[ Post a Response | Vipers Vietnam Veteran Message Board ]
Posted by Dave Wright I went to my first regimental reunion last June. Met a three people I knew and others who were in different companys or different times. Like some vets, I isolate myself and don't want to risk getting close with anyone - especially vets, it's too close to all that happened. They gave me a Bronze Star and a Silver Star, mostly for just surviving. We all did the best we could. Some got recognized, others just did what had to be done and didn't get noticed. (I know what you meant but medals could not be won, it was not a contest) I was not confronted by protestors like some when I came home. No one wanted to hear my stories, they were not dinner table conversation and no one could identify or respond to my experiences. I quickly decided to bury it all and get on with life. I don't recommend that course of action. I volunteered for the draft. That kept my active duty down to two years and I didn't want to just wait around until my draft notice appeared in the mail. For years I was angry at the waste of young lives and didn't understand why we couldn't have done better than Vietnam. Now I realize it's part of our human nature. I have been forced to search for what is truely right by all the darkness of the Vietnam war. I wouldn't trade my view of life for not going to Vietnam. I think our training was for 16 weeks. Nothing could have prepared me for the totally different world that's in war. Everything I thought was important and beleived was challenged in the light of sudden, perminant, imtimate death. I was a point man every third day when we were out in the jungle for nearly ten months. (the man leading a column of infantry is called a point man) My nerves gave out when I started to realize I might actually go home if I could get off line (get reassigned to a support company in a fire base or base camp which was a whole lot safer than what I was doing) A friend went with me to the induction center for our physical exams. He was pronounced 4-F which meant he couldn't be drafted. I passed my physical and went on into the Army that day. It was pretty lonely. If you have other questions, you can email me. Hopes this helps.
on 10/27/2006, 6:47 pm, in reply to "questions for vietnam war vetrins =]]]] please reply"
68.185.0.17
I was 23-24 while in Vietnam. I was an old man compared to most. My assignment was to the 1st Division, 1/26th Infantry Regiment.
--Previous Message--
: hi my name is Helan Woodly and i am 14 years
: of age
: at are school in Kent we are reasurching
: Vietnam War vetrins and the great service
: that they gave to are country.
:
: I have a few questions to ask and would be
: very very greatfull if a Vietnam Vetrin were
: to answer them =]
:
: 1. What age were you when you entered the
: war?
: 2. What part of the army were you?
: 3. Are you still in contact with any other
: Vietnam War veterans
: 4. Did you win any medals?
: 5. How were you treated when you came back
: from the war?
: 6. Were you enlisted or were you drafted?
: 7. Do you regret entering the war?
: 8.How long did you train before you entered
: the war?
: 9. Were you involved in active combat?
: 10. Did you enter the war with people you
: knew or alone?
:
: please answer my questions if you are not to
: busy as i would like tioo see Vietnam from
: your side, not just the side of books and
: stories.
:
: Thankyou
: **Thankyou for serving for are great
: country**
:
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