PFC JERRY MCNELLY, 1st Air Cavalry, Vietnam, 1967-1968 

Please consider donating to help us bring more stories to this channel. Thank you!! LEST THEY BE FORGOTTEN www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=U2WZVZ7B8XN3L VOICES OF HISTORY FILM AND VIDEO CATALOG ON RU-vid: ru-vid.comvideos Larry Cappetto WEBSITE: larrycappetto.com

I’m a Nam combat wounded veteran who has experiences that I will not share at this time. Jerry’s eloquent interview moved me through many emotions and some tears at times…. Especially about his father. Watching this video allowed me some healing and I appreciate it. I wish every high schooler could watch it.

I’m a USMC Vietnam Veteran, and I was there at the same time, same places. Thank you Jerry for sharing those painful memories. Welcome home soldier. Semper Fi

Jerry I was with the Cav from nov 67 to nov 68 w A company, 227 assault helicopter battalion. As a helicopter pilot we supported you in the field many times. WELCOME HOME brother. your interview was the one that hit closer to home for me than any other I have watched. thank you.

I'm a Iraq Afghanistan vet and this was something I needed to hear today, God bless you Jerry

I was 17 years old when I got to Vietnam-1966 through 1969 (My mom had to sign a waiver for me), I grew up fast and learned a lot, good and bad. (I am now 73 and still learning). I was stationed on the USS Providence and also stationed in Country at a place called "Monkey Mountain" close to DaNang,. I spent 3 tours of duty in and around Vietnam. 3 of my high school friends were killed in Vietnam, I was spared. I participated in the TET Offensive in Feb 1968, that was bad. Somewhere along the way I was exposed to Agent Orange (Nasty Stuff) I am now on disability for the effects of agent orange. When I was discharged and came home to the States we arrived in San Francisco, and there were a lot of protesters spitting on us and throwing rocks and eggs and called us baby killers. That was our welcome home. I tell you this to say to you, that whatever your position is or was on the Vietnam war, it was not the veteran who got us into the war, most of us went because we were patriots and loved our country. Blame the politicians, yes, but not the veteran. To all Vietnam Vets out there, you are not forgotten. As a previous combat Vet myself, I salute you my friend.

Thank you, Jerry McNelly for your brave service to our country. You epitomize the word HERO. I’ve been thinking about your father and the sacrifice he made to keep you safe. It’s as if he gave you life TWO times. The day you were born and again in Vietnam. God Bless your father, and may God Bless you, keep you safe and grant you daily peace. 🇺🇸🙏

I'm speechless. I lost my little brother to PTSD after multiple tours in Iraq. The deamons they face are real and they all deserve our help.

What an amazing interview. I’m absolutely stunned at the eloquence of this man. Thank You Jerry for your service. Thank you as well to all of the other veterans who commented below as well. We can never imagine what you went through. As a police officer for the past 27 years, I have a little insight but nothing at all like combat. You will always have my utmost respect. God Bless all of our veterans past and present. ❤

I'm not a veteran. I met Jerry McNelly at The Vietnam Memorial Wall in D.C. on March 17th, 2007, doing interviews for a radio station. I had the great privilege to sit at lunch that day with Jerry, and a table full of America's great Vietnam veterans, who came from all over the country to protect the Memorial Wall from protestors on that day. A truly great American, as you can tell from listening to his love of country and the men who served in Vietnam. 15 years later and I remember it like it was yesterday. God bless you, Jerry.

A truly heart-wrenching memoir! My husband served as a helicopter maintenance tech in Co B, 228th ('66 - '68).

One intelligent and brave soldier. We are proud to have such men as him.

My uncle, Francis J. Duffy PFC, was killed in action while serving in the First Air Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Viet Nam on May 11th, 1967. We still miss you Uncle Frank.

This is one of the most interesting interviews I have ever watched. Jerry is truly an amazing individual. Thank God for this man. Thank you Jerry for telling us your story. Thank you for your Service Jerry.

