Interview conducted on April 25, 2014 by Eileen Hurst. Robert S. Erwin served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. To view his collection and explore our other veterans please visit the following website: www.ccsu.edu/vhp.
A true American hero. I respect your bravery & for sharing your story. You EARNED the Medal of Honor & danged it why was it not awarded? I know the answer after hearing your story & it is a disgrace that you do not wear it considering your extraordinary courage & dedication.
I was on that operation.,Scotland 2, and on the hill near 689. I'm still walking. The dream runs constantly. 41 bodies from 1/9 were left on the battlefield and we.,(three companies from 2/3., or approx. 300-350 Marines).,were tasked with recovering their remains. April 21,1968 was the day., hot., and bodies visible on the trail leading to a ridge line owned by the N.V.A. And yes Golf Co. was on point and all of our corpsmen were killed or seriously wounded when it was over. We lost most of our company including the C.O. and couldn't med-evac our own till the next morning at daybreak. The C.H.46's had to hover over the area due to the steep terrain with the loading ramps open to let us climb on board. They were packed with dead and wounded on their way to Charlie Med at Khe Sanh.,and the bodies of those from 1/9 were recovered., It was the year of the monkey then., like the one about to end in in a few days.,and the dream runs constantly. Semper Fi God Damn it.,Semper Fi!!
