IamA Vietnam Veteran P Company 75th Rangers 1969-70 AMA!

Who is this Eminem? Why does candy get more votes than me?

People are stupid. Thank you for serving and for doing this AMA. I have become fascinated with the Vietnam war (I'm in my late 20s) for the last few years and I loved reading your posts.

Thank you, I am glad to do it

The Bia Long Valley is where most of my missions were.

Hi,

I hope you see this message. I am married to someone from Vinh Linh Special Zone in northern Quang Tri -- family moved to La Vang (near Quang Tri city) in 1960. They were ARVN-affiliated Catholics.

Can you tell us about your experiences in the province? I am not sure where the Bia Long Valley is (perhaps A Bia region now?), but I am assuming you were closer to Khe Sanh/Laotian border.

What were your experiences of people who stayed in the area? My understanding from visiting the area is that after 1968 (and definitely after 1972), most areas around Quang Tri City/Citadel were totally absent of civilians. Any insight on the day-to-day would be interesting.

Also, have you been back since 1975?

Thanks!

have you been back since 1975?

No

most areas around Quang Tri City/Citadel were totally absent of civilians.

Right, I have very little contact

I'll probably be downvoted for this, but I promise I don't mean to come off as rude. If you had killed anyone in combat, how does it feel, especially the first time? I can't imagine what thatd be like.

First time felt very bad, I could not sleep. I never knew satisfaction until after I saw one or two of my friends killed. It never bothered me again. It was always Kill or be Killed.

Thank you for your response. I had an uncle who served in Vietnam who passed away last summer. He was there from '68-'69, and shared some incredible stories with me, but nothing of his own experiences with killing. I never felt id be comfortable to ask him, knowing the stress he dealt with when he got back.

That is difficult

I was also super curious about this and feeling hesitant to ask. Might as well give this one a shot. How many people did you guys kill? And how many personally? Is that a messed up question?

How many people did you guys kill?

I dont know, more than one, believe me.

And how many personally?

I dont know

[deleted]

I like this question, T-Rex

Are there any Nam movies you think are even close to real?

Movies dont have a smell

I am done for now, Thank you for our interest. I will reply to more questions later.

Did you try opium when you were overseas?

Encounters with the Vietnamese women?

Did you try opium when you were overseas?

Yes

Encounters with the Vietnamese women?

Yes

Did they love you long time?

No

It has been too long coming ... Happy Vietnam Veterans Day, March 29 ... and welcome home.

Thank You!

I'll start.

What kind of food did you guys eat? Any native food or did you stick with the "made in USA" food in packets?

We very seldom ate "native food" I remember eating a few snakes. Almost entire diet was "made in USA"

I asked because I read all the books of the late great Bernard B. Fall.

In "Street", he says that while French spec ops teams came to mountain people and ate their food, were respectful, etc, the Americans did not.

The Americans came into a village, chatted to the chief, then when they were served food as honored guests they took out plastic bags with sandwiches.

The French who were introducing them to the Montagnards were mortified, the chief and the tribal elders were horrified.

Lots of good will was lost.

This was before your time in country, late 50's, early 60's.

Well, I was offered food and I ate it. I didnt know what it was. But it was not a regular occurrence. We did not normally come into contact with natives. What you said is true.

What was combat like in Vietnam? Have you ever returned to the country?

What was combat like in Vietnam?

It was exciting but i dont miss it.

Have you ever returned to the country?

No, I am now physically unable to

Best question for last - in hindsight, would you do it again?

YES absolutely

Were you injured in Vietnam?

No, I was one of the few Rangers who was not.

I did break my ankle and had my parachute not open twice (in training).

What did you do when your parachute did not open, and how did you not die?!?!?!

What did you do when your parachute did not open, and how did you not die?!?!?!

• The first time I landed in a swamp
• The second time I got caught up in the tree branches.
• I am very lucky god damn it!