Thanks Jerry, you’re a credit to all of us who served. I was in Delta Co, 1/12th Cavalry Airmobile from mid October 1968 to mid October 1968. I made what seemed to be continuous Combat Air Assaults in the Bong Son Plains, then to Dak To for the Battle on Hill 724 following the 4th infantry ambush, the Battle of My An, then up north for TET in Quang Tre, Khe San and the Asha Valley. Last 5 Months were in Echo Company for Battalion Reconnaissance platoon made up of three teams with continuous Air Assaults and extractions. I was twice blown up, but only one put me in the hospital for about three weeks, than back out to the field for more. Now 78 years old I’ve not resolved some of my issues, but have come to grips most of them. Thanks for your tribute to those who served, our great country, what the American flag stands for and the honor we had amongst our fellow veterans. Sergeant Pete McPhee.

Jerry McNelly. Thank you for your service and patriotism. I was in military intelligence and involved with most of your “adventures” as we were the unit intercepting the intelligence you mentioned. The details are many but briefly here is what my team was doing. We at Phu Bai (about 9 miles South of Hue) were intercepting NVA communications. We knew the Tet offensive was coming, but not how many NVA were involved. The 5th marines sent 300 men to Hue on the first day from Phu Bai. When the two companies of Marines arrived there were approximately 10,000 NVA who had entered the city and Citadel on the night of Tet. The 300 Marines took very heavy casualties. Your 400 troops in the 2/12 Cavalry’s assignment was to stop the massive NVA nightly supply line into the ancient Citadel/city through the West gate. The 12th Cav. were not able to stop the flow, and no reinforcements were available. Most were under smaller attacks at their locations. Likewise, the 5th Marines with the first 300 had 50% casualties in 2 days. On the third day, I immediately went to Hue to help the Marines on the South bank with house to house fighting. Something no US military had been trained to do at that time. Also on the third day Marine reinforcements arrived to join the house to house fight South of the Perfume River. Like you, the Marines had no artillery support as well, but it wasn’t the commanders fault, as the Marine artillery, at Phu Bai, was at maximum range, and to have shells land 50 yards around your and their perimeter at that distance would have accidently killed many of you, and the Marines, and the Marine commander at Hue didn’t want that. Likewise, the bad weather prevented more troops and supplies flying in to help you and the Marines. This also grounded the Air Force from bombing both your locations at Hue. You asked how such a beautiful country could have a horrible war. Each previous Tet had an agreed official ceasefire, and the 1st ARVN Division (in Hue) had allowed 90% of their troops to go home to celebrate the New Year with their families, like any other New Year, but on the 1968 Tet the North Vietnamese lied, and attacked. So the answer to your question is easy. The communists in North Vietnam wanted to take over South Vietnam at any cost, and they were willing to sacrifice as many of their soldiers/citizens to attain their leaders goal as was needed. Similar to Russia and the Ukraine now. Communists never change. A Vietnam Veteran.

As a two tour Vietnam vet , I salute YOU young man. I was a LT platoon leader ist tour in the 4th IN Div and a CPT Co with Americal the second tour . So strange the M60 MG guys were the most reliable hard charge guys I ever met, and got my ass out of a couple of ambushes . Again sir thank you many times over. I wish you well and stay strong. PS I got medivaced during both tours . PS I am 84 years old today and still going strong, and served 14 years as a police officer, in Marina CA

Jerry McNelly is a superb example of SERVICE to our country. Not only while he was in uniform serving actively in the United States Army, but obviously to the day you both recorded this interview. I am greatly impressed by this Vietnam War veteran!! Thank you both for one of the most compelling and moving interviews---if not THE most compelling and moving interview---I have ever heard. WE the people NEED to hear Jerry's story even if they do not currently know this. Semper Fi to both of you. Andy McKane, HN, USN, 24 August 1970 to 10 November 1971.

