LCpl James Wright here to chat with you about Vietnam, and what young Americans went through then. What questions do you have for me?

2017-04-24T10:13:38-04:00

From RP Staff: Today we have the rare honor of welcoming James Wright, President Emeritus of Dartmouth College, for a live Q&A on his experience as a Marine 60 years ago, and the thoughts he shares in his book “Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War.”

LCpl Wright has worked with veterans since 2005 when he began visiting wounded Marines and soldiers in Washington, D.C. hospitals. In over thirty visits since then, he has encouraged the injured servicemen and women to continue their education. He was involved in the planning for the Yellow Ribbon Program that provided for private institutions to be included in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and he worked with the American Council on Education (ACE) to create a new educational counseling program for wounded U.S. veterans. This program still continues at Walter Reed Hospital. Wright will be joining us at 4:00pm EST on 4/27 to answer your questions. Please post them in advance!

About The Book: The Vietnam War is largely recalled as a mistake, either in the decision to engage there or in the nature of the engagement. Or both. Veterans of the war remain largely anonymous figures, accomplices in the mistake. Critically recounting the steps that led to the war, this book does not excuse the mistakes, but it brings those who served out of the shadows.

You can grab a copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Enduring-Vietnam-American-Generation-Its/dp/ [login to see]

Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War: James Wright: 9781250092489: Amazon.com:...

Buy Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War on Amazon.com â FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 10:19 AM

2017-04-24T10:19:37-04:00

I am looking forward to it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 10:25 AM

2017-04-24T10:25:29-04:00

I was there in 1971, a little after you. Still, I witnessed all the emotionally-charged displays of the anti-war and anti-anyone-in-the-military crowds of the day back in the States. I've always been proud of my service, but I distinctly remember visiting "The Wall" in 1997, for the first time, and asking "Why" through the tears as I read the names of those I knew.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 24 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-04-24T11:37:01-04:00

No questions, LCpl James Wright. I just wish to extend my thanks to you for your service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 1:19 PM

2017-04-24T13:19:51-04:00

LCpl James Wright Welcome to RallyPoint sir. As mentioned by SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", Vietnam is a sensitive area with many of us. The Paris Peace Accords had been signed because our military was winning the war. What followed was our government abandoning the ARVN and South Vietnamese people. I look forward to reading your book. Thank you brother!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-04-25T17:02:52-04:00

although I did not serve in that war I did have family and later friends that did, I've read many books about it, and seen many documentaries, it has always seemed to me that battles were won, territory taken and abandoned after, only to have the NVA just move back in after, I grew up in that time, and saw as well as even participated in the hell no we wont go movement, but I was young and naive back then, so do you see a parallel with the current actions as far as government support, rules of engagement, as far as civilian support its way opposite, and to my brothers/sisters that did serve in that time thank you

Response by PO3 Michael James made Apr 25 at 2017 9:14 PM

2017-04-25T21:14:10-04:00

L.Cpl. Wright, Sir; Not to offend, Sir.. but "What young Americans went through THEN ?" To some degree we learned to expect the unexpected and how to deal with certain situations.. We were NEVER taught about what to expect, how to deal with the torment, the neglect, the abuse.. the overall treatment we received from people, our Politicians, the VA !! On top of all of this it continues 50 + Years later, all the brutal abuse, all the Government Cover-ups, and the continued lies.. PTSD .. THIS.. is STRESS... it is Post Vietnam ... it is Very Traumatic to some... This has been 50 + Years of Congressional Non-fulfillment of PROMISES made to ALL of our military... We put our Country FIRST... Our Country Abandoned us .. 50 Years of dealing with a once healthy body.. being eaten up with Cancers, Heart, now trouble walking.. becoming dependent on others, because of dioxin poison used to clear the canopy of cover.. 50 Years is ABOVE and BEYOND the call of Duty... I have requested four times under the F.O.I.A. "Flight Departure Logs" for: 31 Aug. 70, four times denied.. not available to me ?? This has no impact on National Security !! Just continued Delays.. Denials No Concern for our Veterans.. They put us into harms way.. used us, now the don't care !! Thanks

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 26 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-04-26T17:04:45-04:00

Would you be willing to sign a copy for my uncle (Vietnam vet) if I purchase one?

Response by MSgt Msgtroy Foster made Apr 26 at 2017 5:31 PM

2017-04-26T17:31:53-04:00

The sparing of AMERICA'S RICH KIDS, AS WELL AS INSTANT CONSIENTIOUS OBJECTORS and DRAFT card burners coming up with the Jane Fonda s , NANCY Pelosi s, HILLARY Clinton s and Black Panthers AS well as Canadian DRAFT dodgers who got a bigger welcome home than we did AS the BUSHES, CLINTON'S, GORE'S, BIDEN'S, QUALYLES, HID BEHIND MOMMIES SKIRT WHILE WE DIED FROM AO. Why?

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Apr 26 at 2017 6:04 PM

2017-04-26T18:04:18-04:00

Thank you kindly.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Apr 26 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-04-26T18:06:36-04:00

My question is how accurate is Mel Gibson's movie When We Were Soldiers. The movie starts out with the French invading Vietnam and getting bushwhack and then it carries on into the Americans entering Vietnam. How accurate is the first 20 minutes of that movie?

Response by Courtney Minturn made Apr 26 at 2017 6:11 PM

2017-04-26T18:11:08-04:00

Hello LCpl James Wright! Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you and also THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE! LCpl James Wright, my DAD is a West Point Grad & Retired Col. He served in Vietnam. I have tried so many ways to get him to tell me anything about Vietnam and he just will not budge. My Mom (RIP) would say not to keep asking DAD to go through that again and she told us just a couple of stories that she was able to pry out of him. I definitely look forward to reading your book and I was wondering...... when you were in Vietnam.....what was just one defining moment that you recall that has forever impacted your life....be it a mission you were on, or a thought that crossed your mind, or seeing something or hearing something? Can you please share? Also, can you please share a book (besides your book that I will read) that you would recommend regarding Vietnam so I can read it? I would like to understand more about the Vietnam War but I can't crack my DAD! Thank you very much sir! Thank you again for everything you have done for our Country! Very Respectfully, Courtney Minturn

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Apr 26 at 2017 6:20 PM

2017-04-26T18:20:06-04:00

I was a Desert Storm Vet. I was in college from 1969-73 and entered the Army in 1975 and then went to OCS. My question is how professional were the ARVN RANGERS?