They made the riggers who packed the parachute jump with 1 of the chutes he had packed.

That's some insane luck. Glad you're okay! What was your first thought when you realized the chute wouldn't open?

What was your first thought when you realized the chute wouldn't open?

Oh SHIT!

Reserve parachute probably

Yes but it is useless at 500 ft, that is the one I landed in the trees, night jump.

No question, thank you for your service. Rangers Lead The Way!

Thank you

Rangers Lead The Way!

Correct

Do you recall a ranger first name Dale?

If he had glasses I do.

P Company?

From MN? This just got whoa status.

Yes, Dale,

I think I know who he is. He was taller than me & glasses.

What is he doing now? Can I ask if the last name starts with an R?

D. Last part of the name man...

I dont know?

The dale I know doesn't wear glasses. He left rangers for a certain agency in the Meade area

Sorry, No, my god it has been 40 years, I'm lucky to remember to go to the bathroom.

Firstly, thank you for your service! Gonna hop on the MN Vietnam veterans train here. Any chance you remember a tall thin fellow, Michael?

I thought about it, No

Over here in SF we have a lot of homeless vets wandering the streets who suffer from mental illness. What do you think we (individuals, the government, etc.) should do to help vets who are struggling with mental health issues?

What do you think we should do to help vets who are struggling with mental health issues?

Consider where you are and your attitude about warfare. I dont think you as a population really care.

I would like you to know a lot of people do care. I have friends that have served and I do care about them and their stories. Maybe they discount me because I have never served, but I do care about them and I know other people certainly do as well.

That is good to know. Shame on me for bad mouthing an entire group of people. I guess I can be as ignorant as some people sometimes.

What pushed you to go into special forces instead of a regular duty?

Desire to stay alive, the more you know the better off you are going to be.

Smart move, glad to see you were right and made it back. Thank you and have a good day sir!

Thank you, glad to be back.

Have you ever read a book called "The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War" By Fredrick Downs Jr? It has opened my eyes to give me a good idea of what the Vietnam War was like, at least, to a certain perspective.

Yes, for the most part it was right on.

Did you guys know anything about the MACV-SOG guys, and did any of the Rangers that you knew of back then join that program?

Did you know about the secret war in Laos?

How about crossings into Cambodia?

And last, did you ever have Cheiu hoi guys on patrols with you guys?

Did you guys know anything about the MACV-SOG guys, and did any of the Rangers that you knew of back then join that program?

Yes, I know about it, & Yes I know guys who joined, I never heard from them afterwards.

Did you know about the secret war in Laos?

Yes, rumors

How about crossings into Cambodia?

Yes, I knew about it. It was a Good idea.

did you ever have Cheiu hoi guys on patrols with you guys?

For the most part they worked out very good. They were deathly afraid of getting captured.

Thanks for the answers.

Thank you for your questions

Hey brother. I was a squad leader in 2nd Ranger Bn from 04-11 and deployed to both theaters of the GWOT for a total of 30 months in country. Just wanted to tell you how much respect the modern guys have for you all and you have never been forgotten by your brothers. SUA SPONTE

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Head shake up/down

how many times do you get random strangers coming up to shake your hand in public?

Once a week, if I am wearing my P Company tshirt

What do you think of the Army's increasing use of Ranger School as a "leadership school" rather than one that strictly provides Rangers to the Regiment?

As a volunteer, what was your take on draftees? Did you know any draftees who volunteered to be Rangers?

What do you think of the Army's increasing use of Ranger School as a "leadership school" rather than one that strictly provides Rangers to the Regiment?

Boo, thats what West Point is for

As a volunteer, what was your take on draftees?

I dont know, I never served with them

Did you know any draftees who volunteered to be Rangers?

I can think of any, we were all volunteers

What were your thoughts on your Tunnel Rat comrade's? I've heard they were highly respected by there fellow soldiers for going down those enemy tunnels.