Welcome home Jerry!! I served with A 1/7 Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry, Feb. 68-Feb. 69. Just missed Hue, but was involved in trying to root out the retreating NVA, also went to Khe Sahn, walked the ridgelines and the floor of A Shau Valley. Watched our slicks getting knocked out of the air from LZ Vicky. I agree with your observations of the beauty of the mountains and valleys of Viet Nam, in contrast to the brutality of the war. You speak well of the experiences of the grunt on the ground. I too was an 11C/Mortar Infantry. Like you, I hold no bitterness. Only one person controls my happiness, that would be me. Garry Owen/ Phantom Raider 5 Mike

Thank you Jerry I was with C Btry 1/77 Artillery. We were at LZ Ross, Camp Evans. PK-17 and many more. We shot for the 2/12th when you went to Hue. I was with the 105 howitzer that was dropped into the cemetery outside of PK-17 in order to give you guys arty support the first night. Welcome home...glad we both made it.

What the Vietnam veterans faced returning home was unconsciousable. They went through a life altering trauma over there and return to a country that did not embrace them they way they deserved. When my brother was drafted it impacted me as a child. I lived with low-level anxiety until he returned safely and I was only 8 or 9 when he left. This country owes theses Vets a lifetime of gratitude for there heroic service and sacrifices.

Your interview just ended and I am sitting here feeling feelings I've haden't felt in years. I enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 68' right out of high school. My sense of patriotism was several of my class mates , the previous year's class, went to Viet Nam and were killed. I felt I had to do something to honor them, so I enlisted. After Parris Island and advance training, I earned the title of " Grunt Rifleman " 0311. I was so egar to go to Viet Nam, I felt like I was ready to put myself in harms way, like Jerry here. I felt all the feelings of being put on notice, ready to go in an instant when called upon, but it never happened. Hearing Jerry give his story , I feel could I be like him when the s---t hit the fan? I look back now and think I could have been the guy right next to him, but I'll never know. I am 73 years old now and still wonder what if, how would I've responded to that initial burst of insanity known as combat? I have such admiration for Jerry and all he experienced I wish I could shake his hand, buy him a beer and tell him how much he means to all service men and women even today. God Bless you Jerry. Semper Fi

He’s so well spoken, and he really has a talent of painting the picture of what it was like. What a great interview.

One of the best interviews of a veteran I've ever watched. A humble man who did his duty for his country. He's right about the war in Vietnam stopping any further expansion. His comments at the end about freedom in the U.S. unfortunately don't apply these days as the U.S. has slipped right down the list in personal freedom compared to many other democracies in the world. It's a shame but a fact. The U.S. though has done so much good for many third world countries and those that have studied history or are old enough to remember when the U.S. and the U.K saved the starving people of West Berlin (former enemies) in 1948 - 1949 by airlifting tons upon tons of food to the Berliner's. The Soviet Union had closed off road and sea access to western sector. These days, all western democracies are facing the same snowflake, PC, woke, left wingers who want everything handed out to them on a plate without having to work for it.

I was told by a young Veteran the other day that what us Vietnam Veterans did has made it easier for them when they come home. I had one of the support jobs I drove a truck hauling the thing out to the firebase to be sent out to the field. I was the same as you it has been just the last few year that I have been thanked for my service. Thanks to all our Veterans. The flag is important to me to I always sign my comments with Dan 🇺🇸

Hey Jerry, I have a lump in my throat watching your story. I joined the Marines right out of High School and was shipped off to Vietnam. I never saw any combat since all of my time was "in the rear with the gear". I do have a sense of guilt being in the rear and have a lot of respect for you and your story. Thank you for telling it

I believe that's the best interview I've ever seen of a combat Soldier. So authentic. Thank you for your service again. My dad was a Vietnam vet 199th light infantry Brigade Army. August 1967 to August 1968. Lost him a year ago

This man and his story are national treasures. God bless him for his willingness to fight for the ideals of freedom and the men beside him.

"If you like this country and want to keep it that way, (serving) is what you do" A message for today's youth! I love the interview work you are doing with veterans. While civilians will never understand the emotional turmoil of combat, they may grasp a better understanding of the sacrifice men gave. Remember the families that loved and miss them. I'm a Gold Star father of losing my son in Afghanistan. This was the best testimony I've heard.

God bless the Vietnam Veterans. The reason I joined the service. Thank you to all of them.

This was a very emotionally charged interview for me personally. I was never in Vietnam as a Marine Corps Vietnam Era veteran. A lot has changed in the last 14 years since this interview. Our speech is not as free as it once was.