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Apr 26 at 2017 6:26 PM

2017-04-26T18:26:20-04:00

Having lived through this period both as a college student and then as a soldier I would chose the perspective of a soldier. Our government bowed to the screaming fanatics who demonstrated against the war. There were hundreds of thousands of them in the streets but put that into perspective of the 200+ million in the nation and the numbers pale in comparison. Just as today, the media focuses on the tiny but noisy minority of people who push their anarchy onto the country and ignore the vast majority of people who oppose this faction. The majority quietly go about their business of living and working to make a life for themselves or their families. Vietnam was won but the civilian govt. bent to the pressure and bailed out same as in Iraq. It is a fair analysis to say that we soldiers were accomplices but only to the point that we were the people willing to serve our country during this harsh time. Our service allowed the civilian government to continue the war as mismanaged as it was. I would still choose to serve because it is the right and honorable thing to do.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 26 at 2017 6:27 PM

2017-04-26T18:27:21-04:00

Welcome to RP LCpl. I have been on a trip or two to Vietnam but I spend my war years in the safety of Thailand, that'sounds one way to put it. But I saw the dead man formations come in. I saw the battle damage on our F105s. But I do feel the kinship with the men in country. I went to Vietnam just a few short month before everything was pulled out. My son-in law is a Marine that served there. I am a huge fan of Marines, what a close brotherhood. Thank you Sir from your time.

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made Apr 26 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-04-26T18:38:05-04:00

RP PTB sent me an email asking for a question. I apologize, I do not have one as I have not read your book and did not serve in Vietnam. All I remember of those years (I was 7 and 11) was Nixon's campaign promise to end the draft and then later in 1972 to bring home the POWs. That and how my mom volunteered at the local level for Nixon. Most of the reading and self education I have done on the subject has to do with Cambodian refugees who survived the Killing Fields. I have read some biographies of the survivors as my daughter's boyfriend of 3 years - his parents came to America after surviving those killing fields.

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made Apr 26 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-04-26T20:13:41-04:00

LCpl. Wright, James
Thank you for your service Marine Thank you for your dedication to our Veterans. Mentioned before on Rally Point the bad deal for our MIA/POW after the Paris Peace Accords. Plus the facts stated by Sgt. Ted Hallock on the ARVN forces. Will anyone ever address the issue of MIA. Same questions and anger from Korean War Veterans.
Semper Fidelis.

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Apr 26 at 2017 9:11 PM

2017-04-26T21:11:01-04:00

Sir,
My question is simple..."why", and the follow-up, what does it matter after all these years? Trying to explain something as emotionally personal to those who were not there with an academic work can only make me wonder. Having said that, I look forward to reading your book...

Welcome home, brother

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Apr 26 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-04-26T22:46:29-04:00

Nice to see People of that Generation Giving back to these young soldiers of today will look for the book for sure... MilitantCrip

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Apr 26 at 2017 10:50 PM

2017-04-26T22:50:01-04:00

My Father Kept going back it seemed like a Drug to him once even taking a hardship Tour to get his kid Brother a cushy Rear job in AFN...Why are there such things as War Junkies??? MilitantCrip

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 27 at 2017 12:08 AM

2017-04-27T00:08:59-04:00

Thanks for taking the time to respond to questions LCpl James Wright.
You came to terms with your own service and the response of the nations you served. That must have been a process with grief for dead comrades, thanks and bitterness for surviving, and learning to fit into a society which may have loathed your service in Vietnam affecting you to different degrees.
The lessons you learned could well benefit other Vietnam War veterans as well as those who have been fighting in SW Asia since 2001
1. What advice can you give to newly returned (a) close-combat veterans and (b) those who were deployed but they didn't get into close combat to help them fit into the society which may not welcome them or be thankful for them?
Thanks for mentioning me COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I responded early this morning after Nick Petros notified me yesterday.
FYI in case you haven't responded.SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Apr 27 at 2017 3:16 AM

2017-04-27T03:16:06-04:00

I remember the very tail end of the Vietnam era from 1971 to 1975 as a little kid. The biggest thing I remember was my Mother attempting to get us kids away from what seemed like the increasing militarization due to the Cold War and the impending withdrawl from Vietnam. I remember a squadron of C-130's flying really low over our house, UH1 Hueys landing at the High School across the street in some kind of recruiting effort, then on a camping trip seeing a real live SR-71 fly over Lake Superior and produce a sonic boom. Lots of NG Convoys on the road in the Summer on the way North camping. Seemed like no matter where we went we bumped into the Army. Which brings me to my question. As a Vietnam War Era Veteran did you notice any of that stuff back then locally before you were in the Marines as a civilian? Did it influence you in anyway?

Another thing that struck me about Vietnam as well. You know how it goes that mostly past Veteran families offer up their own to serve again and again across generations? A lot of the families from WWII that had family members taken prisoner at Corregidor........a lot of their kids volunteered for Vietnam, I think of that as well. It's just incredible when you think of what those Mothers had to go through, first their husband a POW tortured by the Japanese, if they returned from that experience the family had to deal with that then Vietnam happens and their kids volunteer for another war. Wow.

