Where Were You In '72

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:20:33 -0500

By this time in 1972, the war in Vietnam had been going on for over ten years. Tens of thousands had been killed, even more wounded and a few thousand POWs and unaccounted for MIAs.

Looking back on this time of year, specifically December 18, 1972, most of us know where we were. Most of you younger troops were not yet the twinkle in your Daddy’s eyes.

For me, I was on my second remote/isolated tour in Southeast Asia. In March of 1971, I was assigned to the 307th FMS (Field Maintenance Squadron) Aero Repair or A/R shop at U-Tapao AB, Thailand. We carried the same AFSC or MOS if you will as those who were the primary crew chief on the heavy jets. Those being the C-141A, C-5A, KC-135 and variants and the Queen of the Air, the Mighty B-52. I mention this because the A/R shop caught all the jobs that no one else wanted or would do. We all know sh*t runs downhill. Well, we were the bottom of the hill. But I digress.

During my year we worked 12/12/6 and 7, meaning 12 hours on, off 12 and 6 and often 7 days a week. It was hot, dirty, sweaty work but we did what we had to do. We did it in spite of many not wanting to be there. We launched planes about every 90 minutes around the clock 24/7/365 except when the head shed slowed things down or even ceased flying for the holidays.

After my year at U-Tapao I asked for and received a COT – consecutive overseas tour. This time headed for Vietnam. In March 1972, I headed for DaNang. My tour there was to be short-lived. In September, my unit closed up shop. Those with over 180 days in country on the close date would go home while the rest of us would be reassigned. I was one of the lucky ones, I got to stay…well sort of lucky. After about 60 days, in November 1972 I was selected to go TDY to of all places, Clark AB, Philippines. That story is fodder for another time.

After returning from Clark, I was like a new man. Even though working 12/12/5 I returned relaxed and rejuvenated. The guys in the squadron never let me live that down either. The morning of December 19th is what will always remain, The Morning After the Night Before. It wasn’t because the town got painted red or any such frivolity but we walked into the maintenance shack to discover that the entire B-52 fleet in both Thailand and Guam went downtown to pay “Chuck” a visit. At first we were in disbelief, thinking that Radio Lone Star was jerking our chains with some kind of holiday gag. It turned out to be true. We were ecstatic. All of us were now filled with a new sense of resolve and purpose. This was the beginning of Operation Linebacker II.

While those of us in Vietnam were cheering, our brothers in Thailand and Guam were busting some serious hump. The next 11 days would prove to be a turning point in the war on so many levels.

First off, we lost more B-52s in those 11 days of Christmas* than we had lost in the entire war. We lost many good men on those missions. We had many more end up in the hands of “Chuck” and his accommodations at the Hanoi Hilton. Then after 11 days the deluge of BUFFS stopped. We shut down for Christmas. It wasn’t until years later we learned that had we just kept up the bombing for 2 more days, the North would have surrendered. We all know now how that turned out.

I have a number of friends who were aircrew participants in Linebacker II. I have the greatest admiration and respect for what they did in spite of the head shed screwing the pooch.

Never will I forget where I was in 1972 during “The Eleven Days of Christmas.” With that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

* ‘The Eleven Days of Christmas’ is a book written by Marshall Michel

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Dec 20 at 2017 1:23 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:23:12 -0500

Crawling and stumbling around the floor most likely, a temper tantrum here or there just prior to nap time.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Dec 20 at 2017 1:35 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:35:54 -0500

Thanks for sharing your story SSgt Jim Gilore!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 20 at 2017 1:52 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:52:56 -0500

Where was I in 1972? I was born 12 years after that! ;-)

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Dec 20 at 2017 2:12 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:12:14 -0500

Serving as SP6 Jones at the US Army Strategic Field Station, Augsburg, Germany.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 20 at 2017 2:14 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:14:21 -0500

I wasn't even a sparkle in my father's eye yet in '72 hahaha. I wouldn't be born until 17 years later.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 20 at 2017 2:26 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:26:51 -0500

I was 9 listening to my Uncles and Dads friends war stories and playing GI. Joes.

Response by TSgt James Lacey made Dec 20 at 2017 2:33 PM

TSgt James Lacey — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:33:11 -0500

I was in Germany dealing with Baeder-Meinhoff. Would have rather been in Nam at least there people were supposed to be trying to kill you.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Dec 20 at 2017 2:45 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:45:49 -0500

Thankfully I had left "the land of the little people" (sorry I'm not PC yet) back in 1967 ,physically that is,the mental part seems to be taking a bit longer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2017 2:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:50:57 -0500

I wasn't even a thought - born in 82. Dad would have been 19, Mom 18. I think they married at 23 and 22 and had my oldest brother in 77.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Dec 20 at 2017 3:07 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:07:35 -0500

I was twelve years old, watching the war on television and Walter Cronkite.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 20 at 2017 3:17 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:17:24 -0500

Detective at Lower Merion Police Dept. The war and the Army were behind me

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 20 at 2017 3:30 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:30:22 -0500

In January and February 1972, I was based in Danang, Vietnam, with the 12th Signal Group, 1st Signal Brigade, serving as one of three E7 supervisors in a major communications relay station and then as NCOIC over the communications' missions in the 270th Signal Company. In March, I was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Security Group, ACSI, DA as a Commcenter Supervisor in the Intel community at Fort Bragg, NC.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Dec 20 at 2017 4:47 PM

CW5 Ranger Dave — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:47:38 -0500

Enlisted June 20, 1972. Spent nearly all of 72 at Fort Ord going through Basic and Infantry AIT. Then to Benning School for Wayward Boys.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 20 at 2017 4:47 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:47:44 -0500

8th grade.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 20 at 2017 6:13 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:13:47 -0500

SSgt Jim Gilmore Finishing Jr High, Prairie Village, KS.

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Dec 20 at 2017 6:46 PM

MSgt Richard Randall — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:46:59 -0500

Was at Minot AFB, ND watching the B-52H models constantly taking off and landing. Aircraft on the “Christmas Tree” (SAC alert crews know what that is) were also occasionally starting their engines. The KC-135 tankers were rotating in and out of SEA and the F-106s from the 5th FIS Spittin’ Kittens would light their burners and head north over Canada. Those of us in the missile maintenance business were chasing “green time” for the ICBM fleet. Most of us knew folks in the 5th Bomb Wing and were fully aware of what a lot of them were doing. Not only were things pretty hot in SEA but it seems Mr. Brezhnev was doing some pretty provocative things with his subs and mobile launchers. Rooskies are such a buzz kill.

I specifically remember Christmas week in 1972 because it was exceptionally cold. My 2-man team had dispatched to Delta 01 to change a motor generator in the launch control center. Not including prep and travel, this is an eight hour job for four troops. With the temp at -20 to -25 with moderate snow and winds gusting over 30 mph it took two of us almost 48 hours to get the thing changed, checked out and started up. There were only two of us on this job simply because our shop ran out of people. Most leaves were cancelled and everyone was either working or on crew rest. Ah, the good times.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Dec 20 at 2017 6:59 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:59:06 -0500

In December of 1972, I was stationed at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. We were beginning to see a lot of troops and equipment being pulled out of Nam and stopping at our base before heading back across the pond. The biggest movement came in February of 1973, when we had to move our Phantoms off the flight line and park them in a dirt area.....just so the bigger than life C-5's could taxi by to get refueled before taking off again. We were taking bets on whether they could get off the ground in time before dropping off the end of the runway and into the bay. They all lifted off at the last possible second.......really something to watch! One had to be unloaded while some repairs were done, and we couldn't believe the size and amount of equipment that rolled off the ramp. My dad had worked for Lockheed Aircraft and had participated in the C-5 project......so I knew they were big planes......but I had no idea how big until I saw them in action. I told him he had built a hell of an impressive aircraft!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Dec 20 at 2017 7:01 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:01:08 -0500

Merry Christmas Brothers and Sisters!

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Dec 20 at 2017 7:04 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:04:12 -0500

Went in during the summer of '72. In Basic at Ft. Dix, they were running us through training on booby traps in V'Nam villages while at the same time telling us, "You guys ain't going to 'Nam, but they ain't changed the training yet, so, we gotta do this!"

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Dec 20 at 2017 7:42 PM

PO1 Barbara Matthews — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:42:30 -0500

Since I was a mere 4 years old I was probably at home watching some cartoon or other kiddie program.

Response by SPC Andrew Ross made Dec 20 at 2017 8:18 PM

SPC Andrew Ross — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:18:25 -0500

In 1972 I had recently ETS'd and was taking it up as a civilian in Phoenix.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Response by LTC John Griscom made Dec 20 at 2017 8:44 PM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:44:15 -0500

Arrived at the 24th Evac Hospital at Long Bihn in September 1971 and left in September 1972 with an inter-theater transfer to Germany. I was chief of supply and services for the 24th and had to get the hospital equipment turned. there was a delay in that process because the VC had occupied the POD yard.

Response by SPC Den Wes made Dec 20 at 2017 9:15 PM

SPC Den Wes — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:15:24 -0500

A 3 year Veteran

Response by CWO2 John Markiewicz made Dec 20 at 2017 9:26 PM

CWO2 John Markiewicz — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:26:03 -0500

I was out on Guam where I was a CWO2 serving as the Officer in Charge of the Naval Tele-Communications Center at NAS Agana, Guam. I had reported there earlier that year after completing a two year tour as a W1 on the USS Enterprise as the Assistant EMO for Communications and Radar and being deployed on Yankee Station. I had done a previous tour in-country Vietnam as an enlisted Radioman in a Communications Van located at Dong Ha on the DMZ from 1977-1978 and left there shortly after TET of 1968.

Response by SN James MacKay made Dec 20 at 2017 9:27 PM

SN James MacKay — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:27:43 -0500

I separated active duty in '62, and I was a young father with a toddler, in '72. I was rapidly transitioning from a Hawk to a Dove.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Dec 21 at 2017 7:34 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 07:34:24 -0500

I have been reading first hand accounts of what the BUFF crews endured during Linebacker II. I spoke with my friend, James Pigg, a former BUFF driver and co-pilot during the 11 Days of Christmas. Below is his account. It's a bit long but riveting. I hope the admins don't mind this post.

The story below is how I spent 20 Dec 1972 - James Pigg

In December 1972, the Linebacker II BUFF missions over North Vietnam were flown from both UT and Andersen, but Linebacker II included pretty much every USAF and Navy aircraft in the Vietnam Theater of Operations. Linebacker II lasted from December 18 through December 29, 1972 with a stand-down on Christmas Day creating a time span of eleven days – hence, the 11-Day War. During that time, B-52s flew 729 sorties, dropped 15,000 tons of bombs, and were shot at by 1,240 SAMs. Fifteen B-52s were lost to combat.

In August 1972 our Loring crew, E-13, arrived as KC-135 passengers at Andersen AFB on a 179 day TDY to fly combat missions over Vietnam in the B-52G. The EW and I (co-pilot) had finished a D-model Arc Light tour to U-Tapao in February flying about 52 missions each, and we had flown about 45 more on this tour – so we were both approaching our 100th combat mission. Our crew flew four times during Linebacker II, three over North Vietnam in Route Pack 6 on 20, 27, and 29 December, and once on December 23rd to the south when SAC was fearful of losing more B-52Gs.

We watched the huge launch of 87 B-52s from Andersen on the 18th of December. It was an impressive sight. That night three B-52s were shot down and two were damaged. We knew when we were scheduled to fly on the third night that we would be in a high threat environment facing SAMs. The 20th of December 1972 (Day 3 of the 11-Day War), was the scariest mission of my life. I did not keep a written record of our cell color name, but our target on the 20th was the Thai Nguyen Thermal Power Plant north of Hanoi.

While still over the ocean on our way to Vietnam, we could see cells of B-52s at a higher flight level exiting the country. The pilot and I counted the BUFFs and not all cells contained three aircraft. Several cells appeared to only have two BUFFs in them rather than three. As we “coasted-in” over Vietnam, we heard an excited “May Day” call over Guard. It sounded like a fighter to us, and the Navy did lose an A-6 on day three. So we were incredibly psyched-up and more than a little scared. A little later we also heard emergency locator beacons on Guard, which meant that someone had punched out of an aircraft and their parachute had opened automatically pulling a plug from the emergency radio in the chute and starting a “squawking” sound.