One of the best interviews I have listened to from a Vietnam veteran, his ability to articulate not only his experience in Vietnam but the importance of that service to America. I am nine years Jerry's junior however I remember my service flying over Vietnam on my way to Thailand as a K-9 handler and thinking about men such as Jerry who served in Vietnam. My hat is off to Jerry and the men and women who served and are serving now, well done.

To all my Vietnam Veteran brothers and sisters out there I want to personally thank you all for the sacrifices you and your families made! As a young boy I looked at you all as heroes and vowed to be just like you! You all motivated me to serve as an Army Infantryman in Afghanistan! BEST JOB I EVER HAD! Most of all WELCOME HOME JOB WELL DONE!

What a humble and courageous man. Lord please help me to have the character this man has upon his countenance. Thank you Sir. Thank you 🙏

Thank you PFC JERRY MCNELLY for your service. Excellent interview.

Wow. My dad served at Cam Rahn Bay 67-68. I never knew the shit he had been through. I appreciate this fellow veteran helping me to see the experiences of my father that he never shared. He gave me a silver ring before he passed, I think it may have actually been pewter. On it's flat face was inscribed "Cam Rahn Bay 67-68". This video has helped me to understand a lot about my father.

Sweet Jesus, bless you Jerry and all our men that had to endure that war.

I can see in this brave man's eyes the memory of what he went through. In humility, I can only thank him for giving me a small glimpse of what he experienced. Thank you for your service, sir.

You sir, are spot on about how people are crapping all over this country. I was in tears listening to your experience. I am a peace time Air Force veteran from 76-81. My Uncle was in WW2- my Dad in Korea. I am so grateful for your service. Now, it is fashionable to thank Veterans for their service. Even in my time, people disliked us and treated us with disrespect, and when people are thanking me for my service I say, No, ,thank a Vietnam Veteran.

I want to say thank you. I wish I could have told you long before now. I was born in 1963.. you are all hero’s in my book. God bless you. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

So well spoken, articulate, and thoughtful. Such profound gratitude and respect to this man, and those with whom he served. Thank you for your service, sir.

It breaks my heart to watch these men cry

Thank you for telling your story. My grandfather served in WWII in the 3rd Army with Pattons. I'm so proud of our hero veterans

Wow what a great interview!! What a great American Veteran!!

I wasn't accepted by a recruiter and it was painful I admire all you guy's and love the Flag and I was disgusted on the kneeling I seen at sporting events to our flag and national anthem I never again watch them. Vietnam was a terrible loss of good men who fought for our freedoms which are under attack from within . You are a Hero in my book and all the brave men of all races and religions who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice side by side on the alter of Freedom. Many take that for granted not me. God bless you and all the military men and women for their service. Take care Jerry

This interview was very interesting to me as I was also drafted into the army and served in the exact same battalion as Jerry McAnnally, 2nd 12th 1st Air Cav, as an infantryman only I was in A Company and was there a year after Jerry. By this time the 2nd of the 12th battalion was based in Firebase Buttons up near the village of Song Be up close to the Cambodian border.

Thank You for your Service Mr. McNelly.......great insight and great interview into your experience in Vietnam and the real lasting memories that you and others have from the War. You are a True American Hero!

Thanks Mr. McNelly for making those sacrifices that you made so that people like me didn't have to. It is so much appreciated by me and so many other people I know.

Thank you for your service and welcome home 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

Whenever i feel down, i always watch old vietnam veteran videos. Buy the end of them I realize that these guys are superhuman beings, and feel that my problems are close to nothing at all. It's a therapy session for free. God-bless you jerry mcnelly. good luck to you sir!

What a story. 6 months in some intense combat and pulled from the jungle because of his dad to finish his tour on a beach. Golly. Thank you, sir.

Guys like Jerry- Vietnam War Soldiers in general were my heroes as I was only ten years old in 1968 when the whole Tet Offensive happened which I'm sure was part of the reason Hue City battle came about. Poignant story- what his father did. Thank you for this Jerry. I joined the Marines in 76' 👍

Thank you sir. For your service to our country. You are NOT FORGOTTEN! I was born in 69. So I remember some of the treatment you guys got when you came home. However. I am one of the few that remember. And I do appreciate what you have done. And I make it a point to tell all Nam vets welcome home. We love you Jerry.

