welcome home Marine
My late brother was a Marine at Khe Sanh. He was with Bravo Co. 1st Bn 26th Marine Rgt. His company was quite near the main ammo dump when it was hit. Many of his buddies were part of The Ghost Patrol that walked into an ambush and suffered heavy losses and wounded. He himself went out on patrol later was hit by mortar shrapnel in the legs and was med-evaced out. He was haunted for years by what he experienced and drank heavily. Forty years after, he was diagnosed with cancer, from exposure to Agent Orange. In 2009, I went with him to Denver, his last reunion with the Khe Sanh Veterans and met some of the guys he fought with in 1968. Sixteen months later, he died from the cancer he Brough back with him. He died on November 10th, 2010, the birthday of his beloved Marine Corp. He may have survived that terrible time, but it still killed him 42 yrs later.
Would your brother be Dan? I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you & your family & thanks to Mr. Horton for his service. If it was Dan, then God smiled on him & at least took him on the Marines birthday. This is coming from a Marine (lowly 0311) that proudly served in the 1st Gulf War, 1/7/1. Semper Fi. Always.
My cousin who I never met was killed in Khe Sahn in March of 68. He was also bravo co. 1bn 26th mar. I visit his grave every marine corps bday and Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I named my 2nd son after him. My cousin was Kenneth Totten Jr. I myself am also a Marine. I fought in Fallujah in 04-05. 1st Bn 3rd mar 3 mar div. I shared strange likenesses w him. A few years ago after posting on his virtual wall I received a message from a Marine who I later called. He ended up knowing my cousin and was the last to see him alive . He had found my cousin injured and dying and carried him to a casualty area . Bothers him to this day he couldn’t save him. Amazing how we found one another . Godbless your brother and god bless the marine corps
I was at Khe Sanh, also on hill 881South with Captain Dabney's India Company 3d Bn. 26th Marines. On January 20th 1968, I was India company's point man on the approach to Hill 881North. We encountered a couple of THOUSAND NVA soldiers in prepared positions that day. After an all day fight we fell back to our fixed positions on Hill 881 South. Since there was not going to be any more patrols for a while Captain Dabney sent me, and my partner, another Scout Sniper back to the combat base. Where we sweated out the daily artillery, and probing attack's until the end of my tour in late March. My 12 month/ 20 day tour of duty came to an end I rotated back to the WORLD, before the siege end. When I returned to America I had two Purple Heart Medals, a fist full of Presidential Unit Citations, and several campaign medals for action in a country that no longer exist. I was faced by a population that hated me, and a Government that was ashamed of me. Yeah "My Fellow Americans" hated me for serving when it was my turn to serve. Hollywood was capitalizing on the war with garbage like Apocalypses Now, Rambo, Full Metal Jacket, and lots of other crap. The American people Characterized the Vietnam vet as a wild eyed, blood thirsty, dope addicted, murderer. So I withdrew from their world. I have never forgotten, nor will never forgive the people of this country for the treatment we BABY KILLERS received upon our return to the World. THANK YOU MY FELLOW AMERICANS! The men of my family have worn the Marine/Army uniform in every war for over 100 years. The most recent addition is my youngest son. He did two tours in Iraq first as a Marine during the initial invasion, then later as National Guard M.P. Securing the Al Asad Airbase near Baghdad. Thank God he did not have to face the same garbage I did. At least no one was calling him a baby killer.
I was 6 years old when you were going through that hell on earth. I feel for you, sir… my Marine uncle island hopped, somehow made it off Iwo Jima & was discharged. Dad said he was never the same; would love to have met him but he died about two years before I was born… I had other uncles that I didn’t know about their combat experiences until after they were passed… all combat vets I have otherwise ever met from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, countless other skirmishes and all the Mid-East wars, many I worked with in factories, civil service, etc. were all humble, good men..I could always tell there was something in their eyes, that their experiences still lived on day in & day out, but to a man they carried on & did the best they could. Thank you thank you thank you for your service, in a war clearly f’d up by those in charge in DC…….
My father was a Nam vet. He never really recovered. What that war did to him it did to many others. Yet he never regretted his service and loved his country till the day he died.
This is very powerful my dad is a vietnam combat vet and i never understand why he was the way he was i honestly at times thought he was just acting that way for no reason but now that i know what he was dealing with i understand and thankfully he is still around and i had the chance to apologize to him thank him for what he did and let him know i love and respect him
"While serving, Franz was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and served in Vietnam. ... His unit saw combat, and the experiences he had overseas left a profound mark on him." He is also a Combat Vet from VietNam
From my high school graduating class, I not sure how many served. Twenty are on the wall. I can’t visit the war memorial in the city park, because I sit and cry, and remember each name as a face, a voice, a laugh.