As we proceeded, the intercom became dead quiet as we all concentrated on flying the mission as precisely as possible. Somewhere in the jumbled radio traffic, we started hearing calls of SAMs being launched with a bearing off of Bullseye, which was Hanoi. Most of the calls were useless because “SAM launch vicinity Hanoi,” was not informative and just drove your adrenalin level up. We were number two in the cell, and the spacing for these high threat missions was only ½ mile nose to tail. I flew the throttles, and the AC flew position. When we were exactly ½ mile from lead, we could just make out the small blue flame or glowing dots in the tail cones of Number One’s engines. We held position visually using these glowing dots. Before we started the bomb run, the AC and I both saw a huge explosion in the night sky quite some distance away.

We saw a huge fireball, and then two separate groups of flaming debris falling slowly from the sky. One piece was large and fell pretty much straight down, and the other was sort of flat and spun in slow, unbalanced turns like it could have been a single burning aircraft wing. In one video interview, a pilot described it as if someone poured burning gasoline out of a cup in the dark. That description is very accurate, and one I can picture very clearly to this day. Looking at the records for this date, I believe that we saw Orange 3 get shot down. The EW started picking up electronic signals from the SAM sites shortly after this. He would call SAM, and SAM uplink, which meant a SAM site had our aircraft locked in and was trying to guide a missile towards us. Most of the uplink calls were very brief as if the SAM site would bring the radar up and quickly shut it down to avoid the SAM support we had from the Wild Weasels.

About this time, the AC and I had started to see SAM launches. There was a layer of clouds quite some distance below us, and when a SAM ignited there would be a flash of diffuse light similar to the flash on the old pinball machines. When the SAM cleared the undercast, it would have a long flame (silver or blue, not yellow or red) shooting out behind it. You could see the flame, but not the body of the missile. The flame would hunt or seek and move quickly in tiny, jerky movements like a snake’s head but constantly leaving the flame trailing behind it. The AC and I would call out “SAM” on the intercom and give the clock position so the NAV could make a mark on the map for debriefing.

Prior to the IP, I saw a SAM at our three o’clock low and called it over the intercom. As I watched it, it remained in the same position on my wind screen. That meant it was on a collision course with our aircraft. The EW called uplink. These were good indicators that it was intended for us. The AC put the aircraft in a very steep bank turning towards the SAM, eventually reaching about 90 degrees of bank although 45 degrees was the maximum authorized, and I pulled the throttles to idle. We quickly lost altitude and accelerated only a small amount. After we lost about 1000 feet, the AC smoothly rolled the aircraft out of the bank and pulled up to regain the altitude as I jammed the throttles forward. The SAM passed above us, and we did not see the SAM explode. The EW called the uplink was lost. We ended up pretty much right behind Number One where we had started. We eased back into ½ mile spacing and started the bomb run once we reached the IP. From the IP through the bomb run, we flew straight and level following the PDI until bomb release. We noticed quite a few SAM launches during the course of the mission, and had stopped calling out SAM locations after we had counted over 25 launches. We could also see fires burning through the clouds below from secondary explosions from the earlier bomb runs. Most of the SAMs we saw exploded above our altitude.

After the bomb release, we made a hard left Post Target Turn (PTT) at 45 degrees of bank into a 100 knot headwind and again leveled our wings just about exactly ½ mile behind lead. Number three fell significantly behind when he rolled out of his PTT, and our gunner called three to verify his positon behind us, to ensure they were not an enemy aircraft. During our approach and bomb run, there were quite a few “Bogey” radio calls about Migs but no Bandit calls in our area of flight. We tightened up formation, and as we exited Vietnam, cell lead called “Feet Wet with three.” Meaning our cell was out of danger, and had not lost any aircraft. We climbed to 41,000, 41,500, and 42,000 feet, and returned without incident to Guam.

We lost six BUFFs that night. The single worst loss of the entire 11-Day War: four G-models and two D-models, plus the Navy A-6 mentioned earlier. The other two missions we flew in North Vietnam on the 27th and 29th were farther north and just west of the Chinese border with significantly fewer SAM launches.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 21 at 2017 9:26 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 09:26:06 -0500

Let's see... in '72 I was probably lying in my crib trying to get my toes in my mouth while soiling my cloth diaper...... ;)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2017 7:37 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:37:33 -0500

Offutt AFB

Response by SSgt Mike Hogan made Dec 21 at 2017 8:43 PM

SSgt Mike Hogan — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:43:05 -0500

I was TDY from Offutt to Guam in support of Linebacker II. What a mess. 12 on for 6 days. One day off. 10,000 Airmen at Anderson AFB meant to support about a quarter of that number. Met some great folks during that 6 month tour. We all did our job, like it or not.

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Dec 22 at 2017 12:52 AM

Cpl Scott McCarroll — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 00:52:41 -0500

Thanks for the lesson on

Response by SSgt Greg Camp made Dec 23 at 2017 12:57 PM

SSgt Greg Camp — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:57:46 -0500

Was stationed to George AFB Victorville Cal came from Missowa AFB Japan and Cam Rahn Zaby RVN Crash rescue Fire Dept

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Dec 23 at 2017 11:10 PM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 23:10:33 -0500

In 1972 I was heading to Disney World to see its grand opening. Gas was 35 cents a gallon. To young for the war. Thank you to those who served.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 24 at 2017 9:28 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 21:28:26 -0500

I had rotated to North Carolina in 1970, then left on a 6 month Med cruise in Jan-Feb 72. They kept us moving so we didn't grow moss on the north side

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 26 at 2017 7:45 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 19:45:37 -0500

I think my parents were thinking about doing things to make me happen 3 years later.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 11:02 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 23:02:16 -0500

I was brewing in my fathers balls

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 3:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:20:20 -0500

Grade school.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Dec 28 at 2017 3:11 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:11:06 -0500

I was 14 yrs old and doing the body work and sanding on a 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS 2 door hard top getting it ready for a burgundy lacquer paint job from a co-worker of mine!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 10:00 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:00:07 -0500

On this particular day I was at the Infantry Training Regiment, Camp Onofre, Camp Pendleton, CA for my boot camp training. Oct. 72- Jan. 73.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Dec 29 at 2017 9:43 AM

PO2 Skip Kirkwood — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 09:43:45 -0500

Recruit Training Command GLAKES and Hospital Corps School!

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Dec 29 at 2017 10:23 AM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:23:35 -0500

SSgt Jim Gilmore I was serving a tour on on my second ship, the USS Leahy DLG-16 and we were deployed to the Med to keep the Soviets in check! Typical cold war duties showing the flag, which included harassing the reds and they returned the favor!

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Dec 29 at 2017 1:01 PM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 13:01:01 -0500

Fort Ord. 2nd ID Korea.

Response by SrA Alan Dirk Scott made Dec 29 at 2017 4:56 PM

SrA Alan Dirk Scott — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 16:56:21 -0500

I was in an underground bunker during the war. Doing encryption work, working with Generals, bombing North Vietnam, following and tracking Ferry Missions and taking calls from a few crazies.

Response by SSgt David Marks made Dec 29 at 2017 9:47 PM

SSgt David Marks — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 21:47:38 -0500

My last year in High School.

Response by SSgt Mose Carter made Dec 30 at 2017 1:18 AM

SSgt Mose Carter — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 01:18:40 -0500

I too was in Vietnam during the 1972 Christmas bombing campaign. I was attached to Tan Son Nhut Air Base Base in Saigon.

Response by Nicole Thomas made Dec 30 at 2017 3:22 PM

Nicole Thomas — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 15:22:38 -0500

Living on S. Daugjtry At at Ft. Bragg NC

Response by SSgt Steve Hamilton made Dec 31 at 2017 8:47 AM

SSgt Steve Hamilton — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 08:47:45 -0500

1972 "Young Tiger" to U-Tapao from Carswell AFB, Tx. CC on KC-135 (62-3120) Loaner. 12 on 12 off for 95 days, with Jungle boots and fatigues and a tank top most of the time. When off, I would hit the ground running to Kilo-sip, Newland or Pattaya beach chasin Puying. Partied hard, but worked hard too. Sometimes I miss those days.

Response by CW5 John M. made Jan 1 at 2018 3:17 PM

CW5 John M. — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:17:04 -0500

After flying AH-1s out of Can Tho (IV Corps) and Hue Phu Bai (I Corps) South Vietnam (age 20/21), I was assigned to Ft Carson in May '71 flying UH-1s and OH-58s out of DIVARTY section, Butts AAF. I turned 22 in Feb '72, and at that young age, one of my biggest concerns was the start of the RIFs (Reduction in Force) that had begun as a "complete surprise" (with 90 day "notices") in late '71 and steamrolled into '72 and beyond.

The first RIFs were "qualitative" based on personnel files and OERs. Everyone began "scrambling" to get their records up-to-date, and OERs cleaned up where possible. OER scores began to get hugely inflated as raters began realizing the implications of less-than-stellar ratings. As flying slots went away, RLOs scrambled to fill non-flying slots on Post wherever they could. A few "RIF-ted" senior Warrants reverted to their former enlisted ranks - usually just to make it to "retirement". A "mediocre" (re: "average") OER from the past - usually from an "unknown" rater could spell the end of your career. Lots of folks were making great effort to get "acquainted or re-acquainted" with their raters. Turns out, upon records check, I discovered that I had once been given an "average" OER (by a Captain I didn't even know) in my own records. I had to "sweat things out" for several years as a result..... The word was, DA was even "ranking" people based on their Awards and Decorations.....

The "qualitative" RIFs gave way to "quantitative" cuts based more along the lines of "throwing a dart" at lists of names to come up with the required levels. I lost a lot of colleagues that I thought were better Officers and pilots than I was. Although I did not yet consider myself a "Lifer" during this time, I was enjoying my assignment at Ft Carson. Scrambling to improve my records "footprint", I volunteered to fly for the local MAST (Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic) unit for a few months in late '71 early '72.

After that assignment and for the rest of '72 into '73, I became an Instrument Instructor (a local appointment - not "Rucker trained" - probably similar to the more modern "unit trainer"). Sometime earlier, the Army decided to do away with the TAC (Instrument) Ticket and require ALL pilots to have a STANDARD (Instrument) Ticket. There were perhaps a hundred Aviators scattered throughout the post who were in mostly "non-aviator" slots (lots of CPTs) that still needed upgrading, but Ft Carson (and I assume Ft Rucker and elsewhere) did not have enough instrument aircraft, flight simulators, or "school-trained" instructors (or funding) for the task. Ft Carson had a UH-1 simulator built during this period. We were tasked to develop a comprehensive instrument training program at Ft Carson using OH-58s (using NDB "faux" navigation routes, charts, frequencies, NDB approaches at area airports, simulated radar, GCA, and flight-following, etc to do the "lion's share of training for these pilots in order to get them the required ground training and flight time to pass an instrument check ride. We used a large, rather empty "training area" located east of Ft Carson, south of Colorado Springs all the way down to Pueblo, CO. The training was somewhat similar to the instrument training many of us received at Ft Rucker using the TH-13 Sioux "Instrument trainer", with made-up routes, intersections, names,etc. back in the day.

We "unit trainers" at first were initially allowed to log IP (Instructor) time, but at some point in the middle of the program, that privilege was revoked and we had to start logging our time as CP (Co-Pilot), even though WE were doing the instructing (and everything else such as communications with the "real world"; flight-following, simulated communications, watching out for other traffic, etc, etc. - while the pilot receiving the training (under the "hood") was logging P (Pilot) time. Logging UT (unit trainer) time had not yet come into existence. That way, it turned out that my flight records for the time show only a couple hundred hours of instrument IP time and a much larger number of CP hours. As I recall, AC (aircraft commander) time had been done away with (or we couldn't use it) by then.

The "TAC to STANDARD" program wound down, and I saw an opportunity to go into Safety when the Army decided to make Aviation Safety a career track instead of "extra duty". I went to a two-week ASO course at Ft Rucker became the Detachment Safety Officer.

Response by SGT J Diaz made Jan 2 at 2018 2:45 PM

SGT J Diaz — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 14:45:05 -0500

I wasn't born til 86, so I was just a twinkle in my father's eye. I can't imagine how rough it must have been back in that era.