I remember watching the fall of Siagon on TV as it was newscast repeatedly back then. Remember my Mother crying during one of those newscasts for all the people she grew up with that she knew that died in the war.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 27 at 2017 7:49 AM

2017-04-27T07:49:07-04:00

LCpl Wright, welcome to RP. Will admit that I haven't read your book, but it's on my to do list. One thing that I haven't seen directly asked by others is: What are your feelings on how troops are supported and welcomed back in todays society as compared to the Vietnam days?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 27 at 2017 9:12 AM

2017-04-27T09:12:19-04:00

THE RP STAFF CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO IT'S MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH JAMES WRIGHT, PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE AND FORMER MARINE LCPL WHO SERVED DURING THE VIETNAM ERA, TODAY APRIL 27, 2017 AT 4:00 PM EST.

WHAT A GREAT OPPOTUNITUY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES OVER 60 YEARS AGO AS A MARINE AND HIS THOUGHTS ON HIS BOOK: “Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War.”

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS FROM FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND GREAT LEADERS IN OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 27 at 2017 10:23 AM

2017-04-27T10:23:08-04:00

LCpl James Wright Thank you for being here on RallyPoint and taking the time today answer questions. Thank you for your service and the great book you have written. Here is my question for you James.

Do you think the media being embedded in units during the Vietnam War was a good or bad thing? Is it good for today's wars that we're involved in today? Thanks

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Apr 27 at 2017 10:45 AM

2017-04-27T10:45:15-04:00

Do not really have a question just wanted to tell you in my opinion you folks were treated very unfairly. I want to thank you for your service and welcome you home. I am proud to call you my Brother.

Response by Sgt Franklin B. made Apr 27 at 2017 12:10 PM

2017-04-27T12:10:58-04:00

I haven't read your book. We all know that there were many mistakes made during that period of time and it good you wrote about that period. Let's hope those that is in our government looks back to the mistakes made by others and don't make the same going forward.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 27 at 2017 12:51 PM

2017-04-27T12:51:28-04:00

I served with several men that were in 'Nam, heard the stories saw the pictures, truly a rough time for many.

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Apr 27 at 2017 12:59 PM

2017-04-27T12:59:40-04:00

I would be very interesting in listening to the Q&A session with LCpl James Wright. However, I did not see a link to for the video/audio session. I’m generally a listener, and might have a question after listening to the session. I have several friends and acquaintances who are Vietnam Combat Veterans…mostly Army. I recall several of my friends who returned from Nam with a very different perspective on life. Of course, I had several who were KIA. As a 21 year old, I had only recently completed my own enlistment obligation in 1965 when the War in Vietnam escalated. I would later join Naval Reserves because the Navy was looking for Flight Communications operators, but I also missed military service. I also wanted to draw flight skins, and became crewman in a VP squadron. It was during this time I began hearing the perspective of my friends who were combat veterans who were very happy to have survived to make it home. Up until that time I had no ideal what my friends in Vietnam had actually going through; especially those engaged in combat. They did not talk much about their experiences, and I never really pursued what they had gone through in Nam. But, as time passed I began to see some changes, but since I was not a combat vet myself none of this behavior connected with me. It would be 50 years later before I was confronted with what PTS was and how it effected people in a wide variety of circumstances. Obviously, not all those who suffer from PTS are related to military combat. I would like to help my friends and other Vietnam Vets who I now know suffer from PTS, but sadly, over half of them are no longer alive. I’m, disappointed my awareness came 50 years late. Much of what I learned is expressed in the article published in RP titled “What I Learned about Post Traumatic Stress”.

LCpl James Wright, thank you for our service. I pray your efforts are helpful to other Vietnam Combat vets with PTS, as well as those who do not understand what they maybe going through.

Response by SPC Louis Miller made Apr 27 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-04-27T13:04:43-04:00

Disclaimer: I am a thinker and by asking things about this subject my prayers are that it does not seem offensive and taken as ANY type of notion of me not knowing the honor and true heroism it took for all the men and women in that era. I am certainly of utmost respect towards all who were involved in something that, to this very day, is still disputed in the history of this country but continues to make us the proud nation we are with me supporting my fellow centurion servants forevermore and wherever they are.

Having been a youth, when my father did his tours, but distinctly remembering things from those periods and the depictions he gave me of times there, if anything that I feel would need to be inquired upon, it would be this:
Viewing retrospectively and panning memories of development from the time of those vast amounts of resources, which went into the formulations of Communist North Vietnam and Democratic South Vietnam, up to our current era, do you feel that the Second Indochina War/Conflicts progressed the sovereignty, functionality, prosperity, and inherent rights of the people in this region to become a part of the world stage of this region and how do you personally feel and/or understand what the actions of all involved did in helping or not helping affect that progression?

Best regards and respectfully,

Louis L. Miller, Jr.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 27 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-04-27T15:03:00-04:00

First , let me say, "Welcome Home Brother"! Being a Combat Vet who served in the I Corps, Quang Tri Provence , in 1969, and who also wrote a book about my experiences in Viet Nam, "UNIFORMS" (http://www.uniformsthebook.com) , I look forward to read what kind of questions you are asked. Stay well and SEMPER FI!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 3:51 PM

2017-04-27T15:51:19-04:00

Thanks for your service.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Apr 27 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-04-27T16:25:12-04:00

No questions, I all ready have my answers. And no, I won't read your book, but good luck otherwise .

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Apr 27 at 2017 4:55 PM

2017-04-27T16:55:50-04:00

LCpl James Wright welcome to the RP and thank you for this opportunity to hear out from all of us. As a non combatant during the Vietnam war, I agree with SGT T. M Hallock and SSG J. J. Palmer, JP4, that Vietnam is a sensitive area for many of us. I yield my opinions on the Nam, to my Brothers and Sisters that were "in the shit" before I got in. I still feel like much is owed to the Vietnam veteran ( not that we need a hand out), and any opportunity that can help many of us heal is a good thing. Thank you again for this opportunity LCpl Wright. And to all my Viet Nam veteran Brothers and Sisters on the RP, and all Vietnam veterans out there, Welcome Home! May God Bless you all and may God Bless the United States of America.