GOD BLESS YOU JERRY, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!!!!

Very good interview. jerryI wish you the remainder of your life to be peaceful and fruitful God bless you

Exactly the way I and many others feel. As a vietnam vet I support this good man all the way.

Thank you to all veterans and the ones that it not come home!!!I was fortunate to live in USA for many years and I was always well treated , welcome and free!!I studied the Vietnam war and I really did not understand how disrespecfully you were received when you came back!. You went there, young and proud, to fight comunism and for the vietnam people that wanted to live in a free country and help them to have a better life quality. You should be very proud and I am happy that you have been finally reconnaissanced, for what you did after so many years!! Thank you from a Spaniard and also American in my heart forever and for defending the freedom of many countries!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 beautiful interview¡ 👏👏👏👏

What an honor to hear these stories. Thank you will never be adequate.

Thank you Jerry for the freedom I have enjoyed my whole life .

A priceless interview....thanks for ur service....these are America's real heros....

Great interview Jerry, brings back a lot of memories. I was assigned to B Co 2/12th October 67. I remember the night January 2,68 very well. I was on LZ Ross and received wounds from shrapnel I took the tour just like you. Going north to Hue in February March and then Khe Sanh in April. I sure you remember well the night march out of TFP. Carried a radio the whole time I was there. October- June carried for the company commander. The rest of my tour as a battalion RT Welcome home brother

Thank you for sharing, Jerry. I was born a week before JFK was assassinated. My dad served in the Army during the Korean War. I have 3 older brothers who all graduated in the early 70's. I remember names and places like Saigon, the Tet Offensive, Khe Sanh, Mekong Delta, etc. Thank you helping me piece together bits of my memories from childhood that was broadcast into our homes on a daily basis. I appreciate your service, and God bless.

Thank you for your service to our country, sir. You are greatly appreciated, respected, and loved for your time in Vietnam. God bless you!

Your story is heart felt. I was only 7 in 1968, and still remember watching the Vietnam war here in the United States on TV. Thank you so much for your service. My dad's brother served in World war II Korean war and the Vietnam war. Thank God you're real father did what he did.

Thanks for your service, Jerry.

A salute to you Jerry I am a vietnam veteran, and served as a tanket on M-48 tank with 4th inf. div . Pleiku, ankhe, Ple-durang at the border.

Powerful statement. Thank you for your service.

Amazing soldier thank you for your service fantastic story of your time served

Jerry McNally you are an amazing individual. Thank you for your story. I know the mess hall story was so compelling and so true.

On behalf of my family and myself thank you so much for your service

I was overwhelmed by your stories and fell very emotional through your sad eyes. Thank you for your service. You are the true hero of Americans.

Thank you for sharing the stories and experiences of the ones who’ve served in Vietnam. When I turned 18 my Selective Service number was 85 and the cutoff was 125. The war ended six months later. Lately I’ve been listening to every story and every experience of the ones who were there. Great job in your getting the stories out there. And I always thanked a service man or woman for their service.

Salute my brother. I am a vet from the South African Bush War. We have been forgotten. We fought Cubans, Cuban and Russian backed and trained terrs during the cold war from 66-89. It is refreshing to see that a once unpopular war, the Vietnam War, it's vets and those who paid the highest price being recognized. Your story has resonated with me and I am sure, many other vets. Thank you. Sempe Fe.

I am proud to be a USAF Veteran of 1966-1973. We all have things that we blo cked out after we experienced that place. Your comments about being uncivilized at the mess hall made me laugh and cry as I understand but nobody else can grasp the emotional hit it takes. I lost several friends from suicide because of the inability to discuss the blockages they put in place to forget the hell. My grandson, a M60 specialist just returned from Poland and unable to help folks being slaughters just two miles away (or less). He is keeping it locked up too as we all do. I have attempted to forget things I saw and did as all vets do. Unless you have served it is impossible to understand and our politicians don’t care as most of them never served.

Thank You for Your Service.