Response by PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr. made Jan 2 at 2018 10:13 PM

PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr. — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:13:46 -0500

H.S. sophomore.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 10:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:19:48 -0500

Pretty sure I have a slipped disc in my back the tmc "medical professionals" keep telling me its my muscles that keep causing my legs to go numb. Long story short I want to get a MRI to get a proper diagnosis and fix the problem. Getting put of the army is not even a thought in my head but I'm really starting to believe they care more about a green medical readiness status rather then making sure people get fixed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 9:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 21:12:35 -0500

In high school two years from graduation and one year from legal age to be drafted only the war was winding down about that time.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jan 5 at 2018 7:48 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 07:48:19 -0500

I was in 7th grade.

Response by SPC Marcus Manker made Jan 5 at 2018 10:25 AM

SPC Marcus Manker — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 10:25:12 -0500

Daddy's nutsack.

Response by SMSgt Philip Bride made Jan 5 at 2018 10:42 AM

SMSgt Philip Bride — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 10:42:07 -0500

I was at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. I worked in the telephone central office.
1960th Comm Sq.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 5 at 2018 11:32 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 11:32:13 -0500

I was a Cold Warrior. In 1972 I was assigned to the 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron (C-130E) flying copilot. I was working on my upgrade to Aircraft Commander, but that wouldn't come until the next year. The Squadron rotated (called deployed now-days) to RAF Mildenhall, UK, for 3 months. We flew missions supporting USAREUR and USAFE (photo is offloading cargo in Turkey). When in CONUS we supported exercises at Ft Bragg/Pope AFB, NC, Nellis AFB, NV, and Cannon AFB, NM. I was promoted to Captain at 3 years of service in June 1972. My third child, Jennifer, was born.

Response by SSgt Mike Watson made Jan 5 at 2018 3:11 PM

SSgt Mike Watson — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 15:11:09 -0500

Still a child in 72. Joined service first time 76. Wasn't me your looking for.

Response by GySgt Samual Sneed made Jan 7 at 2018 5:26 AM

GySgt Samual Sneed — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 05:26:31 -0500

Being born

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 7 at 2018 9:51 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:51:51 -0500

Middle School... SSgt Jim Gilmore

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 11:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 23:29:57 -0500

I was living in Oak Park Illinois, wondering what all the hubbub was about with regards to Richard Nixon's pending election...I was to turn 6 that year and our youth activities director, John, was a 20 something and always had a limp...my mom had to explain why. He was a great guy and I was 6...still watching John Wayne movies with my dad and playing t-ball....oblivious as a 6 year old is to what you were experiencing...not until my 20's when reading Henry Kissinger's book about that time did I really understand what was going on....thank you for your service.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 1:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:23:47 -0500

I was born in 67. This would put me in grade school. Even then at the young age i already knew i would serve my country in the armed service. I became the first in my family to enter the air force, and the first in family history to make it to the ranks of NCO.
Throughout my career, i always reflected on the honor it was to serve just as those before me and held, and still hold, a reverence for those whose check was cashed.

Response by SSgt Fred Wohosky made Jan 8 at 2018 4:09 PM

SSgt Fred Wohosky — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:09:03 -0500

USAF, Forecasting Weather at George AFB, Victorville, California.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 12:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:02:36 -0500

I was... a thought. In fact, my mom wasn't even walking yet in 1972!

Response by CMSgt Bill Landers made Jan 11 at 2018 6:21 PM

CMSgt Bill Landers — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 18:21:17 -0500

Jim I was shop chief when you were there,as I recall there was almost a hundred men assigned to the Aero Repair shop, I don’t remember most names ,then I transferred to JOB Control as NCOIC until September of 1973,all told from 1968 t0 1973 ,Guam twice and Thailand

Response by SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass made Jan 12 at 2018 1:14 AM

SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:14:43 -0500

Most of 1972 I was in DaNang R.S.V. & Dec 72 I was in Cape Canaveral AFS.

Response by SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass made Jan 12 at 2018 1:17 AM

SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:17:12 -0500

71 & most of 72 I was in DaNang R.S.V. & last 3 months of 72 I was in Cape Canaveral A.F.S.
& that to was my second tour. 1967 Pleiku R.S.V. & 1968 NKP Thailand.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jan 12 at 2018 7:57 AM

1LT Peter Duston — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 07:57:01 -0500

in 1972 I was a reserve intelligence officer tasked to help track down the Weather Underground anti-war terrorist group in Boston. Because I worked for a University where the government thought the "Weathermen" had a "cell", I attended anti-war rally's and demonstrations where my job was to make contact with plain clothes operatives of FBI?, CIC?, etc. and try to id the instigators of the demonstration and that was usually not the student up on the soap box. I never really knew who my contacts were until 25 years later when one of my reserve instructors at USMA Intersession "97 shared with me his early army CIC service tracking down the Boston Weathermen. He was one of my contacts. I had been an Reserve NCO teaching basic Russian to the 10th Group (SF) at Ft. Devens, MA when I received a sudden direct commission as a 1LT - MI because I worked at the University where the terror organization may have had a cell. I never knew if we ever had any actionable intel! Of course later, it was revealed that the Army had illegally collected information on tens of thousands of civilians, mostly associated with the anti-war movement. At my university, that included two prominent professors I am sure.

I resigned my commission in '74 totally disillusioned with the military and the War, dropped out and spent a few years in Maine as a hippie homesteader. Years later when I was 47, I re-enlisted in the Army Reserve as an 11B E-5 retiring at West Point at age 60 for maximum age. You will note that I am a 1LT again retired at my highest rank but after a fight with the Army, I am paid as an E8, the rank I was wearing when I retired.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2018 6:29 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:29:29 -0500

FORT HOOD, TEXAS

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jan 12 at 2018 7:55 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:55:16 -0500

I guess because of the luck of the draw I had done my time in the land next door. Thailand. Me I was going to the beaches in sunny Hawaii.

Response by Sgt Werner Cottrill made Jan 13 at 2018 5:23 PM

Sgt Werner Cottrill — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 17:23:46 -0500

Sgt. in USAF. From '64-'68. Basic at Lackland then went to Keesler for Nav Aids Tech School(1965). Then 2027th Comm Sq. at Forbes AFB 1966 to early 1967. Then 1st Mobile at Clark P.I. Three TDY's most memorable being a short one to Khe Sanh, V.N. toward the end of Tet. Was an Army brat with my Dad having spent 24 Years in the Army. Enjoyed all of my time in the military. Often wondered what life would have brought had I stayed in. Discharged at Oakland Army Terminal after having been gone for about 16 months, but made it home in time for my daughters second birthday.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2018 5:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 17:49:46 -0500

Jan 72-May 73 I was at March Air Field in Southern California as a NORS controller. Worked day and night ordering parts for the honey-coned B-52's.

Response by SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. made Jan 15 at 2018 12:21 AM

SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:21:53 -0500

I was sent to MCAS Beaufort S.C. MAG 32. Was ordered out of Marble Mtn . Had 3 tours in Vietnam and 6 month tour in Okinawa at Camp Hansen.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 15 at 2018 8:49 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:49:36 -0500

SSGT J. Gilmore; Read what you said here and it got me to order the book “ll days of Christmas”. I should have it by Friday via Amazon.. I hope this week goes fast!..

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Jan 16 at 2018 1:56 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 13:56:26 -0500

I was four...living in San Jose with my dad after exiting the Army!

Response by Cpl Joseph Zach made Jan 16 at 2018 3:37 PM

Cpl Joseph Zach — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:37:51 -0500

in Boot Camp PISC or in Admin School at he same place. 19 y/o.had gone t a young men's academy so as to 'avoid he draft' [altho the daft had changed to the Lottery by then] at my father's express wishes. 3 yrs 7 mos and 7 days never got awarded the GDM was just thrown on my rack n the barracks. no formation, presentation, etc].

and yeah, nowadays, when I get thinking on it, I would have3 been far better of either enlisting directly out of High School into the Army, or staying out of the4 military completely altogether.

I recall VERY clearly the term "Lifer Pig" from back in those days, and why it existed too. yeah, very very clearly do I remember tat stuff.

Response by SSG Ricky Johnson made Jan 17 at 2018 12:02 AM

SSG Ricky Johnson — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:02:55 -0500

March of 72 I had just made it to Berlin, 110 miles inside Russian controlled East Germany.

Response by MSgt Gary Miller made Jan 17 at 2018 6:26 PM

MSgt Gary Miller — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:26:06 -0500

I was 10 years old in 1972. Lived outside the main Gates of Hill AFB, Utah. Didn't know much about the war except it was fun play acting war with my friends.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Jan 18 at 2018 6:57 AM

SSG David Dickson — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 06:57:42 -0500

Hawaii while dad was stationed at Scoffield.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wienke made Jan 18 at 2018 10:44 AM

Sgt Wayne Wienke — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:44:35 -0500

From Jan 72 to Jan 73 I was with the 1st Bn, 9th Marines, much of it in the Gulf of Tonkin.

I maintain a “1972 with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines” page on Facebook, detailing all that took place that memorable year. The personal info is gleaned from letters I sent home, which my mother saved. Other info was gathered from official records, www, and hard copy resources.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 18 at 2018 12:57 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:57:23 -0500

Baking in my momma's tummy! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by CAPT John Harman made Jan 19 at 2018 12:50 PM

CAPT John Harman — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:50:40 -0500

I was back home in the world. I think I had started graduate school in Political Science at UW-Madison. I remained in the Reserves after I got back in '68, had made GMG1 (my field promotion to 2nd Class had taken in the Reserves!), was married (in 1970) and had a daughter. I remember feeling about the bombing campaign something along the lines of "HELL YEAH!!!! We should have been doing this a LONG time ago and this crap would have been OVER!!!"

Thanks for the recollections and your service...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 6:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 18:50:38 -0500

Christmas 1972, was on the line DMZ Korea. There were a lot of Vietnam Vets there who refused to go back to the world, due to the anti-war, anti-military demonstrations, and unwelcome from the U.S. general public.

Response by SPC Jim Anderson made Jan 23 at 2018 4:32 PM

SPC Jim Anderson — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:32:19 -0500

After serving half myvtour as 11B I was put on a rotation, as my true MOS 11C. We’d support our line platoons from FB PRofessional, FB Linda, andbone other FB or LZ I forgot, then they’d send us to Da Nang to pull guard duty for the main HQ company-this was our R & R! If the intel reports were accurate we blew up close to a 1,000 gooks, and villagers on one fire mission.

Response by TSgt David Wittich made Jan 24 at 2018 9:57 AM

TSgt David Wittich — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 09:57:05 -0500

My 1972 wasn't nearly as exciting as yours was SSgt Gilmore - I was at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey CA, taking my 2nd Russian language course and looking forward to my 2nd assignment (guaranteed) to Elmendorf AFB, AK.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jan 24 at 2018 5:21 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:21:28 -0500

In 1972, I was in my terrible 2s. If Mom and Dad could have found a way to send me to Vietnam, I am pretty sure they would not have hesitated. I would have loved to be there too, but I couldn't get in to the Army just then.

But we should also remember that in 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison for a crime they did not commit. These men promptly escaped to the L.A. underground. But if you have a problem, and nobody else can help they are for hire!

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Jan 24 at 2018 5:35 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:35:23 -0500

@ SSGT Jim SSgt Jim Gilmore Well I was a punk knucklehead kid in the 6th grade.

Peace!

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 24 at 2018 11:04 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 23:04:38 -0500

SSgt Jim Gilmore 1972 was an interesting year. I was serving on USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DD-830). Spent 6 months on my fifth WesPac Cruise. Spent most of it north of the DMZ. During that time we were on Condition Three which meant 8 on and 8 off.

Fired bullets all night, refueled, rearmed, and took on stores all day.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jan 26 at 2018 8:39 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 08:39:40 -0500

I was six-years old...too young to join...yet. Then I caught up and enlisted in 1985...yeah!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 5:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:41:57 -0500

I was a young Plt. Ldr. in 25th ID. Six months in 1/27th IN 'Wolfhounds" Kolchak VI, back then. Then 2nd Bde was activated, and I moved to A Co, 1st Bn, 21st IN 'Gimlets", I worked my way backwards from Co Cdr of 25, to XO of 75, to lead platoon training 25 BCT grads as infantryman. What a start. XO for a year. Flag Football Champions of USAPAC. The Co Cdr showed up only to get handed the trophy (chinook pilot, loved shuffling paper). Two deployments to the Big Island, Project Officer for New Zealand Platoon exchange while in the S-3 Shop. A good start to my career. Most importantly, 1972 was the year I married my beautiful wife of 45+ years.

