Vietnam - War - the Unknown Soldier

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We hear about it, but do we understand it?

My Dad was in Vietnam, he’s told me mostly nothing except “we’ll talk about it later”, later never comes.

My Dad has given me many of his personal affects, a diary he wrote while in a clinic for PTSD included.

Just writing on it makes me well up in tears, as did when I first read it, and when I had shared with my Mother she did the same, stating she’s never actually known my Dad, as he does not share his past.

This must be the norm as my Grandfather was in WWII, received a purple heart shot I’m told an inch from his heart, but he never discussed it with the family, we learned more from the Army reports about where and who he was.

With my Dad the Army seems unable or unwilling to provide such a history even when my Dad gets help to ask.

I’ve read some on Vietnam and realize I know nothing of its actual history, but find these links (and those within) well detailed

one quote read:

A public statement from the Kosygin delegation read:
…Both governments resolutely condemn the aggressive actions of the USA on August 5th 1965,

So, I searched, what did happen?

Best I found was from what often these days seems to be the truest enemy, the media

The media is whats used to sway public opinion, its repeated over and over for war support, they get their que from politicians, many of whom seem to make up the deep state, Vietnam era/history illustrates that well.

I hope people can add constructionally to this topic, particularly those who may well be an

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I learned a lot from Ken Burns documentry. The Vietnam war on PBS. He begins with a pre-history, including the failure of the french to take over the country. It’s a long multi episode series, well worth it.
Mel Gibsons " We Were Soldiers " does capture a brief history and window into a specific battle fairly well; as well as R. Lee Irmy’s " The Siege of Firebase Gloria ", which shows the loss on both sides and the stupidity of holding ground which is indefensible. A lot like the taking of hills at great cost and then giving them up again to show a " body count " to justify continuing the conflict.

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Then like now follow the money . Who was getting rich off of the backs of our people. I bet it is the same group that profited off of the wars we have sent people to die in after Vietnam . That is why they want us to be the worlds policemen . If we are to fight let us fight to win .

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Never could get my Dad to write down his experience there. I tried to bring things to him that related to his post there, interviews with others stationed on the base and such, but he wouldn’t watch, said “it’s all lies”
He backed that with his testimony to seeing aircraft loaded with coffins leaving the base while the official sources would give minimal dead and injured numbers, this was 1963, pissed him off.
I was listening to an interview of a Air America pilot discussing the drug running they were doing. He was landing at the same base as my father worked with the U-2. He claimed they were hauling opium in coffins, lots of it. Dad wouldn’t believe the cia would deal drugs, to him they were always bodies… not sure I see much difference anymore.

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A Rumor of War. is a pretty good ground eye view of part of what went on in book form.
I Think it was published in the 70’s

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What my Dad wrote I hate to share, but, essentially, his unit was sent out and he was the only one to make it back, he was reprimanded for that and immediately sent out on a worse assignment where again, he was not expected to return.

I asked my Dad point blank, “do you believe your government was trying to kill you?” I remember his look more than his reply, I can’t describe it, but it spoke volumes.

So, this seems correct,

and this, actually makes sense.

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Air America my friend

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My Dad was drafted in 1969 right after he finished his residency. At that time, all recently graduated doctors or those completing residency had to serve. They gave him a choice: 1 year in Saigon or 3 years at Tripler Army Base in Hawaii. He chose the 3 years in Hawaii and helped treat sick and wounded soldiers. I was 3 years old at the time and vaguely remember seeing a bunch of helicopters flying over our base housing and going to kindergarten there. After he served, my Dad later switched to the Air Force and ended up serving over 20 years, foregoing a lucrative private practice to continue treating active duty military and veterans. He’ll be 86 next month, and is the greatest role model I could ever have.

My Uncle Billy, my Mom’s brother, joined the Marines and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was part of the group sent north to relieve his fellow Marines under attack during the Siege of Khe Sanh. He doesn’t talk about it, though. So I read a couple books about that siege and battle to find out more. From what I read, it was a hellish experience. I’m amazed how he and others survived all that.

God bless those who served.

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Hence the attack on family values, a family without a Dad is a ship without a captain, easily captured by the enemy.

That truly seems to be the biggest obstacle to helping vets, but, how can such pain be spoken of, double edged sword.

Amen.

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