52 Years ago today

[pronstar]

Have you, or any of your immediate family, been to Vietnam fairly recently? I know a few people in situations analogous to yours who have, and all were very glad they went.

My mom and older sister (was born there) went back for the first time about 5 years ago.

Yup, they were super glad they did.
It’s a shithole compared to when they left.

I wanna go one day, prolly when the boy is older.


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[baboon]

My mom and older sister (was born there) went back for the first time about 5 years ago.

Yup, they were super glad they did.
It’s a shithole compared to when they left.

I wanna go one day, prolly when the boy is older.


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My wife became friendly with a Vietnamese lady restaurant owner years back. Once while having lunch after the rush she joined us. We got to talking about retirement and she suggested Vietnam. I think I pissed her off saying I wouldn’t think about living in a commie turd world shit hole, especially without guns!

 

[avvidclif]

There are two kinds of vets from the ARVN era. Vietnam vets and Vietnam era vets. You figure out the difference.

 

[thescoutranch]

Today marks 54 years to the day.

We will be celebrating my father’s anniversary date this evening with the immediate family.

My father celebrated his 90th birthday back in October.

 

[majormadmax]

The 20 SOS still exists at Cannon AFB in New Mexico, flying CV-22 Ospreys. Have your or your Dad reached out to them?

Most USAF units, and especially special operations squadrons, are very cognizant of their history and those who made it; and I am sure they would love to hear from him!

 

[red442joe]

Tagged
Must be some forum issue....page is blurring out...

Joe

 

[Texasjack]

I had several uncles and cousins that fought in Vietnam. I was just barely too young. My draft card is designated "1-H". I asked the lady at the draft board what that meant, since that wasn't listed as a possible designation. She said it means, "holding". OK, what does that mean? She said, "They're not drafting right now, but if they change their minds that "H" will magically turn into an "A", as in 'Your ass is going to Vietnam'. Any more questions?" Nope, clear as a bell.

That war was a mess, as most all of them are when you look at them closely. But regardless of how you feel about the politics and corruption, the men and women who served deserve our respect. They put their own lives on hold and in jeopardy. They did what had to be done, fighting and taking care of each other. For that they were mostly spit on by the hippies that took over American politics. They deserve a lot better.

 

[Tnhawk]

I had several uncles and cousins that fought in Vietnam. I was just barely too young. My draft card is designated "1-H". I asked the lady at the draft board what that meant, since that wasn't listed as a possible designation. She said it means, "holding". OK, what does that mean? She said, "They're not drafting right now, but if they change their minds that "H" will magically turn into an "A", as in 'Your ass is going to Vietnam'. Any more questions?" Nope, clear as a bell.

That war was a mess, as most all of them are when you look at them closely. But regardless of how you feel about the politics and corruption, the men and women who served deserve our respect. They put their own lives on hold and in jeopardy. They did what had to be done, fighting and taking care of each other. For that they were mostly spit on by the hippies that took over American politics. They deserve a lot better.

Fifty two years ago I was leaving Phu Bai for my next duty station in Okinawa.
I don't remember the 1H designation. When I received my draft card, I was 1A. When the lottery was created, my draft number was 002. At that time I was in Flight Training at Fort Wolters, TX.

 

[deemus]

My brother went in the Navy in 1968. He served in Viet Nam. Didn’t have much to say about it. He was on a carrier.

 

[Wudidiz]

Fifty two years ago I was leaving Phu Bai for my next duty station in Okinawa.
I don't remember the 1H designation. When I received my draft card, I was 1A. When the lottery was created, my draft number was 002. At that time I was in Flight Training at Fort Wolters, TX.

In 1968 the 5th SFG set up a SOG group at Phu Bai. I rotated in & out of Quang Tri from Okinawa with the 1st SFG In 1966-67.

 

[thescoutranch]

The 20 SOS still exists at Cannon AFB in New Mexico, flying CV-22 Ospreys. Have your or your Dad reached out to them?

Most USAF units, and especially special operations squadrons, are very cognizant of their history and those who made it; and I am sure they would love to hear from him!

We have not reached out to the current squadron. My dad has progressing dementia / Alzheimer’s, unfortunately he doesn’t even remember his mission anymore.

When he was younger he was very active in the USAF helicopter pilots Association and the Legion of Valor.

My parents do still keep in touch with the door gunner that was on my dad’s mission. Real nice guy.

 

[red442joe]

We have not reached out to the current squadron. My dad has progressing dementia / Alzheimer’s, unfortunately he doesn’t even remember his mission anymore.

When he was younger he was very active in the USAF helicopter pilots Association and the Legion of Valor.

My parents do still keep in touch with the door gunner that was on my dad’s mission. Real nice guy.

I have spent a LOT of time reading on this site. Truly awe inspiring.

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association

Joe

 

[jimbo]

Thanks to all that served our great country.

 

[popper]

The treatment of the returning guys from Nam really made me angry. I went in just after Bay of Pigs, assigned a ship coming back from Missile Crisis. Missed Nam via a transfer. Her BIL flew A7 there, her dad got a Purple Heart from shot down B24, her G-dad got MOH at 15 for pulling wounded from the field, under heavy fire - Civil War. Good HS buddy (P.H.) Nam medivac chopper pilot. Good friend, platoon scout in Nam. Most of our KIA were during the last yr when Johnson was ready to surrender. Salute those men that were willing to give it all.

 

[Tnhawk]

I left Vietnam in 3/1/72. My first VA disability check arrived today.

 

[contender buff]

 

[deemus]

My brother served in nam. 68-? He was a lifer in the Navy.

Box kicker in an an undisclosed location, got a case a beer for pay.

 

[Ausländer]

My FiL was 20th SOS (UH-1F door gunner). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in July 1967 while taking part in the rescue of a long-range reconnaissance team. His helo crashed in Sept. of '67 with a team onboard (1 killed) and he was shot down later in '67 or early '68 (survived).

The only time he talked about it was when he was fighting with the VA for disability (which they denied).

 

[thescoutranch]

My FiL was 20th SOS (UH-1F door gunner). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in July 1967 while taking part in the rescue of a long-range reconnaissance team. His helo crashed in Sept. of '67 with a team onboard (1 killed) and he was shot down later in '67 or early '68 (survived).

The only time he talked about it was when he was fighting with the VA for disability (which they denied).

I have copies of the after action reports during that time for the 20th SOS. If you would like I can go back and photocopy you the one from your fathers mission.

 

[Ausländer]

I have copies of the after action reports during that time for the 20th SOS. If you would like I can go back and photocopy you the one from your fathers mission.

I would LOVE to get anything documenting his time over there and with the 20th.