Damn it!!! I don't connect with most people on an emotional-level, and this man had _instant_ magnetism. I regret not having the pleasure of making his acquaintance.
True. A war we had no business being in, with kids and men being drafted forced to go when they didn't want to, just for people to treat them like shit for the things they had to do.
@@HolyBowly Yep, seriously makes me so sad. They blame these guys for something they were forced into. Anytime I see a Vietnam vet I stop them and thank them. We should've never been there though
Back then when they were FORCED to join the army-I agree. These days, those BETA minded suckers in the military right now, fighting and KILLING for transnational corporations do not deserve any respect. They are fools who bought into the imperial propaganda. * US Retired Special Forces Master Sergeant Stan Goff explains what military life really entails.* ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_8rbHwMXMT8.html
No respect for murdering people u have never met, for people u never met. No excuse. U don't HAVE to kill anybody. Nor should u. NO. Good men do not go along with evil and God told u NOT to kill. There are things worse than death. That's one of them. As many found out, unfortunately. I do feel bad for the ones who have horrible regret and i do respect that. We all make mistakes.
And i cannot remember the name and i haven't seen the movie, but there's one about Desmond, i think. Can't remember the last name. But u could always be a Conscientious Objector. Or go to prison instead for a while. Or the best way, is to just run away as many did to escape the draft. Just say NO. It's better to DIE than to do that. We all have to go, and that would be a great way to go out if u must. But none of their lives were threatened for saying no. And ironically, their lives were threatened and many died when they went to kill others. But even if it came to that, it would be well worth it. Die with your principals, dignity, compassion for others, and die with your good heart and self respect intact.
@dakota haro BS. America isnt a monolith...America is comprised of Individuals. Black people arent a monolith and neither are white people. Many Americans viewed him as a good man and a hero. This complex that America hates black people is so 1970s.
@@writehandproductions1914 the evidence is too overwhelming from centuries past to present day. It’s pretty much a proven fact at this point and more and more of us are finally coming to the realization and acceptance of it all.
Davito2000 I can't imagine what that must feel like... Knowing that bullet was aimed at your head, but probably only missed because of a lucky gust of wind.
Being a Vietnam Veteran myself, I understand what this guy is talking about. If someone is coming after me with an AK-47, I have to kill him, because if I don't, he will kill me. This all comes down to survival. The will to survive is the most powerful instinct we have. Ground combat is very instinctive and reactive. Our instincts actually take over, and it happens before we can actually think about it. What did I learn when I was a kid ? Thou shalt not kill. This bothered me and I felt uncomfortable. But at the same time, I knew I had no other choice. This is because of the hypocrisy of this society. Some bible thumping moralist who has never been in this position, and probably will never experience warfare, has the audacity to dictate to me what is right or wrong. Many people are incredibly naive and stupid. They send someone into a hellhole, and naively expect them to return and be good little boys and girls again. It doesn't work this way. I've dealt with PTSD for 50 years. I'm in much better shape now, than when I was much younger. But those instincts I developed when I was in Vietnam are still there. Once those survival instincts surface, they don't go away. They are just under the surface, waiting for the time when they are needed again. Physically speaking, humans have instincts just like animals. They are self preservation instincts. If someone threatens me, I automatically revert to my instincts. Just like a switch was just flipped. It's kind of like being possessed and it's very empowering. Feeling like a tiger who is ready to pounce. There is an old adage: There are no winners in war, only survivors.
Appreciate your comments and Welcome Home. As one of those bible thumping moralist, I just wanted to offer this little bit of encouragement. The one's that tell you the bible says "Thou shalt not kill" probably need to read their bibles a little closer. It says not to commit murder, totally different from an act of war. Don't let anyone throw that in your face. Glad you made it home.
This video was too short. He had my full undivided attention. I even stopped eating to listen to him. Then the video just ended, I was ready for him to keep going
"Wash" Booker, I personally knew him. He was a Birmingham native and foot soldier, one of the kids who stood up to Bull Connor during the civil rights movement. I have video of him talking about life during segregation days in Birmingham but patriotically serving during Vietnam. He passed 2 years ago. He was a living library. Until Valhalla Semper Fi....
@lioness of lechistan when you spend all your time questioning every little thing through the lense of race, you end up becoming the very thing you despise
Wow in my life I’ve watched so many war movies and documentaries but none have ever clearly explained what is like to be in a war like this guy. This 4 minute video has taught me more about war experience than all the movies and documentaries in the world, period
@@grawakendream8980 coz I think there are some movies with such a deep message that such people as you cant really get it? Guess I’m stuck in the past. And guess what? ever heard about books?? they are even older than movies.