I've heard they were highly respected by there fellow soldiers

Including me, I also have claustrophobia very bad.

Was your trip at all like the movies portray the war in Vietnam?

No, movies do a lot of self analysis

You've stated that you supported the war in vietnam, can you tell us why? Why did you volunteer?

Can you tell us why?

The little guy fighting back.

Why did you volunteer?

General boredom, I went to college and I got bored.

By the little guy I'm assuming / hoping you mean South Vietnam.

I used to read a lot of Vietnam war books as a child, thanks for answering. I grew up to be a pacifist but that being said I appreciate you serving our country. I hope you weren't treated (too) badly when you got back. America's treatment of Vietnam war veterans is still baffling to me.

By the little guy I'm assuming / hoping you mean South Vietnam.

Right

I used to read a lot of Vietnam war books as a child, thanks for answering. I grew up to be a pacifist but that being said I appreciate you serving our country. I hope you weren't treated (too) badly when you got back. America's treatment of Vietnam war veterans is still baffling to me.

Baffled me too, but I think history justified me

Ok I am done. Thank you all for your questions and interest. I am truly blown away. Yeah I am.

Thanks from Troll

Have you brought back any souvenirs? If yes, what exactly?

Yes, they were stolen.

• A uniform, with the Pith Helmet
• Couple of hand grenades Chi Com, They were Chinese and they were empty

How do you feel about the current generation of Soldiers?

Any "back in my day" thoughts concerning appearance standards or even training?

Thank you for your service.

How do you feel about the current generation of Soldiers?

I am very proud of them!

Any "back in my day" thoughts concerning appearance standards or even training?

Nope, none, well I think they are superior in most respects.

I've been to Afghanistan twice and can't even gained the horrors you saw sir. My hat is off to you.

Vice Versa, at least I could hide in the brush, you could not hide in the dessert. & I am allergic to sand fries.

What was your teams role in Quang Tri? What was your outlook on the war by the end of 1970?

What was your teams role in Quang Tri?

Ambush & Observe

What was your outlook on the war by the end of 1970?

I was then and am now in favor of it, which drove everybody nuts. I was in the minority.

I was then and am now in favor of it

This surprises me. Care to explain why?

Communism was expanding, We had to make a stand somewhere. At the time we believed communism needed to be stopped. In Cuba we believed communism was taking over.

Also, so Russia and China would not get away with it, they were funding the NVA.

My dad felt the same way and spent most of 68-72 over there as a result, happy both of you made it back.

Whoa, I am too

What was the single scariest moment you experienced over there. And how do you think the Army did preparing you mentally for what you had to do? And thank you.

What was the single scariest moment you experienced over there.

Oh, my radio went out, I had forgot the backup emergency radio, and I was responsible for five other men's lives. I went back to the LZ and finally got the radio working, and got help and extracted. I got the hell out of there.

how do you think the Army did preparing you mentally for what you had to do?

I said it once before, you cannot prepare for the crap that goes on. I think the Japanese were the only ones, that i can think of, during WWII, who prepared their soldiers. Where as America never did, never will, I don't know how they could.

Would you say fanaticism is the only way to properly be prepared then? What is the difference do you think?

Would you say fanaticism is the only way to properly be prepared then?

Yes, look at the Taleban

My grandpa is also a Vietnam Vet, because he doesn't talk about it at all. He's lost all of his belongings from then (dog tags, outfit, everything like that). I don't recall what years he served.

Do you talk to any vets regularly? Do a good majority of them keep to themselves? He's been a father to me my entire life, and I really wish he knew where his tags were, at least.

Do you talk to any vets regularly?

Yes

Do a good majority of them keep to themselves?

Yes they keep to them selves

He's lost all of his belongings from then (dog tags, outfit, everything like that)

He lost everything because he does not particularly care. Try to move on.

Hey fellow Ranger here though from a completely different era. What exactly comprised of Special Forces training Phase 1, 2, and 3?

