yes, the foot soldier in vietnam had it rough, but try being a soldier fighting the germans in stalingrad in the great patriotic war in 1941.. one million russians died in that one campaign alone alone with almost 600 thousand germans..
I was there at Dak To with the Forward Command Post, Command Section, Hq 173rd Airborne Brigade. I hold those members of the 2nd and 4th Battalions in the highest regard. They were the bravest of the brave.
"don't mean nothing" "doesn't mean a thing" Jesus, it's so sad and eerie to see just how those words came full circle when we left Vietnam. Then they came back, to what? A society that didn't like them - a society that couldn't even begin to understand what it felt like and what it feels like now. What it'll always feel like. If you ask me, society don't mean a thing...and never will to me. I won't forget how the jobless drug addict hippies marched hand in hand with the communists. That's when the media became commie, in my eyes, and has been ever since.
I was with the 173 rd for most of 1967 as well as hill 875. Out of all the that people have to say no one talks about what happened to A company on June 22 1967
The reception these heroes received was a portent of things to come. This country is demonstrably worse now than it was then. That is a tragedy. God bless these men.
thank to all of the hero's who served. my parents used to beat me and say "i cant wait till you go to Vietnam" I was just a little boy and had now idea exactly what they were saying. I am now an ex-navy chief and 63 years old. I sometimes wish that my life would end. I can't do any harm to myself. I want to live and celebrate those who came before me. THANK YOU ALL OF THE MEN WHO COULD HAVE BEEN MY OLDER BROTHERS..
I donjt know what it is. Im just a keyboard warrior here. But when I see these tough strong men cry it gets me in the feels. I jusy wish they lived happy productive lifes after 75. long live the 173rd!!!!!!!!!!
Sgt. Larry Martin was my friend from 2nd grade through 12th grade. He was killed in action at Dak To on 11 November 1967. I miss my friend. May he rest in peace. Distinguished Service Cross AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Vietnam War Service: Army Rank: Sergeant Battalion: 1st Battalion GENERAL ORDERS: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 698 (February 15, 1968) CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Larry Martin (ASN: RA-16840149), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Sergeant Martin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 while serving as squad leader of an airborne infantry company during the battle at Dak To. His squad was serving as point element for the company as it attempted to join a battalion. As Sergeant Martin quickly led his squad to join the beleaguered company, withering machine gun fire wounded two of his men. He dashed to aid the injured troops and was hit himself, but he ignored his wound and carried one man to the relative safety of the defensive perimeter. After integrating his troops with the main force, he fought furiously to repel repeated fierce assaults by the North Vietnamese soldiers. He was wounded a second time by a mortar air burst, but he continued to refuse aid and moved among the bullet-swept positions to direct the fires of his men. When the order to counterattack came, he led his squad in an assault up the enemy-controlled hill. He was again wounded by an exploding enemy rocket, but he fearlessly continued his advance on a hostile machine gun position. In the face of ravaging enemy hand grenades and machine gun fire, he unhesitatingly assaulted the gun emplacement and suppressed its fire while one of his men destroyed the position with a grenade. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the heat of battle. His fearless and courageous actions inspired his men to defeat the North Vietnamese forces and reach their objective. Sergeant Martin's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
I was attached to the 23rd Americal Division Vietnam and I assure you C rations weren’t bad during our area operations. Often times we would trade our cans for something we prefer. Beans & wieners in can, beef stew in can, spegetti and meat sauce, etc. the worst was ham & eggs in a can. I traded this one immediately. We got pound cake in can, chocolate, little 4 cigarette pack, matches and toilet paper. All in all it was pretty damn good when hungry and in the bush for 21 days
This is by far the best documentary ive ever seen regarding the Vietnam War, it was not only informative it was heartfelt and well put together and put into perspective what a tour of Vietnam was truly about during the pre and post Tet Offensive era , i was to young for Nam but was an Aircraft carrier veteran of the Lebanon era and have been to a couple reunions with the first one coming 29 yrs after my discharge in 83 , but to see these brave men reunited for the first time in 33 yrs warmed my heart beyond description...God Bless these American Heros and their fallen brothers who payed the ultimate price , documentaries such as these should be required viewing in any accredited HS or College history course , i found it to be more then powerful and have personally viewed it five or six times
In most of the Vietnam soldier videos, the combat participants are white, and a few Hispanics. Why were there not too many black soldiers in the combat ranks??
From what I've seen the Vietnam War was well represented by the African-American soldier and I myself have seen plenty of them interviewed , but if you haven't that is certainly a valid question
My daddy is Charles Bly he was in the 173rd Airborne 1st Platoon/Company B/2nd Batalion. He was in 1966, and got out mid 1967 right before DAT To. I'd love to be able to connect him with anyone who may remember him. I know most of his Company was wiped out soon after he left. He said he thought only 1 soldier remained..
173rd ( The Heard ) 101st Airmobile/ A/B ( Screaming Eagles ) , and the 82nd A/ B ( All Americans ) serviced in NAM . The 173rd arrived , Brigade size , in NAM by mid- 4-5/ 1965 , 101st arrived by mid - 6 / 1965 , and the 82nd A/B arrived in mid 1968 tail end of TET offensive .
Lost a relative in NAMs Central Highlands , mid3/1967 , tail end of bloody ass TET , around 10 days b-4 my 11th b-day . Those hippies I couldn't take being a young clean cut , and handsome . Anyway , I whacked a hippie dude for his denigrating our servicemen . He had the right of his opinion , but that right was costly throughout the USAs history . Seen dudes sent to NAM from 65-69 ; last one coming hm. By late 71.. The Philadelphia Highschools of Edison , Cardinal O'Hara , and Father Judge suffered high rate of kiss compared to all of Highschools in the US of A !
I saw a meme a while back that was a guy with an M60 thrown over his shoulder and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. The caption said "Bad Mother Fucker". That was you wasn't it.