@Michael Collins in my ignorance! What is the difference? Sorry if I offend, I really don't understand the difference!!! I'm from the UK and our marines are commandos! Is this the same in the states?
Skandalos my brother in law always talks about killing. every fifteen minutes or so. says he liked it. i tell him hes either full of shit or hes lost his fucking mind. no one else i know that was in combat ever talks like he does.
I knew an old sailor that served during WWII, who always wanted to talk about his time in the service when he saw my young face at the senior center. I wish I took the time to listen more.
The failed effort to annex part of mineral rich Vietnamese territory by French colonialist and American imperialist and their vassals resulted in the genocidal massacres of millions of people .mainly civilians of S.E Asian nations .100,000S of foreign invaders were also killed or maimed . US armament corporations also made a "killing " care of the US taxpayers . Nations demonized by US propagandist ,inc. Hollywood are now close trading partners of both China and America . US vets who visited post Vietnam were welcomed and forgiven by the victors ,who explained ,US combatants were also victims of war and the real culprits were the lying corrupt politicians in the pockets of the US military/industrial complex .who President Eisenhower so eloquently spoke about ,when he warned the American people in his farewell address to the nation in Jan. 1961 ... Communist "threat "was just a MYTH to cover the expansion of the US imperial empire ,still guarded by over 700 US military bases world wide .and now we have the destruction of the historic cities of the Middle east ,by the same rapacious forces .and the rise and threat to NATO cities from vengeful Jihadist .
moonbeam Are u trying to impress people by using the biggest words that u know. Because it did not work, trust me. First, what you said makes virtually no sense whatsoever. Second, the regurgitation of these so-called "facts" you've supplied us with are just your opinion. You get an "A" for effort, but an "F" for execution.
Well if you know history, when bad people are in power, they will reign terror as much and far as possible. We kept our nose out of Europe during WWII until the Axis Powers nearly had full control of Europe and Japan taking Asia & the Pacific. America and other NATO countries do this to keep the majority happy and safe. Somebody has to stand up to evil, America is just one of the most capable of doing so, and I wouldn't complain. After all, it is the country that (if you're American like me) keeps you fed and safe. I guarantee you haven't had to worry about where you would sleep or what you would eat your entire life. You have access to nearly all the information you want and you have the freedom to say ANYTHING. Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not trying to change your opinion. I just wanted to share mine with you. Who am I to tell you what's right and what's wrong?
Thank you Sir ! My Father in WW11 ...Bomber Command Lancaster's navigator...said ",we shat ourselves darling !" I liked your remark on defecation ...shite is shite ! And that damned Vietnam War was most definitely CRAP . Most definitely thank you for your service
Never close to death from violence but have been revived several times. I know fear and have been shot at, death is a given. I'm sure I will do fine when my turn comes around. The fear will pass into acceptance if it's not an instant death. If it is going to be a lingering one I will check out on my own if I am able.
@@LeeRaldar america saved them from communist north Korea. America is their hero and south korean don't have problem with american soldier stationed in their country.
@@nathanc5789 WTF are you talking about...U.S. freedom!!! Freedom to pillage and rape maybe,...but nothing else!!! That is the most ignorant comment of all!! How does going 3000 miles from home to fight against poor people who have done nothing to you increase U.S. freedom???!
Fair enough! What about the hell that millions of dead Vietnamese went through, when they were attacked by the most powerful military force in the world?
Wonderful Draws And not one of those motherfuckers wanted to be there,but they sucked it up and did their duty. Then they came home and were treated like shit and spit on. My respect to them,and FUCK YOU!
Fo Reel you miss the reality of war if you seriously think all those kids were fighting for communism, most just did because a bunch of assholes they looked up to and admired told to them go die, senseless war all around.
@Hamual Davis Why... he was a hired gun...a paid killer for a country that had not too long ago held Africans as slaves and murdered hundreds of thousands of indigenous people and stole their land!
"There ain't no subtitle, there ain't no footnotes." That is the most cathartic description of the commandment that contradicts the very most. Thank you sir.
@@mrjon75 in the original hebrew text, its thou shalt not murder, there is a commandment for dealing with home invasion/burglary and killing the intruder is permissable. also in mutual combat “david and goliath” ect.