Uncle Bill was a combat vet from the jungle war. A draftee who went, served and somehow returned. For the next 55 years, 3 marriages and some solo time, he went to bed in the evening but woke up on the floor in a corner with a blanket, every night.. He worked for a local electric company 35 years, retired and died from Agent Orange caused illnesses. He was funny and was very lucky at games and cards. He is missed every day. RIP Uncle Bill.
If there was a God, there would not have been Vietnam let alone all the other brutal wars, just in the last 100 years. Stop with the "God bless" stupidity, it means nothing.
Always respected Mr. Franz, as an actor. But he has reached another level of respect for his service. I would like to run into him, one day, and offer to buy him dinner, just to sit and talk. P.S. Add in Gary Sinise. It would be an honor to share some time with these gentlemen.
My Mum & Dad had 6 years of hell, it was called WW2. Dad was off fighting with the British 6th Airborne Division, Mum, was just trying to live & survive the Blitz. The Blitz didn't just flatten parts of London, but half of Portsmouth, Plymouth & other places. Even Mum's home village was Bombed, as it was near Farnborough Airfield, where most of our research flying was done. Mum lost friends, Dad lost friends, but they survived, met & married after the war, had children, I , am honoured to be one
WOW This guy is awesome. My uncle is 73 and volunteered to go to VN in 67, got hit and still reupped. I'm trying to set up an interview with him. His story needs to be told. His second tour he ended up with him missing a foot and finger, also a hip and back shot. Love you Uncle Bill
I know the nightmares they visit me every single night. I have learned to live with them, learned to live with what every combat veteran has been through. We are not alone and must realize that together we brothers and sisters in arms can overcome the physical and mental scars.
I visited Khe Sanh in 1996 and the most striking thing was the feeling of being very far from civilization and being in a very remote place even though it was only 30 km from the coast and Da Nang. Poor Denis sounds like he got PTSD.
I loved Denis since Hill St Blues he is an awesome actor. I know he was in 101 airborne I also severed in Nam it’s up and down but we all learn to live one day at a time
I never made it to Khe Sahn, but was there 1969-1972. I can emphasize with him, being spat on and called a baby killer made me hate my own country to the point that I wanted to return to live out the rest of my life. I am grateful for my family members being there for me, even to just listen to my crazy self vent. Thank you.
Semper Fi Marine. Oorah! Vietnam Vet. I know the darkness you talked about. I too can see and hear and smell Vietnam. Thank God I have a good life today. I’m retired living in Arizona.
Semper Fi. Franz at his finest. I'm watching this at 0223. Can't sleep. I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression with suicidal indications. I have basically been homeless since I left the Marine Corps. Lost two marriages, and my life became unmanageable. I have to see the truth in myself and straighten myself out but by bit. Through the suffering and pain I would do it again. I loved being Marine more than anything. I love my brother Marines and my country. I won't quit. Semper Fi until I die.
John, keep your head up mate. From one old soldier to another the best advice I was ever given after returning home was... ‘You are not what you’ve experienced but what you choose to become’. After hearing these simple words I slowly started to understand I had the power to choose to be something else other than the bitter and angry man I’d become. Easier said than done but over the years it has helped me enormously. I hope you too find something that helps you. Regards Mark.
My dad was in the US Army in Vietnam 1967-1968, he talks rarely about the war. I do know he carries a hatred towards the protesters that protested at home during that war. I've seen it and heard it in the course of my life..........He says, " Those people called me a baby killer, but they were never there to know what the hell they were talking about. While they smoked grass and chanted in protest I watched my men and friends die , some right out of high school."
My friend and VFW commander in Fort Lee was also there at the same time. He is Cpl. Anthony "Tony" Lione. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
You may have won 4 Emmys for NYPD BLUE, Dennis, but THIS was your finest performance. Bless you, and all of our wonderful soldiers who gave up everything to protect and defend America. I wonder what's worse? Dying in a hell hole like Viet Nam, Iraq or Afghanistan... Or living through it like this young soldier whose story you just so eloquently told?
I pay close attention to these messages, but when the thoughts, feelings & words of a vet, are spoken by another vet (like Dennis Franz), it hits home that much more. The Vietnam vets were treated badly, when they came home. It shouldn’t have been that way. I’m hoping that veterans of all wars can find that peaceful part of life, that they deserve. Anyone that has served his country, has my eternal thanks & gratitude!