Response by LCpl James Wright made Apr 27 at 2017 5:37 PM

2017-04-27T17:37:50-04:00

Thanks to everyone for joining in this discussion--and sharing with each other on this RallyPoint network. I learned from many of your comments on this posting. Many thanks for that. My aim is to never stop learning. While I was out of the Marines before the Vietnam war began, I was always impressed by those who served and in interviewing some 160 people and doing other research for Enduring Vietnam, my estimation of them only increased. I hope that in this book I contributed a little bit to telling their story. Your story.

Response by PO2 Donald Walsh made Apr 27 at 2017 5:38 PM

2017-04-27T17:38:29-04:00

Do you think the US is ready to take on N. Korea again; this time with bullets and weapons free?

Response by MSG Mark Million made Apr 28 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-04-28T15:03:23-04:00

Forever respect!

Response by Cpl Roy Gehris made May 4 at 2017 12:59 AM

2017-05-04T00:59:32-04:00

I was in Vietnam in 1965. I was discharged in CA in July '65 and missed most of the BSthat my fellow Vietnam Vets had to put up with after they came home. However, still have had to put up with the BS at the VA! Politicians are the cause of it all!!!

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made May 7 at 2017 2:17 PM

2017-05-07T14:17:09-04:00

I had a Vietnam Vet as roommate once, and I appreciated the personal experiences he shared with me, like any and all of the Vet stories I have heard. I felt more compassion towards their cause than the way Hollywood has tried to portray it. I have heard about real live events that would give most people PTSD, just to endure the crap they HAD to go through. I salute anyone who did that for their God and Country, necessary or not, when the call of duty was more important. Those who made the decision to put you in that position should take responsibility, not you. It's hard enough going through life trying to raise a family and having to have episodes of uncontrollable anger, depression, and hatred for your fellow man. If you're going through this, please reach out for help. There's plenty of resources to help me and you.

Any Vets reading this please post some resource centers, and phone numbers. Thanks!

Response by LCpl Tom Tobin made May 16 at 2017 8:31 PM

2017-05-16T20:31:45-04:00

Welcome home brother. Seems like so long ago, and just like yesterday. I was a L/Cpl (twice) with Kilo 3/1. Semper Fidelis

Response by Col Gonzalo Arturo Gutierrez Orozco made Jun 1 at 2017 6:30 AM

2017-06-01T06:30:54-04:00

Is a posibility to come back Home and be veteran active onn work ?
live is no easy but make a goed is the thing that Home is sweet home!!!for my .....
I am a live so many dificultly times but I am happy !!!!!

Response by Amn Don Kem made Jul 2 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-07-02T13:24:54-04:00

My brother served in Vietnam I remember writing to him everyday and I asked him one time for a pair of penny loafers if you could find some cheap ones and bring them home on his first visit. When he brought them to me I cried and held him tight and I remember him saying your letters are what keeps me going don't stop writing still get teary-eyed when I see my brother

Response by SPC Sean Martin made Jul 4 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-07-04T11:53:47-04:00

It just repulses me; the level of ignorance and total disrespect the soldiers faced when they returned home.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Jul 16 at 2017 2:49 PM

2017-07-16T14:49:49-04:00

My time in Viet Nam was from Jul 69 to Jul 70 so the war, while we were always busy as artillerymen, arguably was in the nascent stages of winding down. IMHO the commanders in RVN from Gen Abrams on down were too much under the thumb of the Johnson White House and Sec Def McNamara and later Nixon and Sec Def Melvin Laird. Our commanders had little flexibility when in came to holding onto real estate gained by our soldiers, a good example albeit one of little value being hill 937 AKA Hamburger Hill. The simple fact is that wars are won by capturing and holding on to real estate. We were further limited by our not being allowed to invade North Viet Nam for fear that Russia or China if not both would get involved with the war by sending their own combat regiments into the war on behalf of the NVA and the VC. Ironically four years after Viet Nam, Russia would be involved in their own "Viet Nam" in Afghanistan. Karma is a bitch ain't it Putin? China would probably have been the greatest danger if they got involved as the last thing they would want is a free Viet Nam on their border. The same issue exists now in Korea so we are limited to maintaining the status quo and will be at least for the foreseeable future. Bottom line, wars of containment are a losing proposition; especially for those directly involved. That said, the war in the middle east--Syria and Iraq--may well become one if we are unable to completely neutralize (read that annihilate) ISIS/ISIL in those countries. From what I'm seeing, good luck with that. No disrespect to those fighting there and who fought there. I feel your pain.

Response by SN Sam Mutek made Jul 17 at 2017 10:27 PM

2017-07-17T22:27:59-04:00

What do you think about Monsanto and the us government using agent orange for food ,the American public consumes. Or rather experimenting with the idea.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Jul 19 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-07-19T15:47:05-04:00

Wasn't on this site when you joined the discussion but thanks. For many of us the war in Viet Nam never ended, just changed locations. I thought I had put that behind me until earlier this month I was called out by another post(er) on facebook when I was engaging in a conversation about my experiences in Viet Nam. This person was female and if her picture was accurate wasn't even on this rock when the war was underway. I was called a terrorist and a leech on the American Taxpayers or words to that effect. I gotta admit it took me a bit of a spell to sort that out.That said, I wasn't the only one she called out. I recently met a man when I was at a local shooting range with a rifle I had recently built. He was interested in my rifle and had one of his own in the same caliber. His surname was Vu and I remarked that with that sur-name he was Viet Namese. He replied that he was and that he and his parents were fortunate to have been evacuated by the US when the NVA reunified the country. He remains in touch with friends and family still there (he didn't say how) and from what he said things are not as they may appear to us here in the United States. To say that that young woman was clueless would be giving her too much credit.

Response by CW2 Roy Allen made Jul 31 at 2017 9:33 AM

2017-07-31T09:33:44-04:00

Have no idea as I was a crew chief leader and pilot on a U-21 A and flew the II Corps commanders
Peers Goodpaster Stone and moore, Was even a t the MY lai investigation with Gen Peers had an opportunity to go to the AirForce academy but was so mentally distraught I did not accept!