Response by CPL Michael Sullivan made Jan 27 at 2018 10:37 AM

CPL Michael Sullivan — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:37:36 -0500

Fort Dix NJ

Response by LCDR Arthur Whittum made Jan 27 at 2018 11:43 AM

LCDR Arthur Whittum — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:43:11 -0500

North Atlantic weather patrol Coast Guard Cutter GALLATIN.

Response by SSG John Eroh made Jan 27 at 2018 7:50 PM

SSG John Eroh — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 19:50:11 -0500

I was in Kassel & Mannheim, Germany after a side trip to Vietnam in '70 with the 518th Signal Co. (RRUHF) II CTZ 1st Sig Bde. In 69 I was in Kaiserslautern, Germany as a SP4 in a Army junkyard where the commo section was a SB-22 Tactical Switchboard with 12 field phones scattered through out the shop area in the woods of ROB and a VRC-46 radio in the CO's jeep. I found a SP5 slot in my MOS (fixed commo) 30 miles away. Well, instead of sending me there, the Army sent me to Vietnam for a year and then back to Germany. I had a good time there in K-Town but wanted somewhere where I could do my MOS but it would have been cheaper just to send me the 30 miles.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Jan 28 at 2018 7:37 PM

SSG Christopher Conklin — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 19:37:56 -0500

My dad was a E-6 in Marines, the family was station in Homestand, FL

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Jan 28 at 2018 11:52 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 23:52:06 -0500

I started the year at home and ended it at Lackland AFB in Basic, turned 18 in 73.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 29 at 2018 7:12 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 19:12:36 -0500

Ah.... 72... a good year... So there I was, -10 years old...

Response by 1LT Doug Neil made Jan 30 at 2018 5:20 PM

1LT Doug Neil — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 17:20:47 -0500

Humping the bush on Charlie Ridge west of Danang as an FO assigned to A 3/82 Artillery; Firebase Linda; 3 3/21 Infantry 196 LIB.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jan 31 at 2018 12:19 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 00:19:45 -0500

Let's see December 1972, I would have been a seaman apprentice (E-2) at USCG Base St. Louis waiting for an opening at ET "A" school at Governor's Island NY. That would be my first Christmas away from home. Left for ET school in March, went on to LORAN duty after that and a 4 week class C school.

Response by SSG Joseph Branham made Jan 31 at 2018 12:46 AM

SSG Joseph Branham — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 00:46:23 -0500

1972, hmmmmmmmmm, Da Nang, Pleiku, Qui Nhon, Saigon, home on leave, then 523rd MP Co, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.

Response by SGT Rich Levesque made Feb 1 at 2018 10:35 AM

SGT Rich Levesque — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 10:35:31 -0500

I was back in the world healing up from a sightseeing tour of Phu Bai, South Vietnam.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Feb 2 at 2018 1:38 PM

CPO Bill Penrod — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 13:38:55 -0500

I was stationed at the Naval Facilty Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Response by MSgt Larry Sims made Feb 3 at 2018 3:58 PM

MSgt Larry Sims — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 15:58:33 -0500

Ellsworth AFB,South Dakota.

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Feb 4 at 2018 10:34 AM

PO1 Mary Vermont — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 10:34:50 -0500

Hanging out with viet nam vets. Which was part of the reason I with into the military

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Feb 4 at 2018 11:12 AM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 11:12:44 -0500

In the Sea Cadets and JR. High School.

Response by PVT John Williams made Feb 5 at 2018 12:17 AM

PVT John Williams — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:17:32 -0500

back home at Fort Benning.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Feb 5 at 2018 8:02 AM

PO1 Gery Bastiani — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:02:35 -0500

I was in Nam Phong, Thailand with MCB5 building an air base for a Marine Air Wing. They called it the Rose Garden.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Feb 5 at 2018 8:04 AM

PO1 Gery Bastiani — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:04:32 -0500

a twinkling in your parents eyes

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 5 at 2018 8:54 AM

SPC Mike Lake — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:54:51 -0500

I was only 2yrs old...lol

Response by LeDaisha Jackson made Feb 5 at 2018 9:00 PM

LeDaisha Jackson — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 21:00:34 -0500

Not even thought about.

Response by SSgt Ken Matthews made Feb 7 at 2018 9:40 PM

SSgt Ken Matthews — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 21:40:12 -0500

Actually I was still in high school! Lol

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 8 at 2018 9:59 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:59:34 -0500

Kindergarten

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 8 at 2018 4:15 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:15:49 -0500

I was a Junior is High School.

Response by CW3 Robert Haffly made Feb 10 at 2018 10:46 AM

CW3 Robert Haffly — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 10:46:47 -0500

Working in a Gulf truck stop. Enlisted in Jan 73.

Response by PO1 Robert George made Feb 12 at 2018 2:38 AM

PO1 Robert George — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 02:38:52 -0500

BM3, Zebra station, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, USS Cayuga(LST-1186), Feb-Oct72 WesPac, Operation Song Thanh in May(?) near Hue/Quang Tri. From various reading I've done, I think we had them on the ropes three separate times over the course of the 'police action' and the politicians/statesmen screwed it up. Kissinger should have been convicted of treason if not stupidity. Did anybody see that Viet Nam thing by Ken Burns? Notice he left out a few things? And that it was slanted in a certain way?

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Feb 13 at 2018 9:09 PM

SSgt James Tadlock — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 21:09:38 -0500

Back in The USA in 1972. I left Saigon in September 1969. Last thing I remember seeing at the airport was a mama-san chasing a flying rice bug with her broom.

Response by PO1 Carl Collins Jr. made Feb 18 at 2018 3:23 AM

PO1 Carl Collins Jr. — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 03:23:22 -0500

Ahhh... but the real question is, "Where were you in '69?" :)

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 18 at 2018 8:04 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:04:57 -0500

I went to Basic Combat Training at Fort Polk, LA (Tiger Land) - 1972.

Response by SPC Gary Hutson made Feb 21 at 2018 9:34 AM

SPC Gary Hutson — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:34:17 -0500

I was a PFC stationed at Ft Bragg NC in A Btry 1st/319th FA 82nd Abn getting ready to go on leave to see my folks in Caldwell ID

Response by LTC John Russell made Feb 21 at 2018 5:03 PM

LTC John Russell — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:03:48 -0500

JAN-APR Plantation Base betw Bien Hoa and Long Binh. The Mad Bomber of 3rd Regional Assistance Command (TRAC) supporting ARVN III Corps. Arc Light and CAS; Special Weapons BLU-82, CBU-55 and more.

Response by SSgt T B made Feb 25 at 2018 11:34 PM

SSgt T B — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:34:33 -0500

AFSC, FTD, Wright-Pat AFB, Dayton

Response by CPL Luis Whetstine made Feb 25 at 2018 11:47 PM

CPL Luis Whetstine — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:47:33 -0500

In 1972 i turned 2 and from I’ve been told, I and my brother were placed in a home that become our adopted family.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Mar 3 at 2018 7:55 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 19:55:31 -0500

In 1972 I was transferred back to Germany From Ft Hood, Texas for my 2nd tour. I joined up in July of 1966 after I graduated from high school and Jan 1967 I was in Phu Loi, Vietnam. After I left there I was sent to Germany on my first tour.

Response by Cpl Daniel Mercer made Mar 3 at 2018 8:24 PM

Cpl Daniel Mercer — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:24:26 -0500

I was this many: 3 LOL

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Mar 4 at 2018 11:37 PM

SGT Stephen Jaffe — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 23:37:45 -0500

I was already a civilian stateside. I left 'Nam' in October 1968.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Mar 5 at 2018 1:57 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 13:57:19 -0500

I was a junior in High School but I was playing "Year of the Rat."

Response by PFC Sandra Wade made Mar 11 at 2018 11:27 PM

PFC Sandra Wade — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 23:27:21 -0400

In High School. 6 months from joining the Army under the delayed entry program.

Response by Sgt Werner Cottrill made Mar 12 at 2018 4:38 PM

Sgt Werner Cottrill — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 16:38:25 -0400

I came home in '68, but I remember quite a bit of his comments of Clark and Nam.

Response by CW4 Jim Webb made Mar 20 at 2018 5:27 PM

CW4 Jim Webb — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:27:32 -0400

By 1972 I was a college student using the GI Bill and my Vietnam service was a memory of earlier days (18 years old when I enlisted). Being married and having an infant daughter, I was convinced by the owner of the gas station where I worked part time to join the Army National Guard. I could use the money. It took a while to adjust to the difference between active duty and the national guard. The national guard was a very different experience at that time and you would have to have experienced it to fully understand. Many of the soldiers had enlisted during the Vietnam era and short hair wigs were allowed and fairly commonplace. Missing unit drill assemblies could result in reduction to PV2 and involuntary active duty. The sole full time support person for our unit, called an AST back then - Admin, Supply and Training - asked me if I could type a Morning Report (DA Form 1). "Top," I replied (he was also our unit First Sergeant), "for the last year and a half of active duty, I was a Battery Clerk." Morning reports and duty rosters were nothing new to me.

After taking an entrance physical from a local physician who only did physical exams for the railroad and the National Guard, I was sworn in. The state paid him $15.00 for the procedure. He was the oldest doctor I had ever seen and it was no stretch of the imagination at all to picture him making house calls in a horse and buggy. He reminded me of Doc Adams on Gunsmoke. The only doctor in the area that I knew of who was older than him happened to be the County Coroner. Maybe they didn't trust him any longer with living patients.

I was sworn in by the Battalion Executive Officer. He owned a grocery store and came down to the Armory while still wearing his butcher's apron soaked in blood. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the sight.

During this era, the National Guard had very little money for any extra training. Almost all MOS training was done by OJT - On the Job Training. In 1972 a soldier could become MOS qualified by serving in the duty position for one full year of IDT (Inactive Duty Training) or 6 months of IDT and one Annual Training period. Among the few exceptions were Medic (91B) and Unit Clerk (75B) which required formal school training.

One of the few opportunities to perform extra duty (read that "make extra money") was to perform FTTD in support of recruiting activities (Full Time Training Duty). In order to do so, a soldier had to become qualified as a Reserve/National Guard Recruiter. This was accomplished by taking a 4 hour subcourse (correspondence course). Upon successful completion, you were awarded the ARNG Recruiter Badge and could perform extra duty supporting recruiting activities.

I remained in the Minnesota ARNG for 36 more years, becoming a full time technician in 1976, retiring in 2008 as a CW4. I saw a tremendous amount of change during that time most of which was for the good.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 6:35 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 18:35:22 -0400

I was then an active participant of the Tonkin Yacht Club.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 8:55 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:55:34 -0400

First grade, living in Mexico.

Response by Abe Dean made Mar 21 at 2018 2:28 AM

Abe Dean — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 02:28:40 -0400

I believe my Dad was there with the 82nd then, before trying college and then switching over to Navy. He graduated in 71 and joined right outta high school, so it stands to reason. Never got years and dates when I interviewed him for a journalism project in college, now that I think about it.

Response by SPC James Lunn made Mar 22 at 2018 6:37 PM

SPC James Lunn — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:37:58 -0400

Hoowaa. That had to be some screwed up stuff.

Response by Odell Harwell made Mar 24 at 2018 1:54 AM

Odell Harwell — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 01:54:53 -0400

I was in Phu Loi, RVN at the 520th Batallion, 605th Trans. Co. from March '67 to Nov. of '69, then to Hotel 3 in Tan Son Nhut, Saigon until May of '71. I then went to Coleman Barracks in Sandhofen, Germany until August of '72. Then went stateside to McClellan AFB in Sacramento, Calif. until end of December of '72. In January of '73 I went back to Vietnam to Tan Son Nhut, Saigon.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Mar 25 at 2018 9:34 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 21:34:57 -0400

I was at Electronics Maintenance Company on Camp Pendleton after 2 tours with a Field Radio Operator secondary MOS.