A good friend of mine was there. Dickie Mitchel. He wasn't afraid of anything! And a stand up kind of man! I did thank him, and welcome him home. He looked at me funny, and grinned. And shook hands. And not a word was said about it. But I knew it meant a lot of him. I saw it in his eyes, and how he treated me from then on.. if I ever had a problem and he found out? He was there fighting mad. More than ready to fight! I was impressed . And respected that man. Rip sir
I rewatched this video and found this was not Dennis Fran's experience, but he had his own PTSD experiences from his time in Vietnam. He was the perfect spokesperson for this video.
I remember the episode where his son was killed and he went to ID him. He was so real, like he wasn't even acting. this explains a lot. Always liked this guy.
Wow that was amazing, I don't know how he recited that. It was so meaningful and true. NYPD Blue was and is my favorite show of all time and Dennis was and is such a big part of that. My hat goes off to him for that speech. I wish I had seen that in 2012.
You brought tear to me eyes, Dennis. I'm a huge fan (NYPD Blue). I'm also a Vietnam Era Vet, I can relate to a lot of what you said. So little gave so much for so many!
WOW! Thank you Dennis so many men and women out there dealing with returning from war and horror they had to deal with. HEROS you are, do not give in and do not give up! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
As a Deputy Sheriff I especially loved Dennis' role as Sepowitz in NYPD Blue. He did things my department and the law wouldn't let me do, and he became my 'pressure relief valve,' every week when I watched him. Certainly I knew it was an actors role, but I could watch him knock heads in and release my own frustrations vicariously through him. But it wasn't until fifteen minutes ago that I learned he was also a Vietnam veteran. Maybe I identified with that side of him, albeit hidden on the television screen, because we've both... 'Walked the walk.' Somehow I managed to avoid - or supress(?) the PTSD... put it behind me, I don't know. What I do know, although I'm reasonably certain Dennis will never read this, I would like to also say, Thank You, Sir, for your service... and Welcome Home.................. Carl, 366th ASD, DakTo, Vietnam, 1968-69
I sorry Dennis, for all the trama, grief, sadness, loss, and loneliness. I too am a Vietnam Veteran 2/4 Marines 1969. I think the Vietnam war had a lot to do with our current division in this country. It changed our minds, it altered our definition of patriotism. It taught us not to trust our leaders because they did not have our best interest in their decisions'. My hat is off to you and all other Veterans who came home with baggage, and found no hope. Welcome home my brother, welcome home.
My Dad, Whom I Grew Up With During The '60's Was 101 Airborne. He Was At Normandy, Holland & Bastogne. Now I Know Why He Slept So Much During The Day & Kept A Loaded Shotgun By His Bed At All Times. He Always Told Me To Never Wake Him By Shaking Him, Always Call Out From The Doorway. He Told Me About Things He Did & Saw When I Was Quite Young But Never In A Bragging Manner & I Remember Him Saying, " You Never Know What A Man Is Going To Do Until The Bullets Start To Fly". It's Because Of Men Who Found Out, A-Lot Of Us Won't Have To.
Thank you and God bless you Dennis for your service and sacrifice. You fought a war no one wanted and had to come home to be vilified and spit on. I was 12 years old when I heard this and was ashamed at your treatment. No excuse for how you and others in our military after you came home were treated. I will always honor you and others who served.
I ran into Hanoi Jane at the Limelight Disco Atlanta, GA in 1984. This old Ranger had a few choice words for her. I am 100% disabled now. VA is doing a great job of treating me. PTSD is a bitch. Ranger Class 5-70.
I was in the Army at the end of the Vietnam War 1972, never saw action. Met many soldiers that did and a few with PTSD, at the time I did not know what I was experiencing as I do now. My wish is to return to 1972 and be a little more caring and understanding for those troops. God bless the American soldiers.
Bravo Dennis, bravo. Thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless you. May He be merciful unto you and may He grant you peace through your new endeavors and kindness.
Thanks... If you haven't been in "the shit" you just can't imagine what it was like. Movies and TV can give you an idea but not the feelings of the time and the aftermath.
Imagine how hard that was for Dennis to do. Keeping it together telling another mans story that would be so similar to his own. Keeping his own memories at bay in order to get through this reading without losing it completely. Well done Dennis Franz, you are a great actor and a great man. Salute!
He walked right up to the edge.