Ranger training twice over.

• Phase 1 - Ranger training
• Phase 2 - Como (aka communications)
• Phast 3 - combination of everything I learned, and the hardest and most difficult

How often did you guys operate in 'heavy' teams? I read a little about it.

I think I was on two missions with heavy teams.

How did a typical mission go down?

We had two days to research, find out what we were looking for, what they wanted us to find. One day discussing it with the team members, then we were inserted after about three days. We would find out as much info about the area that we were going into, observe any enemy activity and ambush when we could. It was only a six man team so we could not do a whole lot.

Very interesting. Well if you ever get a chance you should try to make it out to a Ranger Rendezvous event the Regiment throws every year.

I would like to but I am limited, physically i cant walk.

Did agent orange have to do anything with your inability to walk?

Yeah, I have a neurological disease, I think caused by agent orange. The VA, although they disagree, they have given me disability anyways.

What music did you listen to during your time in Vietnam, if any at all?

I cant remember.

Do you have any particularly crazy stories from your time as a Ranger?

aaaa, I had a buddy drop a hand grenade at my feed, live, and yell "Oops", I could not believe it. I grabbed it, and laughed like hell, and threw it, "oops".

Were you in support of the war in Afghanistan & Iraq?

Was the Vietnam war necessary?

Were you in support of the war in Afghanistan & Iraq?

Overall yes, I dont have anything else to say about that.

Was the Vietnam war necessary?

Yes, Proved a point that we were not going to be driven out. We should have stayed and stuck with it.

Yes, Proved a point that we were not going to be driven out. We should have stayed and stuck with it.

My father was there the same time frame you were and was leading similar missions, but much farther south in the delta. He only spoke to me about it once.

Thank you for your service and for speaking so openly about it today. It can't be easy and I appreciate it.

Thank you

We should have stayed and stuck with it.

I wasn't around during the Vietnam War but from what I've gathered from history books it seems like US leadership kinda half-assed Vietnam, which led to a drawn-out stalemate rather than anything that could be considered a real victory (a few examples: getting into Cambodia and Laos to disrupt the communist supply lines so late in the game, bombing North Vietnam despite it not hurting their war effort at all, not invading the North at all over the course of the war). Did you have problems at the time with how the US leadership seemed to "hold back"? Do you have any criticisms of their policies now?

I wasn't around during the Vietnam War but from what I've gathered from history books it seems like US leadership kinda half-assed Vietnam

I agree

getting into Cambodia and Laos to disrupt the communist supply lines so late in the game

right, congress was very defeatist, we didnt lose the war over there, we lost it here.

bombing North Vietnam despite it not hurting their war effort at all

I disagree with that

not invading the North at all over the course of the war

That would bring the Chinese in

Did you have problems at the time with how the US leadership seemed to "hold back"?

Yes, they were withdrawing early, coupled with the corrupt government in the south, we lost the will to win.

Do you have any criticisms of their policies now?

Hind sight is 20/20

Would you be pissed off if someone invaded your home?

Yes

sua sponte

What we had we had, usually we couldn't get help right away. I could not ambush with out knowing if a helicopter could help us. ie: on my own accord, always and afterwards.

For example: Ambushed a shit hole, 3 claymore mines in the bottom of a trench used for a bathroom. Observed NVA getting off the trail relieving themselves. We blow them up while they were doing their business. Really good ambush.

i dont think that answer was for me but props for blowing up those boys in the black pajamas in the shithouse.

It was proper

I'm not sure if you've read the book "The Things They Carried" but if you have, then would you say it's accurate to what soldiers felt at the time in the warzone and when they returned?

I never read it

It basically tells the story of a group of soldiers that were burdened to go to war by everyone they knew, and when they returned home, they weren't exactly welcomed like heroes by their friends, family and the general public. I don't mean to sound rude in any way, I'm just really curious. Also, thank you for your service to your country.