Response by Maj Stephen Morrison made Mar 31 at 2018 9:38 PM

Maj Stephen Morrison — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 21:38:42 -0400

Japan

Response by SSG Leslie Cunningham made Apr 7 at 2018 7:51 PM

SSG Leslie Cunningham — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 19:51:22 -0400

OCT 1971-DEC 1972 ROK HHB 2ND DIV ARTY

Response by LTC Clayton Hill made Apr 8 at 2018 7:31 PM

LTC Clayton Hill — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:31:41 -0400

Commissioned and graduated in May 1972; awaited orders to Ft. Belvoir.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Apr 14 at 2018 11:44 AM

PO1 Todd B. — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 11:44:21 -0400

8th grade! LOL

Response by SSgt William Blanshan made Apr 15 at 2018 4:00 PM

SSgt William Blanshan — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 16:00:29 -0400

IN '72 I was in second grade. My dad had retired 8 years before from active duty in WWII, Korea and 'Nam. I learned more about stealth, cover and concealment, Marksmanship and discipline from my dad than I ever did in the Corps.

Response by SSgt Roberta Beard (nee Johnson) made Apr 16 at 2018 1:04 PM

SSgt Roberta Beard (nee Johnson) — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 13:04:11 -0400

Became a civilian in 1972. Worked as admin spec with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) at Norton AFB, CA, until I decided to get out in March 1972, after almost eight years in service. I will always, always regret not staying in for at least 20 years. Was very proud of being a WAF.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 8:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:10:06 -0400

On the floor, mostly, during the flight back from Clark Field AFB to CONUS with a stop in Hawaii. I cried, threw up on the floor, threw a few tantrums and slept. My parents related it to me later in life.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Apr 19 at 2018 12:23 PM

1SG James Matthews — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:23:59 -0400

Finished up my second tour in VN in Nov. 69--had been reassigned back to Bragg. Was 1st. Sgt of B Co. 307th Ned Bn.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Apr 20 at 2018 7:51 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 19:51:08 -0400

I was in AIT at Ft Leonard Wood. About 1 month later I would be deployed to Japan

Response by LTC John Griscom made Apr 22 at 2018 5:17 PM

LTC John Griscom — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 17:17:54 -0400

September 1971 - September 1972, 24th Evac Hospital, Long Bihn, RVN

Response by SPC Michelle Nelson - Thompson made Apr 26 at 2018 7:45 AM

SPC Michelle Nelson - Thompson — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 07:45:04 -0400

I was in diapers!. Born Dec '71. My mom was stationed at Ft Jackson in '73. I was there for basic in '89.

Response by Capt Dennis Tague made Apr 26 at 2018 1:25 PM

Capt Dennis Tague — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 13:25:46 -0400

December 18, 1972, I was learning to cope with below zero temperatures at Grand Forks AFB, ND. Got there on the 17th. :-)

Response by SSG Gerald King made Apr 29 at 2018 6:20 PM

SSG Gerald King — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 18:20:49 -0400

I served with the Radio Research Units (Army Security Agency/NSA) in Vietnam Jun 66 thru Feb 68. We intercepted enemy intelligence about the upcoming offensive and provided that information to MACV, but they refused to accept it as true and ignored our warnings. Their G-2's couldn't verify our information because they did not have the same means of gathering intelligence that we had. The main problem we had was what was called the "Green Door" which did not allow us to provide our methods of intelligence gathering and therefore , to often the supported commands would not give our reports a high reliability rating. One local commander did take our advice and pulled back some of his troops to protect Saigon. Had he not done that the results of the NVA/VC attack on Saigon would have been much worse.
Another note, we beat the North Vietnamese so completely during Tet '68 that they were seriously considering going to the peace tables. But, when reporters like Cronkite etc. gave their version of the battle and the following press coverage which caused mass protests in the U.S., the North decided that all they had to do was to prolong the war and we would eventually tire of the war and quit. They were correct in their beliefs. The war should have and could have ended in 1968.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Apr 30 at 2018 4:51 AM

CPT Don Kemp — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 04:51:42 -0400

Graduated High School in May; 18th birthday on July 10th; reported to Ft. Polk for Basic on July 12th. Finished Infantry AIT at Ft, Polk and boarded a bus for an overnight drive to Ft. Benning’s Airborne Training. I had my first plane ride; by the end of the year, I had taken off in a plane 6 times but only landed with the plane once. I finished the year pulling Guard Duty at Harmony Church, making sure no one stole the Ranger School Barracks.

Response by Cpl Robert Janczak made May 7 at 2018 8:33 PM

Cpl Robert Janczak — Mon, 07 May 2018 20:33:24 -0400

In kindergarten.

Response by MAJ Peter Eldridge made May 8 at 2018 9:24 PM

MAJ Peter Eldridge — Tue, 08 May 2018 21:24:11 -0400

Flying between Bien Hoa and An Loc with the 229th Avn. Bn., 3rd Bbe., (Sep.), 1st Cav Div. during the Easter Offensive. On the 10th I would find myself in the woods outside Bearcat trying to find the cause of the crash of a Ch-47A that killed 34 Us Soldiers.

Response by SFC Dean Allen made May 8 at 2018 11:59 PM

SFC Dean Allen — Tue, 08 May 2018 23:59:42 -0400

May 1971 to May 1972 I was assigned to B. Company, 716th MP BN in Saigon. I was the MP Desk Sgt. at CPOC (Combined Police Operations Center) with an office at 666 Tran Hung Dao Street in the National Police (Canh Sat) HQ.
I felt like I was doing an important job, I was good at it, and I loved the city of Saigon. Needless to say, the Army reassigned me to White Sands New Mexico. I was there from May to December 1972, when I got out of the Army.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made May 11 at 2018 4:02 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:02:18 -0400

In 1972 I was just leaving Ft Hood on my 2nd tour to Germany. My wife and I had just lost our 2nd Son 2 mos after he was born. I was in Germany in Erlangen with the 1st Armored Div.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 11 at 2018 4:50 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:50:26 -0400

Tallahassee Florida........

Response by Cpl Ken Adamson made May 16 at 2018 3:51 AM

Cpl Ken Adamson — Wed, 16 May 2018 03:51:24 -0400

From 1972 until March 1973, I was assigned to MAG-12 and was stationed at Bien Hoa, RVN and know about the losses as we were kept apprised of them, people have said we were only there for the mop up, but we still lost friends and most who say that were never there and don't know what it was like in those days ... our eyes saw things our minds cannot forget, just like others from their tour in country ... I am thankful for being lucky enough to return, and pray for all those who didn't make it home ... may the Lord have mercy on them all and may they rest in peace ...

Response by PO3 Michael James made May 20 at 2018 4:09 PM

PO3 Michael James — Sun, 20 May 2018 16:09:24 -0400

In 72, I was headed HOME... little did I know what I would be in for, now that I was back after having had surrendered youth, adolescence fun and adventures, Some gave ALL.. Yes, overseas was a wake-up call, however, the Shock, the Trauma was the way Vietnam, (Vietnam ERA) Veterans were treated when arriving Home to the Country we Love, the Constitution we believe in and the people we put FIRST... For some are STILL suffering the abuse, the neglect, of this war, and the time we were abandoned by the Politicians of the Country we Honorably Served !!

Response by SGM Jon Siegel made May 26 at 2018 4:34 PM

SGM Jon Siegel — Sat, 26 May 2018 16:34:33 -0400

May ‘72: D-5-3, Fort Dix, NJ

Response by SFC Robert Townsend made May 28 at 2018 10:12 AM

SFC Robert Townsend — Mon, 28 May 2018 10:12:51 -0400

Stationed in Zirndorf Germany 1st Armored Division 6/14 FA

Response by SGT Rich Levesque made May 28 at 2018 10:53 AM

SGT Rich Levesque — Mon, 28 May 2018 10:53:51 -0400

I had left Vietnam in August 1972. December 1972 I was still licking my wounds in a USAH stateside.

Response by SSG Alford Pouse made May 29 at 2018 5:18 AM

SSG Alford Pouse — Tue, 29 May 2018 05:18:13 -0400

Finishing up my first active duty assignment as a Sentry Dog Handler at B Battery 2/52 ADA Nike Herc Site on Key Largo ,Florida.

Response by 1SG Ken Rossi made May 31 at 2018 1:32 PM

1SG Ken Rossi — Thu, 31 May 2018 13:32:17 -0400

Scout Platoon, CSC 1/31st Inf. Camp Greaves/DMZ Korea.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jun 5 at 2018 7:25 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:25:55 -0400

Vietnam was two years behind me. Unfortunately, the memories persisted. Even after almost fifty years.

Response by MAJ James Givens made Jun 5 at 2018 7:46 PM

MAJ James Givens — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 19:46:08 -0400

I got to my second in RVN in March of 1972. Optimist that I was I brought Class A’s and civilian clothes with me expecting to pass my tour in Saigon. Suddenly I found myself up by the Fish Hook in the old SF A Camp at Ton Le Chon as a Ranger advisor to the 6th ARVN Ranger Group. Oh well, I thought, it’s better than it might have been. Then came the 1972 Easter Offensive. My fellow advisor, CPT Bill Vannie, and I took 1396 BDQ’s out of MRIII for a guided tour of every Military Region except the Delta. Five weeks later the group was down to 528. The last three months of 1972 were spent in An Loc, resupplied by air as ground routes were cut off. Interestingly I was only a few klicks from where I started my advisory role in Ton Le Chon. I remained in An Loc till the cease fire January 1973.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Jun 6 at 2018 4:34 PM

SSgt James Guy — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 16:34:06 -0400

I finished my six year commitment on August 8, 1972 and got married on the 12th. Did 4 years active (3 overseas) and 1 year active reserve.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 6 at 2018 7:06 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:06:07 -0400

Second grade I think

Response by SrA David Bell made Jun 10 at 2018 9:31 PM

SrA David Bell — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 21:31:18 -0400

The majority of my 1972 was spent TDY to Guam (April -October) as part of Operation Bullet Shot. As an aircraft radio repairman, I stayed busy replacing radios and associated equipment on mostly B-52's, since 3-plane cells were being launched around the clock. I worked the night shift 1800-0600, sometimes in the shop, sometimes on the flightline, and sometimes on the launch truck in case a plane preparing for take-off had a bad radio needing replacement (a "Redball"). I got picked for the Redball truck a lot since I was 6'7", and a frequent replacement of the B-52 #1 UHF radio was in the "47 section", an area in the rear with a hatch that was about 7 feet above the ground. I could reach the edge of the opening without a stand and do a pullup into the hatch. The crew chief could then hand me the spare radio and my toolbag so I could swap out the bad radio very quickly so as not to delay the launch. It was pressure to do things in a hurry, but do it right. Failure to launch a plane was not an option.

Response by Maj James Tippins made Jun 12 at 2018 9:23 AM

Maj James Tippins — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 09:23:48 -0400

Fortunately for me, I was on leave at my home in Daytona Beach 18 December 1972.
I was halfway through the 317XX school at Lowry AFB.
I would end up at Holloman AFB, never to get near Vietnam.
Me? I consider myself quite lucky.

Response by Col Pat Nance made Jun 14 at 2018 6:08 PM

Col Pat Nance — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 18:08:41 -0400

I was at NKP flying Buffalo Hunter missions, catching drones returning from NVN. It was a good mission and we brought lots of pictures back for the intel guys to ponder over.

Response by CWO2 Richard Rose made Jun 15 at 2018 6:44 PM

CWO2 Richard Rose — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 18:44:54 -0400

I was an RM3 (E-4) Radioman on the USS Durham (LKA-114) in 1972.

Response by CPL Stephen Schumann made Jun 18 at 2018 6:21 PM

CPL Stephen Schumann — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 18:21:02 -0400

Dad was AirForce, he was stationed in Teipei Tawain, our whole family were there with him, and never far from a bomb shelter.

Response by PO1 James Friedman made Jun 24 at 2018 9:39 PM

PO1 James Friedman — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:39:34 -0400

I was on Shore Duty at Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, VA. Better known as NOB, NORVA.

Response by SSG David Kidd made Jun 27 at 2018 9:11 PM

SSG David Kidd — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:11:55 -0400

In December of 1972, I was in AIT at Ft. Bliss, TX becoming a 24B (HAWK CW RADAR mechanic.)