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Aug 3 at 2017 2:57 PM

2017-08-03T14:57:58-04:00

This is a cut and paste of an entry I made earlier with some additional information: When we returned in July, 1970 from Viet Nam we landed at McChord AFB near Seattle, Washington. Before we could even retrieve our carry on luggage the PAO from McChord came aboard the aircraft and advised those of us still in uniform to change into civvies or purchase some at the BX before we went downtown or to SeaTac as there was significant hostility towards returning service personnel. They could still recognize us even in civvies though as most of us had short hair and were deeply tanned. Its the only time in my life that I was spit at.
Wasn't on this site when you joined the discussion but thanks for joining. For many of us the war in Viet Nam never ended, just changed locations. I thought I had put that behind me until earlier this month (July) I was called out by another post(er) on facebook when I was engaging in a conversation with other Viet Nam Veterans about my experiences in Viet Nam. This person was female and if her picture was accurate wasn't even on this rock when the war was underway. I was called a terrorist and a leech on the American Taxpayers or words to that effect. I gotta admit it took me a bit of a spell to sort that out. That said, I wasn't the only one she called out. Moving forward I recently met a man when I was at a local shooting range with a rifle I had recently built. He was interested in my rifle and had one of his own in the same caliber. His surname was Vu and I remarked that with that surname he was Viet Namese. (There was an RFPF battalion in the village adjacent to my fire support base. The battalion commander's name was Vu.) He replied that he was and that he and his parents were fortunate to have been evacuated by the US when the NVA reunified the country. He was about the right age for that as he was in his 40's. He remains in touch with friends and family still there (he didn't say how and I didn't ask) and from what he said things there are not as they may appear to us here in the United States. Pretty much the status quo--the elites reap the spoils. You decide if we should have been there. To say that that young woman on facebook was clueless would be giving her too much credit.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Aug 3 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-08-03T15:35:13-04:00

Some years ago I was engaged by one of my daughter's high school teachers to give a presentation about my experience(s) while I was in Viet Nam. Frequently asked questions were "were we there legally", "what did you do on duty and off duty" and "did you kill anyone?" My answers in the same order were "Yes, it was a legal war; we were obligated along with other nations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Britain under provisions of the SEATO treaty which is much like NATO which they understood; In a war zone you are never really 'off duty' its just down time. Since I was an artillery officer and the executive officer of my battery we could be and were called on to shoot any time day and night, often to support troops in contact. If we were shooting I was working. "Non duty hours were usually spent improving our position, conducting maintenance on our guns and their support vehicles, personal weapons and personal hygiene. The only time I was ever "off duty was when I went on R&R. As for the last question I would usually say "we won't discuss that." Another question was "what was a day in the life of a soldier there like? The answer was a compendium of the "additional duties that we all had such as those previously mentioned in non duty hours, outreach to the local population by our medical corpsman, minesweep detail for the stretch of the road between our FSB and the village of LaHai where our State Dept. district chief was quartered and liaison visits there also. We also had to pick up and move our resupply of class V (ammunition, both small arms and artillery) from the chopper pad to the gun parapets and move the excess to our ASP which was kept in defilade. Our maintenance on the guns involved everything from routine maintenance to what Ordnance would normally do-- gun barrel changes, power pack changes even a mount changeout on one of our 175 mm Guns. Yes, a day in the live of an artilleryman.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Aug 20 at 2017 11:37 PM

2017-08-20T23:37:20-04:00

LCpl James Wright Thank you for the book. I just came across your post here. I have not seen it yet and should pick up a copy. I am a Vietnam veteran and was there form Feb 71-Jan72. I certainly did not like the reception we got from the American public when we got home. We did the job that we were sent to do. When I met my father in law, a WWII vet, he asked me if i was a baby killer and drug addict. One vet to another! Yeah right. We never lost a war, the American public lost it by withdrawing us.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Aug 24 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-08-24T11:32:53-04:00

I joined the Army in 1974 During Vietnam but never introduced myself as a Vietnam Veteran out of respect for those that were there. There is nothing to distinguish a Cold War Veteran, however I did serve two tours in Iraq. I feel Soldiers who served between 1974 and 1980 feel that they’re not recognized and don't fit in so they stay silent with the feeling of being left out. My question is what can be done to honor the Cold War Veterans?

Response by LCpl Larry Hansen made Aug 28 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-08-28T11:44:41-04:00

Tell me L/Cpl, IF we went in to win there starting in 1970, how long do you think it would have taken to drive in and Capture Hanoi, with no hands tied behind our backs? Curious! Useing conventional weapons only?

Response by SGT George Duncan made Sep 7 at 2017 2:03 PM

2017-09-07T14:03:41-04:00

why isn'
t any thing being dun about our agent orange poisoning and how come we don't have a forum to talk about it?

Response by SP6 Rick Gallaher made Sep 7 at 2017 6:15 PM

2017-09-07T18:15:46-04:00

Here is one for you: I was sent to Viet Nam (with 21 others) on now declassified secret orders. Good Friday 1975, and was extracted on April 28 1975, I was on land, my passport is stamped in. The VA will not recognize that I was in Vietnam because I do not have a Vietnam ribbon. So I can not get agent orange treatment ---- what is the next step ?

Response by SGT Kyle Bickley made Sep 9 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-09-09T21:56:40-04:00

A long time ago when I was in charge of a squad I was giving a land mine warfare class to the platoon I was in two senior NCOs watch the class and proceeded to dog me on my lack of experience in warfare. I ask them to show me what I was doing wrong and ad their experience to the class for what they saw in the war. They refused to offer anything. They said I wouldn't understand. That war y'all fought in claim 7 of my family members. Either in battle, suicide, or drank themselves to death. My question is this, did y'all forget not everyone hated you? Did y'all forget that every day you were gone we couldn't sleep? Did y'all forget that when they showed film from the front on the evening news we looked for you? Did y'all forget the last Christmas we spent together before you left was the best? Did y'all forget that when you were shot down over Hanoi and came up MIA we never forgot you? Did y'all forget that some of us still have no closure because your gone? Did y'all forget that when you cried at night in your sleep, we cried with you because we didn't know how to help you? Did y'all forget someone here loved you and still misses you!? Did y'all forget that mit you gave a 9 year old boy is his most treasure item decades later!? Did y'all forget us?