Agreed. Great job Mr. Franz. I had to wipe my eyes and fight the lump in my throat. It’s so disturbing what our veterans have had to go thru. We, as a country, should be helping them first and foremost, before Any foreign country, or special interest groups, get a damn penny of taxpayer money!!!
When you look into Franz's face , you can tell he's feelin it......memories
Watch his hands.
I am honored to be a personal friend of Dennis. We met more than thirty years ago. I am not in his profession, but we had much I common. We especially loved the same music. We often talked about his and my experiences in Vietnam. Now we live so far apart. I am now eighty years old. I miss you, DF. I love you, brother. God bless your heart!
He mentioned a war buddy of his in a Tom Snyder interview. Guy named Neil. You know if he ever met up with him again?
Anyone who gave this video a thumbs down is a heartless monster! My Uncle volunteered and was KIA in Vietnam less than a month after arriving, he was 19 years old. I was about 2 years old when this happened so I only have a picture of him holding me as a baby to remember him by. God bless all Veterans and those currently serving!
I am truly sorry for your loss and pray that everyone, in your family, were able to go on with your lives despite your loss.
I agree 👍 with you I was in Vietnam as well I was drafted in 1973 when I was 18 years old I seen a lot of death
Dennis Franz has been a favourite of mine since NYPD Blue.
Now that I know he is a 'Nam Vet, my admiration and respect for Mr. Franz is immeasurable.
I remember there was a scene in NYPD blue where he described a Vietnam experience to his partner in the locker room. Dennis Franz sold that experience. You felt the pain coming off of him. Little did I know he really felt that pain
This is my 2nd time watching, & once again I can't stop my tears. I was an Air Force Nurse at Tachikawa AFB, Japan & took care of Marines from Khe Sanh. I approached one asking if he'd like something for pain, & his response was multiplied 24 more times as I approached them all - "no mamm, go take care of my buddy".Marines, they have my heart & respectfully say, you are the best!! PS; I went back to 1st one saying none of your buddies want this as I took the rubber tip off the demerol needle, at which he said,"yes mamm". I went to every one of 24 & gave them a relief shot in the butt. Love you Marines.
Wow, what a honey you are! Thanks for taking care of them and your service!
Thank you.
💙
Thank you ma’am. Cpl Bertelli, USMC 99-06
I was born in Tachikawa in 1951, probably the same hospital you worked in. During the Korean war it was primarily a burn unit......God Bless you and thank you for your service. I can't imagine the things you have seen.
The hardest part of Vietnam for me was coming home. I was a combat 0311 marine rifleman and experienced some horrible times in Vietnam, but coming home ripped my heart out of my chest.
Thank you for your Service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The important thing is you are home now.
I'll walk with you.
Anytime any where and any reason.
18D30
E7
7th Grp.
I was also an 0311. I’ve done 7 combat tours in 24 years on active duty. You guys went through a hell Dante himself couldn’t describe. For what it’s worth, welcome home Marine
@@Onecooltop75 ThanksTop, your replay means a lot to me, more than you can know.
My late brother was a Marine at Khe Sanh. He was with Bravo Co. 1st Bn 26th Marine Rgt. His company was quite near the main ammo dump when it was hit. Many of his buddies were part of The Ghost Patrol that walked into an ambush and suffered heavy losses and wounded. He himself went out on patrol later was hit by mortar shrapnel in the legs and was med-evaced out. He was haunted for years by what he experienced and drank heavily. Forty years after, he was diagnosed with cancer, from exposure to Agent Orange. In 2009, I went with him to Denver, his last reunion with the Khe Sanh Veterans and met some of the guys he fought with in 1968. Sixteen months later, he died from the cancer he Brough back with him. He died on November 10th, 2010, the birthday of his beloved Marine Corp. He may have survived that terrible time, but it still killed him 42 yrs later.
Many unsung heroes. Your brother was one. Semper FI.
Would your brother be Dan? I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you & your family & thanks to Mr. Horton for his service. If it was Dan, then God smiled on him & at least took him on the Marines birthday. This is coming from a Marine (lowly 0311) that proudly served in the 1st Gulf War, 1/7/1. Semper Fi. Always.
@@JR-zv6qm I served there as well! 2/3 ADA 1st Infantry Division! Thanks Brother!
I served with Vietnam veterans...you did not mess with them!