Response by SSgt Randy Waters made Jun 28 at 2018 5:14 PM

SSgt Randy Waters — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:14:06 -0400

Camp Foster Okinawa

Response by CPO Steve Tibbetts made Jun 29 at 2018 12:26 PM

CPO Steve Tibbetts — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:26:46 -0400

While my permanent assignment was a an instructor at Fleet Training Center, San Diego, I had been temporarily assigned to support the Naval Gunfire Support Team during Line Backer. I was temporarily assigned to the USS Towers DDG-9 off the coast of Vietnam. We would do gunfire support of the troops, often times making high speed run's into within a half mile off the beach before turning parallel to the coast. The idea as I was told later was to entice the NVA to open up on us with their 176 MM guns. At which time we call in their location to the USS New Jersey and USS St. Paul just over the horizon. They would respond with salvo's of 8" and 16" presents. Our sonar team would count the splashes from counter battery, often times hearing as many as 500 rounds fired from the shore to the ocean. I do remember one instance where we took shrapnel from a shell that hit close aboard, the Missile observation booth got hit, Mt. 52, and one of the life boats got hit. I think we even got shrapnel in the after stack. I worked aboard that ship for only three months before returning to my permanent assignment in San Diego. In total I had about 16 months service in Vietnam, most in country 69-70 on the Mekong River, aboard USS Benenwah as part of the Mobile Riverine Force.

Response by MAJ John Richards made Jul 1 at 2018 7:07 AM

MAJ John Richards — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 07:07:56 -0400

Last year of high school. Signed up for delayed enlistment in the USAF July 3rd 1972. Things were pretty cool until 1975 when the pucker factor rose for my unit. We we're told we would become a forward/mobile aeromedical staging facility, but that never happened.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Jul 1 at 2018 10:11 AM

MSgt Dale Johnson — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:11:29 -0400

Lets see...1972 I was at McGuire AFB in New Jersey, worked in the Avionics Instrument Shop. Additional duty was more important to me, as I served on the Honor Guard. John Q Public seemed to have a great dislike for folks in the military back then. As Senior man on the Rifle Party it fell to me to make sure that side of the funeral went as planned. It was really hard for me, sometimes I felt guilty I wasn't there doing my part, but the idea that I was somehow playing a small part in honoring a Hero made me very proud.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jul 1 at 2018 10:58 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 22:58:41 -0400

In 72 I had been a civilian for 6yrs. I come back from Vietnam 2 weeks after my discharge date. I had a job as a millwright at General Motors. It paid a lot more money than uncle sam did so I stayed for 35yrs. I had spent 4yrs in the marine corp 3yrs in the army. I liked military life but I had a wife of 8months so I had to try civilian life.

Response by LTC Gene Moser made Jul 1 at 2018 10:59 PM

LTC Gene Moser — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 22:59:06 -0400

'72 - I was on active duty for the FA Officers' Advance Course at Ft. Sill, OK. I was one of three American lieutenants in my class, all of us NG officers. I was in the top section of the class. Our gunnery instructor was a Major Girdelstone, RA. Fantastic guy. I was a geographic bachelor, my wife and son back in Virginia.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 8 at 2018 4:20 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 16:20:00 -0400

In 1972 Vietnam was 4 years behind Me and I was stationed at Hickham AFB, HI This picture is Me at the time as a SSgt in the 15th Security Police Squadron, Hickham, AFB, HI

Response by COL David Turk made Jul 8 at 2018 4:44 PM

COL David Turk — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 16:44:23 -0400

I was a MP on alert at Fort Dix, New Jersey (during the Dec ‘72 bombing of NVN). We were confined to the barracks, except for base activities under two hours (sign in and out). We were going to deploy to VN, via our alert aircraft at McGuire, if the North did not agree to come come to the table.

Response by SP5 Elbert Eller made Jul 13 at 2018 1:12 PM

SP5 Elbert Eller — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:12:37 -0400

Can Tho Vietnam.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Jul 15 at 2018 6:39 PM

SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 18:39:29 -0400

I was in my senior year of high school. Graduated in January of "73" and was heading for basic training in February.

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Jul 20 at 2018 2:47 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 14:47:09 -0400

I was 5, living in Virginia Beach, father was stationed at NAS Oceana.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 20 at 2018 11:26 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 23:26:55 -0400

I was in high school looking for any good reason to leave but 2 YEARS later I left

Response by SFC Stephen Williams made Jul 23 at 2018 4:16 PM

SFC Stephen Williams — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 16:16:49 -0400

Joined the U.S.Army in Sep 72......Basic training at Ft. Tricks ( Dix ) , NJ

Response by Capt Dennis Jump made Jul 24 at 2018 1:03 PM

Capt Dennis Jump — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 13:03:35 -0400

In late September, 1972, I was a recent graduate from USAF Pilot Training @ Webb AFB in Big Spring and reporting for duty with the 16th SOS (AC-130A Spectre squadron) as a co-pilot. During Linebacker 2, we flew our missions over the heavily defended Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos without our F-4 escort (the presence of the fighter tended to quell the desire of the AAA gun emplacements of shooting at us). Those nights, they had more pressing jobs than flying circles with us. Never saw so much AAA coming in our direction that night. Never heard so much radio chatter of the fierce air battles taking place a short distance away around Hanoi and Haiphong. We lost one of our own in the ensuing days. I won't forget the sacrifice and bravery of the airmen of many squadrons in that engagement.

Response by SGT David Petree made Jul 29 at 2018 9:10 PM

SGT David Petree — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 21:10:27 -0400

I was still 18 when I hit Frankfurt. I started a 3year long tour, on a bad set of orders. For some reason Ft. Dix wanted me to OJT as a 64C. When I was a 63F.

Response by CW4 Charles Rogers made Aug 1 at 2018 2:28 PM

CW4 Charles Rogers — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:28:13 -0400

Just returned from Vietnam and attend the QM Officer Advanced Course at Ft. Lee VA.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Aug 5 at 2018 4:44 AM

PO1 Gery Bastiani — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 04:44:09 -0400

May to August 1972 myself and 29 other Seabees went TAD to mcb 5 to help construct an air base for the Marines in a place called Nam Phong, Thailand which they named The Rose Garden after the country western song of the same name. we got ever other weekend off and get our time to relax up in Udorn, Thailand. After finishing our job there we returned to our command MCB 4 who had already deployed to Rosey Roads Puerto Rico, was there from September 72 to June 73

Response by MSgt Stephanie Robinson made Aug 9 at 2018 2:45 PM

MSgt Stephanie Robinson — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:45:57 -0400

Teaching assistant for computer programming at college. Enlisted in Aug, basic Nov - Dec 72.

Response by LCpl John Shad made Aug 14 at 2018 10:04 PM

LCpl John Shad — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:04:50 -0400

I was discharged and home married for the first time

Response by MSG Steven Longan made Aug 22 at 2018 12:27 AM

MSG Steven Longan — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 00:27:57 -0400

I was a dependent in Bad Tolz Germany. Just a little feller. We won the little league baseball championships for USAEUR that year in Furth. Col Fiestenhiemer was still the post commander then I believe. His kid was an officer in 5th Group at Campbell when I was there. The Col. jumped the balls in at games sometimes and showed up for many of our Boy Scout events to hand out badges. He scared the hell out of us kids. "You need a haircut, who's your father?". That year we watched the Olympics on German TV especially the play by play of the PLO kidnapping of the Israeli Sports team and the poor result of that at FurstenFeldbruck (sp?). I always thought of that when I was stationed there myself in the 80's whenever we'd go to "Fursty" for exercises or fixed wing jumps. I remember the whole Kaserne was spun up during that event. We listened to "The Chicken Man" weekly on AFN radio and went to the "Rod and Gun" club to watch football videos and eat frequently. Never missed a Herbs Fest (sp?) or Leonhardifarht. (sp?).

Response by MAJ Fred Peterman made Aug 22 at 2018 12:36 AM

MAJ Fred Peterman — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 00:36:01 -0400

1971 is when I enlisted. In 72 I went from Kansas to Germany as a cook. Crosstrained to medical field (OJT) while I was at Hahn AB, Germany.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Aug 29 at 2018 12:21 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 00:21:02 -0400

4th grade.

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made Sep 2 at 2018 10:55 PM

SSgt Max Gonzales — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:55:09 -0400

I972, I was guarding nukes in ITALY,most considered it a cake job, the fact that our CO was a major,was telling of the operation. I left Vietnam in 1970,hit COLORADO SPRINGS , October 1970,got my orders for ITALY,after impressing a brigadier general with my hard work. Left Italy in 1973 as an E4 and didn't look back. Didn't bother to keep track of dates unless it actually meant something of significance.

Response by SPC William Anderson made Sep 7 at 2018 4:47 PM

SPC William Anderson — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:47:12 -0400

Well I was 11 years old in 1972 and still in grade school. I remember seeing the Vietnam War on TV.
I joined the Army in 1984 and got out in 1988. All my time was peace time, but we spend alot of time in the field and getting ready to go to war. I was ready if need be. Just want to say thanks the Vietnam Vets and great warriors of the past and present. The US Army was the greatest experience ever and proud to be veteran.

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Sep 11 at 2018 2:33 PM

SPC Martin Meyer — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:33:06 -0400

Fort Ord, CA then Ft Polk, LA., then Fort Benning, GA., Jump Wings 1972,then to Germany.

Response by SP5 Rich Levesque made Sep 18 at 2018 10:01 AM

SP5 Rich Levesque — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:01:24 -0400

Yes...….. In 1972 I was in Phu Bai.

Response by LCpl Clarence Baggett made Oct 18 at 2018 4:03 PM

LCpl Clarence Baggett — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:03:58 -0400

Left Nam in 1-71, med cruise then 72 Charleston SC naval Base, M.P
Till out 1-73

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2018 3:43 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:43:36 -0500

Not born yet, not even a glimmer in my parents eyes...

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Dec 12 at 2018 11:40 PM

Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 23:40:10 -0500

Having been enlisted for 5 1/2 yrs, I was commissioned in 1972 and assigned to McConnell AFB, KS. At that time we were a base with two different missions. We were initially a TAC base and was home of the F-105 Flying Tigers rotating in and out of SEA. However, the base also provided support for SAC Missiles. Before leaving for SEA, the base command had changed to SAC.

Response by SGT Kevin Berman made Dec 19 at 2018 3:58 PM

SGT Kevin Berman — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:58:50 -0500

In grade school in Copperas Cove, dad had command of an MI company '70-74.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Dec 22 at 2018 9:16 PM

SSG Christopher Conklin — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 21:16:58 -0500

homestand, FL AFB. I was 7 years young.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 8 at 2019 10:32 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:32:02 -0400

Living on Johnson Air Force Base, OUtside of Tokyo Japan.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 9 at 2019 6:26 AM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 06:26:00 -0400

Annie W. Kellond elementary school, Mr. White's sixth grade class.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 9 at 2019 11:54 AM

SPC David S. — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 11:54:22 -0400

I was born in 68 at Wright Paterson so I was only 4. However I think we were living down at Homestead, AFB or had just moved to Warner Robbins and my father came home somewhere in that time frame. I know we were living at Warner Robbins in 73 due to a rather large snow storm that year. In 73 I was making a snow man in a foot of snow in southern Georgia.

I do remember very clearly going over to a friend of my parents house on Duck Lake Circle at Robbins. My sister and I were playing outside with my mom. She started screaming at the two guys walking up to house asking them to wait. First solid memory I have as a kid.

https://www.weather.gov/ilm/Feb1973Snow

The Great Southeastern Snowstorm: February 9-11, 1973

NWS All NOAA

Response by SPC Michael Oles SR made Jul 10 at 2019 12:49 AM

SPC Michael Oles SR — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:49:45 -0400

I was in Vietnam

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Jul 10 at 2019 3:00 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0400

I was fortunate to serve as an AF medic from 1969 to 1973 mostly at Andrews AFB and TDY at Lackland. This military action was never a declared war just like Korea was not. Only Congress can declare it and have abdicated this responsibility to the executive branch.

As you know this conflict is the most detested, despised, and protested one! For years persons who knew me did not know of my service. I felt bitter, and still do, about all of you who served in country. To compensate, I provide clinical consultation as a volunteer to vet combatants as far back as Korea.
I also continue my clinical research on combat trauma.

I have 3 published articles in this regard. If any of you are interested just contact me at [login to see] .
Thank you and all others who served their from the bottom of my heart,
Rich

Response by 1SG Bob Riesterer made Jul 18 at 2019 3:51 PM

1SG Bob Riesterer — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 15:51:11 -0400

Jan 1972 - Feb 1975, I was stationed at Camp Darby, Italy with the 500th MP Det. The base itself was primarily a Logistical Command with a Supply Depot and Ammunitions Area. Besides being MP's on the base we provided security for the Supply Depot and Ammunitions Area. The Supply Depot was under Army Control and the Ammunitions Area was maintained and operated by the USAF.