Krymson --- exactly! When I heard him say that, I immediately thought of the "medium/average" age of the soldiers who fought in Viet Nam. It was 19 years of age on the aggregate!! Basically, we're talking about -- "kids." Maybe not literally, but I trust whoever reads this will get my point. Having to experience that at 30 would still be a bitch.
brother tbh not really a lot of things help tone it down like PRAYING AND GIVING IT TO GOD also having a awesome wife of over 20 years really helps a lot and lots of self medication with weed but it never really leaves you so i try to keep my mind occupied with things like video games and work i am a steel fabricator and i have a creative mind so i love to build stuff and fix stuff
Biff Danielson just being a awesome friend and being there for them i can promise is the best help u can give them and THANK U FOR WANTING TO HELP THEM THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU GOD BLESS BROTHER
Biff Danielson i haven't heard of it but i will def ask my doc thank you for the info and i will keep u updated as to what he says and as for losing my faith that will never happen GOD has showed me his awesome glory personally i really cant get into it more than that and also if i'm going through a lot of trials and tribulations i think of the parable of job biblehub.com/childrens/The_Story_of_Job.htm
Thanks for sharing these clips and giving us a chance to hear from this man. May you rest peacefully Mr. Booker. I hope you hear our gratitude for your service.
My Dad served two tours in Vietnam, Quang-Tri, Quang-Nam, Thau Thien from 68-70 with the 3rd Marines. After watching this, I have more understanding on why he never really liked to be asked about his time there.
I"ve watched this every night for more than a week. Mr. Booker is such a sensitive soul. Wish I could give him a handshake and a hug. Thank you sir. For what you did and what you have suffered.
@chris brady What an ignorant comment!! I grew up in the 40's and 50's! "my country" treated people of color most disrespectfully! I grew up reading about Emmett Till...Mack Parker ...(can you ell me who they were)... and countless others like them! When I was growing up there were movie theaters, restaurants, and other public facilities where I, and millions of others like me, were not welcome!! People of color suffered these indignities on a daily...no...hourly basis! Do not refer to me and others like me who died on a daily basis in this FUCKING county as a spoiled brat!! My people...and I...have paid our fucking dues! My father and uncles paid their dues in WW2 and Korea to come home and not be able to find a decent job or buy a house! So Hell...Fucking No...I was not going to Vietnam to fight against other people of color who had done NOTHING to deserve being attacked!! It is ignorant MFs like you you who make this country a difficult place to be in...and no I am not going ANYWHERE as long as IGNORANT MFs like yourself are polluting the air that I, and other decent...intelligent people have to breathe...so Kiss my BLACK behind!! If you and other ignorant MFs want to go around the world getting your asses kicked...be my guest!!
@@mrmegabuckssongs sadly they had no say , government send young people to fight for drugs (by draft) now you can sign up and fight for oil AND drugs now :)
I love this video. It is raw, honest, a true representation of war. None of that false bravado we often see from combat veterans. The horror of war is written his face. God bless this man.
Congratulations on reaching 1m views! What an amazing and eloquent account of the horrors of war. You served your country and upheld the code impeccably sir!
Semper Fidelis Brother! I am a Veteran myself, but it just warms my soul to the utmost when I see guys who fought the fight before us. WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, etc...You guys are the heroes who paved the way! God bless all of you Vets, regardless of Service, however For my teufel hundens! Semper Fi, until we die! OORAH!
Powerful stuff…. I’ll say one thing,, this man is someone my family and I are very thankful for and proud of and we love him! Thank you sir, and God bless you and your family!
I heard that steel mosquito and that loud snap and clap near the ears back in oif4. Almost had my head blown off several times. I have to admit that Vietnam combat vets dealt with so much more combat than I can ever imagine.
He reminds me of so many of my relatives even my father, I feel like I know this man and I never spoke to him in my life. What a great interview may he rest in peace
I want to puke every time someone tells me "Thank you for your service". When you're 17 with no prospects in sight it is a minority that sign the form with god and country in mind.
I got out in 1974. I would prefer we not send them off to wars that are basically to make money for corporations. Do you think what we have done in Iraq was the best thing for the Iraqis today? I don't think many of us sign up thinking we are off to "save" America. I would like to hear from any vets.
Hey I was in boot camp with that guy! My picture is in that book he's holding! I don't remember him that well but I remember the guys next to him! Hey buddy look me up, last name is Tarr but those folks from the south pronounced it "Tah" and they printed it that way to! LOL We didn't go to the nam together but I made it over and back twice. D 1/5 1st Mar Div. First time and 1st Marine Air Wing in Da Nang the 2nd time! I know exactly what your talking about! Good to see you my friend!
Hate to say but +nigel nuj Progressives are killing us all!! They will put the world into WW *lll* Anyone how say they're Progressives, RUN FOR THE HILLS!!