Response by SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA made Sep 11 at 2017 3:11 AM

2017-09-11T03:11:02-04:00

In my direct area without considering any branch campuses of 4 year institutions, we have a Community College without a President. The concern I have the candidates that made the final cut are not considered even mediocre. One candidate has 20 years in higher education worked at Lansing Comm College that has a 9.4 graduation rate. Since all colleges and universities are graded by the same scale, U of MI has a 78.1 graduation rate. This candidate was assigned to the Student Success Department.

The next candidate spent 31 years in higher education, only to come out as a Social Justice Warrior, yet, she is married to a Marine. Oxymoronish, I believe.

The last candidate was a Vice-President in charge of Instruction and a member of the State Board of education for Community and Technical colleges.

The graduation rate for the Community College here is 25.4. The candidate by way of graduation rates fared a little better with over 28 to just over 30 percent.

The Trustee in charge of this horendous mess is a retired Air Force Officer.

I made my comments concerning the inability of these candidates and I stated that a businessman needs to run this college.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Sep 24 at 2017 5:24 PM

2017-09-24T17:24:58-04:00

I was once a young person who joined the military, when the U.S. Army said go home kid. I joined the Air Force, but wondered why we were in Viet Nam. I realized most Viet Nemeses People didn't really care who was in charge of their lives. At least, not until the Communists took over. They just wanted to go about their everyday lives and that's it. I believe the powers that be were wrong in having us over there since we had NO clear mission to do. Nixon, with all his baggage did, at last allow us to do more to win than Johnson ever did. By that time, it was too late. As for support of our fellow Americans. They mostly stated grap, and ran. I fault Carter for his amnesty towards draft dodgers who ran to other countries as I do prior presidents for allowing collages and universities to stay open and be centers for rioting and property destruction. They are the bed rock of the communists that teach today. I also heartily blame the silent majority that allowed the nonsense to carry on in this country. I believe we should have strictly allowed only those directly who helped the U.S. while we were in Viet Nam to migrate here. Most of the communists that killed our people came and settled here you know. I Know because I found and met so very many of them here in California.
And we carry on the dysfunction of this country today by shipping in Middle Eastern migrants today. Non or so very few of these people have wanted to be AMERICANS. Go to most any town in the U.S., to see what I mean. Little Saigon cities in most areas and Middle Easterners living apart from us so their young ladies won't be contaminated by us Americans.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Oct 2 at 2017 3:41 AM

2017-10-02T03:41:31-04:00

You know, it's kind of funny. People have theories, observations and perspectives about the Vietnam experience.

Looking back on that time through a lens of more than 40 years can give a clarity and sanitizing effect. The real experience is not always so clear. I have watched the Ken Burns documentary religiously and was amazed at how zealously he has striven to give every point of view possible to that time. My perspective is from the standpoint of someone who volunteered and started basic in April 1975. So my recollection the fall of Saigon occurred while we were being drilled on the grinder in San Diego recruit training center. Further after completion of A School I was assigned to the USS Midway based out of Yokosuka Japan.

As a 17 year old seaman apprentice I was shipped to Subic Bay where I waited 12 days for her to arrive. This was mid October 1975. Olongapo was still very much like the documentary depicts. But much more raw like a fresh cut before a scab formed. That first 12 days was surreal. After flying into Clark and being taken to Subic Bay I was checked in and assigned to a barracks building. A couple of old salts pulled me aside and gave me some rules to keep my neck from being slit. First there was a curfew which was 12 midnight. Be somewhere/anywhere before 11:59. If you are seen by police after 11:59 you would be shot. Second was always go out with and return with a group. Do not leave your group for any reason because people would cut your throats for the $10 you had in your pocket. There was a river that the only name I remember for it was the "shit river". And you had to walk over a bridge to cross it to get to the base gates. My fist time crossing it I saw a dead body floating down that river. There were a lot of surreal experiences yet to come.

But the thing that really hit home for me was when I finally got home Two years later and sitting down with two of my uncles and several older cousins and the group of us sitting down drinking and talking about my experiences versus their experiences in that area of the world. My uncles and cousins went to Vietnam when I was 7 or 8. My favorite uncle James who was called Sonny by family or poncho by women spoke for one of the few times anyone remembers about how he patrolled the fence line of the Da Nang air base with a dog. He spoke for the only time about firefights he had been in and friends lost. It was the only time I saw tears roll down his face. For the first time in my life I was looked on as a man by my elders. From that point on I was no longer called Donny (my childhood nic name) I was from then on Earl.

Response by Chris Smith made Oct 5 at 2017 9:40 AM

2017-10-05T09:40:14-04:00

Have you read Bing West’s book “The Village”, and if so, what did you think of it as compared to your own experience as a Marine in Vietnam? I am of that age, but for reasons of which I am not very proud today, I never served. But I have read a lot, and I have spent the rest of my life trying to pay homage to the men who went in my place. I loved that book. It is the story of a single squad of Marines, assigned to live in a specific village for a period of about a year and a half, for the purpose of defending the village and helping train the villagers to organize their own defenses. In the process, they lived and died alongside those villagers, becoming part of the village, in what would today be called a textbook COIN operation. The bonds ran deep. Seven of the Marines died in the effort over that time. In his self-effacing style, Bing West virtually neglects to tell the reader that he was the Lieutenant in command of that squad, so although he tells it as if he is talking about other people, it is his own experience he is relating. It was an awesome read.

Response by SSG Paul Forel made Oct 9 at 2017 7:27 PM

2017-10-09T19:27:56-04:00

Sorry, Lance Corporal, but I think you are grandstanding, here at RP.

