Dennis Franz tells the story of a young Marine at the The Siege of Khe Sanh, Vietnam, in 1968. 

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!

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!

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!

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.

This old Marine was there and at times he is still there. Semper Fi

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 man served in Vietnam after graduating from college. God Bless Him!

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.

Dennis Franz is the best!

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

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

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."

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.

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. 😢🇺🇸🙏

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 mr. Franz. God bless

And A Special "Thank You" To You, Denis For Doing All You Did For Our Freedom. God Bless You! God Bless Our Vets!

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.

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

Good to see Denis Franz again. He seems like an endearing man who played one of the most well-rounded and deep TV characters.

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.

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.

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.

Oh man, how inspiring. Dennis Franz, only you could have said it so well.

A salute! to one of my most favorite actors, who delivered a monologue as only he could!!!

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.

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 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.

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.

Dennis wasn't acting here.. He had been there, he knew this story and the feelings all too well.

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.

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 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.

SOMETIMES I HEAR RADIO TRAFFIC IN MY SLEEP, WAKES ME UP...I STILL GET PARANOID WHEN I HEAR HELICOPTERS...IT WILL NEVER GO AWAY...BUDDHISM SAVED MY LIFE..

I had two Vietnam tours. After my first, I was at a party near Fort Monmouth having a good time when one young man asked about Army PT tests. The guy that brought me to the party said to ask me. When it was discovered I had been in NAM, the attitude changed and I was called a baby killer. I left the party. I will never forget the guys name that called me a baby killer. In September 2021 I was treated to an honor flight to Washington. People actually welcomed me back.

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.

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!

Forget NYPD BLUE. THIS! THIS WAS YOUR FINEST WORK EVER DENNIS. THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL NATION!!

Not only a incredible human.... but also a fantastic actor!

Listened to many testimonies past few weeks , growing respect for those who served.

thank you for your service. welcome home.

That was absolutely amazing!

Was a helo gunner. Stopped by to overnight at Khe Sanh for a troop insert the next day. Found an area to sit on the ground in the comm bunker to try to sleep. Comm bunker took a direct rocket and caved in on us. There were a few others there, don't remember that much of it now, but we dug ourselves out. My first steps above ground I kind of staggered and walked with a decided list to the right. I remember this because instead of running to my helo I had to walk carefully to insure I didn't walk into spinning rotors. God bless all our vets. I was lucky, came home with most of my body parts and about half my mind. I've known so many others who were worse off.

I’m so grateful for all of you who stood between me and the enemy.

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!

Thank you!

Thanks for this

Wow. That was so powerful. Thank you for the reminder.

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.

Outstanding!!!!! And, thank you 👍🏽

God Bless all Vietnam vets, you are all true American Hero's you will all rest in heaven because you did your time in hell.

Thank you Dennis from the bottom of my heart!

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

Thank you Dennis blessings

What a MAN! Accomplished so much, despite his trauma

Thank you

Thank you and God Bless You All!

To the 23 people who gave a Thumbs Down. WTF? Do you have a heart? Are you an American?

That speech should be regarded as the pinnacle of your life’s work, well done and thank you. 👏🏻

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 PUT OFF WATCHING THIS FOR AWHILE. i AM SO GLAD I WATCHED IT.

Thank you Dennis that's really moving I was on the river I never got in lamp God bless you sir

Thank you Dennis....and thank you for your service....

One of the most moving videos I have ever seen. Tears

That was..............amazing...........thank you Mr. Franz.

God bless you Dennis I hope you find the peace you deserve, and thanks for YOUR service

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.

God bless you, brother. Semper Fi and never quit.

thanks for this....

Welcome home brother, Welcome home. As a veteran with the 173rd Airborne and 2 years in Nam i salute you.

what a great man. i like him even more. had no idea of his struggle and sacrifice.

Such a wonderful patriot and veteran who served his country with honor. An unbelievable actor and a great talent. God bless Dennis Franz.

Love you, thank you for your service 😢❤

My Uncle was a POW in VN. He had to snap the neck of his captor to escape. Haunted him for the rest of his life. His captor was a young girl. Whenever I saw that girl sniper in Full Metal Jacket... I think of Uncle John, Major, USA (Ret.) Rest In Peace, Uncle.

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.

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!

Thank you Denis!!

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.

Mr. Franz that was masterfully done. I salute you.❤

The Vietnam War ended in January 1973. Fast forward to September 1975, after 13 months on Okinawa, I was headed to Camp LeJeune, this was over two and half years after the War ended, and only 5 months after Saigon fell to the NVA in April 1975. Back to September 1975, myself and 2 other Marines were waiting for flights to Camp LeJeune at the LA Airport. As we were walking around 5 or 6 college punks called us "Baby Killers." We stopped dead in our tracks, turned around, and got in their faces and told them... we were not Baby Killers. Again, this was over two and a half years after the Vietnam War ended. I have never forgotten my "Welcome Home" celebration. BUT the Military personnel that came home during the War, faced this much more they we did. "WELCOME HOME" Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant.

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

What an incredibly amazing speech that was !!!!!

Thank you - Mr Franz

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!

I think Dennis was 82nd Airborne and when they redeployed back to the states he finished his tour with 101st.

My VFW commander here in Fort Lee, NJ was there about that same time. He received the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star. His name is Anthony (Tony) Lione.

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.

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 knew Dennis Franz and Joe Mantegna from our Chicago days when they were in the Organic Theatre Company along with two of my housemates, Bill Norris and Joseph Martinez. God bless them all.

One helluva good oratory Dennis.

I'm glad I caught this video. The film shot during the siege were my fellow 4671 motion picture cameramen's footage. I was up there for the build up to the siege in 1967 and knew Khe Sahn very well. USMC used my footage to orient the lay of the land for the siege they knew was coming. Having been there when the rockets were falling and the artillery came out from the north and the mortars dropped in from different directions, I can appreciate Dennis Franz's PTSD experience. My experience was not as intense as his but I had a taste of it. During our down time, we passed around a copy of Bernard Fall's book "Hell In A Very Small Place: The Siege Of Dien Bein Phu." Even in November of 1967, we suspected the possibilities of a siege similar to the one suffered by the French in 1954.

Love Dennis! 🙏 Great man and fellow Vet! Can’t imagine Vietnam and only went to Kuwait, Saudi twice, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Qatar!!

Thank you for your service Dennis. Welcome home sir! Welcome home!