Russia has already positioned "eight warships" and an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean sea. They are waiting for Clinton to become president because they know she will initiate the NO FLY ZONE. Then your World War 3 will begin. Glad im too old to be drafted but then again not many people around the world will survive nuclear fallout.
+John Kirby How is Syria a rogue state? Bashar Al-Assad was elected, it's not a regime contrary to msm publishing. Speaking of contrariety, it's the Americans that have been backing down while Russia continues to aid the Syrian military after Obama and his political associates have attempted to ward them off. I don't really have anything to say about North Korea, as I believe that's China's problem. It's not like China (or Russia) likes North Korea. China treats North Korea like their retarded cousin that they have to look out for. Mark my words, if the day came for serious political change in NK, China could easily decide either way to deal with their government.
I was an air force veteran who served two six month tours in viet nam. I feel so sorry for the men who had to slug it out in the jungles . We lost 58000 men, maybe more there in this useless war. My job was to direct B52 bombers to their targets and I was very good at my job. I don't know how many VC and other peoples deaths I was responsible for. I did not think about it at the time . I felt good that I was doing a good job. They gave me a bronze star medal. After I left I began to realize what we were doing . Killing people for no reason. Our political leaders were killing our men and the viet nam people for political advantage. Rather than allowing myself to be sent back to do more killing, I retired from the air force after twenty years and eight months service. Today, I see the same thing happening. Endless no win wars. Killing people for no reason except political advantage. I pray my government will wake up and stop this tragedy.
A bronze star to an Air Force guy that directed bombing sites? That's what is wrong with our military. You sit on your ass doing what a Marine can do from the combat zone and you get a bronze star. Hope you are lying about how you got it. You don't have the authority to speak for real combat military.
You were misled, so many were initially. The light came on at different times for all of us. Even the Presidents, as the agendas changed. As in many wars, no one won, all countries lost. You did what you believed was right. When your light went on, you quit in disgust. You were a tool. Forgive yourself, and thank you for your service to the country.
Im not going to thank you for your service as we are expected to. Instead I will say god bless you for your courage, strength and willingness to do what many can't. You have served and survived. And we love you for it. Thank you
Aptly put. The Vietnam war was unjust. Another lie from the US Govt. (See Gulf of Tonkin) These guys focused on saving each other until they got out of country.
I don't call it service. It was an obligation they were forced to fulfill. Very few "wanted" to be there. Many were drafted and forced to go. Then you have the enlisted whose JOB it is to do this. They're not volunteering for this, they are paid mercenaries, like my father was in both Korea and Vietnam. They do it for the money, benefits, and opportunity for education. They do it because they often didn't have another avenue to obtain those things.
these videos are amazing. thanks for giving these veterans a voice. my brother served so i always had great respect for veterans but hearing these guys talk about their experiences this way really brings it home.
When i went to Iraq in May 2003 I was told by a Sgt that if you survive the first 8 seconds of an ambush or firefight your chances of surviving are about 70 to 80%
Nah.. there's a major difference between Vietnam and the two illegal invasion/occupations in Iraq/Afghanistan. The cowards that enlist today get off on the God complex they get from murdering innocent men, women, and children.
@@damone70 what the fuck... combat is fucked up no matter what... there where people who felt the same about Nam..... so please save that shit... and Nam vets got spit on harrassed all sort of shit.... they deserve more from us and the damn government.... and to my brother in arms stand strong and remain humble... and push forward as warriors
All veterans should be respected and honored. They fought for their country. Despite how that man may have been treated in civilian life, he still felt a duty or obligation. My hat is off to him. People like him keep the US great.
Very few American wars have ever been about Americans fighting for their country. That's pure BS. Yes, my own father fought in both Korea and Vietnam and that comes straight from his mouth after serving 25 years in the Army. That is still true today.
This helps me. When asked, I've tried to honestly express what it's like to lawfully take the life of another person for war purposes. What always ripped my guts up, was when our target was out numbered and out gunned and we knew it and they knew it, yet we were never allowed to give them a chance to simply surrender. "Nutralize the objective" rings in my head still to this day. Command wanted positive body counts and those fuq's would sacrifice our own in order to achieve that goal. Killing and murder are the same thing. The results are the same. The causes we draw between combatants are equally righteous in their mind's eye. Was given a general discharge for having refused to shoot an unarmed combatant who was trying to surrender. Second in command who was a psycho shit plugged the guy between the eyes and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. I'll never forget it. I'll never raise my hand to a fellow human either unless given no choice. But, so long as I have a choice in the matter, my goal will remain a peaceful outcome.