Response by 1SG Bob Riesterer made Jul 18 at 2019 4:53 PM

1SG Bob Riesterer — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:53:49 -0400

Jan 1972 - Feb 1975...I was stationed at Camp Darby, Italy and assigned to the 500th MP Det. Our duties besides regular MP Duties on the Main Base was to provide security for a nearby Supply Depot and a Ammunitions Storage Area. A Colonel was the Base Commander, but that that have changed by now. We had some exciting events while I was there ie: The Baader Meinhof Gang terrorizing and US Military personnel in Germany so security measures were implemented big time for anyone wanting to get on the base. Then, there's the 72 Olympics in Munich when some Israeli athletes were killed at the Olympic Village by a group of Terrorists....again security kicked in until better intel was gotten. Overall being stationed was great duty and had a lot of fun times.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Jul 24 at 2019 11:45 PM

SSG Richard Hackwith — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 23:45:00 -0400

I got out of the army on Nov 8, 1968, after doing four years and three months. In 1972 did a "Try One" in the NG. I was a tanker on active duty, but the best I could find locally in the NG was a slot as a scout in a "straight leg" infantry Bn. Only stayed a year, the unit was 90% draft dodgers and after all, it was infantry. A couple of years later, I tried the USAR in a training unit, just one year didn't like it. Then back to the NG as an MP, stayed eleven years.

Response by SSG James Allen made Jul 27 at 2019 1:39 AM

SSG James Allen — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 01:39:28 -0400

I was just getting to the point of enjoying life again in July of '72 being in Daytona Beach, FL for the 4th. When I returned home from a great vacation, I found a "Greetings" letter in my mailbox. I had to report to the induction center in Montgomery August 26th. Well, long story short, I went through basic at Ft Jackson, SC, then to Ft Carson, CO where I became a gun bunny on a 155mm SP Howitzer. Come Novermber, I found myself knee deep in snow with a shovel in my hand and on orders for Korea for January. Well, my request for Vietnam was turned down in December but later was put on a special duty assignment behind a typewriter (because of 2 yrs typing in hs listed in my 201 file) to do nothing for 3 months but type orders processing troops out of Vietnam. Thank God I did not have to experience what most guys did that went over there but I salute them and they have my utmost respect. Even though I got drafted that year (my lottery number was 88 and they were taking everyone under 100) it still turned out to be a good year for me as I meant a lot of great guys and established a lot of long lasting friendships

Response by 1SG George Kincannon made Aug 9 at 2019 6:20 PM

1SG George Kincannon — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:20:34 -0400

In Udorn Thailand, eavesdropping on the Chicoms and NVA.

Response by SP6 Guy Slater made Aug 23 at 2019 12:35 AM

SP6 Guy Slater — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:35:42 -0400

At this time (August) in 72, I was waiting to take my wife and daughter home from the Stuttgart Army Hospital. I'd been in Germany for 3 + months at the time. Also dealing with the Baeder-Meinhoff/ Red Brigade thugs. The had missed me by one day when they blew the com center in Heidelberg. Three years in Germany was pure hell due to a wife playing around, and NOT being in Vietnam. Got home in 75 and turned on the TV to watch the fall of Saigon. Then went to Texas for a divorce.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Sep 2 at 2019 7:24 AM

SSG Ray Elliott — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:24:32 -0400

In 72 I was 11 or 12 years old. I was home in Rochester NY watching the Vietnam war by way of the TV news. I wish there was 1/10 the coverage of the current wars that there was of Viet Nam. The war in Afghanistan gets so little mention in our 24/7 news coverage today that it's easy to forget we even have forces still over in the middle east. I graduated HS in 78 so I missed the draft and having to go to Viet Nam, but I've always had an appreciation for those who did have to go and fight in that thankless war. Thank you all for your service, and my apologies that when you returned you didn't get the welcome home you deserved.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Sep 3 at 2019 7:38 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:38:49 -0400

1972. I had just arrived in Udon, Thailand in March. My orders gave no clear assignment to the wkng there (432 TFW). But at inprocessing brief my name and lne other were called and we were told are squadron first sgt. would pick us up at the NCO Club across the street. Since I was just an A1C, I thought it funny that I would be let into the NCO Club. Our first sgt showed up 45 minutes later, and took us to our squadron barracks. We were showed our cubicles and lockers. Told to change into faitgues and then be taken to our orderly room. There we would be processed into our squadron, Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing. More later.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Sep 4 at 2019 12:44 AM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:44:03 -0400

Qui.

Response by SFC Danny McDaniel made Sep 5 at 2019 7:10 AM

SFC Danny McDaniel — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:10:47 -0400

In 1972 I was in my second year in the Tennessee Army National Guard. I finished my six years in 1976. I was an over the road trucker until 1980 when I joined the Regular Army and retired in August of 2000. Not much to talk about I just did my job every day. I never spent a day in harm’s way. I volunteered to go Desert Storm but Recruiting Command would not release me.

Response by CAPT Michael Maselly made Sep 9 at 2019 12:34 PM

CAPT Michael Maselly — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:34:36 -0400

I was in boot camp great lakes then hospital corps school

Response by SSG Herman Bauman made Sep 11 at 2019 5:21 PM

SSG Herman Bauman — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:21:09 -0400

Ft. Hood, Texas. Just returned from Korea.

Response by PO1 John Hudson made Sep 14 at 2019 7:29 PM

PO1 John Hudson — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 19:29:43 -0400

1972, Nuremberg Germany, 130th, then Illesheim, 175th General Dispensary. Learned how to pack bodies here. Returning vets had no where to turn but suicide.

Response by CPL James S. made Sep 26 at 2019 3:00 PM

CPL James S. — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 15:00:42 -0400

Aviano, Italy

Response by SPC David Paine made Oct 2 at 2019 11:12 AM

SPC David Paine — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 11:12:51 -0400

Thanks for your service bro, that was a tough war, I know, I wasn't there but got to Ft. Bragg in 76 with the 82nd where I heard a lot of stories of charlie and the puppet masters dragging it on and on, May GOD bless you and your thoughts as your days continue to reminisce that terrible war.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Oct 6 at 2019 10:41 PM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:41:06 -0400

This is a bit long, but the memories poured in.

Having survived a 1 yr combat tour on the rivers in late’71, I was assigned as a department head on USS ALAMO and deployed to WestPac to arrive just before the North’s 1972 Easter Offensive. As Hue was once again being pressured, we were part of an amphibious feint with an amphibious readiness group, US Marines and Vietnamese troops.

As we were the primary control ship, we were about 5000 yards off the beach when a 3 plane Arc Light made a pre-H Hour strike with 500 lb bombs laid along the beach. Never saw the BUFFs, but heard “bombs away” and waited for the first to hit after falling 35,000 ft. Everything rumbled even at sea as the fiery orange and yellow bursts formed a continuous long line along the coastline. Then we made the run in, dropped off the amtraks about 2000 yards off the beach and guided them to the beach where they turned away just outside the surf zone as designed. Intel reported that the combined effort worked.

During that same year, the heavens opened for 40 days and more of continuous rain over Luzon. The Alamo participated as coordinator of relief supplies for Dagupan at the south end of the Linguyan Gulf. The task group received the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Toward the end of our 9+ month deployment we dropped off our contingent of 300 Marines along with their tanks etc. in Okinawa. Typhoon Rita, which at the time became the longest running typhoon in history, was barreling down on us from the East as we struggled to offload to a sheltered beach. I had said to the CO that she was not acting according to forecasts, and I had a suspicion she would not veer north as expected. As we departed the area to the South then heading West to the Philippines, she curled South and met us head on. The Alamo grosses out at 12,000 tons, and we ballasted down since we were empty and plowed though very heavy seas which would often break against the bridge. As the only not- seriously seasick qualified deck officer, I was assigned the watch until we started to clear the storm. Thank God the Marines had not been aboard. Think of 300 men cooped up in berthing spaces being tossed around—a recipe for a disaster—all it takes is one guy tossing cookies to start rapid firing amongst others.

Another aspect of 1972, was the rampant social unrest (and race riots) on Navy ships and the danger of being alone on Subic Naval Station. In fact, a Navy Oiler was “thrown out of port” by the base commander. (In October of 1971, I had attended a meeting and heard the Pacific Fleet Admiral tell the dozens of assembled senior ship’s company officers that his Navy did not have drug, racial or morale problems. We in attendance just looked at each other, and ’72 proved him wrong.)

We completed our 1972 deployment in fine fashion when we pulled into our homeport, Long Beach, as our ship’s entertainment blasted out the 1812 Overture.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 11:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 11:33:47 -0400

I was 9...

Response by MSG Biran Colwell made Oct 12 at 2019 10:42 PM

MSG Biran Colwell — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 22:42:45 -0400

Ft.Polk, LA.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Oct 15 at 2019 3:57 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 15:57:29 -0400

I was sent to the USS Saratoga CV60 in 1972 because they had a shortage of Photographers Mates aboard the ship. Got to spent '72 to '73 at sea in the Tonkin Gulf on Yankee Station. Christmas of '72 was at sea.

Response by Sgt Jmeans M made Oct 17 at 2019 4:56 AM

Sgt Jmeans M — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 04:56:40 -0400

1st grade Commerce City, CO,

Response by SFC Jerrold Llewellyn made Oct 20 at 2019 3:51 PM

SFC Jerrold Llewellyn — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 15:51:06 -0400

I left the 1st Bde, 101st Airborne Div Military Police in Vietnam in July of 1968, then went to FT Bragg and earned my Green Beret. In 1972 I was a very happy SSG in the 6th Special Forces Group, 82nd Military Police Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. AND on orders to Bad Tolz', Germany (10th SFG Hq's)

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Oct 31 at 2019 7:07 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:07:12 -0400

1972? I'd been out for a year. Nightmares on a regular basis, medicating with Jim Beam and Stroh's beer. Fortunately got a handle on it before it became a bigger problem.

Response by PO3 Forrest Fifer made Nov 4 at 2019 6:40 AM

PO3 Forrest Fifer — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:40:47 -0500

In 1972 I was in the Tonkin Gulf on board the USS Midway launching airstrikes

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Nov 21 at 2019 5:53 PM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:53:04 -0500

I was home but still believed in the war. I stood up in a college class when the teacher wore a black armband in protest of the war. I remember saying I had friends there and friends there, while I did not argue her right to protest, I felt it should not be in class. I walked out. One of the reasons I quit college and never became a college professor of history.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 11:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 23:23:05 -0500

I graduated from high school in May 1972. My original plan was to be in the Army by June but I won a scholarship for $150 dollars which bought me a couple of quarters at the local Community College. As it turned out I did not like school so in June 1973 I went active duty. Christmas 1972 I was hearing about Linebacker II but my head was at school and working my almost full time job fixing and selling tires.

Response by CPT Ronald Scherick made Nov 27 at 2019 12:32 AM

CPT Ronald Scherick — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:32:50 -0500

I graduated dental school in 1972 and went on active duty in the United States army I went to Fort Sam Houston for basic training to learn how to be a soldier.I was promoted from first lieutenant in the reserves to captain. After 6 week basic officers course went to my duty station at Fort Lee Va. I was very lucky to be assigned there it was like a country club. The dental detachment was a very good place to work and learn. I probably learned more dentistry there then I did in school. We had a very good commanding officer. He had been a grunt in WWII and then studied dentistry and oral surgery. He was an oral surgeon in Vietnam .The Colonel would hold staff meeting on Fridays and tell us all about what to expect in a medical unit in Vietnam fortunately we never got to put his good training to use as the war was winding down.

Response by 1SG Steven Flagg made Nov 28 at 2019 12:20 PM

1SG Steven Flagg — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:20:37 -0500

Summer vacation at MCRD Parris Island

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made Dec 16 at 2019 12:07 PM

PO2 Michael Berry — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:07:25 -0500

Freshman in High School

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Dec 19 at 2019 2:26 PM

SFC Brian Gillum — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:26:10 -0500

Bouncing around one or the other of the homes we had in Metro Detroit and being a pre-school nuisance to my parents.

Response by SSgt Larry Melby made Dec 22 at 2019 10:16 AM

SSgt Larry Melby — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:16:23 -0500

In 72 just started high school, was 3 years away from BMT

Response by PFC David Gettman made Dec 26 at 2019 2:46 PM

PFC David Gettman — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:46:17 -0500

I was all over the place in 1972.