My cousin who I never met was killed in Khe Sahn in March of 68. He was also bravo co. 1bn 26th mar. I visit his grave every marine corps bday and Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I named my 2nd son after him. My cousin was Kenneth Totten Jr. I myself am also a Marine. I fought in Fallujah in 04-05. 1st Bn 3rd mar 3 mar div. I shared strange likenesses w him. A few years ago after posting on his virtual wall I received a message from a Marine who I later called. He ended up knowing my cousin and was the last to see him alive . He had found my cousin injured and dying and carried him to a casualty area . Bothers him to this day he couldn’t save him. Amazing how we found one another . Godbless your brother and god bless the marine corps
This old Marine was there and at times he is still there. Semper Fi
I was at Khe Sanh, also on hill 881South with Captain Dabney's India Company 3d Bn. 26th Marines. On January 20th 1968, I was India company's point man on the approach to Hill 881North. We encountered a couple of THOUSAND NVA soldiers in prepared positions that day. After an all day fight we fell back to our fixed positions on Hill 881 South. Since there was not going to be any more patrols for a while Captain Dabney sent me, and my partner, another Scout Sniper back to the combat base. Where we sweated out the daily artillery, and probing attack's until the end of my tour in late March.
My 12 month/ 20 day tour of duty came to an end I rotated back to the WORLD, before the siege end. When I returned to America I had two Purple Heart Medals, a fist full of Presidential Unit Citations, and several campaign medals for action in a country that no longer exist. I was faced by a population that hated me, and a Government that was ashamed of me. Yeah "My Fellow Americans" hated me for serving when it was my turn to serve. Hollywood was capitalizing on the war with garbage like Apocalypses Now, Rambo, Full Metal Jacket, and lots of other crap. The American people Characterized the Vietnam vet as a wild eyed, blood thirsty, dope addicted, murderer. So I withdrew from their world. I have never forgotten, nor will never forgive the people of this country for the treatment we BABY KILLERS received upon our return to the World. THANK YOU MY FELLOW AMERICANS!
The men of my family have worn the Marine/Army uniform in every war for over 100 years. The most recent addition is my youngest son. He did two tours in Iraq first as a Marine during the initial invasion, then later as National Guard M.P. Securing the Al Asad Airbase near Baghdad. Thank God he did not have to face the same garbage I did. At least no one was calling him a baby killer.
Thanks for serving, man. Talk about fubar...
Thank You, Sir!
Very Sorry for how you and your brothers were treated!
I hope you know that some of us are on your side. We know what you went through, we honor your service, and we will never forget.
Semper Fi.
Hear you man, marines 3/6 68-70 delta dogs
I was 6 years old when you were going through that hell on earth. I feel for you, sir… my Marine uncle island hopped, somehow made it off Iwo Jima & was discharged. Dad said he was never the same; would love to have met him but he died about two years before I was born… I had other uncles that I didn’t know about their combat experiences until after they were passed…
all combat vets I have otherwise ever met from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, countless other skirmishes and all the Mid-East wars, many I worked with in factories, civil service, etc. were all humble, good men..I could always tell there was something in their eyes, that their experiences still lived on day in & day out, but to a man they carried on & did the best they could.
Thank you thank you thank you for your service, in a war clearly f’d up by those in charge in DC…….
My father was a Nam vet. He never really recovered. What that war did to him it did to many others. Yet he never regretted his service and loved his country till the day he died.
This is very powerful my dad is a vietnam combat vet and i never understand why he was the way he was i honestly at times thought he was just acting that way for no reason but now that i know what he was dealing with i understand and thankfully he is still around and i had the chance to apologize to him thank him for what he did and let him know i love and respect him
I'm very sorry for what you both had to go through. He had to suffer ptsd and you didn't get a chance to have a father who was completely healthy.
@@brianwalsh1401he probably regrets his part in a war that killed 2million Indochinese
@@JohnRyan-gr8bs A statement of ignorance and stupidity from an overly protected dumbass momma's boy.
@@JohnRyan-gr8bs Genius response. I suggest you STFU. You can honor the warrior without honoring the war.
Love Dennis! 🙏 Great man and fellow Vet! Can’t imagine Vietnam and only went to Kuwait, Saudi twice, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Qatar!!
Dennis Franz is the best!
"While serving, Franz was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and served in Vietnam. ... His unit saw combat, and the experiences he had overseas left a profound mark on him." He is also a Combat Vet from VietNam
From my high school graduating class, I not sure how many served. Twenty are on the wall. I can’t visit the war memorial in the city park, because I sit and cry, and remember each name as a face, a voice, a laugh.
There’s nothing wrong with crying. It’s a release.
My heart mind body andsoul went through so much
This man served in Vietnam after graduating from college. God Bless Him!
Such a wonderful patriot and veteran who served his country with honor. An unbelievable actor and a great talent. God bless Dennis Franz.