A lot of people dont want to know anything about Vietnam.

Are there any pictures from your deployment that you're willing to share?

When my boat burned down I lost all my metals and photos from the war.

I'd be happy to replace your medals. PM me.

I'd be happy to replace your medals. PM me.

Thank you

So you were north of Hue, south of the DMZ?

North of Hue, Just south of the DMZ

So this is the post Tet and Khe San era in the north and your job was to maintain supremacy in the area?

Correct. Once we were pulled out, the South Vietnamese did not last very long.

You would go out, post up, wait for activity, observe, count how many there were, what they were armed with and then set up an ambush?

Yes, If I could. Out of the 22 missions, we did about 15 ambushes. They were all NVA, I never saw a Vietcong on one.

The most memorable ambush. What did your day start like? When you spotted them, how long did you observe them for. What was your procedure after seeing them for the first time? You have access to a fire base? Walk us through this from first observation to finally returning to base.

I will not talk about a specific ambush. I didn't know it was going to be an ambush right beforehand.

What did your day start like?

Anxiety, I was never worried.

When you spotted them, how long did you observe them for.

As long as possible.

What was your procedure after seeing them for the first time?

Estimate their number, and decide if we are going to go for an ambush. If we did, we blew them up with claymore and small arms. We tried to retrieve papers and maps. Try to get a wounded prisoner, We never killed a prisoner.

You have access to a fire base?

Yes, most of the time.

Walk us through this from first observation to finally returning to base.

We destroyed their weapons after an ambush. Relayed contact. Get the Hell out of there to an LZ

What were the average troop counts and when doing the ambush, would you have a good idea of their spread for making a proper claymore kz and how often would the claymores do the whole job where small arms were nearly unnecessary? Would they give up and throw down their weapons or would it be a chase?

What were the average troop counts and when doing the ambush

8-10

would you have a good idea of their spread for making a proper claymore kz

Yes, depending upon the beeper.

how often would the claymores do the whole job where small arms were nearly unnecessary?

about 3/4 of the time.

Would they give up and throw down their weapons or would it be a chase?

If there was not enough of them, they retreated quickly out of the area, but I had no way of knowing.

No question from me but as a fellow Army Veteran, thank you for your service.

Dido from me

Hello, I grew up in an area where a lot of ex-Vietnam vets were employed as chopper pilots. They were also dads of a few of my friends, and neighbours. A lot of them have since taken their own lives. A lot of it was PTSD and social ostracisation. Were you treated well on your return, or did you have to endure the stupidity of those who shunned returned vets?

P.s. If I were 20 years older I'd be saying Hubba Hubba. You have kind eyes.

I never paid attention to them. They are ignorant. I am surprised a the interest being shown now.

I think it's a generational shift. We have rationality that not personally experiencing it brings. For me, it is kind of a sensitive thing, there are a lot of grand children who won't get to meet their amazing grandfathers. Do you think it's interest or compassion or the "war on terror" driving this interest?

Do you think it's interest or compassion or the "war on terror" driving this interest?

I think general interest young people are showing.

Are the rumors that enlisted men would kill their own commissioned officers true, if they felt it was in the interest of protecting the platoon?

I was not in a regular company. I imagine it could be true. But in an all volunteer unit, it does not happen.

What information do you have about phoenix program ?

Phoenix Program

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Program

and can you provide some information about long-range reconnaissance patrol ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Range_Reconnaissance_Patrol#In_Vietnam

Any and all information you can share will be appreciated. Thank you

What information do you have about phoenix program ?

None I can talk about

can you provide some information about long-range reconnaissance patrol ?

We served with them on insertion and sent them on their way. I personally never went more than 8 clicks in any one direction.

[deleted]

You are not alone, go to the VA if you need help.

That is all I can tell you, you are definitely not alone.