You don't make it clear from the start you never served in RVN and all through this thread are those who are thanking you for your service in Vietnam and your repeated statement you never served there. In response, you say you want to 'state clearly' but do not do so at the start of this thread.

You know, you could edit the page above and state clearly you are not a Vietnam veteran but I see you have not done this. Why not?

I am appalled when you say, "...Veterans of the war remain largely anonymous figures, accomplices in the mistake." How dare you call us "accomplices"? What an extremely poor choice of words.

And to suggest we who served are "anonymous" is insulting.

Lots of drama, written by someone who interviewed but did not participate.

GET OFF MY LZ.

Response by GySgt Rick Roy made Oct 17 at 2017 1:40 AM

2017-10-17T01:40:00-04:00

Been there, done that!
I truly do not want to hear about the "mistake" that cost America over 58,000 of our best and brightest young men! I was there May of 1967 through June of 1968.
During this time I was a helicopter crew chief in and out of trouble quite regularly.
What destroyed my confidence in American leadership was our TOTAL inability to wage WAR!
Cowardly leadership from politicos, and generals too worried about their careers to push back!
"WAR IS HELL" is not just a cliche. In Vietnam, and in every war where Americans are sent to die IT NEEDS TO BE A REALITY! Turned loose, America could have FINISHED the Vietnam War in a year! North Vietnam would still be living in the stone age, still wondering what hit them, but again, NO BALLS, COWARDLY LEADERSHIP!
When WAR is engaged there are no enemy civilians, there is only the enemy! Every city, port, airport, bridge, Power plant, hospital & road should be destroyed! You attack until your enemy BEGS YOU TO STOP!
IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO ENGAGE IN WAR, SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!,
POLITICIANS, DO NOT SEND AMERICANS TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOUR COWARDICE! GO TO WAR OR SHUT UP!
I have despised & distrusted the American government every day since i returned to be spit upon by people who were not fit to polish a Marines boots!
Take your book about our heroism and stuff it! We died for nothing and we have repeatedly let the Washington Pukes do it to us over and over and over again!
That our government is among the most corrupt on the planet is appearent when looking at Bengazi! Chris Stevens was sent to Bengazi to be killed! He was supposed to get back Stinger Ground to Air missiles from the Libyan rebels that were provided by Obama/Clinton. They really didn't care if he got the missiles back just as long as the story died with him! Far too many people have died who were knowledgeable on the truth, but the story is still buried! Please wonder why Trey Goudy never got Cliinton, then research it on your own!
SO, we fight and died for a corrupt government who sees our fine young men as cannon fodder and completely expendable!
Trump may be different, it is obvious that the establishment on both sides ABSOLUTELY HATES HIM, so as far as I am concerned I'll stand with him, until he does something completely stupid!
The only mistake made in Vietnam was made by our supposed leadership who were too COWARDLY to loose the finest fighting force in the world, and let them do their jobs!

Response by CPL Kevin Bright made Oct 21 at 2017 7:44 PM

2017-10-21T19:44:24-04:00

My name is Kevin Bright corporeal U.S.Army 101st Airborne division Desert Shield/Desert Storm. First of all I would like to thank you for your service to our country and all the sacrifices that you and your fellow Vietnam veterans had to indure. I didn't really have a question but did have a incident happen to myself upon my return from combat that I think you and your fellow Nam Vets can relate with. I can honestly say that the welcome home that us troops from the desert received was great and really appreciated. Unfortunately i was with a group of soldiers on a ferry going to NYC for the big parade after we all returned and had a woman come up to me leaving the ferry spit in my face and call me a baby killer. At that time i was so upset with that woman I won't say what I wanted to do to her. I took a moment and realized what all you guys must have went through when you came home. I'm so sorry that you guys had to deal with all that and in the parade after that in Philadelphia all of us Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans wouldn't march unless the Nam vets were put in the front of the line of march. Thanks again for your service. A brother in arms.

Response by Gwendolyn Morse made Oct 22 at 2017 9:56 AM

2017-10-22T09:56:46-04:00

I have had such problems with the military Intelligence Community. As private citizen they have been taking security records on me as though I hold a Secret clearance. That violates the 3rd Amendment to the Constitution. Others including have complained about them including the FISA Court and Congress. Can you help me. They are out of jurisdiction and included personal lifestyle information banned by the Court and 2 Army review boards.
They study the illegal records and do harm to me.

It is not the first time. I passed a DoD Inspectors General inspection and was
pronounced 'Clear' by the IGs in a 4 year inspection in which I was not only pronounced clear by the IGs they verified I had never told them a single lie in
the course of the inspection. But that ended in 2004. I talked to Inspector
Mullen within the last year or two but don't know how to reach him. He is
elderly.

The then Adjutant Generals took a personal interest in my case and assisted. I can't reach them. I've tried. Their website at first stated I have to gave rank or GS rating. As private citizen I have neither. Then the Adjutant changed their website but when I try to get through it recognizes someone else is on my computer as I have team viewer. My son repairs my computer remotely so when I try to write to the Adjutants it pops up someone else is on my computer and I can't proceed.

I have never been an employee of the US Government, on payroll but as private citizen have consulted.

I wish to have my Constitutional rights upheld and Intelligence records destroyed

Response by Gwendolyn Morse made Oct 22 at 2017 10:12 AM

2017-10-22T10:12:59-04:00

I would like to request your help. I am private citizen and have had mil Intel taking records on me as though I have a Secret Clearance. They have included personal lifestyle information as banned by the Court and 2 Army review boards. They have used the information taken both out of jurisdiction and used it to harm me and it is not the first time.

I earlier passed a DoD Inspectors Generals 4 year Inspection the Adjutants in the 2000 to 2004 timeframe taking a personal interest and assisting. The inspectors stated I was guilty of nothing, had been harassed over many years, and throughout the inspection never told them a lie. I had a clearance from about 1987 to 1993 but because of the abuse let it lapse in 2004.