Uncle Bill was a combat vet from the jungle war. A draftee who went, served and somehow returned. For the next 55 years, 3 marriages and some solo time, he went to bed in the evening but woke up on the floor in a corner with a blanket, every night.. He worked for a local electric company 35 years, retired and died from Agent Orange caused illnesses. He was funny and was very lucky at games and cards. He is missed every day. RIP Uncle Bill.
Thank you for your service mr. Franz. God bless
Thank you Dennis. Very well done. We are losing to many vets every day because they can’t or won’t get the help they need. 😢🇺🇸🙏
Dennis Franz that was awesome and spine chilling at the same time. I sincerely hope this story inspires other Veterans all over the world.
" uncommon valor was a common virtue".... Semper Fi, Brother Marines, and to all who served. GOD bless this great Nation.
And A Special "Thank You" To You, Denis For Doing All You Did For Our Freedom. God Bless You! God Bless Our Vets!
If there was a God, there would not have been Vietnam let alone all the other brutal wars, just in the last 100 years. Stop with the "God bless" stupidity, it means nothing.
Always respected Mr. Franz, as an actor. But he has reached another level of respect for his service. I would like to run into him, one day, and offer to buy him dinner, just to sit and talk.
P.S. Add in Gary Sinise. It would be an honor to share some time with these gentlemen.
My Mum & Dad had 6 years of hell, it was called WW2. Dad was off fighting with the British 6th Airborne Division, Mum, was just trying to live & survive the Blitz. The Blitz didn't just flatten parts of London, but half of Portsmouth, Plymouth & other places. Even Mum's home village was Bombed, as it was near Farnborough Airfield, where most of our research flying was done. Mum lost friends, Dad lost friends, but they survived, met & married after the war, had children, I , am honoured to be one
WOW This guy is awesome. My uncle is 73 and volunteered to go to VN in 67, got hit and still reupped. I'm trying to set up an interview with him. His story needs to be told. His second tour he ended up with him missing a foot and finger, also a hip and back shot. Love you Uncle Bill
Wish I couldn't relate so well to that story.
Get his story, it may take some time but get his words before it's to late.
At 73, the ONLY actor that has consistently moved me to tears, is Dennis Franz, on NYPD Blue! Thank You, Dennis! And welcome home!
Thank you for your service Dennis. Welcome home sir! Welcome home!
Good to see Denis Franz again. He seems like an endearing man who played one of the most well-rounded and deep TV characters.
Salute Dennis you are a strong and great man.
I know the nightmares they visit me every single night. I have learned to live with them, learned to live with what every combat veteran has been through. We are not alone and must realize that together we brothers and sisters in arms can overcome the physical and mental scars.
Oh man, how inspiring. Dennis Franz, only you could have said it so well.
I visited Khe Sanh in 1996 and the most striking thing was the feeling of being very far from civilization and being in a very remote place even though it was only 30 km from the coast and Da Nang. Poor Denis sounds like he got PTSD.
I loved Denis since Hill St Blues he is an awesome actor. I know he was in 101 airborne I also severed in Nam it’s up and down but we all learn to live one day at a time
wow. Dennis Franz is an amazing person. What a fine man and a nearly brilliant actor. It would be awesome to see him live in a play - just amazing.
Wow, you hear that heartbreaking story and your response is... "I want to see Dennis Franz in a play." Unbelievable.
A salute! to one of my most favorite actors, who delivered a monologue as only he could!!!
That was great that should be required viewing for all young people and all people who have served in the service good for you Andy that was great
My nephew was a marine in Aphganistan. He came home broken and alcoholic. He finally is sober but will never speak of the horrors he experienced.
I never made it to Khe Sahn, but was there 1969-1972. I can emphasize with him, being spat on and called a baby killer made me hate my own country to the point that I wanted to return to live out the rest of my life. I am grateful for my family members being there for me, even to just listen to my crazy self vent. Thank you.
Thank you Dennis....and thank you for your service....
Semper Fi Marine. Oorah! Vietnam Vet. I know the darkness you talked about. I too can see and hear and smell Vietnam. Thank God I have a good life today. I’m retired living in Arizona.
"WELCOME HOME".
Thank you for your service our country doesn’t take care of ower vets
My best friend from high school was a new marine there. He was killed as he got off the plane I still miss him.
Thank you - Mr Franz
Thank you Dennis from the bottom of my heart!