Started off in Tacoma, Washington where I joined the Army. From there it was up to Seattle for the night before flying out to Kentucky. First stop, Ft Campbell for basic training. Then Ft Knox for two AIT's, M-60 Patton tank and M-551 Sheridan assault vehicle.

Next was Kaiserslautern, Germany for MP OJT training at 15th MP Bde HQ and then my 1st assignment with 385th MP Bn in Stuttgart. Ended the year TDY in Neu Ulm on riot duty.

Response by SPC John Tacetta made Jul 25 at 2020 8:21 AM

SPC John Tacetta — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 08:21:14 -0400

A freshman in high school.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 25 at 2020 4:18 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 16:18:43 -0400

Not born yet. My dad, however, had just finished up his medic duties in Vietnam just in time for my sister to be born.

Response by SFC James Himes made Jan 3 at 2021 11:24 AM

SFC James Himes — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 11:24:28 -0500

During that time I was stationed at Whiteman AFB. Was suppose to be K9 but they did not have dogs so I started humping buffs. My OCD got me on desk handling radio and in nuke site gate security.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Mar 19 at 2021 9:00 AM

LTC Stephan Porter — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:00:23 -0400

San Jose California, and I was 3 for most of the year!

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 4 at 2021 9:58 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:58:47 -0400

In 1972 I was drinking milk from my mom.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Apr 5 at 2021 10:34 AM

SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:34:24 -0400

HQ, NATO, LANDSOUTHEAST - Izmir, Turkey (at the Karabaglar Transmitter site) 71 - 75. 76-79.

Response by SSgt Tommy Waldrop made Jun 9 at 2022 11:12 PM

SSgt Tommy Waldrop — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 23:12:52 -0400

I was in UK, on a remote site as a generator operator. Read listed in September. Came back to Langley in December, went tdy in January 73 to become a computer operator.

Response by SSgt Tommy Waldrop made Oct 29 at 2022 5:05 PM

SSgt Tommy Waldrop — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 17:05:44 -0400

At that time I was at RAF Ringstead, a site based out of High Wycomb air base England. As a generator (diesel powered) operator.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Mar 24 at 2023 2:48 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:48:05 -0400

In Brooklyn playing stick ball, baseball, in the streets had to be home when the street lights came on.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Mar 24 at 2023 2:56 PM

SSG Dennis R. — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:56:41 -0400

December '72?
Fort Hood, taking a crash-course OJT into the world of alcohol & drug rehabilitation.
AR 600-85 was just a DA Pamphlet back then.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Mar 24 at 2023 4:50 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:50:24 -0400

December 18, 1972 -- Augsburg Germany, tank commander of an M60A1 tank.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 24 at 2023 9:10 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 21:10:44 -0400

In 72, I was in the 10th grade and left straight out of high school (8 hours) in 74 for Army boot camp at Fort Knox.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 27 at 2023 2:23 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:23:53 -0400

I was a a sophomore in high school in a suburb outside West Philadelphia. That year in the summer of 1972, I had torsion of the testicle with emergency surgery. I lost my right testicle and had a surgical implant which my body rejected - painfully tear a hole in my scrotum SSgt Jim Gilmore
I enlisted on active duty at Philadelphia MEPS on the morning of November 11, 1974 after taking the SEPTA El [elevated train] to the area. I had entered the delayed entry program on October 23, 1974. After filing in the paperwork, I left for Philadelphia Airport with some other enlistees. In slow motion, I watched as my travel voucher ticket fell into an escalator and was shredded. That required getting a replacement :-)
Images:
1. testicular torsion or twisted testicles
2. Testicular torsion SAGES image
3. torsion results when the testis rotates on its long axis.
4. Abnormal testicular fixation leading to torsion - Merck Manuals
5. What causes Testicular torsion?
FYI SSgt David M. SFC John D.SGM Bill Frazer

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Mar 27 at 2023 4:24 AM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:24:40 -0400

Outstanding SSgt. Gilmore!!! Thank You So Much For Sharing This!!! May God Bless You Always!!! I started 24 months of Ward Duty in August 1972 at the US Naval Hospital in Naples Italy!!! Doc

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Mar 27 at 2023 12:18 PM

PO1 Gery Bastiani — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:18:36 -0400

From April to September myself and 29 others were with MCB 5 and we were in Nam Phong just down the road from you building a base for the Marines. And every other weekend we'd be bused up to U-Tapao for our weekend liberty. My first deployment over Seas. Long time ago

Response by 1LT Larry Bass made Mar 27 at 2023 9:37 PM

1LT Larry Bass — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 21:37:05 -0400

In '71-72, I was a freshman in HS. Fast-forward to '75, I was a senior in HS and signed up DEP with the USAF in March of '75. The Vietnam campaign officially ended (as I recall) in May of '75. I entered active-duty in June of '75 at 17 years old, 2-weeks after HS graduation. Call me crazy, but I regretted not being able to go to 'Nam and doing my part (although the politicians lost the war).

God was very good. I was never deployed to a war/combat zone. Ironically, after retirement, in my late 40s, I discovered that I was born with a single kidney. That - if known back then - would've likely eliminated me from serving. I'm very thankful for being able to serve my country, and I received many BLESSINGS as a result of my service. I took more from it than I put into it. Great training, camaraderie, great retirement benefits, and I surrendered my heart to Jesus ('78) while enlisted.

A special thank you to all who were deployed to danger zones, and especially to those of you who were wounded or otherwise "disabled" during your TIS. Your countrymen (many of us) are very grateful.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Mar 28 at 2023 6:26 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:26:12 -0400

WHERE WAS I In 1972?
Well Let Me See....... I Joined The USAF On My 17th Birthday......That's 06/29/1961.
Lied My Ass Off To Get In ~~ 10 Grade Ed Was Required & I Only Had An 8th,
So I Just Sneaked In When Nobody Was Watching.
..Spent 3 Years Hanging Around A SAC Base......
Where Only The Best OF The BEST Go.
Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville Arkansas....
THEN, At My First Base, As Noted Above; I Ran Like Hell To The Education Center And
Got The GED Out Of The Way.. Then Took EVERY Business Course I Could Lay My Hands On & Complete Within 4 Years. Completed The Last In April 1965....2 Months Before Receiving My Honorable, Out Of OSAN AFB, South Korea & My DD-214.
With A 10 Day Early Out, That Made Me 10 Days Short Of Being
Of Age To Buy A Beer, In The States!!
Thanks To The Gods, The USAF, & U.S.A.F.I., I Was Able To Get A GREAT Education ,
And It Was All FREE...
By 1972, I'd Been The Purchasing Department Manager For F.M.C., In Tipton, Indiana.
I Was Around 26 & The Youngest Director Of Purchasing In F.M.C.'s Division History.
And College Boys Were Working For Me......An 8th Grade DROP OUT....Temporarily.
Then A Business Owner For Many Years...Retired At 56 & Now Just Sitting On My Ass In Vegas.
I LOVED My USAF,& WANTED To Reenlist...It Was The ~ $173.00 Per MONTH ~ That Stopped Me.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 29 at 2023 1:42 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:42:26 -0400

In 1972 i was a SSgt on My 2nd enlistment assigned to the 15th Security Police Squadron (PACAF) at Hickam AFB, Hawaii

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Mar 30 at 2023 7:28 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:28:22 -0400

9 th Grade Of High School, and 2 years before the draft called me 1 year before going into the USAForce at LackLand Air Force Base

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2023 8:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:11:08 -0400

SSgt Jim Gilmore celebrating my 2nd Christmas home from Vietnam.

Response by LTC Jim Chapman made Apr 27 at 2023 9:17 PM

LTC Jim Chapman — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:17:46 -0400

I was aboard the USS Midway, CVA-41, on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin off the shores of Vietnam. Finishing up my 2nd and last tour. I took a helicopter off the carrier in January '73 to Clark AFB, PI, and then my Freedom Flight to Travis AFB, CA. I was going home alive!

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made Apr 30 at 2023 6:22 AM

Sgt Mervyn Russell — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 06:22:58 -0400

I had two jobs in 1972, I was working at a sawmill part time and working in a factory, this was my first job right out of the Marines in 1969. The two jobs were required, I had a growing family.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 1 at 2023 1:02 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 01 May 2023 01:02:41 -0400

In 1972 I was a SSgt on My 2nd enlistment and stationed with the 15th Security Police Squadron at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. I had already served in Vietnam during 1968-69.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made May 6 at 2023 12:44 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sat, 06 May 2023 12:44:47 -0400

Ft Benning

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made May 9 at 2023 12:39 PM

1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) — Tue, 09 May 2023 12:39:20 -0400

In 1972, I was deployed from the 1st Special Forces Group in Okinawa and attached to Project 404 in Laos. I worked with the Hmong military unit under Major General Vang Pao in Long Tieng Laos. Before that, I served three tours in Viet Nam from 1965 to 1970. My last tour was with the 5th Special Forces Group MACVSOG CCS in Ban Mi Thuot Vietnam where I worked with Montagnard soldiers. It was what SGT Philip Roncari refers to as the Little People that saved my little ass on many occasions! I am short and never thought of them as Little People - just Damn Good Soldiers that served with me!

Response by Cpl Len Rybicki made Jun 5 at 2023 1:42 AM

Cpl Len Rybicki — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:42:58 -0400

In June of 1972 I graduated from high school. In September I went to Marine boot camp at Parris Island. I had my 19th birthday there, and it wasn't a party.

Response by LtCol Bruce Janis made Jun 12 at 2023 9:33 PM

LtCol Bruce Janis — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:33:03 -0400

Discharged in 2/71 after my year in the Nam. Being young and stupid, I was still seeking that adrenaline rush, joined LAPD for the next 23 years, and retired/pensioned after another firefight in 93.

Response by CW2 William Melton made Jun 14 at 2023 11:08 AM

CW2 William Melton — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:08:49 -0400

First let me say thank you for your service. i left Nam (my 2nd tour ) Sept 71 and was in Panama. Was A-227th AHC 1st Cav Div first tour and 611th Trans 2nd tour. All i can say is My God was with me daily both tours as i never once got hurt. we lost one man in our unit first tour and i lost a friend i went to flight school with 2nd tour so answer to your question 1972 -1974 was Panama. thanks for your letter and yes we all serve a Great God and he did and does constantly watch over us. at 81 not a second in my life is not protected because of my God. love all you guys and God bless you.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Jun 18 at 2023 8:47 PM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:47:12 -0400

Got back from Vietnam in May and deployed back again in September.

Response by SrA Hilbert Steiner made Jun 21 at 2023 12:24 PM

SrA Hilbert Steiner — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:24:06 -0400

I was trying to be a civilian again. Got out in June of '72. Should have stayed in.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jun 21 at 2023 11:01 PM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 23:01:17 -0400

Finished my one-year tour at Long Binh in Sep 72 and transferred to Germany.

Response by SFC Kenneth Kreps made Jul 17 at 2023 1:45 PM

SFC Kenneth Kreps — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:45:27 -0400

In 72, was a drill Sgt at Ft Still, Ok, then Platoon Sgt in Korea, then to Ft Gordon, Ga, as an instructor on a mobile training team, then to Germany, plot Sgt, then Sr instructor at 1st AD NCO Academy. Back Ft Gordon, instructed T ANCOC, finally back to Germany, Chief Instructor 7th Sig Bde NCO Academy, Retired in 88,

Response by Lt Col Charles Grimes made Jul 18 at 2023 10:37 AM

Lt Col Charles Grimes — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:37:45 -0400

MP AIT at Fort Gordon GA living in “temporary” WWII era Barracks thanks to overcrowding

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Aug 6 at 2023 12:48 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:48:33 -0400

1st trip to Germany place called Boblingen.

Response by SPC Teckla Wattman made Aug 30 at 2023 4:21 PM

SPC Teckla Wattman — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:21:10 -0400

I was 2 yrs old , standing at the screen door watching the B-52s practice flying over head from McConnell AFB. We lived in a tiny 3bdrm house on the southeast side of Wichita, Ks. My Dad worked for Boeing Military and my Mom was going to school while also taking care of me and my big brother who would've been 5 yrs old in '72. A carefree time when you could ride your trike up the street and fall asleep at the corner ( i did do that, lol) and have a neighbor who lived across the street notice you and walk you home. I remember seeing the Vietnam War on the tv news each night. My Uncle Bob was drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1970, he served in the US Army. He has since passed away and so has my Mom, both in 2020.