I have been unable to reach the Adjutants. At first on their website you had to give rank or GS rating I have neither. Now it recognizes I have team viewer as my son with a Masters in Computer repairs my computer remotely.

No one can prove I am other than a private citizen which means their holding security records on me are a Constitutional violation and unfortunately other violations. Intel is using taxpayer monies to commit illegalities and Constitutional violations.

Response by Gwendolyn Morse made Oct 22 at 2017 10:21 AM

2017-10-22T10:21:36-04:00

I would like your help and is reason I am not responding to the original question. I have noted many are stating Viet Nam and America in it was a mistake, the wall of those who lost their lives so painful. I have taken in a Viet Nam vet facing homelessness so know much about the war through him. But I would like your help please.
I would like to request your help. I am private citizen and have had mil Intel taking records on me as though I have a Secret Clearance. They have included personal lifestyle information as banned by the Court and 2 Army review boards. They have used the information taken both out of jurisdiction and used it to harm me and it is not the first time.

I earlier passed a DoD Inspectors Generals 4 year Inspection the Adjutants in the 2000 to 2004 timeframe taking a personal interest and assisting. The inspectors stated I was guilty of nothing, had been harassed over many years, and throughout the inspection never told them a lie. I had a clearance from about 1987 to 1993 but because of the abuse let it lapse in 2004.

I have been unable to reach the Adjutants. At first on their website you had to give rank or GS rating I have neither. Now it recognizes I have team viewer as my son with a Masters in Computer repairs my computer remotely and I can't get through on their website.

No one can prove I am other than a private citizen which means their holding security records on me are a Constitutional violation and unfortunately other violations. Intel is using taxpayer monies to commit illegalities and Constitutional violations and can get them in trouble.

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Response by Sgt Tom Brown made Oct 31 at 2017 6:46 PM

2017-10-31T18:46:57-04:00

I didn't serve in Vietnam, my years of 82-86 cold war , hawk missile fire control operator 7222.

Response by A1C Dustin DeMoss made Nov 5 at 2017 8:49 PM

2017-11-05T20:49:39-05:00

Congrats on the book! I just want to say that Vietnam Vets like my uncle and yourself are some of the best there is. You guys paved the way for us younger guys. Thank you for your service and I'm proud to know each and every one of you.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Nov 13 at 2017 7:58 PM

2017-11-13T19:58:04-05:00

Were you pro-war or anti-war before your first tour of Vietnam?

Response by CPO Richard Felt made Nov 14 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-11-14T11:53:42-05:00

My question has to be prefaced with some of my early days in Navy. I enlisted primarily because I was unhappy with school. The navy didn't see my concerns as valid. In 1954,55, &56 I got 5 schools and a lot of on the job training.
In !967, I got lost in a naval hospital while looking for my Wife. I got to see many Young Warriors from Vietnam. I will not relate the horror I seen as I walked thru there. When I got back to my command I immediately volunteered for PBR duty. I was 1st class Torpedoman and had a lot of the requirements for such duty. A few days later I called my detailer and he informed me that I would receive orders within the next 2 weeks for training in San Diego for PBR's. After a few weeks, I recalled Him and He told me that because I had Nuclear Knowledge I would NEVER be dispatched to any war zone. I was devastated but I did understand.
Now for my Question, I got orders to Hawaii and stopped off to see my Dad. He was in the Armed Guard as 3rd class Gunners Mate in WWII. My brother was just coming of age and had told Dad that he didn't approve of the conflict we were involved in and he would be a conscientious objector. Dad was really down about it and wanted me to talk to him. However, I told him that I also didn't approve of it. and was only waiting for my 20 years to be up so I could retire and get the hell out. Of course, I would have gone and done my duty but I would never recommend it to my Brother. I still feel like I let all those Young men down. I was the trained and recommended Sailor and wanted to be there. There was a story in navy times about the 17 & 1/2 year old that was getting wounded and killed every day. And had no damned idea why they were there. Was I wrong for the feelings I had?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 14 at 2017 1:20 PM

2017-11-14T13:20:35-05:00

LCpl Wright. How do you feel about military personnel who joined the military in the Vietnam era, but never served in Southeast Asia? Are they "real veterans"?

Response by SPC Bobby Morton made Dec 11 at 2017 4:10 PM

2017-12-11T16:10:44-05:00

No questions. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Response by SPC Bobby Morton made Dec 11 at 2017 4:11 PM

2017-12-11T16:11:35-05:00

Y'all deserved better than you received!

Response by SSG Bill Cooke made Dec 24 at 2017 12:49 AM

2017-12-24T00:49:07-05:00

I can tell this. President Johnson who took over when JFK was assassinated, got people in the Navy to fake the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Then he told the military you have your war. It was a was for drugs. Drugs went from the Golden Triangle down the Ho Chi Ming Trail to boats and then crossed the Pacific to the US to feed the drug desires of Americans and others in the US. The AF was told which villages to bomb and which ones not to bomb. Land forces were instructed which villages to attack and which ones not to attack. It was controlled from the Oval Office. The military was doomed from the start. We did not win like we have won in WWII. I was in the Army during Vietnam but did not go to Nam. In Nam it was hell on earth for all. The carnage, the human missery, the lies, were far worse than anything soldiers had faced since Korea where we could not win either. Yes we won against Germany and Japan but no in Nam. Sorry about what I have written that may offend some but I have read enough to know what really happened. And my wife's Uncle was Ltc Cmdr of the US Navy who was a POW in the Hanoi Hilton for 7 long years. Again nothing but hell on earth. And he was with John McCain and the others.

Response by LTC Domenic Samarco made Jan 2 at 2018 3:33 PM

2018-01-02T15:33:21-05:00

In your collective experience,what was the most common infectious disease contracted my American troops during the Vietnam War. ie malaria, snake bite, yellow fever,Typhoid,Cholera or any STD. Did the black clap truly exist and was it's origin syphilis or gonorrhea?