Semper Fi. Franz at his finest. I'm watching this at 0223. Can't sleep. I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression with suicidal indications. I have basically been homeless since I left the Marine Corps. Lost two marriages, and my life became unmanageable. I have to see the truth in myself and straighten myself out but by bit.
Through the suffering and pain I would do it again. I loved being Marine more than anything. I love my brother Marines and my country. I won't quit.
Semper Fi until I die.
John, keep your head up mate.
From one old soldier to another the best advice I was ever given after returning home was...
‘You are not what you’ve experienced but what you choose to become’.
After hearing these simple words I slowly started to understand I had the power to choose to be something else other than the bitter and angry man I’d become. Easier said than done but over the years it has helped me enormously. I hope you too find something that helps you.
Regards Mark.
How are you doing marine? Keep your head up!
Forget NYPD BLUE. THIS! THIS WAS YOUR FINEST WORK EVER DENNIS. THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL NATION!!
My dad was in the US Army in Vietnam 1967-1968, he talks rarely about the war. I do know he carries a hatred towards the protesters that protested at home during that war. I've seen it and heard it in the course of my life..........He says, " Those people called me a baby killer, but they were never there to know what the hell they were talking about. While they smoked grass and chanted in protest I watched my men and friends die , some right out of high school."
My friend and VFW commander in Fort Lee was also there at the same time. He is Cpl. Anthony "Tony" Lione. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Not only a incredible human.... but also a fantastic actor!
You may have won 4 Emmys for NYPD BLUE, Dennis, but THIS was your finest performance.
Bless you, and all of our wonderful soldiers who gave up everything to protect and defend America. I wonder what's worse? Dying in a hell hole like Viet Nam, Iraq or Afghanistan... Or living through it like this young soldier whose story you just so eloquently told?
I pay close attention to these messages, but when the thoughts, feelings & words of a vet, are spoken by another vet (like Dennis Franz), it hits home that much more. The Vietnam vets were treated badly, when they came home. It shouldn’t have been that way. I’m hoping that veterans of all wars can find that peaceful part of life, that they deserve. Anyone that has served his country, has my eternal thanks & gratitude!
God Bless them all
Thank you and God Bless You All!
A good friend of mine was there. Dickie Mitchel. He wasn't afraid of anything! And a stand up kind of man! I did thank him, and welcome him home. He looked at me funny, and grinned. And shook hands. And not a word was said about it. But I knew it meant a lot of him. I saw it in his eyes, and how he treated me from then on.. if I ever had a problem and he found out? He was there fighting mad. More than ready to fight! I was impressed . And respected that man. Rip sir
Listened to many testimonies past few weeks , growing respect for those who served.
Thank You to Mr. Franz for helping bring all this to light and THANK YOU to all our brothers and sisters who have served .
I rewatched this video and found this was not Dennis Fran's experience, but he had his own PTSD experiences from his time in Vietnam. He was the perfect spokesperson for this video.
I remember the episode where his son was killed and he went to ID him. He was so real, like he wasn't even acting. this explains a lot. Always liked this guy.
That speech should be regarded as the pinnacle of your life’s work, well done and thank you. 👏🏻
Wow that was amazing, I don't know how he recited that. It was so meaningful and true. NYPD Blue was and is my favorite show of all time and Dennis was and is such a big part of that. My hat goes off to him for that speech. I wish I had seen that in 2012.
One of the most moving videos I have ever seen. Tears
God bless you, brother. Semper Fi and never quit.
You brought tear to me eyes, Dennis. I'm a huge fan (NYPD Blue). I'm also a Vietnam Era Vet, I can relate to a lot of what you said. So little gave so much for so many!
I’m so grateful for all of you who stood between me and the enemy.
What a MAN!
Accomplished so much, despite his trauma
WOW! Thank you Dennis so many men and women out there dealing with returning from war and horror they had to deal with. HEROS you are, do not give in and do not give up! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Love you, thank you for your service 😢❤
That was..............amazing...........thank you Mr. Franz.
Watch Mr. Franz hands and body movements, he is feeling everything he is speaking about.
thank you for your service. welcome home.
Thank you Dennis blessings
As a Deputy Sheriff I especially loved Dennis' role as Sepowitz in NYPD Blue. He did things my department and the law wouldn't let me do, and he became my 'pressure relief valve,' every week when I watched him. Certainly I knew it was an actors role, but I could watch him knock heads in and release my own frustrations vicariously through him. But it wasn't until fifteen minutes ago that I learned he was also a Vietnam veteran. Maybe I identified with that side of him, albeit hidden on the television screen, because we've both... 'Walked the walk.' Somehow I managed to avoid - or supress(?) the PTSD... put it behind me, I don't know. What I do know, although I'm reasonably certain Dennis will never read this, I would like to also say, Thank You, Sir, for your service... and Welcome Home.................. Carl, 366th ASD, DakTo, Vietnam, 1968-69
Welcome home brother, Welcome home. As a veteran with the 173rd Airborne and 2 years in Nam i salute you.