Been browsing reddit for a month or so. Decided to make an account just so I can say thank you for your service. I'm guessing the reddit journey now begins...

uh oh

1 2 3 what are we fightin for?

for me and you

What form of media has come the closest to accurately describing your and others experiences in the war? Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country regardless of what people think about the war.

What form of media has come the closest to accurately describing your and others experiences in the war?

Book

Any specific one in particular?

No, but I have never read a lie in a book. They can be proven. People have a tendency when they can be quoted directly not to lie. The worst is TV.

Most older veterans usually consider the training they went through much tougher and intense than any modern day soldiers have to endure. I get the impression that's mostly for the basic training and AIT, though. I myself tend to giggle when listening to some Basic/AIT war stories, and I just went through right before Desert Storm. What are your thoughts on what modern day Rangers/SF have to go through compared to what you did in training? They obviously have more intensive technical training due to advanced technology, but what about the sheer bullshit and stress they have to endure to get their tab/beret?

Most older veterans usually consider the training they went through much tougher and intense than any modern day soldiers have to endure.

No

What are your thoughts on what modern day Rangers/SF have to go through compared to what you did in training?

Modern is rougher

They obviously have more intensive technical training due to advanced technology

Right

what about the sheer bullshit and stress they have to endure to get their tab/beret?

About the same

Was airborne school 3 weeks long like it is now?

Yes

how do you feel about NVA and how do you feel that the Americans basically ran away and left the South to fend for themselves. promising money and support and then just leaving and saying "yeah, no money is coming... you're on your own"

I am very bitter about it.

My father was with the 2nd Field Force (Recondo) did you ever work with them or the Thai Black Panthers?

No

My uncle received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for serving in the Vietnam War. Thank you for all your service to this country.

Ok, Thank you and your uncle.

No question. Just want to say welcome Home, Brother.

-Combat Medic OEF 10-11

Welcome Back, much much appreciated!

Thanks for all your good work

Medics are always our hope.

I am surprised nobody asked what I did afterwards. I taught for 20 years in public school. Running the drop out prevention program.

I'm a Canadian Forces infantry soldier. Reservist, only a few years in, no tours or anything noteable about my career. However, just thought I'd mention I've been at both Fort Knox and Fort Benning in the last year. Kind of interesting to think I've probably walked where you walked at one point in time.

If you went to the Ranger memorial you will see my brick in the round at fort Benning, I think.

• With my real name

have you read dispatches? if so what were your thoughts on it.

No

First off, I can't describe how thankful I am for guys like you that served or are serving. No amount of words can convey the respect most of y'all deserve. Secondly, I've read a lot about the Vietnam war, mostly stuff like Six Silent Men by Gary Linderer about the LRRP teams, Col. Bob Stoffeey's Cleared Hot, Flying Through Midnight by John Halliday about the bombing runs in Laos, Gone Native by Alan Cornett about his part in the Phoenix Program, a a heck of a lot of other books. Many of them are accounts from soldiers who fought at some point. (Those are just the ones I can see on my bookshelf from where I'm sitting/what I remember of them.) Thanks to that I've had a pretty healthy interest in the Vietnam war, so I think it's great that you're offering to answer questions about it; I think more people need to learn about what really happened rather than assumptions or misconceptions that are spread around. tl;dr: Thanks many times over for what you did; Vietnam wasn't a pointless war in my opinion and I believe y'all fought for something good.

Six Silent Men by Gary Linderer about the LRRP teams

I will try and find it, I have heard about it.

I think more people need to learn about what really happened rather than assumptions or misconceptions that are spread around.

A men

Vietnam wasn't a pointless war in my opinion and I believe y'all fought for something good.

Thank you

I spoke with another veteran who was also stationed in Vietnam. He told me that he remembers the stench of the jungle, and that it was absolutely putrid. Do you remember that any?

It could be bad. Vegetation rotted a lot. After a while you get used to it.

At the time, how did you view the Viet Cong and the NVA? In terms of your opinion on them as people and as a fighting force.