PFC JERRY MCNELLY, you are a hero, sir, of the greatest possible magnitude! From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you for your service and your patriotism, and I truly pray G-d's richest blessings, joy, and peace for you always! SALUTE!!!

Thank you and God Bless you Sir!

Jerry, thank you for your service!!

He is what a hero looks like, incredible bravery, Thank You Jerry❤

Thank You for your service Sir! God Bless You!

Thank you, Jerry, Best of luck to you. I'm glad you made it home ❤

Thank you Jerry. Your interview hit me right in the feels. It cuts to the core.

I went to LZ Leslie 2or3 days after the NVA overran the LZ. I was in "B" btry and provided support for Jerry in every place he mentioned. Was at base camp on Dec. 23 to Jan 4or5 1967-1968.

So much respect for this man, this soldier, this American veteran! Welcome home sir. PFC Jerry McNelly is my hero. This needs to shared for sure.

great presentation from a disabled vet.

Way to go Jerry, I was an Advisor in the country., sometimes when alone I break down and weep. It seems to relieve the rage I feel at times. People often buy my lunch and thank me for my service. I am working on forgiveness of those who mistreated Vietnam veterans. Its awful hard for me. May the creator bless you and those you served with. My best friend was air cav. Bong Son,An Khe, camp evans and many more. Its been an Honor to know of you fellers. I wish only the best for you.

I watched your video Jerry and I want to thank you for fighting for my and everyone elses freedom thank you so much ☮👍

Jerry your one incredible individual . I know all these places you talked about . May the Lord go with you !

Jerry. An amazing interview. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful.

It’s refreshing listening to some of your comments. Only a real grunt would understand and relate to them. Too many fakes and exaggerators when it comes to honestly being a grunt in Vietnam. Thank you for your honesty. I served from Sept 68 to Sept 69 in C Co. 1/503 Abn Inf, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)

Thank you for your service from one vet to another 🙏 ❤

So grateful for what those vets did and went through. Two of my brothers were in marines and army for Vietnam. I thank them every year.

Mr Kcnelly 'THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE" .. Great interview. The stories were hair raising.. Again THANKS...From an 8 yr army veteran...

Thank you, Sir for your service to our country. 🙏🏾❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥💝💝💞 You are loved!

Thank you!! PFC McNelly. We love you. Be well!!!!

Wonderful story, so poignant. Since I was a very young boy, (I was born in 1968) the story of the Vietnam veteran, has always held such a special and dear place in my heart. I am a veteran of two different wars, the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91 and the Iraq War 2004-2005. On both of these occasions, I felt the presence of the Vietnam experience come through directly to me. In 1991, as a young Infantryman, my unit and I prepared to assault and breach the Iraqi positions through three separate mine belts in order to commence the liberation of Kuwait. I do firmly believe that it was the vast knowledge and experience of the Vietnam veteran leadership that led the US military at that time, that enabled us to secure our objectives with the least amount of casualties possible. I truly do believe that their experience in the Vietnam War probably saved many of our young lives. Fast forward to April 2005, I was in my 8th month into my tour in Baghdad, Iraq when I suffered a non-combat related injury. I was medically evacuated home from the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and on to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The medically equipped C-141 aircraft arrived in the middle of the night and we were off-loaded on stretchers and crutches, while some cases were more severe. Although this was well past midnight, a group of maybe four or five Vietnam veterans were there to greet us at the Air Force Base as we came off the tarmac. They welcomed each of us home and they gave each one of us a care package and a blanket which I still proudly have and will always have. I believe deeply in my heart, that the Vietnam veteran is truly one of our Nations, National treasures, respect them, love them and always remember them. Semper Fidelis, Bob Oles.

Sir. I thank you for you're service and you're story I will always honor all off you. 👍. God be with you and you're family.🤗

I served in usa Air force and the first time someone said thank for your service i did not no how to reply. I was shocked.

Thank you for your service. God bless.

Thank You for your service! I made it to E-6 out of 15 years of service and unfortunately I went into kidney failure then forced out. I had a kidney transplant and I am doing well now. I would love to go on the motorcycle ride with you!