That was absolutely amazing!
I sorry Dennis, for all the trama, grief, sadness, loss, and loneliness. I too am a Vietnam Veteran 2/4 Marines 1969. I think the Vietnam war had a lot to do with our current division in this country. It changed our minds, it altered our definition of patriotism. It taught us not to trust our leaders because they did not have our best interest in their decisions'. My hat is off to you and all other Veterans who came home with baggage, and found no hope. Welcome home my brother, welcome home.
a nice, fair description of that era of our history. Strange times, indeed, that the after effects linger, long.
That sounded like lukewarm applause from the audience. He deserved a standing ovation, and a long one.
My Dad, Whom I Grew Up With During The '60's Was 101 Airborne. He Was At Normandy, Holland & Bastogne. Now I Know Why He Slept So Much During The Day & Kept A Loaded Shotgun By His Bed At All Times. He Always Told Me To Never Wake Him By Shaking Him, Always Call Out From The Doorway. He Told Me About Things He Did & Saw When I Was Quite Young But Never In A Bragging Manner & I Remember Him Saying, " You Never Know What A Man Is Going To Do Until The Bullets Start To Fly". It's Because Of Men Who Found Out, A-Lot Of Us Won't Have To.
I was their-you never forget. You never knew when it was your time to go. We averaged 360 rockets a day - one day 1300. According to show seen on T.V.
Outstanding!!!!! And, thank you 👍🏽
Thank you and God bless you Dennis for your service and sacrifice. You fought a war no one wanted and had to come home to be vilified and spit on. I was 12 years old when I heard this and was ashamed at your treatment. No excuse for how you and others in our military after you came home were treated. I will always honor you and others who served.
Yep your one of us..no wife no friends,still get hard looks after 50 yrs....know I'll always have all my brothers in arms....
Thank you
God bless you Dennis I hope you find the peace you deserve, and thanks for YOUR service
Respect, dignity, and honor for all who fell, were captured, came home. We as Americans are proud of you do not forget that. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I ran into Hanoi Jane at the Limelight Disco Atlanta, GA in 1984. This old Ranger had a few choice words for her. I am 100% disabled now. VA is doing a great job of treating me. PTSD is a bitch. Ranger Class 5-70.
I hope you spat on her like her hippy friends would on servicemen.
What an incredibly amazing speech that was !!!!!
I was in the Army at the end of the Vietnam War 1972, never saw action. Met many soldiers that did and a few with PTSD, at the time I did not know what I was experiencing as I do now. My wish is to return to 1972 and be a little more caring and understanding for those troops. God bless the American soldiers.
Wow. That was so powerful. Thank you for the reminder.
Mr. Franz that was masterfully done. I salute you.❤
Dennis wasn't acting here.. He had been there, he knew this story and the feelings all too well.
Affirmative!
What are you even talking about? He was standing there reading from a telestrator. NO ONE could "act" in that situation.
i PUT OFF WATCHING THIS FOR AWHILE. i AM SO GLAD I WATCHED IT.
Thank you!
Thanks to all that served and changed your life's for the rest of us can live safely under the umbrella you provide me with
Bravo Dennis, bravo. Thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless you. May He be merciful unto you and may He grant you peace through your new endeavors and kindness.
Thanks...
If you haven't been in "the shit" you just can't imagine what it was like. Movies and TV can give you an idea but not the feelings of the time and the aftermath.
War is Hell....I think at times the men lost over there were the lucky ones...coming home was the real hell
I disagree. TV, movies doesn't and will never come close to the horror and hell that every soldier who has,ever fought experienced.
He is the best guy ever i watched all the series and Die Hard because of him! He deserves a descent lady and great life!
Die Hard?
teller121 he played the airport police chief in die hard one or two ?
Thank you Dennis that's really moving I was on the river I never got in lamp God bless you sir
what a great man. i like him even more. had no idea of his struggle and sacrifice.
Wow! Welcome Home!
Thanks for this
The existence of homeless veterans are a sign of just how much We the People reverence them.
Oh come on. We’re thanked for our service from everyone! It’s a shame that thanks is only lip service.
Thank you Denis!!