During a trip to the US I visited the war memorial in DC. It's very moving to see all 58,000 names on that black wall. While I was there I saw a man who appeared to be a vet, sitting alone on a bench staring into the distance. Have you ever been to the DC Vietnam memorial?

Thanks for your time.

At the time, how did you view the Viet Cong and the NVA? In terms of your opinion on them as people and as a fighting force.

NVZ very very very qualified. Viet Cong, very crafty, i didnt see the Viet Cong.

What was your opinion about southeast asians while you served? And thank you for your service

I liked them

I was sent to Afghanistan, and my overwhelming impressions were that there were a ton of people over there doing very little, then a few that were extremely busy, and an unbelievable mass of material wealth being spent on very little result.

Was Vietnam like that?

Quite a bit, When Americans got ahold of equipment we used what we had. the Vietnamese sold it.

Was it difficult to assimilate back into normal life after the war? What did you do when it was over?

Was it difficult to assimilate back into normal life after the war?

For me it was not. I was normal through the war, I was normal after the war.

What did you do when it was over?

When I got back I moved out of Ohio to Florida to get warm. I hate the cold.

Do you know of any way to find members of my cousins comrades from when he was in country in the mid to late '60s as a Green Beret. I have tried several Viet Vets groups in the past with no joy. Sorry to intrude on your AMA but I am truly stumped and truly desire to know of the men that knew and served with him when he died coming home from a mission. The family mythology is difficult to penetrate or even to talk about him at all.

I have no way to help, sorry

Thank you for your service, you American hero, May god bless you sir.

god has

What's your opinion on McNamura?

How much did all your gear weigh?

What's your opinion on McNamura?

Poor, typical technocrat, wiz kid

How much did all your gear weigh?

50lbs everything, without water

Thanks for your service. No question.

Thank you

[deleted]

A cop, yay. I am sure you did good work.

Recent post on Reddit shows the number of military suicides. Were those numbers roughly the same with the Vietnam war? And did/do you have PTSD from the war? what was it like to get help. Thanks for your service USA #1!!!

Recent post on Reddit shows the number of

I didnt know about Reddit until today

And did/do you have PTSD from the war?

Yes, I get a lot of pills from the VA, I am under medication, I still jump at a loud noise. At a 4th of July I was in an open field and hit the ground when the rockets went off. I was very embarrassed. I still do that with Thunder and Lightning occasionally.

From what you were told officially and what you heard through rumors, what was the cause of the Mai Lai Massacre?

I've heard that it was because the inhabitants were starting to get into the way of Medina's drug trade in the area and so he wiped them out. Can you shed some light on this?

Can you shed some light on this?

No

Did you do LRRP?

No, I never went more than 8 clicks

Did you kill anyone?

If so what was it like?

Does it still bother you?

Did you kill anyone?

Yes

If so what was it like?

I wont dwell on that.

Does it still bother you?

Occasionally

Thanks for answering our questions. I know that particular one is not cool to bring up and I hope you're doing alright.

I am doing alright, thank you

I'm an ass, and I believe your country made a huge mistake in Vietnam. You can't take hearts and souls with guns and napalm. I have no idea what you have been through, but do you believe you made a right thing when joined as a volunteer? And would you do it again?

do you believe you made a right thing when joined as a volunteer?

Yes

And would you do it again?

Yes

I'm an ass

You are not an ass, you are just asking

First, thank you for your service. Have you been back to Vietnam since your service, and if not, would you want to?

I am glad I served.

Yes I would want to go if I was physically able. I have walking problems.

I'm under the impression that you kicked the enemy's ass pretty much all the time, US casualties markedly reduced as the 70s progressed, then we quit due to politics and said "Good luck South Vietnam Allies" and cut and ran. No? Btw get a haircut and shave hippy. ;)

Yes, I agree with that.

why are there so many sick animals in vietnam?

I didnt know there was, I was either on base or on a mission.